Sri Lanka mourns the loss of Prof. Malani Andagama, a distinguished historian, academic, and former Head of the Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, who passed away at the age of 85.

Born in Galapitamada, Kegalle, Prof. Andagama began her academic journey at Ruwanwella Central College, later entering the University of Peradeniya, where she earned her Honours Degree in History. 

She briefly served as an Assistant Lecturer before joining the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 1971, where she remained until her retirement in 2005.

Prof. Andagama was widely respected for her pioneering research on Sri Lanka’s village council and municipal systems, and her acclaimed book “Sri Lankave Gam Sabha Kramaya” earned the State Literary Award.

She also served as the Chairperson of the Mahavamsa Editorial Board, contributing significantly to the preservation and study of Sri Lanka’s historical chronicles.

She was married to the late Pandula Andagama, a prominent anthropologist and scholar.

Final rites will be announced in due course.

Police have seized a lorry transporting explosives along the Habarana-Trincomalee main road.

According to police, officers attached to the Hatharas Kotuwa Police had stopped and inspected the vehicle during a routine check, during which they discovered a bag containing C-4, a highly explosive substance, hidden beneath the dashboard near the driver’s seat.

The seized stock of explosives had weighed 156.07 grams. 

The lorry driver was taken into custody.

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has warned to prosecute importers and retailers selling salt without proper labels, including missing manufacturer/importer info and retail price.

The public is advised not to buy such products, while distributors have urged to maintain valid invoices with supplier details or face legal consequences.