The prevailing dry weather conditions are expected to change from tomorrow (12th).
Except for a few showers in the Ampara, Batticaloa, Monaragala and Hambantota districts, mainly fair weather will prevail over the island.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of the morning.
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By Adolf
The issue at hand with the former President’s UK Travel Expenditure is not about personalities or political loyalty; it is about public accountability, financial propriety, and the dignity of the Sri Lankan state. When public funds are expended in the name of the Head of State, there must be absolute clarity, documentation, and responsibility—especially by those entrusted as custodians of public money.
Saroja Sirisena and Aruni Wijewardana
In this context, Saroja Sirisena and Aruni Wijewardana must be answerable. At the time, Aruni Wijewardana served as Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, by definition, was the Chief Accounting Officer. That role carries not ceremonial authority, but fiduciary responsibility. It is therefore legitimate to ask: how were funds allocated, classified, and accounted for during the overseas visit in question? Available information suggests that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was provided with a vehicle and security cover by the British government while in the UK. Accommodation costs reportedly amounted to approximately GBP 200 in Wolverhampton, GBP 2,000 at the Park Lane Hilton, and a VIP lounge expense of around GBP 2,500—bringing total identifiable expenses to under GBP 5,000. This raises a simple and unavoidable question: what happened to the remaining balance of approximately GBP 30,000, or nearly LKR 13 million?
Material discrepancy
These are not accusations; they are questions that arise naturally when there is a material discrepancy between reported expenditure and allocated funds. In such circumstances, it is entirely appropriate for the Attorney General to summon the relevant officials—specifically the Chief Accounting Officer and those responsible for processing and authorising payments—to provide explanations before a court of law. One principle must be clearly stated. A Head of State is never a private citizen. Even when travelling for mixed purposes, the office carries constitutional dignity. The notion that a sitting President could be treated as a private individual—walking the streets or staying in informal accommodation—is not only unrealistic, it diminishes the standing of the country itself. If any expenses were deemed “private,” who made that determination? Was the President formally informed that certain costs would not be borne by the state? If so, where is the written record? If not, on what authority were distinctions drawn?
Independent Judiciary
Equally important is the integrity of the judicial process. Courts must not be drawn into political vendettas between a former President and a current President. Political disputes belong in civil proceedings, funded by private resources, not transformed into proxy battles through criminal or quasi-criminal processes. The credibility of institutions depends on restraint as much as action.
Finally, consistency matters. Public confidence requires that standards applied to one leader apply to all. It is therefore fair to ask—without malice or insinuation—whether the government can confirm if the current President’s mother was flown to Colombo in a government helicopter for medical treatment, or whether government vehicles and aircraft were used for the current President to visit outside Colombo. Transparency on such matters strengthens, rather than weakens, democratic governance. In the end, this is not about politics. It is about stewardship, accountability, and respect for the public trust. The political cycle of witch-hunting created by the current administration could return to haunt it many times over in the event of a future electoral defeat. However, if actions are taken in the right spirit, public support is more likely to remain with the administration—particularly if it applies the same standards to its own members. According to analysts, this consistency is currently lacking.
February 10, Colombo (LNW): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the appointment of Shannon Cowlin as its new Country Director for Sri Lanka, with her assuming the role in Colombo on 9 February.
Ms Cowlin expressed her gratitude for the appointment, highlighting ADB’s long-standing support for Sri Lanka through challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent economic crisis. She emphasised that the bank will continue to assist the nation in rebuilding resilience, addressing the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, and promoting sustainable development opportunities.
With over 26 years of professional experience, including 13 years at ADB, Ms Cowlin brings extensive expertise in investment operations, policy engagement, and research across energy, climate, environmental management, air quality, public health, and the energy–food–water nexus. She previously served as Country Director of ADB’s Mongolia Resident Mission, overseeing strategy and operations since 2023.
Before joining ADB, Ms Cowlin worked at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, leading regional energy cooperation initiatives involving South Asia and the US–India partnership. A US national, she holds a master’s degree in environmental health sciences and a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering sciences from the University of California, Berkeley.
Founded in 1966, the ADB is a multilateral development bank owned by 69 members, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region. The institution provides financial and technical support to foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth, working with governments, development partners, and communities to address complex regional challenges and drive infrastructure and social development.
February 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Industry hosted the third round of consultations on Monday with World Bank experts Richard Walker and Anna Twum, focusing on the nation’s planned overhaul of its import tariff system.
Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, said the 2026 policy will mark a major shift in the country’s economic framework by removing para-tariffs such as Cess and PAL, while introducing a simplified four-tier tariff structure for imports.
Speaking on social media, the Deputy Minister described the reform as “the most significant step in Sri Lanka’s economic transformation in recent years,” aimed at better aligning the economy with global value chains. He added that the new structure is designed to ensure a more transparent, efficient, and internationally compatible trade regime.
