By: Staff Writer
February 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has formally operationalised its Tax Policy Analysis Unit (TPAU), a move that senior officials describe as a long-overdue structural correction to decades of fragmented and politically driven tax policymaking. Established under the Ministry of Finance and functioning within the Department of Fiscal Policy, the Unit is a key structural benchmark under the International Monetary Fund’s programme-linked reform framework.
The creation of the TPAU marks a decisive shift towards evidence-based taxation after years of ad hoc tax measures, sudden reversals, and weak analytical foundations that undermined revenue stability and investor confidence. A senior Finance Ministry official described the Unit as “a turning point in fiscal governance,” noting that it centralises tax policy formulation, appraisal, and monitoring under a single technically specialised entity for the first time.
Historically, Sri Lanka’s tax reforms were often shaped by short-term political considerations rather than rigorous analysis. The absence of a permanent institutional body meant that revenue measures were frequently poorly costed, inconsistently designed, and vulnerable to rollbacks. This not only eroded the tax base but also created uncertainty for businesses and taxpayers.
The Government’s decision to operationalise the TPAU comes at a critical moment. Sri Lanka recorded unprecedented income tax and duty revenues in 2025, offering fiscal breathing space after years of crisis. However, authorities are acutely aware that revenue gains alone do not resolve long-standing weaknesses in tax design, exemptions, and equity. The new Unit is expected to help capitalise on these gains by ensuring future policies are sustainable, fair, and growth-oriented.
The operational launch of the TPAU was preceded by a capacity-building programme conducted by the IMF during its recent fact-finding mission. The training exposed officials to modern tax policy tools, including revenue forecasting, tax expenditure analysis, and distributional modelling based on internationally accepted methodologies. Following the programme, IMF officials engaged Treasury Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma and senior fiscal experts to refine the Unit’s mandate and scope.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the TPAU’s functions include revenue impact assessments, economic analysis of proposed tax measures, evaluation of tax exemptions, and analysis of distributional outcomes. It will also engage key stakeholders and support work on international, regional, and global tax cooperation.
IMF diagnostics have repeatedly flagged governance weaknesses in Sri Lanka’s tax administration agencies, including the Inland Revenue Department and Sri Lanka Customs. The Fund has warned that without a dedicated, technically competent tax policy unit, governments tend to rely on temporary commissions or politically expedient tax changes that weaken compliance and long-term revenue mobilisation.
By embedding analytical discipline into the policymaking process, the TPAU is intended to ensure that future tax reforms are not only fiscally sound but also economically rational and socially equitable.
Sri Lanka’s Tax Reset: Inside the New Unit Meant to End Ad Hoc Fiscal Policy
Wetlands for Sale: How Real Estate Is Redrawing Colombo’s Suburbs
By: Staff Writer
February 10, Colombo (LNW): Colombo’s expanding suburbs are becoming a frontline in the struggle between urban growth and environmental protection, as real estate development increasingly targets nature-rich landscapes. A new report by the Centre for a Smart Future finds that weak governance, fragmented planning and rising land values are placing wetlands and paddy fields under unprecedented strain.
The study focuses on Thalangama Lake and nearby communities, where improved infrastructure and lifestyle-driven demand have made proximity to nature a lucrative selling point. Land prices in these areas have reportedly climbed by 30 to 40 percent each year, transforming once-rural landscapes into prime development zones.
As land in central Colombo becomes scarce and expensive, developers have shifted toward suburban belts, promoting projects that promise tranquillity, greenery and scenic views. The report notes that while such developments appeal to affluent buyers, they often accelerate horizontal sprawl and ecological fragmentation, creating a patchwork of condominiums, gated housing schemes and isolated green remnants.
Governance failures emerge as a central concern. Multiple urban plans including the Western Region Megapolis Master Plan and various Urban Development Authority proposals offer competing visions for Colombo’s growth. According to the study, these plans pay limited attention to liveability or integrated green space management, leaving environmentally sensitive areas vulnerable to ad hoc decision-making.
