The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) announced yesterday that mobile phones and communication devices not registered with the Commission will be banned in the country.
TRCSL Director General, retired Air Vice Marshal Bandula Herath, explained that this decision aims to curb the illegal smuggling of communication equipment, including mobile phones. To enforce the ban, the Commission plans to introduce an automated registration system by the end of January.
“It is the responsibility of the Commission to prevent the sale of such equipment to consumers, as people often face inconveniences after purchasing non-standard or non-compliant devices,” Herath stated.
The Director General reassured that mobile phones already in use within the country, as well as those brought in by foreign visitors, will not be affected by this program.
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath announced in Parliament that Sri Lanka officially recognizes only two categories of visas for employment in Korea—E-09 and E-07. The E-09 visa, issued under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Korea and Sri Lanka, facilitates employment opportunities for Sri Lankans, while the E-07 visa is designated for Sri Lankan businesspersons conducting activities in Korea.
Responding to a query from MP Lakmali Hemachandra, Minister Herath clarified that the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) has neither facilitated nor been informed about the issuance of E-08 visas. Consequently, the number of Sri Lankans who traveled to Korea under this visa category remains unknown, and SLFEB cannot intervene in cases where these workers face difficulties abroad.
Minister Herath disclosed that the E-08 visa category is not legally recognized for Sri Lankan workers in Korea. An investigation revealed that former Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara had signed an illegal MoU regarding E-08 visas with the Mayor of Wando Province County in Korea. The Minister highlighted irregularities, stating that the MoU was not approved by the Cabinet as required and appeared to have been adapted erroneously from an agreement between Pakistan and Korea.
The illegitimate MoU reportedly contained critical errors, such as referencing Pakistan for compensation procedures and repatriation in case of a worker’s death. Minister Herath alleged that Nanayakkara had signed the MoU without proper review, further compromising its validity.
Minister Herath assured Parliament that Sri Lankan workers will no longer be sent to Korea under the E-08 visa system. The government is working with the Foreign Ministry to establish relief programs for those affected. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of adhering to MoU protocols, ensuring all agreements are vetted and approved by the Cabinet before implementation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Sri Lankan workers abroad through transparent and legal processes, urging individuals to register with SLFEB to secure their rights and safety.
Rainy condition is expected to enhance over Northern, North-central and Eastern provinces and in Matale and Kandy districts, in next few days from today.
Showers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Fairly heavy showers above 75mm can be expected at some places.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Kandy district during the afternoon or night.
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, Central, Southern and Uva provinces 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.
January 09, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has issued a stern warning about fraudulent schemes targeting Sri Lankans seeking employment in South Korea.
The Bureau clarified that no jobs are currently available under the E-8 visa category, emphasizing the need to avoid falling victim to scams promising short-term employment, such as agricultural and fishing jobs, in South Korea.
Short-term employment under the E-8 visa requires formal agreements between the governments of Sri Lanka and South Korea, none of which have been signed.
Despite this, individuals continue to exploit unsuspecting job seekers with false promises of employment under this category.
SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe announced measures to repatriate Sri Lankans residing illegally in South Korea after their visas have expired.
He stated that information about these individuals would be shared with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further legal action.
Wickramasinghe also urged workers to refrain from overstaying their visas, as such behavior could impact Sri Lanka’s future employment quota in South Korea.
His remarks came during a ceremony at the SLBFE where airline tickets were handed over to 96 Sri Lankans departing for employment in South Korea’s manufacturing sector.
This marks the first group of workers traveling to South Korea in 2025 under legal arrangements.
According to Wickramasinghe, approximately 8,000 Sri Lankans are expected to secure jobs in South Korea in 2025, as the country focuses on sending highly skilled workers to compete with labor from 16 other nations.
In 2024, a total of 5,562 Sri Lankans were employed in South Korea under the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries.
The majority (4,699 workers) were employed in the manufacturing sector, while others worked in fisheries (846), construction (16), and agriculture (1). Among them were 115 women.
The SLBFE highlighted the importance of legal migration, emphasizing that since 2004, Sri Lankans have been working in South Korea under the EPS-E9 visa category.
