Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala announced yesterday that approval has been granted to recruit 2,500 new personnel into the Sri Lanka Police Force. The relevant Gazette notification is expected to be issued next week, following which the recruitment process will begin without delay.
The announcement was made in Parliament in response to a query from opposition MP Rohana Bandara. Minister Wijepala stated that the decision is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening the police force and improving its operational capacity.
He also revealed that a special programme has been introduced to address longstanding challenges faced by police officers in carrying out their duties.
Additionally, the Minister noted that discussions are ongoing with the Attorney General’s Department concerning 100 court cases involving police officials. These legal matters are being reviewed to ensure proper handling and accountability.
In a move to reinforce neutrality and restore public trust, Minister Wijepala confirmed that steps are being taken to remove political interference from police operations. As part of these reforms, the previously politicised Security Committee has been abolished. The Minister claimed that some of these committees were previously used to exact political revenge, and emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a more professional and independent police service.
A key section of Palaly Road, linking Vasavilan Junction to the Ponnalai-Paruthithurai Road, has been reopened for civilian use after more than three decades of closure. This long-awaited development comes just a day ahead of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s visit to Jaffna, underscoring its political and symbolic weight.
The 2.5-kilometer stretch, running through what was once a high-security military zone, had remained off-limits to the public since 1990 at the height of Sri Lanka’s civil conflict. For years, residents of Jaffna travelling to northern areas such as Palaly were forced to take lengthy detours through Kankesanthurai, creating daily hardship and cutting off direct access within the peninsula. Despite repeated calls from the public after the war ended in 2009, the road remained closed—until now.
The road was officially reopened on April 10 under stringent regulations. Public access is allowed only between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day. Entry is currently restricted to pedestrians and public buses; private and commercial vehicles remain prohibited. All travelers must carry valid identification, and movement is capped at a speed of 40 kilometers per hour. Authorities have also banned stopping, turning, as well as taking photos or videos along the route. Clear signboards in Tamil warn that violations may lead to legal action.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya is set to arrive in Jaffna today (April 11) for a series of public engagements, including discussions with local communities, civil society groups, and regional development officials. The timing of the road’s reopening is widely seen as a strategic move by the Government to demonstrate its commitment to rebuilding trust, restoring civil liberties, and addressing long-standing grievances in the North.
Government sources indicate that the Prime Minister’s visit aims to deepen engagement with Tamil communities and boost reconciliation efforts. The reopening of Palaly Road is not just a logistical improvement—it carries deep symbolic meaning. It represents a tentative but important step toward healing, reconnecting communities, and signaling national recognition of the North’s recovery needs.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the move, while urging authorities to eventually allow full, unrestricted access to all vehicles. Human rights advocates echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that while the current restrictions are tight, the decision marks a critical first move in restoring freedom of movement in historically restricted areas.
Beyond improved connectivity, the reopening of this road serves as a powerful indicator of potential political change and a renewed focus on post-conflict reconciliation in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a meeting with Party Leaders yesterday to address the implications of the recent U.S. reciprocal tariff system on the Sri Lankan economy. The discussion centered on potential frameworks for initiating bilateral dialogue with the United States and emphasized the urgent need for Sri Lanka to diversify its export markets in order to mitigate any adverse effects.
During the meeting, President Dissanayake presented the key findings of a Committee appointed to conduct a comprehensive study on the anticipated impact of the new U.S. tariff regime. The Committee has also submitted several recommendations to the Government. A detailed discussion followed, highlighting both the Committee’s findings and additional proposals submitted by opposition parties.
The recommendations from the Committee, along with input gathered during the meeting, will be consolidated and forwarded for further government deliberation.
This meeting was convened in response to a request by several opposition parliamentarians, who stressed the importance of a unified approach and direct engagement with the President on this critical issue.
Following the meeting, SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva described the discussions as productive. “Meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Trump Tariff successful. Common agreement that while we do everything to strengthen trade with world, immediate issue is to arrive at a HS Code-based bilateral trade deal with US. Two channels opened. We will support,” Dr. de Silva stated on social media.
The meeting saw participation from a broad spectrum of political parties, including Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa; MP Harsha de Silva (Samagi Jana Balawegaya); MP S. Rasamanickam (Tamil National Alliance); MP Ravi Karunanayake (New Democratic Front); MP D.V. Chanaka (Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna); MPs Mano Ganesan and Palani Digambaram (Tamil Progressive Alliance); MP M.L.A.M. Hizbullah (Sri Lanka Muslim Congress); MP Rishad Bathiudeen (All Ceylon Makkal Congress); MP Dilith Jayaweera (Sarvajana Balaya Party); MP Jeevan Thondaman (United National Party); MP Dayasiri Jayasekara (Sri Lanka Freedom Party); and MP A. Archuna representing 17 Independent Groups.
