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Heavy Rains Trigger Reservoir Spill Operations Across Several Regions

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Heavy Rains Trigger Reservoir Spill Operations Across Several Regions

May 10, Colombo (LNW): Persistent rainfall across many parts of the country has led to a significant rise in water levels at major reservoirs, prompting authorities to activate spill operations at several irrigation tanks to prevent overflow and safeguard infrastructure.

The Department of Irrigation confirmed that nine large reservoirs and five medium-scale reservoirs under its management are currently discharging excess water following days of intense rain.

Director of Irrigation and Water Management, H.M.D.P.S.D. Herath, stated that among the reservoirs now spilling are the Lunugamwehera Reservoir, Weheragala Reservoir, Rajanganaya Reservoir and Deduru Oya Reservoir.

Officials said six spill gates at the Lunugamwehera Reservoir have been opened, allowing more than 4,000 cubic feet of water per second to flow into the Kirindi Oya. At the same time, six gates at the Weheragala Reservoir are releasing in excess of 1,400 cubic feet of water each second into the Menik Ganga.

Meanwhile, the Rajanganaya Reservoir has opened eight spill gates, sending over 9,300 cubic feet of water per second downstream into the Kala Oya. Four gates at the Deduru Oya Reservoir have also been activated, releasing around 5,500 cubic feet of water per second into the Deduru Oya.

In addition, controlled water releases have begun at the Alikota Ara Reservoir, where three spill gates are currently open and more than 500 cubic feet of water per second is being discharged into the Kirindi Oya basin.

Authorities have advised communities living in low-lying areas and settlements situated downstream of these reservoirs to remain vigilant, particularly in areas vulnerable to sudden rises in water levels. Residents have also been encouraged to pay close attention to official notices and weather updates as rainfall conditions continue to evolve.

The Irrigation Department warned that spill volumes may be revised depending on further rainfall and inflow levels in the coming days, noting that reservoir operations are being monitored continuously to minimise flood risks and ensure public safety.

Government Launches New Digital Reform Network Across Public Institutions

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Government Launches New Digital Reform Network Across Public Institutions

May 10, Colombo (LNW): The Government is preparing to roll out a nationwide initiative aimed at accelerating digital modernisation throughout Sri Lanka’s public sector as part of its broader Digital Economy Strategy.

The programme, titled the Public Impact Champions Network (PIC-Net), is expected to strengthen institutional efficiency while improving the standard and accessibility of public services delivered to citizens.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), instructions regarding the implementation of the initiative have already been communicated to Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, heads of departments and leaders of State-owned bodies through an official circular issued by Presidential Secretary Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Under the new framework, selected Government institutions will nominate four officers each to act as digital transformation representatives within their organisations. These officers will work together to encourage innovation, modernise administrative processes and improve the overall public service experience through greater use of technology.

Authorities believe the initiative will help create a more responsive and digitally capable public sector by streamlining workflows, strengthening coordination and promoting more efficient service delivery mechanisms.

The appointed officers will undergo specialised training programmes focusing on areas including digital governance, process redesign, organisational change management and service improvement strategies. The initiative will also feature hands-on workshops, mentoring sessions and expert-led guidance designed to build practical skills.

Officials said the long-term objective is to establish a countrywide network of nearly 400 digital transformation leaders who will continue to support innovation within their respective institutions even after the formal programme concludes. The network is also expected to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Government bodies to ensure sustained institutional development.

The programme will be jointly overseen by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Digital Economy and GovTech Sri Lanka, which will coordinate implementation and provide strategic guidance.

Meanwhile, with financial and technical backing from the Asian Development Bank, a team of management consultants has been appointed to support the execution of the programme, including the evaluation and selection of nominees submitted by public institutions.

Atmospheric disturbance likely to develop into low-pressure area: Showers expected to continue (May 10)

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Atmospheric disturbance likely to develop into low-pressure area: Showers expected to continue (May 10)

May 10, Colombo (LNW): The low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka is likely to develop into a low-pressure area around May 11, and therefore, the prevailing showery conditions over the island are expected to continue during the next few days, the Department of Meteorology said today (10).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places over the island, and cloudy skies are expected over the island.

Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva, North-western and Northern provinces and in Anuradhapura district.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damage caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain: Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas around the island.

Winds: Winds will be South-westerly or variable in direction. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.

State of Sea: The sea areas around the island can be Slight to moderate.

