Colombo Gazette, BS/1/10, Matha Road, Mangala Path, Colombo (2025)

26/10/2025

The Sri Lanka Navy rescued 14 Indian, Turkish and Azerbaijan crew members from a ship that was in distress due to engine failure.

Issuing a statement, the Sri Lanka Navy said that in a swift response to a distress call, the Sri Lanka Navy successfully rescued the crew of the Merchant Vessel (MV) INTEGRITY STAR, that was in distress due to failure in main engines approximately 100 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka and the crew was in a desperate situation.

Meanwhile the rescued crew of the vessel was brought to the Port of Hambantota on Sunday.

Upon receiving the distress alert, the Navy, under the directives of the Ministry of Defence, swiftly deployed the SLNS Samudura for a search and rescue mission, through mediation of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo.

The search and rescue operation by the Navy resulted in the safe recovery of all crew members (14), who are nationals of India, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, MV MORNING GLORY, another Merchant Vessel in the vicinity, was also prepared to assist the distressed vessel, demonstrating effective international cooperation in maritime emergency response.

The Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre in Colombo, operating from Navy Headquarters, leads Sri Lanka's efforts to safeguard life at sea. Upholding the nation's commitment to international maritime conventions, the Centre coordinates rescue missions not only within Sri Lanka's search and rescue region, but also in neighboring international waters, offering vital aid to the maritime and fishing communities in distress.

https://colombogazette.com/2025/10/26/sri-lanka-rescues-indian-turkish-and-azerbaijan-crew-from-ship

25/10/2025

Rohit Sharma hit a century and Virat Kohli a bright 74 to drive India to a nine-wicket win in the third one-day international, a fitting end to what are likely to be their final appearances in Australia in their country’s colours.

Australia secured series honours with victories in the first two matches in Perth and Adelaide but India’s bowlers skittled the home side for 236 and the two former skippers got the tourists over the line with a partnership of 168 runs.

“I’ve always loved coming here and it was a nice way to finish getting that knock and getting that win as well,” said Rohit.

“I don’t know if we’ll be coming back to Australia, but it was fun all these years that we played here. A lot of good memories, bad memories. But all in all, I’ll take the cricket that I played here.”

Kohli, the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs behind Sachin Tendulkar, came out to join Sharma at the crease to a frenzied ovation from a big crowd that made the Sydney Cricket Ground feel more like it was located in New Delhi than New South Wales.

Rohit had already combined with current skipper Shubman Gill (24) to cut 69 runs out of the chase but this was the “Ro-Ko” partnership the massed ranks of fans in blue shirts waving tricolour flags had come to see.

The two thirtysomethings, who both now only play the 50-over game for India, duly delivered with assured shots and mature decision-making that frustrated then dispirited the Australian bowlers.

Rohit smashed 13 fours and three sixes in his 33rd century in the format, reaching the milestone for the ninth time against Australia with a pushed drive down the ground for a single.

Kohli, who had been dismissed for ducks in the previous two matches, brought up his 75th half-century to a huge roar with a single on one ball and Rohit locked in a 19th ODI century stand between the pair with another solitary run on the next delivery.

“When we bat together, even back in the day, we used to think, if we have a big partnership, the kind of strokes we can play, we can really take the game away from the opposition,” said Kohli.

“The opposition also knew that if these guys are in for 20 overs together, any total is chaseable.”

Rohit should have been caught on 108 after spooning a shot high into the night sky, but was reprieved when Josh Hazlewood failed to get under it and finished 121 not out.

Kohli got the winning runs by clipping a short ball off the face of his bat for a four down to third man.

Earlier, Australia won the toss and elected to bat first at a venue where that decision had led to victory for the team concerned in the last nine ODIs.

All of Australia’s top order got a start but only Matt Renshaw (56) managed to convert his innings into a half century, giving another boost to his hopes of reviving his long-stalled test career in time for the Ashes.

All-rounder Harsh*t Rana took 4-39 mopping up the Australian tail, curtailing the innings with the wickets of Cooper Connolly and Josh Hazlewood in the space of three balls.

Kohli took the catch at long off to send back Connolly, having earlier whipped the crowd into another frenzy with a sharp hold at forward square to dismiss Matthew Short for 30 off the bowling of Washington Sundar.

“We want to say thank you,” Kohli concluded. “We’ve loved coming to this country and playing in front of such big crowds. And we’ve played some of our best cricket here as well.” (Reuters)

https://colombogazette.com/2025/10/25/virat-kohli-and-rohit-sharma-celebrate-australian-swansong-in-style

25/10/2025

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, in close coordination with the Sri Lanka Mission in Egypt and the Eritrean authorities, has successfully facilitated the repatriation of six (06) Sri Lankan seafarers who were previously detained in Eritrea.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Cairo, concurrently accredited to Eritrea, was in Asmara, the Capital of Eritrea to attend to the relevant procedures personally and arrange their departure from Eritrea.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism received the group of Sri Lankans at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, today (24th October 2025).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism will continue to provide consular assistance to Sri Lankans abroad and will take all necessary measures to protect their interests.

https://colombogazette.com/2025/10/24/eritrea-repatriates-six-sri-lankan-seafarers

25/10/2025

BYD says the recently announced recall involving approximately 115,000 BYD Tang vehicles and Yuan Pro, does not apply to Sri Lanka.

