Sri Lanka Police has issued a public advisory following several complaints of valuables being stolen by individuals employed in domestic service.
According to a statement from the Police Media Division, complaints received by police stations indicate incidents where domestic workers have allegedly stolen gold jewellery, cash, foreign currency and other valuables from the households where they were employed.
The Police noted that employing domestic workers is common in Colombo and its suburbs such as Mirihana, Maharagama, Dehiwala and Mount Lavinia, as well as in many other parts of the country.
Domestic workers are often recruited through agencies, intermediaries or business establishments, while some are hired directly by homeowners.
However, investigations have revealed cases where certain individuals employed as domestic workers have dishonestly removed money, gold and other property from their employers’ residences.
Police also warned that in some cases groups may deliberately seek employment in affluent households with the intention of committing theft, sometimes involving relatives to assist in such activities.
In response, the Police have urged the public to follow several precautionary measures when employing domestic workers.
Homeowners are advised to verify the background and personal details of individuals before hiring them and obtain a clear photocopy of the National Identity Card (NIC) while checking it against the original.
Police also recommend obtaining police clearance or verification reports from the police stations in the worker’s permanent and temporary areas of residence.
Employers are further encouraged to collect contact details of family members and emergency contacts of the worker in advance.
The Police also advised residents to store jewellery, cash and important documents in secure locations and avoid leaving domestic workers alone in the house whenever possible.
In addition, homeowners are encouraged to provide copies of relevant documents to the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the local police station and inform the police about the employment.
Sri Lanka Police said that increasing public awareness and following these precautionary measures could help reduce and prevent theft-related incidents involving domestic workers.
The 2026 Iran war is a lesson in the limits of power. You cannot bomb a civilization into a democracy, and you cannot win a war when your own people don’t believe in the cause. The picture shows Protesters rally in response to U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, at Embarcadero Plaza in San Francisco. (Picture courtesy KQED)
In military terms, Iran is a “defender’s dream.” Its rugged terrain acts as a natural force multiplier
While technology wins battles, it is the human will and a clear “end-state” that win wars
By dragging the conflict out, Iran is successfully depleting the expensive and limited stocks of Western interceptor missiles
Once those interceptors are depleted, the 27 American bases in the Middle East become “sitting ducks.” Iran isn’t fighting to win a traditional dogfight; they are fighting to make the cost of American presence unsustainable
The history of warfare is littered with the hubris of technologically superior powers who underestimated the resilience of a civilization state. On February 28, 2026, the world watched as a decapitation strike, intended to trigger a regime change in Tehran instead ignited a firestorm that threatens to consume the global economy.
As an infantry officer who spent two decades in the trenches of the Sri Lankan civil war, I have seen firsthand that while technology wins battles, it is the human will and a clear “end-state” that win wars. The current US-Israeli campaign against Iran is missing both; mirroring the same strategic failures that plagued the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka.
1. The geographic and demographic fortress
The fundamental miscalculation begins with a failure to understand what Iran is. Unlike Iraq, Libya, or Venezuela, Iran is a mountain-guarded civilization with a population of 92 million. It is 25 times the size of Sri Lanka and 75 times the size of Israel.
In military terms, Iran is a “defender’s dream.” Its rugged terrain acts as a natural force multiplier. Any attempt at a ground assault would require a commitment of troops that neither the United States nor Israel is prepared to lose. Western societies are historically casualty-averse; they “fear death and injury by nature” when the cause is not perceived as an existential threat to their own soil. In contrast, the Iranian population, now galvanised by the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, views this as a war for national survival.
2. The War of Attrition: Interceptors vs. Drones
The US-Israeli strategy relied on a “100-hour” knockout blow heavy casualties and immediate regime collapse. However, the Iranian strategy is more patient and far more dangerous: a war of attrition. By dragging the conflict out, Iran is successfully depleting the expensive and limited stocks of Western interceptor missiles. A swarm of low cost Iranian drones and ballistic missiles costs a fraction of the Aegis or Iron Dome interceptors used to stop them. Once those interceptors are depleted, the 27 American bases in the Middle East become “sitting ducks.” Iran is not fighting to win a traditional dogfight; they are fighting to make the cost of American presence unsustainable.
