October 12, Colombo (LNW): A newly published report has warned that critical infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province—specifically the development of Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port and the expansion of Jaffna Airport—must be insulated from political shifts if the country is to ensure a balanced post-crisis economic recovery.

The report, carried by the Jaffna Post, highlights that while recent Cabinet changes could accelerate long-delayed projects, any disruption in policy continuity may risk derailing progress. In the latest reshuffle, Bimal Rathnayake has taken over as Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, and Anura Karunathilaka has been appointed Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation—portfolios directly linked to the northern projects.

With feasibility studies backed by a US$61 million Indian grant, KKS Port and Jaffna Airport are expected to play a transformative role in integrating the Northern Province—one of Sri Lanka’s most economically isolated regions—into national and regional trade networks.

The report projects that KKS Port, once operational, could handle monthly cargo volumes between 2,000 and 5,000 tonnes. It also notes that current ferry services between Nagapattinam and KKS already see between 1,200 and 2,000 passengers per month, a figure that could rise significantly with the resumption of daily services.

Strategically located near the Palk Strait, KKS Port could serve as a vital export gateway for northern industries such as fisheries, agriculture, dairy, and traditional Palmyra-based enterprises, enabling local producers to access Indian and broader South Asian markets more efficiently.

Meanwhile, the proposed expansion of Jaffna Airport holds similar promise. It could reduce travel time between Colombo and Jaffna from nearly ten hours by road to just one hour by air. More critically, an upgraded airport would function as a regional aviation hub, capable of attracting international airlines and supporting both inbound tourism and outbound trade, especially in time-sensitive goods like seafood and fresh produce.

The report underscores that the combined potential of KKS Port and Jaffna Airport could establish a northern economic corridor that complements Colombo’s commercial dominance rather than competes with it. This, it argues, would promote more inclusive national development and bridge the long-standing gap between the centre and the periphery.

However, it warns that for this vision to materialise, political will must be matched by consistency in implementation. Frequent changes in leadership, shifting bureaucratic priorities, or delays in budget allocations could undercut momentum at a critical juncture.

The Jaffna Post report concludes that Sri Lanka’s broader recovery from its economic crisis will be measured not just by macro-level indicators, but by how evenly growth and opportunity are distributed. In that regard, northern infrastructure development should be viewed not as a regional project, but as a national priority.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): Despite repeated assurances by the Ministry of Health and the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) that Sri Lanka’s ongoing drug crisis will be fully resolved by 2026, the healthcare system is now facing an alarming paradox—an oversupply of certain medications alongside a continued shortage of essential drugs and surgical supplies in hospitals across the country.

This troubling development was revealed by Specialist Dr Chamal Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance, who described the situation as a “clear reflection of both administrative incompetence and political negligence” within the public health sector.

According to Dr Sanjeewa, nearly 100 pharmaceutical items—both essential and non-essential—are currently being stockpiled in several large state hospitals, with no clear mechanism in place for redistribution or utilisation. At the same time, vital medications such as IV Noradrenaline, Cefotaxime, Amikacin, Levofloxacin, and Clarithromycin remain in dangerously short supply. Surgical items, including suturing materials like prolene, nylon, and knee implants, are also critically low, severely hampering routine and emergency care.

The contradiction between surplus and shortage is not just a logistical failure—it represents a systemic collapse in planning, procurement, and oversight, Dr Sanjeewa pointed out. He attributed this failure to mismanagement by health officials dating back to the tenure of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, while also holding the current Health Ministry leadership and SPC accountable for failing to implement corrective measures.

Despite multiple cabinet directives aimed at resolving the crisis, none have yielded tangible results, he said. Instead, hospitals are now dependent on irregular emergency purchases at the regional level, which Dr Sanjeewa warned could lead to significant financial losses due to inflated pricing and lack of proper oversight.

He criticised the Ministry’s ongoing approval of decentralised procurement as a superficial measure to mask deeper administrative failures. He added that allowing ad hoc regional purchases for over a year has not solved the problem—it has only made it less visible. There is no central strategy, no competitive bidding, and no consistency in supplier engagement, Sanjeewa said.

Dr Sanjeewa further accused the SPC and the National Drug Regulatory Authority of operating in isolation, failing to engage constructively with suppliers or adhere to national procurement standards. He claimed that these bodies are functioning with a lack of transparency and accountability, exacerbating supply chain issues rather than resolving them.

The Alliance of Doctors and Civil Rights Trade Unions has raised serious concerns that procurement regulations may have been bypassed under the pretext of emergency cabinet approvals. Dr Sanjeewa indicated that the union is now preparing to initiate legal proceedings in relation to several alleged irregularities in the procurement and distribution process.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): A landmark ceremony will be held today (12) in Bandarawela, where President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to preside over the distribution of housing title deeds to members of the Malayagam community in Sri Lanka’s central hill country.