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

Sir David Attenborough at 100 — Still Not OutA Century at the Crease in Service to Humanity

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Sir David Attenborough at 100 — Still Not OutA Century at the Crease in Service to Humanity

By: Roger Srivasan

May 09, LNW (Colombo): Today, Sir David Attenborough reaches a milestone that transcends mere longevity. At one hundred years of age, he stands not only as Britain’s most beloved natural historian, but as one of the most revered voices humanity has ever produced. In cricketing parlance, Sir David is 100 not out — still poised gracefully at the crease, still commanding admiration across the pavilion of nations, and still contributing immeasurably to mankind with the same quiet brilliance that has defined his extraordinary innings.
For those of us in Britain, Sir David is far more than a broadcaster or television personality. He is a national treasure in the truest sense of the term — cherished not through pomp or spectacle, but through wisdom, humility, and unwavering authenticity. Generations grew up hearing that unmistakable voice narrate the splendours of the natural world, transforming distant rainforests, oceans, deserts, and frozen wildernesses into places of intimacy and wonder within our own homes. Across continents and cultures alike, he became a universal educator whose lessons transcended politics, religion, race, and class.
Born in 1926 in Isleworth, England, David Attenborough’s fascination with nature manifested itself from an early age. As a child, he collected fossils, stones, and natural specimens with the same enthusiasm that other boys reserved for toys and games. That profound curiosity would become the compass guiding the remainder of his life.
His academic years at University of Cambridge, where he studied Natural Sciences, refined an already formidable intellect. Yet academia alone could never have contained the breadth of his gifts. He possessed not merely scientific understanding, but the rare ability to communicate complexity with elegance, clarity, and warmth — an ability that would eventually elevate him into one of the greatest broadcasters in history.
When Sir David joined the BBC⁠� in the early 1950s, television itself was still evolving. Few could have imagined that this modest young producer would one day redefine natural history broadcasting for the entire world. Programmes such as Zoo Quest, Life on Earth, The Living Planet, The Blue Planet, and Planet Earth were not simply documentaries; they were revelations. Under his stewardship, television ceased to be mere entertainment and became an instrument of enlightenment.
Sir David accomplished something astonishingly rare: he restored wonder to modern civilisation. In an age increasingly consumed by haste, cynicism, and distraction, he persuaded humanity to pause and marvel at creation itself. Through his narration, the migration of monarch butterflies resembled poetry in motion; the hunting sequence of a snow leopard carried the tension of classical drama; and the delicate rhythms of coral reefs appeared as symphonies unfolding beneath the sea. Even the humblest insect acquired dignity beneath the gaze of his camera.
Yet Sir David’s greatness lies not solely in his eloquence or scholarship. In the later decades of his life, he emerged as perhaps the world’s most respected moral witness to environmental decline. Having spent a century observing Earth’s ecosystems firsthand, he spoke not as an ideologue, but as a deeply informed custodian of planetary memory. His warnings regarding climate change, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity collapse were delivered not with theatrical alarmism, but with sober authority and profound sincerity.
There is something deeply reassuring about Sir David’s presence in public life. At a time when noise often masquerades as leadership, he demonstrated that gentleness and civility may carry greater force than bombast. He never sought celebrity for its own sake, never indulged in vanity, nor allowed intellectual gravitas to curdle into arrogance. Instead, he remained throughout his life a figure of immense probity, curiosity, and grace.
Indeed, Sir David represents the very entelechy of human wisdom — the fullest flowering of intellect fused with humility, compassion, and moral purpose. He belongs to that exceedingly rare class of individuals whose influence enlarges the conscience of civilisation itself. Through decades of steadfast dedication, he not only documented the living world, but also reminded humanity of its sacred obligation to protect it.
And so, as Sir David Attenborough celebrates his hundredth year, the world rises in collective applause for an innings unlike any other. Few lives have educated so many, inspired so deeply, or served humanity with such unwavering dignity. His century has not merely been a personal triumph; it has been an enduring gift to the Earth and to generations yet unborn.
Long may he remain at the crease. For while others entertained the world, Sir David Attenborough helped humanity rediscover reverence — for nature, for knowledge, and ultimately, for life itself.

Sri Lanka’s Biggest US Trade Mission Sparks Investment Optimism

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Sri Lanka’s Biggest US Trade Mission Sparks Investment Optimism

Sri Lanka has launched its largest-ever corporate delegation to the United States, signalling a major shift in Colombo’s strategy to revive economic growth through stronger international investment partnerships. Fourteen leading entrepreneurs and business executives are currently participating in the prestigious SelectUSA Investment Summit, an annual forum organised by the United States Department of Commerce to attract global investment into the United States.

According to statements released by the Embassy of the United States in Sri Lanka, the delegation represents the largest Sri Lankan business presence ever assembled for the summit. The mission aims to build commercial partnerships, strengthen bilateral economic ties, and position Sri Lanka as a competitive player in emerging global industries.

