By: Staff Writer
September 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is moving to establish a new Customs inspection center at Kerawalapitiya under a hybrid public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the government now seeking private investors to implement the project.
According to S Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, land belonging to the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation has already been transferred to Sri Lanka Customs for this purpose.
A committee appointed to study the initiative has submitted recommendations on the most suitable business model, following which Cabinet approval was granted to call for expressions of interest and requests for proposals from potential investors.
The proposed Kerawalapitiya Customs Verification Center is intended to serve as a centralized hub for container inspection outside the congested Colombo Port. Officials expect the project to modernize cargo handling and clearance, reduce delays, and improve transparency long-standing concerns among importers and exporters who have faced high costs due to inefficiencies in the current system.
Potential Gains in Trade Facilitation
If successfully implemented, the center could significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s trade competitiveness by reducing clearance times and curbing rent-seeking practices often associated with manual procedures.
Advanced scanning and automated processing, brought in through private-sector investment, may also reduce opportunities for corruption, while allowing the Customs Department to focus more on regulatory oversight.
Challenges under Current Climate
However, the project comes at a delicate moment. Customs officers have launched a “work-to-rule” campaign in response to the government’s anti-corruption drive, slowing operations at a time when trade facilitation is crucial to economic recovery.
Critics argue that moving ahead with a PPP initiative while staff unrest remains unresolved could deepen institutional tensions, risking delays in implementation and possible resistance from unions that view private involvement as an encroachment on their functions.
Public-Private Balance
While the PPP model offers fiscal advantages by shifting initial capital costs to the private sector, it raises questions over long-term revenue sharing and oversight. Without strong regulatory safeguards, there is the risk of private operators gaining undue influence over sensitive inspection processes. Analysts note that any perception of weakened state control over Customs could undermine confidence in the integrity of trade monitoring.
The Broader Reform Agenda
The Kerawalapitiya project reflects the government’s broader attempt to modernize institutions while addressing systemic corruption. Success will depend not only on selecting the right private partner but also on ensuring transparency in procurement, clear delineation of responsibilities, and robust monitoring mechanisms.
Industry stakeholders stress that genuine consultation with Customs officers and trade unions will be essential to avoid further friction and ensure smooth adoption of new practices.
As Sri Lanka works to streamline its trade regime and attract foreign investment, the Kerawalapitiya inspection center presents both an opportunity and a test.
If executed carefully, it could become a model of reform-oriented infrastructure development. If mishandled, it risks becoming another flashpoint in the ongoing struggle between the government and entrenched institutional interests.
Government Moves Ahead with Kerawalapitiya Customs Inspection Center
Sri Lanka’s Inland Fisheries at Risk despite New Net Plan
By: Staff Writer
September 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s inland fishery industry, once seen as a low-cost solution to rural protein needs, is again in crisis.
The government’s latest initiative to install barrier nets in 250 reservoirs is being taken as a bold intervention. Yet, behind the rhetoric lies a troubled sector plagued by inefficiencies, poor planning, and unfulfilled promises, industry stake holders claimed. .
Washed Away: Billions in Protein Lost Each Year
Every year, an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 kilograms of fish are washed out from each reservoir during irrigation releases. The loss is more than numbers: it drains away mature, reproductive-age fish vital for replenishing stocks, undermining both food security and rural livelihoods, fishing community represntaives complained.
The new government says barrier nets will prevent this washout, securing fish for harvest. The National Aquaculture Development Authority insists the project could transform reservoirs into reliable food baskets for thousands of villages.
But critics argue that without strong oversight, the nets could simply become another costly infrastructure experiment with little to show.
Targets Missed, Potential Wasted
The inland and aquaculture sector produced 102,330 metric tons in 2024, well below the 173,000-ton target. This is despite Sri Lanka’s vast inland water resources over 1,400 perennial tanks covering nearly 183,000 hectares, plus thousands of minor reservoirs linked to the ancient tank cascade system.
