December 28, Colombo (LNW): The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has apprehended former Provincial Councillor and businessman Salochana Gamage, along with another businessman, in connection with a bribery case involving Rs. 9 million.
The arrests took place in the Pitakotte area, where the suspects were allegedly in the process of accepting a large sum of money in exchange for favours.
According to the Bribery Commission, the suspects were approached by a third businessman, who had offered the bribe in return for assistance in expediting the compensation process for a piece of land that had been acquired by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).
The land in question belonged to a relative of the individual who had lodged the complaint.
The investigation into the case has revealed that Gamage and his associate had promised to use their influence to ensure that the compensation payment for the land would be processed more quickly.
The alleged act of bribery was intended to circumvent standard procedures and accelerate the disbursement of funds to the landowner.
The Bribery Commission has confirmed that further inquiries are underway, as the investigation continues to explore the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and the potential for other individuals to be implicated in the scheme.
December 27, Colombo (LNW): The newly appointed Chief of the Department of Excise has announced a bold shift in strategy for tackling illicit activities in Sri Lanka, urging officials to focus on high-level criminals rather than pursuing minor offenders in a bid to drive real societal change in the coming year.
Speaking to Daily Mirror, U.L. Udaya Kumara Perera outlined his vision for reform within the Excise Department. He stated that the traditional performance evaluation system, which required officers to meet annual court case quotas, would be overhauled.
The new approach will prioritise high-impact operations targeting large-scale illegal liquor production and narcotic trafficking, rather than simply meeting arbitrary case numbers.
Under the current system, Excise officers are expected to file between 250 and 300 court cases annually, with many of them resulting from small-scale arrests, such as individuals caught with a few bottles of illicit liquor or small amounts of narcotics.
Perera pointed out that these types of busts, while necessary for law enforcement, fail to address the root of the problem and do little to curb the widespread issues of illicit alcohol production and drug trafficking in the country.
“I have instructed my officers to shift their focus. From now on, we will not be going after the small fry,” said Perera. “Instead, we aim to target and dismantle the major players in the illicit liquor trade and narcotics networks. This is the kind of action that will make a real difference and bring about meaningful change in the community.”
Perera revealed that he intends to cancel the existing target-based performance system, which incentivised officers to achieve a high volume of court cases rather than the quality of their work.
“The real measure of success should be the impact of the cases we bring to court, not just the quantity,” he added.
Historically, Excise Department officers who were involved in large-scale operations, such as major raids on illicit liquor dens, were rewarded with a 25 per cent bonus on their monthly salary.
However, in an effort to foster teamwork and ensure that all members of a successful operation benefit, Perera announced that this reward system would be revised in 2025.
Under the new scheme, the entire team or unit involved in a significant bust would receive the extra allowance, in line with practices used by other government agencies like Sri Lanka Customs.
“This new approach will help build a stronger, more cohesive force within the Excise Department, one that is driven by collective success rather than individual targets,” Perera explained. “By rewarding teams for making a real impact, we hope to inspire a greater sense of responsibility and pride in the work we do.”
This change in direction is part of a wider effort to tackle the growing challenges posed by illegal liquor production and drug trafficking, which continue to undermine public health and safety in Sri Lanka.
With this more strategic focus, the Department of Excise is aiming to make a tangible difference in the fight against organised crime.
December 28, Colombo (LNW): In a recent statement, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where every citizen can enjoy a life free from discrimination and filled with opportunities for happiness and well-being.
Dr. Amarasuriya made these remarks yesterday (27) during the inaugural ceremony of a housing project in Batariwatta, Moratuwa.
The project is the first phase of a comprehensive housing development plan, backed by a substantial Rs. 22 billion investment from China.
The initiative, aimed at improving the living conditions of low-income families, is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of life for many Sri Lankans.
The housing scheme, which will see the construction of a total of 1,996 homes, is being funded through Chinese financial aid.
The first phase in Moratuwa, located in the Batariwatta area, will provide 575 homes for economically disadvantaged families.
In addition, a separate segment of the project in Kottawa will feature 108 homes specifically for veteran artists, acknowledging their contributions to the cultural fabric of the nation.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed her gratitude to the Chinese government for their generous support.
“A home is not just a physical shelter; it is the foundation for a stable and fulfilling life,” she remarked. “It offers individuals the security they need to live with dignity and pursue happiness.”
She emphasised that the government’s focus extends beyond just providing housing.
“We are committed to supporting strong, resilient families and communities, while ensuring the safety and welfare of women and children. Their specific needs must be addressed if we are to build a society that works for everyone,” the Prime Minister said.
Dr. Amarasuriya also highlighted the difficult living conditions faced by many low-income families in suburban areas, where safety and stability are often a concern.
