June 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan households and businesses are set to receive clarity on electricity charges for the latter half of the year, as the country’s energy regulator prepares to unveil revised tariffs before the week concludes.
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) confirmed that it is now in the final stages of reviewing a proposed adjustment submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
The evaluation process is nearing completion following an extensive round of public consultations, according to a statement issued by the PUCSL’s Communications Division.
The review includes both written and oral submissions from citizens, industry stakeholders, and consumer advocacy groups in response to the CEB’s proposal, which includes an increase of 18.3 per cent in electricity tariffs.
The Commission noted that beyond gathering public sentiment, technical assessments have been underway to determine whether the proposal aligns with the established tariff-setting framework.
This methodology includes scrutiny of operational costs, investment needs, energy procurement plans, and consumer affordability.
The Commission’s final verdict will establish the pricing structure for electricity consumption from July to December 2025.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): Thushara Upuldeniya, the now-suspended head of Sri Lanka’s prison system, has been remanded in custody until June 11 following his arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The arrest took place yesterday (09) and is part of a broader inquiry into the questionable release of an inmate from Anuradhapura Prison.
Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Rathnayake issued the remand order after reviewing the evidence presented by investigators. The court declined to consider a bail application, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry as a key reason for the refusal. The case has been scheduled to be revisited tomorrow by the regular magistrate.
Upuldeniya’s arrest marks a significant development in a controversy surrounding the release of a prisoner during the Vesak Poya holiday under a Presidential Pardon. Authorities allege that the release may not have followed proper legal protocols, and that Upuldeniya may have played a role in facilitating it.
In a move seen as an attempt to ensure an unbiased investigation, the Cabinet of Ministers, during its weekly meeting presided over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, resolved to suspend Upuldeniya from his duties with immediate effect.
Simultaneously, the Superintendent of Anuradhapura Prison, also implicated in the same incident, has been taken into custody by the CID and similarly remanded until June 11.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan conducted a mobile consular service in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, to serve the Sri Lankan community residing in the region. During the program, officials from the Embassy accepted passport applications, driver’s license , provides services such as affidavit issuance , passport endorsements, and other essential consular services. A large number of Sri Lankans availed themselves of the services.
The consular service coincided with the “Vesak Kalapaya” organized by the Ohana Association in Tochigi to mark the Vesak and Poson Poya celebrations. Over 600 beautifully decorated Vesak lanterns were lit, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere that welcomed both Japanese and Sri Lankans to experience the festivities.
An art competition was also held as part of the celebration. Winning children—both Japanese and Sri Lankan—were presented with school bags in recognition of their creativity and participation.
The Most Venerable Mawathare Chandima Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Tochigi Paramita Meditation Center, and the Most Venerable Narawila Wijayawansa Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Saithama Kumagaya Anandameth Viharaya, and the Maha Sangha participated in the religious ceremonies on that occasion.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to begin a three-day official visit to Germany today (10), embarking on a key diplomatic engagement at the invitation his German counterpart, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The visit marks an important step in Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships and attract investment in a post-crisis recovery landscape.
During his stay, President Dissanayake is expected to engage in a series of high-level discussions with President Steinmeier, senior cabinet members of the German federal government, and influential figures across political and economic circles.
These talks are anticipated to centre on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, development, renewable energy, and governance reform.
A particular focus of the visit will be on revitalising bilateral trade relations and identifying avenues for fresh economic collaboration. Germany, as one of Europe’s largest economies and a long-standing development partner, is seen as a crucial ally in Sri Lanka’s bid to boost exports, modernise infrastructure, and foster sustainable economic growth.
Dissanayake is also scheduled to hold meetings with representatives from Germany’s vibrant tourism industry, including travel associations and hospitality stakeholders. The discussions aim to explore opportunities for increasing tourist flows to Sri Lanka, developing joint marketing strategies, and building resilience in the island’s tourism sector, which is gradually recovering from years of disruption.
The delegation accompanying the President includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath and a group of senior government officials, underscoring the importance Colombo places on this diplomatic mission.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): Dr Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is set to arrive in Sri Lanka for a high-level visit spanning June 15 to 16, 2025, marking a notable occasion in the island’s ongoing economic recovery journey.
Her visit will be the first by an IMF official in this role in two decades, signalling renewed engagement between Sri Lanka and the global financial institution.
Dr Gopinath, a prominent economist and one of the IMF’s top-ranking officials, will serve as the guest of honour at a key policy forum titled Sri Lanka’s Road to Recovery: Debt and Governance, scheduled for June 16. The conference is a collaborative initiative organised by the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and the IMF itself.