Per capita fish consumption climbed to 36.85 grams per day in 2024, exceeding official goals. But this improvement masks the reality that inland fisheries supply only a sliver of national demand.
Imports still plug the gap, driving up costs for ordinary consumers in a country already battling inflation and high food prices.
Money Spent, But Results Lag
The Ministry of Fisheries spent Rs. 7.27 billion on capital projects and Rs. 1.98 billion in recurrent expenses in 2024, with impressive disbursement efficiency on paper. International aid from Japan, FAO, and USAID has further boosted funding and technology transfer.
But audits tell a different story: delayed licensing, undertrained staff, slow environmental clearances, and weak monitoring have stalled many initiatives. With so many projects half-completed, doubts remain whether barrier nets will fare any better.
Netting the Future or More Empty Promises?
The barrier net program could be a turning point if implemented with discipline, linking rural reservoirs to national supply chains and safeguarding ecosystems. Yet, history offers reason for caution: Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector is littered with ambitious plans that were never delivered.
Unless the government tackles governance failures head-on, the new initiative risks becoming yet another headline project leaving inland fisheries in the same cycle of untapped potential, and rural communities with empty promises instead of full nets
Proceedings Against Ex-Minister Rambukwella and Family Shift to High Court Over Alleged Illicit Wealth
September 09, Colombo (LNW): Judicial proceedings involving former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and several members of his family have taken a new turn, as the Colombo Chief Magistrate officially brought an end to the preliminary hearings in the Magistrate’s Court following the filing of indictments at the Colombo High Court.
At a hearing held earlier today (09), Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama instructed that the proceedings previously underway at the lower court be discontinued, now that formal charges have been filed at the High Court level under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The order came after representatives from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed the Magistrate that indictments had been submitted against the former minister and his family in connection with a major investigation into alleged unlawful enrichment.
The court was told that the transfer of jurisdiction to the High Court was in keeping with legal procedure once indictments are formally lodged.
Accordingly, the Magistrate instructed all defendants to appear before the Colombo High Court as required on the forthcoming trial dates.
Rambukwella, who formerly held the Health portfolio, appeared in court today alongside his wife, three daughters, and son-in-law—all of whom have been named in the case. The family had earlier been arrested by CIABOC in relation to allegations of acquiring assets through illicit means amounting to over Rs. 97 million.
Parliament Schedules Debate on Repeal of Presidential Entitlements
September 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary Affairs Committee has confirmed that the debate on the Second Reading of the proposed legislation to repeal entitlements granted to former Presidents will take place tomorrow (10).
According to a statement issued by the Communications Department of Parliament, the debate is scheduled to run from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
The bill, which seeks to revoke certain privileges previously afforded to former heads of state, has drawn significant public and political attention, with tomorrow’s session expected to prompt robust discussion across party lines.
Sri Lanka and World Bank Launch $100 Million Initiative to Empower Rural Communities and Boost Climate-Resilient Agriculture
September 09, Colombo (LNW): A sweeping new development initiative valued at US$100 million is set to uplift the lives of over 380,000 individuals across Sri Lanka, as the government joins hands with the World Bank Group to reshape the country’s rural economy and agri-food sector.
The initiative, titled the Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project, aims to bridge the rural-urban divide while building a more sustainable, inclusive, and climate-adapted future for Sri Lanka’s farmers and rural workforce.
At the heart of the project lies a multi-pronged strategy designed to modernise agriculture, stimulate employment, and cushion vulnerable communities against the mounting impacts of climate change. The scheme is expected to provide direct support to approximately 8,000 agri-food producers, enhance irrigation and drainage infrastructure on 71,000 hectares of farmland, and accelerate the adoption of climate-smart farming methods among smallholder producers who account for the vast majority of Sri Lanka’s food supply.
According to government officials, the effort is closely aligned with Sri Lanka’s broader development roadmap, which places strong emphasis on a robust, production-oriented economy. Treasury Secretary Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma remarked that the initiative complements the national vision of sustainable economic transformation, while simultaneously bolstering food security and rural prosperity.
