By Adolf
One year into Anura’s leadership, the gap between fiery rhetoric and tangible results is becoming impossible to ignore. The language of transformation has been loud, passionate, and relentless. But for ordinary citizens struggling to put food on the table, pay their bills, and secure their children’s future, little has changed. The promises of renewal and justice have been eclipsed by political theatre, selective interventions, and a tendency to substitute words for action.
The Illusion of Change
From the outset, Anura positioned himself as the voice of the people — an outsider ready to sweep away corruption, defend the marginalised, and reclaim dignity for the nation. Yet his performance has largely remained in the realm of performance. Symbolic speeches in Parliament, bold accusations, and sharp one-liners dominate the headlines. But when it comes to turning slogans into policies that ease the burden of everyday life, the record is thin.
Economic Struggles Unrelieved
For the working poor and the squeezed middle class, survival remains a daily battle. Food prices are high, utility bills are punishing, and opportunities for stable employment are scarce. Instead of structural reforms or practical measures to ease hardship, citizens are offered rhetoric about systemic change that never seems to materialise. The masses were promised relief from decades of mismanagement. What they have received instead is another round of political speeches, as though language alone could fill empty stomachs.
Selective Justice
Anura built his campaign on the promise of justice — that corrupt politicians and business cronies would finally be held accountable. But justice, when delivered selectively, loses its moral force. High-profile names are attacked loudly, while many others continue their business as usual. The public sees through this inconsistency. What was supposed to be a break from old practices increasingly looks like the same game in a different jersey, dressed up in the language of revolution.
Fear and Freedom in Question
Anura’s camp insists that fear has been banished and that people now live in freedom. Yet activists, journalists, and critics continue to feel pressure when they question his government’s choices. Dissent is tolerated only when it is convenient; otherwise, it is branded as obstruction or betrayal. True freedom is not measured by the volume of applause at rallies but by the safety of those who dare to disagree. By that standard, much remains unchanged.
Rhetoric vs. Reality in Reconciliation
One of Anura’s most repeated promises has been to heal ethnic divisions and build unity. But reconciliation requires more than slogans about equality. It demands policies, institutions, and investments that create real equity across communities. Minority groups remain sceptical, and with good reason: the soaring words of inclusivity have not translated into meaningful reforms. Unity cannot be declared into existence; it must be built, and that work has barely begun.
A Cult of Personality
Perhaps most troubling is the emerging tendency to frame Anura himself as the embodiment of hope — a humble leader close to the people, immune from the trappings of power. But placing faith in a single personality risks repeating the very cycles of unaccountable leadership the country has suffered for decades. Real change lies in systems and institutions, not in individuals who claim to stand above them.
Conclusion
Anura’s first year has been long on rhetoric and short on results. The masses, who pinned their hopes on relief, justice, and opportunity, are left disappointed. The speeches may inspire, but speeches do not feed families, create jobs, or heal communities. Unless rhetoric is quickly matched by real benefits for the people, Anura’s tenure may go down not as a turning point for the nation but as yet another lost opportunity, dressed up in revolutionary language and a political witch-hunt .
Anura’s 1 year Performance: More Rhetoric than Relief
One Year On: UK-based Sri Lankans Celebrate People’s Government Anniversary with Unity and Pride
A historic gathering in London marks the first anniversary of Sri Lanka’s National People’s Power government
September 22, London (LNW): On 21 September, a diverse crowd of Sri Lankans from across the United Kingdom came together in jubilant celebration to mark the first anniversary of the National People’s Power (NPP) government.
The event, which brought together Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim communities, took place at the Crystal Grand Hall in Slough—a venue of particular significance, as it was the very hall where NPP presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the British Sri Lankan diaspora in 2024.
The gathering was notable not only for its size but also for its spirit of solidarity. It was the largest multi-ethnic congregation of Sri Lankans in the UK since Comrade Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit last year. The event combined vibrant cultural performances—including Sinhala and Tamil music and dance—with in-depth political discussion, reflecting the celebratory and reflective nature of the occasion.
