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The Colombo High Court on Thursday (29) sentenced former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years and former Sathosa Chairman and former Trade Minister Nalin Fernando to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment.

The court found both men guilty of causing significant losses to the state through the irregular purchase of thousands of Carrom and checkers boards in the lead-up to the 2015 Presidential Election.

The two were convicted of abusing their official powers by authorizing the procurement of 14,000 Carrom boards and 11,000 checkers boards through Sathosa, the state-owned retail giant, for distribution to sports clubs.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), which led the prosecution, argued that the purchases were politically motivated and conducted in clear violation of procurement procedures.

Presenting final submissions before the verdict was delivered, the Commission’s counsel stated that the defendants had engaged in deliberate misuse of public authority, resulting in a financial loss exceeding Rs. 53 million in taxpayer funds.

The case was initially filed by CIABOC in 2019 before the Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar, a special tribunal reserved for high-profile cases involving financial crimes and abuse of public office.

The verdict is being viewed as a significant development in Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption efforts, as it marks one of the most severe sentences handed down to high-ranking political figures in recent years.

pix by - wasitha patabedige

A meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Winston Peters and President Anura Kumara Disanayake took place this afternoon (26) at the Presidential Secretariat during Mr. Peters’ official visit to Sri Lanka.

Conveying greetings on behalf of the Government and the people of New Zealand, Mr. Peters congratulated President Disanayake on his victory in both the Presidential and General Elections. He reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the two nations and acknowledged the recent re-establishment of diplomatic relations.

Deputy Prime Minister Peters expressed the Government of New Zealand’s strong appreciation for the positive developments taking place in Sri Lanka following the recent presidential and general election victories. He acknowledged the significant steps taken by the new administration towards political stability, economic recovery, and social progress, and commended the leadership of President Anura Kumara Disanayake in steering the country in the right direction. Mr. Peters further emphasized that New Zealand recognizes Sri Lanka’s current trajectory as a promising foundation for sustainable growth and long-term development. In this context, he announced that the New Zealand government remains committed to deepening its financial support in the future.

President Disanayake noted that Deputy Prime Minister Peters’ visit marks the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lanka–New Zealand relations. The President briefed Mr. Peters on Sri Lanka’s progress in economic, social and political stabilization following the recent elections. He emphasized the government’s commitment to further strengthen these areas to ensure long-term national development.

The President also highlighted the importance of reconciliation, noting that long-standing divisions among the people had led to prolonged conflict. He stated that his government is prioritizing peace-building and national unity as key pillars of the reconciliation process.

Discussions also explored opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, education and tourism. Both parties expressed their commitment to working closely to advance these areas of mutual interest.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando along with Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, were also present at the meeting. (PMD)

A high-level discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Chairpersons of District Coordination Committees, and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance to gather proposals and insights for the upcoming Budget 2026.

During the meeting, President Dissanayake stressed the importance of prioritizing the basic and urgent needs of the people at the district level in the budget planning process.

He emphasized that the budget must reflect the real and immediate concerns of communities across the country.

Extensive discussions were held on the development projects currently underway across various districts.

The dialogue focused on identifying essential infrastructure requirements and other critical development needs, and ensuring their implementation through the forthcoming budget allocations.

The Parliamentary House Committee has decided to revise the rates charged for meals for Executive Grade Officers and Non-Executive Staff Members of Parliament, effective from 01 June 2025.

Accordingly, it was decided to charge Rs. 4000 per month for the meals of an Executive Grade Officer and Rs. 2500 per month for a Non-Executive Staff Member.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Committee held last week, under the patronage of Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, to review a decision taken at the Committee’s previous meeting on 21 May.

The Committee further decided that the current rates charged for meals purchased from the Parliament Staff Cafeteria by the drivers of Parliamentarians, Police Officers, President/Prime Minister Security Officials and journalists should remain unchanged.

The revision of these rates is a decision taken once every three years on the request of the Parliament Staff based on the recommendations made by the Ministry of Finance regarding the cost of meals provided to the Parliament Staff.

This House Committee is a committee consisting of Members of Parliament from the ruling party and the opposition.

A discussion on the challenges facing Sri Lanka’s export industry was held this morning (28) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

The meeting brought together heads of institutions under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, as well as officials from the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

The discussion centred on the government’s strategic approach to strengthening domestic production and transitioning towards an export-oriented economy. Particular attention was paid to formulating a long-term industrial development plan to address and overcome current challenges in the export sector.

Key areas of discussion included identifying the necessary steps to enhance the export sector and the presentation of relevant proposals and plans to the President.

Former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has been granted bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court in connection with the controversial importation of a substandard consignment of organic fertilizer from China in 2021.

Aluthgamage, who was previously remanded, was released on a cash bail of Rs. 50,000 and five personal sureties of Rs. 1 million each.

