SRI LANKA NEWS
(JANUARY 2026)
Compiled by Victor Melder
The Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Corporation is focusing on producing a gold-infused medicine called ‘Makarajdvajaya’ in large quantities this year. The medicine is made according to an ancient Ayurvedic recipe that is over 1,000 years old. Mineral resources, including gold flakes, are used in the production of this medicine. The Chairman of the Corporation, Ms. Geethavani Karunaratne, stated that Makarajdvajaya is made using 24-carat gold flakes, gendagam, and sadhalingam minerals sourced from deep within the earth. As this is a completely natural medicine, the Corporation guarantees that patients will not experience any side effects. Current clinical trials have confirmed that Makarajdvajaya can stimulate neurological functions, help patients recovering from paralysis or states of apathy, and patients even about to die. Dr. Nimalaratne added that the medicine works faster than other treatments, with results often visible within minutes. Clinical trials have shown no allergies or adverse effects. Experts recommend that Makarajdvajaya be administered only on the guidance of qualified Ayurvedic doctors. Produced under the Rasa Dara category, the medicine has been confirmed by laboratories to be 100% natural and highly effective. It is also the most expensive medicine produced by the Ayurvedic Corporation. The Ayurvedic Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation further stated that a separate laboratory is being constructed to enhance the production of this medicine later this year. (Daily Mirror, 2.1.2026)
The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) has received more than 12,650 complaints related to social media misuse and cybersecurity incidents in 2025. This represents a significant rise in online frauds, digital fraud, and cyber harassment when compared to prior years, Sri Lanka CERT said in a statement yesterday. According to Charuka Damunupola the Lead Information Security Engineer of Sri Lanka CERT, a significant proportion of the complaints involve fake account, hacked accounts and financial scams carried out through social media platforms. Hateful or abusive content and adults’ sexual harassments and content also feature high among the complaints. He also said that here has also been a noticeable increase in general scams and the dissemination of false information, which affects both individuals and general public. The cybercriminals continue to employ increasingly sophisticated and fraudulent methods to take advantage of the growing reliance on digital platforms for communication, trade, and financial activities. Particularly vulnerable groups, such as young people who might not be sufficiently informed of online safety procedures, elderly users, and first-time internet users, are frequently among the victims. Charuka Damunupola, urges the public to remain vigilant, avoid sharing personal or financial information online, verify suspicious messages and links, and enable strong security measures such as two-factor authentication and secure passwords. In order to facilitate rapid response and mitigation, members of the public are also urged to promptly report cyber incidents to Sri Lanka CERT. In order to improve cyber resilience, public awareness, and digital safety throughout the nation, Sri Lanka CERT, the national authority for cybersecurity incident response, continues to collaborate closely with law enforcement organizations, service providers, and others said Damunupola. For assistance or to report a cyber incident, the public may contact Sri Lanka CERT through 101 or email report@cert.gov.lk (Island, 2.1.2026)
Sri Lanka’s juvenile elephants’ population with tusks have seen a rise of 9.2 per cent during the period between 2021 and 2024, according to statistics quoted by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi. The Minister told Daily Mirror that the juvenile tuskers accounted for 8.4 per cent of the total population in 2021, and it had scaled up to 17.6 per cent in 2024. Way back in 1993, the figure was at 11 per cent. He said the total population of tuskers had increased from six per cent to 6.5 per cent during the period. He said the elephant population had increased to 7,451 in 2024 from 5,879 in 2021.(Daily Mirror, 3.1.2026)
Coconut based exports surpassed US$ 1 billion in 2025 and were projected to close the year at around US$ 1.2 billion, a substantial increase from US$ 800 million in 2024 representing over 40% year on year growth. This marks a major milestone for Sri Lanka’s coconut industry. Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe noted the sector’s emergence as a strategic export crop, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms and market expansion could drive exports to US$ 2.5 billion by 2030. The coconut sector has now emerged as a strategic export crop. With ongoing productivity reforms and sustained market development, Sri Lanka has the potential to reach US$ 2.5 billion in coconut-based exports by 2030 and we are firmly on track to achieve it. (Daily News, 3.1.2026)