Additionally, private sector placements for specialized jobs, such as welding under the E7-4 visa category, have also been facilitated.
However, Wickramasinghe reiterated that no recruitment programs under the E-8 visa are implemented, as agreements with South Korean provinces for seasonal jobs have not been finalized.
Remittances from Sri Lankan expatriates, amounting to over USD 6 billion annually, play a vital role in the country’s economy.
The government expressed its gratitude to these workers while reaffirming its commitment to promoting safe and legal employment opportunities abroad.
January 09, Colombo (LNW): The brewing industry in Sri Lanka is set to experience a transformative shift with the launch of a new range of premium beverages, crafted to meet diverse consumer tastes and preferences.
This development reflects a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and a vision to blend global standards with a distinctive local character, promising a superior experience for beer enthusiasts across the island and beyond.
Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC (DCSL), said it will redefine the brewing landscape with a palatable new product launch following the acquisition of 99.4% of Heineken Lanka’s shares from Heineken Asia Pacific Pte Ltd., last year.
This acquisition signalled a major milestone in DCSL’s expansion within the brewing industry, positioning the company as a comprehensive provider of spirits and brews to meet evolving consumer preferences.
A pivotal step in this journey was the acquisition of 99.4% of Heineken Lanka’s shares last year, signaling a bold move to expand within the industry and cater to evolving market demands.
Following the acquisition, the company rebranded the brewery under a new identity, emphasizing its heritage and commitment to uncompromising standards.
With this transformation, the brewery continues to produce exceptional beverages using a combination of global techniques and local traditions, staying true to its tagline of offering “Truly Extra Special” brews.
The Chairman of the company, Harry Jayawardena, expressed his enthusiasm for the growth opportunity, highlighting the acquisition as a platform to enhance brewing heritage and deliver products that resonate deeply with Sri Lankan consumers.
While expanding internationally, the focus remains on preserving an authentic local presence. The new range, crafted with superior ingredients and traditional methods, aims to deliver an exceptional tasting experience for a discerning audience.
The newly introduced beverages cater to varied preferences. For those seeking intensity, the full-bodied DCSL Strong offers a bold and balanced flavor profile.
The DCSL Lager, on the other hand, provides a lighter, refreshing option ideal for relaxed enjoyment.
Meanwhile, the DCSL Stout caters to sophisticated palates with its rich, indulgent flavors, complemented by subtle notes of chocolate and coffee. Together, these products underscore a commitment to quality and a vision for excellence.
Leveraging a strong distribution network, the company ensures wide accessibility of its brews across the island, while also aiming to captivate international tourists with premium local offerings. This expansion marks a new milestone in the company’s journey as a leader in the brewing and spirits sector, poised to drive growth and deliver remarkable experiences both locally and globally.
January 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves, a crucial indicator of the country’s economic stability, are showing steady progress despite recent challenges.
Effective monetary and fiscal policies remain essential for ensuring the country’s ability to meet external obligations while maintaining economic resilience.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, stated that foreign reserves are expected to reach USD 7 billion by the end of 2025.
At the close of 2024, Sri Lanka’s reserves stood at USD 6.1 billion after debt settlements, surpassing the initial target of USD 5.6 billion for the year.
Dr. Weerasinghe emphasized that the nation could service annual debt payments of USD 3–4 billion following the debt restructuring program and suggested that maintaining reserves at USD 8 billion would provide a strong buffer for foreign debt obligations.
However, reserves have been declining for three consecutive months, with a drop of USD 360 million in December 2024 due to year-end debt repayments.
Despite this, the country’s official reserves rose by USD 1.6 billion overall in 2024.
Sri Lanka’s gross reserves comprise monetary reserves managed by the central bank and fiscal reserves from the Treasury, often sourced from foreign loans and grants.
Concerns have been raised regarding monetary policy strategies under the flexible inflation targeting model promoted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Analysts have warned that inflationary open market operations, which disregard balance-of-payment dynamics, could lead to recurring currency crises.
