News

Nelumwewa hot springs to be boosted as tourist destination

Published

14 hours ago

June 24, 2025

editor

As part of the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, a development project has been proposed to enhance the area surrounding the Nelumwewa hot springs in Welikanda, Polonnaruwa, with the aim of promoting it as a tourist attraction.

A discussion regarding the proposed development was held this morning (June 24) at the site, followed by a field inspection.

Until now, the hot springs area has not been adequately developed, leading to a diminished interest from both local and international tourists.

During the discussion, attention was drawn to the importance of developing the Nelumwewa hot springs, the site’s tourism and scientific potential and its current condition.

Proposals currently being evaluated involve enhancing forest cover in the surrounding area, beautifying the island adjacent to the hot springs and building a bridge from the mainland to the island to facilitate better access for visitors.

Among those present were Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath, Chairman of the Welikanda Pradeshiya Sabha, D.W. Wasantha, retired hydrologist Prof. Dharma Gunawardena of the University of Peradeniya and officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, the Mahaweli Authority, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Welikanda Divisional Secretariat and several other institutions.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Youth dies after being attacked with a helmet

Published

28 minutes ago

June 25, 2025

editor

A young man has died after being assaulted with a helmet during an altercation in Halwathura, Bulathsinhala.

Police said the incident occurred following an argument between the victim and another individual.

The victim was initially admitted to Horana Hospital, later transferred to Colombo National Hospital, and then returned to Horana Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased is a 30-year-old resident of Halwathura, Bulathsinhala, police said.

A 23-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident, and investigations are underway by the Bulathsinhala Police.

News

CPC assures no fuel shortage in SL

Published

1 hour ago

June 25, 2025

editor

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has assured that there will be no fuel shortage in the country under any circumstances.

According to the CPC Chairman – D.J. Rajakaruna, the CPC has already placed and confirmed orders for the fuel required for the next 02 months and there is absolutely no reason to anticipate a fuel shortage in the country.

He said however there are concerns about where the fuel shipments will originate from and whether there is an impact due to the war.

Rajakaruna also warned that legal action would be taken against those found hoarding fuel illegally.

According to CPC data, the majority of Octane 92 petrol is sourced from Malaysia, Singapore, or India, and not from conflict zones in the Middle East, with only one shipment expected from Oman, CPC Chairman said.

He further noted that even in the event of the Strait of Hormuz being closed, the CPC has alternative supply routes in place. Diesel stocks are also sourced from non-conflict zones, he added.

News

Bodies of 02 youths shot, found in Middeniya

Published

2 hours ago

June 25, 2025

editor

The bodies of 02 youth who were shot and killed with a pistol-type firearm have been discovered in Thorakolayaya, Middeniya.

According to police, the deceased were between 25 and 30 years old.

The shooting occurred this morning (June 25), and currently police have launched an investigation, with 03 special teams now collaborating with the Middeniya Police.

The motive behind the shooting and the identities of the perpetrators are yet to be determined.