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Sri Lanka Breaking News, Colombo (2026)

11/08/2026

Government Employees Must Follow Government Law! There is No Distinction Based on Caste, Race, Religion, or Language!!
Strong Statement by Rajan, Chairman of the Kalmunai Base Hospital Committee

Government employees must strictly respect and follow government laws and circular procedures. In this regard, there is no distinction based on caste, race, religion, or language.

Chandrasekaram Rajan, Chairman of the Kalmunai Base Hospital Committee and a prominent social activist, stated this today (11th) while addressing the press regarding the ongoing dispute over the uniform of health assistants at the Kalmunai Base Hospital.

He further stated:

"Government Public Administration Circular No. 13/2019(01) clearly specifies that officers receiving a uniform or a uniform allowance must wear the specified uniform. Furthermore, they must engage in their duties wearing the authorized uniform. It also clearly notes that there is no opportunity granted here to adjust their attire in accordance with any religious customs.

Additionally, Circular No. 176/2012 of the Department of Health Services, as well as the special guideline circular No. 07/2000 issued on 28.06.2000 regarding uniforms for health assistants, precisely illustrates with detailed diagrams how their uniforms should be designed. There is no doubt about this.

Finally, Circular No. 02/176/2012, issued on 30.11.2012 under the subject 'Revision of Uniforms for Health Assistant Cadre' by the Ministry of Health, states this very clearly:

'Officers receiving a uniform or a uniform allowance-particularly those in the health and security sectors, such as nurses, health assistants, and drivers-wearing the approved attire for the sake of their duties is the appropriate method to carry out that service. Rather than reflecting racial or religious identities through their personal appearance, they are instructed to wear specific, approved clothing to signify that all people are equal and to ensure suitability for their duties.'

Under these circumstances, the administration of the Kalmunai Base Hospital is enforcing the government law according to the legal framework. No injustice has been done to anyone here. Race, religion, and language distinctions are not considered. As the chairman of the committee there, I firmly state that Tamils, Muslims, and Sinhalese are all serving happily and with satisfaction here.

In professions that require uniforms-such as the Police, the Armed Forces, Security, Public Health Inspectors, Nurses, and Health Assistants-personnel must wear their designated uniforms; they cannot wear their personal cultural attire. There is no such provision in any law. Religious, racial, and cultural traditions can be maintained within one's respective religious institutions. Therefore, I kindly request all concerned not to inject unnecessary communal or religious biases into this matter and sow hostility among communities."

11/08/2026

Controversy Surrounds Kalmunai Hospital as Muslim Staff Denied Duty Over Attire; HRCSL Complaints Filed

A controversy has erupted at the Kalmunai North Base Hospital following allegations that several newly appointed Muslim female Health Assistants were prevented from assuming their duties due to their religious attire.

In response, five formal complaints have been lodged with the Kalmunai Regional Office of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), alleging a direct violation of the staff members' fundamental rights.

The complaints were filed under the legal guidance of Attorney-at-Law Mubarak Muazzam.

In an effort to resolve the dispute amicably, Attorney Mubarak Muazzam along with Attorney Rudani Sahir met directly with the Deputy Director of the Kalmunai North Base Hospital and relevant health authorities.

However, during the discussion, hospital officials maintained that the "best solution" to the issue would be for the newly appointed Health Assistants to seek transfers to other medical institutions-a stance rejected by the affected employees and their legal representatives.

Following consultations with the affected staff, legal counsel confirmed that the incident constitutes a blatant violation of their constitutional fundamental rights to equality, non-discrimination, and freedom to manifest their religion.

Legal Action and Supreme Court Petition

Speaking to the media after registering the complaints with the HRCSL, Attorney Mubarak Muazzam stated:

"We expect official notices to be dispatched to the medical officers responsible for this fundamental rights violation within the next day or two. Following that, formal legal proceedings and rigorous investigations will be actively pursued."

Preliminary preparations are currently underway on behalf of the affected staff to file a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka to seek formal legal redress.

10/08/2026

Controversy at Kalmunai North Hospital as Muslim Staff Prevented From Assuming Duty

An incident allegedly took place today (10) where newly appointed Muslim female officers who went to report for duty wearing the pardah at the Kalmunai North Base Hospital were prevented from assuming their duties.

