January 12, LNW (Colombo): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Uva, Eastern and Central provinces and Hambantota district. Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places in Eastern and Uva provinces.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere after 1.00 pm. Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in Northwestern, Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala 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.
Widespread Showers and Thundershowers Expected Across Several Provinces (Jan 12)
India’s Disaster Diplomacy: Aid, Rupees, and Regional Influence
By: Staff Writer
January 11, Colombo (LNW): India has moved swiftly to position itself as Sri Lanka’s most reliable first responder following the island’s recent cyclone and flood catastrophe. New Delhi has committed a substantial USD 450 million recovery package, of which nearly USD 350 million will be disbursed in Indian rupees, blending humanitarian concern with strategic regional engagement.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, announced that USD 100 million of the assistance will be provided as outright grants, easing Colombo’s burden at a time when fiscal space remains constrained.
The remaining support will be delivered through a multi-pronged reconstruction program targeting sectors hardest hit by the disaster. These include damaged roads, railways and bridges, housing reconstruction, agriculture, health and education infrastructure, and improved disaster preparedness mechanisms.
One of the most visible components of India’s intervention is infrastructure rehabilitation. Nearly USD 30 million has been earmarked to rebuild cyclone-damaged bridges, while Indian assistance will also extend to restoring rail connectivity.
Sri Lankan officials estimate rail reconstruction costs could exceed USD 330 million, with the upcountry lines suffering the worst damage. India has pledged to immediately reconstruct the Northern Railway line at an estimated cost of USD 5 million.
Notably, the Northern Railway was originally built by India’s state-owned engineering firm IRCON, using welded rails and reinforced foundations capable of supporting train speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. This stands in sharp contrast to Sri Lanka’s aging rail network elsewhere, where deteriorated tracks force trains to crawl at 20 kmph to avoid derailments.
India’s decision to denominate most of the aid package in Indian rupees reflects both pragmatism and precedent. Sri Lanka can readily use rupee-denominated funds as long as Indian suppliers accept payments in that currency. This mechanism mirrors Japan’s long-standing yen loan model and China’s yuan-based financing in Sri Lanka, underscoring how disaster assistance increasingly intersects with monetary diplomacy.
The aid rollout will be overseen through a joint monitoring mechanism involving multiple Sri Lankan ministries and India’s High Commission, with the first coordination meeting already held in late December. This structured oversight aims to ensure speed, transparency, and political visibility.
Beyond humanitarian relief, India’s response reinforces its role as Sri Lanka’s closest economic and strategic partner at a time when regional competition for influence remains intense. While the immediate objective is recovery from cyclone devastation, the broader implication is clear: disaster diplomacy has become a central pillar of India’s neighborhood-first strategy.
Child Rights or Moral Panic? ‘Mothers Movement’ Campaign Triggers Widespread Public Debate
By: A Special Correspondent
January 11, Colombo (LNW): Public opinion in Sri Lanka is currently divided over controversial content in a Grade 6 English language module. Investigations into the material are already underway, and it did not take long for the matter to turn into a broader political debate.
Alongside the textbook controversy, critics have highlighted a growing negative portrayal of homosexuality and the rights of individuals in Sri Lanka with diverse sexual identities. This has triggered scrutiny of the government’s existing policies on child protection and education.
Within this climate, an organisation calling itself the “Mothers Movement” has launched a campaign claiming that providing comprehensive sexuality education to children ultimately results in children being taken away from their parents. The campaign also calls on mothers to unite to eradicate homosexuality and other diverse sexual identities from Sri Lanka. These actions have drawn strong criticism from Dr. Tushara Wickramanayake, a leading advocate for children’s rights in the country.
In a social media post, Dr. Wickramanayake stated that the “Mothers Movement” is spreading unfounded fear among the public about children’s rights. She also highlighted that, under the guise of protecting children, the organisation is presenting misleading information and pursuing a political agenda.
Dr. Wickramanayake further noted that Shanuka Ilangasekara, the chairperson of the movement, maintains links with international Christian organisations and serves as a pastor in Agape Ministries, an international Christian organisation. She urged the public to remain vigilant regarding how the organisation receives funding and whether it genuinely advocates for the causes it claims to support.
