A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.

This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday  (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.

Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.

It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.

The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.

The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

A meeting between the Leader of the indigenous Vedda community, Uru Warige Wannila Aththo and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was held on Friday  (12) at Parliament.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the challenges faced by the indigenous community and the Leader of the community, Uru Warige Wannila Aththo drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the difficulties encountered by indigenous people in accessing and using their traditional ancestral lands.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the indigenous community has the right to enjoy and use its traditional lands without obstruction and stated that the necessary legal measures to safeguard these rights would be expedited.

The Indigenous Leader also raised concerns over the lack of relief assistance provided so far to the residents of Hennanigala who were affected by the recent Cyclone Ditwah. The Prime Minister immediately instructed the relevant officials to ensure that these families receive proper relief assistance without delay.

The discussion also focused on the shortcomings and needs of the Dambana School, and the Prime Minister emphasized that the matter would be looked into and that the necessary measures would be taken.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

CLA backs concerns raised by BASL over move to increase retirement age of senior judges

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) on Thursday noted concerns raised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) over a reported move to amend the Constitution to increase the retirement age of judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

In a statement, the CLA said the BASL, in a letter dated May 25, 2026, addressed to the President, had expressed grave concern that the Government was considering a constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of senior judges, currently fixed under Article 107(5) of the Constitution.

Full text of CLA statement: The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) notes the letter of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) issued on 25th May 2026 to His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka. The BASL has expressed grave concern that the Government of Sri Lanka is considering the introduction of an amendment to the Constitution to increase the retirement age of the Judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

The retirement age of senior judges is presently fixed by Article 107(5) of the Constitution. Any amendment would require a Constitutional Amendment. Constitutional amendments should not be made in a piecemeal or ad hoc manner as this could reduce the sanctity of the Constitution. Further, constitutional reform must be foreshadowed by adequate public and stakeholder consultation, as a requirement of due process in a democracy.

The Constitution of Sri Lanka recognizes the Independence of the Judiciary and its importance in preserving and maintaining the rule of law.

The Commonwealth (Latimer House) Principles on the three Branches of Government state in Principle IV that:

“An independent, impartial, honest and competent judiciary is integral to upholding the rule of law, engendering public confidence and dispensing justice.”

The CLA’s Goa Declaration 2023 states that:

“The independence and impartiality of the judiciary must be upheld and protected by governments, including under domestic laws, regulations and policies “

The CLA considers that any steps to diminish public confidence in the judiciary is antithetical to the rule of law and must be avoided.

The letter from BASL to the President of Sri Lanka states:

“Extending the retirement age of the sitting Judges of these Courts at this point of time is likely to be viewed by the public as a blatant attempt to interfere with the judiciary.”

The BASL letter goes on to state:

“The independence of the Judiciary and the public confidence reposed in it, are indispensable pillars of the rule of law and the democratic framework of (Sri Lanka). In that regard it is of paramount importance that the Judiciary must not only remain independent in fact but also must be seen by the public to be wholly independent, impartial, and free from even the slightest perception of influence, favour, accommodation, or impropriety.”

The CLA supports the reasoned and principled position adopted by BASL and calls upon the authorities in Sri Lanka:

To refrain from proceeding with the proposed constitutional amendments seeking to increase the retirement age of members of the Judiciary;

To resist piecemeal and ad hoc amendments to the Constitution of Sri Lanka.

To adhere to due process of consultation and stakeholder engagement in constitutional reform;

To desist from taking any steps which would undermine confidence in the Judiciary and irreparably diminish the independence of the judiciary; and

To ensure adherence to the rule of law and respect for the independence of the judiciary.