Issuing a statement, BYD said that the recall was as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety and product quality.

As a responsible manufacturer, BYD proactively initiates recalls whenever necessary to protect customers and maintain the integrity of its vehicles.

"We wish to clarify that this recall applies only to specific BYD Tang vehicles manufactured between March 28, 2015 and July 28, 2017, and some Yuan Pro pure electric vehicles produced between February 6, 2021 and August 5, 2022, and are not applicable to Sri Lanka. The BYD Tang model and Yuan Pro model has not been introduced or sold in the Sri Lankan market, and therefore, no BYD vehicles currently operating in Sri Lanka are affected by this recall," BYD said.

All BYD vehicles in Sri Lanka which are imported, distributed and serviced exclusively through John Keells CG Auto (Pvt) Ltd, BYD’s authorized distributor, are covered by comprehensive manufacturer warranties and supported by dedicated after-sales facilities with NEV-trained technicians to ensure the highest standards of service and care.

BYD said it remains committed to transparent communication, responsible action, and the safety of all customers worldwide, as part of its mission to deliver advanced, reliable, and sustainable mobility solutions.

https://colombogazette.com/2025/10/24/byd-says-recall-does-not-apply-to-sri-European Union in Sri Lanka and the Maldives

24/10/2025

The Sri Lankan Government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the shared principles of the UN Charter, peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that the Government’s development agenda is rooted in sustainability and human dignity. The Government aims to uplift every community and ensure that progress reaches all corners of the country.

She made these remarks while attending the United Nations Day 2025 commemoration held under the global theme “Our UN,” marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and 70 years of partnership between Sri Lanka and the UN. The national celebration took place on 23 October 2025 at the UN Headquarters in Colombo, with the participation of UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Marc-André Franche and members of the UN Country Team.

The Prime Minister commended the United Nations for eight decades of global service and seven decades of meaningful partnership with Sri Lanka. She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to upholding the shared principles of the UN Charter, peace, human rights, and sustainable development, and emphasized the continued relevance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges.

“Eighty years ago, the world came together with a shared determination to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to reaffirm faith in human rights, and to promote social progress and development. These founding ideals, enshrined in the UN Charter, are more relevant today than ever before,” the Prime Minister stated.

Reflecting on the long-standing partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations, the Prime Minister noted that Sri Lanka has been an active and responsible member of the UN community since 1955, contributing to global peacekeeping, diplomacy, and sustainable development.

“Since deploying its first contingent to a UN Peacekeeping Mission in 1958, over 25,000 Sri Lankan men and women have served under the UN banner, ensuring peace and security in some of the most challenging deployments. Our country’s commitment to multilateralism has always been guided by shared responsibility and global solidarity,” she observed.

In her address, the Prime Minister also highlighted Sri Lanka’s ongoing national vision that aligns with the principles of sustainable and inclusive development promoted by the United Nations. She outlined several key initiatives of the Government, including the ‘Praja Shakthi’ National Programme aimed at eradicating poverty, the ‘Digital Sri Lanka’ initiative to modernize public service delivery and strengthen digital inclusion, and the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme, which promotes environmental, social, and ethical transformation.

Dr. Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for the contribution of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), including UNDP and other agencies, in supporting Sri Lanka’s development priorities through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). She noted that the Government values its partnership with the UN and its specialized agencies for their continued support in areas such as governance, poverty reduction, climate resilience, and post-conflict recovery.

The event was attended by UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Marc-André Franche, members of the UN Country Team, diplomatic representatives, and other distinguished dignitaries and officials.

https://colombogazette.com/2025/10/24/sri-lanka-reaffirms-commitment-to-upholding-shared-principles-of-un-charter

22/10/2025

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to hold 'Sri Lankan Day' events in December.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake had, in the budget speech, proposed holding 'Sri Lankan Day' events with the objective of creating a harmonious Sri Lanka by developing understanding among communities.

The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the program.

Accordingly, the 'Sri Lankan Day' program will be held on 12, 13, and 14 December 2025 at the Colombo Municipal Council Grounds and Vihara Maha Devi Park, and surrounding areas, with the participation of the public and private sectors in four zones.

The program will be hold in a manner that represents all ethnicities, religions, and cultural elements, as well as the food cultures of each district, local industry exhibitions and sales, and the introduction of new product opportunities.

