Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya district after 1.00 pm.

Mainly dry weather will prevail over the other parts of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Atmospheric conditions for evening thundershowers are expected to become favorable in most parts of the island from the 20th of April onwards.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is now open for commercial vessels, but cautioned that ships must strictly follow designated safe routes.

The waterway had effectively been blocked by Tehran following attacks by the United States and Israel on 28 February, disrupting one of the world’s most critical oil and gas transit corridors. Although a temporary ceasefire between Iran and the US is in place until 22 April, tensions remain high.

US President Donald Trump stated that a naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a formal peace agreement is reached, despite calling recent developments “a great and brilliant day for the world.”

Maritime authorities remain cautious. Industry groups say they are still assessing whether it is safe for ships to pass through the strait, with tracking data showing only minimal vessel movement so far.

Araghchi’s announcement came on the first full day of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. He noted that commercial vessels could transit through the strait along routes coordinated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.

However, Iranian state media later clarified that only civilian vessels would be allowed through designated lanes, while military ships remain banned. These routes were reportedly outlined by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and avoid identified high-risk zones.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions within Iran. Some outlets criticized the statement as unclear, warning that passage could again be restricted if the US blockade continues. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed this concern, stating that the strait would not remain open under ongoing pressure from US forces.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Trump indicated that negotiations with Iran would continue over the weekend, though disagreements persist—particularly over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, which Tehran insists will not be transferred under any circumstances.

The situation carries major global implications. Roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The recent disruption has driven fuel prices higher, although oil prices dropped following Iran’s reopening announcement.

Despite this, uncertainty lingers. Arsenio Dominguez of the International Maritime Organization emphasized the need for clearer guarantees of safety and compliance with international law. Some ships may already be moving through the region, though verification remains difficult.

Security analysts also remain skeptical. Experts warn that risks such as naval mines and military escalation continue to pose serious threats to shipping in the coming weeks.

In response, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom and France plan to lead a multinational, defensive mission to safeguard commercial shipping routes once hostilities subside.

While the reopening offers a potential easing of global economic pressure, the fragile ceasefire and ongoing military tensions mean the situation remains highly volatile.

By – Robinhood

The government defended Kumara Jayakody through the no-confidence motion and won. Then he resigned anyway. That sequence should trouble every Sri Lankan more than the motion itself.

It means the defence was performative. Parliament was used as a shield, not a verdict. The government whipped its members into line, survived the vote, and then quietly allowed the minister and his secretary to walk out the door. If Jayakody was worth defending publicly, he was worth keeping. If he was not worth keeping, he was not worth defending. The government cannot claim both positions simultaneously.

What forced the eventual resignation was not parliamentary process. It was continued public pressure that made the political cost of retention unsustainable.

The same pressure works elsewhere. Sriyan Cooray, Chairman of NDB Bank, has not appeared before the public to explain how 13.2 billion rupees disappeared under his watch.

He has not found time to face his depositors. That silence should be as politically costly as any no-confidence motion applied through every media appearance, every public forum, every shareholder meeting until he answers.

Sri Lanka’s rogue think tanks, which sell sponsored conclusions dressed as independent analysis, and media houses that protect advertisers instead of informing the public, operate on the same assumption every discredited politician once held, that the public will eventually look away.

Jayakody’s resignation proves that assumption has an expiry date. The public’s job now is to make sure every other protected figure in this country discovers theirs.

Nalinda Indatissa

President’s Counsel

Following the recent remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping cautioning against a global slide toward a “law of the jungle” and calling for the protection of genuine multilateralism, Sri Lanka must respond with clarity, balance, and urgency. The response must be principled, carefully calibrated, and consistent with Sri Lanka’s long-standing foreign policy traditions—while safeguarding critical relationships, including access to the American market and maintaining the goodwill of partners such as Iran.

Sri Lanka’s position should be anchored in a reaffirmation of its commitment to a rules-based international order. This includes respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. These principles are not aligned to any one power bloc; rather, they reflect universally accepted norms embedded in international law and practice.
At the same time, Sri Lanka must maintain strict strategic neutrality. Engagement with major powers—including the United States, China, India, and regional actors—should remain balanced and issue-based. Economic cooperation, trade access, and financial stability considerations require that Sri Lanka avoids actions or statements that could be perceived as favoring one side at the expense of another. In particular, continued access to the United States market must be preserved through stable, predictable, and constructive engagement, while longstanding diplomatic goodwill with countries such as Iran must also be respected and maintained.

