October 05, Colombo (LNW): A tragic road accident in the heart of Narammala has left three people dead and three others seriously injured following a collision between a heavy lorry and a passenger bus.
The incident occurred along the busy Narammala–Kurunegala main road, a stretch frequently plagued by speeding and high traffic volumes.
Police in Narammala have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Fatal Collision on Narammala–Kurunegala Road Claims Three Lives
Electricity Tariff Hike Decision Expected Soon as PUCSL Nears Completion of Review
October 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s energy regulator is preparing to issue a final decision on a proposed electricity tariff increase submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), with the decision expected by mid-October.
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) confirmed that it is in the final stages of evaluating the CEB’s request for a 6.8 per cent rise in electricity rates, a proposal formally lodged with the Commission on September 10, 2025.
As part of its statutory obligations, the PUCSL launched a series of public consultations across the country to gather citizen feedback on the proposed revision. The process began in the Eastern Province on September 18 and has since covered eight provinces, drawing responses from over 500 participants representing households, businesses, and civil society organisations.
According to PUCSL Director of Communications, Jayanath Herath, the final consultation session is scheduled to take place on 8 October in the Western Province, after which the Commission will consolidate the public’s views alongside financial and technical assessments.
The regulatory review process includes a thorough analysis of CEB’s projected power generation costs, fuel procurement expenses, operational and maintenance overheads, and tariff-derived income streams used to service outstanding debts.
Herath noted that public engagement has played a pivotal role in shaping the Commission’s deliberations, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about the rising cost of living and the burden of utility bills on both domestic consumers and small businesses.
The PUCSL’s forthcoming decision is expected to weigh the CEB’s need for financial sustainability against the broader social and economic impact of higher electricity charges. The ruling, once announced, will determine whether the proposed increase is approved in full, partially implemented, or deferred for further revision.
After 13 Years, Wasim Thajudeen’s Murder Case Reopens: New Leads, Old Suspects, Lingering Doubts
By: Ovindi Vishmika
October 05, Colombo (LNW): The long-dormant murder investigation into the death of former Havelock Sports Club rugby captain Wasim Thajudeen has once again captured the public spotlight, as fresh revelations and “breakthroughs” raise both hope and skepticism. Thajudeen’s death in May 2012, initially ruled a car accident, has come to symbolize the perilous intersection of power, crime, and impunity in Sri Lanka.
The Incident That Refused to Stay Buried
On the humid pre-dawn of 17 May 2012, Thajudeen was found inside a charred car near the Shalika Grounds in Narahenpita. The initial police report attributed the incident to a drunk-driving crash. But friends and supporters found the narrative implausible: Thajudeen was known to abstain from alcohol, and the visible damage to the vehicle seemed inconsistent with a high-impact crash.
For years, the case remained dormant, widely perceived as another instance of state negligence in high-profile deaths.
First Reinvestigations & Forensic Reversals
When the government changed in 2015 under President Maithripala Sirisena, the Thajudeen case was revived. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) took over and submitted to court that the death was not accidental. Key findings included broken teeth, fractured pelvic bones, a pierced neck suggesting use of a sharp instrument, and deep cuts on leg muscles — all inconsistent with a traffic accident.
The CID also found contradictions between the original post-mortem report and the government analyst’s report. On 27 July 2015, the CID formally informed the Colombo Additional Magistrate that Thajudeen’s death was a homicide. In August 2015, his body was exhumed for a second post-mortem led by Dr. Ajith Tennakoon and others, which revealed missing bones in the chest and neck areas and overwhelming evidence of torture and blunt-force trauma.
In February 2016, a Colombo court officially ruled the death a murder and directed the CID to arrest suspects, signaling a new phase in one of the country’s most controversial criminal cases.
Obstacles, Cover-Ups & Political Overtones
While the legal framework was laid for prosecution, tangible progress was slow. Evidence was allegedly suppressed or lost, witnesses intimidated, and investigators themselves accused of being complicit in the cover-up.
The CID discovered that the vehicle used in the suspected abduction was a Defender jeep (WP KA 0642) linked to the Siriliya Saviya Foundation, an organization headed by Shiranthi Rajapaksa, the former First Lady. This revelation was politically explosive, as the charity had close ties to the Rajapaksa family, then at the height of their power.
At least one police officer involved in the original investigation was arrested for withholding evidence, while former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Anura Senanayake was detained for obstructing justice. Both men died before their trials concluded. Judicial Medical Officer Prof. Ananda Samarasekera, who conducted the first autopsy and was accused of tampering with evidence, also died before facing court.