A gazette notification has been issued for the proposed bill to abolish the pensions of Members of Parliament, marking a significant step toward legislative action on the matter. According to the gazette, the bill seeks to repeal existing provisions that entitle former MPs to parliamentary pensions — a benefit that has long been the subject of public debate and criticism. (Ceylon Today, 5.1.2026)
The Sri Lankan rupee continued its depreciating trend against the US dollar yesterday, with the currency weakening to the Rs. 310 level against the greenback for the first time since February 2024, based on the indicative spot rate published by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). The CBSL reported the USD/LKR spot rate at Rs. 310.02. The buying rate of the US dollar was recorded at Rs. 306.28, while the selling rate stood at Rs. 313.81. The rupee depreciated by 5.6% in 2025, reversing strong gains recorded over the previous two years. The currency appreciated by 12.1% in 2023 and 10.7% in 2024, a period when import controls were tights and a ban on vehicle imports was in force. The rupee began to depreciate in early 2025 after the vehicle import ban was lifted. Vehicle imports recorded the second-highest monthly value for 2025 of $ 281 million in November, with highest being $ 286 million in September. Cumulative vehicle imports reached $ 1.7 billion in the first 11 months of 2025.(Financial Times, 8.1.2026)
The Economic loss from consumption of alcohol and tobacco in Sri Lanka amounts to Rs. 241 billion annually which is one-fifth of the total economic loss caused by cyclone Ditwah and 40 percent of the total budget allocated by the government for healthcare, as per the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC). The ADIC says that 19.4 percent overall (3.2 million adults), 36.2 percent of men, and 4.9 percent of women currently use tobacco and tobacco smokers spend Rs. 520 million on cigarettes per day which annually leads to 1.5 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to UN Comtrade, Sri Lanka is a net importer of tobacco leaf, importing nearly US$61 million in 2024, compared to exports of almost US$28 million. It is also a net importer of cigarettes, importing over US$6 million in cigarettes in 2024, compared to over US$2 million in exports. Nearly 50 tobacco-related deaths occur daily. Tobacco is a key risk factor for NCDs, which account for about 83.9 percent of deaths. The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index (TII) Index 2025 assessed 100 countries across multiple regions, examining tobacco industry interference and government responses between April 2023 and March 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 45th in the Global TII 2025, with its score worsening by three points since 2023, indicating increased tobacco industry interference and weaker safeguards. Key factors contributing to Sri Lanka’s decline include conflicts of interest involving senior government officials and the tobacco industry’s use of corporate social responsibility initiatives to improve its public image. ADIC urges policymakers to prioritize public health over commercial interests, fast-track delayed tobacco control policies, and actively identify and prevent all forms of tobacco industry interference to protect future generations. (Daily Mirror, 8.1.2026)
Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe yesterday said Sri Lanka’s Gross Official Reserves (GOR) climbed to over $ 6.8 billion by end-2025, marking the highest reserve level registered since the country’s economic crisis, despite continued external pressures. He noted that reserves hovered between $ 6 billion and $ 6.3 billion for most of the year, even as Sri Lanka faced challenging conditions including the need to service external Government debt without matching inflows and a sharp increase in foreign exchange demand following the resumption of vehicle imports. The Governor said the improvement was largely driven by net foreign exchange purchases of around $ 2 billion made by the CBSL from the domestic foreign exchange market in 2025, calculated on a value-date basis, along with inflows from multilateral agencies. He added that reserve accumulation has been sustained over the past three years, with the CBSL recording net foreign exchange purchases of $ 1.7 billion in 2023 and $ 2.8 billion in 2024, reinforcing external buffers during the post-crisis recovery period. Dr. Weerasinghe said the CBSL remains committed to further strengthening reserve buffers through market-based purchases, while maintaining exchange rate flexibility, in line with Sri Lanka’s reserve adequacy requirements and broader macroeconomic stability objectives. (Financial Times, 9.1.2026)
