By: Staff Writer

April 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is entering a decisive demographic turning point, one that could quietly reshape its economic future far more than any short-term fiscal crisis. The latest population data reveals not just how many people live in the country, but who they are and more importantly, who will be missing from the workforce in the years ahead.

The population now stands at 21.78 million, but the real story lies in its ageing structure. Nearly 18% of citizens are over 60, while the child population has fallen to just over one-fifth. With an Aging Index of 87, the country is approaching a balance where the elderly nearly match the young a stark reversal from past decades.

This shift is driven by a persistently low fertility rate of 1.3, well below the level needed to sustain population replacement. At the same time, the median age has climbed to 35, signaling a society that is no longer youthful but steadily maturing. The implications are clear: a shrinking pipeline of future workers and a rising burden on those who remain economically active.

However even within the existing working-age population, inefficiencies are glaring. Although 61.3% of Sri Lankans fall within working age, less than half actively participate in the labour force. Structural barriers—not a lack of opportunity alone are at play. Many women remain outside formal employment due to caregiving responsibilities, while a significant portion of men are still in prolonged education or lack market-ready skills.

Compounding this issue is a cultural and technological shift among younger generations. Increasingly absorbed in mobile phones and social media, many youths are disengaged from skill-building pathways that lead to productive employment. Digital literacy may be rising, but it does not necessarily translate into technical competence or professional readiness. This creates a paradox: a connected generation that is not fully equipped to contribute meaningfully to economic growth.

Meanwhile, the country faces a growing social care burden. Over 640,000 people live alone, with a majority being elderly women. Chronic illnesses are widespread, particularly among older populations, placing further strain on healthcare systems and public finances.

However, within this challenge lies an overlooked opportunity. Sri Lanka’s elderly population is not merely dependent it is also experienced, skilled, and potentially invaluable. Many retirees possess decades of professional, technical, and administrative expertise that remain untapped.

Countries like Japan have demonstrated how ageing societies can still thrive economically by integrating senior citizens into advisory and mentorship roles. In Japan, retired professionals actively support policymaking, corporate governance, and skills transfer, ensuring that institutional knowledge is not lost.

Sri Lanka could adopt a similar model. By creating structured platforms for retired engineers, teachers, administrators, and industry experts to mentor younger workers and advise government initiatives, the country could bridge its growing skills gap. Such engagement would not only reduce dependency but also reinforce institutional continuity.

The census ultimately presents a warning but also a roadmap. Without intervention, demographic trends could constrain growth and strain public resources. With strategic thinking, however, Sri Lanka can transform its ageing population into an asset, ensuring that experience complements youth rather than replaces it.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): A high-level coordination meeting was convened at Army Headquarters to accelerate the construction of temporary housing for families displaced by Cyclone Ditwah.

The session was led by Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, who underscored the urgency of providing safe shelter to those affected.

Officials reviewed the current pace of work and explored ways to fast-track the rollout of interim housing across some of the hardest-hit districts, including Kegalle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Badulla. Authorities indicated that the initiative aims to relocate around 1,000 displaced residents into secure, liveable accommodation as quickly as possible.

Construction work is expected to begin in early May, with the Sri Lanka Army taking a leading role in delivering the project. Military engineers and personnel are set to be deployed to ensure rapid progress while maintaining structural standards.

The programme forms part of the Government’s broader “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” effort, which seeks to restore communities impacted by natural disasters. During the meeting, the Deputy Minister called for a comprehensive action plan with firm deadlines, noting that delays could worsen the hardship faced by affected families.

Discussions also highlighted ongoing efforts to identify suitable land for the shelters. This process is being carried out in coordination with district authorities and technical experts from the National Building Research Institute, with a strong emphasis on selecting locations that meet safety and environmental criteria.

Emphasis was placed on maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the project, alongside improving collaboration between agencies to prevent bottlenecks. Senior military officials, representatives from disaster management bodies, and housing authorities were present at the meeting, reflecting a multi-agency approach to the recovery effort.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a high-level meeting with senior officials from the Inland Revenue Department this (27) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat, signalling a renewed push to strengthen the country’s tax administration.

Talks centred on expanding the national tax base, improving compliance among taxpayers, and accelerating the recovery of long-overdue revenue. Officials also presented an overview of the department’s performance so far in 2026, highlighting both progress made and areas still requiring attention, according to an official communication.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on modernising the institution itself. Plans to restructure internal operations and introduce more advanced digital systems were examined in detail, with emphasis on improving efficiency and transparency. Among the key initiatives reviewed was the rollout of a nationwide electronic invoicing platform, seen as a cornerstone of future tax reforms.

The President urged authorities to adhere strictly to deadlines, stressing that delays would undermine broader fiscal objectives. He called for tighter coordination and accountability to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms.