With climate-related risks—such as erratic rainfall, extreme heat, and natural disasters—posing growing threats to agricultural output, the project will introduce targeted interventions aimed at strengthening climate resilience. These include upgrading irrigation networks to enable more efficient water use, promoting access to agricultural insurance, and developing infrastructure that can withstand adverse weather patterns.
In addition to environmental adaptation, the initiative will open new economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people in rural regions. By enhancing agribusiness value chains, improving access to domestic and international markets, and linking producers with financial institutions, the project aims to foster job creation across multiple sectors—from processing and packaging to logistics and retail.
An anticipated US$17 million in private capital is expected to be mobilised through the project by facilitating agribusiness loans, encouraging public-private partnerships, and unlocking new streams of investment for rural enterprises.
Crucially, the initiative also includes investments in modernising agricultural data systems, ensuring food quality standards meet export requirements, and offering digital and financial support to micro, small, and medium-scale agricultural enterprises.
Speaking on behalf of the World Bank, David Sislen, Regional Director for the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, highlighted the significance of integrated collaboration between the public and private sectors. “This is not just about helping farmers survive the effects of climate change—it’s about enabling them to thrive despite those challenges,” he said.
The project builds on a legacy of more than ten years of World Bank involvement in Sri Lanka’s agricultural development. Earlier programmes saw the formation of over 140 farmer-led cooperatives and businesses, resulting in marked increases in rural incomes and productivity. The International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, has also played a vital role in enhancing key export sectors such as cinnamon and coconut through capacity-building and financial innovation.
Ex-Minister Rajitha Senaratne Released on Bail Following Court Appearance in Colombo
September 09, Colombo (LNW): Former cabinet minister Rajitha Senaratne has been granted bail after being presented before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court earlier today (09).
The decision follows a period of judicial custody stemming from legal proceedings initiated by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama, presiding over the hearing, ordered the former minister’s release on a cash bail of Rs. 50,000, along with two sureties amounting to Rs. 2 million each. In addition to the bail conditions, the court imposed a restriction on Senaratne’s overseas travel, pending the progression of the case.
The ruling came after submissions were heard from both Bribery Commission officials and legal counsel representing the former minister. The prosecution presented details relating to the case, while the defence petitioned for bail citing various legal and procedural grounds.
Senaratne had previously appeared before the same court on August 29 in connection with an unrelated matter brought forward by the Bribery Commission. During that appearance, a warrant was issued for his arrest due to non-compliance with prior court directives. He was subsequently taken into custody and remained in remand until today’s hearing.
Sajith Premadasa Comes of Age: Anura’s Invincibility a Thing of the Past
By Adolf
Sri Lanka’s political landscape is entering a decisive phase. With economic stabilisation still fragile, the search for leadership that combines experience, credibility, and vision has become central to public discourse. In this context, Sajith Premadasa has come of age as a national leader, positioning himself as the most formidable candidate to take on Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) in a future presidential contest.
Journey
Premadasa’s journey has been long and often underestimated. For years, critics dismissed him as an extension of his father’s legacy rather than a leader in his own right. Yet, his resilience, consistent focus on grassroots issues, and ability to navigate the challenges of opposition politics have strengthened his credibility. Today, he leads the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), a party widely regarded as the best-organised and most professional political team in Sri Lanka. Unlike smaller, personality-driven outfits, the SJB has attracted technocrats, professionals, and seasoned political figures, giving it a depth and balance rare in the current political spectrum.
Opportunity to Unify
A significant factor working in Premadasa’s favour is the inevitability of generational change. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, for all his achievements in steering the country through its darkest economic crisis, is now widely viewed as too old to seek another mandate. His role has been historic, but the baton must pass. In this vacuum, Sajith emerges not only as a viable alternative but also as a leader who has grown into the role through years of persistence, constructive opposition, and steady policy articulation.