3. The Economic Noose: The Strait of Hormuz
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through the global markets. While President Trump threatened to force the passage open, the reality on the water is different. Iran’s proximity to the strait gives it a decisive military advantage via shore-based anti-ship missiles and asymmetric naval tactics.
The result? Oil prices soaring past $100 per barrel. This is an economic “dirty bomb” dropped on the doorsteps of Europe and Asia. For countries like Sri Lanka, already navigating delicate economic recoveries, these prices are catastrophic. By allowing Chinese and Russian vessels to pass while blocking others, Iran is effectively driving a wedge between the US and its traditional allies, who now see American policy as the primary threat to their own heating and transport costs.
4. The “Vietnam” of the Middle East: Lack of Domestic Support
No war can be won without the “blessing” of the local population. The American public doesn’t see Iran as a direct threat. There is a growing realization that this is an “Israel-first” war, funded by lobby interests rather than national necessity.
President Trump campaigned on an “America First” platform, promising to end “forever wars.” By initiating this conflict, he has inverted that promise. He is now spending an estimated $3.2 billion every 100 hours. If this war lasts 100 days, the bill will exceed more than half of American defense budget and American taxpayers will not tolerate for a war of choice.
5. The IPKF Parallel: A War without an End-State
My experience with the IPKF in Sri Lanka provides the most haunting parallel. The Indian Army entered Sri Lanka with superior numbers and technology, but they lacked a clear, achievable end-state. They were fighting on behalf of another’s interests, and the “human psychology” of the soldier reflects that.
In Iran, the US has no realistic end-state.
Regime Change? The killing of the leadership has unified a fractured population.
Surrender? A civilization with thousands of years of history does not surrender to a “blessing” from Washington.
Puppet Leadership? Any leader appointed by Trump would have zero legitimacy and would be assassinated within days.
6. The Crumbling of NATO and International Law
The arrest of Venezuelan Leader Nicolás Maduro and the threats toward Greenland had already alienated NATO. This unilateral strike on Iran, conducted under the influence of the Israel lobby, has left the US isolated. When the commander-in-chief prioritises the interests of a foreign lobby over the stability of his own allies, the “good faith” that holds alliances together evaporates.
Impact of Iran-US Conflict on Sri Lanka
The military escalation on February 28, 2026, between the US-Israeli coalition and Iran has triggered a seismic shock to the global economy. For Sri Lanka, a nation still in the “fragile waiting zone” of recovery after its 2022 crisis, this conflict is not a distant geopolitical event. It is a direct threat to its national stability.
The Macro-Economic Fallout
Sri Lanka’s economy is deeply tethered to the Middle East through three primary lifelines: Energy, Remittances and Exports.
Energy Insecurity: Sri Lanka is a net importer of oil, spending approximately $3.8 billion annually. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz through which 20% of global oil flows has already pushed Brent crude toward the $100-$110 range. This feeds directly into the domestic pricing formula, causing immediate spikes in petrol and diesel prices.
The Remittance Risk: Over one million Sri Lankans work in the Gulf. Remittances, which reached over $8 billion in 2025, are the backbone of the island’s foreign exchange reserves. A regional war puts these workers in physical danger and threatens to freeze the primary source of dollar inflows.
Export Disruptions: The Middle East (specifically Iran, Iraq, and the UAE) accounts for nearly 20% of Ceylon Tea exports. War-related logistics hurdles and reduced purchasing power in these markets threaten the livelihoods of the plantation sector.
Strategic Recommendations for Sri Lanka
To weather this storm, the government and the private sector must pivot from “recovery” to “defensive resilience.
Just as in the infantry, the success of Sri Lanka’s economic defense depends on the psychology of the public.
1. Transparency: The government must provide regular, honest briefings on fuel stocks (currently at ~35 days) to prevent panic buying and hoarding.
2. Vulnerable Protection: Targeted subsidies must be used to shield the poorest from the “imported inflation” of food and transport costs.
3. Diplomatic Neutrality: Sri Lanka must maintain its “friend to all” foreign policy, ensuring that its shipping lanes remain open even as major powers take sides.
The 2026 conflict is a reminder that in a globalised world, a spark in the Persian Gulf can start a fire in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka must act with the discipline of an infantry unit; clear objectives, managed resources and a focus on survival.
Conclusion: The Inevitable Settlement
The “man behind the weapon” always matters more than the weapon itself. The Iranian soldier is fighting for his home; the American soldier is fighting for a policy he doesn’t understand.
