February 28, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern, Southern and Uva provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts, and at several places elsewhere during the afternoon or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (28).
Heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Uva province and in Batticaloa, Ampara, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya, Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts.
Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm can be expected at some places in western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Fairly strong winds of (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, Eastern and North-western provinces and in Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Hambantota districts.
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 will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mullaittivu to Colombo via Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Hambantota and Galle. Heavy showers may occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Batticaloa to Hambantota via Pottuvil. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island during the afternoon or Night.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (45-50) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Hambantota via Matara.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Hambantota via Matara will be fairly rough at times. Other sea areas around the island will be moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is aiming for a total export revenue of around US$ 19 billion in 2025, with merchandise exports projected to reach US$ 14 billion and services exports expected to hit US$ 4.2 billion.
The export sector kicked off 2025 on a positive note, with total exports crossing US$ 1.3 billion in January, marking a 7.5 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase, data from the Export Development Board (EDB) showed.
Merchandise exports rose 3.5 percent to US$ 1 billion, led by a 15 percent surge in agricultural shipments to US$ 258.9 million, while industrial exports remained largely flat, inching up 0.08 percent to US$ 745.9 million. Services exports jumped 37.9 percent YoY to US$ 329.4 million.
Apparel and textiles, Sri Lanka’s largest export category, saw a sharp 21.1 percent increase, bringing in US$ 460.2 million. Tea exports, which made up 12 percent of total merchandise shipments, rose 2.6 percent YoY to US$ 112.7 million, buoyed by a 29.8 percent jump in packaged tea sales. Strong demand for coconut-based products also contributed with coconut oil, cream, and fiber shipments recording gains.
Among agriculture exports, spices and essential oils saw a robust 32.9 percent increase to US$ 39 million, largely due to higher pepper and clove shipments to India and Saudi Arabia. Diamonds, gems, and jewelry also performed well, rising 28.2 percent to US$ 42.3 million, benefiting from improved demand in the US and European markets.
However, not all sectors fared well. Rubber product exports fell 8.2 percent YoY to US$ 75.1 million, while seafood exports plunged 23.2 percent, hit by weaker demand for fresh fish and shrimp. Exports of electrical and electronic components also declined, slipping nearly 9 percent YoY.
The US remained Sri Lanka’s top export market, accounting for 23 percent of total merchandise exports, with shipments rising 18 percent to US$ 260.2 million. India emerged as the second-largest buyer, with exports surging 43.9 percent to US$ 81.9 million, driven by strong pepper sales. Exports to the European Union, which makes up nearly a quarter of total exports, increased 16.3 percent to US$ 227.2 million.
Sri Lanka is targeting an ambitious export revenue target of US$ 19 billion for 2025. Merchandise exports are projected to grow from US$ 12.7 billion in 2024 to US$ 14 billion in 2025, while services exports are expected to rise from US$ 3.5 billion to US$ 4.2 billion.
The targets align with a five-year plan aimed at increasing export earnings to US$ 36 billion by 2030, with US$ 25 billion from goods and US$ 11 billion from services.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): It has been a decade since the controversial bond deal that has since been labelled as the Central Bank’s ‘Great Bond Scam’, an event that remains etched in the political history of Sri Lanka.
The deal stirred widespread outrage, leading to a change in government, with the new administration making it one of its key election promises to seek the extradition of the primary suspect, former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran.
The promise was to bring Mahendran back to Sri Lanka and hold him accountable for his involvement in the scam.
However, fresh reports emerging today suggest that Mahendran, a Singaporean citizen, will not be handed over to Sri Lanka. The Singapore Attorney General’s Department has decided to reject the extradition request put forward by the Sri Lankan Attorney General’s Department, despite years of legal pursuit.
Sources indicate that a formal written decision has been issued by the Singaporean authorities, which outlines their stance on the matter.
Legal experts familiar with the case have explained that the crux of the issue lies in the structure of the bond auction conducted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The auction was overseen by an independent tender board, and Mahendran’s legal team maintains that his role was limited to the mere ‘ratification’ of the board’s decision in his capacity as Governor of the Central Bank.
