September 02, Colombo (LNW): Over the first seven months of 2025, nearly 50 individuals have been apprehended across Sri Lanka in connection with various bribery and corruption-related activities, according to figures released by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
The anti-corruption body disclosed that it had received a total of 3,937 complaints between January and July this year. Acting upon this influx of reports, authorities carried out 72 targeted operations, with 39 of those missions deemed successful in leading to arrests or the collection of substantive evidence.
Amongst those detained, a significant proportion were members of the Sri Lanka Police—17 officers in total—making the law enforcement sector the single largest group implicated in these incidents.
The arrests, however, were not limited to the police. Suspects also hailed from a range of state bodies, underscoring the breadth of institutional vulnerability to corrupt practices.
Individuals attached to the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), and various District Secretariats were among those taken into custody, according to the Commission’s statement.
In addition to the arrests, judicial proceedings over the same period resulted in 27 convictions, with the individuals found guilty of accepting bribes in the course of their official duties.
Bribery Crackdown Sees Dozens Arrested Across Public Sector in Early 2025
A few showers expected in select parts of island: Fairly strong winds may occur (Sep 02)
September 02, Colombo (LNW): A few showers may occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (02).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m.
Fairly strong winds of about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota district.
The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during August 28to September 07 due to its apparent southward relative motion.
The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (02) are Andigama, Balalla, Migaswewa, Bambaragaswewa, Bakamuna, Aralaganwila, Chenkalady, Eravur about 12.10 noon.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Few showers may occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Negombo to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be westerly to south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.
Wind speed can increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
Wind speed can increase up to (45-50) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle and from Mannar to Vakarai via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times.
The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle and from Mannar to Vakarai via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee will be fairly rough at times.
The wave height may increase about (2.5 – 3.0) m in the sea areas off the coast extending from Negombo to Pottuvil via Galle, Matara and Hambantota (this is not for land area).
Customs Revenue Soars, But 2025 Target Faces Hidden Risks
By: Staff Writer
September 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Customs (SLC), the government’s most critical revenue collection arm, has reported an impressive performance this year, surpassing its 2025 target of Rs. 2,115 billion by Rs. 142 billion as of last week. While the figures appear promising, questions remain as to whether such momentum can be sustained under current institutional and political constraints.
The early success has been largely attributed to anti-corruption reforms and increased import duties on vehicles—a sector that remains highly sensitive to policy shifts. Last year too, Customs posted its highest-ever collection of Rs. 1,533 billion despite import restrictions. However, analysts warn that the real test lies not in the mid-year surge but in sustaining the pace through December.
The ongoing anti-corruption drive, while commendable, has created a culture of fear among mid- and lower-level officials. Several officers are reluctant to take decisions or offer guidance on technical disputes, fearing reprisals under investigations. Industry insiders argue this hesitation has slowed clearance processes at Colombo Port, leading to costly delays for transshipment operations. If prolonged, such bottlenecks could erode investor confidence in Sri Lanka’s trade hub ambitions.
Technology-driven reforms like the ASYHUB digital platform and e-bidding system, due for rollout later this year, promise greater efficiency and transparency. Yet, SLC’s dependence on external funding from UNCTAD, the World Bank, and IMF means implementation may be uneven. Even the “Single Window” project, slated for completion in 2–3 years, underscores how structural transformation is a long-term process—not an immediate revenue booster.
The broader revenue strategy is also vulnerable to external shocks. Customs income depends heavily on imports, but with domestic demand suppressed and global trade flows uncertain, sustaining high revenue levels could prove difficult. Furthermore, the government’s anti-corruption narrative has inadvertently weakened internal morale, making it harder to achieve ambitious reforms without stronger institutional support.
In theory, the 2025 target has already been exceeded. But in practice, Customs’ ability to maintain momentum depends on resolving operational slowdowns, balancing anti-graft vigilance with pragmatic decision-making, and cushioning against global market fluctuations. Without addressing these structural challenges, Sri Lanka may find itself celebrating temporary revenue spikes while undermining the long-term credibility of its revenue collection system.
Gregory Lake Shines Globally, But Sri Lanka Must Lure Luxury Tourists
By: Staff Writer
September 01, Colombo (LNW): As Sri Lanka continues its efforts to revive tourism and position itself as a high-value destination, Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya has emerged as the country’s most “Instagrammable” natural attraction, according to a new global study by UK-based travel specialists Travelbag. Released in celebration of World Photography Day, the study ranked more than 50 iconic lakes worldwide using Instagram hashtags and TikTok posts, identifying the most visually striking spots for global travellers.