The court also imposed a travel ban, preventing him from leaving the country until further notice.

The bail order was issued after the former minister was produced before the court today.

The case stems from allegations that Aluthgamage facilitated the opening of Letters of Credit (LCs) for the fertilizer shipment before obtaining proper regulatory approvals, resulting in a financial loss exceeding Rs. 1.3 billion to the state

The Cabinet has granted approval to recruit 15,073 individuals to fill existing vacancies across various sectors of the public service, according to Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

The decision includes a significant intake in the education sector, with:

- 129 teachers to be recruited directly under the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training, and 

- 3,661 teachers for the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Education Ministry, 
bringing the total number of new teaching appointments to nearly 6,000.

"It has been recommended recruitment for 15,073 vacant posts in 02 special expenditure units under 18 line ministers and 04 provincial councils according to two (02) reports furnished by the officials’ committee," said the document shared by the Department of Government Information.

This large-scale recruitment drive follows recommendations made by a special committee appointed under the leadership of the Secretary to the Prime Minister, tasked with reviewing the public sector hiring process.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid his final respects this evening (25) to the late veteran actress Malini Fonseka, fondly known as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema.”

The body has been laid in state at the Tharangani Hall of the National Film Corporation for the public to pay their last respects.

Malini Fonseka passed away in the early hours of yesterday (24) at the age of 78, while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

The remains of the late veteran actress, which was kept at her Madiwela residence until 8.30 this morning (25), was later brought to the National Film Corporation today, where a large crowd continues to arrive to pay their final respects.

Among those who attended were former Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Chandrika Kumaratunga.

The final rites of veteran actress will be held with full state honours on 26 May (Monday) at Independence Square.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has filed an indictment against former minister Mervyn Silva.

The indictment has been filed over charges that he committed an offence under the Bribery Act, by the acquisition of assets, including properties and vehicles, and maintaining bank accounts exceeding his declared lawful income.

The Bribery Commission states that former minister Mervyn Silva had committed this offence between March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2012.

The Bribery Commission states the former minister had spent Rs. 13.9 million to purchase land in the Kadawatha area and Rs. 71.3 million to purchase land at Sir Ernest de Silva Mawatha in Colombo-07.

In addition, he has spent Rs. 32.375 million to purchase a Mercedes Benz for his son Malaka Silva, over Rs. 5.5 million to buy a Hyundai vehicle and Rs. 8.85 million to buy a Defender.

As such, the Bribery Commission has filed a case consisting of two charges against former minister Mervyn Silva, alleging that he committed an offence under the Bribery Act by acquiring property beyond his legal income.

The current shortages of certain medicinal drugs have arisen because procurement decisions were not taken in a timely and proper manner in 2024, Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Addressing an event in Colombo on Saturday, Minister Jayatissa said Sri Lanka imports hundreds of drugs each year, but tenders for purchasing medicines for 2025 were called for only 67 types of medicines in the first five months of 2024.

He further said that tenders have now been called for 233 types of medicines, which had been stalled for years.

The Health Minister also revealed that the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation completed procurement processes for 233 types of drugs in the first five months of 2025.

He said that 65 per cent of drugs used in the public hospital system are imported, explaining that the process of supplying medicines, from the initial stage to procurement and distribution, takes around nine months and is highly complex.

“For 2026, the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation must supply 450 types of medicines. Of these, tender procedures for 435 have already commenced, and the procurement process for 418 has already been completed. 325 of them have also been sent for final evaluation. Currently, we have taken a number of measures to ensure the pharmaceutical supply process in Sri Lanka continues efficiently and without disruption.

“Recently, we held lengthy discussions with both local manufacturers of Western medicines and companies that import medicines. We explained the current situation to them and gave them targets, asking them to inform us of the types of medicines they can supply and produce within specific time frames. If they are unable to meet these targets, the Ministry of Health will have to engage with governments to arrange the import of medicines,” he said.

Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa pointed out that this was the best solution the government could provide for the current medicinal drug shortage in Sri Lanka. “Our aim is to ensure a continuous supply of high-quality medicines for the people of this country,” he added.

The official gazette notification listing the names of elected members to local government bodies is scheduled to be published on May 29, according to the Election Commission of Sri Lanka.

The Commission confirmed that the finalized document has already been forwarded to the Government Printing Department for publication.

Political parties and independent groups are still in the process of submitting the final name lists of their elected representatives. The Commission stated that approximately 90% of this process has been completed.

However, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has requested the Election Commission to allow amendments to two of its submitted nomination lists for the Colombo Municipal Council.

New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, arrived in Sri Lanka last night for an official visit.

During his stay, he is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Talks are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in several key areas, including, Trade and investment, Agriculture, Education,Tourism, and Sports.

Deputy Prime Minister Peters is expected to depart the island on May 28.