News
Sharp eye on attempts to rouse communal passion but no foreign intelligence on the subject
The defence authorities have observed that there are attempts to create communal disharmony and disturbances with the intention of gaining political advantage and intelligence and security apparatus are closely monitoring the situation, Defence State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon told Parliament on Thursday.
He said that attention of the intelligence and security authorities are drawn to possible clashes centering the Kurundimale temple in Mullaitivu district. He also said no foreign intelligence has been received of attempts to rouse communal passions.
Responding to a query by Opposition and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa, Minister Tennakoon said: We have observed very clearly that there are attempts to create communal disturbances and racial violence. The government security forces are on alert on these attempts.
For example a person by the name Anthony Jeganathan has raised special concerns about the Kurundi archaeological site. He is a Catholic and we have a serious question about his bona fides. It has been observed that he is making a special effort to instigate people on communal lines. The minister said that he had no time to respond to each and every rumor and Facebook post.
Opposition Leader Premadasa making a special statement said that both local and foreign media have reported that Indian intelligence agencies have warned of possible communal riots in Sri Lanka.
“They have warned of parties and individuals involved in creating disturbances and unrest over the Kurundimale temple in Mullaitivu. Foreign media reported a leak of Indian intelligence reports warning of imminent communal riots that could be created by the disputes and controversies over the temple.
We are on the verge of another explosion of communal violence. This is a dangerous issue and also a matter that affects national security. We had experienced the consequences of security forces not heeding prior warnings of the Indian intelligence agencies on Easter Sunday attacks,” Premadasa said.Minister Tennakoon said that no intelligence has been officially conveyed by any foreign agency to their local counterparts with regard to possible communal riots.
Latest News
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
Acting promptly upon request, a Navy diving team executed a coordinated operation in collaboration with the Road Development Authority. The team removed the accumulated debris, restoring normal water flow through the bridges.
Latest News
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
Trump says US launched large-scale attacks on ISIL in Syria
Showers will occur in the Eastern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa district
PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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