The Limits of Populism
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, meanwhile, has been riding high on populist rhetoric and the goodwill generated by the JVP’s promise of change. But the test of leadership goes beyond fiery speeches and exposés of opponents. If AKD is to build a lasting legacy, he must abandon the politics of witch-hunting. The law must be applied equally—not just against rivals but also against his own camp. Failure to do so risks reducing him to another partisan figure unwilling to rise above vendetta politics.
The Arrest of Ranil
The recent arrest of Ranil Wickremesinghe on a poorly framed charge revealed how much political capital Anura has squandered. The government cut a sorry figure by pursuing this action, pleasing only a narrow base rather than governing in the interest of all. Governing a country is not about pandering to 35% of the electorate. Anura must not forget that he failed to secure even 45% of the vote at the last election. If he continues down this path, he risks being remembered not as a reformer, but as a leader who squandered his mandate.
The Future
With three and a half years still left in his tenure, Anura has a choice. He can waste this time chasing enemies, or he can channel his political capital into reform, governance, and institution-building. If he fails, Sajith Premadasa and the SJB—backed by the most credible team in opposition—will be ready to take the reins.
Sri Lanka deserves a mature contest between leaders with clear plans, not a circus of vendetta politics. Sajith Premadasa, with his political maturity, growing stature, and proven team, is now best placed to take on Anura in that decisive battle for the country’s future.
Trio Apprehended Over Double Homicide in Southern Sri Lanka, Cache of Weapons Seized
September 09, Colombo (LNW): Law enforcement authorities have arrested three individuals in connection with the recent double murder that took place in Thekkawatta, Middeniya.
The suspects, all 25 years of age and hailing from Embilipitiya, were apprehended during a targeted operation carried out by the Tangalle Division’s Criminal Investigation Unit.
The investigation stems from the grisly discovery of two bodies in a teak plantation in Thorakolayaya, Middeniya, in June this year. The victims, aged 26 and 40, were also identified as residents of Embilipitiya.
Their deaths were the result of gunshot wounds, and the killings sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting a large-scale police inquiry.
Following the arrest of the suspects in Embilipitiya, police conducted interrogations which led to the recovery of a substantial arsenal of weapons and ammunition believed to be linked to the shootings. Among the items seized were:
* A submachine gun resembling an Uzi
* A 9mm pistol
* Fifty-three rounds of 9mm ammunition
* Twenty-five rounds of foreign-manufactured 12-gauge shotgun ammunition
* Four rounds of .45 calibre bullets
* Nineteen rounds of T-56 assault rifle ammunition
* Two spent T-56 cartridges
* A pair of handcuffs
* 300 milligrams of heroin
The seizure suggests the group may have access to an organised supply of illegal weaponry and narcotics. Investigators are now looking into whether the suspects have links to broader criminal networks operating in the region or beyond.
The presence of high-powered firearms and military-grade ammunition has heightened fears that this may not be an isolated incident, but rather part of a more extensive pattern of organised violence. Security officials have indicated that further arrests may be forthcoming as the investigation expands.
Sri Lanka Reaffirms Commitment to Reform and Reconciliation at UNHRC
September 09, Colombo (LNW): Addressing the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, affirmed Sri Lanka’s determination to pursue a path of meaningful reform, national unity, and democratic renewal.
He underscored the new administration’s resolve to reshape the country’s political culture and uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of background or affiliation.
The remarks were delivered during the Council’s Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka, where Herath reiterated the government’s position that reconciliation and progress must be anchored in nationally-led, inclusive processes.
He appealed to the international community to extend both time and space for these efforts to take root, noting that positive strides had already been made within a relatively brief span under the current government.
The Minister also highlighted that the domestic reform agenda was being pursued with renewed political will and openness to dialogue, adding that significant work had been undertaken to build bridges between communities, promote accountability, and create lasting structures for justice and equity. The overarching message was one of engagement—not avoidance—and of partnership rather than imposition.
His intervention came amid a wide-ranging dialogue in which representatives from 43 countries participated, reflecting a diverse spectrum of international opinion. Several states, including those representing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and a range of nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, expressed clear support for Sri Lanka’s approach.