Within a month, the pressure will become unbearable. Between the depletion of interceptors, the rebellion of European allies, the global outcry over oil prices, and the mounting body bags, Trump will find himself with no escape. He will be forced to the negotiating table for a settlement he never intended to grant.
The 2026 Iran war is a lesson in the limits of power. You cannot bomb a civilization into a democracy, and you cannot win a war when your own people don’t believe in the cause.
(The writer is a battle hardened Infantry Officer who served the Sri Lanka Army for over 36 years, dedicating 20 of those to active combat. In addition to his military service, Dr. Perera is a respected International Researcher and Writer, having authored more than 200 research articles and 16 books. He holds a PhD in economics and is an entrepreneur and International Analyst specialising in National Security, economics and politics. He can be reached at [email protected])
The United States has struck around 6,000 targets in Iran and damaged or destroyed more than 90 Iranian vessels as part of the ongoing military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, according to an official U.S. military fact sheet released on Wednesday.
The operation was launched at 1:15 a.m. on February 28 by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) under orders from the U.S. President. The campaign is aimed at dismantling Iran’s military and security infrastructure.
According to the fact sheet, CENTCOM forces are targeting sites considered to pose an imminent threat, including command and control centres, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters, intelligence facilities and integrated air defence systems.
The strikes have also targeted ballistic missile sites, drone manufacturing facilities, weapons production plants, surface-to-air missile systems and military communication infrastructure.
Naval infrastructure has been a key focus of the operation. The U.S. military said more than 90 Iranian vessels have been damaged or destroyed, including over 60 ships and at least 30 minelayers. Targets also included navy ships, submarines, anti-ship missile sites and facilities linked to minelaying operations such as factories and warehouses.
The campaign involves a wide range of U.S. military assets across air, sea and missile defence systems.
Aircraft deployed include B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers, along with fighter jets such as F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22 and F-35. Other aircraft involved include A-10 attack aircraft and EA-18G electronic warfare platforms.
Surveillance and reconnaissance support is being provided by aircraft such as the U-2 Dragon Lady, RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. Unmanned systems including MQ-9 Reaper and LUCAS drones are also part of the operation.
Missile defence systems deployed include Patriot interceptor systems and THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems, while HIMARS rocket systems are being used for ground-based strikes.
Naval forces supporting the operation include nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers and refuelling ships, while airborne command and communication support is provided by aircraft such as the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
Logistical operations are being supported by refuelling tanker aircraft and cargo planes including the C-17 Globemaster and C-130, along with specialised electronic warfare platforms such as the EC-130H Compass Call.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Northwestern provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts after 2.00 pm. Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts.
A few showers may occur in Uva and Eastern provinces.
Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere over the island.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts during the early hours of 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.
March 12, Colombo (LNW): Strong governance, policy stability and institutional credibility will determine whether Sri Lanka can attract long-term investment as it moves beyond its recent economic crisis, Mark Tucker, Chairman of AIA Group, said yesterday.
Addressing business leaders at a forum organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors at Port City Colombo, Tucker warned that investors ultimately base their decisions on trust in governance systems and policy consistency.
“Capital only flows where there is trust,” he said, stressing that even strong economic opportunities can fail to attract investment if governance standards are weak or policy frameworks appear unpredictable.
Sri Lanka has made significant progress in stabilising its economy following the recent financial crisis, he acknowledged. However, the next stage of development will require deeper reforms to ensure that investors perceive the country as a reliable long-term destination for capital.
Tucker pointed out that investors typically make decisions over decades rather than months, meaning they require stable rules, transparent processes and consistent policy implementation.
In the past, some investors have faced regulatory shifts, project cancellations and policy uncertainty in Sri Lanka, he noted. Such issues increase execution risks and can slow the flow of capital into the economy.
To rebuild confidence, he recommended creating a stable regulatory environment with clearly defined rules that remain consistent over time. Streamlining approval procedures and strengthening institutional governance would also improve the investment climate.
Corporate governance within businesses is equally important. Tucker said company boards must reinforce oversight mechanisms covering risk management, financial controls, organisational culture and cyber resilience.
He also emphasised the role of sustainability and climate-related investment standards in shaping global capital flows. Increasingly, investors are directing funds toward projects aligned with environmental and sustainability goals.
