August 07, Colombo (LNW): A revised import tariff of 20 per cent on goods exported from Sri Lanka to the United States has officially come into force today (07), following a protracted series of diplomatic negotiations aimed at softening previously imposed trade restrictions.

The development marks a partial victory for Sri Lankan trade officials, who have spent several months engaged in talks with representatives from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), after initial measures sparked alarm within the country’s export community.

The original tariff—set at a steep 44 per cent—was introduced on April 02 through a high-profile policy declaration made by former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The move triggered immediate concern among Sri Lankan exporters, particularly those in sectors such as apparel, rubber, ceramics, and agricultural produce, which rely heavily on the U.S. market.

Reacting swiftly, the Sri Lankan government launched a diplomatic and economic appeal to Washington, citing the potential impact on bilateral trade relations and on livelihoods dependent on the island’s export industries. A sequence of formal meetings, technical submissions, and trade discussions ensued, during which Sri Lanka requested a reassessment of the punitive tariff.

The initial outcome of these efforts saw the rate reduced to 30 per cent, offering modest relief. However, continued diplomatic pressure and targeted advocacy have now resulted in the U.S. agreeing to a further reduction, bringing the tariff down to 20 per cent.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, officials noted that while the revised figure does not fully restore pre-April trade conditions, it represents a significant step forward in re-establishing fairer access to one of Sri Lanka’s most critical export markets. Authorities also hinted that talks are ongoing and that further revisions may be pursued through future bilateral engagements.

Exporters, while cautiously optimistic, have expressed the need for the government to pursue long-term trade solutions, including diversification of export destinations and enhanced domestic value addition, to reduce reliance on any single market and improve resilience against policy shifts abroad.

August 07, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for an urgent revision of Sri Lanka’s disaster management legislation to better equip the country to face modern challenges, including the escalating risks brought about by climate change.

The directive was issued during the 14th meeting of the National Council for Disaster Management, which took place on 6 August at the Presidential Secretariat—marking the council’s first gathering in over seven years.

Originally established under the Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005, the council was created in the aftermath of the catastrophic 2004 tsunami to provide a coordinated national approach to disaster preparedness and response.

However, in light of evolving threats and increasingly complex emergencies, the President has deemed the current legal framework outdated and insufficient.

During the session, national disaster preparedness strategies and the latest iteration of the National Emergency Operations Plan were formally presented and endorsed. The discussion extended beyond procedural matters, focusing heavily on systemic improvements needed to ensure faster, more cohesive responses to both natural and man-made disasters.

A central theme of the meeting was the pressing necessity for a streamlined operational mechanism, with better coordination among agencies and a more agile response structure. The President stressed the importance of moving away from fragmented interventions and toward a unified, centralised command model for emergency management.

Citing financial bottlenecks as a significant barrier to effective disaster response, President Dissanayake instructed relevant authorities to reassess the allocation of resources. He called for the immediate release of funds to revive stalled mitigation projects and proposed revisions to the financial regulations governing relief and compensation.

One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the approval of a proposal to establish a permanent Disaster Management Fund. This dedicated financial reserve is expected to improve the country’s ability to respond swiftly to emergencies and invest in long-term resilience-building efforts.

In addition, the President ordered a comprehensive review of high-risk residential zones, directing officials to accelerate the identification of vulnerable communities and implement relocation plans where necessary to safeguard lives and property. He also proposed a reassessment of the current compensation scheme for disaster-affected families, recommending an increase in the payout amounts to better reflect the real cost of loss and recovery.

Council members emphasised the growing strain that erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels are placing on infrastructure and communities. There was broad consensus that the Disaster Management Act must be modernised not only to accommodate new technological capabilities, but also to reflect the wider risks posed by a changing global climate.

August 07, Colombo (LNW): The mental wellbeing of school-aged children in Sri Lanka is under growing scrutiny, following the release of data indicating a notable rise in emotional distress among adolescents.

Officials from the Ministry of Health revealed that a substantial portion of the country’s youth are grappling with psychological strain, much of it linked to shifting social pressures and changing family dynamics.

