January 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has set a new milestone in its export sector, with the latest report from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) revealing that the country reached an all-time high of US$ 16.17 billion in export revenue for 2024.
This achievement surpasses the previous record of US$ 15.72 billion set in 2018, marking a significant boost in the nation’s economic performance.
The 2024 export figure is made up of US$ 12.70 billion from merchandise exports and US$ 3.46 billion from services exports, demonstrating a robust performance across various industries.
This growth highlights the resilience and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s export sector, despite the challenges faced by global markets.
Provisional data from Sri Lanka Customs further underscores this positive trend, revealing that merchandise exports in December 2024 alone reached US$ 1,042.5 million.
This represents a 4.06 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2023, driven by strong performances in key sectors such as Apparel & Textiles, Tea, Rubber-based products, Coconut products, Spices & Concentrates, and Food & Beverages.
In addition to merchandise, services exports also saw impressive growth in December 2024, with earnings estimated at US$ 322.92 million.
This reflects a significant 29.96 per cent year-on-year increase, highlighting the expansion of the services sector, which has been increasingly important to Sri Lanka’s export diversification strategy.
Overall, the total export earnings for December 2024, combining both merchandise and services, reached US$ 1,365.42 million.
This represents a moderate year-on-year growth of 9.21 per cent, reinforcing the trend of steady progress across both goods and services exports.
January 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police have reported a significant crackdown on criminal activity, with 249 individuals directly involved in criminal acts arrested during a 12-day period as part of a special operation launched to curb rising crime rates across the country.
The operation, which commenced on January 12, 2025, has also seen the arrest of 4,020 people who were the subjects of outstanding warrants.
As part of the comprehensive operation, authorities have conducted widespread inspections, with more than 277,000 individuals and 104,000 vehicles thoroughly checked.
This extensive monitoring has been instrumental in the successful identification and arrest of suspects, further bolstering the Police’s efforts to restore public safety.
In addition to targeting individuals directly linked to criminal activity, the operation is also focused on reducing specific crimes such as robberies and house break-ins, which have been prevalent in recent months.
Police officials have noted a marked decrease in these particular types of crime since the operation’s launch, suggesting that the heightened security measures are having a positive impact on curbing criminal behaviour.
Authorities have underscored the ongoing nature of the operation, with additional efforts expected to continue throughout the year.
January 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has assured that the government will provide a suitable residence for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa if he has nowhere to move following his departure from his current residence.
Addressing a public gathering in Thambuththegama, the President raised questions about the reluctance of former leaders to vacate government-provided homes, despite many public officials, including himself and his ministers, not yet occupying their allocated residences.
Dissanayake emphasised that it was unjust for anyone to continue living in a large mansion funded by taxpayers, particularly when there is no clear need for such extravagant accommodation.
“It seems unreasonable to reside in such a grand property while the rest of us, including the President and Cabinet Ministers, have not yet moved into our assigned homes. If former Presidents are struggling to relocate, we will certainly provide them with a suitable place to stay,” he stated.
“However, it is important to recognise that the mansion they occupy is far too large for the purpose it serves.“
The President also dismissed accusations that the request for the former President to vacate his residence was an act of political persecution.
“This is not about political vendettas; it is about taking our country in a new direction. We are simply asking for a change. Before we ask anyone to leave, they must first vacate the premises,” Dissanayake clarified.
He reiterated that such actions are in the best interests of the public, urging that the use of taxpayers’ funds must always be carefully considered.
January 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have reported a notable decline in fatal road accidents, following the introduction of a special vehicle inspection operation in December 2024.
According to the latest figures from the Sri Lanka Police, there were 129 road accidents between January 1 and 25, 2025, a decrease compared to the 155 accidents reported during the same period in 2024.
In particular, the Police highlighted a significant reduction in the number of fatal accidents, with 26 fewer fatalities recorded this year than in the previous year.
This decline has been welcomed as a positive outcome of the newly implemented road safety measures.
