By: Staff Writer

April 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s long-anticipated National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for 2026–2030 is being positioned as a cornerstone of the government’s economic recovery strategy. Developed by the Export Development Board (EDB) with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the plan aims to transition the country toward a more resilient, export-led growth model. However, behind the optimistic framing lies a slower, more complicated reality that raises questions about execution, timing, and institutional readiness.

The recent ADB fact-finding mission in late April 2026 highlighted incremental progress in shaping the NEDP. Discussions with senior EDB officials focused on securing Cabinet approval, defining implementation structures, and identifying technical assistance needs. However, these are foundational steps that arguably should have been completed earlier, given the urgency of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following years of fiscal instability and external shocks.

The government’s broader vision—“A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”relies heavily on boosting export revenues, diversifying markets, and improving competitiveness. In theory, the NEDP aligns well with these goals. It proposes institutional reforms, improved trade facilitation, and targeted sector development. Key sectors expected to benefit include apparel, agriculture-based exports, ICT services, and value-added manufacturing.

However, the gap between policy design and implementation remains a persistent concern. Sri Lanka has historically struggled with translating strategic plans into tangible outcomes. Bureaucratic inefficiencies, overlapping mandates among agencies, and delays in decision-making have often stalled progress. The NEDP risks falling into the same pattern unless these structural weaknesses are addressed.

One critical issue is the proposed governance framework. While the plan includes a high-level steering committee and a dedicated Project Management Unit, questions remain about their authority and operational independence. Without clear accountability mechanisms and streamlined coordination, these bodies could become additional layers of bureaucracy rather than drivers of reform.

Moreover, the timeline for rollout appears ambitious given current administrative capacity. Securing Cabinet approval, mobilizing resources, and aligning multiple stakeholders—ranging from government ministries to private sector exporters requires decisive leadership and efficient execution. Delays at any stage could erode investor confidence and limit the plan’s impact.

There are also external risks. Global trade conditions remain volatile, with shifting demand patterns, geopolitical tensions, and increasing protectionism. Sri Lanka must act swiftly to capitalize on emerging opportunities, particularly in regional supply chains. A slow or fragmented approach could result in missed opportunities, especially as competing economies move aggressively to secure export markets.

In essence, while the NEDP represents a necessary and potentially transformative initiative, its success will depend less on its design and more on the government’s ability to implement it effectively. Without addressing longstanding inefficiencies and adopting a more agile approach, the plan may struggle to deliver the export growth it promises leaving Sri Lanka’s broader economic recovery hanging in the balance.

April 30, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have initiated an internal investigation following the death of a remand prisoner at Colombo’s Magazine Prison, amid growing concern over custodial conditions and oversight.

The inquiry is being led by an Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, with officials tasked with examining the circumstances that led to the fatal incident. In parallel, a police-led investigation is also underway, signalling the seriousness with which the matter is being treated.

Several prison personnel have been taken into custody in connection with the case. A jailer and four prison guards have been remanded, with two of the guards ordered to remain in custody until May 07 after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

Meanwhile, three others arrested earlier—including the jailer—have been further remanded until May 06.

Law enforcement officials stated that the investigation is being carried out under the direction of senior police leadership in Colombo, with multiple units working together to piece together the sequence of events.

Preliminary findings suggest the incident stemmed from a confrontation inside the prison involving two inmates and a guard. All three individuals sustained injuries during the clash and were subsequently hospitalised. One of the detainees later died while receiving treatment.

The deceased, a 37-year-old man from Nawagampura, had been in remand custody over a narcotics-related offence at the time of the incident.

Officials have indicated that, beyond determining individual responsibility, the inquiry will also assess whether procedural lapses or excessive use of force contributed to the tragedy, raising broader questions about prison management and detainee welfare.

April 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Treasury Secretary Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, is due to face questioning before the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) at 1 pm this (30) afternoon amid mounting concern over a suspected financial breach involving millions of US dollars.

The parliamentary panel, chaired by Dr Harsha de Silva, issued summons for the Treasury Secretary and several senior Finance Ministry officials as part of an inquiry into the reported disappearance of US$ 2.5 million. The funds are believed to have been diverted following a cyber intrusion targeting a government payment system.

Despite the scheduled appearance, Dr Suriyapperuma had informed the committee in writing a day earlier that he would be unable to attend the session. The communication was acknowledged by the committee, though members have indicated that the inquiry will proceed and that further steps may be taken to ensure accountability.

