February 13, Colombo (LNW): Adani Green Energy, a subsidiary of the Indian conglomerate Adani Group led by billionaire Gautam Adani, has announced its decision to withdraw from a planned wind energy project in the Mannar region of Sri Lanka.
The decision marks a significant shift for the company, which had previously aimed to contribute to Sri Lanka’s renewable energy efforts.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for the Adani Group confirmed that the company’s board had communicated its decision to the Sri Lankan authorities.
Whilst the withdrawal from the wind energy venture represents a setback for the project, the group clarified that it remains committed to strengthening ties with Sri Lanka and is open to exploring future opportunities for collaboration, should the Sri Lankan government seek their involvement.
Despite this change in direction, the Adani Group expressed its continued interest in contributing to Sri Lanka’s energy landscape, suggesting that future projects may still be on the cards if aligned with the government’s long-term energy goals.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): Following the imposition of a one-hour power cut this evening (13), the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has released the demand management schedule approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL).
This one-hour power cut will be in effect between 5.00 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. this evening.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, the Attorney General (AG) has informed the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court that a recent recommendation regarding the suspects will be temporarily suspended.
The AG communicated this decision in writing to the court today (13).
The recommendation in question pertains to a legal advisory issued by the Attorney General to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) concerning three individuals who had been identified as suspects in the high-profile case, including a military intelligence officer.
These suspects had been under scrutiny as part of the investigation into the brutal killing of Wickrematunge in 2009, a crime that has remained unresolved for many years.
In his earlier communication, dated January 27, the Attorney General had advised the CID on the potential release of the suspects, an action that has now been put on hold.
The suspension comes amid growing public interest and concern over the case, with many calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the murder, which has remained a critical point of contention in Sri Lanka’s media history.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): The Welfare Benefits Board has announced that the February installment of Aswesuma funds will be credited to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries today (13).
This timely payment is part of the ongoing commitment to support vulnerable families across Sri Lanka.
A total of 1,725,795 households are set to receive financial assistance through the Aswesuma programme, which aims to alleviate the economic pressures faced by low-income families.
In total, the government has allocated more than Rs. 12 billion to ensure that these families can continue to access the support they need during challenging times.
The disbursement of funds will provide a crucial lifeline to many households, helping to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): A sub-committee has been established under the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government to thoroughly investigate and resolve ongoing issues concerning transfers and recruitment within local government institutions across Sri Lanka.
The committee, which has been formed as part of the advisory board’s mandate, will focus on addressing inefficiencies and challenges that have affected the smooth functioning of these bodies.
The sub-committee will be led by Deputy Minister Ruwan Senarath, who expressed confidence that this initiative would bring much-needed clarity and improvements to the processes within local councils and provincial institutions.
The committee’s scope includes reviewing existing practices, identifying systemic flaws, and recommending reforms to streamline recruitment and transfer protocols in a way that benefits both public servants and the citizens they serve.
According to Deputy Minister Senarath, numerous concerns have already been highlighted in various provincial councils and local government bodies, many of which have struggled with issues related to unfair practices and delays in staff management.
He noted that the formation of this sub-committee marks a decisive step towards ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the recruitment and transfer processes.
It is expected that the findings of this investigation will inform future policy decisions and lead to substantial improvements in the way local government bodies operate, particularly in terms of workforce management.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has revealed that a significant exodus of medical professionals is underway, with 2,000 doctors having already left Sri Lanka’s health services, and an additional 5,000 expected to follow suit in the near future.
Dr Chamil Wijesiri, a spokesperson for the GMOA, highlighted the potential ramifications of this mass departure, including critical shortages in medical personnel and drug supplies.
He stressed that these doctors, having completed all necessary qualifications and training, are seeking opportunities abroad, where better conditions and financial incentives await them.
The departure of so many medical professionals is exacerbating the already strained healthcare system, which faces challenges not only in staffing but also in securing essential medical supplies.
Dr Wijesiri warned that the shortage of drug suppliers is one of the many pressing issues that could arise from the outflow of such a large number of qualified doctors.
In response to these challenges, Dr Wijesiri called on the government to take immediate action to protect the remaining medical staff in the country and to stabilise the national economy.
He emphasised the need for short-term solutions to address the current crisis and expressed hope that the upcoming budget proposal would introduce the necessary changes to prevent further deterioration of the healthcare system.
