March 02, Colombo (LNW): A high-speed chase ensued in the northern region of Sri Lanka when police attempted to stop a truck carrying a load of sand, suspected of also transporting illicit drugs.
The incident, which took place in the vicinity of Point Pedro, escalated when the truck failed to comply with orders to halt at a checkpoint and instead sped away, leading officers to open fire on the vehicle as it fled through Valvettithurai.
According to the Police Media Division, the driver and his assistant abandoned the truck shortly after the shooting, making a swift escape from the scene. Despite their attempts to flee, it was later confirmed that the assistant had sustained injuries during the pursuit.
In a turn of events, the Mandigai Hospital contacted the police to report that the injured assistant had been admitted for treatment.
Authorities are now working to track down both individuals involved in the incident, with the truck seized and further investigations underway into the contents of the vehicle.
Initial reports suggest that the truck may have been involved in the illegal transportation of drugs, though police have yet to confirm the exact nature of the materials being smuggled.
March 02, Colombo (LNW): Two former members of the Sri Lanka Army’s intelligence unit have been taken into custody in connection with the abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr in May 2008, according to the Police Media Division.
The arrests occurred yesterday (01), when the two suspects, aged 42 and 46, were apprehended by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the Nawagaththegama and Elayapaththuwa police divisions.
This follows ongoing investigations into the high-profile case, which has remained a source of concern for both media freedom and human rights.
Noyahr, a prominent journalist at the time, was abducted on 22nd May 2008 whilst travelling in the Waidya Road area, located within the Dehiwala Police Division.
He was taken in a van and subsequently subjected to a brutal assault. The incident shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation, with many seeing it as an attack on press freedom.
The suspects, who are both retired personnel from the Army’s Military Intelligence Corps (MIC), were allegedly involved in the abduction and subsequent assault of Noyahr.
Despite the years that have passed since the incident, the case has continued to be a focal point in the wider discussion about the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedom in Sri Lanka.
Authorities have not disclosed the full details surrounding the investigation, but the recent arrests signal progress in a case that had long remained unresolved.
The two men, residents of Nawagaththegama and Ulukkulama, are expected to be questioned further as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The case of Keith Noyahr is one of several incidents over the years that has raised concerns about the treatment of journalists in Sri Lanka, particularly during periods of heightened political tension.
March 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings for January 2025 amounted to US$2,331 million, surpassing imports by a healthy US$546 million, according to the latest data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
This represents a positive shift in the country’s external finances, as it continues to recover from previous economic challenges.
The total foreign exchange inflows for January included US$1,052 million from exports, US$573 million in worker remittances, and US$705.7 million from gross services, which also encompass an estimated US$400.7 million in earnings from the tourism sector.
In comparison, December 2024 saw total earnings of US$2,413 million, with exports contributing US$1,101 million and remittances reaching US$613 million.
Whilst the export figures showed a slight dip from December to January, the tourism industry continued to show strong performance, bolstered by a steady increase in foreign visitors.
The country’s IT and BPO services also performed well, generating US$68 million in January. However, services outflows amounted to US$287.4 million, with travel abroad accounting for US$52.4 million of this expenditure.
Tourism remains a vital contributor to Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings, with total tourism revenues for 2024 reaching US$3,168 million, a significant rise of 50% from the previous year.
Meanwhile, travel abroad costs also surged to US$755 million, highlighting the growing movement of citizens abroad.
In terms of trade, Sri Lanka’s import of investment goods and base metals saw an increase, reaching US$389 million in January 2025, up from US$294 million in the same month the previous year.
This uptick is indicative of a rise in domestic investments, with private credit expanding and savings from remittances, exports, and tourism being channelled into local projects.
However, whilst the overall foreign exchange earnings are positive, there are concerns surrounding the country’s foreign reserves. The Central Bank has been under pressure to balance foreign exchange inflows with the repayment of maturing debts and building up reserves.
Experts have warned that if interest rates remain too low, there could be a surge in private credit, potentially undermining efforts to build reserves and making it more difficult to manage the country’s debt.
