The US Embassy in Colombo yesterday (02) said the recent detection of 463 kg of Crystal Methamphetamine at the Colombo Port had been made possible by intelligence provided by the US. It noted that the detected narcotics were to be moved to international markets, via Colombo.

The text of the US Embassy statement: “The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Delhi Country Office and Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) conducted a successful joint operation disrupting a Pakistan-based narcotrafficking network attempting to smuggle crystal methamphetamine through Sri Lanka to international markets.

Acting on intelligence developed by DEA’s Foreign Counterparts Unit Pakistan Anti-Narcotics Force Special Investigations Cell between August 14–29 on suspicious maritime containers moving from Pakistan to Colombo, PNB seized approximately 463 kg of crystal methamphetamine—valued at $21 million—concealed in bath towels, and arrested several suspects, including Pakistani nationals. This operation underscores the strength of the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership in dismantling transnational criminal organizations that fund terrorism and threaten communities in both our countries.

This cooperation builds on longstanding training and technical assistance provided through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to the Sri Lanka Police and Customs. The United States remains committed to working with Sri Lanka and regional partners to aggressively pursue transnational criminal organizations, deny them the revenue from illicit drug trafficking, and protect our citizens from the dangers of narcotrafficking.”

Sri Lanka has reached a milestone in strengthening its national food control system with the launch of its first National Food Safety Policy, providing a comprehensive framework to safeguard public health, strengthen food systems, and support economic growth through a coordinated, risk-based approach to food safety, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has said.

Text of FAO statement: “Developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media through the Food Control Administration Unit (FCAU), the policy establishes a national vision to ensure safe, healthy and quality food for all while strengthening coordination among institutions responsible for food safety across the entire food chain – from production to consumption.

Although Sri Lanka has an established legal framework governing food safety, the country previously lacked an overarching national policy to guide and coordinate food safety efforts across institutions and sectors. The new policy addresses this gap by providing strategic direction for strengthening governance, enhancing surveillance systems, improving risk assessment and communication, building laboratory capacity, strengthening food safety legislation, and promoting greater awareness among producers, food businesses and consumers.

The policy also seeks to address emerging food safety challenges associated with changing food production systems, expanding domestic and international food trade, evolving consumer preferences, and increasingly complex food supply chains. It promotes a preventive, risk-based approach to food safety while strengthening coordination among stakeholders at national, provincial and local levels.

Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe welcomed the adoption of the policy as a significant step towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s food safety system. “The National Food Safety Policy marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen public health and build greater confidence in our food systems. By establishing a clear national framework that promotes prevention, scientific risk management and stronger coordination across sectors, we are laying the foundation for safer food for every citizen while enhancing the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s agrifood sector. We appreciate the technical support provided by FAO and the European Union through the BESPA programme in helping us develop this important national policy.”

Dr. Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, highlighted the importance of strong food safety systems for public health and sustainable economic development. “Food safety is essential not only for protecting the health and well-being of consumers, but also for building resilient food systems, strengthening market confidence and creating new economic opportunities. Through the European Union-funded BESPA programme, we are pleased to support Sri Lanka in establishing its first National Food Safety Policy, which provides a strong foundation for modern, risk-based food safety governance. We are hopeful of seeing this policy translate into a robust implementation . This milestone reflects our continued partnership with Sri Lanka in promoting sustainable agrifood systems that benefit producers, businesses and consumers alike.”

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through the European Union-funded Mainstreaming Standards-Based Best Practices for Agri-Food Sector Development (BESPA) programme, has supported the Ministry of Health and Mass Media since the programme’s inception in developing the National Food Safety Policy. Through the programme, FAO provided national and international technical expertise to develop the initial draft of the policy and continued to support its refinement through multiple rounds of technical review and stakeholder consultations.

The operationalization of the National Food Safety Policy will be supported by the proposed updated Food Act, which will provide the legislative framework for strengthening food safety control in Sri Lanka. In July 2026, FAO supported a national stakeholder consultation, chaired by the Director General of Health Services, to review the latest draft of the proposed Act and obtain final technical inputs from key stakeholders.

Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, said the policy reflects the importance of coordinated action to strengthen food safety across the agrifood system. “Food safety is fundamental to protecting public health while building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. This landmark policy provides Sri Lanka with a strategic roadmap to strengthen food safety governance, improve coordination across sectors, and promote preventive, science-based approaches that benefit consumers, producers and the country’s economy. FAO is proud to have supported the Government of Sri Lanka, with funding from the European Union through the BESPA programme, in achieving this important milestone.”

The National Food Safety Policy outlines six strategic priority areas that will guide implementation. These include strengthening food safety governance and institutional coordination; improving food safety control throughout the food chain; enhancing legislation, standards and regulatory systems; strengthening surveillance, laboratories and risk analysis; promoting communication, education and capacity development; and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to support effective implementation.”

President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) Rajeev Amarasuriya, at the farewell to Justice Rathanapriya Gurusinghe of the Court of Appeal, on 1 September, said that the BASL was aware that the former Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, PC, had recommended Justice Gurusinghe for elevation to the Supreme Court. As far as the BASL was aware, that recommendation was still pending at the Office of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Amarasuriya said the BASL had reminded the President, on two occasions, of the pending appointment, but to no avail.

The BASLL statement: It is with a deep sense of pride, and a touch of sadness that we, the Bar, gather here today to bid farewell to Your Lordship Justice Gurusinghe, upon the completion of a long, distinguished and highly respected judicial career.

Your Lordship’s journey in the law is one we have watched with great admiration over the years, a journey that reflects commitment, perseverance, and quiet, unwavering service.

Your Lordship commenced your judicial career on 5th March 1996, and has served as Magistrate / District Judge in Colombo, Nawalapitiya, Gampola, Avissawella, Chillaw, Matara, Matale and Kandy,

Through these appointments, Your Lordship rendered distinguished service to the people of the Republic.

Your Lordship was elevated to the High Court in 2012, with the first appointment as a Civil Appellate High Court Judge in Ampara, and thereafter as High Court Judge in Badulla and the Commercial High Court in Colombo.

On 01st December 2020, Your Lordship was elevated as a Judge of the Court of Appeal and in that capacity contributing to the administration and development of this Court.

During this period, Your Lordship also served as Acting President of the Court of Appeal this year, undertaking the responsibilities of the head of the Court during that period of service.

Over the years, we have watched Your Lordship discharge judicial duties with dignity, patience, and fairness.

Those who appeared before Your Lordship would readily acknowledge the warmth and courtesy extended to Counsel and litigants alike, and the calm and balanced manner in which proceedings were conducted.

The true strength of the Judiciary lies not only in learning and authority, but also in temperament, integrity, and humanity. And of course on the quality and efficiency in the dispensation of justice.

These are qualities that the Bar has witnessed in Your Lordship throughout your years on the Bench, and for which you are held in the highest esteem and deep affection.

Your Lordship has also been a driving force towards meaningful reform within the legal system. It is this spirit of progress and openness to change that we, as members of the Bar and Judiciary alike, must continue to follow and strive towards, in our collective effort to build a more responsive, efficient, and forward-looking administration of justice.

On behalf of the Bar, I wish to place on record our sincere appreciation and gratitude for Your Lordship’s dedicated service to the Judiciary and to the people of Sri Lanka. I am confident that Your Lordship will continue to serve the profession and our system in varied and important capacities.

As the most Senior Justice of the Court of Appeal and one-time Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Your Lordship’s long service as a career judge and Your Lordship’s unblemished record of distinguished service, Your Lordship is eminently suited to be elevated to the Supreme Court.

We are aware that the former Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Murdu Fernando, PC, recommended Your Lordship Justice Gurusinghe, for elevation to the Supreme Court. As far as we are aware, that recommendation is still pending at H.E. the President’s Office.

As Your Lordship knows, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has reminded H.E. the President on two occasions, but to no avail.

But Your Lordship knows the sentiments of the Bar, and I hope that will provide some consolation to Your Lordship on the eve of Your Lordship’s retirement.

As Your Lordship retires from judicial office, we wish you, with great warmth and affection, good health, happiness, peace, and fulfilment in the years ahead.

While Your Lordship may now leave the Bench, the respect and affection earned through years of honourable service will undoubtedly endure, and Your Lordship will be missed.

We thank Your Lordship, most sincerely, for your contribution to the administration of justice and wish Your Lordship the very best for the future.”