Except for a few showers in Rathnapura, Kaluthara and Galle districts in the evening or night, mainly fair weather will prevail over the island.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Southern and North-central provinces during the morning.
Former Minister Marvin Silva Arrested Over Alleged Illegal Land Deal
Former Minister Marvin Silva was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) last night (05) in connection with an alleged land fraud case. According to sources, the arrest is linked to the unauthorized construction of shops on land owned by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and the preparation of fraudulent documents for their sale.
Silva is set to appear before the Mahara Magistrate’s Court today (06).
Meanwhile, authorities are also seeking to arrest former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera, who served as the chairman of the Kelaniya local council at the time, and Sarath, a Singaporean national who was Silva’s private secretary. Both individuals are reportedly in hiding, sources revealed.
The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka has announced the formation of the AI Advisory Committee, marking a pivotal step in the nation’s artificial intelligence (AI) journey.
The newly constituted committee recently held its first meeting and is set to play a key role in implementing Sri Lanka’s AI Strategy in alignment with the broader Digital Economy Strategy.
The committee has been established to provide strategic direction and operational support in shaping AI policies, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s commitment to a dynamic and inclusive digital transformation.
Its primary objectives include ensuring AI strategies align with government policies, identifying high-impact initiatives to enhance public services, and advising on regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, skills training, research and development, and the creation of AI hubs.
Additionally, the committee will focus on promoting ethical AI practices, increasing public awareness, and fostering capacity-building initiatives.
Dr. Romesh Ranawana has been appointed as the Chairman of the committee, with Harsha Purasinghe, an ICTA Board member, serving as the Convener. Other members include Dr. Harsha Subasinghe, Prof. Asoka Karunananda, Dr. Srinath Perera, Prof. Roshan Ragel, Lakmini Wijesundara, Jayantha Fernando, Dr. Radheeka Jayasundera Abeyweera, Yasith Fernando, Chandika Jayasundra, Sanjini Munaweera, and Yudhanjaya Wijeyratne.
To bolster its expertise, the committee will be supported by specialized sub-committees and an international Expert Group, providing global insights on AI policies and best practices.
The committee’s strategic initiatives will be structured around nine key pillars. These include AI infrastructure development to facilitate research and innovation, data-driven strategies for sustainable
AI growth, and skills enhancement programs aimed at modernizing university curricula and workforce capabilities in both public and private sectors. Public awareness initiatives will be launched to educate citizens and highlight career opportunities in AI.
Furthermore, the committee will drive AI research and development, cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem, encourage private sector AI adoption, and develop a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure responsible governance.
Special emphasis will be placed on AI-driven solutions tailored for government applications, in accordance with ICTA’s governance protocols.The AI Advisory Committee’s efforts are expected to accelerate Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, stimulate economic growth, and position the country as a leader in responsible and sustainable AI development
Sri Lanka’s tea industry, a vital part of the national economy, must undergo urgent reforms to uphold ethical labor standards and maintain its global reputation for quality.
Despite international certification programs like Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade, investigations reveal that many estates supplying major brands fail to meet these ethical promises, exposing workers to poor wages, unsafe conditions, and lack of basic necessities., ABC news investigation report revealed.
Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring that Sri Lanka’s tea remains a trusted and premium product in the global market.
Many tea brands assure consumers that their products are ethically sourced, relying on third-party certifications to verify fair wages and safe working conditions.
However, investigations into several certified estates show severe shortcomings.
Workers on Rainforest Alliance-certified plantations in Sri Lanka report not having access to clean drinking water or toilets in the fields, living in dilapidated housing, and children working instead of attending school—clear violations of the scheme’s standards. the report pointed out.
Michael Joachim, an advocate for Sri Lankan tea workers, argues that these ethical certifications function more as marketing tools rather than meaningful safeguards for laborers.
Many workers are unaware that the tea they pluck is sold under these ethical labels, while audits meant to enforce standards appear flawed.
Reports indicate that managers restrict worker access to auditors, preventing them from sharing grievances, further undermining the credibility of these certification programs.
The harsh realities for tea workers in Sri Lanka’s central highlands contrast sharply with the idyllic image of lush plantations.
Women plucking tea leaves endure strenuous conditions, often working barefoot on steep slopes while carrying heavy sacks.
Many must meet high daily quotas to earn even the minimum wage, yet their wages remain insufficient to support their families.
Despite certification requirements mandating safe housing, many workers live in crumbling line houses dating back to colonial times.
On some estates, drinking water shortages persist for months, and flooding during the rainy season worsens living conditions.
Audits, intended to ensure compliance, often fail, with workers stating they have never been interviewed by auditors.
Responsibility for maintaining estate housing is complicated by Sri Lanka’s land lease system, in which plantations operate on government-owned land.
While the government has announced plans to improve housing, progress is slow, leaving many workers in dire conditions.
Tea brands such as Lipton, Tetley, Twinings, Dilmah, and Yorkshire Tea defend their certification processes, citing independent audits and direct supplier engagement.
However, many acknowledge the limitations of third-party certifications, with some implementing their own monitoring systems.
Sri Lanka, once the world’s leading tea producer, now struggles to compete with China, India, and Kenya due to economic instability, rising production costs, and fierce global competition.
The country produces over 250 million kilograms of tea annually, exporting to 140 countries, and remains the second-largest supplier to Australia. Yet, declining profit margins threaten the industry’s sustainability.
To secure its place in the global market, Sri Lanka’s tea industry must prioritize genuine ethical sourcing, transparent labor practices, and improved worker conditions.
Strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring fair wages will not only protect workers but also enhance the reputation of Ceylon tea as a premium, ethically produced product.
Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya has issued a circular announcing a 25% increase in the reward for traffic police officers who detect traffic violations.
