By: Staff Writer
March 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s long-struggling Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) may finally be on the brink of relevance, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupt global aviation patterns and create an urgent need for alternative hubs.
Recent airspace restrictions linked to regional conflict have triggered requests from major Gulf carriers such as Qatar Airways and Emirates for increased access to Sri Lanka. However, the country’s primary gateway, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), is already operating near capacity, handling tens of thousands of flights annually and turning away additional frequencies due to congestion.
This bottleneck has placed MRIA once labelled the “world’s emptiest airport” back into focus.
The numbers highlight both the challenge and the opportunity. In 2025, MRIA recorded its highest-ever activity, handling 140,614 passengers and 703 international flights . While this marks a notable improvement, it remains far below its designed capacity of one million passengers annually. On average, the airport currently handles fewer than two flights per day, underscoring its underutilisation.
Financially, the picture is stark. In 2024, MRIA generated just Rs. 242 million in operating income against costs of Rs. 3.6 billion, resulting in losses exceeding Rs. 3.3 billion . Cumulative losses since 2018 have surpassed Rs. 39 billion, while total losses since its opening in 2013 are estimated at around Rs. 66 billion. In simple terms, the airport earns only a fraction of what it spends.
Nevertheless, the ongoing Gulf crisis may change this equation.
MRIA’s geographic position close to major East-West flight corridors makes it an attractive contingency hub for diverted or rerouted flights. Aviation officials confirm the airport is fully operational and compliant with international standards, capable of handling wide-body aircraft. Its 3,500-metre runway can even accommodate large jets such as long-haul airliners.
However, limitations remain. Parking capacity is restricted to around 7-10 aircraft at a time, meaning the airport cannot absorb large-scale diversions without careful coordination. Even so, a moderate increase in traffic could significantly boost revenue streams through landing fees, ground handling, refuelling, and passenger services.
Beyond immediate crisis-driven demand, authorities are exploring long-term transformation. Plans are underway to attract private investment in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), cargo logistics, aviation training, and hospitality services. These sectors could generate steady income independent of passenger traffic.
The Gulf conflict, while unpredictable, has effectively accelerated discussions that might otherwise have taken years. If even a portion of diverted Gulf traffic materialises, MRIA could transition from a financial burden into a strategic asset.
For the first time in years, the airport’s future may depend less on past missteps and more on how quickly Sri Lanka can seize this unexpected geopolitical opportunity.
Gulf Airspace Crisis Could Transform Mattala into Strategic Hub
Transport Disruptions Persist as Fare Hike Proposal Moves Forward
March 23, Colombo (LNW): Public transport services remain unsettled today (23), with commuters across multiple regions still experiencing significant inconvenience.
Although a limited number of buses have resumed operations, the overall network continues to function below normal capacity.
According to transport officials, services along expressways are still entirely halted, leaving passengers with no choice but to depend on slower routes via standard roadways.
While the state-run bus fleet is reported to be fully deployed, the noticeable absence of privately operated buses has compounded delays and overcrowding.
In response to the ongoing strain, authorities have drafted a revised fare structure encompassing approximately 350 different pricing tiers, ranging from the lowest to the highest charges. This proposal is expected to be presented to the Cabinet later today for consideration.
Officials have indicated that the suggested revisions include fare increases exceeding 10 per cent. If approved, the new pricing scheme will be introduced shortly thereafter.
The situation underscores the mounting pressure on the country’s public transport system, as officials attempt to balance operational sustainability with the growing needs of daily commuters.
Iranian Envoy Levels Strong Accusations Against US and Allies at Colombo Briefing
March 23, Colombo (LNW): A tense diplomatic tone emerged in Colombo as Iran’s envoy used a special media briefing to level a series of grave accusations concerning recent confrontations involving Tehran and Washington.
Speaking at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ambassador Alireza Delkhosh alleged that a sharp escalation unfolded in late February while Iran was reportedly engaged in dialogue with the United States. He claimed that, during this period, coordinated military actions involving the US and Israel were carried out against Iranian territory.
The envoy further asserted that several civilian sites were struck, including educational institutions and healthcare facilities. Among the incidents he cited was an alleged attack on a girls’ school in Minab, along with claims of a high-profile assassination within Iran’s leadership. He stated that hundreds of civilians were killed in what he described as indiscriminate strikes, and voiced concern over what he called the lack of a decisive response from the United Nations Security Council.
Referring to international legal provisions, the Ambassador maintained that Iran’s subsequent actions were justified under its right to self-defence, adding that any retaliatory measures were directed strictly at military-linked targets associated with its adversaries.
He also raised alarm over a maritime incident in March, alleging that the IRIS Dena came under attack while sailing near Sri Lankan waters after participating in an international naval exercise. According to him, more than 100 crew members lost their lives in the incident, which he described as a violation of international norms, particularly given the vessel’s distance from any active conflict zone.
The Ambassador reiterated that Iran does not seek to escalate tensions but would respond firmly to perceived aggression. He urged regional countries to remain neutral and avoid involvement in what he characterised as unlawful actions.