Also in attendance were MPs Gayantha Karunathilaka, Kavinda Jayawardena, S.M. Marikkar, and Kader Masthan, who contributed to the extensive discussions.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.
Several spells of showers may occur in Anuradhapura, Matale and Mannar districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Uva province and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts during the afternoon or night.
Fairly heavy rainfall of above 50 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Mataradistricts.
Fairly strong winds of (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 05th to 14th of April in this year. The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (11th) are Maningamuwa, Rambewa, Kahatagasdigiliya, Eithala wetunu wewa and Muthur at about 12:11 noon.
April 10, Colombo (LNW): The recent claim that Sri Lanka lost a billion-dollar foreign direct investment (FDI) due to the collapse of the Adani wind power project has reignited debate about the true costs and benefits of foreign investments. While FDI is often seen as a lifeline for developing economies, this incident underscores the need to critically assess the terms and implications of such deals, especially when national sovereignty and legal integrity are at stake.
Sri Lanka has long offered generous incentives to foreign investors—tax holidays and regulatory leniency—often ignoring the hardships faced by local entrepreneurs burdened with taxes and bureaucracy. The expectation was that FDIs would boost exports and counterbalance import costs. However, not all investments achieve this goal. Projects that primarily serve the local market and repatriate profits in foreign currency, such as the proposed Adani venture, can worsen the forex crisis instead of easing it.
The Adani deal, in particular, raised significant red flags. It was pushed forward despite violating Sri Lanka’s Electricity Act, which requires competitive bidding for energy projects over 25 MW. This project was accepted without such a process, under the false claim that it was a government-to-government deal—an exception allowed by the law. However, Adani Green Energy Ltd. is a private company, rendering that justification invalid. The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) and other agencies went ahead anyway, even spending public resources to facilitate the project, ignoring legal protocols and environmental regulations.
One key point of contention was the proposed tariff of $0.0826/kWh, far higher than the rates paid for similar projects in India, which average around $0.04/kWh. Given Mannar’s superior wind yield, Sri Lanka should have secured a lower rate, closer to $0.03/kWh. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake rightly rejected the inflated tariff demand, a stance that likely led to Adani’s withdrawal.
Critics argue that the claimed $1 billion loss is exaggerated. The actual investment was around $442 million, with expected revenues allowing full recovery in just 3.5 years. Over 20 years, Sri Lanka would have paid nearly $2.8 billion in foreign currency—a steep price for a modest upfront investment. Such terms compromise national energy security and strain limited foreign reserves.
Moreover, local renewable energy developers face systemic neglect. Many invested based on false assurances from past officials, only to be left unsupported. Despite contributing significantly to the country’s 2051 MW non-conventional renewable energy (NCRE) portfolio, local players often face resistance, unpaid fees, and regulatory hurdles.
The lesson is clear: Sri Lanka must prioritize strategic, law-abiding investments that genuinely benefit the country. Renewable energy resources like wind, solar, and biomass can be harnessed domestically without sacrificing economic independence. Rather than courting foreign investors at any cost, the government should empower local developers with fair rupee-based tariffs and remove bureaucratic roadblocks. Saving dollars by reducing fossil fuel imports is more sustainable than risky attempts to attract foreign capital.
Strong leadership and a commitment to national interest are essential to avoid future missteps and secure long-term energy and economic security for Sri Lanka.
April 10, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move to foster foreign direct investment and enhance Sri Lanka’s global economic profile, Port City Colombo joined the ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ Business Forum 2025 as a Platinum Partner. Held on April 3 in Bangkok, Thailand, the event brought together high-level officials and business leaders to spotlight Sri Lanka’s renewed potential as a thriving investment hub in South Asia.
Organised by the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Thailand in partnership with the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, the forum aimed to promote Sri Lanka as an emerging destination for strategic foreign direct investment (FDI) from Southeast Asia. The event took place at the Grande Centre Point Surawong Hotel and coincided with the BIMSTEC Summit, further reinforcing regional cooperation.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered a keynote speech that emphasized Sri Lanka’s political stability, ongoing economic recovery, and infrastructure development. She expressed optimism about the country’s transformation into a regional success story and extended an invitation to Thai investors to be part of this progress.
The forum was also attended by distinguished guests such as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce Chairperson Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag, and Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Poj Aramwattananont.
