SLNS Samudura, which represented Sri Lanka at IMDEX Asia 2025—Asia Pacific’s premier naval and maritime defence exhibition held in Changi, Singapore from May 6 to 8—returned to the island today, May 15, 2025, after the successful completion of the event. The vessel was ceremonially welcomed at the Port of Colombo in accordance with naval traditions.
IMDEX Asia 2025 brought together participants from 70 nations, including 22 senior officials such as naval chiefs, coast guard leaders, and maritime law enforcement representatives. A key highlight of the event was the International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) on May 7, where the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy addressed the global gathering, emphasising the critical importance of international cooperation during pivotal moments in maritime security.
The event featured 22 warships from 13 nations, providing a valuable opportunity for the SLNS Samudura crew to engage with modern naval platforms, observe cutting-edge maritime systems, and explore the latest technological advancements in the sector.
Participation in IMDEX Asia 2025 offered the Sri Lanka Navy a strategic platform to foster regional cooperation, exchange expertise with other naval and coast guard forces, and enhance operational knowledge on contemporary maritime defence strategies and technologies.
The engagement not only reinforced Sri Lanka’s commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region but also strengthened bilateral and multilateral ties with partner nations in the pursuit of safe and stable maritime domains.
The International Day of Vesak 2025 was commemorated by the Member States of UNESCO with a scholarly symposium held under the theme “Buddhist Cosmopolitanism and Exchange along the Silk Road: Interplay between Buddhism and Trade in Ancient Asia.” The event took place on the full moon day of Vesak, May 12, 2025, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. It was organised by the Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka in association with UNESCO.
The Symposium was graced by several distinguished guests. Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board Vera El Khoury Lacoeuilhe, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO Xing Qu, and The Most Venerable Parawahera Chandaratana Thera—Chief Incumbent of the International Buddhist Centre in Paris, Co-President of the French Buddhist Union, and Chief Sangha Nayaka of France—addressed the gathering as Guests of Honour. The event was presided over by Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Sri Lanka to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera.
The keynote address was delivered by eminent historian, numismatist, art historian, and archaeologist Professor Osmund Bopearachchi, a Corresponding Member of the French Academy of Inscriptions and Belles Lettres and Emeritus Director of Research at the French National Centre for Scientific Research. His keynote was followed by a panel discussion featuring a distinguished group of scholars, including Professor Jean-Noël Robert of the French Academy of Inscriptions and Belles Lettres and Collège de France, Professor Vincent Lefèvre of Sorbonne University and former General Curator at the Guimet Museum, Dr. Ariane de Saxcé of the German Archaeological Institute in Bonn, and Dr. Shabahang Mehrdad of UNESCO’s Silk Roads Programme.
The symposium examined the significant role of Buddhism in connecting ancient Asian civilisations and underscored the deep interconnections between Buddhist communities, trade, and cultural exchange along the Silk Road and Indian Ocean routes. Speakers highlighted the ways in which Buddhist communities served as mediators of cultural, commercial, and artistic traditions, playing a pivotal role in the development of inter-civilisational dialogue.
Discussions illuminated how ancient images and symbols served as visual representations of trade networks, social structures, and shared cultural practices, offering insights into historical patterns of movement and exchange across both land and sea. A lively Q&A session followed, fostering an engaging exchange of ideas.
The event drew a wide and diverse audience, including Ambassadors and Permanent Delegates to UNESCO, officials from the UNESCO Secretariat, academics, researchers, students, and members of the Buddhist clergy and other religious dignitaries from various countries.
This year’s symposium builds on the historic Decision 219 EX/27, adopted at UNESCO’s 219th Executive Board Session in 2024, which officially established the annual celebration of the International Day of Vesak at UNESCO. The Decision reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to fostering peace and intercultural understanding through the universal values embodied in Vesak.
In her remarks, Ambassador Gunasekera referenced the Vesak Day Message by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, which called on the world to return to the timeless principles of peace, compassion, and generosity taught by the Buddha. The message also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s central role in institutionalising the Vesak celebration at UNESCO, and highlighted the significance of the annual event as a platform for global unity and spiritual reflection.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya declared that a country’s development is rooted in the productive contribution of its people, as she launched the National Productivity Awards Competition 2025/2026 at an official ceremony held at Temple Trees on May 15.
The Prime Minister emphasized that productivity, innovation, and responsible work practices are essential pillars in Sri Lanka’s efforts to rebuild from recent economic challenges.
