By: Staff Writer
February 09, Colombo (LNW): Serious questions surrounding environmental compliance, land ownership, and regulatory integrity have placed Sri Lanka’s first cable car project at Ambuluwawa under an intense spotlight, exposing alleged procedural violations and governance failures that span multiple State institutions. What began as a tourism infrastructure initiative has now evolved into a contentious national issue involving environmental protection, investor confidence, and public accountability.
Concerns resurfaced sharply following a joint inspection led by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi on February 4, prompted by complaints from environmental organisations and members of the Gampola Pradeshiya Sabha. These complaints intensified after environmental damage reportedly emerged in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Construction activities at the site have since been temporarily suspended, pending a final determination by authorities.
During discussions at the Gampola Udapalatha Divisional Secretariat, officials acknowledged that the approval process under previous administrations may have breached several provisions of the National Environmental Act. It was revealed that mandatory public disclosures including Gazette notifications and newspaper advertisements had not been issued after environmental clearance was granted. Equally troubling were claims that opportunities for public consultation were actively blocked, undermining transparency and public participation.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation informed the Minister that portions of the project involved unauthorised construction on land belonging to the Department. Officials further disclosed that survey requests submitted repeatedly by the Divisional Secretariat to demarcate Wildlife Department land had gone unaddressed by the Survey Department for years, creating uncertainty over land boundaries and legal ownership.
Environmental activists have raised alarms over the ecological sensitivity of the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex. Research cited by environmentalist Melani Gunathilaka records 428 species of flora and fauna within the area, including 69 endemic species, 58 nationally threatened species, and three classified as critically endangered. Critics argue that a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should have been mandatory, rather than the preliminary environmental study that was conducted.
Adding another layer to the controversy, the Young Journalists’ Association has lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), alleging that the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) bypassed due process to favour the project, resulting in financial losses to the State.
Minister Patabendi has stated that while the Government remains open to investment, it will not compromise environmental safety, public welfare, or legal compliance. An expert committee has been appointed to examine all allegations, with its recommendations expected to determine whether the project will proceed or be permanently halted.
As investigations deepen, the Ambuluwawa cable car project stands as a test case for Sri Lanka’s environmental governance and a reflection of how the State balances development ambitions with ecological responsibility and rule of law.
Ambuluwawa Cable Car Project Trapped in Environmental and Legal Storm
Crushed by Crisis: MSMEs Trapped Between Disasters and Debt
By: Staff Writer
February 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s micro, small and medium enterprises are fighting for survival on multiple fronts. Even as businesses attempt to recover from years of economic turmoil, recent cyclone- and flood-related disruptions have delivered another blow one made heavier by rising borrowing costs driven by tight monetary policy.
Industry representatives warn that MSMEs are being pushed to the brink not simply by external shocks, but by structural weaknesses in the country’s lending and regulatory framework. According to the Ceylon Federation of MSMEs, policy responses since 2022 have failed to shield productive enterprises, while allowing financial institutions to protect and even expand profitability during national emergencies.
At the heart of the issue is the sharp escalation of lending rates following the Central Bank’s policy tightening. Businesses that borrowed under stable conditions prior to April 2022 suddenly found themselves exposed to extreme interest volatility an outcome they neither anticipated nor could absorb. Many MSMEs, already weakened by pandemic-era closures and supply chain disruptions, were left with ballooning repayment obligations just as consumer demand collapsed.
Natural disasters have compounded this pressure. Floods and cyclones have damaged inventories, halted operations, and disrupted cash flows, particularly for enterprises operating outside major urban centres. Yet unlike some regional counterparts, Sri Lanka has offered limited mandatory relief to borrowers affected by such calamities.
The Federation argues that reliance on voluntary guidelines and temporary concessions has repeatedly failed. During COVID-19, loan moratoriums were announced without clear rules on how interest should be treated. This regulatory ambiguity, they claim, allowed lenders to restructure facilities in ways that maximised returns, often through complex compounding mechanisms that borrowers struggled to decipher.
When repayment notices eventually arrived, many MSME owners were unable to obtain transparent breakdowns of how their liabilities had grown so dramatically. Requests for clarification, the Federation says, were frequently met with enforcement threats rather than restructuring support, including warnings of asset seizure under parate execution laws.