Port City Colombo’s presentation was a key highlight of the event. The team showcased the project’s long-term vision, investor-friendly regulatory environment, and its potential to attract high-value, sustainable investments. As a designated special economic zone focused on the export of modern services, Port City Colombo was presented as a cornerstone in Sri Lanka’s strategy to foster innovation and economic transformation.
During the networking session that followed, Port City representatives engaged with potential investors and business leaders to explore collaborative opportunities in policy and investment. Discussions revolved around enhancing economic ties and mutual growth between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, President of the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, Dilan Samarakoon, praised the event’s success and lauded Port City Colombo’s strategic involvement. He highlighted the forum’s role in deepening economic connections and promoting sustainable development in alignment with the chamber’s goals.Port City Colombo’s engagement at the forum reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Sri Lanka as a premier destination for global investment and economic innovation, marking yet another milestone in the country’s journey toward long-term prosperity.
April 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is showing signs of steady economic recovery in 2025, following the deep crisis that gripped the nation in recent years. Key economic indicators reflect growing resilience. Inflation has remained moderate compared to past highs, foreign reserves have seen gradual improvement, and the country is on track with its debt restructuring and fiscal reform goals. Increased tourist arrivals and healthy remittance inflows continue to support foreign exchange earnings. As structural reforms take root, Sri Lanka is transitioning from stabilization to a more sustainable growth model, signaling cautious optimism for the years ahead.
According to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2025, released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Sri Lanka’s economy is expected to grow by 3.9% in 2025 and 3.4% in 2026. This follows a notable rebound in 2024, fueled by broad-based sectoral recovery that began in the latter part of 2023. The momentum continued through 2024, with inflation easing significantly due to cuts in energy prices, rising private sector credit, and steady improvements in foreign reserves. The tourism sector and remittances have also remained strong contributors.
ADB anticipates that Sri Lanka’s recovery will persist over the next two years. As uncertainties related to national elections and debt restructuring begin to diminish, investor sentiment is expected to improve, leading to greater private investment. However, consumer demand may remain soft due to expected inflationary pressures.
Several risks could impact the outlook. These include global trade uncertainties, particularly the recently announced U.S. tariffs on Sri Lankan imports, potential setbacks in the reform process, and inconsistencies in macroeconomic policy. The ADB notes that the baseline growth projections were made before the U.S. announced new tariffs on April 2, and as such, the impact of these new measures is not fully reflected in the forecasts.
“Difficult reforms are beginning to yield visible results following the recent economic crisis,” said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka, Takafumi Kadono. “It is encouraging to see stabilization and movement toward long-term debt sustainability. Continued reform is critical to building resilience and reviving growth.”
While commendable progress has been made in areas such as fiscal consolidation and restructuring debt, the country still faces high debt vulnerability. The public debt-to-GDP ratio is not expected to fall below 95% until 2032. Building robust external and fiscal buffers, along with structural reforms to enhance trade and private sector-led growth, remains essential.
ADB continues to support Sri Lanka through financial assistance and strategic partnerships that promote inclusive, sustainable development across the region.
April 10, Colombo (LNW): Medical experts have issued a stark warning following a notable increase in Chikungunya cases, with authorities expressing growing concern over the potential for wider outbreaks if mosquito control efforts are not strengthened.
The mosquito-borne virus, which can cause debilitating symptoms and long-term health complications, has seen a resurgence in several parts of Sri Lanka, according to health officials.
Dr Kumudu Weerakoon, a senior medical officer with expertise in community health, stated that Chikungunya is not a new threat to the country.
Although the virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1956, Sri Lanka encountered its initial cases as early as 1960. Since then, it has resurfaced sporadically, typically in tandem with lapses in vector control measures.
In a recent update, Dr Weerakoon revealed that 190 suspected cases had been reported in recent days, of which 65 have been clinically confirmed.
This uptick has prompted increased surveillance, particularly in areas already vulnerable to mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue.
Globally, Chikungunya has been reported in 115 countries, reinforcing the need for coordinated responses and proactive public health campaigns. Dr Weerakoon noted that symptoms typically include a high fever lasting several days, pronounced joint pain, discolouration of the extremities, skin rashes, and general fatigue.
In many cases, the joint pain can linger for weeks or even months, making routine activities difficult and severely impacting quality of life.
She further underscored the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, noting that both Chikungunya and dengue share the same vector—Aedes mosquitoes.
In a recent survey of breeding sites, 75 per cent were found outdoors, with a significant number located near schools (53 per cent) and in outlying regional areas (33 per cent).
These findings suggest a pressing need for better environmental management and increased awareness, particularly in educational and rural settings.
The Health Promotion Bureau has urged the public to take the situation seriously and to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise. Quick diagnosis and care not only improve individual outcomes but also help prevent the spread of the virus within communities.
