New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake told Parliament yesterday (5) that expanding port capacity and regulating container depot operations are essential to improving efficiency and enhancing Sri Lanka’s international competitiveness in port operations.
He said these objectives could be achieved through the proposed Container Depot Operators Licensing Act, which would formalise the sector and ensure the State receives due revenue. MP Karunanayake noted that container depot operators currently function without proper regulation, do not pay taxes, and channel significant earnings without benefiting the national economy.
“For this, some fixed income needs to be generated. Through that, the container operations sector can be developed. An opportunity Sri Lanka once had has been lost to Singapore. We must acquire technology from developed countries,” he said, adding that the proposed legislation would enable the Government to secure rightful income while adopting modern technological practices used internationally.
The MP pointed out that Sri Lanka’s ports are currently ranked 25th globally, recalling that when former Minister Lalith Athulathmudali initiated port development, Sri Lanka had held a leading global position. He stressed that proper regulation could help the country regain that standing.
Highlighting operational challenges, MP Karunanayake said delays in cargo handling are costing the country millions of rupees, noting that losing even one hour at the port results in significant financial losses. He observed that while work on the East Container Terminal is underway, greater attention must be paid to optimising the existing port area.
“There is no proper space for anchoring, and ships are now diverting to other countries instead of calling at Sri Lankan ports,” he said, adding that while India clears goods in about 0.9 days, Sri Lanka takes considerably longer, undermining its competitiveness in regional maritime trade.
Sri Lanka’s tea industry is expected to record growth of between 10 and 12 percent in 2026, despite weather-related losses and persistent structural challenges, industry officials said.
Chairman W. L. P. Wijewardene said the sector remains optimistic even after losing nearly one million kilograms of tea due to Cyclone Ditwah. He noted that favourable weather conditions in the coming months could help the industry achieve its annual production target of 300 million kilograms.
Tea production in 2025 increased to 264.12 million kilograms, up from 262.69 million kilograms in 2024, reflecting a growth of 1.43 million kilograms. Mr. Wijewardene attributed the improvement largely to the government’s fertilizer subsidy, adding that 2025 output was also 8.03 million kilograms higher than production recorded in 2023.
However, he pointed out that the Department of Census and Statistics’ third-quarter report for 2025 indicated an 8.1 percent decline in tea production volume. This downturn was attributed to supply-side challenges, including rising input costs, delays in replanting and labour shortages.
On the export front, tea shipments increased by 11.65 million kilograms in 2025 to reach 257.4 million kilograms. Export earnings rose to USD 1.506 billion during the year, while the average export price remained stable at around USD 5.85 per kilogram, Mr. Wijewardene said.
The Supreme Court on Thursday (05) ordered the University Grants Commission (UGC) to immediately admit a Sri Lankan student to a state university medical faculty, ruling that his earlier rejection amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
The Court found that the student, who had completed a Russian examination equivalent to Sri Lanka’s GCE Advanced Level and fulfilled the required qualifications, had been unfairly denied admission.
The petitioner, a resident of Borella, had passed the GCE Ordinary Level examination in Colombo before relocating to Russia due to his father’s diplomatic posting. While in Russia, he completed the Senior School Certificate Examination, an examination sat by students from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, which he contended was equivalent to the GCE Advanced Level.
He had applied for admission to a medical faculty through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but his application was rejected on the grounds that he did not meet the admission criteria. The petitioner subsequently challenged the decision, claiming it infringed upon his fundamental rights.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Arjuna Obeysekera, with Justices Janak de Silva and Sobhitha Rajakaruna concurring, observed that the petitioner had satisfied all relevant requirements and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had no authority over university admissions. The Court therefore directed the UGC to grant him immediate admission to a state university medical faculty.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met members of the Sri Lanka national cricket team at the NCC grounds following their practice session, in a move aimed at boosting player morale ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka will enter the home World Cup under pressure after a series of recent defeats and ongoing criticism from fans over the team’s performances.
Against this backdrop, President Dissanayake visited the squad to personally address the players, offering encouragement and reassurance as they prepare for their opening match of the tournament, scheduled to be played on February 8.