These developments fueled public suspicion that the murder and its cover-up were orchestrated or at least protected by powerful political actors.
The New Twist: ‘Kajja’ Enters the Frame
In 2025, the case took another dramatic turn. Acting Police Spokesperson Minura Senarath revealed that Anura Vidanagamage, also known as “Middeniya Kajja”, a notorious underworld figure recently shot dead along with his two children, had been identified in CCTV footage as a person who followed Thajudeen’s vehicle moments before his death.
This identification came after CID officers showed the footage to Kajja’s widow, who recognized him by his posture and chronic hip problem. Her testimony suggested that Kajja was in the second vehicle that pursued Thajudeen’s car shortly before it was found burning.
However, controversy quickly followed. Kajja’s eldest son publicly disputed the claim, asking why police had not shown the footage to other family members for verification. He also revealed that money had been transferred to his mother’s account following Kajja’s death, suggesting possible manipulation or coercion.
Adding another layer of intrigue, underworld figure “Backhoe Saman”, arrested in Indonesia and suspected of orchestrating Kajja’s killing, allegedly confessed that the murder was linked to efforts to silence witnesses connected to the Thajudeen case.
What We Know and What We Don’t
Thirteen years on, much about the Wasim Thajudeen case has been uncovered, yet many critical questions remain unanswered. What is known beyond doubt is that Thajudeen’s death was not an accident, but a carefully staged murder. Forensic evidence has confirmed that he suffered multiple blunt-force injuries, fractures, and burn marks inconsistent with a vehicular crash, proving he was tortured and killed before his body was set on fire. The investigations also revealed that a Defender jeep linked to the Siriliya Saviya Foundation, an organization headed by former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, was allegedly used in the abduction, pointing to connections that reach into the upper echelons of political power. Several police officers, including a former Deputy Inspector General, were accused of suppressing or manipulating evidence to portray the murder as an accident.
More recently, the identification of Anura Vidanagamage, also known as Middeniya Kajja, as one of the individuals following Thajudeen’s vehicle moments before his death has added a new dimension to the investigation. His widow’s testimony and the subsequent arrest of the underworld figure Backhoe Saman have strengthened suspicions of a criminal network operating behind the scenes. Yet, despite these findings, the full picture remains obscured. It is still unclear what exact role Kajja played, who ordered the killing, and what the real motive was whether it stemmed from a personal dispute, political vendetta, or an attempt to send a message to others who crossed paths with those in power.
Equally troubling is that, despite years of inquiry, no member of the alleged political network has been directly charged. Key evidence has vanished, witnesses have died or disappeared, and contradictory statements continue to cloud the truth. As the case once again gains momentum, the central questions remain painfully familiar: who killed Wasim Thajudeen, who ordered it, and will Sri Lanka’s justice system ever have the courage or independence to reveal the full truth?
Court Proceedings & the Legal Landscape
Although the courts have classified the case as a murder and directed the CID to act, indictments against alleged masterminds have yet to materialize. Political transitions from Sirisena to Gotabaya Rajapaksa and now to Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration have repeatedly disrupted momentum.
Under the new government, which campaigned on promises of transparency and accountability, police say investigations are continuing. Acting Police Spokesperson Minura Senarath and Justice Minister Nalinda Jayatissa both claim that authorities are pursuing fresh leads based on recent witness statements and overseas arrests.
Yet, more than a decade later, the Thajudeen family remains skeptical. “Every government promises justice,” said a relative. “But if this one fails too, there is no hope left for the future.”
The Stakes & What Must Happen Next
For many Sri Lankans, the Thajudeen case has become a litmus test for the country’s ability to deliver justice in politically sensitive crimes. It underscores the urgent need for stronger witness protection, independent forensics, and judicial transparency.
Civil society groups have urged the government to prioritize the safety of key witnesses, as Sri Lanka’s history is littered with the murders of individuals linked to major investigations. The Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act (2015, amended 2023) mandates protection from harm or intimidation but implementation remains weak.
If the Dissanayake administration is sincere about breaking the cycle of impunity, it must ensure that witnesses, investigators, and journalists working on this case are shielded from reprisal.
More than 13 years after that night on Park Road, the charred shell of Thajudeen’s car remains an enduring symbol of Sri Lanka’s darkest truths and its most elusive justice. Until full accountability is achieved, his death will continue to haunt the nation’s conscience.
