By Adolf

In August 2025, Sri Lanka made inglorious history when former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested for allegedly misusing roughly Rs. 16.9 million (around US $50,000) of state funds for his official security detail. The expenditure was linked to a London trip in September 2023, where Wickremesinghe attended a ceremony connected to his wife’s doctorate at the University of Wolverhampton—an event with no scheduled government meetings.

The case took a bizarre turn in court. Additional Solicitor General Deelipa Peiris, leading the prosecution, drew criticism for his shaky command of facts and relentless opposition to bail. At one stage, he was sharply told to remain silent by former Attorney General Thilak Marapana. Observers alleged that Peiris appeared more focused on positioning himself for promotion than on presenting a credible case. Wickremesinghe’s lawyers are ne planning a law suit against Delipa for damages . 

Authorities claim Wickremesinghe had appended the London stopover to an official diplomatic tour covering Cuba and the U.S., thereby violating the Public Property Act. Under the law, misuse of public funds beyond a set threshold can trigger arrest. Prosecutors alleged that records were manipulated to make the trip appear fully official. Yet notably, no such charge was highlighted in the Auditor General’s report. Adding to suspicion, a journalist close to the current President and Prime Minister had predicted Wickremesinghe’s arrest two days in advance—fueling speculation about political orchestration.

A Landmark in Sri Lankan Politics

The arrest was unprecedented. For the first time in the island’s post-independence history, a former head of state was detained on criminal charges. Wickremesinghe was remanded until August 26, later hospitalized, and eventually granted bail—cementing this as a watershed moment.

His legal team maintained that the visit was formally sanctioned, stressing that his wife bore her own expenses. Supporters and opposition figures alike denounced the arrest as politically motivated. The government, however, justified it as part of a broader anti-corruption drive.

Political and Institutional Implications

Critics warn that the case risks pushing Sri Lanka down a dangerous path where the line between justice and retribution is blurred. Indian MP Shashi Tharoor cautioned against such “vendetta politics,” reminding Colombo that accountability must not become selective persecution.

Contrary to the oversimplified claim that Wickremesinghe was jailed merely for spending US $50,000 on bodyguards, the matter is more complex. The funds covered the costs of security and related arrangements during the London stopover. Still, the episode reflects both the pathetic state of governance and a troubling inability to distinguish between genuine corruption and procedural lapses.

Ultimately, the spectacle has reduced Sri Lanka to a subject of international ridicule—a country that jailed a former president over a $50,000 security bill, while far larger scandals remain untouched and travel excesses of the current and former presidents . It reveals a government either blind to context or willfully weaponizing the law, or total incompetence at the cost of the nation’s dignity.

Sri Lanka’s main international gateway, the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, is facing mounting congestion as passenger numbers climb rapidly, prompting renewed calls for urgent expansion of terminal facilities.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe acknowledged that peak-hour aircraft landings and a surge in arrivals have stretched the airport’s capacity to breaking point, even as interim measures are being introduced to ease pressure.

Airport and Aviation Services (AASL), which manages BIA, has already restricted visitors to the departure area between 10.00 p.m. and midnight to manage crowds.

The airport experiences “hub peaks” when multiple flights converge within a short time frame, particularly during late-night hours when long-haul and regional connections overlap.

“Within four hours, we had a large number of arrivals. Now we are stretching it to about six hours,” Minister Ranasinghe explained. However, these adjustments have not fully resolved bottlenecks at immigration counters and in passenger processing areas.

Efforts are underway to recruit more immigration staff and expand counters to reduce waiting times. At the same time, authorities are encouraging charter flights to use the underutilized Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, though airlines remain reluctant due to logistical and connectivity challenges.

Sri Lanka is on track to welcome three million tourists in 2025, with 1.5 million already recorded by mid-August. Outbound travel by Sri Lankans is also on the rise as the economy gradually recovers from the 2022 currency crisis, adding further strain on BIA’s single terminal.

The scale of the problem underscores the need for infrastructure expansion. The existing terminal was originally designed to handle six million passengers annually but has far exceeded that limit, handling a record 10.8 million in 2018 before the pandemic-induced collapse in traffic. With recovery now underway, the airport is once again overcrowded, especially during peak hours.

A second terminal, planned with Japanese financing, was expected to provide a long-term solution. However, construction was suspended after Sri Lanka’s sovereign debt default in 2022, leaving the project in limbo. Aviation experts warn that unless work resumes soon, the country risks undermining its tourism growth strategy and damaging its reputation as a convenient transit hub in South Asia.

The airport’s congestion has broader economic implications. Long queues and delays can discourage both tourists and business travellers, while airlines may reconsider Colombo as a regional stopover if operational challenges persist. With tourism being one of the country’s most important foreign exchange earners, policymakers face growing pressure to prioritize the revival of the stalled terminal project.

As visitor numbers rise and outbound traffic grows, Sri Lanka must act swiftly. The current stopgap measures may provide temporary relief, but only a modern, expanded terminal will ensure that Colombo’s airport keeps pace with global aviation demand.