A two-year-old elephant calf was killed in a collision with a truck on the Anuradhapura–Padeniya road in the Galgamuwa Mee Oya area.A herd of elephants, returning to the Teak Reserve after nighttime foraging, attempted to cross the road near the Galgamuwa bridge in the Alikele area—an identified elephant crossing point—when the lorry, travelling from Padeniya to Anuradhapura, struck the calf, killing it instantly. Two people were in the lorry at the time. Local residents said the vehicle had fled the scene after the collision. The calf was later seen lying in the middle of the road, raising concerns among motorists. Officials from the Galgamuwa Wildlife Officer’s Office have launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities reiterated warnings for motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving through known elephant corridors, especially at night. (Sunday Island, 11.1.2026)
Sri Lanka is set to strengthen its disaster response and air capabilities with the arrival of 10 TH 57 (Bell 206 Sea Ranger) helicopters to Air Force from the United States Navy, provided at no cost under the Excess Defense Articles Program. Outgoing U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung announced the transfer, noting that the helicopters, manufactured in Texas and built for reliability, are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka by early 2026. She emphasized that recent crises, including Cyclone Ditwah, have highlighted the vital role helicopters play in search and rescue operations. The addition of these aircraft will enhance the Sri Lanka Air Force’s fleet and provide expanded opportunities for pilot training, ensuring more effective disaster response in the future. (Ceylon Today, 11.1.2026)
Sri Lanka’s postal service has recorded a remarkable turnaround in 2025, surpassing revenue targets set by the Treasury and signaling a major revival after years of stagnation. Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara said the Department of Posts generated Rs. 13.1 billion last year, exceeding the revenue target assigned for 2025.He highlighted that the past year also saw wide-ranging reforms, including large-scale recruitments, confirmations of long-serving staff, infrastructure upgrades, and investments in technology and transport to improve efficiency and service delivery. According to Sathkumara, 378 Sub-Postmasters received permanent appointments in June 2025—the first confirmations for the category since 2020. In September, the appointments of 1,000 Postal Assistants were regularised, marking the first such confirmations since 2022. The Postmaster General added that recruitment is underway to hire 600 Postal Service Officers through open competition, with appointments expected in February 2026. Meanwhile, 40 Grade III postal driver positions were filled in November 2025, the first appointments for that category since 2018. (Daily Mirror, 11.1.2026)
Total private sector borrowings in November 2025 peaked to Rs. 262.6 billion, the highest monthly figure yet for 2025, before the devastating Cyclone Ditwah hit the island. October 2025 was the second highest at Rs. 246.10 billion, followed by Rs. 236 billion in September, and Rs. 227 billion in August. According to the latest Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) data, domestic banking sector credit to the private sector in November amounted to Rs. 262.6 billion, taking the outstanding private sector debt stock to Rs. 10 trillion, up 26% from a year ago, with the debt stock from domestic banks increasing 27.9% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs. 9.43 trillion and up 1.1% to Rs. 595.3 billion from overseas banking units. The outstanding credit stock to the Government grew 0.1% YoY to Rs. 8.11 trillion as of end-November 2025, with credit from domestic banks down 0.7% YoY to Rs. 6.18 trillion. Total credit to public corporations was down 11.3% YoY to Rs. 584.8 billion, with the domestic banking sector debt stock at Rs. 531 billion, down 12.6% from a year ago. (Financial Times, 12.1.2026)
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that it will introduce a comprehensive program to regulate the use of drones in Sri Lanka, with particular emphasis on drones used for commercial purposes. Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Daminda Rambukwella, said that all drones with commercial value will be required to be registered under the new regulatory framework. He explained that the CAA is responsible for overseeing both manned aircraft and unmanned aerial systems, including drones. “There are two main categories—drones that carry people and unmanned drones. The Civil Aviation Authority has already introduced regulations for their controlled operation, and these will be fully implemented from this year,” Captain Rambukwella said. Although the regulations were introduced two years ago, he noted that their full implementation is now set to begin. Drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms and used for commercial purposes will fall under CAA regulation. “Drones below 250 grams, which are generally classified as toys, will not be regulated unless they