Response from the Hajj Committee to certain articles

On behalf of the Hajj Committee, I wish to respond to the following two articles which appeared in the Lankadeepa and subsequently in the Daily Mirror, two newspapers which I subscribe to and respect.

Police take action against 4,826 traffic offenders

Sri Lanka Police said that a total of 27,430 individuals were inspected yesterday (06) during daily search operations conducted across the country.

Appeal made to Mahanayake Theras over CEB VRS delay crisis

A collective of approximately 2,200 employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) who have applied for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) has made an urgent appeal to the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Thera of the Malwathu Chapter, the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiri Chapter, and the Advisory Executive Council of the Sangha, seeking immediate intervention over delays in implementing the scheme.

Showers, strong winds forecast across several parts

Showers are expected to occur at times in the Uva Province and in the districts of Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Ampara and Batticaloa, the Meteorological Department said.

40,000 prisoners crammed into space sufficient for 10,500

Former Prisons Department Spokesman, Lion Jagath Chandana Weerasinghe, said heavy congestion prevails in prisons across the country, noting that 40,000 prisoners are being detained nationwide in facilities with a capacity of only 10,500.

Prez gets tough; no salary hike till 2027 whoever strikes

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday stressed that no allowances will be given for public sector employees until the third instalment of the salary increment is given in 2027, whoever resorts to strikes or takes to the streets.

Trump removes video with racist clip depicting Obamas as apes

US President Donald Trump has removed a social media video which included a racist clip depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.

Opposition MP fires Govt. over move to renovate Prabhakaran’s ancestral home

The government’s purported decision to renovate the ancestral home of slain LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran has come under fire from the opposition in Parliament.

Sri Lanka’s foreign employment industry in crisis

The Association of Licensed Foreign Employment Agencies (ALFEA), designed as Sri Lanka’s intellectual firewall against corruption and misconduct in the foreign employment trade, is failing legally powerless despite its statutory mandate.

Sri Lankan marketers urged to ditch ‘gut feel’ for data-driven decisions

Sri Lankan marketers are grappling with a critical inertia in adopting data-driven decision-making, often favoring “gut feel” over statistical analysis despite having the necessary academic background.

Accountants best placed to lead sustainability reporting: IFAC Chief

Financial markets need trust worthy, high quality information on sustainability related risks and opportunities so that investors and lenders can make efficient decisions, said International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) President Jean Bouquot during his recent visit to Sri Lanka.

LAUGFS Gas raises domestic LPG prices for February 2026

LAUGFS Gas PLC has announced an increase in domestic LPG refill prices for February 2026, effective from midnight today.

Record 175 from Suryavanshi Seals Sixth U19 Crown for India

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi produced a breathtaking 175 off just 80 balls as India stormed to a record sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title with a commanding 100-run victory over England in the final.

President’s helicopter rides a source of sarcasm for opposition in Parliament

In a sarcastic tone, the Opposition in Parliament yesterday welcomed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s decision to travel to Kandy by helicopter, a move seen as a contrast to his past rhetoric.

GMOA warns of escalated TU over unresolved issues

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has warned that it is ready to further intensify its ongoing trade union action to protect Sri Lanka’s free public healthcare and hospital system, citing unresolved professional and administrative concerns.

No new laws on Beach Seine fishing

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has clarified that no new laws have been introduced regarding the use of beach seine nets, stressing that authorities are only enforcing existing regulations.

Parliament approves motion to extend emergency

The motion to extend the state of emergency by another month was approved by Parliament by a majority of 104 votes, with 106 MPs voting in favour and two against.

India reaffirms support for Sri Lanka at JVP–Jaishankar meeting

A meeting was held in New Delhi between Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva, who led a delegation from Sri Lanka, and India’s Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar.

T20 World Cup 2026 opener at SSC free for public

The inaugural match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played tomorrow at the SSC Grounds in Colombo, will be open to the public free of charge.

Inivos COO Ayomi Gunawardana wins national export entrepreneur award

Ayomi Gunawardana, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Inivos Consulting Pvt Ltd, has won two honours at the WCIC Prathibaabisheka Awards 2025.

14-year-old Sooryavanshi rewrites history with 175 in U19 World Cup Final

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a sensational 175 off just 80 balls to power India to a historic 411/9 against England in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 final in Harare, rewriting multiple tournament records in a stunning display of power hitting.

Chamithri Rambukwella released on bail

The Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered that Chamithri Rambukwella, the elder daughter of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, be released on bail.

Suicide bombing at Islamabad Shiite mosque kills at least 30 people

A suicide attack at a mosque in Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad killed at least 30 people and wounded more than 130 on Friday, a police source told AFP.

T20 World Cup 2026 Begins with Spectacular Mumbai Showcase

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will burst into life on Saturday evening with a high-energy Opening Ceremony at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, setting the tone for an action-packed tournament before co-hosts India face the USA.

Politics leave Pakistan no room for error at T20 World Cup

Captain Salman Agha warned Friday that his Pakistan team must bring their ’’A-game’’ to the T20 World Cup to reach the knockout stages after forfeiting their group match against India.

Tuition classes banned ahead of 2025 (2026) G.C.E. O/L Examination

Conducting tuition classes targeting candidates sitting for the 2025 (2026) G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination will be prohibited from midnight on February 11, the Department of Examinations announced.

19 female conductors appointed to SLTB

In a historic milestone for Sri Lanka’s public transport sector, 19 female conductors were appointed to permanent service in the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) at an official ceremony held this morning (06) at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Center.

Deputy Minister clashes with Opposition MP in Parliament

Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinge engaged in a heated argument with Opposition MP Chaminda Wijesiri in Parliament today while accusing each other of allegations.

WMC’s new initiative

Madras High Court adjourns hearing on plea to remove LTTE ban

The Madras High Court has adjourned the hearing on a long-standing petition seeking the removal of the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in India. The case was postponed until February 16, 2026, after the Union Government’s counsel requested more time during proceedings before a Division Bench.