President Anura Kumara Disanayake cast his vote this afternoon (May 06) at the Abesingharama Saikoji Preschool in Panchikawatta, Maradana, for the  Local Government Election 2025.

Speaking to the media after casting his vote, President Disanayake stated that following his victory in the presidential election, the people now expect a continuation of the peaceful and democratic freedoms that have been established in the country, including during all upcoming elections.

The President also noted that under the National People’s Power (NPP) government, the country has experienced a peaceful election campaign, which he believes should be integrated into Sri Lanka’s political culture.

President Disanayake voted after returning to the island this afternoon via a special aircraft of the Vietnamese government, concluding his successful three-day official visit to Vietnam, at the invitation of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Luong Cuong.

During the visit, President Disanayake held official bilateral talks with President Cuong and engaged in wide-ranging discussions with senior leaders of Vietnam on matters of mutual interest, covering bilateral, regional, and international issues.

The President also met with Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The two sides emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations, built over 55 years on strong political trust, close people-to-people ties, and a spirit of goodwill and cooperation. Both parties expressed their shared commitment to strengthening this partnership further in the years ahead, particularly in the context of national development.

During his stay, President Disanayake paid tribute at the War Heroes Monument and laid flowers at the tomb of Ho Chi Minh — Vietnam’s independence leader and first president.

He also held a series of discussions with major Vietnamese business groups, including Vingroup, Sun Group, FPT Corporation, SOVICO Group, and ROX Group, exploring opportunities for enhanced economic collaboration.

In addition, the President ceremonially opened the new Bodhi precinct at the Bai Dinh Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia.

President Disanayake was the chief guest at the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations and delivered the keynote address, reaffirming the long-standing Buddhist ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, also accompanied the President during this visit.

(President’s Media Division)

A man from Milidduwa, Galle, was arrested after calling the 119 emergency hotline to complain that illicit liquor (moonshine) he had purchased was of poor quality and possibly adulterated.

After recording his statement, the suspect was released on police bail, with a court date scheduled for his appearance.

Following a complaint from the Police Emergency Unit, officers from Galle Police had visited the scene and arrested the man and seized the illicit liquor.

A man behaving violently in the Seeduwa area was shot by police after he allegedly attempted to attack officers with a sharp weapon, says Police Spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manathunga.

The incident occurred when officers attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation.

The suspect reportedly resisted and tried to assault the officers with a bladed weapon, prompting police to respond with a controlled shot to his leg in order to neutralize the threat.

The suspect was immediately taken to hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.