March 19, Colombo (LNW): Opposition legislators have formally tabled a motion of no confidence against the Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody, escalating political tensions over the country’s energy sector.
The document was presented to the Speaker of Parliament earlier today by Chief Opposition Whip Gayanta Karunathilaka. It has reportedly secured the backing of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, alongside members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and several other opposition figures, signalling a coordinated effort to challenge the minister’s position.
In the motion, the Opposition accuses the Energy Minister of failing in his core responsibility to guarantee the timely procurement of adequate, high-quality coal supplies for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai. They argue that this alleged lapse has jeopardised the stability of a vital national power source, and amounts to a serious dereliction of ministerial duty.
The document further highlights ongoing legal troubles faced by the minister. It notes that he has been indicted before the Colombo High Court by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) under provisions of the Bribery Act, in connection with an alleged corrupt act during his tenure as Procurement Manager at the Ceylon Fertiliser Company Limited.
Opposition Moves to Unseat Energy Minister Amid Allegations of Mismanagement
Global Well-being Index Reveals Deepening Discontent in Sri Lanka
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March 19, Colombo (LNW): The latest findings from the 2026 World Happiness Report have painted a somber picture for Sri Lanka, which has descended to 134th place out of 147 surveyed territories.
With a marginal decline from its previous standing, the island nation now shares its position with Ethiopia, registering a dismal well-being score of 4.0.
This downward trend places the country significantly behind its regional peers; while Pakistan and Bangladesh enjoy notably higher levels of public satisfaction, even India maintains a superior lead at 116th.
Analysts suggest that the persistent combination of economic instability and social friction continues to erode the quality of life for the average citizen. However, the 2026 study—released this Thursday under United Nations’ auspices—introduces a modern culprit for the global dip in morale: the pervasive influence of digital platforms.
The report underscores a direct correlation between compulsive social media consumption and a sharp rise in psychological distress, particularly among the youth.
This digital malaise has hit Western nations particularly hard, with the United States, Australia, and Canada seeing a dramatic slump in the happiness of those under 25, sparking urgent calls for tighter government regulation of tech giants.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Northern Europe remains the gold standard for societal contentment. Finland has secured its ninth consecutive year at the summit, closely shadowed by Iceland and Denmark.
Perhaps the most striking success story of the year is Costa Rica, which surged to an unprecedented fourth place. This achievement marks the highest ranking ever recorded for a Latin American nation, proving that high life satisfaction can be achieved outside of the traditional wealthy European block.
Streamlined fuel permit resets launched to assist motorists with outdated registration data
March 19, Colombo (LNW): A significant update to the national fuel rationing system has been rolled out today (19), aimed at resolving long-standing technical hurdles for vehicle owners.
The Ministry of Digital Economy has introduced a streamlined “Override” facility designed specifically for drivers who found themselves locked out of the digital platform due to disconnected mobile numbers or previous owners failing to de-register their vehicles.
Previously, motorists who acquired second-hand cars or changed their personal phone contracts often faced a bureaucratic nightmare when attempting to update their records. The updated protocol effectively removes these administrative bottlenecks by allowing the current keeper to bypass old data.
By simply providing the vehicle’s registration plate and the unique chassis number for identity verification, users can now instantly nullify any legacy accounts linked to their asset.
Once this override is triggered, the system automatically wipes all historical data and previous privileges associated with the former mobile number, immediately activating a fresh profile for the current applicant.
This ensures that the rightful owner gains seamless access to their essential fuel QR codes without needing to track down previous proprietors or navigate complex manual resets.
Ministry officials noted that this digitised self-service approach is expected to significantly reduce the footfall at regional offices and provide a more user-friendly experience for the motoring public.
Washington bolsters Indian Ocean ties as high-ranking diplomat lands in Colombo
March 19, Colombo (LNW): A pivotal diplomatic mission is currently underway across the Indian Ocean as Sergio Gor, the United States Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, commenced a multi-day tour of Sri Lanka and the Maldives this Thursday. According to American officials in Colombo, the visit, which concludes on 24 March, serves as a cornerstone for deepening regional security and economic integration.
In Sri Lanka, Mr Gor is scheduled for a series of high-level consultations with government frontbenchers. These discussions are intended to solidify the long-standing partnership between Washington and Colombo, with a specific focus on maritime stability. By prioritising the protection of essential shipping routes and the modernisation of port security, the mission aims to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains a transparent and lucrative corridor for international trade. Beyond security, the delegation is expected to pitch fresh frameworks for bilateral commerce that promise to stimulate growth for both American and Sri Lankan enterprises.