For instance, printing excess liquidity to maintain low interest rates often results in increased private imports, which deplete foreign reserves.
Dr. Weerasinghe noted that while reserves were collected on a net basis in December 2024, rebuilding reserves requires deflationary policies and appropriate interest rates.
This strategy ensures excess liquidity is curtailed and prevents loans without adequate deposits, which could otherwise destabilize the economy.
Historically, Sri Lanka has faced external crises during peacetime, exacerbated by inflationary policies and insufficient reserve management.
Moving forward, implementing prudent monetary policies and maintaining sufficient foreign reserves are essential to fostering long-term economic stability and resilience.
January 09, Colombo (LNW): SLT-Mobitel has made a significant advancement in Sri Lanka’s telecommunications infrastructure with the successful landing of the SEA-ME-WE 6 (Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 6) submarine cable in Matara on December 29, 2024.
This milestone positions Sri Lanka as a key player in global connectivity and sets the stage for further digital development in the country.
Moreover, the accomplishment of the SEA-ME-WE 6 landing represents a significant step forward in SLT-Mobitel’s mission to enhance Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure and global connectivity capabilities.
Notably, environmental sustainability remained a top priority throughout the project. SLT-Mobitel worked closely with Government departments and local authorities to secure an environmentally conscious landing route.
The marine path was carefully selected following comprehensive environmental assessments and strict adherence to marine protection policies.
The company utilised existing infrastructure to minimise environmental impact when connecting the submarine cable to the Matara landing station.
The SEA-ME-WE 6 cable system, which will begin commercial operations by mid-2026, is a collaboration with Subcom LLC, USA, and a consortium of partners, with Sri Lanka Telecom PLC acting as the legal signatory.
This development strengthens Sri Lanka’s connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. The 21,700 km cable, which connects Singapore to France via critical points across Asia and the Middle East, is equipped with cutting-edge fibre optic technology that offers an impressive 130 Tbps of high-speed, low-latency data transmission.
The project was managed by a team of SLT-Mobitel executives, including Chief Operating Officer Prabhath Ambegoda and other senior officials.
This addition to Sri Lanka’s global connectivity infrastructure further enhances its position as a digital hub.
With the cable’s integration, SLT-Mobitel is well-equipped to meet increasing connectivity demands in the region while contributing to the country’s broader economic growth.
In terms of environmental considerations, SLT-Mobitel prioritized sustainability throughout the cable’s installation process.
The company worked closely with government departments and local authorities to select an environmentally responsible landing route.
This careful planning and adherence to marine protection policies ensured minimal environmental impact, including the use of existing infrastructure to connect the cable to the Matara station.
The SEA-ME-WE 6 cable complements SLT-Mobitel’s existing global infrastructure, which includes the SEA-ME-WE 4, SEA-ME-WE 5, and other regional networks.
As the SEA-ME-WE 3 cable is retired, this new system reinforces SLT-Mobitel’s commitment to providing superior and uninterrupted global connectivity services.
By strengthening Sri Lanka’s digital economy, SLT-Mobitel is facilitating seamless communication between major global regions, supporting both current and future customer needs.
This achievement not only boosts Sri Lanka’s position in the global digital economy but also underpins the country’s role as a critical link in the global telecommunications landscape.
January 09, Colombo (LNW): In a significant breakthrough in the fight against organised crime, the Sri Lankan police have confiscated a total of 20 T-56 assault rifles throughout 2024.
These weapons, which are commonly used by criminal syndicates, were recovered during a series of strategically planned raids carried out by the Police Special Task Force (STF) and other law enforcement units.
According to Police Spokesperson, SSP Buddhika Manatunga, the firearms were seized as part of an extensive operation targeting criminal elements involved in illicit activities across the country.
The coordinated raids, which spanned multiple regions, were designed to dismantle criminal networks and prevent further violence.
In addition to the T-56 rifles, law enforcement authorities also recovered 37 pistols and 36 revolvers during the same period.
These firearms are believed to have been stockpiled by criminal groups for use in various illegal activities, including extortion, robbery, and even violent confrontations with rival factions.
