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The United National Party (UNP) has stressed the need to follow established procedures when addressing matters concerning Buddhist monastic discipline.

Issuing a statement, the UNP said there is an existing mechanism for handling such issues and that relevant Cabinet papers should be prepared and presented to the Chief Prelates and the Maha Sangha before any decisions are taken.

The UNP further stated that all actions should be carried out in accordance with the country's traditions and established practices.

The party also alleged that a coordinated campaign targeting the Buddhasasana and Buddhism is being carried out through social media platforms associated with the government, with the involvement of certain segments of civil society.

According to the statement, the views of the Buddhist clergy and lay community are being increasingly sidelined in the ongoing discourse.

Japan has extended a financial grant of US$1.33 million to Sri Lanka to assist inland fishermen in the Eastern Province whose livelihoods were affected by the Cyclone Ditwah.

The grant agreement was signed at the Japanese Embassy in Colombo in the presence of Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar.

The project will be implemented with technical support from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The agreement was signed by Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata and FAO Representative Vimlendra Sharan.

As part of the initiative, 200 fish cages will be installed in 30 selected reservoirs across the Eastern Province to help strengthen inland fisheries and improve income opportunities for affected communities.

The project will also provide Barrage Net systems for the selected reservoirs and supply hormones and other chemicals required to enhance facilities at the Inginiyagala Fish Breeding Centre.

In addition, fisheries societies and their representatives will receive technical training on fish cage farming and management.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, fish fingerlings and fish feed required for the first cultivation cycle will be provided free of charge to beneficiaries under the programme.

A woman has been killed after being struck by a train near the Wellawatte Railway Station, police stated.

The incident occurred when a train traveling from Panadura to Colombo collided with the woman.

According to police, the victim was wearing a white and brown saree and was carrying a green bag at the time of the accident. Her identity has not yet been established.

The body has been placed at the morgue of the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital.

Wellawatte Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

A protest march has been launched by the University of Peradeniya Students’ Union demanding solutions to administrative issues and problems related to student facilities.

The march began this afternoon (26) from Peradeniya and is proceeding along the Peradeniya–Gampola road, with one lane of traffic reportedly closed due to the procession.

Students have called for immediate action to address ongoing administrative challenges within the university as well as concerns regarding inadequate student facilities.

The protest is continuing along the main route as students advance toward Gampola.

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) conducted a field visit to the Mannar District, in order to inspect the lands used by the North Western and North Central Naval Commands of Sri Lanka Navy.

The Chairman of the Mannar District Coordination Committee, Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development Upali Samarasinghe, Parliamentarian Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran and other government officials were also part of the visit, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister closely observed the Navy’s active contribution in Mannar, towards eradicating the drug menace affecting the country, while also reviewing measures implemented to strengthen the maritime and coastal security, curbing illegal activities within the respective areas of responsibility.

The Deputy Minister, having received a comprehensive operational briefing from the respective Naval Area Commanders on the current progress of their operations, appreciated their good work, the Ministry noted.

The Deputy Minister had reportedly provided necessary directives and guidance on enhancing the effectiveness of their initiatives.

He had also inspected the lands presently used by the Navy, in Mullikulam, Silawaturai, Thalaimannar, Wankalapadu and Pallimunai in the Mannar District.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister of Defence engaged with the local residents, paying special attention to issues of housing, community based challenges, welfare concerns and obstacles encountered within the fishing community, particularly identifying proactive measures to address these concerns, in coordination with the relevant government authorities.