Such practices, they warn, are accelerating business closures and eroding trust in the financial system. The continued classification of distressed borrowers as non-performing—without accounting for repeated national shocks has further locked entrepreneurs out of formal credit markets, undermining recovery prospects.
To correct what it describes as systemic imbalance, the Federation is calling for legally binding reforms, including retrospective relief for excessive interest charged during the peak volatility period from mid-2022 to late-2024. It has also proposed a fiscally neutral mechanism to cushion banks from sudden losses, using tax credits spread over several years.
Without decisive intervention, MSME leaders caution that Sri Lanka risks losing not just businesses, but livelihoods, local supply chains, and the economic resilience needed to withstand future crises.
Recovery on Paper, Risk in Practice: Sri Lanka’s Economic Reality
By: Staff Writer
February 09, Colombo (LNW): While headline indicators suggest Sri Lanka has stepped back from the brink, economists at the 40th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA) urged policymakers not to confuse short-term stability with long-term recovery. The central warning: without consistent policy direction and export-driven growth, the economy risks settling into prolonged low-growth equilibrium.
Sri Lanka’s economic recovery remains vulnerable due to persistent policy instability and weak growth foundations, economists warned yesterday, cautioning that recent macroeconomic stabilisation will not translate into durable revival without long-term structural reform and policy continuity.
Speaking yesterday at the opening of the 40th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA) at the BMICH, SLEA President Prof. Sirimevan Colombage said the country stood at a defining crossroads between hard-won stability and the risk of prolonged stagnation
Outgoing SLEA President Rev. Prof. Wijitaputra Wimalaratana placed current challenges in a historical context, arguing that Sri Lanka’s post-independence development strategy has remained inward-looking and defensive. Despite nearly eight decades of independence, the country has climbed only one World Bank income category since 1989, briefly reaching upper-middle-income status before sliding back.
This legacy continues to shape today’s vulnerabilities. Although foreign reserves have improved and inflation remains subdued, net usable reserves remain constrained when adjusted for swap obligations with China and India. Economists warned that such instruments, while useful for liquidity management, postpone rather than resolve external imbalances.
Interest rate policy was also scrutinised. Maintaining a 7.75% policy rate has supported price stability, but experts cautioned that limited policy flexibility could become risky if global financial conditions tighten or capital outflows accelerate in 2026. With foreign portfolio inflows still cautious and FDI subdued, foreign finance mobility remains fragile.
The balance of payments outlook, though improved, remains exposed. Export growth has not kept pace with import demand, and services exports despite their scale are not sufficiently tradable. Prof. Colombage emphasised that 88% of services output is domestically consumed, constraining foreign exchange generation and limiting growth potential.
Constructive criticism at SLEA focused on governance and policy credibility. Rev. Prof. Wimalaratana highlighted the absence of “policy locks,” noting that frequent reversals in land, investment, and tax policy undermine long-term planning. He called for cross-party consensus to preserve core economic policies for 15–20 years, arguing that transformation cannot occur within election cycles.
The message from the SLEA sessions was unambiguous: Sri Lanka’s challenge in 2026 is not crisis survival but economic redesign. Without stable policies, export-oriented services reform, and credible long-term commitment, recovery risks remaining superficial visible in numbers, but absent in lived economic reality.
High Court Fixes March 2026 Date for Bribery Case Involving Ex-Minister Rambukwella
February 09, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has scheduled the next stage of proceedings in a corruption case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and two other defendants.
The matter was taken up today (09) before High Court Judge Mohamed Mihal, who, after hearing submissions from both sides, directed that the case be recalled for further hearing on March 14, 2026.
The CIABOC alleges that during the 2015 presidential election period, public funds belonging to the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation were misused, resulting in a loss estimated at nearly Rs. 1 million.
The charges relate to the purchase of 600 GI pipes, which investigators claim were acquired for political activities while Rambukwella was serving as Minister of Mass Media.
Also named as accused in the case are Wimal Rubasinghe, a former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, and Chandrapala Liyanage, who previously held the post of Director General. The case will continue as the court examines evidence relating to the alleged misuse of state resources.
