By: Staff Writer
January 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s latest digital agriculture initiative marks a shift from traditional governance toward a technology-enabled, farmer-centric ecosystem designed to improve productivity, resilience, and innovation across the sector. The launch of CROPIX alongside national data frameworks signals a move to place accurate, near real-time data at the heart of agricultural planning and service delivery.
Unveiled at a high-level event hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation and the FAO, with funding from the Gates Foundation, the initiative introduces a unified digital foundation for agriculture. It brings together enterprise architecture, interoperability standards, and data-sharing policies to overcome years of fragmented systems and disconnected databases.
For farmers, the most visible outcome of this transformation is CROPIX, a national digital platform that consolidates crop, land, and production data while linking farmers directly to extension services, forecasts, and market-relevant information. Accessible through web and mobile platforms, CROPIX is expected to improve access to timely advice, reduce information gaps, and support more responsive government services.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne said the lack of reliable data has long limited innovation in agriculture. He noted that the unified, API-based platform now enables precision farming, agritech solutions, and digital marketplaces creating opportunities for entrepreneurs while delivering tangible value to farmers.
Agriculture Minister K. D. Lalkantha said the initiative represents a strategic shift from isolated data collection to coordinated, evidence-based decision-making. He emphasised that the new systems will help policymakers respond faster to emerging challenges such as climate variability, input shortages, and food security risks.
The Agriculture Enterprise Architecture Framework ensures that future digital investments across the sector follow a common structure, preventing duplication and enabling scalability. Meanwhile, the Interoperability Framework and Data Sharing Policies establish trust, security, and accountability in how agricultural data is exchanged between institutions.
Chief Adviser to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya said extending digital public infrastructure to agriculture ensures that transformation delivers results on the ground. He explained that connecting farmers to institutions and data to decisions creates an ecosystem where policy intent translates into measurable outcomes.
FAO Representative Vimlendra Sharan highlighted that the initiative strengthens Sri Lanka’s capacity to manage climate risks and meet dynamic market demands. He said FAO’s partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that no farmer is left behind as the sector modernises.
As institutions adopt these tools, near real-time data is expected to guide planning, investment, and policy formulation placing farmers at the centre of Sri Lanka’s digital agriculture future.
Sri Lanka Digital Agriculture Push Aims to Empower Farmers, Drive Innovation
Supplier to Face Sanctions Over Substandard Coal Shipment, Minister Confirms
January 25, Colombo (LNW): Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa has confirmed that coal samples sent overseas for independent testing have failed to meet the required calorific standards, intensifying scrutiny over a shipment that has drawn widespread public attention.
Speaking to reporters in Kalutara, the Minister said the analysis, conducted in India, showed that the coal did not reach the agreed energy output levels. As a result, authorities are preparing to take action against the supplier in line with contractual provisions.
Dr Jayatissa stressed that the procurement procedure itself had been followed correctly and that the issue came to light only after the initial consignment of 60,000 metric tonnes had arrived in Sri Lanka. According to him, it was the supplier’s own testing process that first identified the shortfall in quality, triggering the move towards penalties.
He further noted that additional checks will be carried out once coal shipments are unloaded locally, and warned that any failure to comply with stipulated standards would automatically result in financial penalties, without room for discretion.
The controversy has also reached Parliament, where Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP D.V. Chanaka recently claimed that the delivery of inferior coal to the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant has caused losses estimated at nearly Rs. 10 billion, adding pressure on authorities to ensure accountability and tighter oversight going forward.
GMOA to Begin Nationwide Indefinite Industrial Action from Monday
January 25, Colombo (LNW): The Government Medical Officers’ Association has announced plans to commence an island-wide indefinite trade union action from tomorrow (26), citing what it describes as the Health Ministry’s failure to honour previously agreed commitments.
Addressing a media briefing this afternoon, GMOA Secretary Dr Prabath Sugathadasa said the action would begin at 8.00 a.m. on Monday and would affect services at state-run hospitals across the country. He noted that the move follows weeks of discussions that, according to the association, have not produced tangible outcomes.
As part of the industrial action, government doctors will refrain from prescribing medicines that patients are required to purchase from private pharmacies. In addition, requests for certain laboratory investigations will also be suspended, a measure the GMOA says is intended to highlight systemic shortcomings rather than inconvenience patients unnecessarily.
Dr Sugathadasa added that the association’s Central Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to review the situation and decide on the next course of action. He warned that if authorities continue to ignore their concerns, the union is prepared to escalate the protest further.
The announcement comes shortly after the GMOA concluded a 48-hour token strike, which was held from the morning of January 23 and ended earlier today. That initial action, the association said, was meant as a warning over unresolved issues within the public health sector.
Red Notice Fugitive Returned from India in Joint Cross-Border Operation
January 25, Colombo (LNW): A Sri Lankan national wanted for a string of serious criminal offences has been brought back to the country from India after coordinated action between law enforcement authorities in both nations, Police Headquarters confirmed.