22/10/2025

A 71-year-old Sri Lankan woman was found dead inside a hotel in Uttar Pradesh’s Shravasti, officials said on Wednesday. The deceased woman has been identified as Kodgoda, the wife of Sunil Shanti De Silva, the officials said.

According to officials, a group of 46 tourists from Sri Lanka had come to visit the Buddhist site in Shravasti in the state. On Tuesday, when Kodgoda did not come out of her room, the tourists, with the help of hotel staff, opened the door and found the woman’s body. Following this, the hotel staff called the manager, who informed the police about the incident.

Station House Officer (SHO) Lal Saheb Singh said that on receiving the information, the police officials reached the spot and sent the body for a post-mortem. An investigation into the matter is underway, he said.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Rahul Bhati said that the Sri Lankan Embassy was informed as soon as the woman’s death was reported. The post-mortem report was normal, and a letter was sent to the embassy to facilitate the return of the body to Sri Lanka.

“No complaint has been received, and the Sri Lankan tourist accompanying the deceased woman has taken the body back,” SHO Singh said. (Etvbharat.com)

22/10/2025

A Sri Lankan opposition politician was shot dead in his office on Wednesday, police said, the latest in a wave of assassinations and the first to target a political figure.

Lasantha Wickramasekara, 38, the council chairman of the coastal city of Weligama, was meeting with constituents when a gunman burst in and fired multiple times with a revolver.

No one else was wounded, and the gunman fled the scene.
"An investigation is underway to track down the killer," police said in a statement, adding that the motive for the attack remains unclear.

Wickramasekara was a member of the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party, which has been locked in a bitter power struggle with the ruling party over control of the Weligama council.
Sri Lanka has seen a surge in violent crime this year, much of it linked to drug gangs and organised crime.

Official figures show at least 50 people have been killed in more than 100 shootings.

This marks the first assassination of a politician since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's government came to power last year, pledging to restore law and order.

The most brazen attack was in February when a gunman dressed as a lawyer shot dead a suspect inside a courthouse in Colombo. (Economic Times)

21/10/2025

A mother has cried as she recalled the moment her daughter revealed she had allegedly been abused by their Buddhist temple's head monk from Sri Lanka.

The girl, who alleges she was abused from the age of nine, did not speak about it until she was an adult because she feared she would not be believed, her mother said.

"She said Vijitha Sadhu touched my body and kissed my lips, she had never been kissed," she told Victoria's County Court, between tears.

"I was so shocked to hear that because I trust him so much."
Venerable Naotunne Vijitha, 70, has been accused of 19 child sexual offences dating back to the mid-1990s.

The chief monk of Dhamma Sarana temple in Keysborough, in Melbourne's southeast, has denied all offending and is facing the second week of a jury trial.

He is accused of sexually abusing six children aged from four to 12, at the Keysborough temple and the previous Springvale side between 1994 and 2002, inside his living quarters, a prayer room and at Sunday school, the jury has been told.

Family members of the six alleged victims, who are now all adults, gave evidence to the trial on Thursday, including two mothers and husbands, none of whom can be legally identified.

The mother of another girl said her daughter used scissors to cut up a dress she was wearing when she was allegedly abused twice at the Keysborough temple when aged eight or nine.
The girl told her mother as an adult in 2022 after speaking to police.

She said she was busy in the temple's kitchen with her husband preparing food for a celebration in Keysborough when it's claimed Vijitha took the girl to his room and abused her.

"I cannot recall how long it was, but she was missing for a while," the mother told the court.

She said her daughter came back and told her Vijitha was offering her lollies but she did not want to go back with him.

The mother said Vijitha then approached her and insisted her daughter go with him as he had a toy for her.

The girl returned to Vijitha's room where it's alleged she was sexually abused again and he gave her an elephant key tag before she left.

"She said 'quick, quick I want to go home'," the mother said.
Her daughter threw the key tag at their car as they left the temple and said "I didn't like it at all", the woman told the jury.

Vijitha and a second monk lived at the temple full-time and visiting monks from Sri Lanka would sometimes stay there, several witnesses said on Thursday.

The trial before Judge Pardeep Tiwana continues. (APP)
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

18/10/2025

South Africa overcame a dogged Sri Lankan team and a lengthy rain delay to go second in the table at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

Chasing a revised total of 121 from 20 overs, Laura Wolvaardt (60 not out) and Tazmin Brits (55 not out) put on an unbeaten stand of 125 to seal a 10-wicket victory.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had made 105 for seven from their 20 overs, reaching 46 for two before a five-hour rain delay.

Upon the resumption, Vishmi Gunaratne top-scored, having retired hurt earlier in the innings, as she made 34.

Nonkululeko Mlaba was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, taking three wickets including two in the final over to keep the Sri Lankan total down.

