Former Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake was remanded until February 11 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today.
Ekanayake was remanded in connection with a case filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe over the alleged misuse of Rs. 16.6 million in public funds during a visit to the United Kingdom in 2023.
He appeared before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court this afternoon, where the matter was taken up before Magistrate Isuru Netthikumara.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe also appeared before the court today in connection with the same case.
During the hearing, the Attorney General informed the court that investigations into the former President will be completed within one month, and that formal charges are expected to be filed in March.
The submission was made by Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General.
Further proceedings in the case are expected following the conclusion of investigations.
NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee alleged a political conspiracy behind the death of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on Wednesday morning. She demanded a Supreme Court-supervised probe, accusing all “other agencies” of being “compromised”.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief said that there were reported talks that Pawar was “willing to leave BJP” only two days ago and then the crash happened.
I don’t know what is the fate of the opposition political parties but he was very much with the ruling party. But two days ago, I came to know that someone from another party had given a statement that Pawar was willing to leave the BJP, and now this has happened today,” she alleged
“I demand a proper investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. We have trust only in the Supreme Court and no other agency. All agencies have been completely compromised,” she added.
She further alleged that Pawar was preparing to rejoin the Nationalist Congress Party faction led by his uncle, Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP), citing recent reports that have suggested such a possibility.
VIDEO | Kolkata: On Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s demise in a plane crash, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) said,
“I am deeply shocked to hear the news of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash this morning. Even political… pic.twitter.com/NZjWPBrNgH
“It is truly a great loss. Today he is in the opposition, but tomorrow he was supposed to return to the original course of his party. My condolences to his family, the people of Maharashtra, and to Sharad Pawar,” she said.
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut termed it a “petty” statement and urged to “show a little restraint” at such a time.
We are all in mourning that such a major mishap occurred this morning. All of us are discussing in Parliament that many people travel by helicopter. So, instead of speaking such petty things at such a time, she should show a little restraint,” she said.
#WATCH | Delhi: On West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's reported statement on Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's death, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, "We are all in mourning that such a major mishap occurred this morning. All of us are discussing in Parliament that many people travel… pic.twitter.com/CWZeS7Rse7
Ajit Pawar, Chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, died in a tragic plane crash this morning while travelling from Mumbai to Baramati, according to official sources.
The small aircraft, which took off from Mumbai at around 8:00 a.m., crashed near Baramati airport during its landing attempt approximately 45 minutes later. Four others on board — including pilots and security personnel — were also killed in the accident.
Visuals from the crash site showed thick smoke, fire, and the mangled remains of the aircraft, while ambulances were seen rushing the injured to nearby hospitals. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that all five passengers on board died in the crash.
According to reports, Pawar was scheduled to attend four public meetings in the region ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
The 66-year-old leader was the nephew of veteran politician and NCP founder Sharad Pawar, and the cousin of Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule. Both Sharad Pawar and Sule were in Delhi attending the Parliament’s budget session and are expected to travel to Pune shortly.
In 2023, Ajit Pawar led a major political split within the NCP, forming a separate faction and later joining the NDA government as Deputy Chief Minister. In recent months, however, discussions regarding a possible reunion of the two factions had emerged, with both sides jointly contesting the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections.
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Learjet 45, operated by a company identified as VSR. Notably, another aircraft of the same model had crashed in Mumbai in September 2023.
As of now, the NCP leadership, the Pawar family, and the Maharashtra government have not issued official statements regarding the incident. Further investigations into the cause of the crash are expected to be carried out by aviation authorities.
The Attorney General informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today that investigations into former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be concluded within the next month, with formal charges expected to be filed in March.
The submission was made by Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, when the case was taken up before Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Netthikumara.
The case relates to allegations of misappropriation of public funds, currently under investigation by the relevant authorities. The court was informed that inquiries are progressing and nearing completion.
Further proceedings in the matter are expected following the conclusion of investigations and the filing of charges.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe appeared before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today in connection with a scheduled court proceeding concerning allegations of misappropriation of public funds.
