October 06, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has officially called for tenders to develop 200MW/200MWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS), as part of its broader strategy to strengthen Sri Lanka’s national grid and increase its capacity to absorb renewable energy.

The initiative, backed by funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), represents a key step in the country’s energy transition.

The BESS project, to be located at the Kolonnawa grid substation, is being tendered in two equal parts—each for 100MW/100MWh of storage capacity. This large-scale deployment is intended to address one of the major technical challenges in integrating variable renewable sources, such as solar and wind, into the grid: their intermittent nature.

The ADB had previously extended a credit facility of USD 150 million to Sri Lanka, aimed specifically at upgrading the transmission and distribution infrastructure to better handle renewable power generation. Unlike traditional fossil-fuel plants or large hydropower stations, solar and wind installations are subject to fluctuations in output, depending on weather and time of day.

Without appropriate grid support, these fluctuations can trigger voltage instability and potentially cause cascading failures across the system.

Battery storage offers a critical solution to this problem. BESS installations can respond to imbalances in supply and demand within milliseconds, helping to smooth out short-term fluctuations and improve overall grid reliability. In doing so, they act as a buffer—storing excess energy when supply is high and releasing it when demand rises or generation dips.

October 06, Colombo (LNW): The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has initiated legal proceedings against 135 traders across Sri Lanka for allegedly selling rice at inflated prices, as part of a broader clampdown on unethical market practices amid rising concerns over food affordability.

According to the CAA, the cases stem from raids conducted islandwide over the past month, targeting both individual vendors and businesses suspected of price manipulation or hoarding of essential food items.

The authority confirmed that enforcement operations are ongoing, particularly against those attempting to profit by concealing rice stocks or violating price controls.

Under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, traders found guilty of overpricing rice may face significant penalties. Individuals risk fines ranging from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 500,000, imprisonment for a period of up to five months, or both.

In the case of corporate entities, penalties can range from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 5 million, with the added possibility of custodial sentences and the confiscation of goods found to be hoarded or sold unlawfully.

The CAA also issued a stern warning to repeat offenders, stating that courts are empowered to impose double the standard fine and extend prison terms to a maximum of one year upon a second conviction.

October 06, Colombo (LNW): Efforts to restore power across Sri Lanka have been significantly hampered due to ongoing industrial action by employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), as the country grapples with widespread outages triggered by severe weather.

According to CEB sources, nearly 30,000 power failures have been reported islandwide, largely attributed to high winds that have brought down trees and damaged power lines. However, despite the urgent need for repairs, response times have been severely affected due to a continuing work-to-rule campaign by electricity sector trade unions.

The Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya, a key union within the CEB, confirmed that the industrial action has delayed power restoration in many affected areas. Their campaign, now in its 32nd consecutive day, has seen employees limit themselves strictly to regular working hours, refraining from overtime and additional duties typically essential during emergency repair operations.

The protest began on September 04 and initially involved 25 trade unions, including those with affiliations to political parties such as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), United National Party (UNP), and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). It has since expanded in scope and impact.

Union representatives originally tabled 24 demands focused on the ongoing restructuring of the CEB. However, the list has since grown to include grievances over stalled promotions, unpaid salary arrears, and the non-permanency of a temporary Rs. 10,000 monthly allowance paid until the end of 2023.

Workers are also calling for this allowance to be incorporated into their basic salary and for a 25 per cent salary increase effective from 1 January 2024, along with corresponding back payments.

In response to the deteriorating situation, the CEB has suspended all forms of employee leave in a bid to maintain critical operations and minimise disruptions to the public. Meanwhile, an Extraordinary Gazette declaring electricity services as essential remains in force, theoretically obligating staff to report for work. Despite this, the industrial campaign continues to paralyse key functions, particularly emergency repair work.

October 06, Colombo (LNW): The authority to oversee transfers, promotions, and other administrative matters concerning police personnel is set to return to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in the coming week, marking a notable shift in the governance of Sri Lanka’s police force.

A formal gazette notification is expected to be issued shortly, officially transferring these powers from the National Police Commission (NPC) back to the IGP. This development follows a decision made during a recent meeting of the NPC held last Wednesday.

Currently, the National Police Commission is vested with the power to manage critical human resource functions within the police service, including disciplinary matters, career advancement, and officer transfers.

October 06, Colombo (LNW): Authorities in Sri Lanka are currently conducting laboratory tests on a quantity of chemical substances recently uncovered in Kandana, which are suspected to be methamphetamine, commonly referred to as ‘Ice’.

The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) has stated that the final test results are expected to be released within the week.

The seizure in Kandana follows a string of discoveries in recent weeks, believed to be part of a larger international drug network operating across several regions. Substances recovered from previous raids in Middeniya and Netolpitiya, both located in the Tangalle area, have already been confirmed through laboratory analysis as methamphetamine—one of the most potent and widely trafficked synthetic narcotics.

Additionally, the NDDCB confirmed that a separate substance found in the possession of a Moldovan national in Weligama has been positively identified as Mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant that poses serious health risks and is known for its high potential for abuse and addiction.

