By: Staff Writer

April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s banking sector was jolted by the Rs. 13.2 billion internal fraud at National Development Bank PLC (NDB), prompting the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to issue its third official statement last Friday, seeking to calm public fears and reinforce systemic stability. The regulator emphasized that, despite the scale of the fraud, there is no evidence that other banks or financial institutions have been affected.

CBSL confirmed that a leading international audit firm, supported by overseas experts, will shortly begin a comprehensive forensic audit into the incident. This audit will not only investigate the mechanics of the fraud itself but will also scrutinize deeper systemic failures. According to the Central Bank, the review will “fully address and assess any failures on compliance with regulatory requirements on control, oversight, and governance” during the period when the fraudulent transactions occurred.

The audit’s findings both interim and final will be reported directly to the CBSL, which will maintain active engagement with auditors throughout the process. This signals an unusually hands-on regulatory approach aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage.

Parallel to the forensic investigation, the CBSL has directed NDB to urgently strengthen its internal controls and governance structures. The bank is also required to commission an independent third-party review of its policies, procedures, systems, and risk controls to identify and close loopholes that enabled the fraud.

Despite the crisis, CBSL reiterated that NDB continues to meet all regulatory capital and liquidity requirements. As a further safeguard, the Central Bank has publicly committed to providing emergency liquidity support if necessary, ensuring the bank can meet any surge in withdrawal demands. Additionally, the suspension of dividends has been highlighted as a measure to preserve capital and maintain regulatory buffers.

The fraud itself has raised serious concerns about governance failures within NDB. Financial disclosures show that “Other Financial Assets Gross” surged to Rs. 12.22 billion in 2025, nearly four times the previous year’s figure and far above historical norms. Allegations suggest that an insider exploited the Common Electronic Fund Transfer (CEFT) system to siphon funds, bypassing internal red-flag mechanisms.

Governance activists argue that this reflects a breakdown across multiple layers of oversight, including internal audit, finance functions, senior management, and board-level risk and audit committees. These failures are now central to the ongoing investigations.

CBSL continues to monitor developments on a daily basis while maintaining close engagement with NDB’s board, management, and other stakeholders. The regulator has also urged the public not to be misled by speculation or misinformation circulating in various forums.

While the fraud represents approximately 1.3% of NDB’s total assets, authorities stress that the bank remains operational and stable. However, the coming weeks will be critical as forensic audits commence and structural reforms begin to take shape, determining whether confidence in one of Sri Lanka’s key financial institutions can be fully restored.

By: Staff Writer

April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s economic recovery is entering a more uncertain phase, with rising global energy costs expected to slow momentum despite gains made since the country’s financial crisis. According to the World Bank, growth is projected to ease to 3.6% in 2026, down from the stronger post-crisis rebound seen in previous years, as external pressures begin to weigh more heavily on domestic activity.

The latest South Asia Economic Update highlights that while Sri Lanka will regain the size of its pre-crisis economy last recorded in 2018 this milestone masks underlying vulnerabilities. Growth is expected to pick up only slightly to 3.8% in 2027, reflecting a transition from rapid recovery to a more constrained, long-term trajectory shaped by structural limitations.

A key concern is the rising cost of energy imports. As a country heavily dependent on foreign fuel, Sri Lanka remains exposed to global price fluctuations. Higher oil prices are already increasing production costs across sectors, squeezing business margins and dampening investment. For households, the impact is equally severe, as rising energy costs feed into transport and food prices, eroding real incomes.

Although the economy expanded by 5% in 2025 driven largely by a surge in private consumption and strong remittance inflows this momentum is unlikely to hold. Inflation, which remained relatively subdued between late 2025 and early 2026, is now expected to exceed the 5% target due to increased demand and higher energy costs.

The report also points to structural weaknesses that continue to undermine growth. Labour shortages, intensified by outward migration of skilled workers, are constraining productivity. At the same time, underperformance in public investment particularly the failure to fully execute capital budget allocations has limited the country’s ability to build long-term economic capacity.

External risks further complicate the outlook. The Middle East remains a critical factor, as geopolitical instability could disrupt both fuel supplies and remittance flows. With remittances accounting for a notable share of GDP, any slowdown would directly affect household incomes and the balance of payments. Tourism, another key source of foreign exchange, is similarly tied to regional stability.

Despite improvements in fiscal indicators such as a reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio and stronger banking sector performance Sri Lanka’s public finances remain under strain. High interest payments continue to absorb a significant portion of government revenue, limiting the ability to respond to new shocks.

The situation is further complicated by the legacy of state-owned enterprises, many of which contributed to the debt crisis through inefficiency and weak oversight. Without meaningful reform, these institutions remain a persistent fiscal risk.