The case stems from a complaint alleging that more than Rs. 16.6 million in state funds were unlawfully used for a private foreign visit undertaken by Wickremesinghe in 2023. According to the complaint, the funds were allegedly spent on travel related to attending his wife’s graduation ceremony in the United Kingdom.
The matter was taken up before the court as part of ongoing legal proceedings, with further action expected following submissions by the relevant parties.
No official comment has yet been issued by the former President regarding the allegations.
The Supreme Court today directed that notices be served on several former high-ranking officials, including former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in connection with a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed over alleged unlawful compensation payments made to former Ministers and Members of Parliament.
The petition challenges the compensation granted to individuals whose residences were damaged or destroyed during the Aragalaya protest movement in 2022.
The directive was issued to the legal representatives of the petitioner, instructing them to formally notify the relevant respondents.
According to the court order, notices are to be served on the following individuals:
Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Former Defence Secretary Major General (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne
Former Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickramaratne
Former Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Nishantha Ulugetenne
Former Minister of Public Security Prasanna Ranatunga
Former Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles
Former Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Jagath Alwis
The Fundamental Rights petition was filed by environmental lawyer Dr. Ravindranath Dabare, challenging the legality of the compensation process and alleging misuse of public funds.
Further proceedings are expected once the respondents are formally notified.
We often blame the leaders for a country’s state, but leaders are usually a reflection of the collective values of the people. They emerge from the same schools, the same villages, and the same culture
There is a pervasive myth that “hard work” alone is enough. In the modern era, it must be “Smart Work” , the marriage of work ethic with technology
Lee understood that a minister under obligation is no longer a servant of the people; he is a servant of his benefactor. By removing his close ally, Lee sent a shockwave through the system: Friendship ends where the state begins
The history of global development is often told through the lens of GDP growth, industrial output, and foreign direct investment. However, beneath the surface of every “economic miracle” from Singapore and Japan to post-war Germany lies a far more potent engine: the collective psychology and discipline of its people.
For a nation like Sri Lanka, blessed with a strategic location and abundant natural resources, the persistent failure to achieve sustainable development points toward a systemic internal deficit. It is not merely a failure of leadership, but a failure of the social fabric. Without a disciplined, educated, and unselfish citizenry, the most brilliant economic policies are destined to wither.
Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew didn’t just build skyscrapers; he built an immune system for his country.
1. The Trap of the ‘Tribal’ Mindset
The transition from a “tribal” or “idiot” mentality (in the classical Greek sense of idiaōtēs (a person focused solely on private affairs rather than the public good) to a “civilian” mentality is the first hurdle.
In Sri Lanka, social organisation often remains rooted in narrow loyalties: ethnicity, religion, or political patronage. When people think as a “tribe,” they view the state as a resource to be plundered for their specific group rather than a common treasure to be protected. A “civilian” mentality, by contrast, understands that the individual prospers only when the system prospers.
2. Economic Literacy and the Culture of Unselfishness
Development requires a population that understands the basic mechanics of an economy. When a majority of citizens demand subsidies they haven’t earned or tax cuts the state cannot afford, they are demonstrating a lack of economic education.
True development requires delayed gratification. A disciplined nation understands that today’s sacrifices, be it through taxes, austerity, or hard work are the investments for tomorrow’s prosperity. When “unselfishness” becomes a national trait, people stop littering because they value public space; they stop evading taxes because they value public services; and they stop demanding “government jobs” that add no value to the economy.
3. The Ethics of Hard and Smart Work
There is a pervasive myth that “hard work” alone is enough. In the modern era, it must be “Smart Work” , the marriage of work ethic with technology.
A developed nation is one where the average citizen seeks to optimise their output. In many developing contexts, the work culture is often performative rather than productive. Discipline in the workplace punctuality, meritocracy, and a commitment to excellence remains the hallmark of nations that have successfully escaped the middle-income trap. When a culture rewards “smart shortcuts” (corruption) over “smart innovation,” development stalls.
4. Decency, Culture, and Social Cohesion
Culture is often seen as a static remnant of the past, but in a developing nation, culture must be a living, breathing force for progress. “Decency” in public life, how we treat a stranger, how we drive on the road, and how we respect the environment is a direct indicator of national maturity.