The newly appointed female officers arrived at the Kalmunai North Base Hospital to assume duty dressed in pardah, in accordance with their cultural and religious practices. However, it is alleged that they were not permitted to report for duty.

The affected officers stated that the Ministry of Health has granted permission for Muslim female employees to dress according to their cultural practices while on duty, and demanded a proper explanation as to why they were prevented from assuming work despite these provisions.

Meanwhile, Dr. Gunasingam Sugunan, the Medical Superintendent of the Kalmunai North Base Hospital, has said:"No one can act based on racism, regionalism, or personal preference. This is a state institution. Things cannot happen here according to anyone's personal wishes. Actions can only be taken in accordance with the Constitution, the Establishments Code, and relevant circulars."

Furthermore, the Medical Superintendent reportedly assured that steps would be taken to resolve the current issue amicably through peaceful dialogue. As various opinions are circulating on social media and among the public regarding this incident, social activists emphasize that the true situation of the incident must be addressed appropriately in line with existing Ministry of Health circulars and public service regulations. Clarifying the Ministry of Health's guidelines and relevant circulars regarding permission to wear the pardah on duty will help prevent such controversies in the future.

10/08/2026

Sagara Kariyawasam Arrested!

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam was arrested by the Colombo Central Crimes Investigation Bureau on Monday (10).

His appearance follows a notice issued by the bureau requesting him to report to investigators.

The summons was related to an ongoing investigation into a statement made by Kariyawasam during a media briefing concerning an alleged attempt on the life of the Inspector General of Police.

Last week, the Colombo Central Crimes Investigation Bureau launched a special investigation into controversial remarks made by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam regarding Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya.

The controversy began following comments made by Kariyawasam during a media briefing at the SLPP headquarters on August 3, where he referred to the fate of former Inspectors General of Police and urged the incumbent Police Chief to serve the State and the public rather than the government. His remarks, which included references to the possibility of the IGP becoming another police chief to meet a tragic fate, quickly drew sharp criticism from government figures.

"We do not want him to go down in history as the 37th Inspector General of Police who died after being beaten on the roadside by members of the public," said Kariyawasam.

06/08/2026

Tense Parliamentary Exchange as MP Archchuna Alleges RS. 60,000 MP Salary Hike

Member of Parliament Ramanathan Archchuna stated in Parliament that the monthly salary of MPs has been increased by Rs. 60,000. He claimed that with this hike, an MP's new monthly salary has risen to Rs. 484,000.

Criticizing the government, he remarked, "You are able to raise the salaries of MPs, but you cannot raise the salaries of poor public servants."

During his speech, Archchuna engaged in a heated argument with government MP Upul Kithsiri, who asked him to stick to the topic under discussion.

Responding to this, Archchuna held up his salary slip and said, "Other members are allowed to speak on various issues, but I am the only one being stopped. This is unfair."

Following the clash, Upul Kithsiri, who was presiding over the Chair, announced that all statements made by MP Archchuna in violation of Standing Orders would be expunged from the parliamentary Hansard record.

In response, Ramanathan Archchuna stated, "I foresee a day when all members of the government will have to answer before the law."

05/08/2026

Severe Power Cuts Cripple Daily Life in Mannar: District Civil Society Union and MPs Demand Urgent Intervention

Continuous and unannounced power outages in the Mannar and Puttalam districts have thrown daily life into disarray, severely affecting local businesses, damaging household appliances, and disrupting the studies of students preparing for critical national examinations.

In response to the escalating crisis, V. S. Sivakaran, Chairman of the Mannar District Civil Society Organizations Union, dispatched an urgent letter today, Wednesday (5), to Minister of Power Anura Karunathilake, demanding immediate action to stabilize the local electricity grid.

In his letter, Sivakaran highlighted the grave consequences of the frequent, daily power disruptions, noting that schoolchildren, the elderly, and local entrepreneurs are bearing the brunt of the crisis. He emphasized that students preparing for the Grade 5 Scholarship and G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations are facing severe hardship during late-night study hours. Furthermore, local residents have suffered financial losses due to thousands of rupees worth of damaged electrical appliances, while the pitch-black streets have fueled concerns over rising illegal activities.

Critiquing both local administrators and political representatives for their inaction, Sivakaran pointed out the sharp paradox between the region's green energy output and the service delivered to its inhabitants.