According to Dr. Wickramanayake, the founders of the “Mothers Movement” are Jehan Hameed and Shenali Waduge, both affiliated with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). Based on their political affiliations, she said it is possible to identify the political agenda driving the campaign.
She also recalled that this group previously challenged, before the Supreme Court, a Private Member’s Bill in 2022 introduced by then SLPP Member of Parliament Premnath Dolawatte to decriminalise consensual same-sex relations, arguing without evidence that “homosexuals increase child sexual abuse.” The Fundamental Rights petition was dismissed by the Honourable Supreme Court, which determined that none of the claims presented had any factual basis.
Accusing the organisation of attempting to transform Sri Lanka into a haven for child abuse under the pretext of opposing educational reforms, Dr. Wickramanayake acknowledged that some aspects of educational reform require improvement.
However, she emphasised that a child in Sri Lanka is sexually abused every two hours, that child sexual abuse ranks as the third most common crime in the country, and that 40,000 complaints remain unresolved. In this context, she underlined that age-appropriate sexuality education is globally recognised as the only effective measure to prevent sexual crimes.
Dr. Wickramanayake also extended an open invitation to Shanuka Ilangasekara and the “Mothers Movement” to participate in a discussion on children’s rights.
Who is Shanuka Ilangasekara?
Shanuka Ilangasekara, chairperson of the “Mothers Movement,” also leads the Israel Sri Lanka Solidarity Movement (ISSOM), an organisation created to strengthen relations between Israel and Sri Lanka. She is a vocal advocate for recognising Israel as a separate state in the context of the ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict.
The contradiction here is that Israel is the only state in the Gulf region that not only fully recognises same-sex relationships but also legally allows same-sex couples to raise children. While supporting such a state internationally, Ilangasekara has simultaneously advocated for the eradication of same-sex individuals living in Sri Lanka.
She has also told an international media outlet that she is working to change Sri Lanka’s “diplomatic position” on Israel, which is currently engaged in a highly visible war amounting to genocide, and that she is seeking to unite “all cultures” in Sri Lanka toward this goal. Observers argue that this stance amounts to an indirect endorsement of the Palestinian genocide and represents a serious threat to religious harmony in Sri Lanka through the promotion of her religious ideologies.
Within a democratic framework, citizens have the right to engage in political discourse on marginalised communities, whether to support or oppose them. Individuals also have the right to accept or reject scientific explanations regarding sexuality and sexual diversity based on their religious or cultural beliefs. Respecting differing views and agreeing to disagree is a hallmark of a civilised society.
However, when a group challenges the position of the country’s highest court on sensitive social issues and mobilises public opinion around an opposing narrative,it becomes crucial to question the forces and motivations driving that movement.
Health Officials Warn of Rising Viral Infections and Dengue Risk
January 11, Colombo (LNW): Medical authorities have raised concerns over a recent uptick in viral illnesses across the country, noting a clear increase in infections affecting the respiratory system as well as mosquito-borne diseases.
Consultant Physician Dr K.V.C. Janaka of the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital said that a range of respiratory viruses are currently in circulation, including Influenza A and B alongside several other non-influenza viral infections.
He explained that while many patients recover within days, those with underlying conditions such as asthma or recurrent wheezing may continue to experience symptoms for up to two weeks after the acute phase of the illness.
At the same time, health officials have observed a rise in Chikungunya cases, particularly within the Colombo district, adding to pressure on outpatient services.
Dengue has also shown worrying signs early in the year, with 2,170 cases reported within the first nine days alone. Community Physician Specialist Dr Prashila Samaraweera from the National Dengue Control Unit stated that 41 Medical Officer of Health divisions have been identified as high-risk areas, prompting intensified surveillance and control measures.
Health authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, seek early medical advice for persistent symptoms, and take preventive steps to reduce mosquito breeding, warning that seasonal conditions could further accelerate the spread of these diseases.
Government Targets Up to $2 Bn in Foreign Investment This Year
January 11, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando has announced that the Government is aiming to attract between USD 1.5 billion and USD 2 billion in foreign direct investment during the course of this year, as part of efforts to sustain economic momentum.