Sri Lanka should actively support multilateral platforms, especially within the framework of the United Nations. Its voice should consistently favor collective decision-making, adherence to international law, and the strengthening of institutional mechanisms that prevent unilateralism. Participation in such forums must be active, not symbolic, with clear and coherent positions articulated on emerging global issues.
Regionally, Sri Lanka should reinforce cooperation within the Indian Ocean space. Engagement through bodies such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association must be strengthened, with emphasis on maritime stability, open sea lanes, and collaborative security arrangements that do not exclude any party. Sri Lanka’s geographic position demands a posture that supports inclusivity and stability in these waters.
Diplomatically, Sri Lanka should position itself as a credible and neutral interlocutor. It should remain open to facilitating dialogue, hosting discussions, and contributing to de-escalation efforts where appropriate. This requires consistency in messaging and conduct—avoiding rhetoric that may be interpreted as confrontational or aligned with geopolitical rivalries.
Internally, coherence between foreign policy and domestic governance is essential. Legal certainty, institutional integrity, and policy consistency enhance Sri Lanka’s credibility abroad. A state that adheres to rules within its own system is better placed to advocate for those same rules internationally.

Sri Lanka’s response must therefore be measured but firm: supportive of a rules-based global order, resistant to any drift toward power-based arbitrariness, and carefully balanced to preserve all key relationships. Timing is critical. A clear articulation of this position, delivered without delay, will ensure that Sri Lanka remains aligned with principle while maintaining its strategic space.

Sri Lanka’s export sector is now confronting a multi-layered crisis, where global freight disruptions, falling demand, and rising domestic energy costs are converging to undermine competitiveness and long-term stability. Industry leaders warn that without structural reform, the country risks losing its position in global supply chains.

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has highlighted how ongoing instability in the Middle East is triggering widespread disruption in global shipping routes. Carriers are avoiding high-risk zones, introducing emergency surcharges, and reducing service frequency, all of which have driven up both sea and air freight costs to unprecedented levels.

At the same time, Sri Lanka’s apparel export performance is weakening. February 2026 recorded an 11.46% year-on-year decline, with sharp contractions across the EU, US, UK, and other markets. This reflects not only logistics pressures but also a broader slowdown in global demand, further weakening export momentum.

JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence warned that the real burden is increasingly shifting onto exporters despite formal freight agreements. While most shipments operate under FOB or FCA terms, global buyers are pushing suppliers to share rising transport costs. This is squeezing margins at a time when operational costs are already elevated.

Disruptions in shipping operations are also creating logistical uncertainty. Cargo destined for Gulf markets has, in some cases, been offloaded prematurely at alternative ports, forcing exporters to track, recover, and reroute goods at their own expense. Industry sources say these practices are adding hidden costs and unpredictability to supply chains.

Beyond logistics, Sri Lanka’s structural energy challenges are emerging as a critical constraint on export competitiveness. Industry leaders argue that high electricity tariffs, dependence on fossil fuels, and delays in renewable energy integration are undermining the country’s ability to compete with regional manufacturing hubs.

Lawrence stressed that countries such as India are already benefiting from cheaper open-access renewable energy systems, while global buyers increasingly prioritise greener supply chains. In contrast, Sri Lanka’s energy pricing structure remains heavily dependent on imported fuel costs, exposing exporters to volatility.

He further noted that regulatory bottlenecks in implementing open-access power and renewable integration are preventing industries from accessing cheaper energy alternatives. Despite directives to improve efficiency, delays in reform are keeping production costs high.

The JAAF has called for urgent acceleration of solar, wind, and battery storage investments, arguing that energy reform is now as critical as trade policy. Without it, Sri Lanka risks losing export orders to countries with more stable and sustainable energy systems.

As freight instability, declining demand, and energy inefficiencies converge, exporters warn that Sri Lanka’s trade model is under unprecedented strain, requiring immediate and coordinated policy intervention.