The delegation’s participation comes at a crucial moment for Sri Lanka’s fragile economy, which continues to recover from its worst financial crisis in decades. Analysts say the country urgently requires foreign direct investment, export diversification, and access to advanced technologies to stabilise growth and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Business leaders attending the summit are reportedly exploring opportunities in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, logistics, digital services, renewable energy, and business process outsourcing. These sectors are viewed as critical growth engines capable of transforming Sri Lanka into a regional investment and innovation hub.

Economists note that stronger commercial engagement with the United States could generate several long-term benefits for Sri Lanka. Increased American investment may improve foreign exchange inflows, support local industries, strengthen export competitiveness, and expand access to global supply chains. The US market also offers Sri Lankan companies exposure to advanced research, technological innovation, and higher-value consumer markets.

Supporters of the initiative believe the summit provides Sri Lankan firms with direct access to investors, policymakers, and regional economic agencies that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Such networking opportunities could pave the way for joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and market expansion initiatives capable of boosting investor confidence in Sri Lanka.

However, critics caution that overseas investment missions alone cannot guarantee economic transformation. Some analysts argue that Sri Lanka must first address domestic structural weaknesses, including policy inconsistency, corruption concerns, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and political instability. Without comprehensive reforms, attracting sustained foreign investment could remain challenging despite growing international engagement.

There are also concerns that smaller local enterprises may struggle to compete if economic liberalisation accelerates too rapidly. Trade unions and economic observers warn that foreign investment should be carefully managed to ensure local industries, labour protections, and national economic interests are safeguarded.

Despite these concerns, many experts view the record-sized delegation as an encouraging sign that Sri Lanka is actively rebuilding international economic confidence. By strengthening commercial diplomacy and engaging directly with one of the world’s largest economies, the country hopes to create new pathways for growth, innovation, and long-term economic resilience.

As global competition for investment intensifies, Sri Lanka’s success will ultimately depend on whether these discussions translate into tangible projects, employment generation, and sustained economic recovery back home.

Renewable Power Firms Sound Alarm over Rs.10bn crisis

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Renewable Power Firms Sound Alarm over Rs.10bn crisis

Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector has warned of a deepening financial crisis, accusing authorities of failing to settle billions of rupees owed for electricity already supplied to the national grid. Industry leaders say the mounting debt now threatens the survival of hundreds of local renewable energy companies and could push the country back toward costly fossil fuel dependence.

At a media briefing yesterday, the Federation of Renewable Energy Developers (FRED) called on the Finance Ministry and the Treasury to urgently release at least half of the Rs. 10 billion outstanding payments owed by the National System Operator Ltd. (NSO). According to the association, the unpaid balance has continued to rise since December 2025, increasing by nearly Rs. 2.5 billion every month.

FRED President Manjula Perera said the payment breakdown began after coal power shortages forced the electricity sector to rely heavily on diesel and heavy fuel plants to bridge supply gaps of 100 to 150 megawatts daily. He alleged that available funds were being diverted primarily toward thermal power producers, leaving renewable suppliers unpaid for months.

Perera argued that the situation highlights the growing economic burden of fossil fuel generation. With diesel prices nearing Rs. 500 per litre and international tensions involving Iran and the United States driving fuel prices higher, thermal electricity generation costs have reportedly climbed close to or beyond Rs. 100 per kilowatt-hour. In contrast, he said renewable power generation costs the country only a fraction of that amount.

Industry representatives claimed Sri Lanka currently spends almost Rs. 1 billion each day on thermal generation, while equivalent renewable energy production would cost roughly Rs. 150 million. Despite this, developers allege they are being sidelined in the payment process.

FRED estimates that nearly 1,100 megawatts of renewable energy capacity is now under severe financial pressure. This includes more than 130 ground-mounted solar facilities, over 220 mini-hydro projects, several wind farms, and other renewable plants supplying electricity nationwide.

The industry body also accused the NSO of failing to maintain communication with developers. Perera claimed repeated requests for meetings had gone unanswered, further intensifying tensions between the sector and the system operator.

Beyond delayed payments, renewable energy companies say they are suffering massive losses due to power curtailment measures imposed during Sundays and public holidays. Since February 2025, generation cuts between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. have reportedly cost the sector between Rs. 2 billion and Rs. 2.5 billion every month.

FRED member Kishan Nanayakkara warned that both payment delays and routine curtailments may violate legally binding power purchase agreements. He described the situation as a “technical sovereign default,” arguing that because the NSO operates under state control, the Government ultimately bears responsibility for the unpaid obligations.