In a further development, he noted that the Strait of Hormuz has been designated a sensitive security zone by Iran, with restrictions imposed on vessels linked to nations it considers hostile. He clarified, however, that the passage remains open under controlled conditions rather than being fully closed to international shipping.
Steadfast Neutrality: Sri Lanka’s Strategic Restraint in a Fractured World
By Roger Srivasan
Sri Lanka’s enduring opposition to the politicisation of international institutions through country-specific resolutions remains both principled and prescient. Having long resisted such selective scrutiny, Colombo would be well advised to maintain that consistency by refraining from endorsing similar approaches against any other nation. To do otherwise would not merely be inconsistent—it would undermine the very doctrine Sri Lanka has steadfastly upheld on the global stage.
Equally significant is the firm decision under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to deny the use of Sri Lankan territory as a base for foreign military operations in the present conflict. This refusal to permit external powers to project force from Sri Lankan soil is not an act of passivity, but one of calculated restraint—an affirmation of sovereignty exercised with clarity and resolve. In an era where smaller states are often drawn, willingly or otherwise, into the strategic designs of larger powers, such restraint reflects both prudence and quiet strength.
This posture is emblematic of political sagacity of a high order. By resisting the gravitational pull of great-power alignments while continuing to emphasise humanitarian considerations, the Sri Lankan government has reaffirmed its commitment to an independent and principled foreign policy. It is a stance that avoids entanglement without retreating from responsibility—a delicate equilibrium that only the most disciplined states manage to sustain.
Indeed, if Sri Lanka continues along a trajectory broadly aligned with Indonesia’s carefully calibrated approach, it will further consolidate its credibility as a nation guided not by transient geopolitical pressures, but by enduring principles of sovereignty, neutrality, and responsible statecraft. Such an approach does not signal indecision; rather, it reflects a conscious refusal to be swept along by the tempests of external rivalry.
In a world increasingly fractured by rivalry and suspicion, the quiet authority of moderation carries immense value. Nations that resist the pull of polarisation render a service not only to themselves, but to the wider international community. They become stabilising anchors in an otherwise volatile global order.
Neutrality, when anchored in principle rather than convenience, transcends mere diplomacy—it becomes a moral compass. And in turbulent times, such a compass is precisely what the world requires.
Crisis and Controversy: Trump Accused of Turning War Turmoil into Business Opportunity
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By: Puli
March 23, LNW (Colombo): Amid escalating tensions and uncertainty triggered by the Iran conflict, a fresh wave of controversy has erupted around Donald Trump – with reports suggesting he may have capitalized on the chaos to boost his luxury golf empire.
According to international media, staff at Trump’s prestigious Turnberry resort in Ayrshire, Scotland, reached out to global golf tour operators with a striking proposal: abandon troubled Middle Eastern travel plans and redirect them to Trump’s own Scottish retreat.
In a pointed email, a business development manager at the resort acknowledged the growing instability, writing that recent events in the Middle East were likely disrupting bookings and broader travel plans to the United Arab Emirates. But the message quickly pivoted – offering Turnberry as a safe and attractive alternative.
What followed was a clear pitch: reschedule Middle East golf tours and bring clients instead to the rolling greens of Scotland.
The strategy appears to have had an immediate impact. The resort reportedly experienced a surge in last-minute bookings for both golf and accommodation, fueled by travelers seeking to avoid the increasingly volatile region.
The timing has raised eyebrows. Just last year, Trump visited Turnberry himself, hosting high-profile discussions with Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen at the resort.
Meanwhile, the broader geopolitical backdrop remains tense. Following U.S. military actions, the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries have faced threats of retaliation from Iran, throwing regional travel into disarray. Flights have been disrupted, plans derailed, and uncertainty continues to grip the Middle East.
Bus Operators Defend Service Halt, Deny Coordinated Strike
March 23, Colombo (LNW): Private bus operators have rejected claims that today’s widespread service disruption amounts to a strike, insisting instead that it is a forced response to unsustainable operating conditions.
Speaking on behalf of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association, its president Gemunu Wijeratne stated that the sharp rise in fuel prices has made it financially unviable for operators to continue running buses under the current fare structure. He stressed that the decision to suspend services was not organised as industrial action, but rather a consequence of mounting losses.
According to Wijeratne, a significant majority of privately operated buses remained off the roads today, with only a small fraction continuing limited operations. He maintained that this outcome was not the result of coercion or collective pressure, but individual operators choosing not to run at a loss.
He also pointed out that authorities had an opportunity to introduce revised fares a day earlier, and suggested that the delay had worsened the situation. In contrast, he noted that school transport services, including “Sisu Sariya” buses, have continued to function normally in order to avoid disrupting students’ travel.
Highlighting the financial strain, Wijeratne explained that short-distance routes are now running at daily losses of several thousand rupees, while long-distance services face even steeper deficits. “This is a commercial operation. Without viable returns, it simply cannot continue,” he remarked, underlining the challenges faced by bus owners.
