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Police have arrested 28 individuals, including three women, during a raid at a party organised using Facebook and social media in Ambalangoda.

The operation was conducted by officers from the Ambalangoda Police Station together with Special Task Force (STF) personnel, following intelligence received regarding the event.

During the raid, police recovered 225 milligrams of cocaine, 8 grams and 125 milligrams of crystal methamphetamine ('Ice'), 2 grams and 400 milligrams of cannabis, as well as a quantity of illegal cigarettes, police said.

The suspects, aged between 18 and 44, are residents of Batapola, Uragasmanhandiya, Balapitiya, Homagama, Beruwala, Ambalangoda, Meetiyagoda, Wathugedara and Ahungalla.

Police said further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the gathering and the involvement of the suspects.

Ambalangoda Police are conducting further inquiries.

Dengue infections have increased significantly this year compared to the corresponding period in 2025, with reported cases rising by between 50 and 55 percent, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.

The Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara stated that 36,168 dengue cases had been reported across the country as of June 5 this year.

According to Dr. Kannangara, approximately 50 percent of the total number of cases have been reported from the Western Province, making it the region with the highest concentration of dengue patients.

He further noted that a considerable number of cases have also been reported from the Galle and Matara districts in the Southern Province, Ratnapura and Kegalle districts in the Sabaragamuwa Province, Puttalam district and the Kandy district in the Central Province.

Health officials attribute the increase in dengue infections partly to the wet weather conditions experienced since January, which have created favourable environments for mosquito breeding.

Dr. Kannangara also pointed out that large quantities of waste accumulated following Cyclone Ditwah have contributed to the creation of mosquito breeding sites in several areas, further increasing the risk of dengue transmission.

The National Dengue Control Unit has also urged the general public to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds in order to curb the spread of the disease.

Families resettled in the ‘Nawa Minipura’ village in Pelmadulla following the devastating floods and landslides of 2017 continue to face severe hardships, with many relying on rainwater to meet their daily needs, including drinking water.

The residents were relocated to Nawa Minipura through a programme facilitated by the Pelmadulla Divisional Secretariat after their homes and properties were destroyed by the disaster.

Approximately 60 families from three Grama Niladhari divisions were allocated land in the village and were informed that each household would receive Rs. 1.6 million to construct a permanent house. The funds were reportedly released in installments, with varying amounts disbursed to different beneficiaries.

Using the financial assistance provided, families began constructing their homes. However, residents say the funds were insufficient to complete the projects, forcing many to live in partially built houses under difficult conditions.

Villagers further claim that the settlement still lacks essential infrastructure nearly nine years after its establishment. Basic facilities such as a proper road network and a piped water supply system have yet to be provided.

As a result, residents have been compelled to collect and store rainwater for drinking and other domestic purposes. They say the lack of access to clean water and other essential services has significantly affected their quality of life.

The affected families are appealing to the relevant authorities to address their longstanding concerns and provide the infrastructure necessary to improve living conditions in the village.

Residents expressed hope that swift action would be taken to resolve the issues that have persisted since their relocation.

The country will not face a rice shortage until the upcoming Maha cultivation season, the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe has stated.

The Minister claimed that the Paddy Marketing Board currently holds nearly 140,000 metric tons of red and white rice stocks, which would help ensure a stable supply in the local market.

He further noted that arrangements have been made to import sufficient quantities of substitute rice varieties to meet demand and prevent potential shortages.

Commenting on the broader economic situation, Samarasinghe said that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created challenges in the energy sector. However, he stressed that the government would not allow the country's economy to collapse and would continue efforts to strengthen export earnings and the tourism industry while maintaining foreign exchange stability.

The Minister also stated that the government has already begun preparations to import fertilizer required for the next Maha cultivation season. He noted that, as with the previous Maha and Yala seasons, necessary interventions are being made to ensure an uninterrupted fertilizer supply.

In addition, the fertilizer subsidy has been increased to Rs. 30,000, according to Minister Samarasinghe.

Addressing the recent increase in rice prices, Minister Samarasinghe said the rise was largely due to a shortage of Keeri Samba rice. He added that the government had decided to import only substitute rice varieties this year as part of efforts to stabilize prices while protecting both farmers and consumers.

The government remains committed to implementing policy measures that balance the interests of producers and consumers, the Minister of Trade said.

A discussion on increasing bus fares following recent diesel price hikes was held this morning (04) at the Ministry of Transport and Highways.

However, representatives of bus associations were informed by the Private Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Bimal Rathnayake that an urgent meeting would be arranged with the Subject Minister to further discuss the matter.

The talks come in the wake of two fuel price increases last month, with Auto Diesel rising by Rs. 10 on May 3 and a further Rs. 15 on May 30, reportedly due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Private bus operators say the cumulative Rs. 25 increase within a single month has placed significant strain on the industry, making operations increasingly difficult.

Earlier, several bus associations convened discussions on the issue and called for either a 5% interim bus fare increase or a fuel subsidy in line with rising costs.

In response, representatives of private bus associations attended today’s meeting at the Ministry of Transport and Highways, where they held discussions with the Private Secretary to the Transport Minister.

The meeting lasted approximately 15 minutes, after which bus operators addressed the media.

The Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association, Gemunu Wijeratne criticized the current handling of the issue, saying ministers should be properly briefed before making statements.

He added that the associations expect a meeting with the Minister tomorrow and warned that a decision on further action would be taken next week if the matter is not resolved.