are used commercially. Our focus is on regulating drones of 250 grams and above when they are used for commercial activities,” he added. Captain Rambukwella also pointed out that separate regulations already exist for the import and export of drones, and operators are required to comply with those procedures. Sri Lanka has seen a rise in drone-related violations in recent months, particularly in emergency situations and restricted zones. Following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah in late November and early December 2025, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) and the Civil Aviation Authority issued urgent warnings after unauthorized drone operations disrupted Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. These unregulated flights posed serious risks to rescue helicopters operating in flood-affected areas, prompting authorities to require all drone take-off and landing times to be reported to the SLAF to prevent potential mid-air accidents. Enforcement actions have also focused on sensitive religious and cultural sites. In late 2025, police made several arrests, including a Chinese national detained for illegally operating a drone near the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy and a local resident arrested near the Ruwanweliseya for flying a drone without a permit. Following these incidents, the CAA reiterated that unauthorized drone operations could result in fines or imprisonment under the Civil Aviation Act.(Daily Mirror, 12.1.2026)
Over 7,000 cases of drunk driving were recorded in the past year, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) W. P. J. Senadheera, who heads the Traffic Control and Road Safety Directorate revealed. Speaking to the media, DIG Senadheera said a mobile laboratory is now in operation to detect drivers under the influence of drugs. “The law will be strictly enforced against drug and drunk drivers,” he stressed. The National Institute of Medical Sciences’ mobile lab is conducting tests to identify the use of four substances heroin, cannabis, babul, and ice and has expanded operations using a medical mobile vehicle, he added. Emphasizing the importance of responsible driving, he advised: “If you choose to drink, that is your right. But do not drive after consuming alcohol. Use a sober driver, hire a taxi, or arrange alternative transport.” Authorities have reiterated that offenders will face strict action as part of efforts to curb road accidents linked to alcohol and drug use. (Daily Mirror, 14.1.2026)
Patients at the Colombo National Hospital (CNH) have raised serious concerns over deteriorating services, claiming that basic facilities including cleaning and meal provision are not being carried out according to established procedures. Several patients alleged that the hospital’s meal service is in disarray, with raw eggs being served for breakfast alongside a piece of papaw and a bowl of boiled gram. According to patients, no tools were provided to crack the eggs, forcing them to use hard surfaces within the ward. Patients further claimed that hospital staff failed to clarify whether the eggs were boiled, resulting in eggs shattering across ward floors and emitting foul odours, creating unsanitary conditions in patient care areas. Meanwhile, a senior hospital official speaking on condition of anonymity said that administrative instability has worsened the situation. He claimed that no appointment has been made to the post of Hospital Director, leaving the institution without proper leadership and effective management. The official further alleged that there is a deliberate attempt underway to destabilise hospital operations as part of a broader agenda to privatise the institution. According to him, individuals involved in this process are disrupting services and undermining the hospital’s functioning. He also claimed that patients are increasingly being directed to purchase medicines from outside pharmacies, while essential facilities are being withheld moves he said are aimed at weakening public confidence in the state-run hospital system. The allegations come amid growing public concern over the state of healthcare services at one of the country’s largest and most critical government hospitals. (Daily Mirror, 14.1.2026)
In a worrying twist to Sri Lanka’s ongoing battle against narcotics, recent data and law enforcement reports reveal a notable increase in drug use among affluent communities and high-socioeconomic groups in districts across Sri Lanka, a trend that has alarmed policymakers and the law enforcement officers alike. While nationwide drug abuse has climbed sharply, with authorities seizing vast quantities of heroin, crystal methamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine and millions of narcotic pills between January 2025 and early January 2026, police have flagged a distinct increase in consumption among professionals, well-off youths, and high society men and women. While these numbers underline a forceful enforcement drive, analysts note that raw seizures alone do not capture emerging consumption trends, particularly among wealthier and more privileged segments of society, who have traditionally been under-represented in arrest statistics but are now increasingly visible in drug culture circles. Since taking office in September 2024, the NPP government has made anti-narcotics action a cornerstone of its national security and social policy agenda. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has framed the drug problem as a “national scourge” requiring a comprehensive response that goes beyond. In Kandy alone, drug addiction has increased fivefold in 2025 compared to the previous year, police said. (Daily Mirror, 15.1.2026)
