The Colombo Permanent Trial-at-Bar yesterday fixed June 26 for the continuation of the trial against nine Army intelligence officers, including former Girithale Army Camp Commanding Officer Shammi Kumararatne, over the alleged abduction and disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda and related charges.

The case, filed by the Attorney General, was taken up before the three-member Trial-at-Bar bench comprising Presiding Judge Nayana Senavirathne and Judges Nalin Hewawasam and Lakmali Hewawasam.

During yesterday’s proceedings, two prosecution witnesses gave evidence before court under the direction of Deputy Solicitor General Wasantha Perera. The witnesses included former Army officer Upali Priyantha, who had served at the Girithale Army Camp, and retired police constable Sumana Thilaka.

Subsequently, the prosecution sought court approval to recall witness Suresh Kumar, whose evidence had been recorded before the commencement of the trial.

Deputy Solicitor General Perera informed court that the witness had earlier provided a confidential statement before the Homagama Magistrate’s Court in 2015 regarding the incident but had later made a contradictory statement before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in 2023.

The Deputy Solicitor General said the witness had allegedly made conflicting statements due to threats and pressure allegedly exerted by the first accused, former Girithale Army Camp Commanding Officer Shammi Kumararatne. He requested that the witness be recalled to enable the prosecution to obtain further evidence.

However, defence counsel objected to the request, claiming that the witness was biased. They informed court that a separate case relating to alleged intimidation of the witness by Kumararatne was pending before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court and that no final determination had been made in that matter.

Following submissions from both sides, the Trial-at-Bar bench said an order on the prosecution’s request would be delivered on a later date and fixed June 26 for further hearing of the case.

(BDNEws) Dengue fever is common in Sri Lanka, particularly during the monsoon season, when mosquitoes thrive in humid conditions. However, this year’s outbreak has been particularly severe, as the population of the mosquito that carries the disease has grown exponentially following Cyclone Ditwah’s passage through the region in late November, and the number of cases has risen accordingly. So far in 2026, more than 44,000 cases of dengue infection have been reported on the island, along with 28 deaths, five of whom were children.

In 2025 alone, there were 51,000 cases of dengue in Sri Lanka, according to figures from the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), but this year the number has doubled. A further rise in the number of patients could put public hospitals under extreme pressure, Health Minister, Nalinda Jayatissa, warned on Thursday, as reported by Reuters.

The Sri Lankan government is carrying out a special programme to spray public spaces such as schools, construction sites and public buildings until next Monday, as it attempts to reduce the mosquito population this year. However, it is inevitable that when the rains return, there will be a spike in cases.

Chennai (ANI) Sri Lankan MP Rauff Hakeem said that the island nation wants an amicable resolution to the long-standing fishermen’s dispute with India and believes the issue should be addressed through dialogue and a humanitarian approach.

Speaking to reporters at Trichy International Airport in Tamil Nadu, Hakeem also discussed political developments in the state, the fishermen’s issue, Sri Lanka’s economic challenges and the need to attract investment from southern India.

Hakeem is the leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and a Member of Parliament from Kandy.

Referring to the political change in Tamil Nadu, Hakeem said, “A new government has assumed office in Tamil Nadu. A political formation that was not previously in power has secured a major and somewhat unexpected victory and formed the government.”

“Such changes from time to time are healthy in a democracy. We believe the new administration will take Tamil Nadu further on the path of development, building upon the work and achievements of previous governments,” he said.

Speaking about the fishermen’s dispute between the two countries, Hakeem said the issue should not be viewed solely through the lens of legal violations.

He said, “The fishermen’s issue is one that must be approached in a humanitarian manner by both sides. Beyond questions of legal violations, the livelihoods of the people involved must also be taken into consideration.”

“We hope that a peaceful and amicable solution can be reached through some degree of compromise from both sides,” he added.

Hakeem said the Tamil Nadu government, the Government of India, the Sri Lankan government and fishing communities in the Jaffna region should continue discussions and work together towards a lasting solution.

“In this regard, our Fisheries Minister has already visited Tamil Nadu and held discussions with political leaders here as well as representatives of the Central Government,” he said.

Stating that the issue requires diplomatic engagement, Hakeem said, “This is a matter that must be resolved at the diplomatic level. Since related cases are currently pending before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on them at this stage.”

Speaking about the economic situation in Sri Lanka, Hakeem said there has been no significant improvement in the cost of living.

“As of now, there has been no major relief in the matter of rising prices. The cost of living continues to increase day by day,” he said.

He noted that the depreciation of the Sri Lankan currency against major international currencies has had a severe impact on importers.

“The decline in the value of the Sri Lankan currency has adversely affected importers. Imports of essential commodities such as crude oil and fertilisers have also been impacted,” he said.

Hakeem further pointed out that Sri Lanka had been granted a two-year period to restructure its debts under its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“However, our foreign exchange reserves are being rapidly depleted due to imports of crude oil and other essential commodities. There is concern that reserves could fall below the levels expected by the IMF, which may place an additional debt burden on the country,” he said.

According to Hakeem, Sri Lanka must either increase exports or attract greater foreign investment to overcome its economic difficulties.

“To deal with the economic crisis, we must increase exports or bring in more foreign investment. The present government is paying serious attention to both these areas,” he said.

Addressing investors from India, Hakeem said Sri Lanka is keen to attract investment from Tamil Nadu and other southern states.

“In particular, we hope investors from Tamil Nadu and other southern Indian states will come forward to invest in Sri Lanka. Our government is prepared to provide generous incentives and create a favourable environment for investment,” he said.

“We are eagerly looking forward to such investments and stronger economic cooperation in the future,” the Sri Lankan MP added.