Myanmar Extends Food Aid to Sri Lanka in Wake of Cyclone Ditwah
February 09, Colombo (LNW): Myanmar has stepped forward with humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, donating 500 metric tonnes of rice to support communities hit hard by Cyclone Ditwah.
The shipment was formally handed over today (09) by Myanmar’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Marlar Than Htaik, to the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe.
The rice is expected to be distributed among families facing food shortages following the disaster.
Minister Samarasinghe said the cyclone had caused extensive damage to the country’s agriculture, affecting close to one-fifth of cultivated land. He added that the rice donation complements earlier financial assistance provided by the Myanmar government, underscoring continued regional solidarity as Sri Lanka works to recover from the cyclone’s impact.
Government to Revisit Protection of Occupants Bill Following Legal Challenge
February 09, Colombo (LNW): The Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court that the Government has opted to review the Protection of Occupants Draft Bill that was recently tabled in Parliament.
Appearing before the Court, Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena said the decision was taken in light of concerns raised over the proposed legislation. He further noted that the Minister of Justice has allowed a one-month window, beginning on February 03, for stakeholders and the public to submit observations and recommendations on the draft.
The submission was made when petitions challenging the bill were taken up for consideration. In view of the Government’s decision to reopen the consultation process, the Supreme Court opted to bring the proceedings on the petitions to a close.
Money Laundering Case Against Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Grandmother Deferred to April 2026
February 09, Colombo (LNW): Proceedings in the money laundering case involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his grandmother Daisy Forest were put off today (09) by the Colombo High Court, with the matter now rescheduled for April 24, 2026.
The case was heard before High Court Judge Rashmi Singappuli, where the prosecution informed the court that a key medical assessment was still pending. State Counsel Oswald Perera, appearing on behalf of the complainant, said the court-appointed medical officer had yet to submit a report on whether Daisy Forest is mentally capable of participating in the trial process.
In light of the delay, the prosecution requested additional time for the report to be received and placed before court. Accepting the submission, the judge agreed to adjourn the hearing to a later date.
The Attorney General has brought charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, alleging that the accused channelled more than Rs. 59 million, believed to be proceeds of unlawful activity, into three fixed deposit accounts held at private banks over a period spanning from March 2009 to December 2013. The case remains pending as procedural matters are addressed ahead of the next hearing.
Buddha Statue Dispute: Balangoda Kassapa Thero and Others Further Remanded
February 09, Colombo (LNW): The Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court has ordered that four Buddhist monks, among them Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, along with six laypersons, remain in remand custody until February 11, 2026.
The group was taken into custody in connection with the installation of a Buddha statue at the Bodhiraja Vihara in Trincomalee on November 16, 2025. Authorities allege that the statue was placed in a protected coastal area without the required approvals, breaching existing coastal conservation regulations.
Beyond Ballot Boxes: Why Period Poverty Must Be a Priority for Dr. Binod Chaudhary’s Political Campaign
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By: Pramod Chinthaka Peiris
February 09, World (LNW): As Nepal prepares for another crucial electoral cycle, attention is increasingly turning to candidates who choose to contest in rural and economically marginalised constituencies. In the midst of this, Dr. Binod Chaudhary, a billionaire entrepreneur, business magnet and philanthropist turned political figure in Nepal, has reportedly expressed his keenness in such constituencies.
Should Dr. Chaudhary decide to seek office in such an area, he will be stepping into a landscape shaped not only by poverty and underdevelopment, but also by deeply rooted social crises that continue to affect the most vulnerable. Among these, period poverty stands out as one of the most urgent and least adequately addressed challenges facing rural girls and young women.
Period poverty in Nepal refers to the lack of access to affordable menstrual products, proper sanitation facilities, and accurate health education. In many rural districts, poverty levels remain high and female literacy remains low, leaving adolescent girls with little support or information when they reach puberty. Nearly half of rural girls lack access to appropriate menstrual materials and are forced to rely on unhygienic alternatives such as old cloths or leaves, increasing the risk of infection and long-term health complications.
