The CID has launched an investigation into unauthorised access to the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) used by the Police Narcotics Bureau to track multi-day fishing vessels and boats suspected of transporting narcotics.

Police said the system had been accessed using 57 different IP addresses, raising serious concerns that sensitive operational data had been leaked to drug traffickers.

The VMS plays a critical role in monitoring fishing vessels suspected of smuggling large quantities of narcotics into the country. In recent years, information obtained through the system has enabled the Police Narcotics Bureau, with support from the Navy, to seize several large drug consignments at sea.

Police said intelligence reports indicated that VMS data had been accessed not only by authorised investigators but also by individuals linked to narcotics networks, prompting an inquiry on the instructions of the IGP.

Preliminary findings revealed that multiple individuals had logged into the system through 57 separate IP addresses to obtain sensitive information. Acting on these findings, investigations were initiated under the direction of DIG in charge of the Police Narcotics Bureau, Ashoka Dharmasena.

Authorities have since changed all access credentials to the VMS to prevent further unauthorized entry. The revised access details have been provided exclusively to the DIG and the Director of the bureau, police said.

by Norman Palihawadane ✍️

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has identified the risk of landslides in 14 districts across Sri Lanka, with around 30 percent of the country’s land area classified as landslide-prone, officials said.

Senior Geologist Dr. Wasantha Senadeera said the high-risk areas cover approximately 20,000 square kilometres and are home to about 34 percent of the population.

Following heavy rainfall, linked to Cyclone Ditwah, the NBRO has received 2,710 requests to inspect locations vulnerable to landslides, of which 589 inspections have already been completed. Using satellite imagery from affected areas, officials have identified 1,241 locations where ground movement exceeded 10 metres. Of these, 919 locations showed no impact on houses, while 322 landslides were reported to have affected residential buildings.

Based on real-time information, the NBRO identified dangerous conditions in several areas and advised more than 15,000 people to evacuate through Divisional Secretariat offices. Dr. Senadeera urged the public to assess the risks in their areas and strictly follow safety guidelines issued by authorities. He also stressed the importance of residents living in unauthorised or vulnerable structures adhering closely to NBRO instructions.

Dr. Senadeera noted that many fatalities in previous disasters had resulted from collapsing soil embankments and called on the public to exercise greater caution, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.

Meanwhile, the NBRO has carried out landslide risk assessments at 120 schools in the Central Province, following inspection requests for 128 schools. NBRO Scientist Suminda Rathnayake said inspections had been completed at most of the requested schools.

Rathnayake said that due to continuous rainfall over the past few days, the number of inspection requests received by the NBRO has risen to 5,450, covering a total of 10,884 locations. Inspections have so far been completed at 1,433 locations.

In view of recent rainfall and the expected showers associated with the Northeast Monsoon, the NBRO has extended landslide warnings in several areas. Level Three evacuation (Red) warnings have been issued for eight Divisional Secretariat divisions in two districts. These include the Doluwa, Udadumbara, Minipe and Medadumbara divisions in the Kandy District, and the Mathurata, Nildandhahinna, Hanguranketha and Walapane divisions in the Nuwara Eliya District.

In addition, Level Two warnings advising heightened vigilance have been issued for residents in 35 Divisional Secretariat divisions across five districts. Authorities have urged the public in affected areas to remain alert and follow instructions issued by disaster management officials.

by Samanthi Weerasekera ✍️

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urging urgent action to address challenges faced by the Right to Information (RTI) Commission.

In a letter sent to the Presidential Secretariat, BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya has highlighted concerns arising from a recent public statement issued by the RTI Commission on 20th November 2025.

The BASL has emphasised that the RTI Commission, established under the Right to Information Act No. 12 of 2016, plays a crucial role in safeguarding citizens’ constitutional right to access information under Article 14A.

The BASL expressed appreciation for the Commission’s decade-long service, despite limited resources, but pointed to serious issues of understaffing and insufficient financing, which, they said, threaten its independence and effectiveness.

The Association urged the President to act swiftly, saying, “We respectfully urge Your Excellency to take immediate steps to ensure the provision of adequate and independent financial resources to the Commission, thereby safeguarding its autonomy and capacity to discharge its mandate.”

Additionally, the BASL strongly opposed any amendments to the Right to Information Act that could curtail citizens’ access to information.

The letter stressed that any proposed changes must involve due consultation with the BASL and the public.

The Bar Association concluded by urging the President to consider these concerns to uphold constitutional rights and protect the independence of the RTI Commission.