Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa speaks to Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala during a special awareness programme on human trafficking held in the House recently News Prison mayhem leaves at least 26 dead; five officers killed in revenge violen…
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa speaks to Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala during a special awareness programme on human trafficking held in the House recently
News Prison mayhem leaves at least 26 dead; five officers killed in revenge violence
Published 6 mins agoon 2026/07/7
Police and STF personnel rushing an injured prison officer to an ambulance after yesterday’s clash at the Negombo Prison. At least 26 people, including five prison officers and 20 inmates, have been confirmed dead following violent unrest at Negombo Prison, hospital sources said yesterday, as authorities struggled to restore full control over the facility. According to unconfirmed reports the prison officers were killed by rioters yesterday morning, in retaliation, and weapons carried by those officers were grabbed by them. Negombo General Hospital Director Consultant Dr. Pushpa Gamlath said nearly 100 injured persons had been admitted, following the clashes, and eight of the critically wounded had been transferred to the National Hospital, in Colombo, for further treatment. The violence, which initially broke out on Sunday (5) between remand prisoners and convicted inmates, left two inmates dead and 38 others injured before being temporarily brought under control. However, tensions flared again on Monday (6), with prison officials reporting renewed unrest inside the facility despite earlier assurances that the situation had stabilised. Police said the initial confrontation was triggered by a dispute linked to the exposure of an alleged drug trafficking network, operating within the prison, and was reportedly orchestrated by a drug trafficker, identified as Suresh, who is said to have links to an underworld figure known as ‘Booru Moona’. The violence rapidly escalated, with female inmates staging a protest on the Prison roof in support of those involved in the clashes, while relatives gathered outside demanding information on detainees. Police later facilitated visits for selected family members to hospitalised inmates. The Negombo Prison, which houses around 1,800 remand and convicted inmates, descended into widespread disorder as rival groups clashed, with reports indicating that the violence later spread beyond the initial confrontation. Authorities said rioting inmates had allegedly seized firearms during the renewed unrest on Monday, prompting heightened security measures. The Sri Lanka Air Force deployed drones for aerial surveillance and a Bell 412 helicopter to monitor the situation, while additional military personnel were sent to reinforce security around the prison. Prisons Department spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake said a special investigation team had been appointed, under the direction of the Commissioner General of Prisons, to probe the incident, while a separate police investigation is also underway. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told The Island that he had called for a detailed report on the disturbances. By Norman Palihawadane
News Cleaner, cheaper electricity gathers momentum with rapid progress in 50 MW Mannar wind power project
Published 9 mins agoon 2026/07/7
Sri Lanka’s drive towards cleaner and cheaper electricity gathered fresh momentum with the reported rapid progress in the 50 MW Mannar Wind Power Project, which is expected to produce the lowest-cost wind-generated electricity in the country’s history while saving billions of rupees in annual fuel imports. The Ministry of Energy announced that the first wind turbine for the project had already arrived in the country, while the remaining turbine components have reached the Port of Trincomalee and are currently being unloaded, signalling a major milestone in the construction of one of the country’s key renewable energy ventures. The project, inaugurated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in January this year, is expected to become a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to transform Sri Lanka’s electricity sector by expanding renewable energy generation and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. According to the Ministry, electricity generated by the Mannar wind farm will be purchased at USD 0.0465 (approximately Rs. 14.37) per unit, making it the lowest tariff ever secured for wind-generated electricity in Sri Lanka. Energy experts say the competitive tariff demonstrates the growing economic viability of renewable energy and could help stabilise future electricity prices. The Ministry also estimates that once the wind farm is connected to the national grid, Sri Lanka will save approximately Rs. 4.7 billion annually by reducing the import of fossil fuels required for thermal power generation, easing pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The Mannar project is expected to support the government’s ambition of substantially increasing the contribution of renewable energy to the national electricity mix, by 2030, while helping Sri Lanka move towards its long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hayleys Fentons PLC, selected through an international competitive bidding process, is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the wind turbines. The National System Operator (NSO), operating under the Ministry of Energy, will oversee the integration and management of electricity generated by the project within the national grid. By Ifham Nizam
News National programme to conserve 1,000 archaeological sites across the country
Published 10 mins agoon 2026/07/7
The government has completed preparations to launch a national programme to conserve 1,000 archaeological sites across the country, in parallel with the commencement of Archaeology Week, which begins today (07). Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake said the initiative aims to identify sites of historical and archaeological significance and expedite excavation, research and conservation work. As the first phase of the programme, conservation activities will commence at 100 identified sites during Archaeology Week, while the remaining sites will be taken up subsequently. The Deputy Minister said Community Conservation Committees would be established in areas surrounding the identified sites to encourage public participation in protecting the country’s archaeological heritage. The committees will submit proposals and recommendations on excavation, research and conservation work, which will be implemented under the technical guidance and direct supervision of officers of the Department of Archaeology. This year’s Archaeology Week is being held under the theme “Bringing Heritage to Life”, reflecting the government’s efforts to preserve and revitalise Sri Lanka’s archaeological heritage through scientific conservation and community participation. Dissanayake said public involvement in safeguarding archaeological sites had remained inadequate and expressed confidence that the establishment of Community Conservation Committees would strengthen conservation efforts by encouraging local communities to play a more active role in protecting the nation’s archaeological heritage.