He further criticised what he described as a lack of meaningful engagement between operators and authorities in recent times, noting that previous administrations had typically consulted stakeholders before implementing fare revisions. The absence of dialogue, he suggested, has contributed to the current impasse.
Despite the disruption, Wijeratne expressed hope that a revised fare structure would be approved soon, adding that constructive discussions with regulators would be essential to restoring normal services.
Ranatunga Duo Indicted Over Alleged Fuel Procurement Irregularities
March 23, Colombo (LNW): Legal proceedings have been initiated against former minister Arjuna Ranatunga and former Ceylon Petroleum Corporation chairman Dhammika Ranatunga, who were formally served indictments before the Colombo High Court on charges linked to alleged corruption.
Following their appearance in court, both defendants were granted bail under two sureties of Rs. 5 million each. The matter has been scheduled for a pre-trial conference on May 15, where further legal proceedings are expected to be outlined.
Prosecutors allege that the accused were involved in decisions that resulted in substantial financial losses to the state-run petroleum body. The case centres on the cancellation of several long-term fuel procurement contracts during the 2017–2018 period, which were reportedly intended to secure supplies over a six-month duration.
Instead, authorities claim that a series of short-term purchases were arranged at significantly higher prices, leading to an estimated loss running into hundreds of millions of rupees. The charges include accusations of facilitating and supporting these transactions in a manner deemed detrimental to public finances.
Cabinet to Decide on Bus Fare Increase Amid Mounting Industry Pressure
March 23, Colombo (LNW): A proposal to revise bus fares is set to be placed before the Cabinet today (23), as authorities grapple with rising operational costs and growing pressure from transport operators.
The National Transport Commission has indicated that the latest surge in fuel prices—particularly the increase in auto diesel—has significantly altered the fare calculation formula. Officials say the adjustment now points to a rise of more than 10 per cent compared to existing ticket prices.
Director General Nilan Miranda confirmed that a formal Cabinet paper has already been submitted, seeking approval to implement the revised pricing structure. The proposal is expected to be taken up for discussion at today’s Cabinet meeting.
However, the delay in announcing the revision has drawn sharp criticism from bus operators. Several associations argue that the fare hike should have been introduced earlier, warning that continued postponement places unsustainable financial strain on the industry.
Representatives from these groups had previously sought urgent talks with the Commission, but claim their concerns were not adequately addressed. Frustration has since escalated, with unions cautioning that services could be disrupted if a decision is not reached promptly.
Adding to the pressure, Gemunu Wijeratne of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association stated that operating under current fare levels is no longer viable given the rising cost of fuel and maintenance.
Transport authorities, meanwhile, maintain that the revised fare proposal—expected to exceed a 10 per cent increase—will be finalised once Cabinet approval is secured, potentially bringing an end to the ongoing standoff between regulators and private bus operators.
Doctors Warn of Rising Dehydration Risks for Children Amid Intense Heat
March 23, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities are calling on parents to take extra precautions to safeguard children as soaring temperatures continue to grip the country.
Consultant paediatrician Deepal Perera of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children stressed that young children are particularly vulnerable to dehydration during prolonged hot weather.
He advised that they should be encouraged to drink ample amounts of water and natural fluids throughout the day to stay properly hydrated.
According to Dr. Perera, early warning signs such as unusual tiredness, reduced appetite, or general body discomfort should not be ignored. In such cases, increasing fluid intake immediately can help prevent more serious complications.
He also highlighted a noticeable rise in heat-related skin problems, including rashes and minor infections, recommending that children be bathed at least twice daily. Allowing them to spend some time cooling off in water, he added, can further reduce the risk of such conditions.
Particular concern has been raised over children taking part in outdoor sports, especially school athletic events. Without sufficient hydration, they face an increased likelihood of developing dehydration or even heatstroke—a potentially life-threatening condition.
Dr. Perera warned that severe heatstroke can impact vital organs such as the brain and heart, sometimes leading to fainting, seizures, or worse outcomes if not treated promptly. He urged parents, teachers, and guardians to remain alert, ensure regular fluid intake, and limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours.
Police Dismiss Viral Message as Fake, Urge Public to Rely on Official Channels
March 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police have issued a firm clarification denying authorship of a widely shared message circulating on social media, warning the public against being misled by unauthorised content.
The message in question, which calls on citizens to remain vigilant amid ongoing economic difficulties, has been falsely attributed to the Sri Lanka Police. Authorities stress that the statement did not originate from any official police platform or communication channel.
In a formal response, officials explained that all legitimate announcements are released exclusively through the Police Media Division and distributed to recognised media outlets as official press releases. Any information appearing outside these channels, they cautioned, should be treated with scepticism.
Members of the public have been encouraged to verify updates through the Police’s authorised digital platforms, including their official Facebook page and YouTube presence, to ensure accuracy and avoid unnecessary alarm.
An inquiry has also been launched to trace the source of the misleading message, with investigators examining whether it was the work of an individual or part of a coordinated effort to spread false information.
Police further advised citizens to exercise caution when sharing content online, particularly during sensitive periods, noting that the spread of unverified claims can contribute to confusion and public anxiety.