The circular, which was communicated to Senior Deputy Inspectors General (Senior DIGs) and Officers-in-Charge (OICs), states that the increment will be effective from February 1, 2025.
The enhanced reward applies to Traffic OICs engaged in field duties, Inspector-rank officers handling both traffic and office work, as well as Police Sergeants, Police Constables, and Police Constable Drivers involved in field traffic operations.
Additionally, the Acting IGP has instructed that the payments be made without delay to ensure that officers receive their due allowances on time.
According to the Sri Lanka Police, this initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of traffic law enforcementby recognizing and motivating officers who actively work to reduce traffic offenses, accidents, speeding, and drunk driving.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) recorded an operating loss of Rs. 3 billion in the December 2024 quarter, though it managed to post a marginal net profit due to other income and foreign exchange gains.
According to interim financial reports, CEB’s revenue dropped by 28%, falling to Rs. 111.8 billion from Rs. 156.2 billion in the same quarter of 2023. Meanwhile, cost of sales surged by 49% to Rs. 116.2 billion, resulting in a gross loss of Rs. 4.49 billion, a significant improvement from the Rs. 78 billion loss in 2023.
For the full year 2024, the CEB recorded foreign exchange gains of Rs. 11.7 billion, contributing to a total net profit of Rs. 144 billion. This was further boosted by a Rs. 26 billion capital gain from the sale of shares in LTL Holdings to West Coast Power, which helped in reducing its debt burden.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced plans to implement structural reforms within Sri Lanka Customs, aiming to establish an institutional framework that aligns with modern requirements.
During a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat, senior Customs officials and the President reviewed Budget 2025 and the institutional restructuring process. The discussion focused on addressing inefficiencies, fraud, corruption, and public dissatisfaction with the department’s current operations.
President Dissanayake emphasized the adoption of new technologies to streamline operations and enhance service delivery efficiency. He also directed officials to enforce stringent laws to eliminate inefficiencies and improve overall performance.
The discussion also covered human resource management, including expedited recruitment processes and infrastructure development to support modernization efforts.
Acknowledging the Customs Department’s revenue achievements in the previous year, the President stressed the importance of implementing necessary measures to meet the revenue targets for the current year.
At the invitation of the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Greater Mekong Business Council, hosted a panel discussion on “Business Opportunities between Thailand and Sri Lanka: Food, Agriculture, and Health for Sustainable Prosperity and Wellbeing.” The event, held on March 3 at The Kingsbury Colombo, was followed by a business networking session with a visiting Thai business delegation.
The Thai delegation, organized by the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Board of Trade of Thailand, included 17 officials and business representatives. This visit followed a business promotion mission to Thailand in February 2025 and aimed to deepen trade and investment ties, particularly in key sectors that contribute to sustainable development.
The panel discussion featured industry leaders and experts from both countries who explored collaboration opportunities in food, agriculture, and health. Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the Thai delegation’s focus on these sectors, highlighting their alignment with Sri Lanka’s government priorities on food security, agriculture, and tourism-driven services.
Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Paitoon Mahapannaporn, noted that while Sri Lanka’s traditional exports to Thailand were dominated by precious stones, recent trends indicate growth in raw materials, processed products, plastics, textiles, chemicals, tea, and spices. He emphasized the significant potential for further trade expansion.
Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, stressed the importance of collaborating on value-added products and services, ensuring greater access to global markets. He led the delegation, which included prominent Thai entrepreneurs from various industries.
Beyond the discussions, the Thai delegation will conduct field visits to gain firsthand insights into Sri Lanka’s food, agriculture, and health sectors, identifying potential areas for collaboration and further strengthening economic tiesbetween the two nations.
Peter Breuer, the IMF’s Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, commended Sri Lanka’s remarkable economic turnaround, stating that the country has made a tremendous recovery from its financial crisis and has a promising future ahead. Speaking at an online press briefing, following the approval of the fourth tranche of US$ 334 million under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), Breuer suggested that it is time to reverse the brain drain as Sri Lanka is now becoming a more attractive place to live.
Sri Lanka’s economy grew by 5.5%, indicating a strong recovery, and the country has regained 40% of the income lost over the past five years due to the IMF program’s implementation. The latest tranche increases IMF funding to Sri Lanka to approximately US$ 1.3 billion. The IMF backed Sri Lanka’s cost-recovery electricity pricing, emphasizing the need to ensure financial stability in the power sector after January’s 20% tariff reduction.
Breuer underscored the importance of finalizing bilateral agreements with key creditors such as Japan, India, and China, following Sri Lanka’s preliminary agreement on debt servicing. He emphasized that Sri Lanka must boost tax revenue, improve social welfare targeting, and ensure efficient capital spending for better public finance management.
Katsiaryna Svirydzenka, Deputy Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, stressed that SOE restructuring is crucial to stabilizing the economy and reducing fiscal deficits. She noted that mismanaged SOEs lead to taxpayer burdens and financial instability, and highlighted the need for greater transparency, including the timely publication of audited SOE financial statements.
The IMF remains optimistic that Sri Lanka’s economic progress will lead to rising incomes and poverty reduction, opening up better domestic opportunities for its citizens. However, continued reforms are necessary to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka has the potential to become a premier tourist destination through strategic urban development, moving beyond traditional construction methods.
During a discussion with officials from the National Physical Planning Department at the Presidential Secretariat, the President directed authorities to integrate Sri Lankan identity into all city planning initiatives.
The meeting also explored the government’s vision for developing both urban and rural areas, with a focus on strengthening the rural economy. The President stressed that while urban centers must be modernized, rural culture and livelihoods must be preserved as part of the country’s overall economic progress.
The discussion was attended by:
This initiative marks a significant step in reshaping Sri Lanka’s urban landscape while ensuring that cultural heritage and rural development remain central to national progress.