In their response, the Singapore Attorney General’s Department has pointed out that if there were fraudulent activities linked to the bond auction, it would be the responsibility of the tender board members to face prosecution, not Mahendran himself.
In light of these legal arguments, the Singaporean authorities have deemed the extradition request politically motivated, leading them to decline the request for Mahendran’s return to Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Mahendran himself has issued a statement in response to the allegations and misinformation circulating in the media. In an exclusive statement to LNW, Mahendran vehemently denied claims from members of the current ruling party that he fled the country under the guise of attending a wedding in Singapore.
He clarified that he had returned to Sri Lanka following the wedding and had cooperated with the investigation by appearing before the commission probing the bond transactions. Mahendran refuted the notion that he had fled the country, calling the political claims against him baseless.
He further recalled that his return to Sri Lanka was widely covered on television, dispelling any myths surrounding his departure. According to Mahendran, he left Sri Lanka for Singapore with the approval of a Supreme Court bench led by Justices K.T. Chithrasiri and Prasanna Jayawardena.
He expressed that, given the circumstances, he viewed his legal battles as a case of political victimisation and stated that he is currently unable to return to Sri Lanka due to the prevailing situation.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Port City Colombo is rapidly emerging as Sri Lanka’s premier multi-service Special Economic Zone, positioning itself as a pivotal financial and business hub in the South Asian region. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and investor-friendly policies, the city has garnered significant international attention.
The development is progressing steadily, with various commercial, residential, and recreational projects taking shape. Key attractions such as the Mall at Port City Colombo and South Asia’s first downtown duty-free shopping complex are already transforming Colombo’s economic landscape, drawing global investors and businesses alike.
The government’s commitment to fostering a pro-business environment has made Port City Colombo a competitive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
With strategic partnerships, improved regulatory frameworks, and a focus on sustainability, the city aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s global trade presence. As part of this effort, Port City Colombo continues to host international delegations and forums, showcasing its potential as a financial and commercial powerhouse.
Recently, Port City Colombo hosted Lord Swire, Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), for an exclusive session on investment opportunities and economic potential within South Asia.
Accompanied by CWEIC officials, including Sri Lanka’s CWEIC Country Chair and The Capital Maharaja Organisation Group Director Niro Cooke, Board Member Pamela O’Leary, and Country Director Deshan Gonawela, the delegation was welcomed by Colombo Port City Economic Commission Director General Revan Wickramasuriya and CHEC Port City Colombo Ltd. Deputy Managing Director Thulci Aluwihare.
During the visit, the delegation attended a comprehensive presentation at the Port City Colombo Sales Gallery, which highlighted the city’s progress and its appeal to key investor markets, including the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific.
The regulatory environment, designed to facilitate ease of business, was a focal point of discussion. Additionally, the delegation experienced a guided tour of the Mall at Port City Colombo, South Asia’s pioneering downtown duty-free retail complex, which is already bolstering Colombo’s reputation as a hub for business and tourism.
CWEIC Deputy Chairman Lord Swire emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka positioning itself as an attractive destination for FDI. “Sri Lanka needs to demonstrate that it is open for foreign investment. Beyond the tea and tourism industries,
Port City Colombo’s Special Economic Zone offers immense potential as a transformative initiative. The Commonwealth comprises some of the fastest-growing economies, and investors will undoubtedly find the opportunities at Port City Colombo intriguing.”
Niro Cooke, CWEIC Country Chair – Sri Lanka, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Sri Lanka has traditionally been known as a tourism hotspot, but we now have the potential to evolve into a diversified service-based economy. With FDI catalysts such as Port City Colombo, a stable economic outlook, and a strategic geographic location, Sri Lanka has all the right elements to emerge as a formidable regional business hub.”
Port City Colombo has been actively strengthening investor relations across the Commonwealth as a CWEIC Strategic Partner. The city recently participated in the Commonwealth Business Forum 2024 in Apia, Samoa, where it highlighted its role in promoting sustainable economic growth and skilled workforce mobility within South Asia.
