US President Donald Trump on Friday renewed his push for American control of Greenland, stating bluntly that the United States would act “whether they like it or not,” citing national security concerns.

Speaking to reporters while hosting oil executives at the White House for discussions on investments in Venezuela, Trump said that if the US does not take action, rival powers such as Russia or China could move in.

“Because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor,” he said.

Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, either through purchase or by military means. His remarks have drawn strong opposition from Greenland, Denmark, and several European allies.

Greenland’s head of representation to the United States, Jacob Isbosethsen, reiterated this position on Thursday after a closed-door meeting with members of Congress.

“Greenland is not for sale. Our Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and our Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt have made it very clear. Our country belongs to the Greenlandic people,” he told journalists.

When asked how much money might persuade Greenland to agree, Trump said he was “not talking about money yet,” adding that while he preferred an “easy” deal, the US would act “the hard way” if necessary.

Lawmakers from both major US parties have also expressed skepticism about Trump’s ambitions. Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said there was no willingness from Denmark or Greenland to negotiate any transfer of sovereignty.

Similarly, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stressed that Greenland, Denmark, and the United States are long-standing allies who share common values and cooperate closely.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a key Trump ally, dismissed suggestions that military force would be used, saying Congress was not seriously considering such an option.

However, Vice President JD Vance defended the administration’s interest in Greenland, urging European leaders to take Trump’s words seriously. He emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance, particularly for missile defense, and warned of growing interest in the region from “hostile adversaries.”

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet next week with counterparts from Denmark and Greenland, following their request for urgent talks on the issue.

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, today received a farewell call from the outgoing United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, who is set to conclude her four-year tenure in Colombo.

In a post on social media platform ‘X’, Minister Herath said he expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Chung’s indefatigable efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the United States during her tenure from 2022 to 2026.

He also conveyed special thanks for her swift coordination of assistance from US authorities in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which affected several parts of the country.

“I wish her the very best in her next assignment,” the Minister stated.

Ambassador Julie Chung is expected to depart Colombo on January 16, marking the conclusion of her service as the United States’ top diplomat in Sri Lanka. She assumed duties as Ambassador in February 2022 and served for nearly four years.

The deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal was located about 100 km north-northeast of Trincomalee at 4:00 a.m. on 10 January 2026. It is moving northwestwards and is likely to weaken into a depression by around 5:30 a.m. today. It is very likely to cross the Sri Lanka coast between Trincomalee and Jaffna around noon.

Cloudy skies can be expected over the Northern half of the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern province and in Puttalam, Anuradhapura and Trincomalee districts. Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Northern province.

Several spells of showers may occur in the Kurunegala, Polonnaruwa and Matale districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places elsewhere during evening or night.

Very strong winds about (50-60) kmph and gusting up to 70 kmph can be expected at times over Northern province. Strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over North-western province and in Matale, Trincomalee and Nuwara-Eliya districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman delivered an emotional speech in Parliament on the 7th, making serious allegations regarding seven renewable energy projects. He claimed that the current government had awarded these projects without calling for tenders and that a massive financial fraud had taken place.

However, even a cursory review shows that his claim about the projects being awarded without any tender process does not align with another part of his own statement. He himself acknowledged that an Expression of Interest (EOI) was called for these projects in 2021.

Calling for Expressions of Interest from private sector investors to implement a project is a process different from a conventional tender, but it is still conducted in accordance with procurement guidelines. In the case of the projects referred to by the MP, the procedure was as follows.

To implement these renewable energy projects, an EOI was called from private sector investors through a government gazette notification on 24 September 2021. A total of 533 institutions submitted proposals. A high level official committee appointed by the Cabinet evaluated these proposals and selected 49 investors in the initial round.

Accordingly, the selection of these 49 investors did not take place after the current government came into power, nor was it based on anyone’s personal preference or influence. Furthermore, after the National People’s Power government assumed office in 2024, the question of whether projects implemented through the EOI method complied with procurement procedures was reviewed. The Ministry of Power and Energy referred the matter to the National Procurement Commission and the Attorney General for their advice. Both institutions concluded that projects implemented under the 2021 EOI process were in compliance with procurement guidelines.

The allegation made by MP Mujibur Rahman that the government is attempting to grant approvals for these projects to only a few among the 49 selected investors is also incorrect. Fundamentally, a renewable energy project requires suitable land, sufficient for installing solar panels or turbines. In addition, approvals must be obtained from around 20 state institutions in accordance with government regulations. Environmental assessments and feasibility studies must be conducted. Moreover, the national grid must have the capacity to absorb the generated electricity, or capacity must be developed if it does not.

