News SLWJA urges President to probe alleged harassment of journalist by police Published 17 mins agoon 2026/07/19 The Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA) has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to launch an immediate inquiry into allegations that journali…
News SLWJA urges President to probe alleged harassment of journalist by police
Published 17 mins agoon 2026/07/19
The Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA) has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to launch an immediate inquiry into allegations that journalist Lahiru Doloswala and his family were harassed and intimidated by military and police personnel following a road accident in Colombo. In a letter addressed to the President on Thursday (16), the SLWJA condemned what it described as the “unlawful harassment” of Doloswala, Web Editor of The Morning newspaper, Sri Lanka News Coordinator for Turkish State Television (TRT), and a member of the association. The association alleged that the incident occurred on July 15 when Doloswala was travelling home with his wife and two children after completing his professional duties. According to the complaint, a vehicle belonging to an escort convoy accompanying the Army Commander’s official vehicle collided with the rear of his vehicle. The SLWJA claimed that when Doloswala attempted to record the scene on his mobile phone, a Commando officer attached to the escort vehicle allegedly prevented him from doing so and warned him against reporting the incident to the media. The association further alleged that when Doloswala visited the Welikada Police Station to lodge a complaint, a group of military personnel arrived at the station and attempted to prevent him from making a complaint against the army driver. According to the letter, a complaint was eventually recorded after intervention by senior police officers, but the association alleged that Doloswala’s statement was altered under pressure and that he was compelled to sign the document. It also claimed that video footage of the incident on his mobile phone was deleted. The SLWJA said the alleged conduct of certain military and police officers raised serious concerns regarding media freedom, civil rights and the rule of law. The association urged President Dissanayake, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to order a formal investigation into the incident and take disciplinary action against those found responsible. It also requested that the association be kept informed of the measures taken following the complaint, stressing the need for impartial justice to safeguard journalists’ rights and freedom of expression.
News Former SLAF Commander publishes autobiography
Published 17 mins agoon 2026/07/19
Air Chief MarshalOliver Ranasinghe (retired), who was Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force during a turning point in the aerial warfare against the LTTE, has published his autobiography titled To Survive As One Nation, One People. Through the book, the author takes the reader on a journey behind the scenes, spanning three decades. Starting from his Royal Ceylon Air Force days as a segeant cadet pilot flying fixed wing aircraft, to the 1970s and mid-1980s as a helicopter pilot flying local and visiting Heads of State and foreign celebrities, then stepping up to more onerous responsibilities and culminating in his assuming command as the ninth Commander of the Sri Lanka Airforce. He then goes further, offering insights and thoughts about the future of Sri Lanka’s national security, economy and significance in a world fraught with conflicting geo-political interests. These are presented with statistics and data, combined with his experience and foresight, which helped the Sri Lanka Air Force to acquire some of the newest technology of his era for the war against the terrorists. A comprehensive timeline of inductions of aircraft models, significant dates and details associated with the insurrections, ethnic riots and terrorism in the North and East and elsewhere in the country, as well as a selection of photographs from the author’s collection makes To Survive As One Nation, One People an important source of reference for a vast readership. The book, released on Friday July 17, 2026 and priced at Rs.3750/- is distributed by Vijitha Yapa Bookshop.
News Believers Eastern Church focuses on service, empowerment and community development
Published 18 mins agoon 2026/07/19
Dry ration distribution among expectant mothers The Believers Eastern Church (BEC) has emphasised that its social service programmes in Sri Lanka are aimed at assisting communities regardless of religious, ethnic or social background, with a focus on education, disaster relief and sustainable livelihoods. Speaking to the Sunday Island, Colombo Archdiocese Bishop Antonios Mor Paulose said the Church’s humanitarian initiatives were guided by the principle of serving people in need and helping communities achieve long-term stability. “Our assistance is not based on religion, ethnicity or social background. Whoever is in need is our neighbour. The purpose is not merely to provide temporary relief but to help people stand on their own feet and live with dignity,” he said. He said one of the BEC’s key initiatives in Sri Lanka was the Bridge of Hope programme, which supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing educational assistance and other essential support. The Church has also been involved in disaster response efforts, including rebuilding houses for families affected by the 2004 tsunami in Batticaloa and Ampara districts. It also assisted communities affected by the 2017 floods, including supporting the restoration of a damaged Buddhist temple. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Church shifted greater focus towards livelihood development programmes, including providing assistance for income-generating activities such as livestock farming, sewing and mushroom cultivation. Bishop Paulose said sustainable assistance was important to reduce dependency and help families achieve economic independence. “Relief is important during emergencies, but sustainable development is equally important. When a family receives a means of income, they can support themselves and their children. This creates dignity and long-term stability,” he said. The Church has also completed several water supply projects in areas including Bibile, benefiting around 1,800 families, schools and healthcare institutions. The Believers Eastern Church follows an episcopal structure associated with Eastern Christian traditions and has its headquarters in India. The Church expanded its presence in Sri Lanka through humanitarian and community-based programmes. Commenting on his recent appointment as Bishop of the Colombo Archdiocese, Paulose said the role carried responsibilities beyond religious leadership. “Being consecrated as a bishop is not simply a position of honour but a commitment to serve humanity,” he said. He said the Church’s message to society was centred on service, compassion and practical assistance. “Faith must be reflected through action. When we help the poor, educate children, support families and stand with people during difficult times, we are fulfilling our mission,” he said.