February 17, Colombo (LNW): A few showers may occur in Uva province and in Batticaloa, Ampara and Hambantota districts, with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at a few places in Galle, Matara, Kalutara and Rathnapura districts in the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (17).
Mainly dry weather will prevail over other areas of the island.
A cold weather can be expected in the Northern, North-central provinces and Trincomalee district during the early morning.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Badulla district during the morning.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Batticaloa to Galle via Pottuvil and Hambantota. Mainly fair weather will prevail over other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending fromColombo to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be fairly rough at times.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery with a comprehensive $900 million investment pipeline for 2025.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to stabilize the country’s economy, enhance key sectors, and align with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-backed reform framework. Beyond financial support, ADB aims to drive policy reforms, institutional strengthening, and knowledge-sharing to foster sustainable growth.
During a briefing on ADB’s 2024 portfolio performance and future plans, ADB Country Director Takafumi Kadono underscored the bank’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s development agenda. He emphasized that ADB’s involvement extends beyond financing to include policy advisory services and capacity-building efforts.
ADB Country Operations Head Cholpon Mambetova elaborated on the strategic focus for 2025, highlighting the $900 million indicative investment earmarked for key sectors such as macroeconomic stability, energy, agriculture, finance, tourism, and skills development. These initiatives will be executed through various funding modalities, including policy-based loans, results-based lending, investment projects, and technical assistance programs.
As of January 1, 2025, ADB’s active sovereign lending portfolio stands at $4 billion, encompassing 27 projects with 36 loans and four grants. These initiatives target critical areas such as energy, transportation, human development, governance, financial sector stability, and urban development.
In 2024, ADB approved $808 million in funding for projects aimed at strengthening the power sector, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enhancing water supply and sanitation, and ensuring fiscal sustainability. Recognizing Sri Lanka’s constrained fiscal space, ADB is prioritizing the mobilization of private sector investments, with Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) identified as a key strategy for infrastructure development and service delivery.
Kadono highlighted the significance of the Port Access Elevated Highway project, funded by ADB, which is set to open in the second half of 2025. He also noted that while Sri Lanka’s economic growth exceeded expectations in 2024, driven by the construction and services sectors, the country’s 2025 growth outlook remains cautiously optimistic. Tourism and financial services are expected to be primary drivers of economic expansion.
In addition to direct project financing, ADB is leveraging blended finance mechanisms and development partnerships to secure additional resources. Kadono reiterated that ADB’s support is not just about lending but about ensuring structural and policy reforms that will create a resilient and inclusive economy.
ADB has been a key development partner to Sri Lanka for decades, providing cumulative assistance exceeding $12.6 billion since 1966. With the country still facing limited access to global financial markets due to ongoing debt restructuring, ADB’s role has become even more crucial. The bank remains a vital funding source, particularly as bilateral financial flows remain uncertain and investor confidence gradually recovers.
Kadono further stressed the importance of revenue mobilization and public sector reforms, with ADB’s assistance tied to concrete fiscal and governance milestones. He highlighted the restructuring of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as a priority, particularly in sectors plagued by inefficiencies and financial losses. By addressing these challenges, ADB aims to support Sri Lanka in building a more stable and self-sufficient economy.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): All generators at the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai, which had been non-operational following the recent island-wide power outage, have now been fully restored and reconnected to the national grid.
According to a spokesperson of the power plant, two generators have already been connected to the national grid, while the third generator can also be connected if necessary.
Following the island-wide power outage on February 9, the Norochcholai Power Plant’s protocol system was activated, causing all three generators to shut down. This had resulted in a loss of 900 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.
In response, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) imposed island-wide power cuts, lasting one-and-a-half-hours on February 10 and 11, and one-hour on February 12.
However, by last morning (14), the third generator of the Norochcholai Power Plant was successfully reconnected to the system.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Energy announced yesterday (14) that daily power cuts would be discontinued.
With the first generator, which had remained idle, also connected to the national grid later in the afternoon, the Norochcholai Power Plant has now contributed 600 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.
A unit of Sri Lanka’s Norochcholai Power Plant has been reconnected to the national grid on Friday morning, making it unnecessary to continue with power cuts, the country’s power utility said.
“One unit of the Norochcholai Power Plant was successfully reconnected to the National Grid this morning,” Ceylon Electricity Board Media Spokesman Dhammike Wimalaratne said.“As a result, demand management measures will no longer be necessary starting today.”
The CEB imposed 90 minute power cuts on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday during the evening peak on a rolling basis to manage demand, after three coal plants were put out of action after a cascading power failure on Sunday.
Sri Lanka had 90 min power cuts on Feb 10 and 11 after coal plant outage The power failure came from the inability of the grid to recover from shocks due to a large volume of rooftop solar power, the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union said.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs has announced that Sri Lanka is preparing to implement an electronic passport (e-Passport) system. Deputy Minister of Public Security, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, confirmed that all legal barriers have been removed following the lifting of a court injunction. With agreements signed with relevant companies, the issuance of e-Passports is expected to commence within the next eight months.