South Korea has extended a significant gesture of cooperation towards Sri Lanka by funding the establishment of a Biomolecular Science and Industrial Biotechnology (BSIB) programme at the University of Colombo. The initiative, introduced under the Leading University Project for International Cooperation (LUPIC) and spearheaded by South Korea’s Sungkyunkwan University, is entirely funded by the Korean government and aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s academic and research capacity in biotechnology.

At the official launch ceremony, South Korean Ambassador Miyon Lee described the programme as a milestone in the longstanding relationship between Seoul and Colombo, stressing that collaborations in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are crucial for Sri Lanka’s future economic and scientific development. She noted that biotechnology is not only central to global progress in medicine but also vital for sustainable agriculture, environmental management, industrial applications, and public health innovation.

The programme is expected to deliver multiple benefits for Sri Lanka. Firstly, it will expose local academics and students to cutting-edge research from South Korea, one of Asia’s leaders in biotech innovation. This exchange of expertise is likely to raise Sri Lanka’s standards in higher education and research. Secondly, it opens opportunities for Sri Lankan researchers and entrepreneurs to translate scientific discoveries into industrial applications, creating pathways for new startups and investment in the biotech sector.

Economically, the BSIB initiative could help Sri Lanka diversify beyond traditional exports such as tea, apparel, and rubber, paving the way for high-value industries in pharmaceuticals, bioengineering, and environmental solutions. In addition, training a new generation of biotechnology professionals will contribute to addressing local challenges—such as improving crop yields, developing affordable medicines, and tackling climate-related environmental issues.

For Sri Lanka, which has often lagged behind in integrating advanced science into national development, this partnership represents more than academic assistance. It symbolizes South Korea’s trust in Sri Lanka’s human capital and its potential to become a regional hub for biotechnology research and innovation.

By aligning university-level education with industry-focused biotechnology, the programme could eventually contribute to job creation, foreign investment, and enhanced competitiveness in the global knowledge economy. As Ambassador Lee emphasized, the University of Colombo is strategically positioned to play a leading role in this transformation, providing the intellectual foundation for both scientific advancement and economic growth.

This Korean initiative is not just about funding laboratories or curricula—it is a strategic investment in Sri Lanka’s future. If nurtured properly, it may become one of the most impactful educational collaborations in the country’s history, underscoring the role of international partnerships in building sustainable development and scientific progress.

The Ministry of Buddhasāsana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs has announced a decisive step to revise the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, a key law governing temple lands, monk registration, and related matters. The bill expanding oversight of temple-related properties and activities—will be forwarded to the Legal Draftsman’s Department once feedback is finalized by the Chief Prelates (Mahanayakas) of the three traditions.

Negotiations are at an advanced stage. The Legal Draftsman has already offered amendments and the input of the High Clergy is awaited. Once received, the minister’s office will integrate these views and submit the revised draft back to the Legal Draftsman, before it progresses to Cabinet approval.

Discussions center on modifications to Sections 41 and 42, which address procedures for ordaining monks—particularly registration processes and penalties for false representation. Another pivotal component: new provisions concerning land and property held by temples and devalayas, seeking to modernize regulation of religious holdings.

To contextualize the scale: Government records show Sri Lanka has 12,235 registered Buddhist temples, accompanied by over 42,122 registered monks, nearly 743 dasāsil matha monasteries, and 38 devales (Shrine-Temples)

While comprehensive public data on total lands and assets held by these institutions—and their current valuation—is not centrally published, traditional scholarship illustrates that temple landholding in Sri Lanka has a complex history. Grants made by kings (e.g., Vihāragama, Devalagama) granted extensive lands “as long as the sun and moon endure.” However, colonial land policies and post-independence legislation have significantly curtailed these communal holdings

A case study of the Beligala Rajamaha Vihāra in Sabaragamuwa Province reveals this evolution. Once commanding broader temple lands, today it possesses only 3 acres, 12 roods, and 184 perches, mostly restricted to the temple complex itself. Under current law, this land can no longer be sold—only leased or rented

In summary, the proposed amendment aims to tackle three critical areas:Streamline registration, protect the integrity of the monastic order, and address impersonation concerns; Clarify temple property regulation, ensuring proper oversight of lands and assets surrounding temples and devalayas;

Modernize authority and administration over religious properties, elements that have been evolving—and, at times, diminished because of legal and historical pressures.

Given the number of temples and monks nationwide, these reforms could significantly impact land management, property rights, and religious administration across Sri Lanka. Monitoring the Chief Prelates’ response will be key as the bill makes its final preparations for Cabinet consideration.

A bipartisan congressional staff delegation from the United States has arrived in Sri Lanka to explore ways of strengthening cooperation in governance, trade, and security, at a time when the island nation is debating the future of its democracy and the risks of political centralization.

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, announcing the visit, said the group would meet with parliamentarians, civil society representatives, and senior officials of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration. The discussions are aimed at “sharing ideas on strengthening how our democracies work together,” she noted, adding that the United States views its partnership with Sri Lanka as vital for both regional security and economic growth.

The delegation represents the House Democracy Partnership (HDP), a bipartisan initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives that supports accountable and transparent legislatures worldwide. HDP has worked in more than 20 partner countries, providing training and guidance on parliamentary practices, committee systems, and oversight mechanisms. Its mission is to bolster democracy by building institutional capacity that ensures governments remain accountable to their citizens.