Zoning regulations are described as ambiguous and easily overridden, particularly for infrastructure projects. Legal provisions allowing the conversion of so-called abandoned or low-yield paddy lands have further enabled reclamation, even in flood-prone zones. Within the Thalangama Environmental Protection Area alone, responsibility is divided among eight government agencies, resulting in weak enforcement and regulatory gaps.
Environmental safeguards are also falling short. Environmental Impact Assessments are required only for large-scale or prescribed projects, allowing many high-density developments to proceed without rigorous scrutiny. The cumulative effects of multiple smaller projects on flooding, biodiversity and water quality are rarely assessed, while limited public access to land-use data restricts community oversight.
For local residents, the consequences are tangible. Communities report worsening traffic congestion, increased noise and waste, declining air quality and heightened flood risks. Rising land prices have displaced long-standing farming families, reshaping the social fabric of these neighbourhoods. Yet the report also documents a growing wave of community-led environmental activism, with residents mobilising to oppose projects they see as environmentally destructive.
Despite differing perspectives among developers, regulators and residents, the study finds consensus on one point: the need for clearer zoning, stronger protection of suburban ecosystems and more coherent urban governance. Without reform, the report warns, Colombo’s current development path threatens to undermine the natural systems essential to the city’s long-term resilience and liveability.
Parliamentary Panel Clears Expert Blueprint for Proposed National Education Council
February 10, Colombo (LNW): A key parliamentary body has endorsed the findings of an expert group tasked with shaping the proposed Education Council, marking an important step in Sri Lanka’s ongoing education reforms.
The approval was given at a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on the establishment of the Education Council, chaired by Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe. During the session, the final report prepared by the expert committee appointed by the Ministry of Education was formally accepted for onward consideration.
The document was presented to the sub-committee by Professor O.G. Dayaratne, who led the expert panel. Members of the parliamentary body had already submitted their observations and recommendations on the report prior to the meeting, contributing to its refinement.
According to Deputy Minister Jayasinghe, the report has since been published in all three national languages—Sinhala, Tamil and English—and circulated among sub-committee members to ensure wider accessibility and informed discussion.
The sub-committee has now resolved to submit the report to the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Education, which is expected to take it up at its meeting scheduled for 18 February. Formal clearance is anticipated at that stage.
Once approved, the proposals will be opened to public scrutiny for a month, allowing teachers, school administrators, trade unions and other stakeholders to share their views. Officials have indicated that constructive feedback received during this consultation period will be carefully reviewed and, where appropriate, incorporated.
Deputy Minister Jayasinghe said the intention is to move swiftly thereafter, introducing the necessary legal framework to establish the Education Council, with amendments made to reflect both expert guidance and public input.
Sri Lanka Advances Cyclone Ditwah Recovery with Final Review of Damage Assessment
February 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka took a major step forward in its recovery from Cyclone Ditwah with the completion of the official validation and finalisation workshop for the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment, held yesterday (09) at the BMICH in Colombo, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The high-level forum, presided over by Defence Secretary retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, served as the concluding platform to confirm findings compiled over months of technical analysis and inter-agency coordination.
The assessment process, launched in November last year, examined the cyclone’s toll on communities, infrastructure and essential public services across affected regions.
Officials described the workshop as a turning point in the country’s transition from emergency response to structured recovery and reconstruction. Sector specialists and policymakers reviewed data, fine-tuned estimates and aligned priorities ahead of the release of the final PDNA report, which is expected to guide national recovery planning and investment.
In his keynote remarks, the Defence Secretary emphasised that the assessment would underpin a more resilient and forward-looking recovery. He said the data-driven approach, carried out under the direction of the Presidential Task Force for Rebuilding Sri Lanka, allows authorities to adopt a coordinated strategy rooted in risk reduction and the internationally recognised “Build Back Better” framework.
He praised the National Planning Department and the Disaster Management Centre for jointly leading what he described as a demanding and time-sensitive exercise, and acknowledged the contribution of international partners.
Technical and financial backing from the World Bank, European Union, Asian Development Bank and United Nations agencies, he noted, had helped ensure the assessment met global standards and reflected ground realities.