The situation paints a worrying picture for Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector, as the exodus of qualified doctors not only undermines the country’s ability to provide adequate medical care but also reflects the broader economic and social difficulties that many professionals are facing.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): At the World Governments Summit held in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday (11), President Anura Kumara Disanayake held an important meeting with Mike Sicilia, Executive Vice Chairman of Oracle Corporation.
The two leaders engaged in a constructive discussion centred around advancing Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, particularly in the fields of financial technology (fintech), cloud infrastructure, and governance.
The conversation primarily focused on how Oracle could assist Sri Lanka in adopting cutting-edge digital technologies to drive economic growth and enhance the efficiency of government services.
Oracle expressed its readiness to support Sri Lanka’s digitalisation ambitions, particularly through the provision of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), a platform that would help modernise the country’s IT framework. In response, President Disanayake proposed the establishment of a sovereign Oracle Cloud region in Sri Lanka.
This initiative would provide a secure and efficient platform for hosting government applications, e-governance services, and a comprehensive national data system, ensuring that the country maintains control over its data sovereignty and remains compliant with international regulations.
In line with Sri Lanka’s efforts to transition to a cashless economy, President Disanayake also extended an invitation to Oracle to help lay the groundwork for innovative fintech solutions and digital payment systems.
The President further proposed the creation of a Digital Transformation Hub in Colombo Port City, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies.
He envisions this hub becoming South Asia’s leading centre for AI-driven innovation, which could boost Sri Lanka’s role in the region as a technology and digital services hub.
The President invited Mr. Sicilia to send a dedicated team to Sri Lanka to explore the feasibility of these initiatives and help expedite the process of setting up Oracle’s South Asian AI and Cloud Hub in Colombo Port City.
He expressed confidence that such a move would help position Sri Lanka as a regional leader in the field of digital transformation, fostering greater public-private partnerships and attracting investments in high-tech solutions.
Mike Sicilia, in response, expressed a keen interest in Oracle’s potential involvement in Sri Lanka’s digital evolution. He emphasised the strategic importance of establishing an AI and Cloud Hub in the country, which would not only accelerate the nation’s technological growth but also attract investments in state-of-the-art technologies.
He acknowledged the significant role Sri Lanka could play as a regional leader in AI-driven cloud solutions.
During the meeting, President Disanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to embracing new technologies that would streamline governance, boost economic development, and enhance the country’s global competitiveness.
He stressed the importance of international partnerships to support the nation’s ambitious digital transformation agenda and welcomed Oracle’s potential contribution to the country’s future.
The discussions were attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, as well as Hanif Yusoof, Governor of the Western Province, who also participated in the talks, highlighting the broader political support for the digitalisation initiatives.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move towards enhancing the country’s public administration and supporting sustainable development, the Government of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the United Nations, has launched the “Transforming Local Administrative Data Collection Systems for SDG Acceleration” Joint Programme.
The initiative, known as ‘One Registry,’ is a major step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, a cornerstone for ensuring equitable access to essential public services for all citizens.
Launched recently in Colombo, the programme is a joint effort between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), with financial backing from the UN Sri Lanka SDG Fund.
This ambitious initiative aligns with the Government’s broader digital transformation strategy, aiming to create an inclusive digital environment that empowers vulnerable populations and fosters sustainable development across the nation.
The launch event was attended by an array of distinguished figures, including Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Public Administration Minister Dr A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, and UN representatives, including Marc-Andre Franche, the UN Sri Lanka Resident Coordinator, and Azusa Kubota, UNDP Sri Lanka’s Resident Representative.
Other notable attendees included representatives from various development agencies, the private sector, and civil society organisations, all of whom expressed strong support for the programme.
Prime Minister Dr Amarasuriya underscored the transformative potential of the initiative, stating, “Strengthening the CRVS system is pivotal in advancing our digital agenda and improving public administration. This programme will ensure that every Sri Lankan citizen has access to vital services and the right to a legal identity, promoting transparency, inclusivity, and national progress.”
The programme is designed around three core pillars: the digitalisation of civil registration processes, the creation of an interoperable registry connected to key government agencies, and efforts to increase public awareness and digital literacy.
These initiatives are intended to complement existing national digital projects such as the e-NIC (electronic National Identity Card) and the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI), working towards a unified and digitally inclusive society.
Marc-Andre Franche, the UN Sri Lanka Resident Coordinator, highlighted the importance of the initiative for the country’s digital future: “The CRVS system is a vital component of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, ensuring that all citizens have access to legal identity and that high-quality data is available to inform data-driven policymaking. With the right policies and strategic partnerships, digital technologies can accelerate sustainable development and ensure greater accountability in governance. We are committed to supporting the Government of Sri Lanka in creating a people-centred system that leaves no one behind.”