Currently, passports are being issued through traditional methods. However, to meet anticipated demand, the government is making arrangements to import one million new passports. Furthermore, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, disclosed plans to recruit 186 Immigration and Emigration officers to facilitate the proposed 24-hour passport issuance service.
To expedite recruitment, a request has been submitted to the Department of Examinations to schedule a relevant examination for graduate applicants. Once a date is confirmed, an official Gazette notification will be issued. Additionally, a list has been forwarded to the Public Service Commission for the temporary recruitment of 14 Assistant Controllers to support the Department of Immigration and Emigration in launching the rapid passport issuance service.
The long-anticipated e-Passport initiative, featuring biometric chips compliant with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, is expected to be introduced by the end of the year.
Sources from the Department of Immigration and Emigration confirmed that the project, which had been stalled for nearly nine years, has now resumed.
The bidding process for procuring five million e-Passports recently concluded, including necessary software updates required for system implementation.
A senior department official noted that the selected supplier would need several months to finalize the system, with the goal of rolling out the e-Passport project by the last quarter of the year.
The e-Passport will feature a microchip embedded into the existing passport structure, containing biometric data such as fingerprints and a standardized photograph.
The previous government had halted the project due to high costs and concerns raised by suppliers regarding eligibility criteria and additional security features.
Consequently, the prior Expression of Interest (EOI) was withdrawn in August last year, leading to a fresh tender announcement in November 2023.
A senior Ministry of Public Security official stated that the country needs to issue over 700,000 e-Passports annually, with the project expected to cost approximately USD 15 million.
The revised e-Passport tender issued in November introduced new specifications.
Unlike the earlier approach, the latest tender only requires suppliers to provide passports with embedded chips, both with and without a polycarbonate biodata page.
Notably, the chip placement follows a decades-old design, where it is embedded in the passport cover rather than using the latest technological advancements.
In parallel, the government is enhancing security and operational efficiency at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) through the integration of advanced biometric technology.
This upgrade will facilitate the seamless processing of e-Passports for local travelers, aligning Sri Lanka with global security and travel efficiency standards.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): Organic agriculture has gained significant momentum in recent years as consumers and stakeholders increasingly recognize its environmental, health, and economic benefits.
As global demand for organic products continues to rise, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to expand its organic farming sector.
To ensure a robust and credible organic agriculture value chain, it is crucial to enhance awareness and education on organic standards, market opportunities, and certification processes.
In alignment with this vision, the National Organic Control Unit (NOCU), the official regulatory body for organic agriculture in Sri Lanka under the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), has launched an ambitious nationwide initiative to promote organic farming practices.
This large-scale awareness program aims to educate key stakeholders, including farmers, exporters, and processors, about the principles and benefits of organic agriculture, fostering a trustworthy and sustainable industry.
As part of this national initiative, the first awareness program of 2025 was successfully conducted in Jaffna on January 21 at J Hotels.
The event attracted an enthusiastic audience of around 100 participants, representing various sectors of the agricultural industry.
The interactive sessions provided valuable insights into organic farming methods, processing techniques, market potential, standards, and international certification procedures, highlighting NOCU’s crucial role in building a credible organic agricultural framework.
The program was jointly organized by NOCU and the EDB Northern Province Office, featuring expert speakers who shared their knowledge with attendees.
NOCU has planned a series of four comprehensive awareness programs across the country in 2025, designed to educate farmers, exporters, processors, and government officials on organic farming principles, processing techniques, market trends, Sri Lankan organic standards, and international certification requirements.
These sessions aim to strengthen the country’s organic agriculture sector and ensure adherence to globally recognized best practices.
As the governing body responsible for maintaining the credibility of organic agricultural products in Sri Lanka, NOCU plays a vital role in regulating and verifying organic goods sold locally, imported, and exported.
With the growing consumer demand for reliable organic products, both domestically and internationally, fostering a well-informed agricultural community is essential to uphold the integrity of organic food production.
Since its establishment in 2014, NOCU has been instrumental in promoting Sri Lanka’s organic agriculture sector. By implementing targeted awareness initiatives, the organization continues to support the growth of the industry, ensuring that Sri Lankan organic products meet high standards and gain broader recognition in international markets.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings from tourism experienced a significant boost in January, reaching $362.1 million, marking a robust 34.5 per cent increase compared to the same month in the previous year.
According to the Central Bank, the island’s tourism sector showed strong signs of recovery, with January 2024 earnings up from $269.3 million in January 2023.
This positive trend has continued through the first few weeks of 2024, with total tourism revenue for the year already reflecting a remarkable $3.17 billion.
This represents a 53.2 per cent increase compared to the $2.07 billion recorded in 2023.
The upward momentum in foreign exchange earnings underscores the revival of the tourism sector, which is a critical pillar of Sri Lanka’s economy.