The event forms part of the fourth phase of a large-scale housing initiative targeting the estate sector and aims to address long-standing issues of landlessness and inadequate living conditions among plantation workers.

The initiative, carried out under the theme “A Comfortable Home, A Hygienic Life,” is a collaborative effort between the Governments of Sri Lanka and India to construct 10,000 permanent homes for families in the plantation sector. It represents one of the most ambitious efforts in recent years to uplift historically marginalised communities in the hill country.

During today’s ceremony, approximately 2,000 families are expected to receive formal ownership of their newly built homes. This milestone not only provides secure tenure to the recipients but also symbolises a broader push towards social equity and improved quality of life for estate workers.

Each housing unit is being constructed with joint financial support: the Indian Government has committed Rs. 3.2 million per house, while the Sri Lankan Government has increased its contribution to Rs. 4 million per unit, reflecting the project’s high priority within national development planning.

Progress on the initiative is well underway. Construction is ongoing for 1,300 homes whose foundation stones were laid in the previous year. In addition, work on another 4,700 houses is expected to be finalised by the end of next year. The final phase, involving the construction of the remaining 4,000 units, is scheduled for completion in 2027.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has expressed strong support for the initial phase of the newly reached agreement aimed at establishing peace in Gaza, describing it as a vital step toward lasting stability in the region.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored Sri Lanka’s deep understanding of the devastating impact of conflict, drawing from its own history of war and recovery. It noted that the country remains acutely aware of the human cost of prolonged violence and therefore values peace as a cornerstone of sustainable development and human dignity.

The government voiced optimism that the current agreement could serve as a foundation for a broader, long-term resolution to the crisis in Gaza. Acknowledging the complex dynamics at play, Sri Lanka commended the diplomatic efforts that made the breakthrough possible, particularly the leadership of the United States and the facilitative roles played by Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in bringing the parties to the negotiating table.

Reaffirming its consistent position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Sri Lanka reiterated its unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination and statehood. The statement called on all parties involved to pursue meaningful, good-faith dialogue aimed at a just and durable peace.

The Foreign Ministry also emphasised the importance of adhering to relevant United Nations resolutions, particularly those advocating for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders. It noted that any sustainable resolution must address the aspirations and security concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians, through a negotiated settlement that guarantees mutual recognition, coexistence, and respect for international law.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): A 23-member delegation from the United States, comprising prominent figures from major think tanks and private sector enterprises, met with Arjuna Herath, Chairman of Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI), during a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and exploring new avenues for collaboration.

Led by Professor Walter Russell Mead of the Hudson Institute, the high-level group included senior representatives from leading U.S. policy institutions such as the American Enterprise Institute, along with executives from key sectors including technology, human capital development, and infrastructure.

The visit, seen as a significant gesture of goodwill and strategic interest, brought together top Sri Lankan officials and international stakeholders for a series of substantive discussions at the BOI headquarters.

Professor Mead noted that the delegation’s visit was part of a broader effort to better understand Sri Lanka’s evolving economic and geopolitical role. He described the team as a diverse mix of business leaders, investors, content creators, and policy experts who are actively exploring engagement opportunities in the region.

During the dialogue, BOI Chairman Herath provided a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka’s reform agenda and investment potential. Emphasising the government’s market-oriented policies, Herath reaffirmed commitments to macroeconomic stability, transparent governance, and international cooperation.

“We are focused on creating an investor-friendly environment built on openness, rule of law, and long-term policy consistency,” he said. He also highlighted ongoing work with multilateral institutions, including the IMF, to strengthen fiscal management and accelerate structural reforms.

On foreign relations, Sri Lankan officials reiterated the nation’s steadfast adherence to a non-aligned foreign policy. “Sri Lanka maintains open and constructive relationships with all global partners, rooted in sovereignty and mutual respect,” officials stated. “Our ties with the United States are longstanding and continue to be shaped by shared democratic values and mutual aspirations for prosperity.”

The BOI used the occasion to showcase Sri Lanka’s strategic investment appeal. This included its position as a vital maritime and trade hub in the Indian Ocean, proximity to global shipping lanes, and access to large regional markets.

Other key assets highlighted were the country’s skilled, English-speaking workforce, rising technological capacity, and opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, digital services, tourism, logistics, and real estate development.

Special focus was given to upcoming initiatives aimed at modernising the investment landscape—such as the creation of specialised economic zones, digitisation of regulatory processes, and reforms designed to streamline investor facilitation. These measures, officials said, are intended to create a predictable, transparent framework for long-term international investment.