Ultimately, while Sri Lanka has made measurable progress since its crisis, the path ahead is far from secure. Rising energy prices are not just an external challenge they are a stress test for an economy still grappling with deep structural flaws. Whether the country can sustain growth will depend on its ability to manage these pressures while advancing long-delayed reforms.

By: Staff Writer

April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s improving fiscal position has drawn praise from international financial institutions, but serious structural weaknesses within the energy sector threaten to derail the country’s ability to manage future shocks. Comments by IMF Asia-Pacific Director Krishna Srinivasan, while supportive, may underestimate the scale of domestic challenges currently unfolding.

At a recent press conference, Srinivasan emphasised that Sri Lanka has “rebuilt fiscal space” through stronger revenue mobilisation, noting that tax revenues as a share of GDP have increased significantly over the past three years. This, he argued, places the country in a stronger position to respond to rising energy costs. “They’re better placed to provide support,” he said, while cautioning that any intervention must be “efficiently implemented” and limited in scope.

However this cautiously optimistic outlook contrasts sharply with ongoing turmoil in the energy sector. Sri Lanka’s dependence on imported fuel continues to expose it to global market volatility, a risk the IMF itself acknowledges. Rising energy prices not only strain public finances but also place pressure on foreign reserves, which remain fragile despite recent improvements.

Compounding these external risks are internal governance issues. The so-called “coal gate” controversy has brought renewed attention to procurement practices and alleged irregularities in fuel sourcing. These concerns highlight persistent weaknesses in oversight and raise doubts about whether resources are being managed effectively.

Meanwhile, tensions within the Ceylon Electricity Board have escalated into a significant obstacle to reform. Workers have strongly opposed government plans to unbundle the utility, a move intended to restructure the sector and introduce greater efficiency. Critics argue that breaking up the institution—long the sole authority over electricity supply could lead to fragmentation, higher costs, and reduced public accountability.

The standoff between policymakers and workers has slowed progress on key reforms required under Sri Lanka’s IMF programme. Cost-reflective energy pricing, a central condition for continued financial support, remains politically sensitive and difficult to implement amid widespread resistance.

Srinivasan’s remarks acknowledge that Sri Lanka remains vulnerable due to its reliance on energy imports, but they stop short of fully addressing how internal instability may amplify these risks. Fiscal buffers alone cannot compensate for inefficiencies, policy uncertainty, and institutional conflict.

As Sri Lanka moves forward, the gap between international assessments and domestic realities is becoming increasingly apparent. While revenue gains and fiscal discipline are important milestones, they do not guarantee resilience. The true test lies in whether the country can resolve its energy sector challenges, restore trust in governance, and implement reforms without triggering further instability.

Until these issues are addressed, claims that Sri Lanka is well-positioned to cushion energy shocks remain open to question.

By: Staff Writer

April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s ongoing “Coalgate” scandal is not just a procurement failure it is the latest chapter in a long-running pattern of mismanagement that has cost the country billions and weakened its energy sector. At the center of both past and present controversies stands the Norochcholai Power Plant, whose operations have repeatedly been affected by flawed coal procurement decisions since 2009.

The current crisis stems from the import of substandard coal under a tender awarded to Trident Chemphar Limited. Investigations show that shipments failed to meet required quality standards, with ash content exceeding acceptable limits and calorific value falling below specifications. The result is a significant drop in efficiency and a 130MW shortfall in electricity generation.

This is not a minor technical issue it directly translates into economic damage. The National Audit Office estimates immediate losses of Rs. 2.23 billion. However, the broader financial impact is far greater.

To make up for lost coal power, Sri Lanka has relied on diesel generation, which is significantly more expensive. When fuel imports and system inefficiencies are included, total losses could approach Rs. 100 billion.

These costs eventually fall on consumers. Higher generation expenses increase pressure on electricity tariffs, adding to the cost of living. Businesses face rising operational costs, reducing competitiveness and slowing economic recovery. In an already fragile economy, energy instability becomes a serious obstacle to growth.

What makes this scandal particularly significant is how closely it mirrors past failures. Between 2009 and 2024, coal procurement was often influenced by tender cancellations, emergency purchases, and preferential treatment for certain suppliers.

For years, Noble Resources dominated the supply process, benefiting from repeated contract extensions even after tenders were cancelled. In 2016, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court criticized these practices, pointing out how procurement rules were manipulated.

Similarly, a 2015 contract awarded to Swiss Singapore Overseas Enterprises was later cancelled by the court due to serious procedural violations. That decision alone led to a loss of Rs. 3.9 billion by selecting a higher-priced supplier.

More recently, contracts involving Black Sand Commodities were flagged by the Auditor General for not following proper procurement procedures. Across different governments, the pattern has remained the same weak oversight and decisions that have not protected public funds.