The Defence Secretary also recognised the efforts of technical experts and district-level officials who gathered sector-specific data despite logistical and operational challenges in cyclone-hit areas. Reaffirming his ministry’s commitment, he said the implementation of the PDNA recommendations would be treated as a national priority.
A wide range of stakeholders attended the workshop, including senior officials from the Presidential Task Force, representatives of multilateral development banks, UN agencies, line ministries and key government institutions. The gathering underscored the emphasis being placed on collective action and sustained partnerships to help Sri Lanka recover more safely and robustly from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Sri Lanka and EU Set to Renew Strategic Ties at Colombo Joint Commission Talks
February 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and the European Union are due to convene the 27th meeting of their Joint Commission in Colombo on Thursday, signalling a fresh round of engagement aimed at deepening cooperation between the two sides.
The session will see senior representatives from Sri Lanka and the EU take stock of progress in their relationship and explore ways to expand collaboration in key areas such as democratic governance, human rights, trade relations and development assistance, alongside a range of regional and bilateral concerns.
The discussions will be jointly led by Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service. Officials are expected to assess existing initiatives while outlining priorities for the coming period.
In addition to the formal talks, members of the EU delegation are scheduled to hold meetings with prominent Sri Lankan leaders, with a focus on translating shared objectives into practical steps. According to the Foreign Ministry, the visit reflects a mutual intent to reinforce long-standing ties and adapt the partnership to evolving regional and global challenges.
Pakistan Clears National Side to Face India in T20 World Cup After Regional Diplomacy
February 10, Colombo (LNW): Islamabad has confirmed that Pakistan will take part in its scheduled T20 World Cup fixture against India, ending days of uncertainty around the high-profile encounter set for February 15 in Colombo.
The decision was signed off on Monday after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed on a series of discussions involving the Pakistan Cricket Board, the International Cricket Council and regional cricket authorities. According to officials, several friendly nations had quietly pressed Pakistan to help defuse the situation and prevent disruption to the tournament.
Government sources said the prime minister reviewed formal representations from Bangladesh, alongside messages of support from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and other cricketing members, all urging Islamabad to play a constructive role in keeping the competition on track. The leadership, it was added, viewed the appeals as a reflection of trust in Pakistan’s standing within the cricketing world.
Earlier in the day, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka held a telephone conversation with Mr Sharif, during which both leaders recalled the long history of cooperation between their countries, particularly during periods of crisis. The Sri Lankan president reportedly asked Pakistan to consider a conciliatory path to avoid further strain on the event, a request that was received warmly in Islamabad.
Following what the government described as productive multilateral engagement, Pakistan formally instructed its national men’s team to honour the February fixture. Officials said the move was guided by a desire to uphold the spirit of the sport and safeguard the continuity of international cricket across participating nations.
Messages of encouragement were also extended to the squad, with the government expressing confidence that the team would represent the country with professionalism, sportsmanship and pride on the global stage.
The breakthrough came against a backdrop of intense regional lobbying. Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam had publicly appealed to Pakistan to play the match, praising the Pakistan Cricket Board and its supporters for what he called solidarity during a difficult period for Bangladeshi cricket. After a brief visit to Pakistan, he urged Islamabad to take the field “for the good of the wider cricket ecosystem”.
In parallel, the ICC sought to calm tensions by clarifying that Bangladesh would face no sanctions for its decision to withdraw from the tournament earlier. The governing body said it had held frank and constructive talks with both the PCB and BCB, stressing that Bangladesh remained a valued full member with a vital role in the future of the game.
The ICC confirmed that no financial or sporting penalties would be imposed and revealed plans for Bangladesh to host an ICC event ahead of the 2031 Men’s Cricket World Cup, subject to standard procedures. The move was framed as a vote of confidence in the country’s ability to stage major events and as part of a broader commitment to developing cricket in South Asia.
ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta acknowledged that Bangladesh’s absence from the current tournament was disappointing but said it did not diminish the board’s long-term importance. He emphasised that the ICC’s priority remained sustained growth, investment and opportunity for players and supporters alike.