Abeysinghe noted that discussions with the World Bank delegation, which is providing technical guidance for the reform, emphasised several key priorities: strong institutional oversight during implementation, phased execution according to a clear timeline, establishing robust national standards for imported goods, and curbing the entry of under-invoiced or substandard products.
According to the Deputy Minister, the revamped tariff system is crucial not only for enhancing Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness but also for paving the way for the country to engage more fully in international trade agreements, strengthening its position in global markets.
February 10, Colombo (LNW): The sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha, recently brought from India, continue to be on public display at Colombo’s Gangaramaya Temple for the sixth consecutive day today (10).
Venerable Kirinde Assaji Thero, head of the temple, announced that devotees will be able to pay their respects until 10:00 p.m. this evening. The display has already attracted large crowds, including the Speaker of Parliament, government ministers, diplomats, and numerous devotees, who gathered yesterday to venerate the precious relics.
The Devnimori relics, unearthed during excavations in the 1960s at the historic Devnimori site in Gujarat, India, have never before been taken outside India, making this exhibition particularly significant for both Sri Lankan and international Buddhists.
A delegation of Indian dignitaries, including Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai C. Patel and Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday to accompany the relics on their return journey to India.
The exhibition is set to conclude early tomorrow morning, at 6:00 a.m., after which the relics will be ceremoniously returned, marking the end of a historic visit that has strengthened cultural and religious ties between the two nations.
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By: Isuru Parakrama
February 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s official reserve assets experienced a modest decline in January 2026, according to figures published by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
The country’s reserves fell from US$ 6,838 million at the end of December 2025 to US$ 6,824 million by the close of January, representing a minor drop of 0.2 per cent.
Foreign exchange reserves, which make up the bulk of official holdings, decreased by 1 per cent, moving from US$ 6,747 million to US$ 6,680 million over the month.
Conversely, gold reserves recorded a substantial gain, rising sharply by 26.8 per cent from US$ 86 million to US$ 109 million, reflecting the Central Bank’s strategic accumulation.
The CBSL also highlighted that official reserves incorporate foreign exchange swap proceeds of around US$ 1.4 billion secured from the People’s Bank of China, though these funds carry certain usage restrictions.
Analysts note that while the overall decline is slight, the increase in gold holdings provides some buffer against currency volatility.
February 10, Colombo (LNW): India and Sri Lanka have launched a five-day knowledge exchange programme in New Delhi aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s capacity in Health Technology Assessment, a key tool for evidence-based healthcare decision-making.
The workshop, which began on Monday at the Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, brings together officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health with Indian experts and policymakers. It is being organised by India’s Department of Health Research under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, reflecting a broader commitment to regional collaboration in public health.
Opening the programme, Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research, described the initiative as an important step in health diplomacy between the two neighbours. He noted that sharing India’s experience in Health Technology Assessment would support Sri Lanka’s efforts to build robust, transparent and sustainable health systems.
Anu Nagar, Additional Secretary at the Department of Health Research, drew attention to the growing influence of Health Technology Assessment India in shaping cost-effective and evidence-driven healthcare policies. She expressed optimism that the exchange would help Sri Lanka develop its own institutional framework for assessing health technologies and interventions.
Health Technology Assessment India, an attached office of the Department of Health Research, has been instrumental in guiding decisions on medical technologies, pricing and resource allocation within India’s health sector. Its methodologies and governance models are expected to form a central part of the discussions.
Over the course of the week, participants will explore topics ranging from institutional design and regulatory oversight to evaluation methods, pricing strategies and procurement processes. The programme also seeks to identify areas for future collaboration, with officials from both countries looking to build long-term partnerships that strengthen Health Technology Assessment systems across the region.
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By: Isuru Parakrama
February 10, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has conveyed his appreciation to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for backing the decision to allow the high-profile India–Pakistan encounter at the T20 Cricket World Cup to go ahead in Colombo as planned.
In a message shared on social media, the President said Sri Lanka, as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, was pleased that consensus had been reached to ensure the continuation of the much-anticipated fixture. He also acknowledged the role played by the International Cricket Council and other stakeholders in navigating the complexities surrounding the match.
Reflecting on cricketing history, President Dissanayake pointed to the 1996 Cricket World Cup, recalling how both India and Pakistan stood by Sri Lanka by agreeing to play in Colombo at a time when security concerns had led others to hesitate. He noted that such gestures of solidarity had left a lasting impression and continued to resonate decades later.
The President’s remarks underlined Sri Lanka’s broader view of sport as a bridge between nations, expressing satisfaction that cricket’s biggest rivalry would once again be played on Sri Lankan soil, reinforcing the island’s place as a trusted and welcoming host on the global sporting stage.