With continued international engagement and progressive initiatives, Port City Colombo is poised to become a leading economic powerhouse in the region.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): The first US-based RM Parks’ Shell fuel station opened in Sri Lanka on Wednesday at the BS Cooray Filling Station, in Ambatale.The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung declared open the fuel station.
“Proud to join the opening of the first California-based RM Parks’ Shell fuel station in Sri Lanka, with 150 stations planned. This investment adds a reliable fuel provider to the market and makes America and Sri Lanka more prosperous. Diversifying fuel suppliers will help avoid the fuel shortages that caused Sri Lanka’s 2022 fuel crisis,” the Ambassador said.
She said the opening highlights Sri Lanka’s openness to foreign investment and to maintaining a level playing for all businesses.
“This opening is great for all Sri Lankan drivers: motorcyclists, car drivers, tuk drivers, truck drivers. Adding competitors to the markets gives them more quality and product options. And the convenience stores will provide snack and essentials to a society increasingly on the go,” she added.
The Ambassador said that in alignment with US President Trump’s vision of making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, the event in Sri Lanka reinforces the United States as a global energy leader.
She said that by investing in Sri Lanka’s energy infrastructure, the US is not only strengthening supply chains, but also advancing the ties that bind the two nations.
This ceremony opens an exciting new chapter in Sri Lanka’s energy sector—a partnership that brings together RM Parks, a renowned American family company with a rich history in fuel distribution, and Shell, a name synonymous with quality and innovation! .
It is the grand opening of the first RM Parks and Tristar-fueled, Shell branded fuel shed in Sri Lanka in over six decades. This event is not merely the inauguration of a service station; it is the rekindling of a relationship.,she added.
Half a century ago, Shell fuel sheds were a familiar sight across this beautiful island. The Shell emblem stood as a beacon of quality and trust, symbolizing progress and connection.
And RM Parks began as a small operation in Porterville, California, in 1969 when RM Parks and his wife Clarice made the bold decision to purchase a fuel business and build it from the ground up.
Their journey embodies the essence of the American Dream – starting with humble beginnings and growing into a thriving, multi-generational enterprise through hard work, perseverance and a commitment to building strong relationships with both employees and customers.
Today RM Parks is a three-generation family business, rooted in a small farming town in California. It’s a true American entrepreneurial story — farmers who entered the fuel business, then grew a family and a company at the same time.
RM Parks’ grandchildren grew up riding in trucks with their fathers, making fuel deliveries to farmers. The fuel powered the farms and businesses that are the backbone of American prosperity.
RM Parks now serves more than 240 locations across California, continuing to honor its legacy of excellence. This partnership with Shell is not just a business venture; it’s an example of how American ingenuity and values can drive innovation and create lasting impact—both locally and globally.
The collaboration between RM Parks and Shell is a testament to the enduring bonds between the United States and Sri Lanka. It reflects our shared commitment to fostering economic growth, enhancing energy security, and building prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
In alignment with President Trump’s vision of making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, today’s event reinforces the United States as a global energy leader. By investing in Sri Lanka’s energy infrastructure, we are not only strengthening supply chains, but also advancing the ties that bind our two nations.
It also highlights Sri Lanka’s openness to foreign investment and to maintaining a level playing for all businesses. This opening is great for all Sri Lankan drivers: motorcyclists, car drivers, tuk drivers, truck drivers.
Adding competitors to the markets gives them more quality and product options. And the convenience stores will provide snack and essentials to a society increasingly on the go.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has voiced concerns about the proposed removal of the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) system and its replacement with a VAT refund mechanism.
While acknowledging the Government’s commitment to digital transformation and economic modernization, the NCE highlights the potential risks this change could pose to the export sector and urges careful planning.
Impact on the Export Sector
Exporters are a crucial pillar of Sri Lanka’s economy, playing a significant role in achieving the Government’s $19 billion export target.
However, the industry is already facing multiple challenges, such as fluctuating global demand, intense international competition, and domestic operational constraints.
The elimination of SVAT without an efficient refund system in place could further strain exporters, creating financial instability and reducing global competitiveness.