As a result, new financing mechanisms such as green bonds, blended finance structures and regulated infrastructure investment vehicles are becoming important tools for funding large-scale development initiatives.
Tucker suggested Sri Lanka could also tap into the financial and intellectual resources of its global diaspora. Beyond capital, diaspora communities possess expertise, entrepreneurial networks and international experience that could help accelerate economic development.
Structured investment channels connecting diaspora investors with key sectors such as services, energy and technology could unlock new sources of funding.
Another critical driver of growth, he said, is human capital. Sri Lanka’s skilled workforce represents one of its strongest advantages, but continued investment in education, talent development and digital infrastructure will be necessary to maintain competitiveness.
Global economic trends are also shifting in ways that could benefit Sri Lanka. Trade and investment flows are increasingly centred around the Indian Ocean region, with rapid growth across South Asia, the Middle East and Association of Southeast Asian Nations economies.
Positioned along one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, Sri Lanka could leverage its geographic advantage to develop as a regional hub for trade and services.
For that potential to materialise, Tucker concluded, Sri Lanka must focus on strengthening governance, ensuring policy predictability and investing in people steps that will ultimately determine whether the country can reconnect with global capital markets.
March 12, Colombo (LNW): As Nestlé Lanka celebrates 120 years of operations in Sri Lanka, the multinational food company is not only expanding manufacturing but also deepening its focus on sustainability, agriculture and youth employment.
The company recently announced a Rs. 9 billion investment plan to upgrade its manufacturing capacity over the next four years, primarily at its production facility in Pannala. While part of the investment will strengthen local supply chains, a major component is aimed at expanding export-driven production.
Chairman and Managing Director Bernie Stefan said the company views Sri Lanka not only as a domestic consumer market but also as a strategic export hub within its South Asian operations.
One of the fastest-growing export products is coconut milk powder, which has seen rising international demand due to the global shift toward plant-based foods. Markets in the United States, China, and parts of Europe are increasingly embracing coconut-based alternatives to dairy.
Nestlé Lanka is already among Sri Lanka’s leading exporters of coconut milk powder, and the company plans to scale up production to meet growing demand.
Beyond exports, the company is also investing heavily in local agricultural partnerships. Nestlé Lanka works with more than 7,000 dairy farmers and purchases about 130 million coconuts each year, creating income opportunities for thousands of rural households.
Through its Coconut Cultivation Board partnership, the company operates the Nestlé Coconut Development Plan, which provides farmers with hybrid coconut seedlings, fertiliser support and training in regenerative agricultural practices.
More than 5,000 coconut growers have benefited from the program so far, helping improve productivity and sustainability within the sector.
Youth development has also become a major focus area. Through the global Nestlé Needs Youth initiative, the company partners with universities and career-development programs to help young people transition into the workforce.
According to Stefan, around 10,000 students have been reached through mentorship programs, internships and university collaborations.
“Many professionals who began their careers with Nestlé have gone on to succeed across various industries,” he noted, describing the initiative as an investment in the country’s future workforce.
Environmental sustainability is another key pillar of Nestlé Lanka’s long-term strategy. The company has announced plans to become 100 percent plastic neutral by 2026, meaning that it will collect and recycle an amount of plastic equal to the packaging it releases into the market.
This initiative aligns with the global Nestlé commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
At the local level, Nestlé Lanka has introduced several environmental measures, including biomass boilers and renewable electricity at its manufacturing plant and shifting portions of its logistics operations to rail transport to reduce carbon emissions.
With its latest investment, the company aims to combine industrial expansion with social and environmental initiatives strengthening its role not only as a manufacturer and exporter, but also as a long-term development partner in Sri Lanka’s economy.
March 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s decision to expand Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the health sector has triggered a growing debate about the long-term future of the country’s free public healthcare system.
While the government insists the initiative is intended only to improve efficiency and expand services, critics warn that outsourcing key medical services to private operators could gradually reshape the foundations of the state-run healthcare model.
The proposed reform centres on a plan to outsource certain high-cost diagnostic and treatment services within government hospitals to private providers under performance-based contracts. Officials say the arrangement will allow hospitals to access advanced technology such as CT scanners, MRI machines, catheterisation laboratories and automated laboratory equipment without requiring the state to finance the full investment.