Gregory Lake topped Sri Lanka’s list, with 47,600 Instagram hashtags and 2,463 TikTok mentions, placing it far ahead of competitors such as Kandy Lake, which recorded 14,800 hashtags and 1,572 TikTok posts. Nestled in the cool central hills, Gregory Lake is surrounded by rolling tea plantations, colonial gardens, and mist-draped peaks, offering a serene escape for both nature enthusiasts and photo-seekers. The area’s unique blend of scenic beauty and colonial-era charm has long made Nuwara Eliya one of the island’s most popular tourist retreats.
This recognition comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. With the National People’s Power (NPP) government under pressure to boost foreign exchange earnings, the challenge lies in attracting high-spending tourists rather than relying solely on budget travellers. Analysts argue that while natural beauty and cultural heritage provide a solid foundation, the country still lacks the luxury infrastructure and premium experiences needed to appeal to affluent visitors.
Gregory Lake, for instance, has immense potential to be repositioned as a luxury eco-tourism hotspot. The lake is already a magnet during the August–September elephant gathering season at Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, where hundreds of elephants converge—a phenomenon described as one of Asia’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Pairing this experience with curated high-end tour packages, boutique stays, and experiential photography tours could elevate Sri Lanka’s offering to match regional competitors like Bali or the Maldives.
Globally, Lake Tahoe in the United States ranked first with 3.1 million Instagram hashtags and over 51,000 TikTok posts, while Canada’s Lake Louise and Lake Ontario secured the second and third spots. Against such competition, Sri Lanka’s challenge is clear: beautiful landscapes alone are not enough to capture the lucrative premium tourism market.
Industry experts stress that the NPP government must prioritise modernising infrastructure, enhancing digital marketing campaigns, and incentivising investment in high-quality accommodation and services. Sustainable tourism initiatives, improved connectivity, and streamlined visa processes are equally critical if Sri Lanka is to convert its natural beauty into economic value.
As Travelbag’s Sri Lanka specialist Sheyrl Drane notes, the country’s lakes offer not just scenery but a rare blend of wildlife, culture, and heritage. The task ahead for policymakers is to ensure Gregory Lake and its counterparts are not just Instagram favourites, but also magnets for high-spending visitors who can meaningfully boost the nation’s economic recovery.
Colombo’s Beira Lake Revival: Mega Project, Seaplanes and Eco Boats
By: Staff Writer
September 01, Colombo (LNW): The Government has made yet another ambitious attempt to revive a long-delayed mixed development project on a prime stretch of land at No. 40, D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10, with fresh Cabinet approval and a renewed push to attract high-value investors.
The property, covering 3 roods and 13.85 perches under the Urban Development Authority (UDA), has been put up for investment offers on a 99-year lease. Officials said proposals are now invited for hotels, malls, convention centres, and leisure spaces, alongside a six-to-12 metre wide linear park, children’s play areas, water recreation, and cultural zones, making the Beira Lake a modern hub of commerce and tourism.
This initiative is part of a broader government plan to transform the Beira Lake region into a thriving commercial and recreational zone through high-rise construction, green walks, and recreational amenities. However, the project comes with a chequered history of stalled investments and unrealised promises.
In 2017, a US$200 million luxury resort planned by Queensbury Leisure Ltd, owned by billionaire Dhammika Perera, was cancelled after failing to begin within the required 48 months. Later, in 2022, Japanese real estate giant Belluna Co. Ltd, which invested Rs. 4 billion with Asia Capital, pulled back citing liquidity constraints and Sri Lanka’s economic challenges.
Implementation hurdles remain. The land is still occupied by state entities such as the Excise Department, CWE warehouses, and CW Mackie PLC. Relocation talks are underway, and over 320 unauthorized settlements near the Gangaramaya Temple and railway line have already been cleared, with more than 1,000 to follow.
On the positive side, the site has strong infrastructure, with water, electricity, sewer lines, and close access to Colombo Port, Fort railway station, schools, financial hubs, and cultural landmarks. The UDA is offering payment terms on a mix of upfront and installment basis, based on the Government Chief Valuer’s assessment.
Officials remain optimistic but acknowledge that only consistent policy direction and a stable economy can restore investor confidence and prevent another round of setbacks.
Meanwhile, the government has launched parallel initiatives to revive and restore the Beira Lake itself. Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof announced trials of fully electric, solar-powered waste-collecting boats designed to clean up the historic lake. The first vessels began operational testing last week, each capable of removing up to 3,000 kilograms of floating solid waste daily. Four boats are expected to be deployed soon in collaboration with the environmental group Clean
“This is one of many projects we will soon be launching to permanently restore and revive the lake,” Yusoof said in a post on X, praising the organisation’s innovative role in eco-friendly solutions.