Around 700 persons are arrested daily over drug related offences, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament today. Responding to a question raised by MP Chamindrani Kiriella, the Minister also indicated the possibility of setting up a bail fund to get the release of thousands of inmates who are serving jail sentences for failure to pay bail. He said all prisons in Sri Lanka are overcrowded by 300 percent. (Daily Mirror, 20.1.2026)
The national minimum wage in the private sector will rise from Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 30,000, effective 1 January 2026, Labour Department Commissioner General Ms. H.M.D.N.K. Wataliyadda said. She added that the announcement was made in accordance with the National Minimum Wage of Employees (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2025. She also noted that the daily wage will increase from Rs. 1,080 to Rs. 1,200, with employers required to make the relevant payments .”Under the provisions of the Amendment Act, every employer—including both the immediate and ultimate employer-will be responsible for complying with the minimum wage requirements for employees engaged through intermediaries or contractors. Apart from budgetary relief allowances specified under Section 4 of the Act, no other allowances received by employees as of 31 March 2025 may be used to offset the minimum wage,” the Commissioner General said. The salary revision also transfers responsibility for statutory payments—including Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), overtime, gratuity, maternity benefits, and holiday payments—to employers. Employees who suspect that their employers are not making proper payments can file complaints via the Department of Labour’s Complaints Management System at cms.labourdept.gov.lk or submit complaints in writing to the nearest Labour Office. (Daily Mirror, 20.1.2026)
Around 30 to 40 children are admitted daily to hospital due to accidents, many of which could be prevented if parents and guardians paid closer attention, a consultant at the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, said. Consultant Physician Bandara Ekanayake of the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit said a significant number of childhood injuries were the result of preventable domestic accidents caused by a lack of supervision. He said motorcycle-related accidents involving children were also common, largely due to young children being transported without helmets. Strict enforcement of the law, he stressed, could substantially reduce such incidents. Speaking on the issue, Dr. Ekanayake said he encountered between 30 and 40 accident cases involving children every day due to a variety of causes. “Most of these incidents are unintentional. Children fall while being carried, sometimes when a mother falls asleep while breastfeeding, or while playing with a parent. There are also falls from beds and accidents while walking. In some cases, these seemingly minor incidents result in internal bleeding in the brain, which is not a trivial matter,” he said. He noted that negligence within the home played a major role in many of these accidents. While parents naturally loved their children, ensuring their safety required constant vigilance. “Caring for a child is an art. Love is not only about feeding and nurturing — protecting children from harm is also an essential part of that love,” he said. (Ceylon Today, 21.1.2026)
Sri Lanka’s air quality has worsened in several parts of the country with experts advising vulnerable groups to stay cautious and limit strenuous outdoor activities. Senior Scientist of the Air Quality Unit at the NBRO said the situation could pose risks to children, pregnant mothers, the elderly and people with respiratory or heart conditions. “We advise these groups to be particularly cautious during this period, as even short-term exposure to polluted air can trigger breathing difficulties and other health issues,” the official said. He also advised the public to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during these peak hours, as physical exertion can increase the amount of polluted air inhaled into the lungs. The experts said the deterioration is mainly due to polluted air being carried into the country by