In response, members of the U.S. delegation expressed keen interest in contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and future development. They stressed the importance of mutual knowledge-sharing, adoption of global best practices, and collaboration on technology transfer, workforce training, and infrastructure investment. The delegation noted that this kind of sustained engagement is essential to fostering growth that benefits both sides.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with Sri Lankan officials extending their appreciation to the American delegation for their engagement and constructive dialogue.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya departed for Beijing late yesterday (11) to participate in the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025, following an official invitation extended by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The international gathering, held under the theme “One Shared Future: New & Accelerated Process for Women’s All-round Development,” is a collaborative initiative between the Chinese government and UN Women. The summit aims to bring together heads of state, government leaders, and key global figures to deliberate on new strategies to promote gender equality and empower women across all sectors of society.

Dr Amarasuriya is scheduled to deliver a keynote address during the conference, in which she is expected to highlight Sri Lanka’s progress and ongoing challenges in the area of women’s empowerment, social inclusion, and policy innovation. Her speech will also outline the country’s renewed commitment to gender-responsive governance and inclusive economic development.

In addition to her address at the summit, the Prime Minister will engage in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event. These include talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang of the State Council, where discussions are likely to focus on strengthening diplomatic ties, expanding economic cooperation, and exploring collaborative efforts in development and education—particularly initiatives that support women and marginalised communities.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): The latest reshuffle within the Cabinet of Ministers under the National People’s Power (NPP) government has been formally ratified, with the publication of an official Gazette notification outlining the revised allocation of ministerial and deputy ministerial responsibilities.

This follows the announcement made on October 10, when the government unveiled adjustments to several key positions, including the reassignment of three Cabinet-level portfolios and the induction of ten Deputy Ministers. The newly appointed officials took their oaths before the President during a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat on the same day.

The reshuffle, conducted under the constitutional provisions of Articles 44(2) and 46(1) of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, was officially enacted on the authority of the President. The Gazette notification was issued by Dr N. S. Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, thereby bringing legal validity to the changes.

Among the more notable reassignments is the reallocation of the Ports and Civil Aviation portfolio. Bimal Rathnayaka, who previously held a consolidated brief as Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, has been relieved of responsibilities related to maritime and aviation affairs. Instead, he assumes oversight of Urban Development, and now serves as Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.

Taking charge of the Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry is Anura Karunathilaka, who has transitioned from his earlier role as Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing. His new appointment reflects a targeted shift in focus, perhaps suggesting the government’s intent to streamline infrastructure governance.

Meanwhile, the Construction and Housing brief previously held by Minister Karunathilaka has been entrusted to Dr H. M. Susil Ranasinghe. Formerly serving as Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation, Dr Ranasinghe has now been elevated to Cabinet rank and will oversee the newly configured Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply.

In addition to the changes at the Cabinet level, four individuals—Dr Kaushalya Ariyarathna, Dinindu Saman Kumara, Nishantha Jayaweera, and M. Arkam—have been brought into government as Deputy Ministers, marking their first official entry into ministerial office. Their appointments form part of a broader strategy to inject fresh energy into the administration and ensure more comprehensive representation across regions and policy domains.

October 12, Colombo (LNW): In a bid to standardise procedures and uphold the integrity of judicial practice, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has issued a formal directive to all magistrates across the country, firmly instructing them not to authorise the detention of suspects or prisoners in so-called “special” prison facilities.

The instruction, delivered via an official circular signed by JSC Secretary Prasanna Alwis, was distributed to all judicial officers as part of a broader effort to curtail inconsistent practices and reinforce the equal application of custodial regulations.

This decision comes in response to rising concerns and complaints over select judicial officers having previously directed that certain individuals in custody be granted special treatment—such as being detained in facilities offering enhanced conditions or security, outside the purview of standard prison protocol.

The Commission’s communication made it explicitly clear that magistrates are not to issue instructions that allow for preferential treatment, including special security arrangements for suspects or inmates. Should any such requests arise during court proceedings, magistrates are now expected to redirect them to the relevant prison authorities, particularly the superintendent, who holds the responsibility for such decisions.

The circular further prohibits judicial officers from permitting prisoners temporary leave from incarceration for personal reasons—such as attending family gatherings or events. The JSC insisted that the sanctity of custodial sentences must be respected, regardless of personal circumstances.

Moreover, the directive includes specific guidance on how to handle cases where prisoners must be taken out of prison for any reason. In such situations, the prison superintendent is now required to provide written notice to the relevant magistrate, including a full account of the reasons behind the transfer or outing.

Medical concerns raised by inmates are also addressed in the new guidelines. Any request made by a prisoner regarding medical treatment must be simultaneously reviewed by both the presiding magistrate and the designated prison medical officer, ensuring a dual layer of oversight.