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SL delegation attends inaugural WAVES summit

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A delegation from Sri Lanka comprising of professionals from the fields of music, filmmaking, acting, film production & distribution, animation and gaming participated in the inaugural edition of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 held at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

WAVES 2025, a flagship initiative envisioned by the Hon. Prime Minister of India, brought together leading voices from across the globe – industry veterans, policymakers, and creative professionals – fostering cross-border dialogue, creativity, and commercial collaboration. The summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister of India on May 1, 2025.

At WAVES 2025, the Global Media Dialogue culminated in the adoption of the WAVES Declaration, emphasizing the need for cross-cultural collaboration and responsible storytelling in a rapidly evolving global media environment. Participating nations recognized the power of films and individual stories in bridging divides and promoting peace. The dialogue underscored the importance of using technology responsibly, enhancing youth skill development, and fostering global co-productions, with India leading initiatives like the Create in India challenges to promote multilingual creative talent worldwide.

The Sri Lankan delegation actively participated in discussions, exhibitions, and networking events that spanned the full spectrum of the industry, including cinema, digital entertainment, animation, and gaming. The experience was highly enriching for all participants, who gained valuable insights and exposure to cutting-edge trends and collaborative opportunities in the global media landscape.

WAVES 2025 marked a significant step toward deepening regional ties in media and entertainment, offering a dynamic platform for talent exchange, co-productions, and sustainable industry growth globally.

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Over 20 more ex-MPs under probe

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Following the imprisonment of former Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando, it came to light that the government has instructed for the expedition of investigations into well over 20 more similar cases involving former MPs and officials.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told the Media that these cases, some of them as old as 10-15 years, had been swept under the carpet in the past under different governments.

He said the current government, formed by the National People’s Power (NPP), had opened up these cases and instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to expedite inquiries and investigations for early litigation.

“I can talk about the cases now pending before the CID. There are well over 20 cases involving former MPs who even held ministerial posts in the past. There are officials. I cannot divulge names offhand,” he said.

He said some of the cases are handled by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The Minister who also served in the Anti-Corruption Committee formed by the previous Yahapalana government said some of the cases under investigation by the CID would be assigned to the Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID).

“We have revived the FCID. It runs short of officers qualified enough for investigation into financial crimes. We have taken measures to address it in addition to providing resources to it for efficiency,” he said.

Punishing the wrongdoers for the abuse of state resources and embezzlement of public money was a main campaign slogan of the NPP in the run-up to the presidential and parliamentary elections last year. The government leaders, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, have vowed repeatedly that the law would be enforced against wrongdoers soon.

Mr. Aluthgamage and Mr. Fernando became the first two politicians to be convicted after the NPP government was formed. Besides, former Ministers Keheliya Rambukwella, Prasanna Ranaweera and Mervyn Silva are now in remand over cases involving their past actions.

Meanwhile, the opposition charges that the government is hounding its members for political reasons.

(Daily Mirror)

(This story, originally published by Daily Mirror has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Italian national arrested with 10kg cocaine hidden in stuffed toys at BIA

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 In a major drug bust, Sri Lankan authorities seized 10 kilograms and 323 grams of cocaine concealed inside stuffed animal toys at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning.  

The contraband was discovered during a joint operation by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) and Sri Lanka Customs at the arrival terminal. 

The drugs were found in the luggage of a 38-year-old Italian national, who was immediately taken into custody.  

This marks one of the largest single cocaine seizures at BIA this year, highlighting increased vigilance by Sri Lankan authorities against international drug trafficking networks. 

Investigations are ongoing to determine the intended recipients of the shipment.  

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Heavy rain and winds expected in several areas today

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Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts today (May 30), the Department of Meteorology says.

Heavy rains above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.

Several spells of showers may occur in North-central province and in Mannar and Hambantota districts.

Strong winds of about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

Fairly strong winds of about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere on the island.

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