The matter first came under scrutiny during a CoPF meeting earlier this week, where lawmakers examined initial findings suggesting that the missing funds were linked to a transaction associated with a larger external debt settlement. Authorities suspect that cybercriminals may have intercepted the payment before it reached its intended recipient.

Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa recently confirmed that the transfer, tied to a loan amounting to nearly US$ 23 million, had failed to reach its destination. Investigations are currently underway, with officials exploring both technical vulnerabilities and procedural lapses that may have contributed to the incident.

April 30, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has deferred its decision in a series of corruption cases involving former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena, pushing back the verdict date to May 26.

The rulings, which were initially expected to be delivered today (30), were scheduled before High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail. However, the court announced that additional time is required before final determinations can be issued, leading to the postponement.

The cases were brought forward by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, which has accused Gunawardena of financial misconduct during his tenure as Chairman of the National Lotteries Board in 2006.

The allegations centre on the procurement of vehicles on a rental basis, a move prosecutors claim resulted in significant losses to the state.

April 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is grappling with a troubling paradox, as significant volumes of food are discarded each year while many households continue to struggle with poor nutrition.

Official figures indicate that nearly a fifth of the country’s vegetable harvest—amounting to over 220,000 metric tonnes—is lost annually, alongside more than one-fifth of fruit production, estimated at around 290,000 metric tonnes.

Experts attribute these losses largely to inefficiencies across the supply chain, including outdated harvesting practices, inadequate transport, mishandling, and limited access to proper cold storage facilities.

Professor K.K.D.S. Ranaweera of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura explained that these gaps not only drive up food prices but also place unnecessary strain on national resources. He also pointed out that food wastage is not confined to farms and markets; institutions contribute significantly as well.

For instance, a single hospital can generate between one and four metric tonnes of food waste each day, reflecting broader systemic inefficiencies.

At the household level, the situation is equally concerning. Urban families are believed to discard food worth more than Rs. 1,000 each week, with tens of kilograms thrown away due to over-purchasing, poor meal planning, and changing consumption habits.

Meanwhile, nutrition experts warn that improvements in food availability have not translated into healthier diets. Senior Professor Renuka Silva of Wayamba University noted that although many people now have access to sufficient quantities of food, the nutritional value of what they consume often falls short.

He observed that economic pressures in recent years—including the pandemic, financial instability, and adverse weather events—have pushed families towards cheaper, less nutritious options. As a result, consumption of protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, and eggs has declined, particularly affecting children and older adults.

Changing lifestyles are also playing a role. Busy routines, rising living costs, and the convenience of processed foods have led to an increased reliance on inexpensive snacks and ready-made meals. Additionally, the influence of advertising and social media has shaped the eating habits of younger generations, steering them away from balanced diets.

Health specialists emphasise that sustained public education campaigns, particularly through mass media and schools, could help reverse these trends. Encouraging better eating habits, they argue, is essential not only to reduce waste but also to curb the rise of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

April 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has taken a significant step towards strengthening its digital defences, with Cabinet giving the green light for proposed legislation to create a National Cyber Security Regulatory Authority, the Ministry of Digital Economy confirmed.

According to Ministry Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala, officials are now working to refine the legal framework in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team and the Legal Draftsman’s Department.

The effort aims to ensure that the new authority is equipped with clear regulatory powers and a modern governance structure to address emerging cyber threats.

The proposed body is expected to oversee national cyber security standards, coordinate responses to digital incidents, and provide guidance to both public and private sector institutions. Authorities also hope it will enhance investor confidence as Sri Lanka continues its push towards a more digitally driven economy.

Dhanapala noted that drafting work is progressing steadily, with the bill likely to be finalised within the next two to three months before being presented to Parliament for debate and approval.

If enacted, the legislation would mark a major milestone in the country’s efforts to build a secure and resilient digital ecosystem.

April 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to receive a substantial financial boost of over $100 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in a move designed to reshape and expand the nation’s export landscape.

The funding initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in helping the country reduce its reliance on traditional export markets by encouraging diversification into new regions and industries. Officials believe this shift could make Sri Lanka’s economy more resilient to global market fluctuations.

The agreement follows a series of high-level discussions between local authorities and a visiting delegation from the bank, who are currently assessing the island’s export systems, infrastructure, and operational capacity. Their visit is also seen as part of a broader effort to identify areas where strategic improvements can be implemented.

Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Export Development Board, indicated that the support extends beyond immediate financial assistance. He noted that the bank has signalled a long-term commitment to enhancing Sri Lanka’s export framework, including technical expertise and policy guidance aimed at improving competitiveness on the global stage.