By a letter dated 1 December 2025, the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy informed that energy permits should be issued to seven companies that had fulfilled all these requirements. This was not, as the MP suggests, the result of anyone’s choice or influence, but simply because those seven companies completed the necessary requirements swiftly. Projects of companies that have not yet met the requirements remain pending, and they too will receive the relevant permits once they comply. This is not a matter that warrants sensationalism.

There is also another important aspect. A key factor in renewable energy projects is the ability to connect generated electricity to the national grid. It is widely known in the sector that certain companies that currently maintain a form of monopoly in the renewable energy field wish to keep grid connection capacity vacant until they themselves fulfill the requirements to implement their own projects. To achieve this, they obstruct other companies while providing misleading information to both the government and the opposition.

Therefore, it appears that MP Mujibur Rahman may have knowingly or unknowingly fallen into the influence of these companies that maintain a monopoly in the renewable energy sector and obstruct others, thereby serving their interests. Rather than using parliamentary privileges to spread false information about projects vital to the country, it is important to carefully examine facts before speaking on such matters. Otherwise, it gives the impression that parliamentary time is being wasted under the cover of privilege while fulfilling someone else’s agenda.

At a time when Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is celebrating a near-complete rebound in visitor arrivals, Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Buddika Hewawasam is urging caution—arguing that growth without accuracy is a risk the sector can no longer afford.

Despite welcoming over 2.36 million tourists in 2025 and earning more than US $3 billion, Hewawasam has deliberately delayed announcing revenue targets for 2026. His reasoning challenges a long-standing industry culture that equates success with volume rather than value.

According to Hewawasam, Sri Lanka’s tourism planning has been compromised for years by outdated assumptions, particularly those based on decade-old expenditure surveys. With global travel patterns transformed by the pandemic and climate-related disruptions such as Cyclone Ditwah, he argues that only verified, current data can guide sustainable policy.

The revised estimate of US $140 daily tourist spending, emerging from a new nationwide survey, has sparked debate within the industry. Yet Hewawasam maintains that acknowledging lower yields is preferable to masking them with inflated averages that distort investment and marketing decisions.

His approach also places renewed emphasis on domestic tourism and revenue leakage, two areas historically overlooked in Sri Lanka’s tourism accounting. The forthcoming leakage survey and Tourism Satellite Accounting system aim to quantify tourism’s real economic footprint rather than its perceived one.

 In the short term, this data-first philosophy may temper expectations of rapid post-cyclone recovery. In the long term, however, it could redefine Sri Lanka’s tourism model shifting it from headline-driven optimism to evidence-based resilience.

As the industry looks toward 2026, Hewawasam’s stance suggests that credible numbers, not ambitious slogans, will determine whether tourism truly delivers national recovery.

Sri Lanka has taken a significant step toward environmentally sustainable agriculture with the signing of a new grant agreement with the European Union (EU) under the AgriGreen Initiative – Green Economic Growth through Sustainable Agriculture Practices. The €8 million EU-funded programme is designed to promote eco-friendly farming methods, strengthen food security, and support the country’s transition to a greener and more resilient economy.

The initiative is a jointly developed project led by the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, working in close collaboration with the Rubber Development Department and the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Implementation will be carried out in partnership with the European Union, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development and responsible economic growth.

The official exchange of the grant agreement took place between Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, representing the Government of Sri Lanka, and Dr. Johann H. Hesse, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka, on behalf of the European Union. The agreement formalizes EU financial support for a programme that aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s long-term development and environmental priorities.

At the core of the AgriGreen Initiative is the objective of encouraging sustainable consumption and production practices, particularly within selected value chains of the rubber sector. By introducing greener technologies and climate-smart agricultural methods, the project aims to improve productivity while reducing environmental impact. The initiative also seeks to enhance the resilience and global competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s rubber industry, an important contributor to rural livelihoods and export earnings.

A key feature of the programme is its strong focus on social inclusion. Special emphasis will be placed on empowering youth and women by increasing their participation in sustainable agricultural activities and value-added production. Through skills development, access to improved practices, and greater market integration, the initiative is expected to create new economic opportunities while promoting equitable growth.

Addressing the occasion, Treasury Secretary Dr. Suriyapperuma expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support to Sri Lanka, noting that the project complements national efforts to promote environmentally sustainable production systems. He highlighted that the initiative supports market-oriented value addition, deeper integration with export markets, and the broader goal of green economic transformation.

The agreement further reinforces the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the European Union. It marks an important milestone in their shared commitment to sustainable agriculture, responsible consumption, climate resilience, and enhanced food security, while laying the groundwork for inclusive and environmentally responsible economic growth.