Taking place at a crucial juncture—halfway through Sri Lanka’s reform programme supported by the IMF—the event aims to reflect on the country’s journey so far. Topics on the agenda include progress in stabilising the macroeconomic environment, navigating complex debt restructuring processes, and instituting much-needed governance reforms.
The forum is expected to bring together senior policymakers, economists, and international observers to assess the strides made and the roadblocks still ahead.
It will provide a platform for open dialogue on sustaining fiscal discipline, strengthening institutions, and promoting transparency—areas seen as vital for long-term recovery and investor confidence.
Dr Gopinath is also scheduled to engage in a series of bilateral meetings during her visit. These discussions will involve senior Sri Lankan government officials and key economic stakeholders, offering an opportunity to review the status of IMF-backed reforms and explore avenues for deeper cooperation.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): In a nationwide expression of compassion and religious devotion, over 19,000 dansals have been registered to take place across Sri Lanka in celebration of Poson Poya, a sacred day commemorating the introduction of Buddhism to the island.
The announcement was made by Dr Lakshmi Somatunga, Additional Secretary for Public Health Services at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, who confirmed that 19,185 dansals have officially been registered for this year’s observances.
These traditional food stalls, which offer meals and refreshments free of charge, have long been a hallmark of Poson festivities, reflecting the values of selflessness and community spirit deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture.
This year’s numbers indicate a widespread and enthusiastic public response, with the highest concentrations reported from Anuradhapura (2,301), Kurunegala (2,114), and Gampaha (1,792). Even in regions where such events have historically been less common, such as Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mannar, local organisers have taken steps to participate in the national celebration.
Dr Somatunga highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the spirit of giving is upheld responsibly. Health officers have been deployed across districts to oversee hygiene standards, food safety practices, and environmental cleanliness at the dansal sites. “Whilst the act of giving is noble, it must be done with care to protect public health and ensure the experience is positive for everyone involved,” she noted.
Authorities are particularly focused on the safe preparation, storage and distribution of food, as well as the proper disposal of waste. Awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate dansal organisers on maintaining cleanliness and minimising environmental impact.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): Central Bank Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe has underscored the importance of the Credit Information Bureau (CRIB) aligning itself with cutting-edge global practices, as it seeks to enhance its role within the country’s evolving financial landscape.
Speaking at the CRIB’s recent CEOs’ Forum and Institutional Award Ceremony, Dr Weerasinghe remarked that the bureau must continuously evaluate its operations against international benchmarks to remain effective in an increasingly complex regulatory and credit environment.
He pointed to the World Bank’s General Principles for Credit Reporting as a model framework the CRIB should look to as it advances.
Celebrating 35 years since its inception, the CRIB has grown from a modest, paper-based registry into a sophisticated, digitised institution covering a broad spectrum of lenders.
According to Weerasinghe, the bureau is now a vital cog in the financial system, providing data-driven support to the Central Bank’s supervisory and macroprudential oversight functions.
The Governor highlighted the bureau’s role in enabling risk-informed lending decisions, particularly through its integration of credit scoring tools and online platforms that provide individuals and institutions with easier access to their credit profiles.
These innovations, Weerasinghe went on, have helped foster a more transparent and disciplined credit culture in Sri Lanka.
The CBSL Chief called attention to the potential for emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics—to revolutionise credit risk modelling. He stressed that leveraging these tools would allow for more timely and predictive assessments of creditworthiness, thereby boosting the responsiveness of financial institutions to real-time market dynamics.
He also advocated for the inclusion of alternative data sources—such as utility bill payments, rental histories, and digital transactions—as a means of assessing those who are currently underserved by the formal financial system.
This, he suggested, could significantly widen access to credit for freelancers, gig workers, and young entrepreneurs.
Whilst acknowledging the bureau’s digital progress, Weerasinghe issued a clear reminder about the growing need for robust data security measures, especially as cyber threats escalate alongside digital expansion.
He concluded by urging greater collaboration between public and private stakeholders to establish a more inclusive and resilient digital credit ecosystem, one that can adapt swiftly to technological change whilst reinforcing financial stability.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his message marking Poson Poya Day, called upon the people of Sri Lanka to draw inspiration from the values of the Dhamma and to work collectively towards building a principled and harmonious society.
Reflecting on the historical significance of Poson, the President emphasised that it was on this sacred day that Arahant Mahinda Thero arrived in Sri Lanka, ushering in not only the Theravada Buddhist tradition but also a profound cultural and civilisational transformation.