This scenario could lead to the depletion of reserves if money is printed to address short-term liquidity needs, with an increase in imports further exacerbating the situation.
In light of these challenges, the Central Bank’s decision to inject rupee reserves into banks in late 2024 in an attempt to boost credit has raised concerns amongst analysts.
Whilst such measures were intended to stimulate economic activity, they have led to a decrease in the country’s foreign reserves, which fell by US$26 million in January.
The outlook for Sri Lanka’s external finances remains mixed. Whilst foreign exchange earnings from exports, remittances, and tourism are contributing positively, the growing demand for imports, coupled with the pressure to manage debt repayments, presents ongoing challenges for the nation’s economic stability.
March 02, Colombo (LNW): Unimo Enterprises Ltd, the authorised distributor for Perodua in Sri Lanka, has announced the arrival of the first shipment of vehicles to the island, following the end of a five-year import ban, Economy Next reported.
This marks a significant milestone for the local automotive industry, as the country reopens to vehicle imports after a lengthy restriction period.
The newly arrived models include the Axia G and Axia SE hatchbacks, the Bezza G sedan, and the Aruz X MPV.
Unimo has revealed that these vehicles will be available at prices starting from 8.25 million rupees, with an impressive 100,000-kilometre warranty provided for added customer reassurance.
The import ban, which had been in place since 2020, was initially introduced as part of the government’s efforts to address the economic challenges posed by inflationary pressures and foreign exchange shortages.
At that time, the Central Bank had implemented a series of measures, including rate cuts and liquidity injections, which led to a sharp decline in the country’s foreign reserves and severely restricted the ability to import goods, particularly vehicles.
However, with the easing of the financial constraints and the end of the import restrictions, the Sri Lankan government has now introduced a new tax structure for vehicle imports.
Under this revised system, import duties have been imposed, but with a notable shift: local assemblers will be able to collect a portion of the taxes that would otherwise have gone directly to the government.
This move is designed to encourage domestic vehicle assembly and strengthen local businesses while still facilitating vehicle imports.
The arrival of Perodua’s vehicles is expected to be a welcome development for Sri Lankan consumers, who have faced limited options for new vehicles over the past few years due to the import restrictions.
March 02, Colombo (LNW): In an effort to address the growing issue of crop damage caused by wild animals, the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, and Irrigation has established a special committee tasked with investigating the problem and recommending effective management strategies.
This initiative, launched under the leadership of Minister K.D. Lalkantha, has been set in motion by the Ministry’s Secretary, M.P.N.M. Wickramasinghe.
The committee, headed by D.S. Rathnasinghe, the Additional Secretary (Agricultural Development), consists of 16 members, including experts, farmers, and environmental stakeholders.
Their primary focus is to develop practical solutions for mitigating the damage caused by wild animals to agricultural crops, as well as creating sustainable approaches to managing the wildlife responsible.
As part of its ongoing work, the committee is currently soliciting feedback and suggestions from a wide range of sources. Scholars, environmental organisations, farmers, and concerned citizens have been encouraged to contribute ideas on how best to protect crops and manage the wild animals involved.
This inclusive approach reflects the Ministry’s commitment to finding a collaborative solution to the problem.
One of the committee’s initial findings has been the need for accurate data regarding the population of wild animals that are causing significant harm to agricultural land.
To address this, the committee is planning a comprehensive census of selected species of wild animals, with the first phase set for next March.
A preliminary survey was recently conducted in the Ingiriya Grama Niladhari Division to assess the feasibility of such a census.
In addition to this, a consultation session was held on February 27 with a group of experts in the field, which included the Minister himself. During the consultation, Minister Lalkantha highlighted a critical gap in the country’s wildlife management infrastructure, pointing out that no dedicated institution exists to focus specifically on wildlife management.
He underscored the importance of initiating a national dialogue on this issue, as it has been left unaddressed for many years, leading to the current situation.
The Minister also expressed the government’s intention to take decisive action to resolve this longstanding problem, noting that both short-term and long-term strategies will be put in place in response to the committee’s recommendations.
