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Sri Lanka Army Restores Damaged Aluthdivulwewa Reservoir

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Sri Lanka Army Restores Damaged Aluthdivulwewa Reservoir

The Aluthdivulwewa Reservoir dam in the Galenbidunuwewa Divisional Secretariat division, damaged by heavy rainfall, was successfully restored by Sri Lanka Army personnel yesterday.

The eroded dam posed a serious threat to nearby homes and agricultural activities, endangering the livelihoods and safety of the local community.

Troops from the Security Forces Headquarters – Wanni acted promptly, fortifying the dam with sandbags to prevent further damage and ensure the protection of residents in the area.

This swift and effective intervention highlights the Army’s dedication to safeguarding vulnerable communities during natural disasters.

Sabaragamuwa ‘Udawalawa Tourism Fiesta’ 2024 Attracts Local and Foreign Tourists

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Sabaragamuwa ‘Udawalawa Tourism Fiesta’ 2024 Attracts Local and Foreign Tourists

The ‘Udawalawa Tourism Fiesta’, organized by the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Tourism Ministry, kicked off last week in the Udawalawa area, aiming to promote the province’s diverse tourist destinations to both local and international visitors.

The Sabaragamuwa Province, known for its moderate and pleasant climate, boasts a wealth of attractions, including scenic waterfalls, historic cave temples, and conservation sites. Key highlights include the Pinnawala and Udawalawe Elephant Conservation and Orphanages, which are globally renowned, and stunning waterfalls such as Bopath Ella, Asupini Ella, and Alupola Ella.

This year’s fiesta witnessed an unprecedented level of participation from local and foreign tourists, marking a significant success compared to previous events.

Promoting Tourism in Sabaragamuwa

The festival aims to further popularize the province’s rich cultural and natural heritage among tourists.

Key officials, including Tourism Ministry Secretary Sanjeewa Godellawatte and Planning Director Ruwan Premaratne, were present at the event, alongside other dignitaries.

The initiative underscores the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Tourism Ministry’s commitment to boosting tourism and positioning the region as a must-visit destination.

Sri Lankan Consulate in Toronto Conducts First Clean Sri Lanka Community Outreach

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Sri Lankan Consulate in Toronto Conducts First Clean Sri Lanka Community Outreach

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto conducted its first voluntary community outreach under the Clean Sri Lanka National Programme last week in Scarborough. The event assisted over 800 members of the Sri Lankan Canadian community with their consular needs.

The Consul General briefed attendees on the vision and objectives of the Clean Sri Lanka National Programme, emphasizing that the consulate has incorporated the programme’s priorities and guiding principles into its operational plan to better serve the world’s largest overseas Sri Lankan community.

The Consul General also commended the staff’s voluntary efforts, noting their dedication in organizing and implementing the outreach initiative outside regular working hours at zero cost to the Sri Lankan Government.

The event was supported by the Canada-Sri Lanka Business Convention, which provided the venue and extended hospitality to the participants, ensuring the success of the consular mobile service.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces

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Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces. Heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa district.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere during the afternoon or night. Fairly heavy showers above 75mm can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts.

Fairly strong winds of (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, Eastern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota district.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during 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.

Sri Lanka’s foreign policy balance will be key in 2025

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Sri Lanka’s foreign policy balance will be key in 2025

Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away last week, may not have been a flamboyant US President, but he is widely respected—not for political victories, but for his unwavering dedication to service, both in and after the White House. His life serves as a profound reminder that true leadership is not defined by titles or terms but by the impact of one’s tenure. Carter’s presidency (1977–1981) and post-presidency provide valuable lessons for diplomacy, particularly in conflict resolution and principled engagement with international partners.

Navigating Sri Lanka’s position

Sri Lanka’s ability to navigate its position amidst competing global and regional powers—and within Donald Trump’s anticipated 2.0 world order in 2025—will depend on a nuanced and balanced approach to foreign policy. The country must leverage its strategic location in the Indian Ocean while protecting its sovereignty and long-term interests. The biggest challenge for Foreign Minister Vijitha, whom I have known as a pragmatist for years, lies in balancing India’s security concerns with China’s economic investments—a task that will require deft diplomacy to avoid alienating either side. Additionally, managing Chinese debt obligations while maintaining fiscal sovereignty could prove contentious. Western nations may also pressure Sri Lanka to align with their geopolitical agendas in exchange for financial aid or trade concessions.

Five policy options for managing these challenges:

1. A balanced foreign policy

  • Revitalise a non-aligned approach by maintaining equitable relationships with major powers such as India, China, the US, and the EU.
  • Avoid over-dependence on any single country to preserve strategic autonomy and attract global FDI.

2. Economic diplomacy

  • Leverage the Colombo Port City, Hambantota Port, renewable energy, and tourism to attract investments from diverse global actors, ensuring no single power dominates critical infrastructure.
  • Utilise free trade agreements with India, China, and ASEAN nations to position Sri Lanka as a regional trade hub.