Efforts are now being scaled up by regional health authorities to launch targeted clean-up drives, improve waste management systems, and encourage household vigilance.
Authorities are also exploring partnerships with local councils and schools to ensure consistent monitoring and education on vector control.
Public health officials have called on citizens to eliminate stagnant water from their premises, ensure proper waste disposal, and cooperate with fumigation efforts being carried out in high-risk areas.
With the monsoon season approaching, the need for collective action to prevent a larger outbreak has never been more urgent.
April 10, Colombo (LNW): A recent statement by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva has stirred political and economic debate in Sri Lanka. Silva claimed that the previous Ranil Wickremesinghe-led government, along with the Rajapaksa family, tried to sell the state-owned dairy company MILCO to India’s Amul.
He alleged this deal was halted thanks to the intervention of the current National People’s Power (NPP) administration, which raised the issue with Indian authorities.
Silva’s comments have sparked significant controversy, with economic analysts warning that such politically charged statements risk undermining decisions that lack transparent legal grounding or economic rationale. Critics suggest that the NPP government’s approach might be exposing itself to legal scrutiny due to the nature of the deal and its sudden discontinuation.
The agreement in question involved a collaborative effort between India’s National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (which markets the Amul brand), and Sri Lanka’s Cargills (Ceylon) PLC.
Officially supported by the Indian government, the joint venture aimed to boost Sri Lanka’s dairy sector by increasing domestic milk production and reducing reliance on imports. The project was formalized during Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to Colombo in October 2023, following a bilateral agreement signed in July 2023 between relevant ministries from both countries.
This initiative was seen as part of a broader effort to modernize Sri Lanka’s livestock industry and deepen economic ties between the two nations. However, after the change in Sri Lanka’s government in September 2024, the new administration chose to backtrack on the previous plan, citing a desire to independently develop the domestic dairy sector, particularly through revitalizing state-owned enterprises like MILCO.
Since then, no official statement has been released by the Indian government regarding the fate of the Amul-Cargills partnership under the new Sri Lankan leadership.
Legal experts emphasize that if the agreement was purely a private partnership between Cargills and Amul/NDDB, with no involvement of state-owned assets or guarantees, the Sri Lankan government cannot unilaterally cancel it.
Governments generally lack the authority to terminate private joint ventures unless such agreements involve state property, regulatory approvals, or public resources like land, tax benefits, or the involvement of institutions like MILCO or the National Livestock Development Board (NLDB).
In Sri Lanka’s legal system, any government action to obstruct or cancel a valid commercial contract must follow due legal process. Affected parties would be entitled to challenge such moves in court or through arbitration, particularly under contract or investment law.
The government could only intervene legally if there were breaches of national law, threats to public interest or national security, or if the agreement contradicted constitutional provisions or state policy. While a new government can shift its policy stance, it cannot invalidate existing agreements without just cause.
Ultimately, the Amul-Cargills controversy highlights the complex intersection of politics, law, and economics—and the risks governments face when policy decisions intersect with binding legal agreements.
April 10, Colombo (LNW): Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, who is currently under suspension, has been released on bail following his appearance before the Matara Magistrate’s Court.
The high-profile figure, embroiled in an ongoing legal investigation related to a shooting in southern Sri Lanka, was granted bail today (10) under two personal sureties valued at Rs. 1 million each.
His release follows a brief remand period that began after he surrendered to authorities on March 19, having evaded arrest for nearly three weeks. The surrender was initiated through a formal legal motion submitted to the court, a move that came shortly after a warrant was issued in connection with a shooting near a coastal hotel in the Pelena area of Weligama, Matara.
The incident, which occurred on the final day of 2023, has since triggered significant controversy and public concern, particularly as it implicates several senior police personnel.
The shooting, which reportedly took place outside the W15 Hotel, prompted the Matara Magistrate’s Court to order the arrest of eight police officers, including former members of the Colombo Crimes Division and the then-Inspector General himself.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was tasked with executing the arrests and presenting the accused before the judiciary.
Efforts by the former police chief to halt his arrest via judicial channels proved unsuccessful. A writ petition seeking a court injunction against the arrest order was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on March 17.
The appellate judges instead reinforced the original directive, instructing the CID to proceed without delay in apprehending the former official.
In parallel to the judicial developments, Parliament has initiated its own proceedings against the former Inspector General. A resolution to form a special committee to investigate his conduct was passed earlier this week.
The motion aims to examine accusations of professional misconduct and alleged abuses of authority during his tenure, with the stated goal of determining whether he should be formally removed from office.