Other industry representatives questioned the financial structure created after the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board, noting that electricity tariffs approved by regulators already include renewable energy costs. They asked why developers remain unpaid despite consumers continuing to pay for electricity.

FRED cautioned that continued defaults could collapse investor confidence, stall future renewable projects, and jeopardise planned battery storage investments. The group warned that if renewable firms fail, Sri Lanka may once again become heavily dependent on expensive imported fuel to meet growing electricity demand.

Festive Welfare Payment Chaos Raises Administrative Competence Issues

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Festive Welfare Payment Chaos Raises Administrative Competence Issues

The Government’s admission that duplicate Aswesuma welfare payments totaling nearly Rs. 250 million were mistakenly distributed to beneficiaries has triggered a wider debate about the competence of Sri Lanka’s public financial administration under the JVP-led National People’s Power administration. Coming shortly after the highly publicized Treasury phishing scandal involving losses of $ 2.5 million, the latest controversy has deepened fears over the country’s fragile digital governance systems and the effectiveness of those entrusted with managing them.

The Welfare Benefits Board stated that the duplication occurred after a payment list was uploaded twice while processing special festive allowances for Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. Although officials blamed severe time pressure and last-minute policy decisions, analysts say the explanation exposes dangerous weaknesses in internal controls that should never exist within a national welfare payment system.

Nearly 50,000 beneficiaries reportedly withdrew the duplicate funds before authorities managed to suspend the transactions. The Government now intends to recover the money from future welfare payments, creating uncertainty for already struggling low-income households. Critics argue that ordinary citizens should not bear the burden of administrative negligence originating within State institutions.

Financial experts point out that modern digital payment systems are designed specifically to prevent such incidents through layered verification procedures, automated duplication detection, and supervisory approval systems. The fact that nearly Rs. 500 million could move through State channels without immediate detection has raised serious questions about the preparedness and professionalism of those operating Sri Lanka’s financial infrastructure.

Attention has increasingly focused on the appointments made to key economic and administrative positions since the current Government came to power. Opposition politicians, trade unions, and independent observers allege that some institutions are now being managed by individuals lacking sufficient technical training and experience in financial governance. Critics further claim that communication shortcomings, including inadequate English-language proficiency in certain departments, may be hampering coordination with banking systems, international consultants, and cybersecurity specialists.

In an economy still recovering from sovereign default, such shortcomings carry significant risks. Sri Lanka’s financial administration depends heavily on coordination with global lenders, digital service providers, and foreign banking institutions where English remains the primary operational language. Analysts warn that weak administrative capacity could undermine confidence among investors and development partners already monitoring the country’s fragile recovery process.

Civil organizations have also demanded a broader forensic audit of public payment systems, arguing that repeated “technical errors” indicate a systemic failure rather than isolated mistakes. Previous incidents involving incorrect salary payments, foreign remittance irregularities, and cybersecurity breaches had already highlighted persistent weaknesses inside State financial institutions.

The latest Aswesuma controversy has therefore become more than a welfare payment issue. It has evolved into a public test of the Government’s ability to manage sensitive financial systems during a period of economic hardship and political transition.

For many observers, the scandal illustrates how rushed policymaking, weak oversight, and inexperienced administration can combine to produce costly failures. Unless stronger controls, qualified personnel, and transparent accountability mechanisms are introduced, analysts warn that similar incidents could continue to erode public trust in Sri Lanka’s already strained financial governance framework.

PayPal finally arrives in Sri Lanka after Years of Delays and Debate

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PayPal finally arrives in Sri Lanka after Years of Delays and Debate

After years of uncertainty, stalled negotiations, and repeated public demand, PayPal is finally preparing to enter Sri Lanka’s digital financial ecosystem on 15 May. The global online payment platform is expected to initially launch its inward payment facility for exporters through a regulated business-to-business (B2B) framework, marking a major turning point for the country’s digital economy.

According to banking and Government sources, the first phase will focus on enabling exporters and selected businesses to receive international payments directly into Sri Lankan banking channels.

Several local banks have reportedly already been appointed as service agents, while officials from the banking sector have attended awareness and familiarisation sessions ahead of the launch.

PayPal representatives are also understood to have visited Sri Lanka recently to hold discussions with local financial institutions and policymakers regarding operational and regulatory arrangements.

The long-awaited move follows months of negotiations between the Government, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), and private sector stakeholders. Digital Economy Ministry officials have previously described the initiative as a significant milestone in modernising Sri Lanka’s payment infrastructure and integrating local businesses with the global digital economy.

For thousands of freelancers, software developers, online consultants, digital marketers, designers, and small exporters, the arrival of PayPal could remove one of the biggest barriers to participating in international commerce.