3. Optimise the strategic location

  • Capitalize fully on Sri Lanka’s position at the crossroads of major shipping lanes by enhancing maritime infrastructure and security.
  • Actively participate in Indian Ocean forums, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), to build alliances and mitigate external pressures.
Foreign Minister Herath, an experienced politician, faces challenges on several fronts
 
The late Jayantha Dhanapala demonstrated what countries with limited “hard power” resources can achieve in the intricate and delicate dance of international relations and geopolitics

4. Engage in multilateral diplomacy

  • Strengthen participation in global forums like the UN, Commonwealth, and regional groups to ensure a collective voice in negotiations.
  • Advocate for a rules-based order in the Indian Ocean to deter unilateral dominance.

5. Strengthen relations with India

  • Deepen Indian ties through economic, FDI, tourism, religious, cultural, and security cooperation to address India’s concerns about Chinese influence.
  • Collaborate on transnational challenges like climate change, cybersecurity, terrorism, and regional connectivity.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka must adopt a pragmatic and forward-looking foreign policy that prioritises economic recovery, regional stability, and long-term sovereignty. By positioning itself as a neutral and reliable partner, Sri Lanka can transform its strategic location into a source of strength, ensuring it becomes a bridge rather than a battleground for competing global powers. Achieving this vision will require skilled professionals who are unafraid of criticism for addressing long-term challenges. There is much to learn from the late Jayantha Dhanapala, my mentor and guide. His outstanding career as a diplomat exemplified what professionals from countries with limited “hard power” resources can achieve in the intricate and delicate balancing of international relations, geopolitics, and the challenges of managing aggressive global political leaders.

Additionally, a committee modelled after the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee—particularly its bipartisan nature—could play a critical role in shaping and guiding Sri Lanka’s foreign policy. Leadership of such a committee by an opposition parliamentarian, such as Harsha, would be invaluable in achieving this balance. Sound leadership, as exemplified by Jimmy Carter, is about planting seeds for future generations. However, balancing long-term priorities with short-term political concerns will be essential for Sri Lanka to thrive in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape—and to satisfy an overly demanding and often forgetful local audience.

References:

  • https://time.com/7177760/trump-administration-changing-world-order/
  • Benefits of Sound Economic Diplomacy
  • https://reflections.yale.edu/article/fire-next-time-faith-and-future-nuclear-weapons/now-humanitys-climactic-moment-interview

DailyFT

Sri Lanka  to Roll out Government   Digital Payment Platform this year 

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Sri Lanka  to Roll out Government   Digital Payment Platform this year 

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has announced that the Government Digital Payment Platform (GDPP) will be launched this year, following its successful pilot testing in 2024. 

This initiative is part of a three-year plan to enhance the legal and institutional framework for the nation’s payments ecosystem, Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe revealed during the presentation of the CBSL’s Policy Agenda for 2025 and Beyond.

The GDPP will enable real-time payments to Government institutions that lack digitalised databases via internet banking portals and mobile payment apps. Dr. Weerasinghe emphasised that this move aligns with broader efforts to modernise Sri Lanka’s payment systems.

In 2024, the CBSL introduced a new Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system adhering to ISO 20022 standards for domestic transactions. Plans are underway to extend this compliance to cross-border transactions in line with global timelines. 

Additionally, the CBSL will review the access and licensing regimes for interbank payment systems and payment services. 

Effective 1 January 2025, the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for LANKAQR was increased to 1% from 0.5%, aiming to encourage financial institutions and FinTechs to promote the system more vigorously.

Recognising risks linked to digital payments, the CBSL is prioritising the protection of public trust by monitoring fraud patterns and issuing relevant guidelines.

 In 2024, a Circular was issued to safeguard customer accounts from unauthorised payment app access, with these measures set to take effect from March 2025. 

CBSL will also conduct nationwide public awareness campaigns on digital payment benefits, security features, and potential threats such as fraud and scams.

Dr. Weerasinghe highlighted the importance of a stable and efficient payment system for maintaining a robust financial system. To this end, the CBSL is focused on revising legislation and upgrading payment infrastructure to foster trust and encourage digital payment adoption.

The Payment and Settlement Systems Act is currently being revised to enhance oversight, regulation, and innovation within the payment ecosystem.

 Subsidiary legislations, such as the Guidelines on Minimum Compliance Standards for Payment-related Mobile Applications, are also slated for revision in 2025 to support the expansion of retail digital payments in Sri Lanka.

These initiatives mark a significant step toward modernising the country’s financial infrastructure, ensuring safety, efficiency, and inclusivity in the digital payments space.

The Government Digital Payment Platform (GDPP), branded as GovPay, is an initiative aimed at improving citizen-government interactions and streamlining payment processes for various government services in Sri Lanka. 