The difference today lies in how the losses occur. Earlier scandals were mainly about overpaying for coal. The current crisis is about receiving low-quality coal that reduces power generation. However, both situations lead to the same result: large financial losses and inefficiency.

The government has stated that part of the loss can be recovered through a $15 million performance bond. However, this amount is small compared to the total damage, which includes diesel costs, equipment wear, and wider economic impacts.

This comparison highlights a key issue: Sri Lanka’s coal procurement system has changed in form but not in outcome. Whether through high prices or poor quality, the country continues to suffer major losses.

Without strong reforms such as transparent bidding processes, independent oversight, and strict quality checks these problems are likely to continue. The current scandal is not an isolated case but part of a larger, ongoing failure that has affected the country for more than a decade.

By: Staff Writer

April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is approaching a critical juncture as it prepares to finalize a long-awaited Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the entry and monitoring of foreign research vessels in its territorial waters. Officials say the framework, expected within two months, aims to bring clarity and consistency to a sensitive issue increasingly shaped by geopolitical rivalry—particularly involving vessels from China.

In recent years, Sri Lanka’s strategic location along key Indian Ocean shipping lanes has drawn heightened attention from global powers. Foreign research vessels, often presented as scientific missions, have raised concerns among regional actors who suspect dual-use capabilities—especially in areas like seabed mapping and satellite tracking. These concerns are not merely hypothetical; such data can have military applications, intensifying scrutiny from neighbors like India and partners such as the United States.

The Sri Lankan government finds itself balancing competing priorities. On one hand, it seeks to maintain strong economic and diplomatic ties with China, a major investor in infrastructure projects, including ports and logistics hubs. On the other, it must reassure regional partners that its waters will not become a platform for strategic activities that could destabilize the region.

The absence of a clear SOP has, until now, led to ad hoc decision-making. Some vessel requests have been approved with conditions, while others have been delayed or quietly declined. This inconsistency has fueled criticism both domestically and internationally, with analysts warning that ambiguity could erode Sri Lanka’s credibility.

The forthcoming SOP is expected to outline stricter approval processes, mandatory data-sharing requirements, and enhanced coordination with defense and maritime authorities. It may also introduce designated zones where foreign research activities are either restricted or subject to closer monitoring. Officials indicate that the goal is not to block scientific collaboration but to ensure transparency and safeguard national security.

However, implementation will be the real test. Sri Lanka’s limited maritime surveillance capabilities could pose challenges in enforcing new regulations. Without significant investment in monitoring infrastructure, even the most robust SOP risks being ineffective.

As global competition intensifies in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka’s decisions carry weight beyond its borders. The SOP represents more than a bureaucratic update—it is a signal of how the country intends to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape while protecting its sovereignty and maintaining balanced foreign relations.

By: Staff Writer

April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s flagship urban megaproject, Colombo Port City, is being positioned as a future engine of growth, but its ability to meet aggressive performance and investment targets remains uncertain amid ongoing policy delays.

The project has made measurable progress. Over 27 ventures have been designated as Businesses of Strategic Importance (BSI), attracting both global and domestic players. Key stakeholders include CHEC Port City Colombo Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company, alongside local partner Browns Investments PLC, which is funding major developments such as the marina and parts of the financial district.

Major projects already underway include a $142 million mixed-use development by IFC Colombo 1 Private Limited and luxury residential initiatives by ICC Port City Private Limited. International firms such as KPMG and Hexaware Technologies have also established a presence, signaling early confidence in the zone.

The financial ecosystem is gradually taking shape, with major domestic banks including Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sampath Bank, and Hatton National Bank approved to operate within the city. However, revised 2026 regulations now restrict offshore banking licenses exclusively to foreign-incorporated institutions, a move designed to enhance credibility but potentially narrowing local participation.

Economically, the stakes are high. At full capacity, the Port City is expected to generate over $13 billion annually in GDP contribution. Achieving this would significantly transform Sri Lanka’s economic structure, shifting it toward high-value services and international finance.

However, there is a widening gap between projections and current performance. While investment inflows are accelerating, reaching $3.9 billion in the pipeline, this represents only a fraction of the $15 billion FDI target. Delays in policy implementation, particularly under the current administration, risk slowing investor onboarding and project execution.

Moreover, global economic conditions tightened financial markets, geopolitical uncertainty, and competition from established hubs like Dubai and Singapore pose additional challenges. To compete effectively, Colombo Port City must offer not just incentives but also regulatory certainty, ease of doing business, and world-class infrastructure.

The coming years will be decisive. If the government can streamline approvals, maintain policy stability, and attract anchor investors, the project could still meet its long-term goals. If not, there is a real risk that Colombo Port City may fall short of its transformative promise, becoming a partially realised vision rather than a fully functional global financial hub.