News Symbolic restoration: First train operates from Peradeniya Junction to Pilimathalawa post-Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ Published 3 mins agoon 2026/07/14 For the first time since the devastating Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ struck, a train successfully operated from the Peradeniya Junction railway…
News Symbolic restoration: First train operates from Peradeniya Junction to Pilimathalawa post-Cyclone ‘Ditwah’
Published 3 mins agoon 2026/07/14
For the first time since the devastating Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ struck, a train successfully operated from the Peradeniya Junction railway station to Pilimathalawa on Saturday (July 11). The train, consisting of an engine and two carriages, was transported via road from the Kandy railway station before being placed on the tracks. This operation is primarily aimed at facilitating the ongoing restoration efforts of the railway lines that were severely damaged by the cyclone. The train will serve as a vital link for transporting essential raw materials, heavy machinery, and the technical staff required to expedite the reconstruction of the track network. By S.K. Samaranayake
News Lanka mission in Jordan look into welfare of over 1,500 factory workers
Published 3 mins agoon 2026/07/14
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jordan successfully concluded a two-day programme of factory visits to GIA Apparel, Elegant Prosport Fashion, ARK Garments Manufacturing Industry, Sydney Apparels, and Kanzeen Industrial Sewing Company L.L.C. in Aqaba from 4 to 5 July 2026. More than 1,500 Sri Lankan nationals are employed at these factories. The Foreign Ministry said that this was organised to strengthen the Embassy’s engagement with Sri Lankan workers employed in the factories and to provide consular assistance. The text of the FM statement: “As part of the visit, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Amman, Gajithra Navan, met with the senior management of the factories and held discussions on the welfare of Sri Lankan workers, working conditions, and employment opportunities for Sri Lankan nationals. She also expressed her appreciation to the factory management, particularly the Group Operations Manager, for facilitating the Embassy’s visit, supporting the welfare of Sri Lankan employees, and creating employment opportunities for Sri Lankan nationals. The Chargé d’Affaires a.i. also interacted with Sri Lankan employees working at the factories and inquired about their working and living conditions, welfare, and any challenges they encountered. She encouraged them to continue upholding the good reputation of Sri Lanka through their professionalism, dedication, and discipline while maintaining regular contact with the Embassy and their families in Sri Lanka. During the awareness programme, Counsellor, SLBFE (Employment & Welfare), G.R.S. Gunawardana delivered a presentation on Human Smuggling, Human Trafficking, and Safe Migration, and Consular Officer, H.P. Liyanage made a presentation on the Consular Functions of the Embassy. In addition, necessary consular assistance was extended, and the welfare and safety of the Sri Lankan employees in the factories were ensured. The visits were a positive exchange of ideas and reaffirmed the commitment of the Sri Lanka Embassy to ensure close coordination with the top management and Sri Lankan employees of the factories.”
News JSA opposes move to extend retirement ages of superior court judges
Published 24 hours agoon 2026/07/13
Dr. Rajitha Senaratne The Judicial Service Association (JSA), which represents the country’s magistrates and district judges, has unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the government’s proposed extension of the retirement age of superior court judges. The resolution was passed at a special general meeting held at the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court premises, attended by 65 magistrates and district judges from across the country. The meeting was convened following the resignation of JSA President Pasan Amarasena, who stepped down in protest over the holding of the meeting. According to the resolution, all members present voted in favour of opposing the proposed extension of the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges. Amarasena resigned after facing criticism for unilaterally expressing support for extending the retirement age of the Chief Justice. Following his resignation, JSA Secretary Suranga Munasinghe issued a statement to members rejecting the allegations contained in Amarasena’s resignation letter. Meanwhile, former Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne claimed the government’s attempt to extend the tenure of superior court judges was aimed at securing their support in pursuing what he described as a campaign of political revenge against Opposition members. Addressing a meeting at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party headquarters on Darley Road, Colombo, Senaratne argued that if the government’s justification was to retain experienced judges and avoid vacancies, similar retirement age extensions should also be granted to other professions, including university academics. “The judges themselves have now unanimously opposed the government’s move, as reflected in the outcome of the Judicial Service Association’s special general meeting at Kaduwela,” he said. by Chaminda Silva