As part of ongoing reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, India has dispatched a consignment of 10 Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka to assist in restoring critical connectivity infrastructure in affected areas.
The shipment arrived in Colombo from Visakhapatnam onboard INS Gharial, and was formally handed over by the Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, to Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku at a ceremony held on February 5.
The additional Bailey Bridges have been provided under India’s USD 5 million grant assistance for post-Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction, aimed at strengthening transport links and access in disaster-affected regions. Another shipment carrying the remaining bridge components is expected to arrive shortly.
The supply of Bailey Bridges forms part of the USD 450 million Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Packageannounced by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar during his visit to Sri Lanka following the cyclone.
The newly supplied bridges will be installed at selected locations across the country, with technical assessments currently being conducted by Indian Army engineers in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority (RDA).
India had previously supplied four Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka, two of which were installed in the Kilinochchi Districtand two along the Kandy–Ragala Road. These bridges have played a vital role in restoring connectivity in difficult terrain, improving access for communities and supporting the resumption of essential services, livelihoods and economic activity.
India has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery, resilience and long-term connectivity through timely, targeted and people-centric assistance.
Showers will occur at times in Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts. Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places in Uva and Eastern provinces and in Hambantota, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts.Several spells of showers will occur at Northern province and in Anuradhapura district.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere after 2.00 p.m. Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places in Rathnapura, Kaluthara, Galle and Matara districts.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Northern and North-western provinces and in Matale, Trincomalee and Anuradhapura districts.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Badulla districts during the early hours of the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
February 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s dairy industry is undergoing a noteworthy transformation, underlining both the challenges and emerging opportunities that shape one of the country’s most critical agricultural sectors. With domestic milk production still meeting only a fraction of national demand, the sector’s growth and its potential contribution to the broader economy hinges on enhancing local capacity, empowering dairy farmers, and harnessing state-owned assets more effectively.
According to recent industry figures, Sri Lanka produces about 40 % of its total milk demand locally, with the remainder met through imports chiefly powdered milk that costs billions of rupees every year. While production has increased over the past decade, local output remains significantly below national consumption. Official data show that domestic annual milk production has fluctuated around 380 million litres, a modest rise from earlier levels but still insufficient relative to national requirements.
Amid this backdrop, the Sri Lankan Government’s commitment to revitalise the dairy sector has taken centre stage. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya highlighted the transformation of state-owned Milk Industries of Lanka Company (MILCO) as a milestone in this strategy. At the recent MILCO National Dairy Farmers’ Profit Sharing and Insurance Program held at Temple Trees, she emphasised that the government’s approach prioritises economic inclusivity and shared benefits—a shift from decades of stagnation and mismanagement.
MILCO’s performance in 2025 stands as a symbol of this turnaround. The company reported its highest-ever sales turnover and historic net profit, a rare achievement for a formerly loss-making state enterprise. In recognition of this success, performance incentives will be distributed to some 22,000 dairy farmers affiliated with MILCO, with symbolic dividend payments already presented to 2,000 farmers at the event.
This revival owes much to stronger producer linkages, improved processing capacity, and better supply chain operations. MILCO now collects roughly 150,000 litres of milk daily—a significant improvement from earlier years when outputs lagged due to administrative weak points. To support sustainability, the Dairy Farmer Retirement Scheme and farm family insurance benefits were also introduced, further embedding social security within the sector’s growth narrative.
Yet challenges persist across the industry. Smallholder farmers—who constitute the backbone of Sri Lanka’s dairy production continue to grapple with rising input costs, limited access to high-quality feed and veterinary services, and logistical inefficiencies. Reports show many farmers struggle with low yields that undermine profitability, even as overall production inches upward.
Still, industry stakeholders view MILCO’s renewed performance as a catalyst for broader reform. Agricultural Minister K.D. Lalkantha praised both institutional leadership and dairy farmers for driving MILCO’s turnaround, stressing the importance of recognising national value in such achievements. Government support for tackling systemic challenges is expected to continue, signalling a long-term commitment to the sector.