The seizures are part of the government’s broader efforts to curb the growing issue of illegal weapons circulation and organised crime, which has raised concerns among communities and law enforcement alike.
By targeting the illegal arms trade, the police aim to disrupt the operations of armed criminal gangs and ensure a safer environment for the public.
This latest series of confiscations highlights the continued commitment of the Sri Lankan authorities to addressing organised crime head-on, with the hope that the removal of these weapons will lead to a significant reduction in violence and criminal activity.
Police forces have vowed to maintain pressure on criminal elements throughout the year, intensifying operations to track down illegal firearms and their suppliers.
The authorities have also called for increased public cooperation, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities or information regarding the possession of illegal weapons.
January 09, Colombo (LNW): The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has formally called on the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC) to immediately suspend all unsystematic elephant drives, which have been contributing to the escalating human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka.
In a strongly worded letter of demand, the CEJ raised concerns about the apparent lack of scientific methodology and ecological understanding behind the DWLC’s approach to elephant drives, which are often conducted without adequate research into herd structures, movement patterns, or the broader environmental implications.
The CEJ argues that these drives are causing serious and unintended harm to both elephants and nearby human populations.
Elephants are considered a keystone species in the ecosystems they inhabit, and the social structures within their herds are intricate, often guided by matriarchal leadership.
The CEJ expressed alarm that these drives, which forcibly move elephants at high speeds, fail to consider the herd composition or the individual needs of vulnerable members, such as elderly elephants and young calves.
In many instances, these animals are left behind as they cannot keep up with the herd, leading to their abandonment.
Once separated, these stranded individuals face heightened risks of starvation, dehydration, and predation, further exacerbating their suffering.
The CEJ also pointed out that these forced relocations disrupt the elephants’ ability to access familiar water sources and foraging grounds, which are crucial for their survival.
Elephants are highly adaptive and rely on their knowledge of their home territory to meet their dietary and social needs.
When relocated to unfamiliar, resource-depleted areas, these animals struggle to find adequate food and water, causing undue stress, malnutrition, and a rise in mortality rates.
The environmental group stressed that the continued practice of such unsystematic elephant drives is not only damaging to the elephant population but also undermines long-term conservation efforts and risks further destabilising the fragile ecosystems.
In light of these grave concerns, the CEJ has issued a stern warning to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, stating that if their demands are not met, they will pursue legal action to protect Sri Lanka’s elephants and the delicate ecosystems that depend on them.
The group emphasised the need for more comprehensive and ecologically sensitive strategies to mitigate the impact of human expansion on wildlife and ensure the protection of Sri Lanka’s iconic elephant populations for generations to come.
January 09, Colombo (LNW): Seasonal influenza has made a notable return, with a surge in cases being reported across Sri Lanka in recent weeks.
As the colder weather settles in, health authorities are advising the public to remain alert and seek medical advice promptly if they begin to exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, and a runny nose.
Dr. Chinthana Perera, a Consultant Epidemiologist, has specifically warned that pregnant women who suspect they may have contracted the flu should seek immediate medical attention.
He highlighted that the flu is particularly risky for certain groups, including children under the age of five, elderly individuals over 65, and those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or cancer.
These vulnerable populations are at a higher risk of developing complications from the virus.
The influenza virus tends to spread more rapidly during the colder months, with a noticeable uptick in cases observed during the second week of November, December, and January.
Experts suggest that the shift in weather conditions plays a significant role in triggering these seasonal spikes in flu-related illnesses.
In addition to maintaining good personal hygiene, such as regularly washing hands and avoiding touching the face or mouth, health officials are urging the public to practice caution and adhere to preventive measures to reduce the spread of influenza.
These basic steps can help mitigate the risk of infection, particularly during peak flu season.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also noted that these seasonal surges are typically linked to respiratory pathogens such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV), which circulate more frequently during the winter and spring months.
Notably, recent reports from China have raised concerns over a rise in hMPV cases, with hospitals being overwhelmed in some areas.
Although hMPV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms in most cases, some individuals may experience more severe respiratory issues, requiring hospitalisation for conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
