Sri Lanka Celebrates 77th Independence Day Amid Economic Recovery Efforts

Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne, a notorious gang leader implicated in multiple murder cases, was shot dead in a Colombo courthouse by a gunman disguised as a lawyer, according to Sri Lankan police. The shooter used a revolver that was reportedly smuggled into the courthouse inside a hollowed-out book by a female accomplice, currently sought by authorities. The incident occurred while Samararathne, also known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, was being escorted to court with a heavy police presence, as he faced criminal charges. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. The gunman escaped but has since been apprehended, though he has multiple aliases. In response to the shooting, Sri Lankan lawmakers have underscored the growing threat of gang violence, with Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa asserting the government's commitment to addressing organized crime. Following the incident, security measures at the courthouse are under review, with plans to implement armed guards during high-risk hearings. This shooting adds to a troubling trend of gang-related violence, which has led to at least nine deaths this year according to police data.

A massive power outage swept across Sri Lanka on Sunday after a monkey reportedly contacted a grid transformer at a power station south of Colombo. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody confirmed that the animal caused an imbalance in the power system, leaving many of the island nation's 22 million residents without electricity during a heatwave exceeding 30°C (86°F). Engineers prioritized restoring power to critical facilities, including hospitals and water purification plants. While some areas regained power within hours, many households remained in the dark until late Sunday night. The incident inspired humor on social media, with comments likening the situation to a comic scenario, such as “One monkey = total chaos.” Beyond the jokes, the outage highlighted deeper issues within Sri Lanka's energy infrastructure, which experts have warned is outdated and susceptible to disruptions. A senior engineer stated that frequent island-wide power outages could be expected with disturbances in the system. The Ceylon Electricity Board issued an apology but did not elaborate on how a single incident could disrupt power nationwide. Concerns are growing over the increasing monkey population, estimated between 2 and 3 million, as they encroach on human settlements.

A nationwide power outage in Sri Lanka was triggered by a monkey that came into contact with a transformer at a power station south of Colombo. The blackout, which started around midday on Sunday, left citizens sweltering in temperatures exceeding 30°C, according to Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody. Engineers worked diligently to restore power, prioritizing critical services like hospitals and water purification plants. While some regions regained electricity within hours, many households remained without power well into the night. Sri Lankans took to social media to comment humorously on the incident, with one user quipping, “One monkey = total chaos,” indicating broader concerns about the fragility of the national electricity grid. Experts have pointed out that the power infrastructure in Sri Lanka is outdated and vulnerable, leading to potential disruptions from even minor incidents. An unnamed senior engineer warned of frequent outages if the system remains unaddressed, reflecting on the country's ongoing struggles with energy security. The Ceylon Electricity Board issued an apology for the disruption but did not clarify the extensive impact of a single incident. Meanwhile, the fate of the mischievous monkey remains unknown.