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Over 1.6 Million Families Identified as Living in Poverty in Sri Lanka

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Over 1.6 Million Families Identified as Living in Poverty in Sri Lanka

Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage told Parliament yesterday that more than 1.6 million families in Sri Lanka have been identified as living in poverty, based on recent data from the Welfare Benefits Board (WBB).

He stated that these families are now eligible to receive assistance under the “Aswesuma” welfare programme, which was introduced to address poverty and economic vulnerability.

According to the Minister, the families were identified through the WBB’s updated poverty assessment system, which classifies households as “extremely poor,” “poor,” “vulnerable,” or “transitional.”

Dr. Pannilage further noted that the Government has allocated Rs. 25 billion under the 2026 Budget for the “Praja Shakthi” National Programme, a multi-dimensional community empowerment initiative aimed at poverty eradication.

Under the programme, Rs. 23 billion has been allocated for district-level projects, while Rs. 2 billion will be used for national-level medium-scale projects, training programmes, and research activities.

The initiative is expected to support at least 14,008 Grama Niladhari divisions across the country, with at least one project planned for each division.

The Minister said the programme is one of three national-level initiatives designed to ensure the benefits of economic development are distributed equitably across society, with a focus on areas such as the social environment, food security, human resource development, and the production economy.

He also noted that the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) conducted a comprehensive survey throughout 2025 to identify poor households, with the findings and related data expected to be released in 2026.

Vehicles Ignoring Smoke Emission Orders to Be Blacklisted

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Vehicles Ignoring Smoke Emission Orders to Be Blacklisted

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has announced that vehicles failing to comply with maintenance orders issued over excessive smoke emissions will be blacklisted.

According to the Department, vehicle owners who ignore maintenance directives or fail to appear for follow-up inspections may face difficulties when obtaining revenue licences and other vehicle-related documentation.

Officials stressed that excessive black smoke emissions are not merely a technical issue but also a serious environmental hazard that could impact future generations. Vehicle owners were urged to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles.

Meanwhile, a special roadside vehicle emission inspection programme was carried out in the Kandy District from May 6 to May 8 with the support of the Sri Lanka Police.

Mobile emission testing units were deployed in the Getambe and Katugastota areas, where authorities identified vehicles emitting excessive smoke and issued immediate maintenance orders.

The Vehicle Emission Test Trust Fund (VETTF) stated that roadside emission inspections will be intensified from this month in an effort to curb rising vehicle-related air pollution observed in recent months.

The Department further noted that inspections had temporarily slowed due to administrative changes following the integration of the trust fund as a direct unit under the Department of Motor Traffic.

No Tender Awarded Yet for E-Passport Project, Says Minister

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No Tender Awarded Yet for E-Passport Project, Says Minister

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has rejected claims regarding the awarding of a tender for Sri Lanka’s e-passport project, describing them as “completely false.”

“The statement made regarding the e-passport is completely false because no tender has been awarded so far,” the minister stated, adding that the procurement process is still ongoing.

Wijepala noted that the tender process for the e-passport project was initiated under the previous government and that several companies have since sought legal action in relation to the matter.

He further explained that a separate tender process concerning the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) system linked to the e-passport project is currently under review, following an appeal filed before the Appeals Committee by one of the institutions involved.

“A tender has been called regarding the PKI system, but an institution has gone before the Appeals Committee over the selection process. No final decision has been taken yet,” he said.

The minister added that the Cabinet has referred the matter to the Procurement Commission and emphasized that all related tender procedures are being handled transparently.

President Orders Swift Legal Reforms to Eliminate Drug Menace

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President Orders Swift Legal Reforms to Eliminate Drug Menace

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to promptly introduce all necessary reforms, including amendments to existing laws, to eliminate the drug menace from the country.

The directives were issued during a meeting of the “Ratama Ekata” National Steering Council held this morning (May 7) at the Presidential Secretariat, convened to review ongoing efforts to combat narcotics, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

The President also instructed relevant authorities to expedite the destruction of seized narcotics under proper legal procedures to prevent them from re-entering society, while also accelerating legal action against offenders.