This project aims to establish a centralized digital platform, serving as a convenient “Citizen’s One Stop Shop” for the Government Services, catering to individuals and businesses.

. This contributes to the optimization of government service delivery by boosting efficiency in financial transactions, and reducing administrative burdens, and costs, leading to more time-effective and cost-efficient services for the public.

Justice Ranga Dissanayake Appointed as Director General of CIABOC

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Justice Ranga Dissanayake Appointed as Director General of CIABOC

High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake has been appointed as the new Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The appointment, effective from today (January 10), was made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, according to the Bribery Commission.

Justice Dissanayake succeeds High Court Judge W.K.D. Wijeratne, who resigned from the position in October 2024. His appointment is expected to bring renewed focus to the commission’s mission of combating bribery and corruption in Sri Lanka.

Paediatrician Warns of Declining Birth Rates and Rising Childhood Illnesses

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Paediatrician Warns of Declining Birth Rates and Rising Childhood Illnesses

Dr. Deepal Perera, a paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, has expressed serious concern about the significant decline in the country’s birth rate over the past decade, warning of its potential long-term consequences.

“In 2013, there were 350,000 births. By 2024, this number has dropped to 228,000. This decline is alarming and could have far-reaching effects on the country’s future,” Dr. Perera stated.

He also highlighted an increase in hospitalizations among children due to various illnesses, a trend that was not prevalent two decades ago.

Rising Childhood Health Issues

Dr. Perera pointed out an increase in childhood health problems, including diabetes, cancer, and mental disorders.

  • Childhood Diabetes: The number of cases has risen considerably.
  • Childhood Cancer: Reports indicate a notable increase in diagnoses.
  • Mental Disorders: There is a growing prevalence of mental health issues among children.

“These trends suggest that if we do not act now, the future will not be promising for the next generation,” he warned.

Dr. Perera called for urgent attention to address the dual challenges of declining birth rates and deteriorating childhood health, emphasizing that proactive measures are essential to secure a better future.

Diana Gamage Pleads Not Guilty to Forgery Charges

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Diana Gamage Pleads Not Guilty to Forgery Charges

The Colombo High Court yesterday (09) read the charge sheet filed by the Attorney General against former State Minister Diana Gamage, accusing her of obtaining a Sri Lankan passport using forged documents.

When the case was taken up before High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne, Diana Gamage pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the proceedings, President’s Counsel Shanaka Ranasinghe, representing the defendant, raised preliminary objections. He argued that the document in question, allegedly forged, was created in 2003, and with the case being filed in 2024—over two decades later—there was no legal basis to pursue action based on such an outdated document.

Judge Manjula Thilakaratne stated that the preliminary objections would be considered during the trial, which is scheduled to commence on March 5, 2025.

2025 Appropriation Bill Presented to Parliament

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2025 Appropriation Bill Presented to Parliament

The Appropriation Bill for the 2025 financial year was presented to Parliament today (09), detailing the government’s planned expenditure for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025. The total estimated government expenditure for the year is set at Rs. 4,616 billion.

Below are the expenditure details by ministry:

Key Ministries

  • Ministry of Finance and Planning and Economic Development
    • Recurring: Rs. 484 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 229 billion
  • Ministry of Defence
    • Recurring: Rs. 382 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 60 billion
  • Ministry of Health and Mass Media
    • Recurring: Rs. 412 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 95 billion
  • Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government
    • Recurring: Rs. 463 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 33 billion
  • Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education
    • Recurring: Rs. 206 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 65 billion

Infrastructure and Development

  • Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation
    • Recurring: Rs. 52.4 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 421 billion
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation
    • Recurring: Rs. 83 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 124 billion
  • Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing
    • Recurring: Rs. 3 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 98 billion

Other Ministries and Allocations

  • Ministry of Energy
    • Recurring: Rs. 1 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 20 billion
  • Ministry of Digital
    • Recurring: Rs. 6.7 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 6.8 billion
  • Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment
    • Recurring: Rs. 24 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 5 billion
  • Ministry of Women and Child Affairs
    • Recurring: Rs. 14 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 392 million
  • Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
    • Recurring: Rs. 6.2 billion
    • Capital: Rs. 5.2 billion

Special Spending Units

  • President’s Office
    • Operational Activities: Recurring Rs. 2.5 billion, Capital Rs. 354 million
    • Development Activities: Recurring Rs. 20 million, Capital Rs. 100 million
  • Office of the Prime Minister
    • Operational Activities: Recurring Rs. 1 billion, Capital Rs. 71 billion
  • Judges of the Superior Courts
    • Operational Activities: Recurring Rs. 451 million, Capital Rs. 30 million

The Bill highlights the government’s focus on economic stability, public services, and development, with significant allocations for defense, health, education, and infrastructure. The next stages will involve debate and potential amendments before the final budget approval.

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