“Our vision is to create an environment where all citizens, regardless of their background, can lead lives of quality and fulfilment. Discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or any other factor has no place in our society,” she asserted.
The ceremony was attended by various key officials, including the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, Anura Karunathilaka, and Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, along with other diplomats from the Chinese Embassy, was also present, underscoring the strong ties between Sri Lanka and China.
December 28, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers may occur in North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale district, with a few showers being expected to occur in Northern province, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (28).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts during the evening or night.
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 minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Shower will occur at several places in the sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Hambantota via Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be North- easterly in the sea areas around the island and speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Trincomalee via Puttalam and Kankasanthurai.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Trincomalee via Puttalam and Kankasanthurai may be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed condolences on the death of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, praising his leadership and transformative policies like the Right to Education Act: Dissanayake highlighted Singh’s dedication to equity, international collaboration, and his diplomatic achievements, including the Indo-US nuclear agreement, honoring his humility and intellectual legacy.
Former Kalutara District MP Lalith Ellawala, who switched from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has announced his decision to end his political career: In a media statement from Panadura, Ellawala resigned from all SJB posts, criticising the party for its lack of unity and accusing it of dictatorship: He also expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s structure, stating that only the Secretary’s name was included in the National List after the Parliamentary Election: Ellawala declared that the SJB would falter and that he would step down from politics.
Ruling Party MP Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne has filed a complaint with the CID regarding false information and personal attacks circulating on social media, aimed at tarnishing her reputation: She urged authorities to investigate and take action against those responsible, emphasising that such tactics are attempts to discourage women from entering politics: Ariyarathne remains resolute, asserting these attacks will not deter women from political involvement.
The Welfare Benefits Board (WBB) announced that outstanding funds for Aswesuma payments can be accessed by beneficiaries starting Friday (27): Chairman Jayantha Wijeratne stated that the first phase of the Aswesuma scheme involves transferring payments to 212,423 qualifying families, with over 1,314 million rupees allocated for these funds: The WBB is depositing the payments directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board reported that approximately 80,000 acres of farmland were affected by the November floods: Crop damage assessments have been completed in Polonnaruwa, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar, with compensation payments to follow after final reports: Assessments in Batticaloa, Ampara, and Trincomalee will be finished soon, while those in Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, and Matale are expected by December 30: The assessments are conducted with the Department of Agrarian Development and agrarian organisations.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange rose by 135.07 points (0.88%) to close at 15,535.60 on December 27: The S&P SL20, tracking the top 20 companies, gained 79.95 points, closing at 4,682.35. The day’s turnover surpassed Rs. 9.8 billion, with over 293 million shares traded.
The Transport and Highways Ministry plans to improve the quality of passenger transport buses, addressing frequent road accidents caused by both private and Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses: Measures include removing obstructive decorations, improving bus cleanliness, addressing noise issues, and ensuring proper seating standards: Additionally, 1,000 low-floor buses will be imported, and bus timetables will be merged for continuous operations: New standards are expected to be implemented within a month, with compliance monitored during license renewals and random inspections.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all citizens to lead happy, quality lives, free from discrimination: Speaking at the inauguration of the first phase of a Rs. 22 billion housing project in Batariwatta, Moratuwa, funded by China, she highlighted the construction of 1,996 houses for low-income families and veteran artists, expressing gratitude for China’s support.
Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, an advisor to the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Populations, expressed concern over the current methods used to address elephant-human conflicts: Elephants stuck in Oyamaduwa, including those in the National Livestock Development Board farm, face harmful tactics like firecracker use, which could lead to injury or death: Dr. Nanayakkara criticised the decision to chase elephants into Wilpattu National Park, calling for a national policy developed through collaboration with experts to manage the conflict responsibly without harming the animals.
The highly anticipated Week 3 clash in the MasterCard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament will feature the unbeaten Kandy Sports Club (Kandy SC) against the improved CH and FC on Sunday (29), at the Race Course Grounds in Colombo: Kandy SC, led by head coach Fazil Marija, has been dominant, winning big against Sri Lions SC and Army SC, with key players like Tarinda Ratwatte excelling: CH and FC, coached by Sanath Martis, bounced back from an early loss with a strong win over Police SC: This match promises a thrilling contest between Kandy SC’s potent backline and CH and FC’s experienced forwards.
December 27, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Maheswaran, a revered figure within the Tamil Eelam diaspora, has passed away at the age of seventy, leaving the community in mourning.
In a statement, the British Tamil Forum emphasised that Dr. Maheswaran was known for his unwavering dedication to the Tamil liberation cause, and was a trusted and respected lieutenant who devoted his entire adult life to the struggle for Tamil Eelam.