The committee has been given a clear mandate to submit its final recommendations to the Minister by the end of March, and these will be used to inform the government’s next steps in addressing this pressing issue.
March 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has received a crucial boost in its efforts to stabilise and reform its economy with the completion of the Third Review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The approval, granted on February 28, allows Sri Lanka immediate access to approximately US$334 million, which will support the country’s ongoing economic policies and reforms.
However, what stands out in this latest agreement is that the IMF has refrained from imposing any new financial burdens on the Sri Lankan Treasury.
Deputy Minister Professor Anil Jayantha clarified yesterday (01) that the IMF’s primary focus was to prevent unnecessary costs being borne by the Treasury, particularly in relation to State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
“The IMF’s key concern is ensuring that the Treasury does not shoulder avoidable costs associated with SOEs,” Prof. Jayantha remarked. He highlighted the past challenges faced by the country, particularly in cases like SriLankan Airlines, where mismanagement and corruption led to significant financial strain.
“We’ve learned hard lessons from issues like corruption and unsustainable borrowing, especially with SriLankan Airlines,” he added.
In line with this, the IMF has encouraged a more disciplined and structured approach to restructuring SOEs. Prof. Jayantha emphasised that the IMF is not pushing for the privatisation of these entities but rather for their efficient management and reform to prevent them from becoming further financial drains on the national budget.
A new committee has been set up to oversee these state-owned bodies, with the aim of making them more self-sufficient whilst maintaining their service quality and affordability.
“The goal is to make sure that these enterprises continue to provide essential services at reasonable prices whilst avoiding monopolies or market failures,” he explained, underlining the importance of maintaining fair competition and quality within these sectors.
Looking ahead, Prof. Jayantha noted that Sri Lanka’s government is committed to meeting the benchmarks set by the IMF. Whilst the fourth review is expected to begin in April, he assured that the government remains open to making adjustments to the targets if required.
“We are prepared to discuss any necessary changes to the benchmarks, depending on the evolving circumstances,” he said.
In response to ongoing concerns about corruption, Prof. Jayantha revealed that progress is being made on the formulation of anti-corruption legislation, with necessary drafts currently being prepared.
The government remains focused on building a more transparent and accountable system to address issues that have plagued the country’s governance in recent years.
This latest step with the IMF signals a cautious but optimistic path forward for Sri Lanka as it works to stabilise its economy without imposing undue burdens on the state’s finances.
The government’s focus on reforming SOEs and tackling corruption will be key areas of progress as the country continues to navigate its economic challenges.
March 02, Colombo (LNW): The Welfare Benefits Board has reported significant progress in the ongoing census for the second phase of the “Aswesuma” programme, with around 75 per cent of the applications from low-income families now processed.
This census, which is being carried out by officials stationed throughout the country, plays a vital role in ensuring that eligible families are included in the programme and receive the benefits they are entitled to.
The officers responsible for conducting the census are tasked with visiting households that have submitted applications.
This process, which involves verifying the details of the applicants, is crucial for accurate record-keeping and efficient distribution of support.
With three-quarters of the census now completed, the programme is on track to meet its objectives.
However, the Welfare Benefits Board has emphasised that any families who have submitted their applications but have yet to be visited by census officers should promptly report the matter to their nearest Divisional Secretariat.
This step is essential to avoid any delays in processing and to ensure that no eligible household is overlooked.
The Aswesuma programme is designed to provide financial assistance to those in need, and the completion of this census will pave the way for the next steps in delivering benefits to qualifying families.
March 02, Colombo (LNW): Ramadan fasting has officially begun today (02) for Muslims across Sri Lanka, marking the start of a significant month of reflection, devotion, and self-discipline.
The sacred period, which spans an entire month, will see Muslims fasting from dawn to dusk in observance of one of the core practices in Islam.
The decision to begin the fast was confirmed after the sighting of the new moon on the evening of March 01, a crucial celestial event that signals the start of Ramadan.