The initiative is also backed by the European Union, with Bredal, a representative from the EU Global Gateway, expressing their support: “We are pleased to collaborate with the Government of Sri Lanka, UNDP, and WHO through the UN Sri Lanka SDG Fund to help modernise the country’s CRVS system. This will facilitate equitable access to public services. The EU Global Gateway’s investment in digitalisation is essential in advancing progress across interconnected SDGs, and we are ready to share our expertise in digitalisation and data protection to support these efforts.”
The ‘One Registry – Everyone Counts!’ project is a key component of Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by laying the foundation for scalable and sustainable reforms.
The initiative promises to bolster data-driven policymaking, enhance digital inclusion, and create a more robust, efficient, and transparent public service system, ultimately contributing to the country’s broader vision of a digitally empowered future for all its citizens.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): Japanese businesses operating in Sri Lanka are experiencing a robust rebound, with rising optimism for the country’s post-economic crisis landscape in 2025, according to the latest survey by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).
The survey, conducted in August and September 2024, reveals that nearly half of the Japanese companies in Sri Lanka are expecting to turn a profit in 2024, a significant leap forward from the previous year.
This marks a clear recovery trend for Japanese firms, whose prospects have brightened following Sri Lanka’s economic downturn.
In total, 31 companies in Sri Lanka participated in the survey, which gathered insights from over 5,000 Japanese companies across the Asia-Oceania region.
Encouragingly, 75 per cent of the respondents based in Sri Lanka foresee an improvement in their operating profits for 2025.
This optimistic forecast places Sri Lanka ahead of many other high-growth markets in the region, such as India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
Factors driving this positive outlook include increased domestic demand, the streamlining of local sales systems, enhancements in production efficiency, and favourable policy changes such as the lifting of the vehicle import ban and reductions in container freight rates.
These developments are helping Japanese businesses strengthen their position in Sri Lanka, with 46.4 per cent expecting to be profitable in 2024, an 11.9 per cent increase compared to 2023.
The survey also reveals that the economic recovery, coupled with a resurgence in the tourism sector, has provided a significant boost to Japanese businesses. Many companies are benefiting from new customer acquisitions and increased business activity.
The upturn in the business climate has encouraged over a third (36.7 per cent) of Japanese firms to consider expanding their operations in Sri Lanka over the next two years, marking an 8.6 per cent rise from the previous year. This expansion focus largely revolves around enlarging sales networks and introducing new products to the market.
However, not all companies share the same level of optimism. Around 13.3 per cent of respondents are contemplating downsizing, relocating to another region, or even withdrawing from the Sri Lankan market.
Despite this, the general sentiment towards investment in Sri Lanka remains strong, with the country’s relatively low labour costs — cited by 54.8 per cent of respondents — continuing to be a major attraction.
Sri Lanka competes closely with other countries in the region, such as Myanmar and Bangladesh, in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Additionally, Sri Lanka’s strategic location, market potential, and tax incentives were highlighted as other key advantages by Japanese firms.
Many also noted the ease of recruiting local staff, the good living environment for expatriates, and the availability of affordable land and office space as factors that contribute to Sri Lanka’s appeal.
However, challenges remain. Political and social instability (83.9 per cent) emerged as the top concern, followed by unpredictable government policies (71.0 per cent), currency fluctuations (45.2 per cent), rising labour costs (41.9 per cent), and high employee turnover (35.5 per cent).
Firms also flagged issues such as sudden import restrictions, tax rate fluctuations, rising operational costs, and disruptions in supply chains due to import restrictions as barriers to doing business.
Despite these concerns, the long-term investment appeal of Sri Lanka remains robust, with the majority of Japanese companies indicating that they are poised to navigate the country’s challenges.
Since its establishment in 1964, JETRO Colombo has played a crucial role in facilitating trade and investment between Japan and Sri Lanka, and this year’s survey is the 38th edition of its annual report on the business conditions of Japanese companies overseas.
February 13, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Power has confirmed that a planned one-hour power outage will take place today (13), between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The power cut is part of ongoing measures to manage the electricity supply efficiently.
Although the exact times for specific regions have yet to be detailed, the Ministry has advised the public to anticipate the temporary interruption and make necessary arrangements.
Localised schedules will be shared later, providing more clarity on which areas will be affected during the designated period.
The Ministry has assured that further updates will be issued as soon as the final schedule is confirmed.
In the meantime, residents and businesses are urged to prepare for the brief disruption in power supply.