Thunderstorms likely to persist: Heavy showers above 100 mm expected (Oct 05)
October 05, Colombo (LNW): Atmospheric conditions are favourable for thunderstorms in the evening, and therefore, general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by heavy rain, strong winds and strong lightning during thundershowers, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (05).
Showers or thunder showers will occur at several places in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m.
Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Northcentral, Eastern, Central and Uva provinces.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas around the island in the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.
State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island can be slight to moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
SEVA Project Elevates Sri Lanka’s Craft Sector to Global Stage
By: Staff Writer
October 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s creative and craft industry has achieved a breakthrough with the launch of SEVA, a transdisciplinary cultural diplomacy project that bridges global artistry with local heritage while unlocking the island’s vast untapped artisan trade potential.
Developed under the EU–Sri Lanka Matchmaking Program, in partnership with the Export Development Board (EDB) and supported by the European Union, Cultural Relations Platform (CRP), University of the Arts London (UAL), British Council, and The Institute of Future Creations (TIFC), SEVA also carries the endorsement of the Italian Embassy in Colombo.
Spearheaded by Italian visual artist Caterina Roppo, SEVA explores the connections between art, mental health, and post-traumatic resilience within marginalised craft communities. During her residency, Roppo collaborated with renowned Sri Lankan textile designer Sonali Dharmawardena, blending contemporary art with traditional batik and textile craftsmanship.
The collaboration reached a milestone in July 2025, when the SEVA short documentary premiered at Italy’s Terrae International Film Festival, marking the first time Sri Lankan batik was showcased to an international film audience. The film’s global recognition continued with its selection for the III Salón de Videoarte Textil in Buenos Aires, Argentina, positioning Sri Lankan craftsmanship as a serious contender in the global creative economy.
This initiative comes at a crucial time when the global craft and textile market, valued at over $700 billion, is experiencing growing demand for authentic, high-quality artisan goods. Industry models such as India’s booming $222 billion textile sector projected to reach $350 billion by 2030 — demonstrate how heritage, design innovation, and strategic partnerships can transform traditional crafts into global luxury assets.
Project Lead and TIFC Co-Founder Robert Meeder said SEVA has been instrumental in “building trust and shared understanding,” proving that Sri Lanka’s creative sector can produce “world-class, socially engaged work with commercial potential.”
Artist Caterina Roppo added, “SEVA is about turning vulnerability into strength. My time in Sri Lanka showed how creativity rooted in heritage can open new market pathways, ensuring the craft sector thrives culturally and economically.”
UAL’s Hannah Middleton noted that SEVA “creates meaningful social and cultural impact while enhancing international visibility,” while Sonali Dharmawardena emphasised how the collaboration honoured local craftsmanship and expanded global trade opportunities.
With rising global demand for artisanal products, experts stress that targeted investment, design innovation, and branding could elevate Sri Lanka’s craft sector into a premium export segment, generating rural employment, empowering women and youth, and preserving traditional skills.
As SEVA illustrates, with sustained collaboration, creativity, and strategic market positioning, Sri Lanka is poised to transform its craft heritage into a global cultural and economic powerhouse.
Sri Lanka Fast-Tracks 2025-2029 Export Plan amid Global Trade Turbulence
By: Staff Writer
October 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board (EDB) is accelerating efforts to finalise the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2025–2029 by November, as the country seeks to strengthen trade competitiveness and reposition exports as a key engine of growth amid mounting global trade uncertainty.
Working in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the EDB has launched a series of nationwide consultations to shape the new plan. Between 2 and 10 October, eight focus group discussions and a technical committee meeting are being held to assess trade logistics, sectoral priorities, and competitiveness challenges. Regional validation workshops will follow before the final framework is submitted later this year.
The urgency comes against a backdrop of weakening global trade conditions. According to a recent ADB report, Sri Lanka’s economic growth is projected to slow from 5% in 2024 to 3.9% in 2025, before further easing to 3.3% in 2026, as escalating U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump’s trade policies disrupt international markets. Additional Macro-Bond repayments, estimated at up to $250 million annually, further underscore the need to boost exports to sustain external stability.
Despite moderate progress, Sri Lanka’s export base remains narrow. The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) noted that exports of goods and services accounted for 20.4% of GDP in 2023, with manufacturing contributing 14%. However, 77% of export revenue still comes from industrial goods—mainly apparel while agriculture represents just 22%, leaving the economy heavily exposed to sectoral shocks.