Several prominent figures were in attendance, including Anil Jayantha Fernando, who serves as Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, as well as Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera. Also present were Presidential Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and Inland Revenue Commissioner General R. P. H. Fernando, alongside other senior officials.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): A traffic management plan will be implemented across Colombo tomorrow (28), in connection with the concluding event of the “Ehipassiko Walk for Peace,” the Police Media Division has confirmed.

In an official statement, police said the programme is set to commence at 4:00 p.m. at Independence Square in Colombo 07, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

To facilitate the event, vehicle movement will be restricted from 11:00 a.m. onwards along a number of main roads, depending on prevailing conditions. The affected routes include Baseline Road (from the Bandaranaike Roundabout to Borella Junction), Maradana Road, Nandadasa Kodagoda Mawatha, Ward Place, Zoysa Roundabout, Lipton Roundabout, Dharmapala Mawatha, F.R. Senanayake Mawatha, C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Horton Roundabout, the vicinity of Nanda Motors, Nidahas Mawatha, Premasiri Kemadasa Mawatha, Cambridge Place, the Glass House area, Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Library Junction, Flower Road, Pittala Junction, James Peiris Mawatha, Muttiah Road, Baybrook Road, Staple Street, Gangaramaya Temple Road, as well as all surrounding roads in the vicinity of Gangaramaya Temple.

Sri Lanka Police have urged motorists and the public to use alternative routes wherever possible to ease congestion and reduce inconvenience during the period of restrictions.

The internationally recognised “Walk for Peace,” which commenced on April 22 from Dambulla, will reach its conclusion in Colombo tomorrow. The spiritual procession has journeyed through several major cities, including Kandy, carrying a sacred Bodhi sapling from the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, while promoting messages of unity, compassion, and social harmony.

The concept follows an earlier international initiative, during which more than 200 Buddhist monks undertook a 110-day peace march across the United States, travelling from Texas to Washington, crossing ten states and attracting global attention.

The Sri Lankan event of the “Ehipassiko Walk for Peace” has been organised with state sponsorship. A group of monks led by Venerable Pannakara Thero of Vietnam has arrived in the country to take part in the walk.

Accompanying the monks throughout the procession is a dog named “Aloka,” which has drawn interest as an unusual yet endearing participant in the journey.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): MP Archchuna Ramanathan has been taken into police custody following a confrontation in Periyavilaan, Jaffna, where he is accused of threatening two women with a pistol during a dispute over land ownership.

Police confirmed that one of the women involved in the altercation was also arrested on Sunday (26), as inquiries continue into the incident, which has heightened tensions in the area.

According to investigators, the dispute began when the MP arrived at a plot of land he maintains is legally his, intending to begin preparatory work. However, another party contested his claim, leading to a heated exchange. Matters reportedly escalated when two women challenged his presence on the property.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that during the argument, the MP, appearing agitated, allegedly drew a firearm and directed threats at the women, who were unarmed at the time. The incident quickly drew public attention, prompting police intervention.

It is understood that the Mallakam Magistrate’s Court had earlier issued an order recognising the MP’s ownership of the land and permitting construction activities. Despite this, competing claims over the property appear to have reignited the conflict when he visited the site.

Authorities have stated that further investigations are in progress, including efforts to verify witness statements and examine any available evidence related to the alleged use of the weapon.

By: Isuru Parakrama

April 27, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have launched an extensive investigation into the destination of US $2.5 million that was illicitly diverted following a cyber intrusion into the Finance Ministry’s digital infrastructure, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed.

The breach, which has raised serious concerns about the resilience of government IT systems, came to light after claims by a group known as “Free Lawyers”. Subsequently, the Finance Ministry acknowledged that funds earmarked for a debt repayment to an Australian creditor had been intercepted and misdirected by hackers.

Officials say a coordinated inquiry is now underway, involving several key agencies including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Central Bank. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank has been tasked with tracing the account that ultimately received the missing funds, acting on a formal request from the CID.

Minister Wijepala noted that investigations remain at an early stage, adding that while the involvement of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has been discussed, no visiting delegation has yet been requested. He indicated, however, that such assistance could be sought if the inquiry demands it.

Meanwhile, the CID has stepped up its efforts, focusing closely on the Department of External Resources, which operates under the Finance Ministry. Investigators have already recorded statements from seven officials connected to both the External Resources Department and the State Debt Management Office within the General Treasury.

As part of the forensic process, several computers used by these officials have been seized and are undergoing detailed examination. Law enforcement authorities are also working alongside the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) to analyse technical data and unravel the methods used in the cyberattack.

In a sign of growing international cooperation, Australian authorities have agreed to assist the probe under an existing memorandum of understanding between the two countries aimed at tackling cross-border financial crime.