Deputy Minister for National Integration, Mohamed Munir, announced the commencement, confirming the momentous occasion for the country’s Muslim community.
Ramadan is not only a time of fasting but also one of intense prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection.
It holds immense significance for Muslims as it commemorates the moment when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad on the night known as Laylat Al Qadr.
This is a time when the faithful strive to draw closer to Allah, engage in acts of kindness, and purify both body and soul.
Fasting during this month, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. These Pillars form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice, and fasting during Ramadan is seen as both a physical and spiritual challenge.
It serves as an opportunity to develop self-control, foster empathy for the less fortunate, and deepen one’s connection with the divine.
As the fasting period unfolds, Muslims in Sri Lanka, and around the world, will partake in special prayers and gatherings, especially during the night, which culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the joyous festival marking the end of Ramadan.
Communities will come together to break their fast at Iftar, the evening meal, and to share the blessings of the month with family, friends, and those in need. The sense of unity and devotion during this time brings Muslims closer to one another and to their faith, reinforcing the importance of charity, self-discipline, and gratitude.
For the Muslim community in Sri Lanka, Ramadan is both a spiritual and social occasion, with many engaging in acts of service to assist those less fortunate, reflecting the essence of compassion central to Islam.
March 02, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Eastern, Southern and Uva provinces and in Matale, Nuwara-Eliyaand Polonnaruwa districts, and several spells of showers will occur in Northern province and in Anuradhapura district, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (02).
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere during the afternoon or night.
Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva province and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Matara viaBatticaloa and Hambantota. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island during the afternoon or Night.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly to easterly and speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 40 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending fromChilaw to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar will be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
March 01, Colombo (LNW): A shocking revelation by the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has raised serious concerns about the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLBFE), over its role in potentially enabling modern-day human trafficking by sending workers abroad without legally binding employment contracts.
The Committee further uncovered that senior officials at the Bureau—including the former Chairman, Acting Chairman Saminda Jayasekara and former Deputy General Manager – Employment Approval P.P. Weerasekara (who is the current Acting Additional General Manager – Local Affairs) had issued these controversial circulars without Board approval.
It disclosed that these circulars bypassed the Act to enable the sending of domestic workers — mostly women, overseas under ‘visit visas’ without any formal employment contracts.
The Committee opined the Bureau’s actions suggest that the State-owned enterprise has facilitated human trafficking as individuals were sent abroad under ‘visit visas’ without legal protections of formal employment agreements.
In a startling admission, the Bureau’s former Deputy General Manager – Employment Approval, defended the practice, stating that they only extended the existing circular. “There is no big deal about the visa category. We only care about the job,” he said.
Weerasekara further revealed that the Bureau also send workers to South Korea under visit visas, asserting that they relied on a 45-day agreement between the respective foreign agency and the employee rather than securing long-term, legally binding employment contracts.
COPE’s findings indicate that the Bureau had sent a total of 6,290 workers abroad through this questionable method. However, only 4,300 of these individuals were registered in the destination countries’ mission databases, leaving 1,990 unaccounted for.
Of even greater concern, the committee revealed that 742 individuals have gone missing after being sent abroad. A total of 365 individuals returned within 45 days, raising questions about job security and working conditions. It was revealed that 880 individuals remained abroad beyond the 45-day period, potentially stranded without legal employment protections.
Several Members of Parliament (MPs) present at the COPE alleged that many of the women sent abroad through this process were effectively being “sold” into exploitative conditions due to the lack of proper oversight.
The COPE suggested that rather than fulfilling its regulatory role, the Bureau had allegedly acted in the interests of foreign employment agencies —allowing recruitment companies to operate with minimal oversight instead of holding them accountable to legal standards.
The revelations have sparked outrage, with lawmakers pointing to data submitted by the SLBFE where some of the workers approved and sent by the Bureau were underage.
The committee members also pointed out that a total of 1,925 complaints were received by the Bureau with no action taken by the SLBFE. When asked about the Minister in charge at the time, Bureau officials stated that it was Manusha Nanayakkara.