He stressed that swift implementation of these measures is essential to strengthen public confidence and support the success of the “Ratama Ekata” national initiative through collective participation.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the progress of anti-narcotics operations carried out under the programme, noting that narcotics-related raids had increased by 80 percent since its launch.

Authorities revealed that since the operation began on October 30, 2025, law enforcement agencies have seized 5,437.457 kilogrammes of cannabis, 1,936.325 kilogrammes of heroin, 1,991.414 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (“Ice”), 271.724 kilogrammes of cocaine, 1,574,895 narcotic pills, and 629,988 illicit cigarettes. A total of 168,460 suspects have also been arrested.

The meeting also reviewed progress on legal reforms required to strengthen anti-drug efforts. Officials stated that steps have been taken to submit the Rehabilitation (Amendment) Bill No. 54 of 2007 to the Cabinet in due course.

Discussions further focused on rehabilitation strategies and the expansion of related facilities. It was revealed that 25 families most severely affected by narcotics in each Divisional Secretariat division had been selected for attitude development programmes.

President Dissanayake emphasized the importance of implementing such initiatives through local religious institutions and maintaining continuous community engagement, including the involvement of members of the Maha Sangha and other religious leaders.

He also noted that anti-drug awareness campaigns should go beyond one-time programmes and include ongoing follow-up mechanisms to evaluate effectiveness and monitor progress within communities.

The President additionally sought updates on efforts to establish a separate court for narcotics-related cases, speed up Government Analyst reports, and accelerate legal proceedings.

He also stressed the need for an urgent programme to fast-track legal and rehabilitation processes for inmates imprisoned on drug-related charges in order to reduce prison overcrowding.

The Inspector General of Police briefed the meeting on investigations involving Buddhist monks recently arrested over narcotics-related offences, while officials also updated the President on programmes being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education and the Women and Children’s Bureau to prevent schoolchildren from being drawn into drug use.

The President was further informed about community-based initiatives planned in connection with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26.

Vietnamese President Tô Lâm Arrives in Sri Lanka on State Visit

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Vietnamese President Tô Lâm Arrives in Sri Lanka on State Visit

At the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Tô Lâm, arrived in Sri Lanka a short while ago, commencing an official State Visit to the island.

President Tô Lâm and the accompanying Vietnamese delegation were warmly received at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, and a group of senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present to welcome the visiting delegation.

Several senior ministers of the Vietnamese Government, along with prominent political leaders including the Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, are accompanying President Tô Lâm during the visit.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR 08 May 2026

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WEATHER FORECAST FOR 08 May 2026

Due to the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, the prevailing showery condition over the island is expected to continue during the next few days

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.

Showers are likely in the Eastern and Northern provinces during the morning too.

Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces 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.

Stolen Millions Expose Deep Cracks in Sri Lanka’s Financial Oversight

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Stolen Millions Expose Deep Cracks in Sri Lanka’s Financial Oversight

By: Staff Writer

May 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s $2.5 million Treasury fraud investigation has entered its decisive phase, uncovering troubling evidence that points beyond a simple administrative lapse to a broader systemic failure. At the center of the controversy is the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, now facing mounting scrutiny over its role during a critical transition in public debt management.

The fraud, carried out through a sophisticated Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme, saw cybercriminals impersonate officials from the Australian Export Finance Agency. Using a deceptive domain, attackers diverted funds intended for debt repayment into foreign accounts. The transfers, totaling nearly $2.5 million, reportedly occurred in multiple tranches over several months without detection.

Former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has strongly rejected claims that the incident was confined to the Treasury’s recently established Public Debt Management Office (PDMO). He argues that the majority of fraudulent transactions occurred before January 2026, when the Central Bank still directly oversaw such operations through its Public Debt Department.

According to Karunanayake, seven out of ten identified fraudulent transactions were executed under the Central Bank’s watch in late 2025. Only three took place after responsibilities were formally transferred to the Treasury. This timeline raises serious concerns about oversight failures during a sensitive institutional handover.