prevailing winds from neighbouring regions, increasing the concentration of harmful particles in the atmosphere. According to the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), air quality remain at moderate levels in Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Embilipitiya, Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa, Kalutara and Hambantota. However, slightly unhealthy conditions were recorded in Kandy, Kegalle, Galle, Puttalam, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Moneragala. The NBRO further urged people to wear face masks whenever possible and said sensitive individuals should seek immediate medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties, coughing or chest discomfort. Forecasts indicate Air Quality Index (AQI) values ranging between 56 and 120, with peak pollution levels expected between 8.00 a.m. and 9.00 a.m. and again between 4.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. (Daily Mirror, 23.1.2026)
Sri Lanka experienced a sharp drop in temperatures today (22), with Nuwara Eliya recording the lowest minimum of 3.5°C, according to the Department of Meteorology. The reading, taken early this morning from the Department’s regional observation network, marks the coldest temperature reported in recent times, reflecting unusually chilly conditions in the hill country. Other low temperatures were also recorded, with Bandarawela at 11.5°C, Badulla at 15.1°C and Katugastota at 15.9°C, indicating widespread cool weather across several central and Uva region areas. Meanwhile, warmer conditions prevailed in parts of the Northern and Southern regions. Mullaitivu recorded the highest morning temperature at 25.3°C, while Hambantota saw 22°C and Colombo 22.1°C, the Met Department said. (Daily Mirror, 23.1.2026)
The largest narcotics haul in Sri Lanka’s history was seized last year, according to Police Media Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler. Addressing a media briefing at the Department of Government Information at Narahenpita on Wednesday (22), ASP Wootler said nationwide operations carried out under Operation Ratama Ekata had helped curb the spread of illicit drugs. He said police taken into custory 10,871 kilos of heroin, cannabis, ice, hashish and cocaine in 2024, while seizures rose sharply to 23,692 kilograms and 307 grams in 2025. (Daily Island, 23.1.2026)
Sri Lanka Police say that 318 individuals were arrested in connection with various cybercrimes during the past year, 2025. Police Media Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler stated that more than 2,000 cybercrime complaints were recorded during the year, highlighting a growing threat in the digital space. He noted that cybercriminals primarily target the youth and the elderly, while individuals who have only recently gained access to the internet are also particularly vulnerable. ASP Wootler urged the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when using online platforms, emphasizing the importance of not sharing passwords or personal information with unknown or unauthorized parties. (Daily Mirror, 25.1.2026)
More than 77,000 individuals have been arrested under the island-wide ‘Ratama Ekata’ national drug prevention program since its launch last year, police said, as daily search operations continued across the country. Police arrested 819 individuals on Thursday during coordinated operations carried out under the initiative, which aims to dismantle drug supply networks, curb demand, rehabilitate addicts, and mobilise communities against drug abuse. During Thursday’s operations, police conducted 304 raids and seized quantities of narcotics, including 367 grams of heroin, over 2 kilograms of ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine), and approximately 32 kilograms of cannabis. According to police statistics, the ‘Ratama Ekata’ program, launched on October 30 last year, has led to the arrest of 77,105 suspects as of January 22. During this period, police have carried out 77,824 raids nationwide. Police said investigations into illegal assets have been initiated against 68 individuals, while 1,582 suspects have been detained under formal detention orders. Since the program’s inception, police have seized an estimated 320 kilograms of heroin, 1,280 kilograms of ‘Ice’, 6 kilograms of cocaine, and 2,341 kilograms of cannabis. In addition, they have recovered 155 kilograms of Kush, 44 kilograms of Hashish, more than 132,000 narcotic pills, and destroyed over 5.5 million cannabis plants. However, the surge in arrests under operations such as ‘Ratama Ekata’ has intensified pressure on Sri Lanka’s prison system. Prisons across the island are reported to be severely overcrowded, operating well beyond capacity, largely due to the influx of inmates held or convicted for drug-related offences. Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said in Parliament this week that all prisons in the country are operating at 300% capacity. Out of approximately 37,000 to 38,000 total inmates, about 27,000 are remand prisoners (not yet convicted), with a significant number held for drug-related offences. (Daily Mirror, 24.1.2026)
