President Anura Kumara Disanayake left the country earlier tonight (June 10) from Bandaranaike International Airport on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.

The visit, scheduled from June 11 to 13, 2025, is being carried out at the invitation of German President Mr, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

During the visit, President Disanayake is expected to hold bilateral discussions with the President of Germany, the Chancellor, key Federal Ministers and other senior government leaders. These discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in priority areas such as trade, the digital economy, investment and vocational training opportunities.

President Disanayake will Chair a Business Forum, organised by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he will highlight Sri Lanka’s on-going economic transformation, emerging investment opportunities, growth potential and prospects for expanding bilateral trade relations.

In addition, the President is scheduled to meet with representatives from Germany’s Tourism and Travel Industry Associations as well as members of the Sri Lankan community residing in Germany.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials.

(President’s Media Division)

Suspended Commissioner General of Prisons – Thushara Upuldeniya, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday (June 09) has been remanded until tomorrow (June 11).

The order was issued by Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Rathnayake after rejecting a bail application.

The Additional Magistrate had pointed out that the bail request could not be considered at this stage as investigations are still ongoing.

(Previous news 2025 June 10 – 7.09.a.m.)

Prisons Chief Thushara Upuldeniya before Colombo Magistrate’s Court today

The Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya was arrested yesterday (June 9) over explosive allegations of illegally granting a presidential pardon to a high-profile inmate and is set to appear before Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) took Upuldeniya into custody following a probe into claims that he abused presidential pardon powers to secure the early release of a prisoner under questionable circumstances.

A police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, stating that Upuldeniya had been questioned for three straight days before being detained. Investigators allege he bypassed legal protocols in facilitating the inmate’s release.

In a dramatic late-night development, the Cabinet—chaired by the President—moved swiftly to suspend Upuldeniya, citing concerns that his continued role could obstruct justice. “This decision ensures investigations remain impartial,” an official statement noted.

Nishan Dhanasinghe, Additional Secretary of the Judicial Ministry’s Prisons Division, has been named acting Commissioner General amid the unfolding scandal.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan recently conducted a mobile consular service in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, to serve the Sri Lankan community residing in the region. 

During the program, officials from the Embassy accepted passport applications and updated driver’s licenses while providing other essential consular services such as affidavit issuance and passport endorsements. A large number of Sri Lankans were provided such services.
The consular service coincided with the “Vesak Kalapaya” organized by the Ohana Association in Tochigi to mark the Vesak and Poson Poya celebrations. Over 600 beautifully decorated Vesak lanterns were lit, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere that welcomed both Japanese and Sri Lankans to experience the festivities.

An art competition was also held as part of the celebration. Winning children—both Japanese and Sri Lankan—were presented with school bags in recognition of their creativity and participation.

The Most Venerable Mawathare Chandima Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Tochigi Paramita Meditation Center, and the Most Venerable Narawila Wijayawansa Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Saithama Kumagaya Anandameth Viharaya, and the Maha Sangha participated in the religious ceremonies on that occasion.