Looking ahead, the Sri Lankan dairy industry’s capacity to reduce import dependence, boost rural incomes, and contribute meaningfully to GDP will depend on scaling up production efficiency and sustaining momentum from recent reform efforts. As MILCO leads by example, dairy’s potential role in strengthening the rural economy and enhancing food security becomes ever clearer
February 05, Colombo (LNW): The appointment of Samudika Jayaratne as Auditor General has finally ended a ten-month impasse that left Sri Lanka’s National Audit Office without a permanent head. The Constitutional Council’s unanimous approval follows the retirement of Chulantha Wickramaratne in April 2025, and months of heated debate over presidential nominees rejected by the Council.
The prolonged vacancy exposed the NAO to political manoeuvring. The controversy reached its peak when a serving military officer was nominated in December, sparking public concern that the audit institution could lose its independence and become an extension of state power.
Jayaratne’s appointment restores leadership, but she assumes office at a time when the economy remains vulnerable, and public scrutiny of government spending is at its highest.
Political Threats to Audit Independence
The repeated rejection of presidential nominees reflects deep distrust between the executive and oversight institutions. While the Council’s decision can be seen as a defence of institutional independence, it has also created a power vacuum that weakened the NAO’s ability to function effectively.
Jayaratne now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust in the office’s neutrality. Her appointment must signal a return to impartial audits, free from political interference. This will require courage, transparency, and a firm commitment to the principles of public accountability.
Fiscal Oversight in a Time of Scarcity
The economy’s current condition makes audit work more important than ever. Government spending is constrained, and there is heightened risk of corruption and mismanagement in areas such as public procurement, debt servicing, and emergency expenditures.
With international lenders and investors watching closely, audit reports will play a critical role in demonstrating fiscal discipline. Jayaratne must prioritise audits that reveal wasteful spending and safeguard the integrity of public funds.
Operational Challenges
The NAO’s internal capacity may have been compromised during the leadership gap. Staff morale, planning, and audit execution could have suffered, reducing the office’s effectiveness. Jayaratne must rebuild organisational stability, strengthen training, and ensure audits are conducted timely and professionally.
Moreover, she must engage with the public transparently. The NAO must not be perceived as an elite institution operating behind closed doors. Regular public disclosure of audit findings will be essential to regain credibility.
The Road Ahead
Jayaratne’s appointment is a critical step, but it marks the beginning of a difficult journey. To succeed, she must defend the NAO’s independence, strengthen fiscal oversight, and restore public confidence in governance. In the current economic environment, her performance will have profound implications for transparency and accountability in Sri Lanka.
February 05, World (LNW): Jeffrey Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender who trafficked and abused dozens of underage girls over many years. He cultivated extensive relationships with political leaders, royalty, business magnates, academics, and celebrities. His case became one of the most significant criminal and institutional scandals of the 21st century due to its scale, the leniency he received from the justice system, and the continued release of official documents even after his death in 2019.
As of 2026, Epstein’s crimes, associates, and the failures surrounding his prosecution remain the subject of global scrutiny.
Background and Early Life
Jeffrey Edward Epstein was born in 1953 in Brooklyn, New York. Despite lacking a college degree, he briefly worked as a mathematics and physics teacher at the elite Dalton School in Manhattan. From there, he transitioned into finance, securing a position at Bear Stearns. He later founded J. Epstein & Company, through which he managed wealth for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
By 2018, Epstein had reportedly amassed over 800 million US dollars in fees by managing billionaire clients, most notably Leslie Wexner, founder of L Brands. Epstein’s exact sources of wealth were opaque and frequently questioned.
– A large Manhattan townhouse – A Palm Beach mansion in Florida – A ranch in New Mexico – Little St. James island in the US Virgin Islands
Little St. James became infamous as the primary site of sexual abuse and trafficking and was widely referred to as “Pedophile Island.”