Mephedrone is classified among the newer generation of designer drugs, often linked to party scenes and recreational misuse, but increasingly appearing in organised trafficking operations.

These findings are part of an ongoing investigation with international dimensions. Sri Lankan authorities were alerted following intelligence obtained from several individuals arrested in Indonesia, identified as members of a transnational crime syndicate.

The information provided by these suspects led to the discovery of substantial quantities of suspicious chemicals at multiple locations across the island.

All samples recovered from the recent operations have been sent to the NDDCB’s forensic laboratories for detailed examination. Officials noted that such testing is crucial not only for criminal prosecution but also to identify the exact composition and origin of the drugs, which may help uncover broader trafficking routes and supply chains.

October 06, Colombo (LNW): The head of Sri Lanka’s postal service has voiced deep concern over ongoing irregularities and systemic inefficiencies within the department, pointing to a culture of misconduct that has undermined both public trust and operational standards.

Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara made the remarks during a World Post Day gathering held at the Haputale Post Office, where he addressed both employees and the public.

Speaking candidly, he acknowledged that his tenure has been marred by persistent internal challenges, many of which stem from fraudulent practices and administrative negligence.

Among the most alarming revelations was the misuse of overtime claims, which, according to Sathkumara, has cost the department millions of rupees.

“Overtime has been recorded and paid out without proper biometric verification,” he stated, referring to the fingerprint-based attendance system intended to ensure transparency. In many cases, records were manipulated or not maintained at all, enabling employees to secure payments without fulfilling the corresponding work hours.

He also highlighted abuse in relation to vehicle maintenance operations, where staff reportedly exaggerated the number of personnel involved and overstated the hours spent on routine servicing.

In addition to financial mismanagement, Sathkumara drew attention to unacceptable delays in the core function of mail delivery. He cited a recent incident in which a letter posted from Pilimathalawa to the Ministry of Higher Education in Colombo inexplicably took close to a month to arrive.

By: Staff Writer

October 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s post-crisis tourism revival is beginning to find new direction through the rise of boutique hotels, small, design-focused properties that promise personalised experiences rooted in local culture and community. The recent SME Conclave Boutique Hotel Development Workshop, jointly organised by the Rotary Club of Colombo East and Boutiques in Sri Lanka, offered a revealing glimpse into how this niche can help reposition the country’s tourism identity and generate high-value returns.

The event brought together boutique hotel operators, SME suppliers, and tourism innovators to explore strategies ranging from digital transformation and wellness tourism to financing and sustainability. Discussions centred on how smaller, independent establishments can compete in a market dominated by large hotel chains and international brands.

According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the country currently has over 4,500 registered accommodation establishments, though only 169 are officially classified as tourist hotels. Within this diverse mix, boutique hotels form a fast-emerging category a space that blends luxury and authenticity, catering to travellers seeking unique, place-based experiences. SLTDA data also shows 15 boutique hotels under construction, underscoring investor interest despite macroeconomic uncertainty.

Industry analysts estimate that Sri Lanka’s hospitality market will reach USD 702 million by 2030, up from USD 503 million in 2025, with independent and boutique hotels accounting for over 60 percent of market share. This shift reflects a broader global trend where travellers prefer personalised stays over standardized offerings, a change accelerated by post-pandemic preferences for wellness, privacy, and local engagement.

Speakers at the Colombo workshop highlighted that wellness integration and medical tourism could become major growth drivers. With rising global demand for health-conscious travel, boutique hotels are ideally positioned to offer retreats centred on rejuvenation and preventive care. Meanwhile, sessions on artificial intelligence and digital tools showcased how technology can transform guest engagement, streamline operations, and open new marketing channels for small operators that struggle to reach international audiences.

Yet challenges remain. Access to capital continues to be a major constraint, with many boutique hoteliers unable to secure long-term financing for upgrades or expansion. Digital adoption also lags, particularly among provincial properties lacking trained staff and marketing expertise. The workshop’s focus on AI-based tools and secure digital payment solutions was therefore timely, as cashless transactions and online visibility increasingly shape destination competitiveness.

Experts note that boutique hotels can deliver far more than just luxury. Their smaller scale and community linkages allow them to integrate local supply chains, promote regional crafts, and showcase Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity advantages that larger resorts often overlook. Strengthening these linkages could make boutique hotels a model for inclusive tourism, blending profitability with social sustainability.

However, to realise this potential, policymakers must recognise the sector’s strategic value. Tailored financing mechanisms, tax incentives, and targeted promotion campaigns could help boutique operators expand beyond niche status. Equally vital is sustained capacity building training owners and staff in marketing, digital transformation, and wellness standards that align with global expectations.

The Boutique Hotel Development Workshop was more than a networking event; it signalled an industry awakening. By empowering small operators with knowledge, tools, and partnerships, it highlighted how Sri Lanka’s boutique tourism can evolve from a scattered collection of ventures into a cohesive, high-value export segment. If nurtured through smart policy and sustained collaboration, boutique hotels could indeed become a defining force in Sri Lanka’s tourism renaissance — one that combines authenticity, innovation, and resilience.