Dr Indunil Wijenayake, representing the UK branch of the NPP, welcomed attendees and emphasised the historic nature of the gathering, describing it as the largest celebration of a political party’s one-year anniversary in London to date.
“This unity among Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims is a symbol of the political transformation taking root both in Sri Lanka and among its diaspora,” he said. Dr Wijenayake expressed confidence that as the NPP government continues to advance its progressive agenda, similar celebrations would unfold globally, uniting progressives in support of Sri Lanka’s democratic renewal.
Speaking in Tamil, Ms Sudarshani Gunalan conveyed her optimism as a Tamil citizen regarding the current political direction. She noted that under the NPP government, Tamil and Muslim communities no longer felt like second-class citizens—a sentiment that was met with enthusiastic applause.
Further speeches were delivered by Thushara Dassanayake and executive member Mohamed Marzook, both representing the NPP’s UK branch, who praised the government’s achievements and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting its efforts from abroad.
Mr Darshana Hettiarachchi, the United Kingdom organiser for the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), addressed the audience with a stirring message of resilience: “No matter how desperately the corrupt forces that were rejected by the people try to undo the progress we made, Sri Lankans abroad will stand united with those at home. Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim Sri Lankans around the world have joined hands for this cause—and we will not turn back.”
Adding a direct connection to the motherland, the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Paulraj, addressed the gathering live via Zoom from Sri Lanka, delivering her remarks in both Sinhala and Tamil. She provided an overview of the government’s people-centric initiatives over the past year and expressed heartfelt thanks to the Sri Lankan community in the UK for their unwavering support and continued advocacy.
The event drew attendees from as far afield as Wales, Liverpool, Manchester, Leicester, York and Nottingham, underlining its national significance within the British Sri Lankan diaspora. A commemorative booklet detailing the government’s first-year journey was distributed to all participants, and a short video documentary further illustrated the milestones achieved.
The atmosphere throughout was one of camaraderie, hope and determination, as participants spoke passionately about their shared aspirations for Sri Lanka’s future. The event not only celebrated a political anniversary—it reaffirmed a united vision among Sri Lankans abroad for a just, inclusive and forward-looking nation.
Sri Lanka’s External Weakness forces Central Bank into Policy Dilemma
By: Staff Writer
September 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s external sector remains under strain as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) cautiously holds fire on interest rates in the run-up to the 2026 Budget. Despite subdued inflation and recent signs of growth, policymakers face the difficult task of balancing domestic stability with external vulnerabilities that continue to weigh heavily on the economy.
Consumer prices, which had been in deflation for nearly a year, finally turned positive in August 2025, rising 1.2% year-on-year. However, prices still slipped 0.4% month-on-month, underscoring fragile demand conditions. Fitch Consensus Research (FCR) expects inflation to average -0.9% in 2025 before edging up to 2.8% in 2026 well short of CBSL’s medium-term target of 5%.
In principle, this creates room for monetary easing to boost consumption and investment. Yet, the central bank has so far avoided rate cuts, mindful of the risks to external stability and the rupee.
Globally, the tide is turning toward looser monetary policy. The U.S. Federal Reserve, facing stagflation risks, lowered its benchmark rate to 4.00–4.25% in September, with further cuts expected. Other central banks are following suit, raising expectations that Sri Lanka might eventually align with global easing to avoid falling out of step. For now, however, CBSL’s restraint highlights the structural weaknesses in the country’s external accounts.
Sri Lanka’s external income picture tells a mixed story. Merchandise exports fell slightly in the first eight months of 2025, slipping to $8.7 billion from $9.1 billion a year earlier, as weaker global demand weighed on textiles and apparel the country’s leading export.