Pakistan’s stance marks a shift from its earlier position, when the government had approved participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup but stopped short of allowing the match against India. That hesitation followed Bangladesh’s withdrawal over security concerns linked to deteriorating political relations in the region, a move that led to Scotland being drafted into the competition.
Sri Lanka Cricket had subsequently warned that a Pakistan boycott would carry financial consequences and risk undermining the island nation’s fragile tourism recovery. With diplomatic pressure mounting and assurances offered, Islamabad ultimately chose engagement over absence.
While Pakistan and India have not contested a bilateral series for more than ten years, their clashes in multinational tournaments remain among the most watched events in world sport. February’s encounter in Colombo will now go ahead, restoring one of cricket’s most intense rivalries to the World Cup stage.
Mainly dry weather to prevail in most parts of SL (Feb 10)
February 10, Colombo (LNW): Mainly dry weather will prevail in the most parts of the island, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (10).
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.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Mainly fair weather will prevail over the sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (45-50) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kaluthara to Mannar via Colombo and Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Kaluthara to Mannar via Colombo and Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be fairly rough at times. Other sea areas around the island will be moderate.
Sri Lanka Sets Up First Advisory Council to Drive Growth in Event Management Sector
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By: Isuru Parakrama
February 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has taken a significant step towards strengthening its event management industry with the appointment of a 25-member advisory council under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti.
Announced today (09), the initiative marks the first occasion on which the Ministry of Industries has created a dedicated advisory body for a service-oriented sector.
Recognised locally as a creative industry for more than three decades, the event management field has become a major source of employment, providing direct jobs for around 30,000 people and supporting a further 80,000 indirectly. Industry estimates suggest that more than 400,000 families benefit from the sector, which generated approximately Rs. 60 billion in revenue last year.
Stakeholders have set ambitious targets to expand this figure to Rs. 250 billion, taking advantage of strong global growth, where the industry is valued at about US$1.5 trillion and continues to grow at double-digit rates annually.
The newly formed council is chaired by Saliya Weerasekara, President of the Event Management Association, and brings together experts from government, private enterprise and academia. At its inaugural meeting, members discussed long-standing bottlenecks and future opportunities, including plans to position Sri Lanka as a leading events destination in South Asia.
Key areas identified for reform included simplifying approval processes, protecting intellectual and creative rights, developing a coordinated national events calendar, improving domestic air connectivity, and investing in venues capable of hosting large-scale international events in Colombo.
Officials believe the move will give fresh momentum to the industry, help promote Sri Lankan creativity on the global stage, and create stronger links between event management and the country’s tourism strategy.
Members:
Mr. Saliya Weerasekara Chairman (Chairman, EMA Sri Lanka)
Mr. Nalin Premaratne Regional Representative – Central Province
Mr. Seru Wimalasena Regional Representative – Southern Province
Mr. Ananda Ramanadan Regional Representative – Northern & Eastern Provinces
Mr. Nisal Kaldera Corporate Events
Mr. Roshan Wijerathna Industry Pioneer / Former Chairman, EMA
Mr. Bhathiya Jayakody Entertainment Industry & Artist Management
Mr. Gayan Attanayake Ticketing Policy & Regulation
Mr. Hemantha Local & International Destination Weddings
Mr. Kapila Peiris MICE Specialist (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions)
Mr. Cham Dias Local & International Destination Weddings
Mr. Kamesh
Mr. Janesh
Mr. Nishan Wasalathanthri
Mr. Sachith Kodikara
WHO Confirms Nipah Death in Bangladesh but Says Global Risk Remains Low
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By: Pramod Chinthaka Peiris
February 09, World (LNW): The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that a woman in her forties has died in Bangladesh after contracting the Nipah virus, while stressing that the likelihood of the disease spreading beyond the region is minimal.
The patient, a resident of Naogaon district in the Rajshahi Division, reportedly fell ill with fever and neurological symptoms in late January. She was hospitalised a week later, where clinical samples were taken and laboratory testing subsequently confirmed Nipah virus infection.