Adding another dimension, the Ministry of Defence has greenlit plans to reintroduce seaplane operations at the Beira Lake water aerodrome. Cinnamon Air, operated by Saffron Aviation (Pvt) Ltd, will lead the initiative, offering both scheduled and chartered flights. Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha stressed that boosting domestic aviation is key to supporting tourism and hospitality, giving travellers faster, scenic connections in and out of Colombo.
Together, these moves signal a renewed push to finally deliver on the Beira Lake’s long-touted potential turning the area into a vibrant urban, recreational, and tourism hub at the heart of Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s Green Hydrogen Push: Bold Vision or Costly Gamble for NPP?
By: Staff Writer
September 01, Colombo (LNW): The newly elected NPP government is pressing ahead with plans to develop a hydrogen economy, placing green hydrogen at the centre of its long-term energy strategy. The “National Policy on Renewable Hydrogen and Green Hydrogen Roadmap” was unveiled last week, even as Sri Lanka struggles with economic fragility, fiscal constraints, and an ongoing campaign against corruption among opposition politicians.
The Ministry of Power and Energy argues the initiative is essential for national energy security. A senior official said Sri Lanka has “little choice but to look beyond fossil fuels,” noting the country’s dependence on imported hydrocarbons has repeatedly left it vulnerable to global price shocks and supply disruptions. Green hydrogen, he argued, provides a cleaner, more secure pathway while advancing climate commitments.
The roadmap envisions hydrogen applications in industry, transport, and eventually exports. Officials highlight its potential to decarbonize heavy industry and long-haul transport, sectors difficult to electrify through solar or wind. “If we are to achieve net-zero targets, hydrogen must be part of our energy mix,” the official stressed.
But the ambition comes with a steep bill. Hydrogen production requires costly investments in infrastructure, research, and human capital. Finance Ministry officials caution that Sri Lanka must weigh long-term energy security against near-term fiscal realities. With public debt still at unsustainable levels, the ministry’s latest economic outlook states that financing must rely on foreign direct investment and concessional loans.
Safety concerns also loom. Hydrogen is highly volatile, requiring specialized storage and transmission infrastructure. Advanced training and international safety standards will be critical to avoid risks.
International experts note that Sri Lanka could benefit from first-mover advantage in Asia, with demand for green hydrogen expected to surge in Europe and regional markets. “This is not just an energy project it is an opportunity to establish a new industrial value chain, attract investment, and create jobs,” the Energy Ministry spokesperson said.
However, questions remain about feasibility under the NPP government’s governance style. While its anti-corruption drive against opposition politicians has won public support, it has also created friction with bureaucrats and private-sector investors, who are critical to executing large-scale projects. Without building confidence among international financiers and local stakeholders, critics warn the hydrogen roadmap risks becoming another ambitious plan left on paper.
For now, the government faces a balancing act: pursuing a futuristic energy agenda while ensuring macroeconomic stability and political credibility. If managed wisely, the hydrogen economy could reshape Sri Lanka’s energy landscape. But if fiscal and governance challenges persist, the project could become a costly misadventure.
The NPP government has unveiled its “National Policy on Renewable Hydrogen and Green Hydrogen Roadmap,” signalling a push to build a hydrogen economy centred on green hydrogen, despite fiscal constraints and political turbulence.
Officials say the initiative is crucial for energy security as Sri Lanka remains heavily dependent on imported hydrocarbons. A Power Ministry official said green hydrogen could secure future supplies, decarbonize industries, and support climate goals. The roadmap outlines hydrogen use in transport, industry, and exports.
Yet the cost is daunting. Hydrogen infrastructure requires heavy investment, which Finance Ministry officials admit the government cannot fund alone. Foreign direct investment and concessional financing will be essential. The Ministry’s latest outlook cautions that balancing long-term energy security with near-term fiscal stability remains a challenge.
Safety risks also pose hurdles, given hydrogen’s volatility and the need for advanced infrastructure and training. Still, proponents argue Sri Lanka’s strategic location could position it as an exporter to Asia and Europe.
Observers note that the NPP government’s tough stance against opposition corruption has created uncertainty among investors, raising doubts about whether such a capital-intensive project can be delivered.
Whether Sri Lanka’s hydrogen roadmap becomes a pillar of its green future—or a costly gamble—will depend on the government’s ability to attract investment, reassure stakeholders, and maintain political stability.
Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Arrest: Unconstitutional?
