Former Minister Douglas Devananda, who was arrested and remanded, has been granted bail by the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court.

After being produced before Gampaha Magistrate Shilani Perera, Devananda was granted bail under two personal bonds of Rs. 2 million each.

The court ordered that the guarantors must be two close relatives of the defendant and imposed an overseas travel ban on the former minister.

The case is scheduled for further hearing on 27 March.

A legal team representing the former minister, including President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, appeared before the court.

On December 30, Devananda was admitted to the Mahara Prison Hospital following doctors’ recommendations after assessing his health condition.

He was initially arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on December 26 in connection with a firearms-related incident. Devananda was subsequently produced before the Gampaha Magistrate and remanded until January 9, 2026.

Devananda was taken into custody on Friday by CID officers in connection with an incident in which his personal firearm reportedly fell into the hands of members of an organized criminal gang.

It is reported that the former minister was arrested in connection with an investigation into an incident in which a firearm, which was provided to then minister Devananda by the Sri Lanka Army for his personal use in 2001, was later recovered following the interrogation of organised criminal figure ‘Makandure Madush’ in 2019.

Upon inspection of the serial number of the weapon, it was revealed that the firearm in question had been issued to Devananda.

The former minister’s pistol was subsequently found concealed in a forested area near a culvert in Weliweriya.

Following this, the CID obtained a 72-hour detention order to further question Devananda. Police also stated that the CID has launched investigations into additional firearms issued to him by the Sri Lanka Army, totaling 19 more weapons.

Sri Lankan garment manufacturers have now gained unprecedented access to UK markets under liberalised trade rules.

The changes allow manufacturers to source up to 100% of inputs for garments from any country worldwide whilst maintaining tariff-free access to the UK market. Fewer processing requirements now apply, removing the previous rule that two significant manufacturing processes must take place in Sri Lanka.

The liberalised rules also include the creation of an Asia Regional Cumulation Group of 18 countries applicable to all other exports from Sri Lanka. This enables Sri Lankan manufacturers to source materials from regional partners whilst maintaining preferential tariff benefits.

British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick said: “The reforms that are now in force demonstrate the UK’s commitment to creating shared prosperity through trade partnerships. By simplifying rules of origin, we are supporting Sri Lanka’s economic growth by improving market access to the UK and helping to further diversify exports. We recognise the Sri Lankan Government’s ambition for export growth and continue to advocate for improved utilisation of the scheme. Therefore, I invite exporters to explore how they can benefit from these reforms and access the zero tariffs that the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) offers.”

Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Secretary General Yohan Lawrence said: “The reforms to the UK’s DCTS remove previous restrictions requiring materials to be sourced regionally. Sri Lankan manufacturers can now compete equally by accessing global supply chains. The garment sector accounts for over 60% of Sri Lanka’s exports to the UK and supports 1 million livelihoods across the country. It is a significant boost for our export potential to an important market, and we are excited to work with buyers and manufacturers in creating significant growth from this opportunity.”

Council for Business with Britain (CBB) President Mark Surgenor said: “We are excited for the potential that the reforms will bring in enhancing the UK-Sri Lanka trade relationship. The most significant boost is to the garment sector. But with over 90% of products eligible for zero tariffs under the UK’s DCTS, we hope exports from other sectors will also seize the benefits arising from the creation of a larger number of regional countries from whom they can now source inputs. We are keen to see greater utilisation of the DCTS. This will form part of the CBB’s ongoing information sessions aimed at supporting Sri Lankan businesses in growing their trade with the UK.”

The changes respond to requests from many businesses and countries, including the Sri Lankan Government and the JAAF. The UK is Sri Lanka’s second largest garment export market at approximately $ 675 million in value, with exports expected to increase significantly under the new arrangements.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has emphasized the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation in South Asia, highlighting India’s central role in ensuring long‑term peace and stability.

Speaking on recent global and regional security developments, Rajapaksa noted that political turmoil in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, often fueled by extremist elements, underscores the importance of collective action.

“In recent years, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka have experienced periods of political turmoil, marked by public unrest and changes in government. At times, these disruptions have been supported and promoted by extremist elements. Addressing these challenges requires a collective commitment to counter extremism, prevent political violence, and safeguard minority rights. As such, South Asia requires greater regional coherence to withstand emerging crises and respond collectively to shared challenges. In this context, India’s leadership is central to maintaining long-term peace and stability in the region,” he said in a statement on ‘X’.

Rajapaksa added that upcoming elections in Bangladesh and Nepal offer an opportunity to reaffirm democratic legitimacy, strengthen regional security, and project South Asia’s influence internationally through unity and shared goals of growth and stability.

“With aligned goals focused on growth and stability, South Asia as a whole can project greater influence internationally, and in that process, regional unity remains crucial for long-term peace and coherence. The upcoming elections in Bangladesh and Nepal present a hopeful opportunity to reaffirm democratic legitimacy through free and fair elections that will contribute to further strengthening regional security,” he added.

The remaining subjects of the 2025 General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A/L) examination, postponed due to the recent disaster situation, will be conducted from January 12 to January 20, 2026, the Department of Examinations said.

According to Commissioner General of Examinations Indika Kumari Liyanage, the examinations will resume on January 12 and conclude on January 20 as scheduled.

She said arrangements have been made to hold the examinations at 2,086 centres across the country, supported by 325 coordination centres and 32 regional collection centres during the examination period.

The remaining subjects were postponed following disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions associated with Cyclone Ditwa, which affected several parts of the island and created logistical and safety challenges.

Parliamentary pensions will be abolished once the relevant bill is passed into law, with no individual entitled to receive such benefits thereafter, Justice and National Integration Minister, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, said today.

He made the statement after the bill to abolish pensions for Members of Parliament was presented for its first reading in Parliament today (7). The minister said pensions already received prior to the law coming into effect will not be affected.

Nanayakkara said the move addresses public opposition to MPs receiving pensions after a short period of service without making contributions, unlike ordinary public servants who must fulfil strict service requirements.

He said the reform was included in the government’s policy statement and reflects the National People’s Power government’s commitment to ending a privilege-based political culture