“There is a saying from our ancestors: A nation that does not innovate cannot rise in the world. We must create and think innovatively to help rebuild this country,” she said.
The event marked the formal commencement of the productivity competition across three sectors:
Education Sector – launched by the Prime Minister
Public Sector – declared by Industries and Enterprise Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti
Production and Services Sector – launched by Asian Productivity Organisation’s Secretary General Dr. Indra Pradhan Singhavithana
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the awards were suspended in recent years due to the economic recession but stressed that their revival is part of a broader vision to provide a prosperous, clean, and unified nation.
She linked the awards to the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, noting that these are interconnected effortsdesigned to enhance efficiency, investment appeal, and sustainable development.
“Productivity is not just about working hard. It’s about working smart—with planning, responsibility, and efficiency,” she said, adding that public institutions must lead by example in maintaining clean and organised environments to foster effective service delivery.
Other dignitaries present at the event included:
Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government A.M.M.H. Abeyrathna
Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Harshana Suryapperuma
President’s Secretary Dr. Sanath Kumanayake
Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri
Industries Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara
Dr. Amarasuriya concluded by highlighting the critical link between productivity and economic recovery, urging all sectors to contribute to a more competitive, innovative, and investment-ready Sri Lanka.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called upon all District Coordinating Committee (DCC) Chairpersons to take a leading role in revitalizing Sri Lanka’s production-based economy and accelerating rural development.
The President made these remarks during a high-level discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on May 16, which included senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and DCC Chairpersons from across the country.
Highlighting the 2024 Budget’s emphasis on boosting the productive economy, President Dissanayake stressed the importance of eliminating inefficiencies and delays in the district-level disbursement of development funds.
He noted that years of inadequate infrastructure investment have hindered rural progress, and called for the effective and timely use of allocated resources to empower rural communities and address region-specific development challenges.
Key directives issued by the President:
Ensure that DCC meetings focus on district-specific development priorities.
Actively involve relevant subject Ministers in both planning and execution.
Overcome bureaucratic delays to speed up fund utilization and project delivery.
The meeting was also attended by Labour and Economic Development Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando, DCC Chairpersons and their representatives, and top Finance Ministry officials.
The President’s address signals a renewed push for grassroots-led economic development with a focus on accountability, efficiency, and district-level leadership in delivering results.
Showery condition is expected to be enhanced in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the next few days.
Cloudy skies can be expected over most part of the island.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere of the island during the evening or night.
Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Northern provinces.
Fairly strong winds of about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over North-western, North-central, Northern and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
May 16, Colombo (LNW): Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in a letter dated May 16, 2025 has raised concerns with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) regarding delays in an ongoing investigation and alleged constitutional violations.
Addressed to the Commission’s Chairman, the letter references notices issued under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023, demanding the Wickremesinghe’s appearance for a statement linked to a probe involving MP Chamara Sampath Dissanayake.
The investigation stems from a complaint by Sampath, who alleged that his privileges were violated by a statement from Minister Samantha Vaidyaratne. On April 10, 2025, Dissanayake’s spouse consulted the President, prompting further inquiries.
The following day, the CIABOC’s Deputy Director General, C. Asitha Anthony, requested a statement from the President, a directive later reiterated by the President’s legal counsel, Ronald Perera PC, on April 17, 2025.
However, the ex-President noted his counsel’s absence from the country until April 27, 2025, leading to a rescheduling request for 25 April 2025.
Wickremesinghe also highlighted a public statement by President Anura Dissanayake on April 11, 2025, confirming awareness of the letters sent to the CIABOC. He questioned the Director General’s conduct in sending these letters, alleging potential legal violations, and stated that his lawyers would follow up with the Commission.
In a separate statement on April 28, 2025, Wickremesinghe addressed media reports suggesting that the CIABOC’s submissions in court implied a rejection of Sampath’s bail application. He clarified that no such rejection or objection was recorded by the court.
Citing Articles 148, 149, and 150 of the Sri Lankan Constitution, he argued that funds held in a Fixed Deposit, allegedly linked to the case, violate constitutional provisions on public finance, as they were not authorised under the Consolidated Fund or a warrant by the Finance Minister.
He called for the funds to be withdrawn and allocated through the Provincial Budget, labelling the current arrangement a “restatement of the law” rather than lawful practice.