Thank you Prime Minister @CMShehbaz for ensuring the game we all love goes on. Delighted that the eagerly awaited India and Pakistan match at the ongoing T20 Cricket World Cup in Colombo will proceed as planned.
— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) February 9, 2026
As co-host of the tournament, Sri Lanka thanks the @ICC and all…
By: Staff Writer
February 10, Colombo (LNW): The government’s suspension of heavy mineral mining and exploration licenses marks a decisive and divisive intervention in Sri Lanka’s mineral sector. Framed as a reset to correct decades of mismanagement, the move has instead exposed the fragility of policy-driven governance in a sector that relies on continuity, certainty, and investor confidence.
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi recently said the decision will remain in effect until Cabinet approval is obtained, relevant guidelines are gazetted and the policy is presented to Parliament. The suspension applies to all heavy mineral exploration and mining licenses, excluding minerals required for housing and construction activities.
It makes clear that the suspension will remain until Cabinet approval, gazette notification, and parliamentary presentation of the National Mineral Policy are completed. Yet no definitive timeline has been offered. For an industry already contributing only about USD 389 million in exports against a potential of USD 778 million, this uncertainty is proving damaging.
Supporters of the decision argue that drastic action was unavoidable. The minister acknowledges widespread illegal mining, unpaid royalties, and political interference under past governments. The claim that no new mineral extraction approvals have been granted under the current administration is presented as proof of a clean break from the past.
But this “zero-approval” approach has consequences. By halting all heavy mineral licensing regardless of compliance history the government has effectively punished regulated operators alongside illegal ones. Exploration companies, which operate on long investment horizons, say Sri Lanka is now viewed as a high-risk jurisdiction.
The policy’s stated objective of ensuring maximum national benefit is undermined by its failure to address value addition, export diversification, or downstream processing. The document focuses heavily on control and enforcement but offers little insight into how the new framework will expand exports, raise unit values, or move Sri Lanka up the mineral value chain.
The planned special enforcement unit may help curb illegal activity, but enforcement alone does not generate revenue. Without parallel reforms such as faster approvals for compliant operators, transparent royalty structures, and incentives for processing the industry risks shrinking rather than reforming.
Another concern is institutional capacity. The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, already overstretched, will be central to implementing the new policy. However the document does not outline how staffing, technology, or funding constraints will be addressed raising doubts about effective enforcement and administration.
The suspension also sends mixed signals to investors. While the government speaks of transparency and accountability, sudden policy freezes without transition frameworks suggest unpredictability. In global mineral markets, predictability is often as valuable as resource quality.
Sri Lanka’s mineral sector does require reform few dispute that. But reform achieved through prolonged suspension risks becoming self-defeating. Each delayed project, each lost export order, and each diverted investor erodes the very national benefit the policy claims to protect.
The challenge for the government is clear: move swiftly from control to clarity, from suspension to structure or risk turning a reform agenda into an industry downturn.
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By: Staff Writer
February 10, Colombo (LNW): The Government has chosen to stand its ground on the controversial long-term coal supply agreement with Trident Chemphar Ltd., defying mounting political pressure, expert warnings, and street protests over allegations of importing substandard coal.
Energy Ministry officials insist that the decision is driven by contractual obligations and technical assessments rather than political convenience. The move follows preliminary findings by the Lanka Coal Company (LCC) indicating that the third coal shipment complies with required quality specifications, weakening the opposition’s demand for immediate cancellation.
Energy Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala said the Cabinet-approved emergency procurement of 300,000 metric tonnes would remain a contingency option. “Emergency procurement is not an automatic response. It will only be triggered if there is a clear technical failure,” he said, adding that the official quality report of the third shipment was expected shortly.
The long-term agreement covers the supply of 1.5 million metric tonnes of coal between December 2025 and April 2026. By last week, six shipments had already been unloaded, although quality reports have been officially released for only two consignments.
Inspection data from those shipments reveal uneven results. The first consignment recorded an ash content of 22.42%, exceeding tender limits, while maintaining a Gross Calorific Value (GCV) of 6,032 kcal/kg. The second shipment showed improved figures, with a GCV of 6,535 kcal/kg and ash content marginally above the 16% threshold.
Tender conditions stipulate rejection only if GCV falls below 5,900 kcal/kg, ash content exceeds 16%, or moisture levels rise above 16%. Contract termination is permitted only if two shipments fail to meet these criteria or if consistent discrepancies are found between load port and jetty test results.
Opposition parties argue that the Government is exploiting narrow technical loopholes. “This is not about legal thresholds alone; it’s about national energy security and long-term damage to power plants,” an opposition energy spokesperson said.
Despite criticism, officials warn that cancelling the contract prematurely could expose the State to costly arbitration and supply disruptions. For now, the Government appears determined to let contractual technicalities not political outragedecide the fate of the coal deal.