The SVAT system has provided a vital advantage by mitigating cash flow disruptions through VAT offsetting on inputs. This mechanism ensures smoother operations and cost efficiency for exporters.
Replacing it with a refund-based system assumes that digitalization will facilitate timely and efficient VAT reimbursements.
While the NCE supports the Government’s digital economy vision, it insists that the new system must be rigorously tested before full implementation to avoid potential disruptions.
Past Challenges with VAT Refunds
Historically, VAT refund mechanisms have presented significant difficulties, with exporters experiencing prolonged delays and cumbersome administrative procedures.
These inefficiencies have led to cash flow constraints, forcing businesses to seek high-interest loans to meet order commitments, thereby increasing operational costs.
Such setbacks emphasize the need for a robust and reliable refund system that prevents recurrence of past issues.
NCE’s Recommendations for a Smooth Transition
To mitigate risks and ensure a successful transition, the NCE recommends a phased, well-monitored approach, including:
Pilot Testing: A comprehensive pilot project in collaboration with the Export Development Board (EDB) to evaluate system functionality under real-world conditions and identify potential issues before full implementation.
Clear Implementation Timeline: The Government should establish a structured timeline with a transitional period, allowing exporters to adapt gradually without operational disruptions.
Stakeholder Training and Support: Adequate training and technical support must be provided to exporters and relevant stakeholders to facilitate seamless adoption of the new system.
Timely VAT Refunds: The Department of Inland Revenue must guarantee prompt VAT refunds, with clear mechanisms for handling delays and resolving disputes efficiently.
Contingency Measures: A backup plan should be in place to address potential system failures, ensuring exporters do not suffer due to administrative inefficiencies.
Avoiding Irreversible Consequences
Once implemented, reversing a flawed system will be challenging. A poorly executed rollout could undermine exporter confidence in Government policies, exacerbating the sector’s existing struggles. Therefore, all potential risks must be addressed beforehand to prevent any negative repercussions.
Call for Collaborative Dialogue
The NCE urges the Government to engage in meaningful discussions with exporters and other key stakeholders to ensure a balanced approach to the VAT system transition. Any reform must align with the broader objective of strengthening the export sector, a key driver of Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
This short article is to highlight radical actions taken by the President Donald Trump to clean up the federal government from corruption and inefficiency to reform it to be market friendly. His ideology is to cut the deep federal bureaucracy and regulations and reduce budget deficit and debt so that the economy can grow faster competitively through markets with lower inflation. The short background of the topic is as follows.
Unlike in Sri Lanka, Donald Trump has already commenced historic actions against the corruption of the federal government as promised at the Presidential election. As promised, he immediately after taking oath on 20 January 2025 established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headed by Elon Musk, a top global businessman in the US, to audit all federal government agencies, assess the performance and efficiency on tax payers’ money, detect wasteful spending and close or reform such agencies without delay.
The DOGE has got the access to information and payment systems of federal agencies in order to detect wasteful spending and questionable operations based on a simple question of the purpose to tax payers.
The DOGE officials are not normal government auditors who ask for hard copies of sample documents for audit that takes years. Elon Must has employed young software engineers who get the access to operations systems of the agencies and work day and night to retrieve historical information hiding in all corners on operations. Then, questionable transactions and payments are immediately informed to the President and media with printouts.
On DOGE’s findings, several agencies have been suspended, e.g., UASID and CFPB, giving shockwaves to both the US and the globe. Many agencies such as Department of Education and Department of Transportation are in the list for closure. The DOGE releases details of questionable spending items of corrupted nature on almost daily basis making political news. It is reported that nearly US$ 95 bn of wasteful spending is already saved through suspension of such spending. The DOGE’s target is to cut nearly US$ 2 trillion of federal spending within two years. At the Cabinet meeting held today, Elon Musk told the media that the government would go bankrupt without the technical support of the DODE, given the structure of budget deficit and debt stock (Watch the video of Elon Musk at the Cabinet meeting)(Video 2) (Video 3).
