January 09, Colombo (LNW): The government has tabled the Appropriation Bill for the 2025 financial year, which details the planned budget for the period from January 01 to December 31, 2025.

The bill outlines a substantial total expenditure of Rs. 4,616 billion, aimed at supporting the country’s wide-ranging public services, infrastructure projects, and developmental initiatives.

The bill breaks down the allocation of funds across numerous ministries, each receiving varying amounts to cover both recurring operational costs and capital investments for the year ahead.

The Ministry of Finance and Planning and Economic Development, as expected, has been allocated the largest portion of the budget, with Rs. 484 billion set aside for recurring expenditure and an additional Rs. 229 billion for capital spending.

This reflects the significant role the ministry plays in managing the country’s financial health and economic development.

Other key ministries also have substantial budgets to fulfil their mandates. The Ministry of Defence will receive Rs. 382 billion for recurring expenses and Rs. 60 billion for capital projects, ensuring national security and defence initiatives continue.

The Ministry of Health and Mass Media has been granted Rs. 412 billion in recurring expenditure and Rs. 95 billion for capital development, underlining the importance of healthcare and media reforms in Sri Lanka.

The transport sector will see a significant investment, with the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation allocated Rs. 52.4 billion for recurring costs and a remarkable Rs. 421 billion for capital expenditure, reflecting continued efforts to modernise infrastructure and improve connectivity.

Other notable allocations include Rs. 206 billion for the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, and Rs. 463 billion for the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.

The bill also highlights the government’s focus on rural development and social welfare, with Rs. 24 billion allocated to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, alongside Rs. 33 billion for the Ministry of Public Administration.

Moreover, the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing will receive Rs. 3 billion for recurring costs and Rs. 98 billion for capital projects aimed at urban infrastructure improvements.

In line with global trends, Sri Lanka is also increasing its investment in technology and innovation.

The Ministry of Digital has been allocated Rs. 6.7 billion in recurring expenditure and Rs. 6.8 billion for capital outlays to drive digital transformation in the country.

The bill also outlines significant funding under the Special Spending Unit. Notably, operational and developmental activities for the President’s office have been earmarked Rs. 2.5 billion and Rs. 354 billion for recurring and capital expenses, respectively, along with additional allocations for the Prime Minister’s office and the judiciary.

The detailed budgetary allocations presented in the Appropriation Bill provide a clear picture of the government’s priorities for 2025.

The proposed expenditure reflects a strong focus on infrastructure development, social welfare, and national security, while also aiming to foster growth in education, healthcare, and technology.

January 09, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka will temporarily move its operations to the newly constructed MCC Building on Adhikarana Mawatha in Colombo 12, beginning January 15, 2025, as refurbishment works commence at the Superior Courts Complex.

This move is necessary to ensure the continued functioning of the court while the complex undergoes essential upgrades.

Simultaneously, the Court of Appeal will resume its hearings at the newly designated Court of Appeal premises, located in the former Ministry of Justice Building.

The Court of Appeal is expected to operate from this temporary location starting on January 15 as well.

In a statement issued today, the Marshals Office of the Supreme Court expressed its sincere apologies for any inconvenience that may arise during this period. The office highlighted that there may be some disruptions, particularly with regard to the availability of parking and other limited facilities at the temporary locations.

The court has urged the public, litigants, attorneys-at-law, and President’s Counsel to bear with the temporary arrangements, assuring that efforts will be made to minimise any difficulties during the transition.

January 09, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Disanayake has called for a strategic shift towards new product development as a means to enhance Sri Lanka’s position in the global market, fostering opportunities that would drive economic prosperity.

Speaking at the official launch of the “National Initiative for R&D Commercialisation” on January 08, the President highlighted the potential for innovation to play a central role in the country’s future growth.

A key component of the initiative is the unveiling of a new platform—nirdc.gov.lk.

This website is designed to promote the commercialization of research and development, which, in turn, is expected to spur the production of value-added goods and services.

These efforts are poised to contribute to sustainable economic growth and accelerate social progress, as reported by the President’s Media Division (PMD).

President Disanayake acknowledged the presence of grassroots-level innovation within Sri Lanka but pointed out that the country has lacked sufficient mechanisms to effectively nurture and commercialise these ideas.

He stressed the importance of creating an environment conducive to free and creative thinking, supported by a robust system that channels such ideas into productive economic outcomes.