Tourist arrivals also saw a significant jump in the early part of this year. As of February 13, 2024, Sri Lanka welcomed 367,804 international visitors, an increase of 19.9 per cent compared to the same period last year.
The surge in arrivals mirrors the growth seen in 2024, with the country hosting 2.05 million foreign visitors last year, up 38.1 per cent from 2023.
However, the country missed its ambitious target of 2.3 million tourist arrivals and the $5 billion revenue mark set for 2024.
Sri Lanka is currently experiencing its peak tourism season, which typically runs until early March. Historically, tourism has accounted for nearly 5 per cent of the national economy, with 2018 marking its peak performance.
The sector, however, faced significant setbacks due to the tragic Easter Sunday bombings in 2019, followed by the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis that followed.
The revenue figures are based on data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, which regularly conducts surveys to estimate earnings from the sector.
As tourism earnings continue to recover, they are also contributing to the wider economic recovery, helping to stimulate spending within the country.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move aimed at improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s electricity generation, the government has announced plans to establish a dedicated laboratory for testing the quality standards of coal used in thermal power plants.
The facility will be housed within the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), marking a crucial step towards self-sufficiency in coal quality testing for the nation’s power sector.
The decision was made following a series of productive discussions between Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology, and Eng. Kumara Jayakody, Minister of Energy.
The establishment of the laboratory comes at a time when coal, as an essential imported resource, plays a pivotal role in the country’s thermal power generation.
At present, Sri Lanka does not have a dedicated domestic laboratory to carry out tests on the quality of the imported coal, and such assessments are instead conducted in overseas laboratories.
This not only incurs additional costs but also leads to delays in obtaining critical data necessary for the efficient operation of power plants.
The new laboratory will serve as a key facility in ensuring that the coal imported for electricity generation meets the required standards for efficiency and safety.
By conducting these essential quality checks locally, the country is set to reduce its reliance on foreign laboratories, ultimately lowering costs and improving the turnaround time for test results.
The laboratory is expected to be operational in the near future and will play a vital role in supporting Sri Lanka’s energy sector, ensuring that the coal used in power plants is of the highest quality and suitable for efficient energy production.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): The final draft of Sri Lanka’s 2025 Budget has been formally submitted for presidential review at the Presidential Secretariat today (16).
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, accompanied by Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, held crucial discussions regarding the fiscal priorities and strategic objectives for the upcoming year.
These talks centred around ensuring that the budget aligns with the government’s broader vision for economic progress and stability in the nation.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the discussions aimed to fine-tune the key areas of focus for the budget, with particular attention being paid to how the fiscal allocations would impact critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic development.
President Dissanayake later took to the social media platform ‘X’ to express his commitment to delivering a budget that would foster national progress and long-term stability.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): The relentless dry weather sweeping across Sri Lanka is forecast to continue throughout the remainder of the month, according to the Department of Meteorology.
Meteorologist Malith Fernando has confirmed that the prevailing hot and arid conditions are expected to affect many regions in the coming days, with little relief in sight.
Compared to the previous week, the perceived temperatures have risen markedly, and intense heat is predicted, particularly during the midday hours.
With little to no rain expected, the public is being urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to cope with the extreme heat and dryness.
To help mitigate the adverse effects of the extreme heat, the Meteorology Department has issued several guidelines for the public.
It is advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the sun’s rays are at their harshest.
Experts recommend increasing fluid intake, staying hydrated with water and beverages that replenish lost fluids, and avoiding dry, salty foods that can worsen dehydration.
In addition, it is important to ensure good ventilation in homes and workplaces to promote air circulation and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, who are at greater risk of heatstroke or dehydration.
Authorities also warn of the heightened risk of forest fires during such dry spells and encourage the public to exercise caution in rural areas.
Small sparks or careless handling of fires can easily escalate into large, uncontrollable blazes in these dry conditions.
With extreme heat and dry weather expected to persist for the remainder of the month, it is crucial that everyone takes the necessary precautions to protect their health and well-being during this challenging period.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): Police Media Spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manatunga has firmly reiterated that a foreign travel ban remains in place for Daisy Forrest, who is implicated in the ongoing money laundering investigation involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa.
This statement comes in response to earlier claims made by attorney-at-law Premanath Dolawatte, who had suggested that no such travel restriction was ordered by the Kaduwela Magistrate.
Dolawatte further alleged that SSP Manatunga had violated legal protocols by disclosing information that had not been officially sanctioned by the court.
However, SSP Manatunga responded publicly on Saturday (15), asserting that he had provided accurate information regarding the matter.
He clarified that the travel ban against Forrest had indeed been issued and remains enforceable, underlining that the police had followed due procedure in relation to the investigation.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its connection to high-profile individuals, and the dispute over the foreign travel ban has only added to the public’s scrutiny of the ongoing investigation.
Whilst the legal representatives involved continue to debate the validity of the travel restriction, SSP Manatunga remains steadfast in his position, emphasising that the police are acting in accordance with the law and judicial orders.
