Sri Lanka News

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the jokes, the outage highlighted deeper issues within Sri Lanka's energy infrastructure, which experts have warned is outdated and susceptible to disruptions.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.

A monkey has been identified as the culprit behind a nationwide power outage in Sri Lanka, leaving millions without electricity. The blackout, which began around 11 AM local time on Sunday, affected predominantly the island's 22 million residents, particularly in the capital, Colombo. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody stated that the incident occurred when the monkey came into contact with a grid transformer, leading to an imbalance in the power system. Engineers were promptly dispatched to address the issue, restoring power to some areas within hours; however, many households remained in the dark until late Sunday evening. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding Sri Lanka's electrical infrastructure, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2022, the country experienced widespread blackouts and electricity rationing as part of an economic crisis. Local journalist Jamila Husain remarked on social media that incidents like these underscore the urgent need for system upgrades, as engineers have warned successive governments about the vulnerability of the national power grid.

A recent power outage across Sri Lanka, affecting millions, has been attributed to a monkey that entered a power station south of Colombo. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody confirmed that the animal came into contact with a grid transformer, leading to a significant imbalance in the power system. The blackout began around midday on Sunday, leaving many citizens in sweltering temperatures exceeding 30°C. Engineers quickly worked to restore power, prioritizing essential services such as hospitals and water purification plants. While some areas regained electricity within hours, many households remained without power well into the night. The incident has sparked humor on social media, with users commenting on the fragility of the national power grid and the peculiar circumstances that led to the outage. Experts warn that Sri Lanka's energy infrastructure is outdated, making it vulnerable to disruptions. The ongoing issues are a stark reminder of the country’s past struggles with electricity shortages, especially during the economic crisis of 2022 when rolling blackouts were common. The Ceylon Electricity Board has since issued an apology for the incident, but the future of the monkey involved remains unclear.

A 24-year-old British woman, Ebony McIntosh from Derby, has tragically died in Sri Lanka after falling ill following the fumigation of her hostel room for bed bugs. Reports indicate that McIntosh was admitted to a hospital in Colombo on February 1 after experiencing vomiting, nausea, and breathing difficulties. Unfortunately, she passed away just hours later. According to Sri Lankan police spokesperson Buddhika Manatunga, another guest, a 26-year-old German woman named Nadie Raguse, also died under similar circumstances. Authorities are investigating the potential for poisoning from pesticide exposure used during the fumigation. The Miracle Colombo City Hostel, where the incidents occurred, has been closed pending further inquiry. McIntosh’s family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with repatriation costs and expressed their heartbreak in a statement, highlighting their devastation over the loss of their loved one. The cause of death has yet to be determined, with a post-mortem examination scheduled once the family arrives in Sri Lanka on February 10. The UK Foreign Office stated that they are providing support to McIntosh's family.

Sri Lanka marked its 77th Independence Day on February 4, 2025, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake leading the celebrations in Colombo. During the event, Dissanayake pledged to address the country's economic challenges and improve living standards for all citizens by the end of his five-year term, according to a statement from the president's office. Sri Lanka, which gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1948, is recovering from a devastating economic crisis that peaked in 2022, leading to a declaration of bankruptcy and suspension of payments on approximately $83 billion in loans, as reported by the Associated Press. The crisis resulted in severe shortages of essential goods and lengthy power cuts. In his speech, Dissanayake called for unity among Sri Lankans to achieve economic, social, and cultural freedom, asserting, “Everyone has a role to play in this struggle.” Following his address, a military parade was held to commemorate the day. The country continues to work on debt restructuring, supported by a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund approved in 2023.

Galagodaatte Gnanasara, a controversial Buddhist monk and ally of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has been sentenced to nine months in prison for insulting Islam and inciting religious hatred. The Colombo Magistrate's Court issued the sentence on Thursday, for remarks made during a media conference in 2016. Despite Sri Lanka's rare convictions of Buddhist monks, this marks the second time Gnanasara has faced jail time for his actions. He was previously sentenced to six years in 2018 for contempt of court and intimidation, but was pardoned in 2019. His recent conviction also includes a fine of 1,500 Sri Lankan rupees; failure to pay will result in an additional month of imprisonment. Gnanasara was arrested in December for his derogatory comments about Islam, and he has filed an appeal against the latest sentence. The court emphasized the constitutional right of all citizens to freedom of belief, regardless of religion. This ruling follows political turmoil in Sri Lanka, where Rajapaksa was ousted amid economic crisis protests in 2022, and highlights ongoing issues related to racial and religious tensions in the country.