Coming from a family of early martyrs, Dr. Maheswaran’s commitment to the cause was evident from the very beginning. His sincerity and selfless dedication earned him the admiration of those across all levels of the movement. From top leaders to the foot soldiers, he was affectionately known as “Periya Maheswaran” – a testament to the deep respect he garnered throughout his life, the statement said.
The British Tamils Forum has expressed its deep sorrow at his passing, acknowledging the significant loss to the community. His legacy, however, remains in the hearts of those who knew him and the movement he tirelessly served.
December 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s public sector must embrace digitalization to unlock its economic potential, urged WSO2 Founder and CEO Sanjiva Weerawarana during a Central Bank lecture on “Unleashing the Digital Economy in Sri Lanka.”
Highlighting the inefficiencies in the current system, Weerawarana called for radical reforms, including capping cash transactions at Rs. 2.5 lakhs and phasing out Rs. 5,000 notes to foster transparency and drive digital adoption.
While Sri Lanka boasts high National ID and birth certificate coverage, efforts to implement a robust digital identity system have stagnated for over two decades. Weerawarana criticized the slow progress and emphasized the importance of user-friendly, scalable solutions to overcome authentication challenges.
The reliance on cash remains a significant barrier, with 77% of the Rs. 1.26 trillion in circulation held outside the banking system. Although there are 19 million debit cards in use, digital payment platforms like Just Pay and Lanka QR remain underutilized. Government payments totaling Rs. 330 billion annually also highlight the untapped potential of digital systems.
Weerawarana urged the adoption of scalable digital ID systems, streamlined payment platforms, and reduced cash dependency to formalize the economy and promote sustainable growth. By bridging the gaps in the current system, Sri Lanka could unlock significant opportunities in its journey toward digital transformation.
While 19 million debit cards are active, only 1.9 million credit cards are in use, with unique holders likely fewer due to multiple cards. Additionally, government payments total Rs 330 billion annually, but digital payment platforms like Just Pay and Lanka QR remain underutilized.
“Payment is the most fundamental component of an economy—moving money around in some form is essential,” Weerawarana stressed.
He highlighted LankaPay’s “human bridge” initiative, which enables government departments to integrate digital payments even without advanced system setups, as an example of bridging gaps in the current ecosystem.
Weerawarana’s recommendations to limit cash transactions and phase out Rs 5,000 notes aim to drive digital adoption and formalize the economy.
By embracing these measures, combined with scalable digital ID systems and wider adoption of payment platforms, Sri Lanka could unlock significant economic potential.
Weerawarana’s analysis of the current system showed that even with outdated forms of National Identity Cards which were susceptible to forgery there was limited mass scale identity fraud in the country.
December 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake has formally expressed the country’s desire to join BRICS, according to Pakeer Amza, Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Moscow.
The request, conveyed in a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in October, highlights Colombo’s intent to become part of the influential bloc.
Sri Lanka has also sought support from other BRICS members to secure its membership by 2025, emphasizing its commitment to the group’s vision of multilateral cooperation.
In October 2024, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced Sri Lanka’s decision to apply for BRICS membership and join its affiliated New Development Bank (NDB).
Herath explained that Sri Lanka views BRICS as an essential platform to foster partnerships promoting sustainable development, peace, and global cooperation, aligning with the principles of the UN Charter.
The country has since reached out to several BRICS leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for support in its bid.
BRICS, established in 2006, initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Over time, it has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, solidifying its position as a counterbalance to Western-led global economic dominance.
With Russia presiding over BRICS in 2024, the bloc has gained increasing geopolitical significance by challenging the dominance of the U.S. dollar and promoting alternatives to existing global economic frameworks.
Sri Lanka’s engagement with BRICS has been active in recent months. A delegation led by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardena participated in the BRICS summit in Russia, formally submitting an application for membership.
However, during the summit, BRICS decided against further expansion, postponing Colombo’s aspirations.
Despite this setback, Herath noted that Sri Lanka’s application remains under consideration, with the Russian Embassy affirming that new bids will be reviewed through consensus among current members.
Parallel to its BRICS membership pursuit, Sri Lanka has sought to join the NDB, a multilateral institution established by BRICS in 2015.
The NDB mobilizes resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies. While full BRICS membership may take time, Colombo hopes to leverage the NDB as a stepping stone to align with the bloc’s economic initiatives.
Herath highlighted that countries like Bangladesh, though not BRICS members, are part of the NDB, suggesting a similar path for Sri Lanka.
The Foreign Ministry stated on November 10, 2024, that the government remains optimistic about future opportunities to join BRICS. Cabinet discussions are ongoing to assess the benefits of NDB membership, with the Finance Ministry tasked with evaluating its potential impact.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka continues to engage diplomatically with BRICS nations, seeking their backing for its long-term integration into the bloc.
As BRICS evolves into a more significant player on the global stage, Sri Lanka’s application reflects its strategic ambition to align with emerging economic powers.