Criminal Investigations (2005–2007)
In March 2005, the Palm Beach Police Department launched a criminal investigation after a parent reported that Epstein had sexually abused her 14-year-old daughter. Police identified at least 36 underage victims, some as young as 14 years old. The victims reported being paid cash for sexual “massages,” which frequently escalated into rape and sexual assault.
The FBI launched a parallel investigation known as “Operation Leap Year.” This investigation uncovered: – Hidden cameras in Epstein’s properties – Nude photographs of underage girls – Evidence of organised sex trafficking operating from at least 2002 onwards
Federal prosecutors prepared a 60-count indictment against Epstein. Despite the strength of the evidence, the indictment was never pursued due to a controversial non-prosecution agreement.
The 2008 Plea Deal
In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida state court to: – Procuring a minor for prostitution – Solicitation of prostitution
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison but served only 13 months. During this period, Epstein was granted work release privileges that allowed him to leave jail for up to 12 hours per day, six days a week. The plea deal was accompanied by a secret federal non-prosecution agreement negotiated by US Attorney Alexander Acosta.
This agreement: – Granted Epstein immunity from federal prosecution – Extended immunity to unnamed co-conspirators – Was concealed from Epstein’s victims
The deal was later ruled a violation of victims’ rights and was widely condemned as a “national disgrace.” Alexander Acosta later stated that Epstein was treated leniently due to alleged intelligence connections, though these claims have never been substantiated.
2019 Arrest and Death
On 6 July 2019, Jeffrey Epstein was arrested at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. He was charged federally with sex trafficking of minors in New York and Florida. Prosecutors alleged that he had trafficked and abused dozens of underage girls over many years and that he faced a potential life sentence.
Searches of his properties uncovered CDs labelled with descriptions indicating nude images of underage girls. On 10 August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan. The New York City medical examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging. The death occurred amid serious jail irregularities, including: – Guards failing to perform required checks – Malfunctioning or missing CCTV footage
Although conspiracy theories persist, subsequent FBI reviews and released footage supported the conclusion of suicide.
Key Associates
Ghislaine Maxwell: Ghislaine Maxwell was Epstein’s long-time associate and partner. She played a central role in recruiting underage girls, grooming them, and normalising sexual abuse. In 2021, Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking and related offences. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison. In 2025, the US Supreme Court rejected her final appeal. She remains incarcerated.
Other High-Profile Associates Numerous high-profile individuals have been named in court documents, flight logs, emails, and depositions. Being named does not imply criminal wrongdoing.
These individuals include: – Bill Clinton – Frequent passenger on Epstein’s private jet; no wrongdoing alleged – Donald Trump – Social relationship prior to a fallout around 2004; no island visits claimed – Prince Andrew – Accused of sexual assault by Virginia Giuffre; settled out of court – Alan Dershowitz – Accused by a victim (denied); assisted in Epstein’s 2008 plea deal – Ehud Barak – Frequent visitor after Epstein’s 2008 conviction – Stephen Hawking – Visited the island for a scientific conference – Leonardo DiCaprio – Named in documents; no allegations – Michael Jackson – Met Epstein; no abuse claims – David Copperfield – Mentioned regarding Epstein-hosted dinners – Bill Richardson – Named by Giuffre (deceased; denied allegations)
Victims and Compensation
Authorities confirmed at least 36 victims during the 2008 proceedings. Investigative reporting by journalist Julie Brown identified approximately 80 victims. Estimates by advocates suggest the true number may reach as high as 1,000 women.
Compensation outcomes include: – Epstein’s estate paid 121 million US dollars to 150 victims through a compensation fund – JPMorgan Chase settled claims for 290 million US dollars – Deutsche Bank settled for 75 million US dollars – The US Virgin Islands government received 105 million US dollars – Virginia Giuffre received 500,000 US dollars in a settlement with Prince Andrew
Document Releases (2024–2026)
2024 Unsealed Court Files: In 2024, approximately 950 pages of court documents were unsealed in connection with Virginia Giuffre’s defamation lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell. These documents named nearly 150 individuals mentioned in depositions, motions, and correspondence.