The problem is compounded by persistent cultural practices, most notably chhaupadi, which continues in parts of western Nepal despite being outlawed nearly two decades ago. Under this tradition, menstruating girls and women are considered “impure” and are often forced to stay in isolated sheds or cattle shelters. In some regions, as many as 80 per cent of families still impose such restrictions.
These conditions expose girls to cold, smoke inhalation, animal attacks, and even death from snake bites. Beyond physical danger, the practice inflicts deep psychological harm and reinforces stigma around natural biological processes.
Health consequences remain severe. Many girls change makeshift menstrual materials infrequently, increasing the likelihood of urinary tract infections, reproductive health problems, and chronic discomfort. Nearly half receive no formal education about menstruation and are taught from an early age that menstrual blood is “dirty” or shameful.
This lack of knowledge, combined with isolation during periods, worsens both physical and mental health outcomes.
Education is another major casualty of period poverty. Only a small proportion of public schools in rural Nepal have separate, functional toilets for girls. As a result, many students miss classes during their menstrual cycles. Studies suggest that nearly half of rural girls are absent from school at least once a year because of menstruation, while some miss up to a week each month. Over time, this leads to falling behind academically and, in many cases, permanent dropout. This silent “girls’ tax” continues to widen gender gaps in education.
The long-term social and economic consequences are profound. Limited education, combined with early marriage and restricted mobility, traps many rural girls in cycles of dependency and poverty. Child marriage remains one of the leading causes of school dropout after primary level, and married adolescents are far more likely to abandon their studies. These patterns are often repeated across generations, reinforcing inequality and limiting national development.
Nepal is not alone in facing such challenges. Several South Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, have grappled with period poverty in rural and estate communities. While the situation in Sri Lanka has generally been less severe, it demonstrates that cultural stigma, inadequate facilities, and limited awareness can persist even in relatively better-resourced settings. The Nepali experience, however, remains more acute and demands stronger political leadership and sustained intervention.
There have been encouraging initiatives. Non-governmental organisations have introduced reusable pads, menstrual cups, and school-based awareness programmes. Some schools now produce reusable products locally, improving attendance and confidence among students. The government has pledged to provide free sanitary products, and activists continue to push for better distribution systems.
Yet implementation remains inconsistent, funding is limited, and monitoring at community level is weak. Many girls still depend on irregular donations or self-made alternatives.
This is where political leadership becomes decisive. For any candidate seeking the trust of a rural constituency, addressing period poverty is not a peripheral welfare issue; it is central to human dignity, gender equality, and long-term development. Dr. Binod Chaudhary, with his experience in business and public life, is well placed to champion practical, scalable solutions if he chooses to make this issue a priority.
Such leadership would require more than symbolic gestures. The provision of sanitary products must be combined with sustained awareness campaigns, school infrastructure investment, community dialogue, and strict enforcement against harmful practices like chhaupadi. Partnerships with local governments, health workers, and civil society groups are essential to ensure that policies translate into real change on the ground.
Ultimately, elections are not only about winning seats; they are about defining priorities. In rural Nepal, where young girls continue to risk their health, education, and even their lives because of menstruation-related stigma, period poverty represents a moral and developmental test for political leaders. If Dr. Binod Chaudhary chooses to contest such a constituency, his response to this crisis will be closely watched — not only by voters, but by a generation of girls hoping for a safer, fairer future.
Public Exposition of Sacred Devnimori Relics Continues for Fifth Consecutive Day
February 09, Colombo (LNW): The public exposition of the revered Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka from India, is continuing today (09) for a fifth straight day at the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo.
The sacred display began on February 05, 2026 and has since attracted an outpouring of devotees from across the country. Temple officials reported especially large crowds yesterday (08), with worshippers gathering in significant numbers to pay homage and offer prayers.
The Devnimori relics were unearthed during archaeological excavations carried out in the 1960s at the ancient Devnimori site in the Indian state of Gujarat. Of exceptional historical and religious importance, the relics are being exhibited outside India for the first time, making the event a rare and momentous occasion for Buddhists.
Devotees will be able to venerate the relics continuously, day and night, with the exposition scheduled to remain open without interruption until 7.00 a.m. on February 11, 2026. Organisers have made special arrangements to accommodate the steady flow of visitors while maintaining religious observances and security.