Trump Administration has given an ultimatum to all federal civil employees of nearly 2 million to early retire by 6 February 2025 with wages of 8 months or confront termination of employment. It is reported that many federal employees have accepted the option to retire.
The DOGE is to audit the US gold reserve held in vaults at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and to ensure whether the gold is there in physical or in paper as recorded because it has not been audited since 1953. It is reported that the Fort Knox gold reserve is around 147.3 mn troy ounces with a book value at 1974 prices (i.e., US$ 42 per troy ounce) against the value of US$ 428 bn at current price. It is also reported that the total US gold reserve is around 248 mn troy ounces (nearly 8,133 MT) at book value of US$ 10.5 bn. and current market value of US$ 760 bn. There is speculation that Trump Administration plans to monetize the gold reserve to reduce the federal debt burden.
The DOGE has already visited the Tax Department, PENTAGON, Social Security System and Treasury Payment System for audit and is in the process to audit the central bank (Federal Reserve).
Reciprocal tariff policy has been launched and diplomatic discussions have been commenced with foreign governments to implement the policy.
The opposition and public interest groups have rallied against the President, DOGE and Elon Musk and taken a series of legal actions to block the DOGE for access to federal information. In retaliation, President Donald Trump and Elon Must have threatened investigations on the wealth accumulation of lead-Democratic politicians for prosecution against corruption.
DOGE e-mail to federal employees to report their individual work accomplishments
The latest federal panic has arisen from the DOGE e-mail to all federal employees sent on last Sunday (23 February 2025) requiring them to report by Monday their work accomplishments in the last week in five bullet points or failure to respond would be treated as resignation.
President Trump commented that this information will help detect whether employees really exist in respective agencies because it has been found that some employees never attend office or gone dead while continuing to receive respective remuneration on their names even after the retirement since the retirement files are not completed.
Elon Must commented that information received would be assessed through AI to identify employees between wasteful work and productive work. He also commented that some employees did not know their job description and contribution to the society and, therefore, the e-mail was meant to spot outright fraud from people on the payroll who were not working at all.
It is reported that nearly 40% of federal employees have responded to the e-mail and necessary policy action will be decided on those who did not respond in due course. It is well known that state employees world over are reluctant to assess work performance due to various reasons, given the structure of the bureaucratic system including the legal protection to state employees.
Concluding remarks
Unlike in new governments of many countries, Trump Administration has got no honeymoon or celebration time. It has immediately commenced to keep promises radically. Therefore, the delivery in just one month is both radical and remarkable.
It is reported that some of reforms to federal agencies and bureaucracy are what several past Presidents proposed but failed to activate or proceed.
As promised at the election campaign, the President Trump and his team seem to be dynamic and energetic to deliver the national mission. All members of the Cabinet have been appointed for the delivery of the same announced mission without any variations and, therefore, no private missions or ideologies are confronted.
The speed, braveness, dynamism, focus and team coordination exhibited from Trump Administration are exemplary to national leaders of other countries if they intend to be on real national policy delivery in a time frame.
As usual in politics across the world, allegations against the past President and government leaders have become a routine of the Trump team.
What Trump Administration is doing to fight corruption and make the economy more efficient and productive through market forces is a historic lesson to governments of the other part of the world which shout at corruption of past governments in the media while operating in the same corrupted governance system until voters overthrow them too on same corruption charges. Finally, countries and generations of people live in de facto bankruptcy being the reality of the countries of successive governments talking of corrupt-free, good governance.
(This article is released in the interest of participating in the professional dialogue to find out solutions to present economic crisis confronted by the general public consequent to the global Corona pandemic, subsequent economic disruptions and shocks both local and global and policy failures. All are personal views of the author based on his research in the subject of Economics which have no intension to personally or maliciously discredit characters of any individuals.)
P Samarasiri
Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka
(Former Director of Bank Supervision, Assistant Governor, Secretary to the Monetary Board and Compliance Officer of the Central Bank, Former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Board and Credit Information Bureau, Former Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka, Former Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Insurance Regulatory Commission and the Author of 13 Economics and Banking Books and a large number of articles published.)
