News
Patali: Operation Yukthiya has left some children destitute
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The ongoing countrywide drug bust known as the Operation Yukthiya has created serious social problems with many children being left without their parents due to indiscriminate arrests, Patali Champika Ranawaka, leader of the United Republican Front (URF) says.
“Police have arrested a large number of former and current drug addicts. Sometimes, both mother and father have been taken away. The operation has created a situation where boys join underworld gangs and girls take to prostitution.
All across Colombo, there are many instances where children are starving because their parents are being held on remand. Most of them cannot afford to pay legal fees,” Ranawaka said on Wednesday (03)
Although the crackdown on the drug mafia had entered its third week, none of the key figures in the underworld had been arrested, Ranawaka said, criticising the police for demolishing selected buildings near the beach on the grounds that they had been built with proceeds from narcotic sale.
“The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) is empowered to remove structures that have been built too close to the ocean, he said. “In some areas, you can’t build permanent structures within 100 metres of the beach. In some areas it is 30 metres. The CCD has the legal authority to get rid of these structures. If necessary, they can take legal action for the removal of these constructions.
However, now the police have alleged that these buildings were constructed with drug money. This is illegal,” Ranawaka said, adding that there could be an ulterior motive for removing certain business places while allowing others to continue with their operations. During the latter part of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second term, the security forces had been deployed to demolish buildings selectively and that had led to his electoral defeat, Ranawaka said.
Under a URF administration, new laws would be brought in to make it a punishable offence to come to power by making false promises. For example, some people in Viyathmaga told the people that the GDP growth under the Yahapalana administration was 3% and under the Gotabaya administration it would rise to 7%. Ultimately, under that government the economy contracted by 7%. “Bankrupting a state is a serious crime. We know who is responsible. The entire Cabinet of ministers under Gotabaya are responsible for the calamity we are facing now,” Champika alleged.
Ranawaka said the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration’s disastrous handling of the pandemic and the economy would be thoroughly investigated under a URF government.
“We don’t accept the official COVID death figures. More than 15,000 people died. We will investigate this and the economic mismanagement and punish those responsible,” Ranawaka said.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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