Until now, many Sri Lankans were unable to legally receive funds through PayPal due to restrictions on inward remittances. As a result, some users reportedly depended on foreign addresses, overseas bank accounts, or proxy arrangements to access global clients, often causing foreign exchange leakages and limiting financial transparency.

Economists believe the new inward payment mechanism could encourage more foreign currency inflows into Sri Lanka’s formal banking system at a time when the country continues to recover from a severe economic crisis. Increased digital remittances may also help improve liquidity in the banking sector while supporting export-oriented service industries, particularly in the growing freelance and IT sectors.

However, concerns remain over whether the launch will fully satisfy public expectations. Sources indicate that the initial rollout may only support inward payments for businesses and exporters rather than complete personal PayPal functionality. This means ordinary consumers may still face restrictions when attempting to send or receive personal payments internationally.

Questions also remain regarding taxation, foreign exchange conversion regulations, anti-money laundering safeguards, and transaction monitoring. The CBSL is expected to maintain strict regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange laws and financial security requirements.

Analysts say the Central Bank is likely to adopt a cautious approach during the initial phase, balancing digital financial expansion with concerns over illicit transactions, capital flight, and cyber fraud.

Despite these reservations, many industry observers view PayPal’s arrival as a long-overdue reform capable of strengthening Sri Lanka’s digital economy, formalising online earnings, and improving confidence among international clients dealing with Sri Lankan businesses.

 If successfully implemented and gradually expanded, the platform could become an important tool in increasing foreign exchange earnings while accelerating the country’s transition toward a modern digital financial system.

Govt Plans Centralized System to Regulate Use of ‘Professor’ and ‘Doctor’ Titles

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Govt Plans Centralized System to Regulate Use of ‘Professor’ and ‘Doctor’ Titles

Higher Education and Education Deputy Minister Dr. Madura Seneviratne told Parliament yesterday that the government is taking major steps to centralize the registration of all degree-granting institutions, including state, private, and non-governmental institutions, in order to regulate the use of academic titles such as “Professor” and “Doctor” and prevent misuse.

He stated that a new regulatory mechanism is being developed to bring all such institutions under a centralized monitoring system overseen by the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

According to the Deputy Minister, the UGC has mandated that the title “Professor” may only be used by individuals currently serving at a university. Retired or resigned academics would not be permitted to use the title unless officially recognized as Emeritus Professors.

He further noted that honorary titles may still be awarded and that academic titles can continue to be used if formally approved by university governing bodies.

Dr. Seneviratne said the UGC is also developing legal frameworks to address the misuse of doctoral and professorial titles, with the aim of ensuring that such designations are used only by properly qualified and actively serving individuals.

The proposed measures include mechanisms to investigate unearned or improperly used titles and potentially prohibit their use in public or official contexts, treating misrepresentation as a form of fraud.

He warned that if these standards cannot be effectively implemented, stricter restrictions may be introduced to prevent the misuse of academic titles.

The Deputy Minister made these remarks in response to a private member’s motion presented by SJB MP Rohana Bandara, who called on the government to formulate a course of action to prevent the misuse of the titles “Professor” and “Doctor” in society.

Dr. Seneviratne stated that the government is committed to working through the UGC to establish a proper framework to address the issue.

Namal Rajapaksa Cites Kapila Chandrasena Affidavit Alleging Intimidation by Investigators

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Namal Rajapaksa Cites Kapila Chandrasena Affidavit Alleging Intimidation by Investigators

An affidavit submitted by former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, alleging that his earlier statement to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) was obtained under intimidation, has been released to the media by his lawyers.

The development follows submissions made by CIABOC before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, where the commission stated that Chandrasena had claimed Rs. 60 million from funds linked to the Airbus deal had been paid to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

According to court submissions, Chandrasena had reportedly stated that the amount was paid on three separate occasions. He had also allegedly claimed that an additional Rs. 20 million was paid to former Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne.

Meanwhile, Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa alleged that Chandrasena had been subjected to pressure and intimidation by investigative authorities prior to his alleged suicide death.

Speaking at a media briefing, Rajapaksa claimed that investigators pressured Chandrasena to make statements implicating former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and members of the Rajapaksa family.

He further alleged that Chandrasena had been threatened with imprisonment and mentally harassed in an attempt to obtain statements aligned with what investigators allegedly wanted.

Namal Rajapaksa also accused the government of misusing state institutions, including the Police and investigative agencies, for political purposes.

He stated that while those accused of wrongdoing should face fair investigations, authorities should not resort to intimidation, threats, or coercion during the investigative process.

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