Speaking on the country’s recent performance, the Minister noted that foreign investment inflows surpassed the USD 1 billion mark in 2025, signalling renewed confidence in the economy. He added that economic growth had outperformed initial expectations, with the year closing at around five per cent, compared to an earlier projection of 3.5 per cent.
Looking ahead to 2026, Dr Fernando said the Government has set aside Rs. 4,480 billion for public sector investment, placing particular emphasis on effective execution. Priority, he explained, will be given to the development of strategic national infrastructure, which is seen as a key driver of long-term growth and employment.
He further pointed out that infrastructure development features prominently in the Government’s disaster relief and recovery strategy. Of the Rs. 500 billion allocated under the relief package, Rs. 250 billion has been reserved specifically for infrastructure projects, with the aim of accelerating economic activity while strengthening resilience across the country.
RDA to Launch Second Phase of Rural Road Upgrade Drive
January 11, Colombo (LNW): The Road Development Authority (RDA) has revealed plans to bring a further 75 rural roads under development as part of the second stage of the Rural Road Development Project, aimed at improving accessibility and transport links in outlying areas.
The initiative falls under the broader “Path to Renaissance” programme, which focuses on uplifting rural communities by strengthening road networks and improving access to public transport, markets and essential services. Officials say the upgrades are expected to make daily travel easier while supporting local economic activity.
RDA Director General Wimal Kandambi stated that preparatory work is nearing completion and construction is scheduled to begin within the next month. He added that the second phase has been allocated Rs. 6 billion, reflecting the scale of the planned improvements.
The project is expected to be carried out on an accelerated timeline, with completion targeted within three to six months, depending on weather conditions and ground realities. Once finished, the upgraded roads are expected to significantly enhance connectivity for residents in several rural districts.
CEB Workers Seek Ministerial Action as Retirement Delays Deepen Crisis
January 11, Colombo (LNW): More than 2,200 employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) who opted for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) have appealed to the Minister of Energy for urgent intervention, warning that prolonged delays in the restructuring process have left them facing serious personal and professional hardship.
In a formal letter yesterday (10), the group stated that they had applied for retirement under the VRS introduced as part of sweeping reforms to the electricity sector under the amended Sri Lanka Electricity Act of 2024.
The reforms envisage the dissolution of the existing CEB and the creation of new entities to handle generation, transmission, system operations and distribution.
The VRS was officially announced by Gazette in late August 2025, allowing employees a two-month window to either transfer to the new companies or exit the service. The affected employees said they had informed the CEB of their decision to retire by the stipulated deadline in October, fully adhering to the legal framework governing the process.
Despite this, they allege that CEB management has failed to release them from service due to the continued delay in formally declaring the “Appointed Date” for restructuring. As a result, they say they are effectively trapped in employment, unable to retire, accept private sector positions, take up overseas job offers or pursue independent livelihoods. The employees emphasised that their immediate concern is not compensation payments, but the basic right to exit the organisation without further obstruction.
According to the letter, the Ministry of Energy had earlier indicated proposed dates for the restructuring through official correspondence, initially pointing to January 01, 2026, and later revising this to February 01, 2026, subject to Cabinet approval and gazetting. However, the failure to formally gazette the date has left successor entities without legal standing and extended uncertainty for staff.
Further anxiety has been triggered by recent changes at the Power Sector Reforms Secretariat, where the Director General — who had reportedly given verbal assurances regarding the February timeline — has since submitted his resignation, effective mid-January. The employees warned that this leadership gap has stalled decision-making at a critical juncture.
The group described mounting social and economic consequences stemming from the delay, including lost overseas employment opportunities, visa complications, missed recruitment cycles in the private sector and increasing financial and psychological strain on families.
They also raised concerns over inconsistent administrative actions, claiming that some staff members who travelled abroad have been issued notices that could jeopardise their VRS eligibility, while others have been allowed to withdraw their applications selectively.
In their appeal, the employees urged the Minister to ensure the appointed date is gazetted without delay, ideally by early February, to allow VRS applicants to leave the service without prejudice to their rights and to protect the entitlements of those who have already departed the country for time-sensitive employment.