A disciplined society has high “Social Capital.” This means there is a high level of trust between strangers. When you trust that the person next to you will follow the law and act decently, the “cost of doing business” drops significantly. You don’t need a policeman on every corner or a lawyer for every handshake.
5. Security and Global Awareness
A modern citizen must be educated on world affairs. In an interconnected world, isolationism is a death sentence. Understanding global security, geopolitical shifts, and technological trends allows a citizenry to demand foreign policies that are pragmatic rather than emotional.
When the majority of the population is easily swayed by populist rhetoric or xenophobia, the country becomes vulnerable to internal strife and external manipulation. An educated citizenry acts as a shield against the “security threats” that arise from misinformation and communal disharmony.
6. The Digital Leap: Technology as a Mindset
Technology is not just about owning a smartphone; it is about a scientific temper. A disciplined society uses technology to increase transparency and efficiency. If the people are resistant to digitising government services because it removes the “opportunity” for bribery or bypasses “tribal” hierarchies, the country cannot modernise.
7. The Mirror of Leadership
We often blame the leaders for a country’s state, but leaders are usually a reflection of the collective values of the people. They emerge from the same schools, the same villages, and the same culture.
If the people value “freebies” over “freedom,” or “patronage” over “performance,” they will elect leaders who provide exactly that. The path to development for Sri Lanka does not start at the Parliament; it starts at the doorstep of every household. It begins with the decision to be a disciplined, educated, and civic-minded Citizen rather than a mere inhabitant.
True development is a psychological revolution. Until the “tribal” impulse is replaced by the “civilian” duty, the dream of a developed nation will remain a distant horizon.
Key Pillars of a Developed Citizenry:
Pillar: Transition needed
A. Social – From Tribalism to Civic Solidarity
B. Economic – From Dependency to Productivity
C. Ethical – From Selfishness to Public Decency
D. Intellectual – From Superstition to Scientific Temper
The Iron Surgeon: Why Sri Lanka Needs the “Lee Kuan Yew Treatment”
In the history of nations, few transformations are as surgical as Singapore’s. Lee Kuan Yew didn’t just build skyscrapers; he built an immune system for his country. His philosophy was simple but brutal: A nation is only as strong as its least corrupt leader.
The “Travel Mistake”: The Anatomy of an Obligation
The story of the minister and the business magnate is a masterclass in preemptive justice. In a “Third World” mentality, a minister traveling with a tycoon is seen as a perk of power. In Lee Kuan Yew’s “First World” mentality, it was a security breach.
Lee understood that a minister under obligation is no longer a servant of the people; he is a servant of his benefactor. By removing his close ally, Lee sent a shockwave through the system: Friendship ends where the state begins.
Sri Lanka’s Dilemma: Can the Present Leadership Act?
Can the current President of Sri Lanka take such bold decisions? To do so, a leader must navigate three massive “tribal” barriers that currently hold Sri Lanka back:
1. The Culture of Political Patronage
In Sri Lanka, politics is often a “family business” or a “club.” Leaders are often indebted to the very ministers who are accused of corruption because those ministers brought in the votes or the funding. To cut off a “corrupted limb” requires a leader who is willing to lose his majority in Parliament to save his integrity in history.
2. Arguments vs. Actions
Sri Lanka has a surplus of rhetoric. We have “Anti-Corruption Commissions,” “Charge Sheets,” and “Inquiries.” However, Lee Kuan Yew’s Singapore didn’t rely on inquiries; it relied on consequences. System change happens when the “cost of corruption” becomes higher than the “reward of corruption.”
3. The Tribal Mentality vs. The Civilian Mentality
As noted in the initial stage of this article, the majority of the population often views their leaders through a tribal lens. If “their” man is corrupt, they defend him. If the “other” man is corrupt, they attack him. A leader can only make bold decisions if the civilians demand a standard of decency that transcends party lines.
The Blueprint for a True System Change
If the current leadership truly wants to reach the “First World,” the following “Lee Kuan Yew” steps are non-negotiable:
Sacrifice the Inner Circle: The first person arrested for corruption must be a “friend” of the leadership. This proves that the law is blind.