Following the proceedings in Colombo, the Special Envoy will travel to the Maldives to engage with senior leadership. This leg of the journey holds significant symbolic weight as it marks six decades of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations. While there, Mr Gor will explore avenues for American investment in the Maldives’ burgeoning infrastructure sector and seek to expand existing security protocols. This strategic push highlights the United States’ commitment to supporting the economic sovereignty of island nations while fostering a stable, prosperous maritime environment.
Fuel QR Code Glitches Set for Swift Resolution as Demand Surges
March 19, Colombo (LNW): Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake has assured Parliament that technical difficulties surrounding the fuel QR code system will be largely resolved by today, with a complete return to normalcy anticipated by tomorrow.
Addressing lawmakers, the Minister observed an unusual spike in fuel usage across several districts, with consumption in some areas nearly doubling typical levels. He suggested that this surge has placed added strain on both distribution networks and fuel station storage capacities.
Rathnayake explained that the majority of QR code access issues have arisen due to mismatched records—particularly among motorists using older vehicles registered under newly acquired phone numbers, as well as newer vehicles tied to outdated contact details. He indicated that corrective measures are already underway to rectify these discrepancies within hours.
In contrast, those whose vehicle and contact details are consistently matched—either both old or both new—have reportedly experienced no disruptions.
Providing further context, the Minister noted that the QR system initially recorded around seven million users in 2023, with projections indicating a modest rise to approximately 7.2 million this year. At present, about 5.5 million users are actively registered. He also revealed that authorities recently purged nearly 2.7 million obsolete entries from the database in a rapid clean-up operation lasting just two days, aimed at improving system efficiency.
Meanwhile, certain filling stations have reported sales volumes reaching up to two-and-a-half times their usual levels. Rathnayake cautioned that such demand could create temporary logistical challenges but urged the public to remain calm, stressing that supplies remain sufficient.
He added that while the QR system is capable of independently managing fuel distribution, the temporary introduction of an “odd-even” system has helped ease congestion and prevent excessive demand.
The Minister also clarified that motorists without number plates are not excluded from accessing fuel. They may present alternative documentation—such as a revenue licence, emission test certificate, vehicle registration book, or insurance papers—to verify their vehicle details.
Looking ahead, Rathnayake confirmed that once stability is restored, authorities will begin cracking down on any misuse or fraudulent practices linked to fuel distribution, ensuring stricter compliance moving forward.
MP Alleges Illegal Charge for Fuel Without QR Code in Colombo
By: Puli
March 19, LNW (Colombo): A fuel station in Thimbirigasyaya has reportedly demanded Rs. 3,000 from a motorist to issue fuel without a valid QR code, G. D. Sooriyabandara told Parliament.
Raising the issue, the MP highlighted concerns over possible misuse and irregularities at certain filling stations, particularly involving the QR-based fuel distribution system introduced to manage supply and prevent shortages.
Responding to the allegation, Bimal Rathnayake acknowledged that such incidents could occur in isolated cases but assured that corrective measures are being implemented. He emphasized that ongoing efforts to resolve technical and operational issues related to the QR code system would help eliminate such practices from now on.
The Minister further noted that authorities are strengthening monitoring mechanisms and encouraging the public to report any irregular activities at fuel stations. He warned that strict action would be taken against those found violating regulations.
The QR-based fuel distribution system, introduced during the fuel crisis, was designed to ensure fair access and prevent hoarding. However, recent complaints suggest that loopholes may still be exploited by a minority of operators.
Officials have urged motorists to adhere to the system and avoid engaging in unauthorized transactions, while also assuring that improvements are being made to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Fuel Prices Likely to Rise Again Amid Global Cost Pressures
By: Puli
March 19, LNW (Colombo): Fuel prices in Sri Lanka are expected to increase again by the end of this month or in early April, according to informed sources at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.
Officials indicate that the upcoming hike could exceed the most recent price revision, mainly due to higher import duties linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. In addition to global oil price fluctuations, increased shipping costs and rising insurance premiums are also expected to push prices upward.
Sources estimate that the adjustment could range between 5 and 10 percent.
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation last revised fuel prices on March 10 in response to escalating global fuel costs amid regional tensions.