As many as 16-20 per cent of passenger bus drivers operate under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, posing a threat to public safety. The Transport Ministry has launched a stringent new campaign to tackle substance use among public transport staff. Speaking to the media, Minister Rathnayake revealed that while the driving profession is a respectable and vital part of the nation’s economy, it is being tarnished by a minority of individuals. He said that approximately 16% to 20% of bus drivers operate vehicles under the influence of narcotics or alcohol, posing a severe threat to public safety. “Driving is a highly honourable profession, but when someone takes the wheel after using drugs, they are not just driving; they are endangering lives,” the Minister said. He highlighted grim statistics from 2025, stating that out of nearly 2,700 fatal road accidents, a significant majority involved ordinary citizens, including pedestrians and motorcyclists, whose families are often left economically destitute. The Minister issued a stern warning to private bus owners, urging them to take immediate responsibility for their staff. “Do not let your business be filled with drug addicts. If a driver or conductor is using drugs, remove them or direct them to rehabilitation programs!” he asked. He said that the law will show no leniency towards those caught driving under the influence, stating that risking the lives of 50 to 100 passengers is “extremely unfair.” To combat this, Minister Rathnayake said that the Ministry has introduced rapid testing measures that can deliver results in just three minutes. The Ministry is also offering to deploy mobile medical laboratory units to bus depots and companies free of charge to screen employees, a service already being rolled out at Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depots. In a move to empower commuters, the Minister requested passengers to be vigilant. “We have displayed WhatsApp numbers on buses. If you suspect that a driver or conductor is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you don’t need to make a scene. Just send us a WhatsApp message with the bus number, and we will take immediate action,” Rathnayake said.(Daily Mirror, 24.1.2026)
Criminal behaviour among young people aged between 16 and 22 has increased significantly over the past 10 years in Sri Lanka, Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Tharaka Fernando said. Speaking at a media briefing held to mark the 100th anniversary of the Institute of Mental Health, Dr Fernando said local research revealed a clear rise in youth-related crime, adding that a similar trend can be seen across the world. He said that when examining Sri Lanka’s statistical data from around 2015 to 2016, the number of individuals prosecuted in court and convicted had increased by nearly 200 per cent. Describing the situation as alarming, Dr Fernando warned that if the trend continues, prisons in the future could be filled largely with people from the 16 to 22 age group. He also rejected the widely held belief that most criminals are people with mental illnesses or psychiatric conditions, saying that this is a complete misconception. Furthermore, Dr Fernando stressed that while mental health issues exist in society, they should not be equated with criminal behaviour, as doing so only deepens stigma and prevents affected individuals from seeking proper treatment.(Daily Mirror, 27.1.2026)
Nearly 30 per cent of Sri Lanka’s adult population is affected by mental health problems, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Madhushani Dias said. Addressing a program held in Colombo, Dr Dias said a significant proportion of those suffering from mental health issues are elderly persons aged 60 or 65 and above. She noted that Sri Lanka’s elderly population is increasing rapidly, but social awareness regarding mental health problems faced by older adults remains low, leading to a range of challenges. Dr Dias said many psychological symptoms associated with ageing are often dismissed as normal due to myths and misconceptions. As a result, conditions such as forgetfulness and depression are frequently ignored by elderly people and those around them. She warned that the growing prevalence of mental health issues among senior citizens is having a serious impact on their quality of life and is also contributing to an increase in physical health complications. (Daily Mirror, 27.1.2026)