The government has accelerated plans for a sweeping digital transformation of the motor vehicle registration system, aiming to eliminate decades-old inefficiencies, reduce corruption, and modernize public service delivery. Officials confirm that the overhaul will automate first-time vehicle registrations and significantly reduce opportunities for manual interference.

The initiative comes at a critical time, as a growing number of vehicle owners report delays in obtaining Fuel Quota QR codes now an essential requirement for fuel access. Many new and transferred vehicle owners, despite completing registration formalities, remain unable to access the fuel allocation system due to technical mismatches between databases.

At the heart of the issue lies a lack of synchronisation between the fuel quota issuance platform and the Department of Motor Traffic’s (DMT) outdated registration database. The system currently in use dates back to 1996 and is no longer maintained by its original developers. Instead, it is managed internally by personnel lacking specialised technical expertise, leading to inefficiencies and data update delays.

These shortcomings were formally acknowledged by the Commissioner General during a recent parliamentary oversight committee meeting. The official highlighted how the obsolete system has become a bottleneck, directly affecting citizens who depend on timely digital verification for essential services.

The long-delayed e-Motoring project intended to replace the legacy system is now in a crucial transitional phase, with authorities setting a mandatory deadline for full implementation within the year.

 However, the project’s history reveals years of setbacks. Between 2019 and 2020, progress stalled due to inadequate physical infrastructure to support private sector collaboration. Subsequent years saw legal disputes following the withdrawal of an international technology partner, resulting in contract renegotiations and pricing disagreements exacerbated by inflation.

Although the project was officially restarted in 2024 after revised cost proposals were submitted for approval, concerns remain about whether the system will be implemented effectively and on time.

Beyond technical inefficiencies, the issue raises broader questions about governance and accountability. Substantial fees collected from the public for vehicle-related services have not translated into meaningful improvements in infrastructure or service delivery. The absence of reinvestment has further compounded operational challenges.

As frustration grows among vehicle owners, the government’s push for digital reform is seen as both necessary and overdue. Experts warn that without swift and transparent implementation, the same systemic issues could persist under a new technological framework.

The success of this initiative will depend not only on modern software, but also on improved oversight, technical competence, and a commitment to restoring public trust in a system long plagued by inefficiency.

Sri Lanka’s attempt to accelerate digital transformation is increasingly being viewed as a case study in how not to implement structural reform. The abrupt decision to liquidate the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) the primary digital governance body has exposed deep flaws in planning, execution, and policy continuity.

Rather than building on ICTA’s institutional knowledge, authorities have opted for a complete overhaul, replacing it with GovTech and the Digital Economy Authority. While the stated goal is to separate policy from implementation, the transition process reveals a troubling lack of coordination and foresight.

Key digital infrastructure projects are being transferred midstream. The Lanka Government Network (LGN 2.0), which currently connects over 850 government institutions via high-speed fibre, is slated for expansion to 3,500 offices under GovTech. Similarly, the Lanka Government Cloud will be upgraded to LGC 3.0, incorporating artificial intelligence and big data capabilities. These are complex, mission-critical systems yet they are being shifted to a newly formed entity still building its operational capacity.

Support structures such as the Lanka Government Information Infrastructure (LGII) will continue technical operations, but this partial continuity may not be enough to prevent disruptions during the transition.

The الحكومة’s reliance on external funding further complicates the picture. Financial commitments from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank provide critical support, but also increase pressure to deliver measurable outcomes. Without a robust implementation plan, there is a real risk that these funds will be underutilised or misallocated.

Perhaps the most contentious issue is the handling of human capital. ICTA’s experienced workforce faces uncertainty, as employment in the new entities is neither guaranteed nor systematically managed. This not only affects morale but also threatens the  ability to sustain ongoing digital services.

At the same time, the rollout of new initiatives such as a unified government “Super App” and a digital procurement marketplace suggests a preference for headline-grabbing projects over foundational stability. Analysts warn that such short-sighted decision-making could lead to fragmented systems rather than integrated governance.

Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture. Digital transformation is not merely about new institutions or technologies; it requires continuity, clarity, and disciplined execution. By dismantling ICTA without a comprehensive transition strategy, policymakers risk undoing years of progress.