Wickremesinghe concluded by noting that his submissions to the CIABOC were being misrepresented in court and that he is consulting his lawyers on further action. He also attached a copy of his earlier letter to the CIABOC, seeking clarity on the investigation’s conduct.
May 16, Colombo (LNW): Ten undergraduates from the University of Sabaragamuwa remain in remand custody following their arrest in connection with the tragic suicide of fellow student Charith Dilshan, allegedly driven by a prolonged episode of ragging.
The Balangoda Magistrate’s Court ordered today (16) that the suspects be further remanded until May 29, pending continued investigations.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and reignited national concern over the persistence of ragging in Sri Lankan universities—an issue that has claimed lives and disrupted countless academic careers over the years.
Dilshan, a 23-year-old second-year student enrolled in the Department of Engineering Technology, was found dead on April 29. Preliminary findings suggest that he died by suicide after enduring sustained mental harassment.
A formal complaint was lodged with the Samanalawewa Police Station on May 01 by a fellow student, alleging that the mental distress Dilshan suffered was directly linked to ragging. The complaint has been bolstered by statements from 20 other students who also testified to having faced similar treatment at the hands of senior students.
In response to the gravity of the allegations and the public outcry that followed, the Acting Inspector General of Police transferred the case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on May 03, instructing them to ensure a comprehensive and impartial probe.
Six of the accused were arrested on May 04 based on preliminary evidence unearthed during the CID’s initial investigation. The remaining four suspects subsequently surrendered to the Samanalawewa Police.
The arrests mark one of the more serious legal responses to university ragging in recent years, with prosecutors expected to examine potential charges under both criminal and anti-ragging statutes.
Despite years of public debate, legislative amendments, and awareness campaigns, ragging continues to thrive in some state university settings—often concealed by a culture of silence and complicity.
Student unions and rights organisations have called for swift justice and institutional reform in the wake of Dilshan’s death, urging authorities to address the systemic failures that allow ragging to persist under the guise of tradition and group bonding.
Meanwhile, the University of Sabaragamuwa has reportedly launched its own internal review of student welfare and disciplinary procedures, though critics argue that such measures have historically lacked consistency or teeth.
May 16, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has declined a request made by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption to revoke bail previously granted to MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake over a high-profile corruption investigation stemming from his time as Chief Minister of the Uva Provincial Council.
The MP, who is already in remand custody over the case, was brought before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today (16) as proceedings continued into allegations that he was responsible for financial misconduct amounting to a loss exceeding Rs. 17.6 million to the state.
The charges relate to irregularities said to have taken place during his term in office in 2016.
The Bribery Commission’s legal representative argued that recent developments warranted a revocation of bail. According to testimony presented in court, the MP’s wife had allegedly contacted former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and persuaded him to issue a public statement portraying Dassanayake in a favourable light.
The commission maintained that this was an attempt to interfere with the ongoing investigation and potentially influence public and judicial perception of the case. It further argued that the former President’s remarks were made without a full understanding of the legal context and were instigated for the purpose of exoneration.
However, Chief Magistrate Lakmali, after reviewing the claims, ruled that the evidence provided did not demonstrate a sufficient basis to support the revocation of bail. She observed that while the statement by the former President may be politically sensitive, it did not, on its own, constitute a legal breach warranting remand.
The court concluded that the threshold for overturning bail had not been met and rejected the Bribery Commission’s motion accordingly.
May 16, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has raised alarm over the country’s initial agreement with Starlink, warning that the lack of access to critical user data poses a serious threat to national security. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake voiced deep concerns, citing Starlink’s refusal to grant the government the same level of data access that local telecom providers currently allow.
Speaking on the issue, the President highlighted the crucial role of data access in combating organized crime, referencing recent incidents such as the foiled Arugambay attack and a court shooting, both of which were thwarted through intelligence gathered from domestic telecom networks. “We were able to stop the attack in Arugambay and arrest suspects in the court shooting because of real-time access to telecom data,” he said.
However, the Starlink agreement, as it stands, presents a stark contrast. “The government does not have the authority to access Starlink’s data systems,” the President stated. “This is a major problem for national security.”
He further criticized the lack of local representation for Starlink in Sri Lanka, which hinders coordination on data-related matters. “There’s no designated contact person or local office to handle data access requests,” he noted, adding that in contrast, countries like India have local Starlink offices where such mechanisms are in place.