Tourism has been the bright spot, generating $2.6 billion between January and August 2025, up from $2.1 billion in the same period last year, while remittances also improved to $5.2 billion from $4.9 billion. Together, these inflows have helped ease some pressure, but they remain insufficient against the country’s heavy debt servicing needs and import bills.
Foreign reserves recovered to $6.1 billion by August 2025, compared with just $3.7 billion a year ago, boosted by IMF-backed inflows, debt restructuring agreements, and tighter import controls. Yet, these buffers remain fragile. Net government debt is projected at a daunting 101% of GDP this year, with interest payments alone swallowing 51% of government revenue three times the median for peer economies.
Global rating agencies have acknowledged Sri Lanka’s tentative progress by lifting it out of default. Fitch Ratings upgraded the sovereign to ‘CCC+’, S&P Global Ratings raised it to ‘CCC+/C’, and Moody’s shifted its grade to Caa1. These moves mark an important milestone, but the agencies continue to classify Sri Lanka within speculative grade, citing persistent fiscal fragility, governance concerns, and political risks. Investor confidence, they warned, will depend on whether the government can sustain IMF-backed fiscal and structural reforms in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, the economy has shown encouraging momentum, with GDP expanding by 4.9% in the second quarter of 2025 after two years of contraction. But sustaining this recovery requires more than tourism and remittances; the country needs to broaden its export base, improve competitiveness, and attract stable foreign investment.
As the government prepares the 2026 Budget, the CBSL’s cautious stance underlines the difficult trade-off it faces: stimulate growth through lower interest rates or prioritize external stability by maintaining discipline. For now, with external revenues still shaky and debt pressures mounting, stability appears to be winning out over stimulus.
Nearly 1,900 Lives Lost on Sri Lankan Roads in Just Nine Months: Police
September 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has witnessed a sharp rise in road fatalities this year, with 1,897 deaths recorded over the past nine months alone, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Ranagala, Director of the Traffic Police Division.
In an interview with a local television channel, SSP Ranagala highlighted the increasingly troubling nature of road safety in the country, revealing that 1,781 road accidents have been officially reported so far this year.
The figures suggest a continuing upward trend, sparking renewed calls for stronger enforcement of traffic laws and greater public responsibility behind the wheel.
One of the most concerning developments, according to authorities, has been the surge in motorcycle-related accidents. So far in 2025, a total of 923 such incidents have been documented, resulting in the loss of 514 lives — a grim indicator of the vulnerabilities faced by two-wheeler riders, particularly in densely populated and high-traffic areas.
In response to the growing crisis, police have deployed 70 high-speed detection units across the island in an effort to deter dangerous driving and enforce speed limits more effectively. These devices are intended to strengthen surveillance and provide real-time data on traffic violations, especially on major highways and accident-prone routes.
SSP Ranagala emphasised that while enforcement is critical, lasting change must also come from behavioural shifts among road users. He urged drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians alike to exercise caution, follow traffic regulations, and adopt safer practices on the road.
Indian Naval Chief Visits Sri Lanka to Strengthen Maritime Partnership
September 22, Colombo (LNW): Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff of India, has arrived in Sri Lanka on a four-day official visit, scheduled from September 22 to 25.
The visit, part of ongoing defence diplomacy between the two neighbours, reflects a renewed commitment to deepen cooperation in maritime security, training, and strategic collaboration.
According to a statement issued by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence, Admiral Tripathi is expected to hold high-level meetings with Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and the heads of Sri Lanka’s armed forces.
Discussions will focus on enhancing operational synergy between the two countries’ navies, improving capacity-building frameworks, and identifying new areas for collaboration, particularly in the context of emerging maritime threats and regional challenges.
A key highlight of the visit includes Admiral Tripathi’s participation in the 12th Galle Dialogue, an annual international maritime conference hosted in Colombo. This year’s theme — “Maritime Outlook of the Indian Ocean under Changing Dynamics” — resonates strongly with the evolving security landscape in the region, where both India and Sri Lanka have shared strategic interests.
The Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy maintain a robust relationship, reinforced through bilateral engagements such as the Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX), Passage Exercises, Annual Defence Dialogues, and staff-level talks. Regular cooperation in hydrography, professional exchanges, and training has further solidified the partnership.
Multilateral forums such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, MILAN, the Goa Maritime Conclave, and the Colombo Security Conclave also serve as important platforms where the two navies collaborate in addressing transnational maritime concerns.
In a symbolic gesture of this enduring partnership, the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Satpura arrived in Colombo on Sunday. The vessel was received by Sri Lanka Navy personnel with ceremonial honours, marking yet another milestone in the deepening of bilateral naval ties.
During its stay, INS Satpura’s crew will engage in a range of joint activities with their Sri Lankan counterparts, including professional dialogues, maritime rescue and protection drills, yoga sessions, and friendly sporting events. The ship’s Commanding Officer also held talks with Rear Admiral S.J. Kumara, Commander of the Western Naval Area, focusing on enhancing operational collaboration and joint readiness.
This visit falls under the broader framework of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the ‘MAHASAGAR’ initiative, both of which prioritise maritime security, economic growth, and regional stability through sustained cooperation with littoral states in the Indian Ocean Region.
With civilisational ties dating back over two millennia, India and Sri Lanka continue to strengthen a bilateral relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to ensuring peace, safety, and prosperity across the Indian Ocean.
New Acting Basnayake Nilame Appointed to Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya
September 22, Colombo (LNW): Thilina Madhusanka Abeyratne, the current Basnayake Nilame of the Devinuwara Maha Vishnu Devalaya, has been appointed as the Acting Basnayake Nilame of the revered Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya.
The appointment was made by the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs, following the conclusion of Dishan Gunasekara’s official term on 21 September.
Gunasekara, the 12th individual to hold the position, formally steps down today. Having previously declared his intention not to seek reappointment, his exit paves the way for the upcoming election to select a permanent successor.
The Department of Buddhist Affairs confirmed that the next steps in the appointment process will be carried out in accordance with the relevant legal framework, with a final decision expected within three months.
Central Bank Chief Warns of External Risks as Sri Lanka Moves Toward Economic Recovery
September 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has made significant strides in restoring macroeconomic stability and laying the foundation for recovery, but the road ahead remains uncertain due to shifting global dynamics, warned Central Bank Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe in a recent address assessing the country’s economic trajectory.
Dr Weerasinghe acknowledged that the domestic economy has stabilised following an extended period of volatility, with key fiscal and monetary reforms beginning to bear fruit. However, he cautioned that sustaining growth will require navigating an increasingly unpredictable international environment shaped by geopolitical tensions and a rise in protectionist economic policies.
“The global economic landscape is becoming more fragmented,” Dr Weerasinghe noted, pointing to a resurgence of trade barriers and tariff regimes, particularly among major economies. He identified recent tariff hikes by the United States—Sri Lanka’s largest export destination—as a particular challenge. In 2024, nearly 25% of Sri Lanka’s exports were absorbed by the U.S. market.
Despite these headwinds, Sri Lankan authorities have succeeded in negotiating a phased reduction of U.S. tariffs on select exports—from a steep 44% in April to 20% by August 2025. While this development offers temporary relief, Dr Weerasinghe stressed that the country’s overdependence on a handful of markets and low value-added products leaves it vulnerable to further external shocks.
“This is a wake-up call,” he said, urging both the public and private sectors to focus on diversifying export portfolios and developing niche, high-value sectors capable of weathering global disruptions. The need for a more resilient and adaptable economic model, he added, is no longer a matter of strategic ambition but of survival.
The Governor also raised concerns about the broader implications of protectionism, warning that global inflation could re-accelerate if supply chains are further strained by rising input costs and shifting trade alliances. Increased tariffs on raw materials and energy inputs may intensify price instability and delay much-needed investment flows, both in Sri Lanka and globally.