Speaking at a media event organised by the Health Promotion Bureau, Acting Director of the Mental Health Directorate, Dr Lakmini Magodarathna, drew attention to recent findings from a national school health survey conducted in 2024. The results, she said, were sobering and suggested deeper undercurrents of emotional isolation among young people.

The survey, which assessed the mental and emotional health of schoolchildren aged 13 to 17, revealed that over a fifth of students reported persistent feelings of loneliness. Nearly 12 per cent admitted to experiencing sleep disturbances linked to emotional distress, while around 18 per cent exhibited symptoms consistent with depression.

A further 7.5 per cent said they had no close friends, and strikingly, one in four students disclosed having no one they could confide in about their personal problems.

“These figures are difficult to digest,” Dr Magodarathna remarked. “When you see that 75 per cent of our children feel they have no trustworthy adult or peer to open up to, it becomes clear that we are not simply looking at isolated emotional issues, but a wider cultural and societal breakdown in communication and connection.”

She stressed that such emotional distance was likely a reflection of broader social challenges—from economic uncertainty and academic pressures to shifting family structures and the increasing dominance of digital interaction over face-to-face relationships. Adults, she added, may be experiencing similar stresses, highlighting the need for a more empathetic, community-based response.

Also present at the media briefing was Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Sajeeva Amarasinghe of the National Institute of Mental Health, who provided further insight into the nation’s broader mental health landscape. He noted that, while the overall suicide rate in Sri Lanka has declined significantly since the 1990s, the current numbers still present a pressing concern.

“In 1996, Sri Lanka recorded one of the highest suicide rates globally—around 47 per 100,000 people,” Dr Amarasinghe stated. “Thanks to a series of targeted interventions and policy decisions, that figure has fallen to approximately 15 per 100,000. Today, we record around 3,500 suicides per year, which breaks down to an average of eight per day.”

He observed that although the national rate has stabilised in recent years, the nature of reported suicides has shifted, with recent cases often carrying a deeper emotional resonance. “While suicide cases don’t always make it into the public spotlight, they are still happening—and what we’re seeing now are not just statistics, but stories marked by personal tragedy and unresolved anguish.”

Dr Amarasinghe praised the more responsible media environment, noting that sensationalist reporting on suicide has decreased—a change that, he said, contributes positively to prevention efforts.

Both health professionals underscored the urgent need for stronger community support systems, better mental health education in schools, and more open conversations between young people and the adults around them.

August 07, Colombo (LNW): The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has issued a directive to all members of the judiciary, calling for immediate attention to the upkeep of their official residences and surrounding areas.

The move comes in response to growing concerns regarding poor maintenance, safety hazards, and the deteriorating condition of state-provided accommodation for judicial officers.

In a formal communication, the JSC emphasised that these residences should reflect the stature and decorum expected of judicial officeholders.

According to the Commission, both the public and the legal profession view the condition of these homes as an extension of the dignity, discipline, and responsibility associated with the judiciary.

JSC Secretary Prasanna Alwis noted that the Commission has received multiple reports highlighting a wide range of maintenance issues. These include neglected rooms, uncleaned windows and doors, mould-covered roofs, and damaged flooring.

In some instances, broken electrical appliances have remained unfixed for prolonged periods, posing potential safety risks to the occupants and their families. Structural concerns such as decaying boundary walls, untrimmed vegetation, and peeling paint were also flagged during preliminary assessments.

One of the more alarming findings relates to the poor sanitation of outdoor areas, where blocked gutters and stagnant water have created breeding grounds for mosquitoes — raising public health concerns in already vulnerable localities.

Additionally, the failure to carry out routine checks on furniture, domestic machinery, and fixtures has resulted in otherwise avoidable repair costs.

The JSC stressed that these residences are maintained with public funds and that their neglect not only wastes financial resources but also undermines the credibility of the judicial institution as a whole.

Officers were reminded that official residences are not merely perks of office but carry with them a responsibility to uphold standards that align with the honour of their roles.