"Every day, millions of rupees in revenue are generated from the 40 wind turbines established in Mannar-installed under official pressure despite local opposition. Yet, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) deliberately neglects the people of Mannar," the letter stated.

Sivakaran warned that if the government and the CEB fail to fix the electrical infrastructure and guarantee an uninterrupted power supply immediately, legal action will be pursued to seek compensation for the affected public.

The issue has also reached the highest legislative body. Yesterday, Tuesday (4), All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Member of Parliament N. M. Tahir Maraikkar raised the matter in Parliament, drawing urgent attention to the continuous power cuts across Mannar and Puttalam. He stressed that the education of exam-bound students is being compromised and urged the government to implement a swift resolution.

This parliamentary dynamic follows an earlier official appeal by ACMC National Leader and MP Rishad Bathiudeen, who previously wrote to the Minister of Power demanding immediate intervention to address the severe power outages plaguing the northern and northwestern regions.

05/08/2026

Why Was Sri Lanka's Ex-Education Minister Akila Viraj Remanded?

Former UNP General Secretary and former Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, who was arrested over corruption allegations, was remanded until August 18 after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court.

The allegations against Akila Viraj Kariyawasam relate to a period during which he served as an adviser to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with investigators claiming that four individuals paid through government salaries and allowances were deployed for work at a private fuel station.

Producing the suspect before court, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) stated that more than Rs. 2.7 million in losses had been caused to the State after four employees recruited on a temporary basis to the Office of the Senior Presidential Adviser were allegedly utilized for private purposes.

"Your Honour, this investigation was initiated following a complaint received in 2025. The suspect, who served as Secretary from July 2022, recruited four employees claiming they were required for duties within that office. However, Your Honour, these four employees recruited at the request of the suspect did not perform duties in that office. There are no fingerprint records or attendance records indicating that they reported for duty there. Instead, they were employed at a fuel station owned by the suspect in Kuliyapitiya. Nevertheless, their salaries and allowances were paid through the Presidential Secretariat. The suspect caused a sum of Rs. 2,768,836.14 in government funds to be paid to these four employees as salaries and allowances. By causing this loss to the State, the suspect has committed the offence of corruption."

The investigating officer further informed court that there were concerns regarding alleged interference with witnesses by the suspect.

"Your Honour, two of the four employees recruited in this manner are currently overseas. Another employee continues to serve as the manager of the suspect's fuel station. At the initial stage, this individual gave a statement confirming that he worked at the fuel station and did not work at the Office of the Senior Presidential Adviser and the Decentralized Administration Division. However, he later submitted an affidavit to the Commission claiming that his earlier statement was incorrect and provided a completely contradictory account. This sudden change in testimony has raised suspicions that the witness may have been influenced by the suspect. As investigations are still ongoing, we respectfully request that the suspect be remanded."

Counsel appearing for the suspect argued that continued investigations alone could not be used as grounds to remand his client.

"Your Honour, attendance records showing that these employees reported for duty in the relevant office have already been handed over to the Bribery Commission. Investigations should have been conducted before the suspect was arrested. The fact that further investigations remain pending cannot, by itself, justify remanding the suspect. We therefore request that the suspect be released on suitable bail."

After considering the submissions made by both parties, the Chief Magistrate rejected the bail application and ordered that the suspect be remanded until August 18.

Meanwhile, Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama strongly cautioned suspect Akila Viraj Kariyawasam against interfering with court proceedings.

The warning was issued after the former minister, while inside the dock, allegedly attempted on three occasions during the hearing to provide various instructions to his lawyers.

04/08/2026

Tensions flare at Palaly land compensation meeting!

During a discussion regarding compensation for lands acquired in 1986 for the Palaly Airport, landowners voiced strong opposition, citing ambiguities in the contents of the affidavit.

As a result, chaotic scenes erupted during the meeting, leading to the police being called inside the hall.

Landowners insisted, "We don't just want compensation; hand back our lands and resettle us."

03/08/2026

Rising Waters in Peradeniya Gohagoda (Photos)

03/08/2026

Youths Risk Lives to Save Woman Swept Away in Floodwaters

Several youths are receiving widespread praise for risking their lives to rescue a mother who was swept away by floodwaters in the Watawala River, Nuwara Eliya.

Details regarding where the woman was initially swept into the water remain unknown.

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