Industry analysts suggest that if effectively utilised, the funding could open doors for emerging sectors, stimulate innovation, and ultimately position Sri Lanka as a more dynamic player in international trade.

April 30, Colombo (LNW): A high-stakes legal battle unfolded at the Fort Magistrate’s Court this week as Tilak Marapana, representing former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, challenged allegations surrounding a controversial overseas trip said to have cost millions in public funds.

Appearing on behalf of his client—who was absent due to reported ill health but remains on bail—Marapana argued that the former President could not be held accountable for the disputed expenditure of approximately Rs 16.6 million.

He suggested instead that irregularities may have arisen from external parties, including the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in London and a private travel operator identified as Skywings.

In a pointed submission, counsel questioned the plausibility of the expenses, highlighting what he described as glaring inconsistencies. He noted that despite claims that transport had been arranged by British authorities, a substantial sum had allegedly been billed for vehicles. He also cast doubt on reported hospitality costs, arguing they appeared grossly exaggerated for what was described as a short stay.

According to Marapana, these discrepancies warrant a separate расслед investigation into possible financial misconduct involving third parties.

Countering these claims, Dileep Peiris told the court that the case raises serious concerns about the stewardship of public finances, particularly given the country’s economic constraints. He argued that the trip in question could not be dismissed as incidental, pointing to evidence suggesting it had been meticulously arranged in advance.

He further alleged that the scale of spending within a limited timeframe indicated deliberate planning rather than routine transit.

The case centres on accusations that public funds were improperly utilised during a visit to the United Kingdom, reportedly linked to an academic honour conferred upon Maithree Wickremesinghe at the University of Wolverhampton. Investigators claim the trip, which took place in September 2023, had no official diplomatic purpose.

During proceedings, the Criminal Investigation Department presented fresh findings, including correspondence and witness statements. According to information shared in court, the UK visit coincided with a private celebration marking the conferment of an honorary title, alongside a related luncheon.

Investigators further stated that there was no involvement by the British Government in organising or facilitating the visit. They also indicated that the invitation was received directly rather than through formal diplomatic channels, raising additional questions about the nature of the trip.

A statement attributed to Maithree Wickremesinghe suggested that the UK tour was incorporated into a broader travel itinerary that included visits to other countries, describing the event as a convenient stop rather than a standalone official engagement. Prosecutors argued that this account conflicts with the defence’s position that the trip was undertaken in an official capacity.

Addressing the court, the Additional Solicitor General emphasised that no diplomatic meetings had taken place during the visit, reinforcing the claim that the trip falls within the scope of alleged misuse of state resources under relevant law. He also noted that investigators are continuing to examine statements and evidence before determining whether further individuals may be implicated.

The Magistrate directed the Attorney General’s Department to expedite the filing of indictments before the High Court, citing sufficient preliminary evidence to proceed. The matter is due to be called again on July 08.

April 30, Colombo (LNW): Concerns over parliamentary accountability have intensified after the Free Lawyers Association asserted that the chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), Dr. Harsha de Silva, holds the legal authority to act if the Finance Ministry’s top official fails to comply with a parliamentary summons.

In a statement issued on behalf of the organisation, former Governor Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon explained that the committee derives its powers from Standing Order 121, introduced in 2022. He pointed out that existing provisions under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act allow for sanctions against individuals who disregard parliamentary procedures.

According to Tennakoon, the committee is empowered to compel attendance from any person deemed necessary for its inquiries. Failure to honour such a summons could trigger legal consequences, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment of up to two years, imposed either by Parliament or through judicial proceeding involving the Supreme Court.

He further argued that defiance of parliamentary committees represents a serious breach of institutional norms, warning that continued inaction could undermine the authority of the legislature. In his view, the committee chairman would be compelled to either enforce the law or step aside to preserve parliamentary credibility.

The controversy follows confirmation by Dr. Harsha de Silva that Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma would not be appearing before the CoPF as scheduled. The Finance Secretary had been called to provide clarification over a contentious financial incident involving approximately US$ 2.5 million reportedly diverted from Treasury funds earmarked for foreign debt servicing.

In a formal communication, Dr. Suriyapperuma informed the committee that he was unable to attend the committee, further fuelling debate over transparency and accountability.

Adding to the unease, Maithri Gunaratne, a member of the legal advocacy group, publicly questioned the credibility of the ongoing probe conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department. He suggested that the inquiry has yet to inspire confidence among observers.