To reinforce accountability, the Commission announced that Technical Officers assigned to each High Court Zone will now be authorised to conduct quarterly inspections of official residences. These evaluations are aimed at ensuring consistent maintenance and early identification of any deficiencies that could escalate if left unaddressed.

August 07, Colombo (LNW): Retired Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Priyantha Jayakody, has been granted bail by the Kandy Magistrate’s Court following his recent arrest over allegations of filing a fabricated police complaint.

Jayakody was taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on July 28, after claiming he had received death threats from a well-known underworld figure, Koralagamage Mandinu Padmasiri—better known by the alias ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’.

The complaint triggered an official investigation, but as inquiries progressed, CID officers reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting the threat may have been concocted by Jayakody himself.

Earlier, he was held on remand by order of the Mahara Magistrate’s Court, following a medical examination conducted while he was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Ragama. The court had ruled at the time that he be kept in custody until further proceedings could determine the veracity of his claims.

Investigators allege that the former high-ranking police officer fabricated the threat out of a desire to secure additional personal protection, possibly stemming from concerns over his own safety in retirement. Though no official motive has yet been confirmed in court, sources familiar with the case suggest Jayakody may have felt vulnerable due to past law enforcement actions involving criminal networks.

While the decision to grant bail allows Jayakody temporary release, the legal proceedings are far from over. The court has stipulated strict conditions for his release, and he is expected to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.

August 07, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has released an advisory warning of rising heat conditions expected to impact several regions across the island, with particular concern for parts of the North-central and Eastern provinces, as well as the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Monaragala, and Hambantota.

According to the advisory, the heat index – which reflects how hot it actually feels to the human body, taking into account both temperature and humidity – is anticipated to climb to what is categorised as the ‘Caution’ level in various affected areas.

At this level, individuals may experience fatigue during extended periods of exposure or physical activity, and persistent exertion could lead to heat cramps.

Officials have urged the public to take necessary precautions as the heat intensifies. People are strongly advised to stay adequately hydrated, rest in shaded areas whenever possible, and minimise physically demanding tasks, especially during peak daylight hours.

The public is also reminded of the heightened vulnerability of elderly individuals, those with underlying health conditions, and young children, and are encouraged to check on them regularly.

Health and safety recommendations include wearing light-coloured, breathable clothing and avoiding the dangerous practice of leaving children or pets unattended inside vehicles, which can heat up rapidly to life-threatening temperatures.

August 07, Colombo (LNW): The Constitutional Council is expected to gather this (07) afternoon at 1.30 p.m. within the parliamentary precincts, under the leadership of Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne, for a scheduled session that coincides with the formal conclusion of a significant development in Sri Lanka’s police leadership.

In a culmination of events that unfolded over the past few days, Deshabandu Tennakoon has officially been dismissed from his role as Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The formal communication confirming his removal was personally delivered to his residence on the 6th of August by representatives of the Ministry of Public Security.

The decision to oust Tennakoon from office was approved in Parliament earlier this week (05), following a decisive vote. The resolution secured overwhelming support, with 177 Members of Parliament casting their vote in favour. Notably, no votes were recorded against the motion, although MP Ramanathan Archchuna opted to abstain from the vote.

Upon passage, the resolution was submitted to Speaker Wickramaratne before being forwarded to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who formally endorsed the removal. Presidential assent marked the final stage of the process, authorising the Ministry of Public Security to act upon the decision.

As a result, the Ministry’s Secretary issued the dismissal letter to Tennakoon on the same day, thereby bringing an end to his tenure. While no official statement has been made yet regarding his successor, discussions are reportedly ongoing within the government regarding the future leadership of the Sri Lanka Police.

August 07, Colombo (LNW): A few showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (07).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Batticaloa, Ampara and Mullaittivu districts after 1.00 p.m.

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 will occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Matara via Galle.

Winds:
Winds will be westerly to south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.

Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Kankasanthurai via Mannar.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times.

The sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Kankasanthurai via Mannar will be fairly rough at times.