They cautioned that continued uncertainty is eroding morale and productivity within the CEB, arguing that compelling unwilling employees to remain in service undermines both the reform agenda and the effective functioning of the national power utility.
Migrant Worker Earnings Hit Historic High, Boosting National Economy
January 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever inflow of overseas worker earnings in 2025, with migrant remittances reaching an unprecedented level, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) disclosed.
Officials described the figure as the strongest performance since organised foreign employment began more than four decades ago.
Data released by the Bureau shows that Sri Lankans working abroad sent home a total of US$8.07 billion (approximately Rs. 2,432 billion) over the course of the year, reflecting a sharp rise of nearly 23 per cent compared to the previous year’s earnings. The increase underscores the growing contribution of migrant workers to the national economy.
December emerged as the standout month, recording the highest monthly inflow, with remittances nearing US$880 million as overseas workers increased transfers during the year-end period.
The SLBFE credited the surge to targeted government strategies focused on deploying skilled and semi-skilled workers to overseas markets. More than 310,000 Sri Lankans left the country for employment in 2025 under these programmes, many securing higher-paying positions than in previous years.
Officials noted that the sustained growth in remittances has provided a critical injection of foreign currency, strengthening reserves and offering much-needed stability to the broader economy amid ongoing financial challenges.
Government Moves to Standardise Preschool Education and Elevate Early Childhood Development
January 11, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya announced that the Government has begun implementing a series of measures to bring preschool education under a structured national framework, with the aim of improving quality, consistency and long-term outcomes for children.
She made these remarks yesterday (10) at Temple Trees while attending the launch of the National Communication Programme for Child Health Promotion, an initiative designed to encourage positive social and behavioural change among young children. The programme is a collaborative effort involving several state institutions, UNICEF and the Clean Sri Lanka Programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister underscored the decisive role early childhood development plays in shaping a country’s human capital. She noted that the foundations of learning, behaviour and wellbeing are laid within the first five years of life, and that experiences during this period have a lasting impact well into adulthood.
Dr Amarasuriya stressed that nurturing a child cannot be seen as the responsibility of parents alone, but rather as a shared duty of society. The way adults engage with children, respond to their needs and provide care, protection and education collectively shapes the kind of citizens they become. For this reason, the Government views childcare as a broader social responsibility, supported through public policy and national programmes.
Highlighting the importance of preschool educators, she said teachers play a defining role during a child’s formative years, as their care, attention and emotional support directly influence development. She confirmed that an early childhood education policy has been formulated with technical assistance from UNICEF, and that steps are under way to introduce a unified preschool curriculum, standardised teacher training and clear quality benchmarks across the sector. Early childhood development, she added, is now being recognised as a specialised field within the education system, warranting targeted interventions.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, also speaking at the event, said the standardisation and advancement of early childhood development has been identified as a key priority for 2026. She emphasised that young children arrive at preschools seeking the same sense of safety and affection they receive at home, and that teachers carry a profound responsibility in creating a nurturing environment that fosters empathy, respect and emotional security.
Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa noted that the Government’s broader objective is to raise a healthy and resilient future generation capable of leading the country forward. He pointed out that promoting lifelong health must begin early, particularly in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. With today’s preschool children forming the young adult population of the 2040s, he said sustained and comprehensive interventions — even extending to preconception and prenatal stages — are vital.
He concluded by stressing that preschool and early childhood educators stand at the forefront of shaping a transformative future for the nation.
Record Year for Consumer Awareness Drive: CAA
January 11, Colombo (LNW): The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has reported a landmark year for public outreach, revealing that more than 1,500 consumer awareness initiatives were carried out nationwide in 2025, the highest figure achieved since the Authority was established.
Officials said the programmes reached every district in the country, with CAA officers engaging face-to-face with over 120,000 members of the public. These sessions focused on educating consumers about their rights, fair trading practices and mechanisms available for redress.
Beyond on-the-ground activities, the Authority noted that consistent efforts were made to spread awareness through television, radio, digital platforms and the print media, ensuring that key messages reached a wider audience.
Building on this momentum, the CAA announced plans to further scale up its outreach in 2026, with expanded initiatives aimed at the general public, school students and members of the business sector, as part of a broader effort to promote informed and responsible market behaviour.