While membership may not be immediate, Colombo’s pursuit of inclusion underscores its commitment to advancing national development through multilateral partnerships.
December 27, Colombo (LNW): The Excise Department has introduced a proposal to resolve the longstanding tax arrears issue with W. M. Mendis and Co. Ltd., whose production license was recently suspended for defaulting on Rs. 5.8 billion in taxes.
Excise Commissioner General (ECG) Udaya Kumara Perera revealed that the proposal entails the company settling 50% of the arrears—amounting to Rs. 3 billion—as a prerequisite to reactivating its license.
This initiative aims to recover significant revenue for the state while also protecting the livelihoods of over 600 employees and their 1,500 dependents.
According to ECG Perera, this plan is the most pragmatic solution to address the tax default while enabling the company to resume operations. “We must balance recovering the government’s dues with safeguarding jobs and the economy.
This proposal provides a pathway for Mendis to settle its arrears and return to business while ensuring compliance going forward,” he explained.
The company, which operates three excise manufacturing licenses for its facilities in Welisara, Moragalla, and Kalkuda, has been given the opportunity to outline a repayment plan for the initial Rs. 3 billion settlement.
Once this payment is made, the license will be reactivated, and subsequent monthly renewals will be conditional on the settlement of new production taxes.
The suspension of Mendis’ license on December 4th followed repeated warnings over the past year, which the company failed to heed.
The ECG emphasized that the Department of Excise had no choice but to take this step to address the staggering tax default.
However, Perera noted that the current proposal allows the company to demonstrate its commitment to resolving the issue and moving forward in compliance with regulations.
In parallel, the Excise Department is preparing for the renewal of approximately 2,000 excise permits for 2025.
To facilitate this process, the Commissioner General has requested the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to submit a comprehensive report on permit holders who have paid their taxes.
So far, the IRD has forwarded 1,636 applications along with tax clearance reports, with an additional 232 reports expected shortly. ECG Perera stressed that permits will only be renewed for applicants whose tax payments are verified by the IRD.
This measure aims to ensure fairness and efficiency while encouraging compliance among excise permit holders.With 4,500 excise permits required nationwide for the sale of alcoholic beverages, the tax compliance process remains a critical component of ensuring smooth operations in the sector.
The proactive steps taken by the Excise Department highlight its commitment to maintaining transparency, accountability, and economic stability in the industry.
December 27, Colombo (LNW): The HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival is scheduled for January 17-19, 2025, curated by Mita Kapur, a prominent figure in the global literary community.
Kapur, renowned for her work with international festivals like Bhutan’s Mountain Echoes (now Bhutan Echoes) and as the founder of India’s leading literary consultancy Siyahi, brings a wealth of expertise to the event.
Her vision aligns with the festival’s mission to showcase Sri Lanka’s art and culture, amplify its soft power, and connect Sri Lanka’s rich traditions to the global stage.
The festival will emphasize cultural dialogue, featuring sessions that celebrate Sri Lanka’s heritage, from its folklore and architecture to its artistic and musical traditions. Highlighting this goal, Mita Kapur explained,
“This is about more than organizing an event—it’s about fostering connections, debates, and exchanges that reflect Sri Lanka’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
Every session is crafted to inspire meaningful conversations, bridge generations, and promote powerful voices, particularly those of women who have shaped literature over time.”
Ajai Vir Singh, Co-Founder and Director of the festival, noted its role as a catalyst for positioning Sri Lanka as a dynamic hub for South Asian artistic and literary discourse.
He emphasized the importance of bridging global perspectives, adding that Mita Kapur’s experience, including her role as a former curator of the Jaipur Literature Festival, ensures a thoughtfully curated program designed to ignite impactful dialogue.
The Colombo Public Library, a venue celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, will host the festival. Symbolic of Sri Lanka’s literary and cultural heritage, the library embodies the country’s intellectual continuity.
Its democratic appeal aligns with the festival’s mission to make culture accessible while fostering youth engagement.
Fazeena Majeed Rajabdeen, Co-Founder and Director of the festival, stressed the event’s focus on empowering the next generation. “Through literature, arts, films, and creative platforms, we aim to inspire young talent to find their voices and shape Sri Lanka’s future narrative. They are the stewards of our cultural legacy,” she remarked.
The festival also reflects a collaborative effort among various partners. HSBC, as the title sponsor, underscores its commitment to cultural innovation. Dilmah Ceylon, Cinnamon Grand, The British Council, and the Goethe Institute contribute to the event’s international scope, while media partners like Wijeya Newspapers and literary contributors like Sarasavi and Hardtalk help realize the festival’s vision.. The event promises to be an extraordinary celebration of Sri Lanka’s cultural richness and a platform for global artistic exchange.