2025–2026 DOJ Releases: Between 2025 and January 2026, the US Department of Justice released approximately: – 3.5 million pages of documents – 180,000 images – 2,000 videos
These releases were mandated by a law signed by former President Donald Trump. The materials include emails, photographs, flight records, and communications with political and business elites. Hundreds of references to Donald Trump appear across multiple batches, including communications labelled “The Duke.” The Department of Justice stated in 2025 that no verified “client list” exists.
Current Status As of February 2026 – Ghislaine Maxwell remains imprisoned – Epstein’s Caribbean islands were sold in 2023 for 60 million US dollars – No new criminal charges have been brought against Epstein’s associates – The Department of Justice has formally closed investigations due to the absence of prosecutable evidence – Victims’ advocates continue to demand full, unredacted transparency
Conspiracy Claims and Factual Findings
Cannibalism Claims: Claims that Epstein or his associates engaged in cannibalism are entirely unsubstantiated. These allegations stem from debunked conspiracy theories, viral hoaxes, and misinterpretations of unrelated cases. No credible evidence supports these claims.
Murder Allegations: Despite persistent online claims that Epstein was murdered to silence him, all official investigations have concluded that he died by suicide. Allegations implicating political leaders or elites have been repeatedly debunked, and no evidence of homicide has been found.
Child Abuse Allegations: In contrast, allegations of child sexual abuse are firmly established. Epstein’s abuse of underage girls is supported by: – Criminal convictions – Victim testimonies – Physical evidence – Court records
There is no credible evidence of murder or cannibalism associated with Epstein’s criminal network, but there is overwhelming evidence of systematic child sexual abuse and trafficking.
With information pertaining to the Epstein case being made into public record, it remains one of the most controversial and unparalleled cases involving systemic sexual abuse, cloaked by wealth and power.
February 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is positioning itself for a decisive pivot in 2026, emphasizing deeper integration with India as a strategic lifeline amid intensifying regional competition. In a speech at the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) 2025 AGM, Chairperson Rajitha Jayasuriya outlined the industry’s priorities for the year ahead, focusing on securing quota-free access to India and building stronger regional value chains.
Jayasuriya argued that Sri Lanka cannot afford to rely solely on traditional markets, warning that Cambodia, Vietnam and Bangladesh are rapidly outpacing the island’s garment export performance. Cambodia has become the fastest-growing supplier to major Western markets, Vietnam is accelerating automation and smart factory investments, and Bangladesh continues to dominate large-scale basic apparel production. Sri Lanka’s response, she said, must be swift and strategic.
A stronger India–Sri Lanka apparel corridor is viewed as more than an economic opportunity—it is a geopolitical necessity. India’s emergence as a major global sourcing hub and retail powerhouse offers Sri Lankan exporters a chance to diversify and deepen their market reach. The industry expects diplomatic support from Indian officials and calls on the Indian High Commissioner and senior diplomats to actively promote trade collaboration.
Yet, the pathway is not smooth. Jayasuriya highlighted that Sri Lanka’s reform agenda remains incomplete, even as the government’s 2026 Budget introduced export-friendly measures and digital tax reforms. She warned that without urgent policy action, the industry risks falling behind competitors that are rapidly modernizing and expanding free trade agreements.
Technology and innovation have become central to Sri Lanka’s survival strategy. The sector plans to accelerate automation, adopt artificial intelligence, and transition toward fully data-driven operations. At the same time, market diversification into Asia, the Middle East and Africa is being prioritized to reduce dependency on traditional markets.
The chairperson also stressed workforce development and sustainability as critical pillars. Investment in skills, gender equity, worker wellbeing, and compliance with global ESG standards are seen as essential for maintaining Sri Lanka’s reputation for ethical production. Yet, these goals require strong government support in infrastructure and policy stability.
Key demands include full implementation of the National Single Window and Electronic Travel Authorisation systems, establishing a dedicated trade office for major FTAs, and operationalizing the Eravur Fabric Park. Without these reforms, the apparel industry’s future could be limited to shrinking market share and increasing vulnerability.