The special vehicle inspection operation, which was launched to enhance road safety, remains ongoing. Officers are actively inspecting vehicles to ensure compliance with safety regulations, and additional measures have been introduced to curb reckless driving.
In a further step to deter dangerous driving, plainclothes officers have been stationed on public transport routes to monitor and apprehend individuals engaging in reckless or unsafe driving behaviours.
The Police have emphasised their commitment to continuing these efforts, with the aim of further reducing road accidents and fatalities across the country.
January 27, Colombo (LNW): Yoshitha Rajapaksa has been granted bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court following his arrest in connection with a money laundering investigation.
The court set his bail conditions at two surety bonds, each valued at Rs. 50 million.
The decision to grant bail comes after Rajapaksa was remanded earlier this week as part of the ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in illicit financial activities.
The charges relate to the purchase of property worth Rs. 34 million in Ratmalana, which is believed to be linked to violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
January 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has enjoyed a remarkable surge in tourist arrivals in the first three weeks of January 2025, with provisional figures from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) revealing that over 177,000 international visitors have arrived on the island so far.
This marks a significant 19 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, when 148,898 tourists visited the country.
Between January 1 and 22, a total of 177,403 people arrived in Sri Lanka, equating to an average of approximately 8,063 arrivals per day.
The weekly average is around 59,000, a promising sign that the tourism sector is rebounding strongly after challenges in recent years.
India continues to be the largest source of tourists, contributing 17.4 per cent of all arrivals. This is followed by the Russian Federation, which accounts for 14.4 per cent of the total influx.
The United Kingdom, traditionally a major market for Sri Lankan tourism, remains in third place, with 8.4 per cent of the arrivals. Germany, another key European market, is close behind, contributing 6.6 per cent of the total number of tourists.
In addition to these top markets, Sri Lanka has also seen interest from other significant countries, including China, Australia, France, the United States, Poland, and the Netherlands.
The variety of international visitors highlights the island’s growing appeal as a destination for diverse travellers, with people from across the globe seeking to explore its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and renowned hospitality.
Industry experts are optimistic that the strong start to the year will continue, with many expecting tourism numbers to rise further in the coming months as Sri Lanka continues to promote its attractions to new and returning visitors.
January 27, Colombo (LNW): Yoshitha Rajapaksa, who was taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on charges of money laundering, is set to appear before court again today (27).
His arrest, which took place on January 25 near the Beliatta Expressway entrance, follows an investigation into alleged financial misconduct.
After his arrest, Rajapaksa was swiftly brought to the CID headquarters in Colombo, where he underwent questioning for several hours. Following this, he was presented before Colombo’s Additional Magistrate Pavithra Sanjeevani at the Aluthkade No. 05 Court.
The magistrate ordered his remand until today, pending further legal proceedings.
The charges against Rajapaksa stem from an investigation into the purchase of a property in Ratmalana, which included a house and land valued at a staggering Rs. 34 million.
The transaction is believed to have been conducted in a manner that violates the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, prompting authorities to take action.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to Rajapaksa’s high-profile family background, which has amplified interest in the investigation.
January 27, Colombo (LNW): Minister Bimal Rathnayake has expressed optimism that the upcoming Local Government (LG) elections will be held in Sri Lanka during either the second or fourth week of April 2025.
Speaking to the press in Jaffna, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the elections proceed as planned.
Rathnayake revealed that the government, in collaboration with all political parties, has already submitted a draft bill to Parliament that seeks to amend the Local Authorities Elections Act, facilitating the much-awaited elections.
This move follows extensive discussions and agreement amongst political leaders, signalling a united front for the smooth conduct of the local elections.
Whilst acknowledging that several petitions have been lodged in court by different parties, the Minister was confident that these legal proceedings would not create significant obstacles.
“Although various parties have taken their concerns to the courts, we do not anticipate these petitions hindering the election process,” Rathnayake stated. “The judiciary will reach its decision in due course, but we are hopeful that it will not delay the elections significantly, as the court has a set timeframe to issue its verdict.”