He described this moment as the spiritual awakening of the nation, setting the foundations for a society rooted in wisdom, compassion, and moral clarity.
The President highlighted the meeting between Arahant Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa as a pivotal moment in the country’s history. The King’s symbolic act of laying down his bow in deference to the message of nonviolence exemplified the enduring principle of Ahimsa, which, according to the President, remains urgently relevant in today’s conflict-ridden world.
He noted that Poson Poya is not only a time for religious observance but also a reminder of the timeless values needed to guide the nation. In an age where violence, moral decline and environmental degradation are prevalent, the teachings of the Dhamma offer a path towards renewal. The President urged citizens to reflect on the importance of discernment — recognising what is meaningful and what is not — as taught by the Buddha.
Calling for a revival of a disciplined and ethically conscious society, the President stressed that true social, political and economic reform must be underpinned by virtue and wisdom. He invited all Sri Lankans to unite in a common purpose of building a modern nation that respects cultural heritage while embracing ethical progress.
President’s Full Message:
The Poson Poya holds significant importance for us in Sri Lanka as it marks a series of religiously significant events in the history of our country. The inception of our nation as a heartland for Theravada Buddhist philosophy and tradition was signified on that remarkable Poson Poya Day, when Arahant Mahinda Thero arrived in Sri Lanka.
The arrival of Arahat Mahinda in Sri Lanka sparked a spiritual awakening as well as a deep social transformation, reaching far beyond its religious significance. It initiated progress in our cultural, social and political spheres, establishing the foundation for a more enlightened and structured civilization. The way of life rooted in the Dhamma contributed to the emergence of a morally enriched and spiritually conscious society.
King Devanampiyatissa’s significant gesture of laying down his royal bow and adopting a stance of nonviolence upon meeting Arahant Mahinda Thero illustrates the deep-rooted principle of Ahimsa, or non-violence. One of the significant qualities that ought to be emphasised among the values celebrated on Poson Poya Day is non-violence. In a world where violence continues to afflict humanity on many fronts, Poson Poya Day reminds us that ‘Ahimsa’ is a timeless value that safeguards both one’s own and others’ right to life and freedom. It is a noble practice and a necessary path in today’s world, perhaps now more than ever.
The noble Dhamma gifted to this land by Arahant Mahinda Thero teaches us the importance of seeing “what is meaningful as meaningful, and what is meaningless as meaningless.” What we need today are disciplined and responsible individuals who embody this wisdom. The noble duty entrusted to us is to re-establish such a principled society in our land, enabling us to build a modern, morally grounded nation, one that embraces social harmony, ethical values and environmental responsibility.
I firmly believe that the social, economic and political transformation we aspire to can only be realised through the revival of such a cultured and virtuous society. On this Poson Poya day, I invite everyone to come together in unity and collective purpose toward that vision.
May this blessed Poson Poya Day illuminate the hearts of all Sri Lankans with the light of Dhamma.
June 10, Colombo (LNW): Due to the effect of the active southwest monsoon condition, showery condition is expected to enhance in the southwestern part of the island from today (10), with strong wind gust over the island and in the sea areas around the island.
General public is requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.
Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Heavy falls about 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.
Several spells of showers may occur in the Northern province and in Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Badulla, Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.
Strong winds of about 50 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places over the other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly.
wind speed will be (40-50) kmph and can increase up to (60-65) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
Wind speed will be (30-40) kmph in the other sea areas around the island.
Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph in the sea areas extending from Chilaw to Galle via Colombo and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough to very rough at times. The sea areas extending from Chilaw to Galle via Colombo and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu will be fairly rough to rough at times.
The wave height may increase (about 2.5 – 3.0 m) in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota (this is not for land area).
Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant in this regard.
Temporarily strong wind gust and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
June 09, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed a historic upswing today (09), as the All Share Price Index (ASPI) surged to its highest ever closing figure, reflecting renewed investor confidence and heightened market activity.
By the end of trading on the 9th of June, the ASPI had advanced by 105.79 points, registering a 0.61 per cent rise to settle at a remarkable 17,500.24.
This notable increase comes amid growing optimism across various sectors, suggesting sustained bullish sentiment among market participants.
In tandem, the S&P SL20 index—commonly viewed as a benchmark for Sri Lanka’s top 20 listed companies—also posted a significant gain. It rose by 33 points, ending the day at 5,208.95.
The day’s turnover exceeded Rs. 2.8 billion, underscoring a lively session of trade. Market observers cite a combination of domestic investor momentum and positive macroeconomic signals as possible drivers behind today’s performance.
