News
The golden era of Kotte, renowned for Sinhala literature and architecture, is not only confined to the past. It is a city of rare ecological balance, rich wetlands, and diverse bird life found only in a few capital cities in the world — Prime Minister
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while addressing the event held at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, on Sunday [July 27], to unveil the “Kingdom of Kotte Tourism Trail”, marking the launch of the “Kingdom of Kotte Tourism Initiative” and “Kotte Green Tourism Network.”
Addressing the event, the Prime Minister further stated,
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sri Lanka. This project is more than just a tourism trail, it is a journey through history, nature, and heritage. We are presented with an opportunity to reintroduce our capital city to the country and to the world, not only as the administrative heart of Sri Lanka, but also as a location with profound historical depth, cultural richness, and environmental value.
Through this, people will have the chance to experience a cultural life, along with everything else this city has to offer. Moreover, as an urban wetland this is a unique one. I believe there are only a handful of capital cities in the world that possess such ecological diversity. Therefore, it is something we can truly promote.
As many are aware, Kotte was established in the 14th century as a fortified capital city. It is a historic city that faced waves of foreign influence, including Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British powers. It was also the royal residence of King Parakramabahu VI, who unified and ruled Sri Lanka as a sovereign nation.
It is well known that the golden era of Sinhala literature and architecture is also rooted in this city. Remnants of rich history still remain today including the ancient ramparts, moats, religious sites, and monuments that silently narrate the story of a proud and powerful kingdom”.
Emphasizing how the past can be connected to the present, the Prime Minister further stated:
“Kotte is not something that belongs only to the past. It is a city with rare ecological balance filled with vibrant wetlands and diverse bird life that only a few capital cities in the world are privileged to have. As the world’s first wetland capital, Kotte serves as a living example of how urban life can coexist with biodiversity. If guided by thoughtful planning and deep respect for the environment, this tourism trail of the Kingdom of Kotte can transform into an immersive experience that blends history, culture, and nature.
I invite you to pay attention to Kotte, which has remained hidden for too long. Let it be a place of exploration for both Sri Lankans and international visitors. There is so much in Kotte that many don’t know or fully understand starting from its wetlands to its historical elements. This initiative, supported by the Western Province Tourism Board and Governor Haniff Yusuf, inspired by the vision of State Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe and managed by the Kotte Green Tourism Network, is a strong commitment to community-based and sustainable development. It is also a moment where regional leadership, citizens, and national heritage come together for a common purpose. I extend my appreciation to all organizers and partners of this project on behalf of all Sri Lankans.
This initiative helps us reflect on our capital city not just as an administrative center, but as a living museum and open classroom, where every street corner, wetland, and landmark holds a story. As we begin this new journey, we must ensure that the Kotte tourism project is built not only for foreign guests but also for the communities who call this city home. Let us celebrate our shared heritage, protect it, and hand it over to future generations with care”.
Addressing the gathering, State Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe and State Minister of Tourism Services Mr. Ruwan Ranasinghe stated that this program, one that had been spoken of, worked on, and planned even before the formation of the National People’s Power government has now become a reality, fulfilling another election promise.
Kotte Mayor Mr. Arosha Athapaththu, who also addressed the event, stated that, similar to many major capital cities around the world, Kotte too should have a museum and library that tells the story of the nation and its capital. He assured that the Kotte Municipal Council is always ready to fully cooperate with the government to fulfill those needs.
The event organized by the Kotte Green Tourism Network was attended by the Governor of the Western Province, Haniff Yusuf; Deputy Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Deputy Minister of Tourism Services, Ruwan Ranasinghe; Mayor of Kotte, Arosha Athapaththu; members of the event’s organizing committee, as well as local and international representatives from the tourism sector.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Interdicted Deputy Director at the National Hospital, Sri Lanka (NHSL) Dr. Rukshan Bellana yesterday (29) alleged that the powers that be moved against him for seeking the CIABOC (Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption) investigation into a massive fraud at the NHSL laboratory.
Dr. Bellana said so in response to The Island query regarding the circumstances the Health Ministry interdicted him on 18 December, through a letter, as directed by the Health Committee of the Public Service (PSC) Commission. “That letter has been signed by an Additional Secretary, as Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe was overseas,” Dr. Bellana said.