“The lack of diversification makes the export economy vulnerable,” IPS warned, highlighting overreliance on traditional sectors such as apparel, tea, and rubber.
Echoing this view, the Advocata Institute attributed Sri Lanka’s weak trade competitiveness to long-standing policy inefficiencies and structural constraints, arguing that policymakers often misread the problem as a lack of sector targeting rather than a failure to address fundamental competitiveness issues.
EDB officials said the forthcoming NEDP will draw lessons from the 2018–2022 National Export Strategy, adapting to post-crisis realities and evolving global trade dynamics.
“This initiative is central to positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive player in international markets,” said Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, speaking at the plan’s inaugural session in Colombo.
EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe emphasised the need to align national export priorities with industry realities and emerging market opportunities, while ADB Country Director Takafumi Kadono stressed the importance of collaborative engagement to ensure the framework remains both inclusive and actionable.
The 2025 Budget has identified the NEDP as a national priority, with the EDB leading the process under the Industry Ministry’s Policy-Based Lending programme.
Industry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara said the consultations aim to pinpoint priority sectors, strengthen trade linkages, and tackle bottlenecks that hinder export competitiveness.
Once finalised, the five-year NEDP will serve as Sri Lanka’s strategic roadmap for trade-led growth, setting clear policy direction and implementation pathways to anchor economic recovery on a more diversified and resilient export base.
Lotus Tower Boosts Revenue 31% under New Management
By: Staff Writer
October 04, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company (CLTMC) has reported a 31% surge in revenue within a year since the new management team took charge, marking a major turnaround for one of Sri Lanka’s landmark attractions.
Speaking at a media briefing, CLTMC Chairman Shirantha Peries and CEO Dr. Chamaru de Alwis said the company recorded Rs. 1.43 billion in revenue for the eight months ending August 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Gross profit climbed 77% to Rs. 786.9 million, while profit before tax soared 192% to Rs. 539.9 million, reflecting improved efficiency and strict financial discipline.
“This strong performance reflects disciplined management, prudent decision-making, and effective cost controls,” Peries said, adding that the team remains focused on enhancing visitor experience and operational excellence at South Asia’s tallest self-supported structure.
Since taking over in October 2024, the new management comprising over 120 professionals has prioritised safety, service quality, and profitability. The leadership acted swiftly after a tragic incident last year to reinforce safety protocols, including installing steel mesh barriers, expanding CCTV surveillance, and increasing security staff across key zones.
A key milestone has been digital transformation, including a fully digital ticketing platform replacing manual systems, ensuring transparency and convenience. A smart parking solution with real-time monitoring is set for launch within two months.
The management has also pursued legal action to safeguard the Tower’s commercial rights and introduced measures to lease underutilised spaces, enhancing income streams. “Every square foot counts as a potential investment,” said Dr. de Alwis, noting that the Tower is evolving into a vibrant hub for leisure, technology, and business.
Looking ahead, CLTMC is preparing several high-profile projects. These include a Rs. 100 million Aquarium Café venture, Sri Lanka’s first bungee jump attraction expected to be the world’s highest tower-based jump and the repositioning of luxury suites on the 28th floor as premium accommodation for high-end visitors.
Additionally, a 42,000 sq. ft. warehouse redevelopment is under discussion with multinational investors, potentially attracting new foreign direct investment.
Peries said the management remains committed to building Lotus Tower into South Asia’s premier hub for education, technology, and entertainment, ensuring it continues to serve as a national asset that delivers both financial value and world-class experiences
Sri Lanka Faces Rising Debt Burden from Growth-Linked Bond Triggers
By: Staff Writer
October 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s recent sovereign debt restructuring carries significant upside risks—if the economy outperforms expectations, the nation may be locked into additional payments of US$150 million to US$270 million annually from 2028 through 2038, according to a new IMF working paper on “Sri Lanka’s Sovereign Debt Restructuring: Lessons from Complex Processes.”
The root of this exposure lies in macro-linked or state-contingent bonds (SCDIs) issued during the restructuring process. These instruments tie future debt payments to the country’s economic performance. In Sri Lanka’s case, triggering events depend on achieving minimum thresholds for dollar-denominated GDP and cumulative real growth over multiple years. Once triggered, higher payments become a fixed featureregardless of whether performance weakens later.
Specifically, the IMF report outlines that three scenario triggers are in play: if Sri Lanka’s average USD GDP between 2025 and 2027 exceeds thresholds of US$94 billion, US$99 billion, or US$107 billion, and if real GDP growth cumulatively over 2024-27 surpasses 11.5 percent, then the higher payment tier will be activated permanently (for a decade).