Health authorities noted that she had not travelled recently, but investigations indicated she had consumed raw date palm sap, which is widely recognised as a common source of infection.
Bangladesh formally notified the WHO of the confirmed case on February 03 through the International Health Regulations mechanism. Contact tracing efforts have since identified 35 people who had close interaction with the patient, all of whom have tested negative so far.
The announcement follows the detection of two recent cases in India’s West Bengal state, prompting heightened vigilance across parts of South Asia. Some neighbouring countries have tightened health screening procedures at airports and other entry points. However, the WHO has not advised any restrictions on travel or trade, maintaining that the overall public health risk remains low at national, regional and global levels.
Since first recording cases in 2001, Bangladesh has reported 348 infections, with nearly half linked to the consumption of fresh date palm sap. Nipah outbreaks in the country tend to occur between December and April, coinciding with the sap harvesting season.
There are currently no approved vaccines or targeted antiviral treatments for Nipah virus, which has a notably high fatality rate estimated to range between 40 and 75 per cent. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has previously described the disease as rare but severe, emphasising ongoing efforts to strengthen surveillance, improve infection control in hospitals and raise public awareness about prevention.
The virus is naturally carried by fruit bats and can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food, contact with infected animals, or close exposure to bodily fluids of an infected person, particularly in household or healthcare environments. Symptoms can emerge anywhere from three to 21 days after exposure and may include fever, headache, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal illness and confusion. In serious cases, the infection can cause inflammation of the brain and prove fatal, although early medical care can improve outcomes.
While Nipah has caused outbreaks in several Asian countries, no cases have been reported in Sri Lanka to date. Despite its limited geographic spread, health experts continue to view the virus as a significant concern due to its severity, potential for human-to-human transmission and the absence of a definitive cure.
From Classroom to Boardroom: Why Marketing Analytics Get Abandoned
By: Staff Writer
February 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka produces a steady stream of marketing graduates fluent in data analysis, consumer modeling, and predictive tools. Yet inside many organizations, those skills quietly disappear—replaced by intuition-driven decision-making that dominates brand strategy.
This disconnect was a central theme at a recent industry forum in Colombo, where Amitha Amarasinghe, Co-Founder and CEO of the Asia Pacific Institute of Digital Marketing, questioned why data literacy fails to translate into workplace behavior. Speaking at the “Brands: Listen, Learn and Lead” event, he described the phenomenon as a cultural paradox rather than a capability gap.
Marketers, he explained, are trained to analyze patterns and probabilities but are conditioned to rely on experience once they rise through the ranks. Over time, intuition becomes synonymous with seniority, creating resistance to evidence that challenges personal judgment. Amarasinghe stressed that this mindset—not technology or education—is the industry’s biggest obstacle.
The forum also examined how global brands are redefining competitive advantage through real-time intelligence. Angel Calinisan of Hootsuite noted that social listening has evolved beyond reporting past performance. Today’s platforms detect emerging risks and opportunities as they unfold, helping brands understand who is driving conversations and where momentum is building.
However, speakers noted that Sri Lankan companies often underutilize these tools. Muhammed Gazzaly of DAT – The AI Company pointed out that while organizations sit on vast pools of consumer data, they lack centralized ownership and strategic intent. Without leadership alignment, insights remain siloed and fail to inform growth initiatives such as cross-selling or customer acquisition.
Another challenge discussed was organizational inertia. Anubhav Khanduja from Talkwalker observed that large companies frequently stall due to over-analysis and fear of failure. He urged marketers to abandon the “sniper mindset” of waiting for perfect conditions and instead test ideas rapidly, adjusting course when results fall short.
The panel agreed that the local market is uniquely positioned to leapfrog competitors by combining global technology with nuanced cultural understanding. Yet this advantage will remain theoretical unless brands move beyond vanity metrics and instinctive decision-making.
As the discussion closed, the message was unmistakable: intuition has value, but unchecked intuition has a cost. Until Sri Lankan marketers allow data to challenge tradition, the gap between potential and performance will continue to widen