With this win, South Africa now have eight points from five matches and need just one more to clinch a place in the top four.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first, following their impressive performance with the bat last time out against New Zealand in a match that was washed out.

They were dealt an early blow when Vishmi Gunaratne retired hurt for 12 in the fifth over after she was caught on the inside of the knee by an errant throw from the field.

South Africa took their first wicket in the eighth over, Hasini Perera seeing her off stump removed by Masabata Klaas as she departed for four.

Klaas (2/18) then secured the prize wicket of Chamari Athapaththu leg before for 11, leaving Sri Lanka in trouble at 37 for two.

From there, two more overs of play were possible before the rain came down at the end of the 12th over with Sri Lanka on 46 for two.

Following a rain break of more than five hours, the players returned for what was now a 20-over game, with Kavisha Dilhari marking the return with a six over backward square.

She fell at the end of the following over, picking out Laura Wolvaardt off the bowling of Nadine de Klerk for 14.

The South African skipper made it two catches in as many balls when she snagged Harsh*tha Samarawickrama off the bowling of Nonkululeko Mlaba for 13 with the first ball of the following over.

Gunaratne had returned, joined by in-form Nilakshika Silva with the pair adding 40 for the fifth wicket.

Mlaba finished with a flourish though, removing both set batters in the final over as Silva was caught by Anneke Bosch for 18 and Gunaratne fell caught behind for 34 off the final delivery.

In between those, Anushka Sanjeewani was run out by replacement fielder Bosch for one as Sri Lanka finished on 105 for seven.

Set a target of 121, South Africa flew out of the blocks with Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits racing to a fifty partnership in the eighth over.

Brits survived a run-out chance and an LBW appeal in successive overs before the pair picked up the pace with the captain reaching her half-century in the 13th over.

Her opening partner followed suit and sealed the win with a six, bringing up her fifty in the process.

South Africa will now remain in Sri Lanka ahead of their clash with Pakistan, while the Sri Lankans take on Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai in India.

Sri Lanka 105/7 from 20 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 34, Nilakshika Silva 18; Nonkululeko Mlaba 3/30, Masabata Klaas 2/18)

South Africa 125/0 from 14.5 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 60 not out, Tazmin Brits 55 not out; Malki Madara 0/14, Sugandika Kumari 0/15)

Result: South Africa won by 10 wickets (DLS method).

18/10/2025

The Prime Ministers of India and Sri Lanka discussed the fishermen issue and other areas related to the bilateral relations between both countries.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, Friday 17 October 2025 in New Delhi during her official visit to India.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular attention to education reforms and development priorities.

Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to Dr. Amarasuriya and appreciated her visit which adds fresh momentum to bilateral relations and the multi-faceted partnership that prevails between the two countries.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya shared with Prime Minister Modi, details of her poignant and inspiring visit to Hindu College, University of Delhi, where she had been a student on an ICCR scholarship in the early 1990s.

She also shared with the Prime Minister, the highlights of her visit to a model school in Delhi earlier in the day as a meaningful opportunity to observe innovative education practices.

Prime Minister Modi expressed support for Sri Lanka’s education reform agenda, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya shared Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and equitable education system addressing challenges faced by youth, especially school dropouts emphasising on the increasing need to also address social issues faced by male students in this regard.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed matters pertaining to the welfare of fishermen in both countries, and Dr Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of protecting the livelihoods and safety of fishermen on both sides.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to work together in partnership in the shared development journey of the two countries and reiterated support to Sri Lanka in advancing its Unique Digital ID initiative and strengthening digital governance. He also reiterated India’s continued support for development of the Sacred City Complex in Anuradhapura.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya stated that she conveys to Prime Minister Modi, the warm wishes of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka especially in the context of the auspicious festive season of Diwali.

17/10/2025

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka assured stronger protection for workers from Sri Lanka and other countries, the Fiji media reported.
The Fiji Government acknowledges that workers’ freedom to advocate is essential to democracy, and as a result, it has taken decisive steps to review and repeal labour laws that undermine trade union rights and erode trust.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told the International Trade Union Confederation regional meeting in Nadi that recent outcomes demonstrate the Government’s position on workers’ rights, such as the national minimum wage, revitalisation of wages councils, and paying off the Vatukoula gold mine strikers.

Rabuka highlighted the review of the Fiji National Provident Fund Act to restore workers’ representatives as originally intended.
“Our commitment is not symbolic. It is structural. It is legislative. It is enduring,” he said.

Rabuka affirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring all workers in Fiji, whether local or migrant, receive equal rights, dignity, and legal protections.

“In recent months, as more Fijians take up overseas work opportunities under the PALM scheme in Australia and the RSE scheme in New Zealand, we have seen a growing number of migrant workers arriving in Fiji from countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to help fill essential roles.” (This story was edited from The Fiji Times)

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