Despite these security concerns, the government has already allowed the importation of Starlink equipment necessary for system setup. President Dissanayake acknowledged that while discussions with the company are ongoing, the proposed solution—a “data dashboard”—has not provided clarity on whether the government will have adequate access.
“We’ve been told a dashboard will be created, but we still don’t know the level of data access we’ll receive through it,” the President said. “Once Starlink begins full operations, only then will we truly understand the limitations.”
The National Security Council has also expressed its apprehension over the agreement. During several of its meetings, the council emphasized that entering into such partnerships without firm data-sharing protocols undermines the country’s ability to maintain internal security.
Critics argue that the agreement was prematurely signed without ensuring proper safeguards. “Access to data should have been a non-negotiable clause in the initial agreement,” the President stressed. “It was a critical oversight.”
The situation has spotlighted the broader implications of welcoming foreign tech giants without stringent regulatory frameworks in place. While Starlink promises enhanced connectivity, especially in rural and underserved areas, the government maintains that national security cannot be compromised in the name of progress.
As the conversation continues, the administration appears poised to reassess its terms with Starlink, potentially tightening regulations before the satellite internet provider becomes fully operational in the country.
In the wake of this controversy, the government’s stance sends a clear message: technological advancement must not come at the cost of national safety, and foreign firms operating in Sri Lanka will be held to the same standards of accountability as local entities.
May 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is making waves on the global tourism stage, emerging as South Asia’s most sought-after destination in 2025. Fueled by strategic planning, record-breaking visitor numbers, and booming tourism revenue, the island nation is being hailed as a prime example of a successful post-pandemic tourism revival.
According to data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the country welcomed 33,910 international tourists in just the first week of May 2025 — a sharp rise from 28,526 in the same period last year and 18,761 in 2023. This marks a sustained upward trajectory and reflects the global travel community’s renewed confidence in Sri Lanka.
Despite a seasonal lull from Western markets, the country has maintained an average of 5,000 daily arrivals in early May. Experts attribute this resilience to diversified marketing efforts targeting emerging regions such as Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Capital and Coastal Cities Ride the Tourism Wave
Colombo is transforming into a dynamic hub for business and leisure, with hotel bookings showing consistent growth even during traditionally slower periods. Meanwhile, coastal hotspots like Galle, Trincomalee, and Arugam Bay continue to attract steady tourist flows. A major contributor to Colombo’s appeal is the Port City development, which is reshaping the capital into a luxurious destination for high-end travelers and international investors alike.
Tourism Boosting National Economy
Tourism’s economic impact is equally impressive. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka reported earnings of USD 1,379 million from January to April 2025, a 10.2% increase from the USD 1,251.6 million recorded during the same period in 2024. In April alone, tourism brought in an estimated USD 646.1 million — a clear sign that Sri Lanka is attracting higher-spending travelers seeking immersive experiences.
These gains underscore a shift from budget tourism to a more premium visitor profile, with growing interest in eco-luxury stays, cultural tours, and culinary adventures.
Nationwide Benefits and Regional Growth
Tourism’s ripple effects are being felt far beyond the capital. Regions like Anuradhapura, Ella, and Jaffna are experiencing a resurgence in local hospitality and travel services, while infrastructure upgrades — including improved transport routes and airport enhancements — are underway in previously underserved provinces.
This decentralization is fostering inclusive growth, with increases in local employment, artisanal tourism, and agro-tourism enterprises.
Smart Strategies Power the Comeback
Officials credit the resurgence to well-coordinated efforts by SLTDA and other stakeholders. Targeted digital campaigns, visa reforms, and participation in international expos have been key in revitalizing the sector. Additionally, streamlined e-visa systems and user-friendly digital applications are improving tourist accessibility.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Looking forward, Sri Lanka is focused on sustainability. New eco-certification schemes, heritage site protections, and community-based tourism models aim to preserve the island’s rich cultural and natural assets. Emphasis is being placed on grassroots benefit-sharing and responsible development.
Outlook: Full Steam Ahead
With improving political stability and forward-thinking infrastructure investments, Sri Lanka is on course to become a premier destination not only for holidays but for long-stay and experiential travel. Industry leaders expect momentum to build further through regional cooperation, new travel circuits, and continued focus on high-value, low-impact tourism.
As 2025 unfolds, Sri Lanka stands as a model for strategic tourism-led growth — and a destination the world is rediscovering with fresh enthusiasm.