The Central Bank’s continued control over key systems, including LankaSecure and the Scripless Securities Settlement System, further complicates the issue. Despite providing technical guidance and training to Treasury staff, basic cybersecurity protocols such as verification checks and multi-factor authentication appear to have been overlooked.

The scandal has also taken a tragic human toll. An interdicted Assistant Director from the External Resources Department died in Kuliyapitiya, in what authorities have described as a likely suicide following intense questioning by the Criminal Investigation Department.

With Sri Lanka navigating a delicate economic recovery and maintaining commitments to international creditors, the implications are severe. Confidence in financial governance particularly among institutions like the International Monetary Fund could be shaken if accountability is not established.

As the probe nears completion, the emerging narrative suggests not just a cybercrime, but a breakdown in institutional safeguards at the highest levels.

SriLankan Expansion Drive Sparks Spending and Strategy Concerns

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SriLankan Expansion Drive Sparks Spending and Strategy Concerns

By: Staff Writer

May 07, Colombo (LNW): SriLankan Airlines is entering a new phase of growth, aiming to transform itself from a stagnating carrier into a competitive regional player. With plans to expand its fleet significantly over the next few years, the airline is positioning itself to meet rising passenger demand and revive key international routes. Still behind the ambitious strategy lies a series of financial and operational questions.

As of early 2026, the airline operates an all-Airbus fleet of 23 aircraft. The immediate target is to increase this number to 25 by the end of the year, with a long-term goal of expanding to 51 aircraft by the 2029/30 financial year. This rapid scaling reflects both market opportunity and the need to replace aging aircraft that have strained operational reliability.

Recent additions, including a wide-body Airbus A330-200, signal a renewed focus on long-haul capacity. The airline is also planning to strengthen its regional network, with increased frequencies to destinations such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, alongside the resumption of routes to major Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Parallel to these efforts, the government has approved a major investment in fleet renewal. Plans include the acquisition of 10 new Airbus aircraft six A330s and four A350s along with spare parts to support operations over the next decade. In addition, six propeller-driven aircraft are expected to be introduced for domestic and short-haul international routes, expanding connectivity within the region.

However, the scale of this investment has raised eyebrows. With billions allocated for aircraft purchases and ongoing financial pressures on the airline, analysts question whether the expansion is being executed with sufficient cost discipline. Concerns have been amplified by recent revelations about leasing arrangements, which suggest that some deals may carry substantial long-term financial commitments.

Operational stability is another key challenge. To address reliability issues linked to its aging fleet, SriLankan Airlines has entered into a five-year, $25 million agreement with Honeywell International to maintain auxiliary power units. While this move is expected to improve technical performance, it also underscores the cost of keeping older aircraft operational during the transition period.

Amid these developments, the airline has also sought to strengthen its brand identity. One of its narrow-body aircraft, an A321neo, has been outfitted with a special cultural livery inspired by the Navam Maha Perahera, showcasing Sri Lanka’s heritage across its global network.

The broader question remains whether expansion alone can secure the airline’s future. Growth brings opportunity, but it also demands careful financial management and transparent decision-making. Without these, even well-intentioned strategies risk becoming unsustainable.

As SriLankan Airlines charts its course forward, balancing ambition with accountability will be critical not only for its commercial success, but for maintaining public confidence in a national carrier funded, in part, by the people it serves.

Government Forced Into Debate over Treasury Cyber Theft Scandal

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Government Forced Into Debate over Treasury Cyber Theft Scandal

By: Staff Writer

May 07, Colombo (LNW): The Government was compelled to reverse its earlier position and agree to a Parliamentary debate on the $2.5 million Treasury cyber theft, following a tense confrontation in the House that exposed deep disagreements over transparency and accountability. Just a week after rejecting the Opposition’s request, mounting pressure and a dramatic standoff forced the administration to concede.

Opposition MPs disrupted proceedings, demanding urgent discussion, shifting the focus from procedural objections to substantive concerns about how the fraudulent transactions were executed. The exchanges revealed gaps in internal controls, raising questions about oversight mechanisms and the delay in informing Parliament.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa framed the issue as a serious institutional failure, calling for a comprehensive explanation of the ten transactions totaling $2.5 million. He pressed for clarity on the legal framework governing public debt operations and the transition of responsibilities under the Public Debt Management Act No. 33 of 2024. According to him, Parliament must understand every stage of the process, including who was responsible at each level.