Sri Lanka has officially launched the CORRAL (Conservation of Reefs for All Lives and Livelihoods) Conservation Trust Fund, a landmark initiative aimed at safeguarding the country’s vital coral reef ecosystems. The fund will focus on protecting Pigeon Island National Park, Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary, Kayankerni Marine Sanctuary, and their associated marine landscapes, marking a major advancement in long-term environmental financing.

The Trust was established through a formal Deed signed by the Settlor, Environment Foundation (Guarantee) Ltd (EFL), together with the Board of Trustees. It forms a key component of the Sri Lanka Coral Reef Initiative (SLCRI), a six-year programme funded by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

EFL played a crucial role in operationalizing the Trust, providing legal and policy expertise that shaped the Trust Deed. Their review ensured that governance structures meet the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and professional management. EFL will also guide the Trust’s operational setup, reinforcing its long-term sustainability.

“This initiative is more than a conservation programme it represents a lasting financial mechanism to protect coral reefs, which are essential for marine biodiversity, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of coastal communities,” said Dr. Shamen Vidanage, IUCN Sri Lanka Country Representative.

The Board of Trustees, carefully selected for their expertise and commitment, includes Palitha Gamage, Prof. (Ms.) Sevvandi Jayakody, Nalin Karunatileka, Dr. (Ms.) Nishanthi Perera, Chanaka Wickramasuriya, and Nishad Wijetunga. Their oversight ensures the Trust will meet its objectives while maintaining professional management and accountability.

Unlike time-bound conservation projects, the CORALL CTF is designed to operate beyond the six-year SLCRI programme, offering a platform for mobilizing further private, government, and international funding for marine ecosystem conservation.

EFL highlighted the significance of this milestone, reflecting the organization’s 45-year commitment to environmental justice, policy development, and public interest advocacy. The creation of the CORAL Trust Fund exemplifies innovative approaches to financing nature conservation in Sri Lanka, ensuring that the country’s coral reefs receive the protection and resources necessary for their long-term survival.

By combining financial sustainability with scientific and policy oversight, the CORAL Conservation Trust Fund sets a precedent for long-term environmental stewardship. This initiative promises to protect Sri Lanka’s coral reefs while supporting the resilience of coastal communities that depend on these fragile ecosystems.

/

Sri Lanka’s decision to grant up to 15 years of tax exemptions for billion-dollar investors in the Colombo Port City has reopened an old fault line in the country’s economic policy whether growth should be bought through fiscal concessions or earned through stability and reform. While the government insists the new framework is rule-based and more disciplined than before, critics argue it directly contradicts International Monetary Fund (IMF) guidance, which explicitly discourages extended tax holidays as inefficient, distortionary, and prone to abuse.

Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando told Parliament that the amended Port City law replaces arbitrary concessions of up to 25 years with a structured system tied to investment size and job creation. Strategic investments are now classified from US$1 billion to US$25 million, with corresponding tax benefits scaled accordingly. On paper, this removes discretion—a long-standing source of corruption in Sri Lanka’s investment regime.

However the core issue is not transparency alone. The IMF program Sri Lanka entered after its sovereign default is built on broadening the tax base, increasing revenue predictability, and reducing carve-outs. A 15-year tax holiday for large investors especially in a dollarized enclave runs counter to that philosophy. It signals that while ordinary citizens face higher income taxes and consumption levies, elite investors continue to enjoy preferential treatment.

The government argues that Sri Lanka has rarely attracted billion-dollar investments and must compete aggressively with regional hubs such as Dubai and Singapore. But those jurisdictions rely less on tax holidays and more on monetary stability, regulatory certainty, and infrastructure efficiency. Sri Lanka, by contrast, has a history of currency crises triggered by expansionary monetary policy, forcing repeated IMF bailouts and post-crisis tax hikes.

This contradiction weakens the Port City’s appeal. Investors may welcome tax exemptions, but they price in exchange-rate risk, energy costs, and policy volatility. Sri Lanka’s high electricity tariffs, weak dollar inflows, and repeated currency depreciation undermine the very incentives the Port City seeks to offer.

There is also a fiscal opportunity cost. Corporate tax holidays reduce direct revenue, while personal income tax and VAT typically major revenue sources remain constrained. Sri Lanka still lacks VAT on electricity, unlike most East Asian economies, further narrowing the tax base. In effect, the burden of adjustment shifts to domestic taxpayers.

The Port City may yet attract interest, as officials report improved stability over the past two years. But without aligning investment incentives with IMF-backed structural reform particularly monetary discipline the 15-year tax holiday risks becoming another short-term fix in a long cycle of fiscal imbalance.