The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) received 10,455 complaints related to children in 2025.According to data released by the Authority, 8,514 of the complaints fell within the scope of the NCPA Act, while 1,941 cases were outside its purview. The complaints included 545 cases of sexual harassment and 231 incidents of grave sexual abuse. The NCPA also recorded 79 teenage pregnancies and three abortions involving minors during the year. Other reported cases included 38 incidents of rape, nine child marriages, and 150 cases of cyber abuse targeting children. The NCPA further documented 20 attempted suicides among children in 2025. In addition, the NCPA received 42 complaints concerning children without birth certificates and nine cases involving children under the age of five who were left behind when their parents migrated abroad. The NCPA said the figures underscore the urgent need for sustained vigilance, early intervention, and strengthened child protection mechanisms to ensure the safety and well-being of children across the country. (Daily Island, 30.1.2026)
Sri Lanka is facing a silent epidemic as around 100 new cancer patients are diagnosed every day and nearly 40 succumb to the disease, with experts warning that lifestyle choices and environmental hazards are fueling the crisis. Dr. Hasareli Fernando, Head of the National Cancer Control Programme, shocked the nation yesterday by linking the surge in cases to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diesel emissions, plastic burning, and even eating red meat while oral cancer continues to claim the most men. Addressing the media ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4, Dr. Fernando highlighted lifestyle and environmental factors driving the alarming increase in cancer cases. “Tobacco remains the leading cause, followed by alcohol, diesel engine emissions, plastic and polythene burning, and exposure to industrial gases like Radon. Even dietary habits, such as consuming red meat including pork, are recognized human carcinogens,” she said. Data from the National Cancer Registry reveal that 35,855 new cancer cases were reported in 2022, with women (19,500) slightly outnumbering men (16,400). Oral cancer is the leading type among men, while breast cancer tops the charts for women, followed by thyroid and colorectal cancers. At Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama, nearly 3,000 to 4,000 patients are seen in clinics daily, with only 20% receiving active treatment and the remainder attending for follow-ups. Dr. Fernando warned that some cancer risks, like age, genetics, and family history, are unavoidable. “Sri Lanka’s aging population will inevitably increase cancer incidence, as mutations accumulate, immunity declines, and exposure to carcinogens continues over time,” she said. The World Health Organization, however, offers hope, stating that 30% to 50% of all cancers are preventable. Experts urge immediate public action to curb tobacco and alcohol use, reduce exposure to environmental pollutants, and adopt healthier diets before the daily death toll climbs further. (Daily Mirror, 30.1.2026)
The Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Mass Media and Women’s Empowerment has agreed in principle to ban single-stick sales of cigarettes and increase taxes on tobacco products, according to parliamentary sources. The decision was reached during an institutional review of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) held recently in Parliament. The meeting was chaired by MP Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe. During the review, NATA officials informed the committee that approximately 22,000 deaths occurred annually in Sri Lanka due to tobacco and alcohol consumption. They said the country suffered an economic loss of between Rs. 225 billion and Rs. 240 billion each year due to the consumption of tobacco products and alcohol. Officials told the committee that steps were underway to amend the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act to grant it more powers. Noting that 104 countries had already banned the sale of loose cigarettes, the underscored the need for Sri Lanka to adopt a similar policy. When loose cigarettes were sold, mandatory health warnings on cigarette packets were not visible to consumers, the NATA officials said. The committee was also briefed on the importance of imposing taxes on cigarettes after determining their retail prices, as part of broader measures aimed at reducing tobacco consumption. (Daily Island, 30.1.2026)
Sri Lanka Customs has reiterated that it is strictly prohibited for any passenger arriving from abroad to bring cigarettes, warning that offenders will face severe penalties under the law. In line with this, 232,804,000 foreign cigarettes seized over the last four months were burned and destroyed today at the Kerawalapitiya Waste-to-Energy Power Plant. The seized stock, valued at Rs. 305 million, would have cost the government Rs. 271 million in lost tax revenue if allowed into the local market. The operation was overseen by senior officials, including the heads of the Bandaranaike International Airport security divisions and Sri Lanka Customs Media Spokesperson and Director of Customs, Wandana Punchi Hewa. Sri Lanka Customs emphasized that all passengers must comply with the ban to avoid strict legal action. (Daily Mirror, 31.1.2026)