Meritocracy over Loyalty: Appointing people based on their “tribe” or “party service” is the root of failure. We need the best minds, not the best “yes-men.”
Radical Transparency is needed to change the system through the application of technology to the system to prevent influences on ministers.
The tragedy of Sri Lanka is that we have often mistaken arguments for actions. We argue about who is more corrupt rather than deciding that no corruption is acceptable.
The current President stands at a crossroads. To be a “Lee Kuan Yew,” one must be prepared to be lonely. You must be prepared to jail your allies, disappoint your friends, and dismantle the very machine that brought you to power.
Without this “Iron Surgery,” the system isn’t being changed, it’s just being managed.
The writer, Major General Dr. Boniface Perera, is a battle hardened Infantry Officer who served the Sri Lanka Army for over 36 years, dedicating 20 of those to active combat.
In addition to his military service, Dr. Perera is a respected International Researcher and Writer, having authored more than 200 research articles and 16 books. He holds a PhD in economics and is an entrepreneur and International Analyst specialising in National Security, economics and politics. He can be reached at [email protected]
Sri Lanka’s export sector delivered a moderate but steady performance in 2025, posting a 5.6% year-on-year expansion and generating total earnings of $17.25 billion. At first glance, the figures signal resilience amid lingering global uncertainty. A closer look, however, reveals that the growth remains heavily concentrated in a few traditional sectors and markets, raising questions about the durability of this recovery.
Merchandise exports climbed by over 6%, led by apparel, tea, coconut-based products, electronics, and food and beverages. Apparel continued to dominate export earnings, surpassing $4.9 billion, with strong demand from the US and the European Union. The EU alone accounted for nearly a quarter of Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports, buoyed by gains in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Coconut-based exports emerged as the standout performer, recording an exceptional growth of over 42%. Value-added products such as coconut oil, cream, and milk powder drove this surge, highlighting the potential of agro-processing when global demand aligns with domestic capacity. Food and beverage exports also showed robust growth, largely due to increased processed food shipments.
Services exports including ICT/BPM, logistics, and construction expanded more modestly, growing under 3% overall. While ICT/BPM exports rose close to 9%, December figures showed volatility, underlining the sector’s sensitivity to global demand cycles.
Despite the positive headline numbers, cracks are visible beneath the surface. Several export sectors recorded notable contractions. Rubber-based exports declined by over 5%, spices and essential oils slipped due to a sharp fall in pepper exports, and ornamental fish exports continued their downward trend. Even tea, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic exports, saw significant monthly volatility, with a steep decline in December earnings.
Geographically, export performance remains heavily dependent on a narrow group of markets. The US retained its position as Sri Lanka’s single largest destination, absorbing nearly a quarter of merchandise exports. India moved into second place with double-digit annual growth, yet monthly data showed fluctuations, reflecting vulnerability to policy and price changes.
Government targets for 2025 fell short, with export earnings reaching just under 95% of the $18.2 billion goal. Authorities attribute the shortfall to external shocks, while projecting an ambitious $20 billion target for 2026. Achieving this would require sustained double-digit monthly growth a challenging task without deeper structural reforms.
Ultimately, while Sri Lanka’s export sector demonstrated resilience in 2025, its performance continues to rely on a familiar formula. Without addressing productivity gaps, market concentration, and sectoral imbalances, export growth risks remaining steady but shallow.
Weeks after Cyclone Ditwah tore through large parts of Sri Lanka, the scale of destruction is becoming clearer and so is the uneven pace of recovery. While insurers have mobilised billions in compensation, thousands of affected families continue to struggle with damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods, and delayed reconstruction of public infrastructure.
According to industry data, more than 24,500 insurance claims have been filed nationwide, with the estimated economic loss to insured assets alone reaching Rs. 58.5 billion. The figures underline the cyclone’s heavy toll on housing, commercial property, vehicles, and small businesses. Yet these numbers capture only part of the picture, as many low-income households and informal businesses remain uninsured.
The Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL), working with all licensed general insurers, has introduced a unified claims-handling mechanism aimed at accelerating payouts. To date, Rs. 5.1 billion has been disbursed to policyholders, primarily for property and commercial losses. While this has provided some relief, the gap between total losses and actual payouts highlights the long road to recovery.
Non-motor insurance claims including homes, shops, factories, and warehouses account for the bulk of the financial impact, reflecting the severe damage to fixed assets. These losses directly affect livelihoods, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where families depend on small enterprises to survive.
Despite insurers admitting liability for over 75% of claims, practical bottlenecks persist. Loss adjustors, repair garages, and technical officers in several regions were themselves affected by the cyclone, slowing inspections and assessments. For many families, this has translated into weeks of waiting before repairs can even begin.
Beyond insurance settlements, the rebuilding of roads, drainage systems, power lines, and public buildings has moved at what affected communities describe as a “snail’s pace.” Local authorities cite funding gaps and administrative delays, while residents complain that temporary relief has not transitioned into sustainable rebuilding.
The cyclone has also exposed structural weaknesses in Sri Lanka’s disaster preparedness. Poorly enforced building standards, inadequate drainage, and construction in high-risk zones amplified the damage. While institutions such as the Urban Development Authority and Road Development Authority have been urged to prioritise climate-resilient infrastructure, tangible changes on the ground remain limited.
Cyclone Ditwah has once again shown that financial compensation alone cannot rebuild lives. Without faster government coordination, resilient infrastructure planning, and support for uninsured households, recovery risks becoming another prolonged chapter in Sri Lanka’s growing list of climate-induced crises.
Sri Lanka’s maritime industry is facing a defining transition, as digital efficiency increasingly determines competitiveness in global shipping networks, according to the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA). While the country’s geographic advantage and port infrastructure remain relevant, industry leaders warn that these strengths alone are no longer sufficient in an environment shaped by speed, predictability, and seamless data exchange.
CASA, the apex body representing the shipping and agency sector, says maritime success today depends on how well ports, regulators, and logistics players function as a digitally integrated ecosystem. Competing regional hubs are rapidly adopting interconnected platforms, raising expectations among shipping lines for faster turnaround times and lower transaction costs.
Industry stakeholders point out that port performance extends far beyond terminal productivity. Vessel and cargo movements involve a wide network of participants, including shipping agents, freight forwarders, terminals, transport operators, Customs, port authorities, and border agencies. When these stakeholders rely on fragmented or partially digital systems, inefficiencies multiply through repeated submissions, manual interventions, and inconsistent processes.
CASA has repeatedly stressed that digitalisation must be implemented across the entire maritime and logistics chain rather than through isolated initiatives. According to the association, stand-alone digital tools, while useful in limited contexts, fail to deliver system-wide gains unless they are integrated into a common framework.
The association has called for the accelerated rollout of industry-wide platforms such as Port Community Systems, which allow real-time information sharing among all stakeholders. Such systems are widely used in major global ports to reduce delays, improve transparency, and enhance coordination across supply chains.
CASA also welcomed the introduction of ASYHUB by Sri Lanka Customs as a step toward modernising trade processes. Electronic manifest submissions and pre-arrival data exchange, the association noted, align Sri Lanka with international standards. However, industry representatives caution that the platform’s success depends on its ability to integrate fully with terminal operating systems, shipping line platforms, and future Port Community Systems.
Digital initiatives, CASA emphasised, must lead to measurable improvements rather than simply replicating manual processes in electronic form. Faster cargo clearance, real-time coordination, and data-driven decision-making are seen as essential outcomes.
The association further highlighted the importance of completing the Maritime and National Single Window initiatives, noting that partial implementation risks adding complexity instead of reducing it. Clear governance, accountability, and timelines are viewed as critical to ensuring that these systems deliver tangible efficiency gains.
In a highly competitive shipping environment, CASA warned that digital transformation is no longer optional but essential to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s role as a regional maritime hub.
The history of global development is often told through the lens of GDP growth, industrial output, and foreign direct investment. However, beneath the surface of every “economic miracle” from Singapore and Japan to post-war Germany lies a far more potent engine: the collective psychology and discipline of its people.