What is unfolding is not just a restructuring it is a test of whether Sri Lanka can move beyond ad hoc decision-making and build a resilient, future-ready digital state. At present, the signs point to a proper process driven more by urgency than by strategy, with uncertain consequences for the nation’s digital trajectory.

The growing use of cryptocurrency in Sri Lanka is increasingly linked to concerns over financial crime, with authorities warning that digital assets are being exploited for money laundering and illicit transactions.

Regulators, led by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, have flagged the risks posed by unregulated crypto activity, particularly the ease with which funds can be transferred across borders without oversight. This has raised alarms about capital flight and the potential use of digital currencies to conceal proceeds from illegal activities.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Criminal Investigation Department, are now actively investigating several high-profile cases. One major probe involves the alleged laundering of Rs. 290 million through global crypto exchange Binance. Authorities claim suspects exploited loopholes in foreign exchange regulations to convert public funds into cryptocurrency, enabling them to move money خارج the country undetected.

In a separate case, fraudulent transactions exceeding Rs. 14 billion have affected thousands of victims, highlighting the масштаб of financial crimes linked to digital assets. Courts have emphasized that such cases represent serious financial misconduct rather than ordinary fraud, urging swift investigations and stronger enforcement.

The government’s response is intensifying ahead of an international evaluation by the Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering in 2026. Officials are prioritizing anti-money laundering reforms to meet global standards and avoid potential sanctions or reputational damage.

A key initiative is the development of an integrated data system connecting the Central Bank, police, and the Department for Registration of Persons. This system is designed to detect suspicious financial activity and support legal action against organized crime networks, including those involved in drug trafficking.

Authorities have also identified links between crypto and illegal transactions conducted via digital payment platforms such as eZCash and mCash. These platforms, combined with cryptocurrencies, have reportedly been used to obscure transaction trails.

To strengthen oversight, new regulations will require Virtual Asset Service Providers to register with the Financial Intelligence Unit and comply with international standards such as the “Travel Rule,” which mandates the sharing of transaction data. Additionally, non-resident digital service providers, including crypto exchanges, must register for VAT at 18 percent starting April 2026.

Despite these efforts, enforcement remains challenging. The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies makes tracking transactions difficult, while the continued use of offshore platforms limits the reach of local authorities.

Sri Lanka now faces a critical moment. Without effective regulation and enforcement, cryptocurrency could continue to serve as a conduit for illicit finance. But with the right safeguards, it may still be possible to harness its benefits while minimizing the risks to the country’s financial system and global standing.

A dog named “Aloka,” which has gained public attention in connection with the upcoming “Walk for Peace,” will travel in the passenger cabin on a flight to Sri Lanka.

Aloka has been granted permission to fly inside the cabin as a certified service animal, rather than being placed in the cargo hold. A special seat has been allocated alongside Venerable Pannakara Thero, who is leading the visiting delegation.

The rescue dog, of Indian origin, has become widely known as “Aloka the Peace Dog” for accompanying a group of monks on their Walk for Peace journey.

The internationally recognised Walk for Peace pilgrimage is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka from April 21 to 28, 2026, under full state patronage.

The event will include a delegation of monks led by the Most Venerable Pannakara Thero, who is expected to take part in the procession carrying a Bodhi sapling from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.

Sri Lanka has recorded a notable increase in higher educational attainment over the past decade, including a rise in the number of PhD holders, according to the Census of Population and Housing 2024 covering those aged 25 and above.

Key highlights from the report show a steady shift towards advanced education:

• The number of PhD holders increased from 6,557 in 2012 to 11,757 in 2024, though they still account for just 0.1% of the population.
• Degree holders more than doubled, rising from 358,052 (3.0%) to 780,958 (5.6%).
• Those with tertiary education grew significantly from 2,195,117 (18.2%) to 3,635,462 (26.2%).
• Individuals with G.C.E. A/L or equivalent qualifications increased from 1,724,574 (14.2%) to 2,677,022 (19.4%).
• The number of people with secondary education rose from 7,079,569 to 8,096,402, remaining steady at around 58% of the population.
• Those with only primary education declined from 2,214,792 (18.4%) to 1,738,942 (12.5%).
• The number of individuals with no schooling fell from 561,163 (4.7%) to 400,511 (2.9%).

The data reflects a broader national trend towards improved access to education and higher qualification levels across the population.