The IMF underscores that while state-contingent debt terms are designed to share upside gains with creditors and mitigate risk under volatility, they also introduce complex new vulnerabilities. Once payments ratchet upward post-2028, they cannot be easily reversed—even in an economic downturn. Moreover, these instruments carry political risk: if higher payouts are perceived as socially unfair, they may become contentious domestically.
Although the IMF itself does not draft the detailed design of such bonds, the Fund plays a central role in assessing whether they are consistent with debt sustainability goals. Its evaluation framework (the Sovereign Risk and Debt Sustainability Framework, or SRDSF) uses large-scale simulations to test whether such arrangements would increase the likelihood of breaching key debt or financing targets under adverse or extreme scenarios.
In Sri Lanka’s case, the IMF judged that the arrangement meets its internal criteria: the probability of breaching debt-to-GDP or gross financing needs thresholds stays within acceptable bounds, and even in the worst 10 percent of outcomes the additional burden remains relatively modest (at most 0.4 percent of GDP). Importantly, the additional annual payments are capped at about US$250 million.
Still, the IMF cautions that no modelling can perfectly capture uncertainty, and residual risks remain. Moreover, distinctions matter: some analysts argue the new bonds are not true state-contingent debt after 2027beyond that point they function as standard fixed-coupon bonds, so future shocks may no longer modulate payments.
Sri Lanka has meanwhile posted strong recent performance: growth rebounded by approximately 5 percent in 2024, and revenue mobilization has surged, helping stabilize macro conditions.
The IMF has completed multiple reviews of its Extended Fund Facility for Sri Lanka, supporting the country’s reform agenda and debt restructuring process.
But the broader picture is one of conditional relief: while Sri Lanka may benefit from significant debt relief under its deal, it is also exposed to higher debt service if performance is strong and that exposure may persist even through downturns.
The design of SCDIs thus offers a double-edged sword: sharing gains with creditors comes at the cost of locking in future risks. As Sri Lanka moves toward restoring stability, its macro-debt trajectory remains intricately tied to both growth outcomes and the structural safeguards built into its debt instruments
IMF Applauds Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery as Reform Programme Gains Momentum
October 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s economic revival continues to gain international recognition, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) commending the island nation for the steady progress achieved under its ongoing reform agenda.
The positive assessment comes as the country moves further along its path of post-crisis recovery, supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.
Addressing journalists in Washington on October 02, IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack highlighted Sri Lanka’s improving economic indicators, noting that the country has maintained low inflation levels, strengthened its foreign reserves, and significantly improved its revenue performance.
“The recovery has been quite robust,” Kozack observed, pointing out that the economy recorded a 5% growth rate in 2024, marking a notable turnaround after a period of severe financial turbulence. “Government revenue as a share of GDP rose to 13.5 per cent, up from just 8.2 per cent two years ago. While there’s still more to be done, this represents a remarkable step forward,” she added.
Kozack also reported that Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts are nearing completion—a critical element of the broader recovery strategy. Successful restructuring has been essential to easing the country’s debt burden and restoring confidence among international creditors.
The IMF has so far disbursed a total of US$1.74 billion to Sri Lanka under the EFF agreement, with the latest tranche of US$350 million released following the completion of the programme’s Fourth Review in July this year.
An IMF delegation is currently in Sri Lanka conducting the Fifth Review, with discussions underway between the mission team and local authorities. While further details are expected at the conclusion of the mission, Kozack confirmed that overall programme performance remains strong.
She emphasised that the Sri Lankan government continues to demonstrate clear commitment to the reform agenda, which is centred on restoring macroeconomic stability, achieving debt sustainability, and implementing structural reforms aimed at fostering long-term growth.
International observers have increasingly cited Sri Lanka’s reform trajectory as a potential model for other countries facing similar economic challenges. The government’s efforts to improve fiscal discipline, modernise state institutions, and stabilise its financial system have helped to regain a measure of investor confidence and set the foundation for more inclusive and sustainable development.
Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning likely to occur, Dept warns
October 04, Colombo (LNW): Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur in Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva Provinces and Kurunegala and Matale Districts, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology said in a warning statement today (04).
There may be temporary localised strong winds during thundershowers, the statement added.
The general public is urged to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightning activity.
The Department advised that people should seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees, avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms, avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms, and beware of fallen trees and power lines.