The suspect, who was subject to an international Red Notice, arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, on the evening of January 24, 2026. He was taken into custody on arrival by officers attached to the Criminal Investigation Department and later transferred to the Keselwatte Police for further inquiries.
Police sources said the extradition followed sustained high-level engagement between Sri Lanka and India, involving direct communication with Indian government officials, security agencies and the Indian High Commission in Colombo. The process was overseen locally through the Ministry of Public Security, with the involvement of senior police leadership.
The individual, aged 34 and believed to be from the Keselwatte area, is suspected of involvement in multiple violent and organised crimes spanning several years. These include a fatal attack with sharp weapons in 2015, assisting in a shooting-related murder in 2018, and a separate assault incident reported in 2021.
He is also alleged to have been in possession of a live grenade and to have links to robbery and narcotics-related offences across several police divisions in Colombo.
Investigations into the suspect’s activities are continuing under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Colombo Range, with further legal action expected as inquiries progress.
State Vesak Festival Scheduled for May 30 Following Clergy Consultations
January 25, Colombo (LNW): The State Vesak Festival for next year will be observed on May 30, 2026, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Prof. Chandana Abeyratne disclosed.
He said the decision was reached after careful consideration of recommendations submitted by the Poya Committee, alongside a formal request made by the Chief Prelates of Sri Lanka’s three main Buddhist Chapters. The matter was also brought to the attention of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in late December last year.
The request arose due to the unusual occurrence of two Full Moon Poya days falling within the month of May 2026 — on May 01 and 30. While the official calendar issued by the Ministry of Public Administration had initially designated May 01 as Vesak Full Moon Poya Day and May 30 as Adhi Poson Poya Day, concerns were raised within the Buddhist community regarding the appropriateness of this arrangement.
Senior members of the clergy pointed out that the traditional visā nakatha, which holds religious significance in determining the proper observance of Vesak, does not fall on May 01. This prompted discussions among Sangha Sabhas and consultations with astrologers, conducted under the guidance of the Mahanayaka Theros.
Following these deliberations, consensus was reached that May 30, 2026 aligns with long-established Buddha Shasana traditions, as it coincides with the visā nakatha. In view of this, it was recommended that Vesak be formally observed on that date, with all religious events and state-sponsored ceremonies related to Vesak to be held accordingly.
Education Ministry Seeks Public Input on Proposed University Reforms
January 25, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Education has announced plans to open a public consultation process on a series of proposed changes to the university system and the wider higher education sector.
Deputy Minister of Education Dr Madhura Seneviratne said the move reflects a growing emphasis on inclusive policymaking and transparency in shaping the future of tertiary education.
He noted that the decision follows guidance provided by the Policy Formulation Committee on University and Higher Education, which has been reviewing structural and academic challenges within the sector.
The consultation is expected to invite feedback from students, academics, professionals and other stakeholders, with the aim of refining reform proposals to better align universities with national development needs and global academic standards.
New Telecom Rules Planned to Safeguard Connectivity During Emergencies
January 25, Colombo (LNW): The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is preparing to roll out a fresh regulatory framework aimed at keeping telephone and internet services running without disruption during times of crisis.
According to TRCSL Director General, retired Major General Bandula Herath, the proposed measures are intended to strengthen the resilience of national communication networks when emergencies occur.
He said the move comes in response to lessons learned from past incidents, where breakdowns in connectivity complicated rescue, coordination and public communication efforts.
The planned regulations are expected to place clearer responsibilities on service providers to maintain operations during natural disasters, technical failures or other emergency situations triggered by human activity.
Officials believe the initiative will play a critical role in improving emergency management, ensuring that authorities and the public remain connected when reliable communication is most essential.
IFC Commits Major Funding Boost to Spur Private Sector Growth in Sri Lanka
January 25, Colombo (LNW): The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, has unveiled a new financing package worth US$ 166 million in what the reports claimed as a move of strengthening Sri Lanka’s private sector and supporting the country’s shift from economic recovery to longer-term, sustainable growth.
The investment programme is designed to widen access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, with particular emphasis on women-led businesses and the agri-business sector. By directing funding towards these areas, the IFC hopes to encourage more inclusive growth while generating employment opportunities for groups that have traditionally struggled to secure financing.
The funds will be channelled through three leading private commercial banks — Nations Trust Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon and National Development Bank. The package includes a US$ 50 million loan, US$ 80 million in risk-sharing arrangements and US$ 36 million in trade finance guarantees, structured to strengthen lending capacity while reducing exposure for participating banks.
SMEs represent more than three-quarters of registered businesses in Sri Lanka and provide nearly half of all jobs, yet limited access to credit continues to constrain their expansion. The IFC says the initiative aligns with national priorities and the wider World Bank Group strategy by offering targeted financial solutions that help businesses navigate current challenges and build resilience against future shocks.