Rathnayake also emphasised that the Election Commission, with all legal matters taken into consideration, is expected to set the election date for either mid-April or towards the end of the month.
He noted, “We firmly believe that the elections will be held in the second or fourth week of April, allowing the local government bodies to be formed promptly.”
In addition to his comments on the LG elections, the Minister also mentioned the government’s plans for provincial council elections.
He reassured the public that the government intends to proceed with these elections for the Northern Province and across the country without further delays, underlining the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its electoral promises.
January 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Navy on January 26 assumed command of the multinational maritime training initiative Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 during a formal change-of-command ceremony held in Bahrain.
This significant leadership transition saw Egyptian Navy Commodore Haytham Khalil hand over the reins to Sri Lankan Navy Commodore KMH Bettage, marking a notable milestone for Sri Lanka.
This is the first time that a task force within the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) has been led by Sri Lanka, which officially joined the CMF in November 2023.
CTF 154, which was established in May 2023, plays a pivotal role in facilitating multinational maritime training throughout the Middle East.
The task force enables member nations to conduct essential training and cooperation across various maritime operations, helping to maintain security and stability in one of the world’s busiest and most strategic maritime regions.
Under the leadership of Commodore Khalil, CTF 154 achieved significant progress, introducing monthly Maritime Security Enhanced Training sessions that covered critical topics such as navigation, safety at sea, firefighting, public relations, and crisis management during pollution events.
These training sessions were in addition to fostering key partnerships with other maritime organisations, including the European Union Naval Force, and strengthening relationships with other regional stakeholders.
Khalil reflected on his tenure, stating, “Our joint efforts have substantially improved maritime security and deepened cooperation across the region. Your unwavering commitment to these initiatives has delivered outstanding results, boosting readiness and operational capacity. It has been an honour to lead such a talented and unified team.”
The task force’s training initiatives are held at various locations throughout the region, with particular focus on five core areas: maritime awareness, law, interdiction, rescue, and leadership development. Each training programme is carefully tailored to meet the needs of CMF partner nations, offering opportunities for both foundational and advanced learning.
Through these efforts, CTF 154 provides crucial training without the need for ships or aircraft, making it accessible to nations across the Middle East.
Commodore Bettage, who now leads CTF 154, emphasised the importance of collaboration and training in safeguarding global maritime security.
“I believe that training and cooperation are vital to maintaining the flow of maritime commerce and securing vital sea routes. By strengthening partnerships between nations and industries, we can jointly address emerging threats and optimise maritime operations. This, in turn, will bolster global trade and contribute to economic growth,” he remarked.
The CMF, headquartered in Bahrain, is the largest multinational naval coalition globally, comprising 46 nations committed to upholding international maritime law and ensuring the free and secure movement of goods across the seas.
In addition to CTF 154, the CMF operates several other task forces, including CTF 150, which focuses on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, and CTF 151, which tackles regional counter-piracy efforts.
Other task forces are dedicated to ensuring maritime security in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, areas critical to global trade and energy transport.
By taking command of CTF 154, Sri Lanka’s participation in the Combined Maritime Forces is further cemented, reinforcing its commitment to fostering international collaboration and ensuring the safety of vital shipping routes in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime regions.
January 27, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the new school term for the 2025 academic year officially begins today (27).
The term will be structured into three distinct phases, aimed at providing a well-paced academic calendar for both students and educators.
The first phase of the term will run from today until March 14, offering a solid six-week period for students to engage with their studies.
Following this, the second phase will take place from April 1 to April 11, providing a brief yet intensive stretch of learning before a short break.
The final phase of the first school term will be held from April 21 to May 9. This phased approach to the academic calendar is expected to help streamline educational activities, while also allowing students to maintain focus and adapt to a varied learning rhythm.
The Ministry has also expressed confidence that this adjusted term structure will better support the needs of students and teachers, ensuring a balanced workload throughout the term.
Educational authorities are encouraging both parents and students to stay informed about the dates and plan accordingly for the smooth continuation of the academic year.