To facilitate these initiatives, the Ministry of Finance is preparing to establish a new unit responsible for implementing PPP projects. The body will replace the National Agency for Public-Private Partnership (NAPPP) and is expected to operate under new legislation aimed at streamlining project approvals and attracting private investment.
Authorities argue that the shift is necessary due to fiscal constraints and complex procurement procedures that often delay the acquisition of specialised equipment. Demand for advanced diagnostics has also surged as non-communicable diseases increasingly dominate Sri Lanka’s health profile.
Another component of the programme involves expanding haemodialysis services. Although roughly 80 government hospitals currently offer dialysis treatment, health authorities acknowledge that capacity remains inadequate for the growing number of patients suffering from kidney disease.
Under the proposed model, private partners would manage dialysis machines and supply medical consumables while the government continues to provide hospital infrastructure and clinical supervision.
Cabinet has already approved the framework for obtaining diagnostic services and equipment through PPP agreements, subject to existing procurement rules and a performance-based payment mechanism.
Government representatives emphasise that the reforms do not amount to privatisation. According to officials, patients will continue to receive treatment free of charge at public hospitals even when services are delivered through privately operated equipment.
However, observers remain cautious. Some analysts argue that increased reliance on private operators could gradually introduce commercial dynamics into public healthcare delivery, potentially influencing pricing, access, and policy decisions over time.
The debate is unfolding as Sri Lanka’s private healthcare industry expands rapidly. The sector currently includes about 55 private hospitals with inpatient facilities along with numerous specialised services, making it an influential player in the national health ecosystem.
Industry representatives have welcomed the government’s willingness to deepen collaboration. They argue that structured partnerships could help modernise healthcare infrastructure while also positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive destination for medical tourism.
Private sector leaders have also called for policy changes to support the industry’s growth, including reduced tariffs and taxes on imported medical equipment.
Nevertheless, some health policy observers caution that the expansion of PPP arrangements must be carefully regulated to ensure that private interests do not overshadow the public health mission.
Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system has long been considered one of the country’s most significant social achievements. As the government turns increasingly toward public-private collaboration to address financial and technological gaps, the central question now emerging is whether these partnerships will strengthen the system or quietly transform it.
March 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s electricity sector has entered a turbulent phase as the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) into six state-owned companies gathers momentum under the economic reform program negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While the government presents the move as a necessary modernization effort to stabilize the power sector, engineers warn that confusion over employee roles threatens operational stability.
The immediate concern stems from a complaint by the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU), which says many staff members have not yet received formal appointment letters confirming their positions within the newly created companies.
According to the union, although the restructuring has formally dissolved the traditional CEB structure, thousands of employees who previously worked under the state utility remain uncertain about their employment status.
Some workers have been issued “assignation letters,” but the union says that these documents merely indicate the institution to which an employee has been temporarily attached and do not define job responsibilities, authority, reporting lines, or employment conditions.
Engineers warn that the absence of a clear legal and administrative framework has created operational confusion. In some cases, employees are reluctant to carry out certain functions without written confirmation of authority, fearing legal or disciplinary consequences in the future.
Despite these concerns, the union says staff involved in essential services including electricity generation, transmission, and distribution continue to work to maintain power supply. However, engineers caution that restoration work after breakdowns could take longer due to the uncertainty.
The restructuring program is part of Sri Lanka’s broader economic recovery plan under the IMF bailout agreement signed after the country’s 2022 financial crisis. One of the key reform conditions is improving the financial viability and governance of major state-owned enterprises.
Supporters of the reform argue that unbundling the CEB into separate generation, transmission, and distribution companies could introduce transparency, improve efficiency, and reduce political interference. Advocates say the move may also encourage investment in renewable energy and modern infrastructure.
Critics, however, warn that poorly managed restructuring could disrupt operations and undermine worker morale. Trade unions also fear the move could pave the way for partial privatization in the future.
Adding a layer of political irony is the fact that the current reform is being implemented under the government led by the National People’s Power (NPP), whose leading component, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), historically opposed similar reforms when proposed by previous administrations.
Analysts say the current standoff highlights the challenge of balancing economic reforms with institutional stability. Possible solutions include issuing immediate formal appointments to all employees, establishing clear governance frameworks for the new companies, and initiating structured dialogue between the government and unions.
Without such measures, the electricity sector risks becoming another flashpoint in Sri Lanka’s difficult path toward economic recovery.