By Adolf
The arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe over alleged misuse of state funds is raising serious constitutional and political concerns. Under Sri Lanka’s 1978 Constitution, the President enjoys broad immunity for acts performed while in office. Article 35 explicitly shields the President from arrest, detention, or prosecution for official actions. Accountability for alleged violations is confined to the impeachment process under Article 41. This framework is not an anomaly—it is a carefully designed safeguard to ensure the stability of the executive and the continuity of governance, preventing politically motivated attacks on the nation’s highest office.
Official Functions
The funds at the center of this case, reportedly spent on security during official visits and state functions, fall squarely within the realm of presidential duties. These are official acts, not personal transactions. Arresting a sitting or recently retired President for such actions appears inconsistent with constitutional protections. Immunity in this context is not a privilege—it is a structural necessity, protecting the office from legal interference that could paralyze executive decision-making.
Principles
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has repeatedly underscored the principle that acts carried out in the official capacity of the President are immune from ordinary criminal proceedings. This principle is fundamental to the separation of powers and the rule of law. Circumventing it risks creating a precedent where the President—and potentially future officeholders—can be subjected to legal actions based on political motives rather than genuine criminal conduct. Such misuse of prosecutorial powers threatens both governance and public trust.
Interpretation is a must
The Supreme Court must intervene to determine whether Ranil Wickremesinghe’s arrest violates constitutional safeguards. Judicial review in this instance is not about shielding an individual; it is about protecting the Constitution itself. The Court must affirm that official acts, including security arrangements, diplomatic engagements, and expenditure of state funds, are inseparable from the duties of the Presidency. Any other interpretation risks undermining the office and destabilizing the state.Importantly, immunity does not equal impunity. The Constitution provides mechanisms for holding Presidents accountable, either through impeachment while in office or post-tenure proceedings for private acts unrelated to official duties. Ignoring this distinction weakens the foundations of constitutional governance.
Supreme Court
Ranil Wickremesinghe’s arrest, therefore, is not merely a legal matter—it is a test of Sri Lanka’s commitment to the rule of law, separation of powers, and constitutional integrity. The Supreme Court’s intervention is crucial to reaffirm that the President, while performing official functions, cannot be prosecuted through ordinary criminal processes. Protecting these principles safeguards both the dignity of the office and the stability of the nation, ensuring that politics does not override the Constitution. As Lord Denning famously said, ‘Justice must not only be done but must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.’ In the case of Ranil Wickremesinghe’s arrest, the Supreme Court must ensure that constitutional protections are upheld, demonstrating that the rule of law in Sri Lanka is both respected and visible to all.”
President Embarks on Major Development Drive in Jaffna with Focus on Sport, Fisheries, and Public Services
September 01, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is undertaking a high-profile visit to Jaffna today, marking the launch of several key development initiatives aimed at revitalising infrastructure and services in the Northern Province.
Amongst the highlights of the visit is the ceremonial commencement of construction for a new international cricket stadium—an ambitious project set to bring world-class sporting facilities to the region.
The upcoming venue, once completed, is expected to host international fixtures and provide cutting-edge training and recreational opportunities for young athletes in the North.
It also aims to serve as a focal point for community engagement through sport, strengthening social cohesion and offering economic potential through sports tourism. The groundbreaking ceremony will be followed by a public gathering at the site, where the President is expected to address local residents and stakeholders.
Earlier in the day, the President is scheduled to oversee the launch of the third phase of the Myliddy Fisheries Harbour development project.
The expansion is designed to enhance the livelihoods of fishing communities in the Northern, Eastern, and Southern maritime zones by equipping the harbour with essential infrastructure. Facilities being introduced include access to clean water and electricity, fuel stations, modern cold storage units, net mending areas, fish auction halls, and radio communication services—transforming the harbour into a fully functional maritime hub.
As part of efforts to improve access to essential government services, the President will also officially open a new regional office for the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Jaffna. Situated within the District Secretariat complex, the new facility is equipped with up-to-date systems aimed at streamlining the passport application process for residents in the North, who previously faced long travel times to access such services.
In a nod to the region’s cultural heritage and digital future, President Dissanayake will conclude his visit with the launch of a new e-Library initiative at the historic Jaffna Public Library. This programme will provide online access to a wide range of the library’s archival and contemporary collections, allowing users from across the globe to engage with its resources.
High-Security Court Session Hears Evidence in Case Against Alleged Crime Syndicate Leader
September 01, Colombo (LNW): Tight security surrounded the Colombo High Court today (01), as proceedings resumed in a criminal case involving Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne—better known by the alias “Harak Kata”—a figure long associated with organised criminal networks in Sri Lanka.