Geopolitical instability, especially in conflict-prone regions such as the Middle East, was also cited as a growing concern. Ongoing tensions have led to elevated shipping costs and logistical delays, threatening global supply chains and reducing predictability for exporters and importers alike.
While hopeful that international tensions may subside over time, Dr Weerasinghe underscored the importance of building economic resilience at home through sound fiscal management, sectoral diversification, and greater integration into alternative global markets. He also emphasised the role of multilateral engagement in helping small and vulnerable economies like Sri Lanka weather future economic storms.
“We’ve stabilised the ship,” he concluded. “But we must now reinforce the sails to withstand the unpredictable winds of global change.”
Court Sets New Date in Asset Case Involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Grandmother
September 22, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has scheduled the continuation of legal proceedings against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his grandmother, Daisy Forrest, for October 15. The case centres on allegations of illicit asset accumulation amounting to roughly Rs. 73 million.
Both accused were present in court as the matter was called, following charges filed by the Attorney General under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The proceedings relate to suspicions that the two individuals were involved in the unlawful acquisition of high-value assets and property, in violation of financial regulations governing public accountability and anti-corruption laws.
According to court documents, the investigation stems from a broader examination of undeclared wealth and financial irregularities reportedly linked to individuals with access to political influence. Prosecutors allege that the wealth in question was amassed through channels inconsistent with legitimate income sources, and that efforts were made to obscure the true origins of the assets.
Weapons Cache Uncovered in Middeniya Linked to Ex-Council Candidate Under Probe
September 22, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have uncovered a hidden stockpile of weapons in the Middeniya area, allegedly connected to former local government candidate Sampath Manamperi, who previously represented the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) at the grassroots level.
The discovery was made during a police operation carried out based on information provided by Manamperi himself, according to Police Spokesman ASP F. U. Wootler.
Officers recovered a number of military-grade items buried on private land, including two magazines compatible with T56 rifles, 115 rounds of T56 ammunition, a 9mm pistol, and a live hand grenade.
Further investigations revealed that the cache had been hidden on a property allegedly linked to a woman described as Manamperi’s mistress. The motive behind concealing the weaponry in this particular location is yet to be fully established, though police suspect a possible connection to broader criminal activities.
Manamperi, already embroiled in a separate major narcotics investigation, is currently in the custody of the Police Narcotics Bureau. He surrendered to the Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court on September 17 after being implicated in a large-scale drug trafficking operation. That case involves the discovery of two buried containers of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as “ice”) on land reportedly under his control.
Following his surrender, Manamperi was handed over to narcotics investigators and subsequently transferred to the Western North Crime Division for additional interrogation, as authorities widen their probe into his alleged involvement in both arms possession and organised drug trafficking.
President Embarks on Official Visit to United States for High-Level UN Engagements
September 22, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to embark on an official visit to the United States today, where he will participate in a series of high-level engagements, including addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The President’s visit is seen as a key diplomatic mission, as Sri Lanka seeks to strengthen its presence on the global stage amid ongoing efforts to re-engage with international partners. He is expected to deliver his address to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday at 3:15 p.m. local time, where he will outline Sri Lanka’s foreign policy priorities, domestic reforms, and its stance on pressing global issues.
In addition to his address at the General Assembly, President Dissanayake will hold bilateral discussions with the United Nations Secretary-General, as well as several other world leaders. These talks are expected to focus on areas such as sustainable development, regional security, climate resilience, and economic cooperation.
The President is also scheduled to engage with members of the Sri Lankan community during his visit. A special meeting has been organised to facilitate dialogue between the Head of State and Sri Lankan nationals living in the United States, with discussions likely to centre on investment opportunities, national reconciliation efforts, and the role of the diaspora in the country’s future development.
Accompanying the President on this official tour is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, who is expected to play a supporting role in several of the diplomatic discussions and promote Sri Lanka’s tourism and labour engagement strategies on the international platform.