Technical information and transaction data are currently being exchanged to help track the movement of the stolen funds and identify those responsible.

In a parallel administrative move, four senior officials from the Finance Ministry have been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings. Those affected include two officials from the Public Debt Management Office and two from the External Resources Department, among them individuals holding senior directorial positions.

Preliminary findings are said to be suggesting that the breach originated from unauthorised access to the email system of the External Resources Department, enabling the attackers to reroute the payment before it reached its intended recipient.

The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny over cybersecurity practices within critical government institutions, with calls for tighter safeguards and more robust monitoring systems to prevent similar breaches in future.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): In response to continuing instability in the Middle East and its knock-on effects on the global economy—particularly disruptions to fuel supplies impacting Sri Lanka—the government has taken further steps to expand remote working throughout the public sector.

Earlier measures had already curtailed in-office operations as a way to conserve fuel reserves and manage national energy consumption more efficiently.

Building on this approach, the Cabinet Committee on the Systematic Maintenance of Public Services, led by the Prime Minister, has instructed the Ministry of Digital Economy to assess how remote working can be more widely implemented.

This effort is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, signalling a coordinated push towards modernising state operations.

As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Digital Economy has released a set of interim guidelines aimed at helping government institutions transition smoothly to remote service delivery and routine administrative work. These guidelines, published in Sinhala, Tamil and English, are accessible via the ministry’s official website: https://mode.gov.lk/docs/guidelines.

Officials indicated that the move is not merely a temporary fix but could form the basis of longer-term reforms in how public services are delivered.

The Ministry has also reiterated that, under the Electronic Transactions Act No. 19 of 2006, documents created, approved and shared in electronic formats hold full legal validity. This includes the acceptance of scanned and digital signatures, as well as communications conducted through official government email channels.

To streamline virtual interactions, authorities have recommended the use of the “meet.gov.lk” platform as the primary tool for video conferencing across government bodies. However, other commercial platforms may still be used on a temporary basis where necessary, offering some flexibility during the transition.

In addition, department heads have been called upon to prioritise improving the digital capabilities of their staff, while ensuring robust safeguards are in place to protect sensitive data. These measures align with broader efforts to enhance the efficiency and resilience of public services under the government’s Digital Economy Blueprint, which remains a central policy focus.

Separately, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has issued Circular No. 02/2026, dated 23 April 2026. This directive requires ministry secretaries, provincial chief secretaries and heads of departments to formally notify public officials and ensure the swift implementation of the newly introduced guidelines.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has stepped up enforcement efforts against retailers accused of overcharging, launching a series of surprise inspections that have led to multiple prosecutions.

The raids, carried out on April 24, targeted shops in several areas including Kandy, Trincomalee, Galle, Tangalle, Girandurukotte and Haputale. Officials discovered that staple items, particularly Keeri Samba and other types of rice, were being sold above regulated price ceilings, prompting swift legal action.

Court rulings that followed resulted in fines of Rs. 100,000 being issued to traders in Trincomalee, Galle, Tangalle and Girandurukotte, while a retailer in Haputale received a significantly higher penalty of Rs. 500,000.

Authorities indicated that repeat offenders and those found exploiting supply shortages could face even stricter consequences in future operations.

In a parallel investigation, inspectors turned their attention to the sale of bottled drinking water. Two businesses were found to be exceeding the maximum retail price, leading to further legal proceedings. One trader in Haputale was ordered to pay a hefty Rs. 1,000,000 fine, while another in Anuradhapura was penalised Rs. 100,000.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): The sixth day of the “Ehi Passiko” Peace Walk begins today (27), with participants gathering near Abeysekaraaramaya before setting off on the next leg of their journey.

The procession is expected to arrive at the revered Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya later in the day, marking another significant stage in the initiative.

Organisers have also planned an interactive forum at Kelaniya tomorrow (28), bringing together school pupils and university undergraduates. The session aims to encourage dialogue on peace-building and social harmony, aligning with the broader message of the walk. Following the discussion, participants will resume their journey towards Independence Square.

In a notable development, a formal state ceremony linked to the peace walk is scheduled to take place at Independence Square on the same day, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expected to preside over the occasion.

The peace walk, spearheaded by Venerable Pannakara Thero of Vietnam alongside a group of monks, commenced on April 21 from the historic Dambulla Raja Maha Viharaya. Since then, it has drawn growing attention, with organisers emphasising unity, reflection, and inter-community understanding as its central themes.

April 27, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the most parts of the island after 1.00 pm, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (27).

Showers are likely at some places in Southern province during the morning too.

Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva and North-Central provinces and in Kurunegala district.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Anuradhapura, Kurunegala and Badulla districts during the early hours of the morning.

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

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers are likely at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

Winds:
Winds will be south-easterly or variable. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.

State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island will be slight.

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