Such an approach, he suggested, would position Sri Lanka as a hub of innovation and progress.

Sri Lanka’s investment in research and development (R&D) has historically been minimal, with just 0.12 per cent of its annual GDP allocated to this crucial sector.

Despite the country’s rich natural resources, the potential for R&D to drive economic returns has remained largely untapped.

However, the President highlighted that with the current government in office, there is renewed interest from both local and international investors eager to capitalise on opportunities within Sri Lanka.

The government’s strategy is to effectively manage these investments to ensure quick economic gains.

The newly established Ministry of Science and Technology is already making strides in implementing a comprehensive long-term R&D strategy.

In the immediate term, the focus is on converting nearly finished or completed research projects into marketable, value-added products and services, providing an initial economic boost.

A central part of the government’s approach is the “National Initiative for R&D Commercialisation (NIRDC)”, which will be led by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, and Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya, Senior Advisor to the President.

This initiative will be supported by a diverse committee of experts from fields such as scientific research, industry, economics, law, the arts, and indigenous heritage. Their goal is to drive the commercialisation of research, enabling Sri Lanka to capitalise on its R&D outcomes.

During the event, the President underscored that while human needs may remain unchanged, the methods by which these needs are addressed are constantly evolving.

Innovation, he stated, is essential for meeting these evolving needs, with new product development at the heart of the nation’s economic strategy.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s past shortcomings, President Disanayake noted that the country’s outdated approach to technology has held it back from fully participating in the global marketplace.

Whilst technological advancements have dramatically transformed global trends, Sri Lanka has remained tethered to traditional industries such as tea, coconut, and rubber.

In contrast, leading global companies have thrived by integrating technology with innovation—five of the world’s top ten companies are tech-based.

The President also pointed out that Sri Lanka’s historical neglect of technology as an economic driver has hindered its development.

In contrast, nations that have prioritised technological advancement have seen significant economic growth and development.

The President concluded by emphasising the importance of eradicating poverty, not only to alleviate social suffering but also to restore the rights of marginalised communities.

Innovation, he argued, could empower rural populations by ensuring their economic participation and access to information, which would, in turn, improve their quality of life.

Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya, Senior Advisor to the President, further elaborated on the initiative’s goals, noting that Sri Lanka’s R&D outputs have not been effectively integrated into the economy until now.

Under this new programme, the focus will be on translating R&D into marketable products and services, paving the way for both economic growth and social development.

The launch event saw the attendance of several key figures, including Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Ministers Sunil Handunnetti and Wasantha Samarasinghe, and other prominent academics, government officials, investors, entrepreneurs, and representatives from private research institutions.

January 09, Colombo (LNW): Parliament will convene today (09) for the introduction of two significant pieces of legislation: the 2025 Appropriation Bill and the Local Government Elections (Special Provisions) Bill.

These bills, which are expected to shape the political and fiscal landscape in the coming months, will be subject to rigorous debate and voting procedures.

The 2025 Appropriation Bill, which outlines the government’s budgetary allocations for the year, will be presented to Parliament today. Members will have the opportunity to review the draft bill, with the second reading scheduled for February, 17.

Following this, a robust debate on the bill will occur from February 18 until February 25, with a vote on the second reading set for the evening of February 25.

Once the second reading has passed, the bill will proceed to the Committee Stage Debate, also known as the Third Reading Debate.

This phase will run from February 27 to March 21, culminating in the third reading vote, which will take place on the evening of March 21.

If approved, the Appropriation Bill will provide the necessary funds for the government’s operations throughout the year, reflecting key priorities and fiscal policy directions.

In addition to the Appropriation Bill, the Local Government Elections (Special Provisions) Bill will also be introduced today.

This bill, which has already been published in the Gazette, proposes new measures for the upcoming local government elections.

The Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government recently submitted the draft bill, which aims to facilitate the calling of fresh nominations for the local elections.

If passed, the bill will empower the Election Commission to request new nominations, ensuring the election process is transparent, fair, and up-to-date.

This move comes in response to various changes in the political and electoral landscape, with the government keen to ensure that the local government elections are conducted smoothly and efficiently.

January 09, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts, with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at a few places in Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Kaluthara and Kandy districts during the afternoon or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (09).

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Uva provinces and in Kurunegala district during the morning.

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:

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