Under the current pricing structure, Auto Diesel is priced at Rs. 303 per litre, Super Diesel at Rs. 353, Petrol 92 Octane at Rs. 317, Petrol 95 Octane at Rs. 365, and Kerosene at Rs. 195.
Sri Lanka, Qatar Leaders Urge Calm as Middle East Tensions Raise Global Concerns
By: Puli
March 19, LNW (Colombo): Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a telephone discussion with Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to review the evolving situation and its global implications, according to the President’s Media Division.
During the conversation, President Dissanayake inquired about the safety and well-being of nearly 150,000 Sri Lankans residing in Qatar, expressing solidarity with the Qatari people. The Emir assured that all residents, including Sri Lankan nationals, remain safe and secure under current conditions.
The two leaders also discussed broader challenges linked to the crisis, including possible disruptions to global supply chains and energy markets. Particular attention was drawn to risks surrounding key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
President Dissanayake emphasized the need for strong international coordination to minimize economic fallout, especially for developing countries like Sri Lanka, which are vulnerable to rising energy costs.
Reaffirming Qatar’s position as a reliable energy supplier, the Emir pledged continued stability in energy exports despite ongoing challenges.
Both leaders voiced concern over the wider impact on regional and global stability and stressed the urgent need to ease tensions, avoid further military escalation, and prioritize diplomatic dialogue.
President Dissanayake reiterated Sri Lanka’s firm support for peaceful engagement as the only sustainable path toward long-term stability.
Island-Wide Showers Expected with Heavy Rain in Some Areas – (March 19)
LNW (Colombo): Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.
Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Ampara district.
Showers may occur in the Northern and Eastern provinces during the morning too.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Western 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.
Importance of a credible Leader of the Opposition
In any functioning democracy, the office of the Leader of the Opposition occupies a position of immense responsibility. It is not merely a ceremonial title granted to the head of the largest party outside Government but an institutional pillar that sustains democratic accountability. The Opposition Leader must act as the Government-in-waiting, providing scrutiny, presenting alternative policy visions, and ensuring that those in power are held accountable. When this office is weakened by incompetence or lack of credibility, the consequences extend far beyond individual political reputations and affect the health of the entire democratic system.
Hardly anyone who has met Sajith Premadasa has left with the impression that the man is an intellectual. That may sound harsh, but it is a sentiment long shared privately among individuals who have interacted with him closely, including diplomats and political observers. For years, such concerns remained largely confined to private conversations. However, recent utterances by him suggest that these intellectual shortcomings are increasingly entering the public domain and becoming a liability not only to him but to the fragile democratic system.
As the country faced a delicate diplomatic challenge on the international stage with the sinking of an Iranian vessel just beyond our territorial waters, creating a complicated situation that required the delicate balance between humanitarian assistance amidst significant geopolitical pressure, the national political leadership, both Government and Opposition, had to demonstrate maturity, restraint, and a clear understanding of international relations.
Yet the contribution from the Leader of the Opposition to this sensitive discussion in parliament was to demand that the Government disclose the type of submarine involved and the specific torpedo used in the attack. Such a demand betrayed a startling lack of understanding of basic diplomatic and security realities and the limitations of our own military which is known to even a school child. This unhinged display of juvenile political behaviour might have been amusing under different circumstances. But it is far from humorous when it comes from the individual who occupies one of the most important offices in a parliamentary democracy.
The Leader of the Opposition is meant to serve as the alternative leader of a Government in waiting. The office exists to ensure that governments are constantly challenged by credible leadership capable of presenting coherent alternatives. Without such pressure, governments inevitably grow complacent, as witnessed in the past. Failures to build a compelling national alternative allowed the Rajapaksa autocracy to thrive.
Today, there is a real danger of repeating the same mistake. Sajith Premadasa’s political career has been marked by repeated electoral defeats and a series of public statements that frequently border on the absurd. These episodes raise legitimate questions about his ability to embody the role of a national leader in waiting. Leadership of the opposition requires intellectual seriousness, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire confidence both domestically and internationally. It is increasingly evident that Premadasa struggles to meet those standards.
For the sake of Sri Lanka’s democracy, this reality cannot be ignored. The office of Leader of the Opposition must be more than a platform for political theatrics or rhetorical missteps. It must be an institution capable of presenting the electorate with a credible alternative Government.
DAILY FT