Dr. Bellana stated that the government had paid for reagents, contaminated or close to expiry dates, obtained from a leading local medical supplier, since 2022. He emphasised that his complaint to the CIABOC, and subsequent complaint to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), were entirely based on the issues raised by the National Audit Office (NAO).
Responding to another query, Dr. Bellana said that the public funds, amounting to Rs. 900 mn, had been spent on chemical reagents past expiry dates. Regardless of the intervention made by the NAO, the NHSL continued to procure supplies from the same company, Dr. Bellana said, adding that he had received the unconditional support of the civil society. Among them were Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, President of Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA), President of Academy of Health Professionals Ravi Kumudesh, and leader of Mage Rata Sanjaya Mahawatta.
Dr. Bellana said that he had complained about the scam to the CIABOC in June this year.
Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, who also lodged a complaint with CIABOC, regarding the same matter, is on record as having said in September this year that the reagents had been procured over a three-year period without the proper approval of the Medical Supplies Division of the Ministry. Dr. Sanjeewa has alleged that some of the reagents were either contaminated or close to expiry dates, while contracts had been given to a single company at unapproved prices.
Dr. Bellana said that had there been a proper system for CIABOC and law enforcement authorities to act on findings made by the NAO they wouldn’t have personally intervened in the NHSL laboratory matter. “Parliament should look into this. Did Parliament take up the NHSL laboratory matter at the relevant watchdog committee or at the Sectoral Oversight Committee that handled health?” Dr. Bellana asked.
Asked whether the letter that informed him of his interdiction gave any specific reason for the action taken, Dr. Bellana said the Ministry had found fault with him for speaking to the media. The irate ex-official said that he never hesitated to take a stand against injustice. “When former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was accused of corruption, pertaining to medical procurement, I condemned the Minister. Lambasted those responsible for wrongdoings.”
Dr. Bellana said that the NAO had dealt with mega crime involving the public and private sector. “That is the undeniable truth. Parliament should look into this as public money is its responsibility. Having vowed to stamp out corruption, the NPP was allowing and encouraging those who had been making money at the expense of the sick, Dr. Bellana said.
Dr. Bellana said that as many as 10,000 tests were conducted daily at the NHSL. The racketeers had been active during Aragalaya as the NHSL and the private supplier reached agreement in 2022 and the process continued even after the last presidential election, conducted in September 2024.
Dr. Bellana said that the long delay in finalising the Auditor General’s appointment exposed the government. If those holding high political office were genuinely interested in fighting corruption, they wouldn’t have allowed that Office of AG stay vacant even for a day.
Dr. Bellana noted the tough statements issued by the Bar Association, Transparency International Sri Lanka and the Committee on Public Finance demanding the immediate appointment of AG.
Health Ministry officials were not available for comment.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
BIA unions, including those affiliated to political parties, are demanding bonuses equal to five months’ basic salaries.
A group of workers yesterday (29) protested outside BIA urging the Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (Private) Ltd to increase their bonuses. They claimed that the Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (Private) Ltd., Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Harsha Abeywickrama, had assured them that they would be paid bonuses worth five times their basic salaries.
The SriLankan Nidahas Sewaka Sangamaya (SLNSS) of the airport, the Podujana Sewaka Sangamaya, the Pragathishili Sewaka Sangamaya, the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya, and the SLNSS of SriLankan Airlines joined the protest.
The Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority has issued an urgent safety warning to residents living along the banks of the Kotmale Oya and the Mahaweli River, as water levels in the Kotmale Reservoir are reaching maximum capacity.
According to a special weather advisory issued by the Department of Meteorology on December 26, 2025, heavy rainfall is expected in the catchment areas over the coming days.
In response, the Mahaweli Authority released a statement on December 27, warning that spill gates may have to be opened to manage the water flow.
Eng. A.M.A.K. Seneviratne, Resident Engineer and Deputy Director of the Kotmale Reservoir, stated that the opening of spill gates would lead to a significant rise in the water levels of both the Kotmale Oya and the Mahaweli River.
Areas on Alert
Residents in the following Divisional Secretariat divisions are urged to remain extra vigilant:
• Nuwara Eliya District: Kotmale West and Kotmale East.
• Kandy District: Udapalatha, Udunuwara, Doluwa, Pasbage Korale, and Ganga Ihala Korale.
Authorities have advised the public in these low-lying and river-adjacent areas to monitor the situation closely and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the protection of their property.
By S.K. Samaranayake
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