The case centres on an alleged robbery in Meethotamulla, in which the accused is said to have unlawfully entered a private residence and made off with a three-wheeler vehicle and a sum of Rs. 26,000 in cash. The incident forms part of a wider investigation into a series of crimes reportedly linked to Wickramaratne’s suspected underworld operations.
Presiding over the session, High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne oversaw the hearing of evidence presented by the prosecution. Led by Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana De Silva, two witnesses were called to the stand, both offering testimony relating to the events of the alleged robbery.
Proceedings took place under strict courtroom controls, with all entrants subject to thorough screening measures. The accused was escorted into the chamber under heavy guard, underscoring both the seriousness of the charges and the high-profile nature of the case.
Following the day’s witness examination, the judge ordered the trial to be adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for October 29.
Artificial Reef at Hambantota Port Emerges as Southern Sri Lanka’s Most Vibrant Marine Ecosystem
September 01, Colombo (LNW): A newly released study by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Ocean University of Sri Lanka has uncovered an unexpected ecological success story beneath the waters surrounding Hambantota International Port (HIP).
What began as a man-made breakwater has now transformed into a thriving underwater habitat, boasting the richest diversity of reef-associated fish recorded in the southern region of the island.
Outshining long-recognised natural sites such as Weligama, Polhena, and Thalaramba, the reef at HIP has become a biological hotspot. Using standardised swim-timed transects—surveying underwater zones 5 by 20 metres wide at shallow depths between 0.5 to 5 metres—researchers observed, identified, and classified fish by species, family, and feeding behaviour. The findings were striking.
HIP scored 2.3 on the Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (SWD), significantly surpassing Weligama (1.8), Polhena (1.6), and Thalaramba (1.1). Whilst those natural reefs still host notable marine life, they have been increasingly impacted by human activities such as overfishing, ornamental fish collection, and pollution runoff.
HIP, by contrast, benefits from a rare mix of ecological stability and minimal interference—factors which appear to have allowed marine life to flourish.
According to Dr M.F.M. Fairoz, who is leading the research, HIP is showing an ecological balance rarely observed in coastal development zones. “Globally, we’re witnessing algal overgrowth smothering coral reefs and collapsing marine food webs,” he noted. “At Hambantota, we’re seeing a reversal—an artificial reef structure hosting a balanced, self-sustaining marine ecosystem.”
At the heart of this balance is a healthy herbivore population—especially surgeonfish and damselfish—which graze on algae and prevent it from overwhelming coral colonies. This natural algae control allows coral growth and regeneration, creating structurally complex habitats that attract an even wider range of species.
The researchers recorded over eight species exclusive to HIP, including the vivid Blue Green Chromis (Chromis viridis) and Redfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus), alongside economically valuable species such as trevallies, emperors, and lobsters.
The port’s reef also appears to support local livelihoods. Fishers operating around HIP have reported increased catches, suggesting the reef may serve not only as a biodiversity haven but also as a spawning and nursery ground for commercially important fish.
A key indicator of ecological stability at HIP is its trophic diversity—the distribution of fish by feeding type. The study found that 34 per cent of observed fish were herbivores, 58 per cent carnivores, and 40 per cent omnivores, reflecting a robust and resilient food web. Coral cover at the site was measured between 30 per cent and 35 per cent—a notably high figure for the region.
What makes the site even more remarkable is that none of this was planned in the conventional sense of conservation. The breakwater was originally constructed to shield the port from strong ocean currents and waves. Yet, over time, its unique structure, combined with open ocean circulation and low pollution, created the perfect conditions for reef development.
Researchers believe HIP now presents a rare opportunity to reimagine the relationship between infrastructure and ecology. “This is more than a one-off success—it’s proof that artificial structures, when carefully sited and allowed to integrate with natural processes, can evolve into valuable ecosystems,” said the research team.
The findings could have far-reaching implications, potentially influencing how ports and coastal infrastructure are designed not only in Sri Lanka but around the world. With global coastlines under increasing pressure, HIP serves as a blueprint for harmonising economic development with environmental stewardship.
Plans are already being discussed to establish long-term monitoring, education programmes, and eco-tourism initiatives centred around the reef. There is also growing interest in exploring HIP as a site for sustainable fisheries and marine science outreach.
As researchers continue to study its seasonal patterns and species behaviour, the reef at Hambantota International Port has emerged as something far greater than a protective barrier—it has become a living example of how human engineering and ecological resilience can, under the right circumstances, coexist and thrive.