He questioned how payment details, including SWIFT information, could have been altered despite what was described as a multi-layer verification system. Premadasa also demanded a timeline of when complaints were made to authorities and why Parliament was not informed earlier, especially if sufficient information existed to alert law enforcement agencies.

Beyond the central fraud, he raised additional concerns involving alleged financial discrepancies, including a reported $600,000 loss linked to payments to the US Postal Service, possible duplicate payments under welfare programs, and missing documentation related to foreign loans. These, he argued, pointed to broader systemic weaknesses.

Responding on behalf of the Government, Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando outlined the sequence of transactions, detailing payments made between November and January in several installments. He described the existing payment process, involving multiple departments and verification steps, while acknowledging that investigations were ongoing to determine where the breakdown occurred.

Fernando stated that authorities only confirmed the funds had not reached the intended creditor in March, following notification from Export Finance Australia. Earlier warnings had been referred to cybersecurity and law enforcement agencies in January, with additional notifications made in April.

Addressing criticism over delayed disclosure, he argued that the Government needed verified information before informing Parliament. Premadasa rejected this justification, insisting that informing the Criminal Investigation Department should have triggered immediate disclosure to lawmakers.

The debate underscored a widening divide: the Government maintained that the incident was a cybercrime beyond its direct control, while the Opposition argued it reflected deeper governance failures. Although the administration acknowledged procedural lapses, it resisted claims of deliberate wrongdoing.

Ultimately, the confrontation highlighted growing tensions over financial oversight and public accountability, setting the stage for a high-stakes Parliamentary debate that could have broader implications for governance and institutional reform.

New Tourism Training Programme Focuses on Skills and Sustainability

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New Tourism Training Programme Focuses on Skills and Sustainability

By: Staff Writer

May 07, Colombo (LNW): As Sri Lanka’s tourism industry navigates an increasingly competitive global environment, attention is shifting from destinations to the people who shape visitor experiences. While the country continues to attract international interest with its natural and cultural offerings, maintaining that appeal now depends heavily on service quality and professional expertise.

In response to this evolving landscape, Jetwing Travels, in collaboration with the Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM), has announced the launch of a Certificate Course in Inbound Travel and Tourism. The programme, beginning on 7 May 2026, represents a strategic effort to strengthen the industry’s human resource capabilities through a blend of academic learning and practical exposure.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition that tourism education must go beyond theory. As traveller expectations become more sophisticated, professionals in the sector must be equipped to translate knowledge into effective service delivery. This requires a dynamic approach where academic institutions and industry players work closely together to ensure relevance and adaptability.

The four-week course is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience for a select group of participants drawn from both Jetwing Travels and CAHM. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on operational exposure, the programme aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of the complexities of inbound tourism.

Participants will explore a range of contemporary topics that are shaping the future of travel. These include eco and wildlife tourism, adventure travel, MICE and event management, experiential tourism, sustainability practices, and digital marketing strategies. Each area has been carefully selected to reflect current industry trends and emerging opportunities.

A key strength of the programme lies in its delivery model. Sessions will be led by industry practitioners who bring firsthand experience and insights into the learning process. This ensures that participants gain practical knowledge that is directly applicable to real-world situations, rather than relying solely on theoretical frameworks.

The inclusion of digital marketing highlights the increasing role of online platforms in influencing travel decisions. In an era where visibility and storytelling are crucial, destinations must be effectively positioned to attract and convert potential visitors. At the same time, the focus on sustainability underscores the importance of responsible tourism and long-term industry resilience.

The programme will also incorporate a merit-based selection process, assessing candidates on factors such as communication skills, motivation, analytical ability, and career potential. This approach is intended to identify individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the future of the industry.

By combining Jetwing Travels’ operational expertise with CAHM’s academic foundation, the initiative represents a forward-thinking investment in human capital. It signals a clear shift in priorities within Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, where the quality of people is becoming as important as the appeal of destinations themselves.

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