News
Lohan Ratwatte passes away
Former State Minister and parliamentarian Lohan Ratwatte has passed away at the age of 57 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo, family sources said on Friday.
A prominent political figure, and son of former Deputy Defence Minister Anuruddha Ratwatte, he was known for his strong ties to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and later, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
Lohan began his political career with his election to the Central Provincial Council, in 2009, and entered Parliament in 2010, representing the Kandy District. He held several key portfolios over the years, including State Minister of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries and State Minister of Prison Management and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation.
His political career, while influential, was not without controversy. He resigned from his prison management portfolio in 2021, following serious allegations of misconduct.
Following his death, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and MP Namal Rajapaksa were seen visiting the hospital to pay their respects.
“He was a close political ally and a friend. His death is a great loss, especially to the people of Kandy,” said Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Namal Rajapaksa also extended condolences, calling Ratwatte “a brother and a loyal political companion to our family.”
Born on June 22, 1968, Lohan Evindra Ratwatte remained an active figure in Sri Lankan politics for over two decades. His contributions, particularly to the Kandy District, were recognised by both political allies and constituents.Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
A discussion with the Catholic Council was held on Thursday (21) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat under the co-chairmanship of Minister of Science and Technology, Chrishantha Abeysena and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Discussions focused on administrative issues relating to Catholic schools taken over by the Government, the formulation of a structured teacher cadre system for Catholic religious education, the need to recruit Catholic nuns and priests into the teaching profession and the establishment of a mechanism to obtain the support of the Ministry of Education for the administration of Government-acquired Catholic schools.
It was also decided that discussions with the Catholic Council would be held three times annually, while Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage would serve as Secretary to the forum.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the Catholic Council, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith thanked President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Government for facilitating the discussion.
His Eminence further stated that the expectation was to ensure every student, without discrimination, is given the opportunity to learn his or her own religion and stressed the importance of resolving the prevailing issues within the education sector.
Also present at the occasion were Most Rev. Bishop Harold Anthony Perera, Most Rev. Bishop Christy Noel Emmanuel, Most Rev. Bishop Anton Ranjith, Most Rev. Bishop Wimal Siri Jayasuriya, other clergy representing the Catholic Council, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewa and senior officials of the Ministry of Education.
(PMD)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to broaden the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, which was launched last year. Unlike the inaugural edition held in November 2025 that featured eight Associate teams, the second edition will comprise 10 teams, including five Test-playing nations. The tournament is scheduled to be held in November this year.
Italian Navy’s ITS GIOVANNI DELLE BANDE NERE, which arrived in Colombo (21 May 2026) on a replenishment visit, departed the island today (22 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade a customary farewell to the departing ship in compliance with naval traditions at the port of Colombo.
During her brief stay in Colombo, the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Antonio BUFIS called on the Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
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