February 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake welcomed the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Akio Isomata, to the Presidential Secretariat this morning (27) for a significant meeting aimed at enhancing diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, Ambassador Isomata extended an official invitation to President Dissanayake to visit Japan, expressing strong appreciation for the new administration’s policy framework.
The Ambassador also conveyed Japan’s desire to deepen cooperation with Sri Lanka in various sectors, particularly in areas of security and economic development.
A key topic of discussion was Japan’s recent efforts to include Sri Lanka in its newly launched security cooperation assistance programme, which is designed to strengthen regional security and foster closer ties with Sri Lanka.
Ambassador Isomata underscored Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka through various developmental initiatives.
The two leaders also engaged in a detailed conversation about the joint program between Japan, Switzerland, and South Africa, which focuses on national reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka, particularly in the northern regions that have been heavily impacted by the 30-year conflict.
Both sides expressed a mutual interest in continuing to support these initiatives to promote long-term peace and unity within Sri Lanka.
In addition to these discussions, the current state of Japanese investments in Sri Lanka was reviewed. Particular attention was given to ongoing and future investments in the digital economy and infrastructure sectors, such as airport development and port modernisation.
Ambassador Isomata reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s Digital Transformation Programme, highlighting Japan’s intention to invest in projects that will enhance the country’s digital capabilities and improve its transport infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Dr. Duminda Hulangamuwa, Advisor to the President on Economic and Financial Affairs, Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, OHASHI Kenji, First Secretary and Head of Economics and Development Cooperation Section, and MURATA Shinichi, First Secretary and Head of the Political Section.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya has strongly criticised the extravagant spending on foreign trips by former presidents, drawing a stark contrast with the more modest expenditures of the current President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
During a debate on the expenditure for the office of the President, the Prime Minister revealed that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had allocated a staggering Rs. 3,572 million from public funds for foreign visits between 2010 and 2014.
This spending was, according to Amarasuriya, one of the highest recorded during his tenure, with 2013 alone seeing an expenditure of Rs. 1,144 million on foreign travel.
In comparison, the Prime Minister highlighted that the current President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, had spent a mere Rs. 1.8 million on his three foreign visits so far.
Amarasuriya pointed out that such a contrast in spending reflected the fiscal discipline that the current administration was committed to, especially when compared to the lavish spending of previous leaders.
Further detailing the foreign travel expenditures of former presidents, Amarasuriya noted that former President Maithripala Sirisena had spent Rs. 384 million during his time in office between 2015 and 2019.
She also highlighted that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, over the course of his two-year term, had spent Rs. 126 million on foreign visits.
The Prime Minister went on to scrutinise the foreign travel spending under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who, according to Amarasuriya, had spent Rs. 533 million for foreign trips in the 2023-2024 period alone.
Wickremesinghe had reportedly undertaken 33 foreign trips, accompanied by as many as 154 individuals. Notably, he had taken opposition members of Parliament with him on some of these journeys, including a trip to the UK for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, where he was accompanied by 10 people.
Furthermore, 18 individuals travelled with him to Japan for the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, while 12 individuals joined his visit to the UK for the coronation of King Charles III.
Additionally, the Prime Minister noted that he had taken 23 individuals with him on an official visit to India.
In contrast, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s foreign trips have been much more restrained, with only five people accompanying him on his trip to India.
February 27, Colombo (LNW): The Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court that a total of Rs. 245 million has been disbursed as compensation to the victims of the tragic Easter Sunday terror attacks.
This payment follows an order issued in relation to the Fundamental Rights petitions filed by the victims, which highlighted the failure of authorities to take preventative action prior to the attacks.
The update was presented during a hearing of 12 petitions concerning the disbursement of compensation to those affected by the attacks.
The petitions were brought before the Supreme Court for scrutiny, with the intention of ensuring that the payment process was carried out in accordance with the court’s previous instructions.
The case was heard by a three-judge bench consisting of Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, Justice S. Thurairajah, and Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz.
The Supreme Court’s involvement in these matters has underscored the importance of ensuring justice for the victims, as well as the need for accountability and transparency in the compensation process.