These countries welcomed Colombo’s willingness to cooperate with the Council and acknowledged the visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, to Sri Lanka earlier this year as a positive step towards greater transparency and collaboration. Many also recognised the concrete progress the country had made, particularly in areas such as legislative reform, institutional renewal, and intercommunal dialogue.
A recurring concern voiced by a number of states was the risk posed by externally imposed accountability frameworks. Some questioned the allocation of limited UN resources to mechanisms that, in their view, could duplicate or undermine ongoing domestic efforts. Several delegations warned that such approaches could inadvertently deepen divisions rather than support reconciliation.
Others raised objections to the perceived politicisation of human rights discourse, arguing that targeted country-specific mechanisms ran counter to the Council’s principles of fairness, impartiality, and respect for sovereignty. They called instead for a spirit of constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and genuine cooperation as the only viable path to advancing human rights in any context.
In a related statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that High Commissioner Türk, during his visit in June, had the opportunity to meet with a broad cross-section of Sri Lankan society—from political leaders and civil society groups to religious and community figures. These interactions, the Ministry said, reflected Sri Lanka’s openness to engage on difficult issues and its willingness to listen.
Sri Lanka’s delegation to the 60th UNHRC session was led by Minister Herath and included senior diplomatic and ministerial officials such as Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva; Dayani Mendis, Director General for the United Nations and Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; as well as members of the Permanent Mission in Geneva.
Prime Minister Urges Shift Towards Innovation-Driven Education at Launch of Youth Inventor Initiative
September 09, Colombo (LNW): In a call for transformative change within the education sector, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya underscored the urgent need to cultivate a generation of thinkers who are not only informed, but also imaginative, inquisitive, and analytically minded.
Speaking at the inauguration of a nationwide initiative aimed at embedding innovation into the school system, the Prime Minister emphasised that Sri Lanka’s future prosperity will depend on the creativity and critical faculties of its youth.
The event, held on Monday at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, marked the formal launch of a national programme to establish 100 ‘Young Inventor Clubs’ across schools island-wide. Organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the initiative was launched under the joint patronage of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Chrishantha Abeysena.
In a symbolic gesture to initiate the programme, nine schools—each representing one of Sri Lanka’s provinces—were presented with ‘Innovation Tokens’ by the Prime Minister, formally setting the stage for the formation of inventor clubs in the school network.
The gathering brought together educators, policymakers, scientists, and students for a wide-ranging discussion on how innovation can serve as a cornerstone for national development. Topics explored included the economic potential of fostering innovation from a young age, the structural reforms needed in education, the intellectual property rights associated with student inventions, and the broader role of innovation in cultivating a future-ready workforce.
In her keynote address, Dr Amarasuriya challenged conventional notions of academic success, asserting that innovation should not be measured by degrees, grades, or patent counts, but rather by the tangible impact one makes in improving society. She advocated for an education model that transcends rote learning and embraces independent thought, curiosity, and problem-solving.
“What the world needs today are not passive consumers of information, but young minds who can question what they are told, reinterpret existing data, and use it in ways that can transform lives,” she said. “It’s not about how much you know—it’s about how you think.”
She went on to stress that fostering a culture of socially conscious innovation is a responsibility that rests not just with educators and institutions, but also with the government. The state, she said, must create the right conditions—both material and cultural—for young inventors to thrive. This includes nurturing values of empathy, responsibility, and ethical engagement alongside technical skills.
Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, speaking at the same event, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments. He highlighted the critical importance of positioning innovation as a national priority, emphasising that both the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education bear responsibility for nurturing the country’s most vital asset: its young people.
He noted that Sri Lanka’s future will be shaped not only by its natural resources or infrastructure, but by the ideas and ingenuity of the next generation. The government, he affirmed, is committed to supporting young innovators and providing them with the platforms and opportunities they need to pursue their ambitions.
The newly launched inventor clubs are expected to serve as incubators for youthful creativity, where students can collaborate on projects, explore new technologies, and gain hands-on experience in fields ranging from engineering to environmental science.