Sri Lanka has taken delivery of 10 TH-57 ‘Sea Ranger’ multi-role helicopters provided by the United States of America to the Sri Lanka Air Force. Air Forces headquarters said that the helicopters arrived here by sea.

The SLAF has said: “The arrival of these aircraft marks a significant milestone in the longstanding defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States and represents a valuable contribution towards enhancing the operational and training capabilities of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

“The helicopters are currently undergoing configurations and technical preparations at SLAF Base Ratmalana. Following the completion of requisite inspections, acceptance procedures and test flights, the aircraft will be inducted into service and deployed for operational duties.

“The TH-57 fleet is expected to significantly strengthen the Air Force’s aviation training capacity while enhancing the ability to support a broad spectrum of national requirements. The aircraft will primarily be employed for pilot training, humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations, search and rescue (SAR) missions and other public service commitments undertaken by the Sri Lanka Air Force.”

Referring to the recent declaration made by JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva that the Provincial Council elections couldn’t be held this year as funds allocated for that purpose were utilised to provide Ditwah cyclone relief, Tamil Progressive Front (TPA) leader Mano Ganeshan, MP, has asked Dr. Harsha de Silva, MP Chairman, Committee on Public Finance, to inquire into the issue at hand and take action deemed appropriate.

The text of MP Ganeshan’s letter: “I write with reference to a statement reportedly made by Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the principal constituent party of the National People’s Power (NPP) Government.

According to media reports, Silva stated, in substance, that funds allocated and set aside for the conduct of Provincial Council Elections had been utilised by the Government for disaster-rebuilding and related purposes.

While he is reported to have made further remarks, I confine my attention to the above statement, which raises a serious matter concerning public finance and parliamentary oversight.

To the best of my knowledge, Parliament has not approved any transfer or reallocation of funds, earmarked for Provincial Council Elections, to any other expenditure head or purpose. If the statement, attributed to Mr. de Silva, is accurate, it may indicate that such funds have been utilised without the requisite parliamentary authorisation.

In view of the above, I respectfully request that the Committee on Public Finance inquire into this matter and ascertain whether any transfer, reallocation, or expenditure of funds allocated for Provincial Council Elections has occurred in a manner inconsistent with parliamentary approval and financial regulations.

I would be grateful if the Committee could examine the facts and take any action deemed appropriate within its mandate.”

Sri Kalyani Vesak Zone 2026 was held this year under the guidance of Venerable Emeritus Professor Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangarakkitha Nayaka Thero, the Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

The auspicious opening ceremony was held on 01st June, 2026, by Venerable Deniyaye Pannaloka Buddharakkitha Thero and Dhammika Attygalle, Chief Basnayaka Nilame of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya.

Former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Sanath Jayasuriya also participated in this event.