Senior IFC officials noted that the organisation often plays a stabilising role during periods of economic stress by stepping in when private investment slows. They said the latest commitment reflects confidence in Sri Lanka’s recovery and aims to help banks direct capital to priority sectors such as women-owned enterprises, small-scale agriculture and trade-linked businesses.
A key component of the programme is the US$ 50 million facility extended to Nations Trust Bank, marking the first IFC-backed debt investment in Sri Lanka’s financial sector since the 2022 economic crisis. A portion of this funding has been specifically set aside to expand lending to women entrepreneurs.
In addition, risk-sharing facilities of up to US$ 80 million will be established with Commercial Bank of Ceylon and National Development Bank. Under these arrangements, the IFC will absorb half of potential losses on eligible SME loan portfolios, encouraging banks to scale up lending to smaller businesses, including those in agriculture. The facilities are supported through blended finance mechanisms linked to the International Development Association.
Trade-related activity will also receive a boost through IFC-backed guarantees under its Global Trade Finance Programme. These guarantees, split between Nations Trust Bank and National Development Bank, are expected to improve access to international markets for local firms, particularly those that are underserved or export-oriented.
Beyond funding, the IFC will provide advisory support to modernise digital transaction systems and supply chain finance at National Development Bank, helping to expand credit access. Planned assistance will also strengthen the bank’s approach to managing climate-related financial risks, embedding sustainability considerations into its operations.
World Bank Group representatives said the initiative sends a positive signal to investors at a time when Sri Lanka is rebuilding from multiple economic and environmental shocks. They stressed that collaboration with the financial sector is essential to meet urgent needs while laying the groundwork for competitiveness and inclusive growth.
The latest investment builds on IFC’s more than five decades of engagement in Sri Lanka, during which it has maintained long-standing partnerships with leading financial institutions and supported reforms to improve access to finance. Recent efforts have included the launch of a secured transactions registry to help smaller businesses unlock credit using movable assets.
Police Report Surge in Cybercrime as Hundreds Arrested Nationwide
January 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police have revealed that more than 300 individuals were taken into custody over the past year in connection with a range of cyber-related offences, underscoring the steady rise of digital crime across the country.
According to Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent F.U. Wootler, investigators handled over 2,000 complaints linked to online fraud, identity theft and other technology-driven crimes during 2025. He said the figures reflect an expanding threat landscape as internet use becomes more widespread.
Police have observed that cyber offenders frequently prey on young people and senior citizens, while those who are relatively new to online services are also at heightened risk. Limited awareness of digital security, he noted, often leaves such users exposed to scams and data theft.
ASP Wootler advised the public to remain alert when engaging on digital platforms, stressing the need for basic cyber hygiene. He warned against sharing passwords, verification codes or personal details with unfamiliar sources, adding that simple precautions can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to online crime.
Indonesian Navy Peacekeeping Vessel Makes Port Call in Colombo After UN Mission
January 25, Colombo (LNW): An Indonesian Navy warship attached to a United Nations peacekeeping operation has arrived in Colombo following the completion of a year-long overseas deployment.
KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda (SIM-367) berthed at the Colombo Port after concluding its assignment with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Maritime Task Force for 2024–2025.
The vessel carried a crew of 120 personnel, including 12 women, reflecting Indonesia’s growing emphasis on inclusive participation in international peacekeeping. Indonesia remains one of the world’s leading contributors to UN missions, ranking fifth globally, with more than 2,700 personnel deployed in 2025, over 200 of whom are women.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Dewi Gustina Tobing, hosted a Dialogue and Sharing Experience session on board, bringing together Indonesian and Sri Lankan peacekeepers.
The event was attended by senior military representatives, including Indonesia’s Defence Attaché in New Delhi, Commodore Ardiansyah Muqsit, and the ship’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel (Navy) Anugerah Annurullah, alongside women peacekeepers from both nations.
Crew members of KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda outlined the ship’s operational role within the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force, where it was engaged in maritime surveillance and broader security support alongside naval units from Germany, Bangladesh, Türkiye and Greece. Indonesia stood out as the only contingent operating an embarked helicopter, with responsibility for helicopter command duties and over 136 hours of recorded flight time during the mission. Women sailors served across a wide range of functions, including operations, engineering, logistics, aviation support and mission coordination.
Sri Lankan peacekeepers also shared reflections from their own UN deployments. Colonel W.T.A.S. Perera recounted her service in the Sahara, highlighting both the professional challenges and the human connections formed with local communities. Another officer spoke of her experience in UNIFIL, particularly her work at the Joint Experience Centre, with the discussion expanding to include the realities of balancing demanding field assignments with family life.
Ambassador Tobing noted that the diverse roles performed by women on board SIM-367 — including aviation, with a female Panther helicopter pilot — illustrated the evolving nature of peacekeeping operations and the critical contributions women make across technical and operational fields. The exchange, she said, helped deepen cooperation and mutual understanding between Indonesian and Sri Lankan peacekeepers while celebrating shared commitments to international peace and security.