March 12, World (LNW): During a recent visit to a logistics hub in Kentucky, US President Donald Trump reflected on the escalating maritime warfare between American forces and Iran, revealing a candid exchange with his military advisors regarding the destruction of enemy assets.
As the conflict enters its second week, the US President disclosed that he had initially challenged his commanders over the decision to sink an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka—an engagement that resulted in significant casualties.
Addressing a crowd of supporters, the President explained that he had pushed for the seizure of the vessels rather than their total destruction, suggesting that the ships could have been repurposed for the British-allied American fleet.
However, he noted that his generals dismissed the idea, arguing that the Iranian hardware failed to meet the rigorous technical specifications required for modern naval integration.
According to Trump, one high-ranking official went as far as to suggest that the tactical demolition of the fleet was “a lot more fun” than a capture mission.
Power Versus Morality
These revelations come as the administration attempts to project confidence regarding global market stability, despite the hostilities now reaching their thirteenth day. While the President’s remarks highlighted a potential disconnect between civilian oversight and the “gung-ho” attitude of some military brass, he remained steadfast in his support of the campaign’s progress, noting that dozens of vessels had been neutralised in a remarkably short window of time.
The recent sinking of an Iranian warship by a United States Navy submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka stands as a stark reminder of the perils of an American military posture that, in too many instances, appears to value spectacle over the sanctity of human life. On March 04, 2026, the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was struck and sunk by a US‑launched torpedo in international waters near Sri Lanka, resulting in the deaths of dozens of crew members and the rescue of only a fraction of those on board.
More troubling still have been some of the remarks attributed to senior US officials about the engagement, with suggestions that personnel involved described the act of sinking the vessel as “more fun” than alternative courses of action. Whether or not such comments were intended as flippant banter, they nonetheless betray a chilling indifference to the real human cost of war and to the basic decencies that ought to govern the conduct of any nation that claims to uphold civilisation.
War inevitably involves grim decisions, but there are fundamental principles that should never be discarded: respect for non‑combatants, adherence to international law, and a sober acknowledgement that every life extinguished is irreplaceable. To reduce the killing of sailors — many of whom may have been simply returning from a naval exercise — to a matter of amusement or convenience is to forget these principles entirely.
This episode serves as a sobering lesson that military might must always be balanced with moral restraint. Nations must resist the allure of dehumanising rhetoric and remember that beyond the strategic calculus are families grieving for loved ones lost, communities shattered by violence, and the enduring obligation to treat all human beings with dignity — even in times of conflict.
March 12, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has cautioned that Sri Lanka’s ability to maintain stable fuel supplies could become uncertain if the conflict in the Middle East drags on for an extended period.
Addressing the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Chamber of Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), the President said the government is currently confident of maintaining an uninterrupted energy supply for the immediate future.
However, he noted that reliable projections can only be made for roughly the next two months should tensions in the Middle East persist.
He explained that global oil markets have become increasingly volatile amid the ongoing hostilities, with prices fluctuating frequently and traders adopting a cautious approach. According to the President, the uncertainty has even led to the cancellation of several fuel procurement tenders, as suppliers remain hesitant to commit to shipments under unstable market conditions.
Despite these challenges, he said the government is actively working with a number of friendly countries to secure alternative supply arrangements in case traditional fuel routes are disrupted. Such contingency planning, he stressed, is vital to protect the country’s energy needs and economic stability.
The President pointed out that the situation today differs significantly from the crisis Sri Lanka experienced in 2022. At that time, fuel shortages were largely driven by the country’s lack of foreign currency to pay for imports. In contrast, he said Sri Lanka’s current foreign reserves stand at approximately USD 7.2 billion, providing a stronger financial position to purchase fuel if supplies remain available.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that modern conflicts—fuelled by advanced technology and sophisticated military capabilities—can have unpredictable consequences, making long-term forecasting difficult. While short-term planning remains possible, he said the trajectory of a prolonged conflict could produce outcomes that are impossible to anticipate.
President Dissanayake emphasised that ensuring consistent energy supply remains a central priority for the government, warning that any disruption could undermine the economic progress made in recent months. He also urged businesses and citizens to work collectively with authorities to navigate the uncertain global environment and safeguard the country’s economic recovery.
Regime Change? The killing of the leadership has unified a fractured population.