The timing of the visit is critical for Sri Lanka. The new administration under President Dissanayake has promised to root out corruption, restructure foreign debt, and steer the economy out of crisis. However, debates over constitutional reform and the concentration of power have sparked concern among civil society groups, who warn against the dangers of sliding toward one-party dominance.

For Washington, supporting Sri Lanka’s parliamentary democracy goes hand in hand with broader strategic interests. The island’s position in the Indian Ocean makes it a crucial partner in ensuring maritime security and countering rising geopolitical competition in the region. A resilient and transparent Sri Lankan democracy is seen as essential for long-term stability, both domestically and regionally.

The delegation’s engagement with civil society is also significant. Following Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic collapse and the public protests that reshaped its political landscape, many activists remain wary of shrinking democratic space. U.S. involvement, particularly through HDP, is likely to be viewed as reassurance that global attention remains fixed on the health of Sri Lanka’s democracy.

 By emphasizing transparency, accountability, and cooperation, the visit sends a clear message: the United States is ready to stand with Sri Lanka not only in its economic recovery but also in its democratic renewal. As Sri Lanka navigates the twin challenges of restructuring debt and safeguarding political freedoms, the presence of this bipartisan U.S. delegation highlights that international partners are invested in ensuring democracy remains central to the country’s future.

Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku announced that plans are underway to introduce an online system for issuing medical certificates required to obtain a driver’s licence.

The move comes after numerous irregularities were uncovered at the National Transport Medical Institute in Nugegoda, which currently issues printed medical certificates for licence applicants.

“This process has lacked transparency and has resulted in several irregularities. Immediate steps will be taken to minimize such issues going forward,” the Deputy Minister said.

He added that the new online system will streamline the process, reducing opportunities for malpractice while making it more convenient for applicants.

Commenting further, Deputy Minister Kodithuwakku noted that renewing a driver’s licence also causes unnecessary inconvenience, as applicants are required to visit the Werahera office in person. “The only reason people must come to Werahera is to provide fingerprints. Within the next month or so, we hope to change this system so that renewals can be completed without having to visit Werahera. The groundwork has already begun,” he said.

The Deputy Minister made these remarks during an inspection tour of the Werahera branch of the Department of Motor Traffic. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne also joined the visit.

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports posted steady growth in July 2025, rising by 9.84% to US$ 455.16 million, compared with US$ 414.38 million in July 2024, according to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).

The industry body noted that shipments to the EU (excluding the UK) recorded the sharpest increase of 26.69%, while exports to “Other” markets grew by 24.24%. The UK market saw only a marginal gain of 0.72%, and exports to the USA fell by 2.7% during the month.

For the cumulative period of January–July 2025, apparel exports reached US$ 2,916.10 million, up 9.09% from US$ 2,673.19 million in the corresponding period of 2024. Growth was broad-based across all major destinations, with exports to the EU (excluding UK) up 18.2%, “Other” markets up 11.02%, the UK up 5.65%, and the USA up 2.91%.

Commenting on the performance, a JAAF spokesperson said:
“The growth seen in July and over the first seven months of 2025 highlights the adaptability of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry and its firm position in key markets such as the EU. This reflects manufacturers’ ongoing efforts to meet buyer expectations on speed, quality, and compliance. Sustaining momentum will require expanded trade opportunities, supportive policies, and a stronger focus on value addition across the supply chain.”

Trade, Commerce and Food Security Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardena has alleged that the Sevanagala Sugar Industry, owned by the Lanka Sugar Company, concealed massive debts during the previous government in order to report profits.

Speaking on Monday during a visit to the Sevanagala Sugar Factory — where he inspected damage caused by a fire that destroyed sugarcane plantations — the Minister claimed the company had failed to remit mandatory contributions to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) for 2021, 2022, and 2023.

According to him, the factory owes Rs. 8 billion to banks and other institutions for loans and services. “The money owed was hidden and shown as profits. Bank loans were obtained and even bonuses were paid to employees. That is how profits were reported at that time,” he said.

The Deputy Minister also alleged that politically motivated appointments had strained the institution’s resources. “Instead of the required 500 employees, there are now 1,300. It is very difficult to maintain the institution in this situation,” he said, adding that policy decisions of the previous administration — including the imposition of 18% VAT and the approval of ethanol imports — further weakened the local industry.

Rejecting speculation of closure, Jayawardena pledged that neither the Sevanagala nor the Pelwatte sugar factories would be shut down. He accused saboteurs and opposition-linked groups of attempting to cripple operations, citing incidents such as a rock being sent into the factory disguised among sugarcane and the recent plantation fire.

“We will not allow them to destroy this institution. We will investigate and take action against those responsible. We appeal to all employees and farmers to protect Sevanagala without being swayed by opposition politicians,” the Deputy Minister said.

The monthly allowance for elderly individuals aged over 70, enrolled in the Aswesuma welfare benefit program, will be credited to their bank accounts today (27), the Welfare Benefits Board announced.

A total of Rs. 2,993,791,000 will be distributed among 599,730 beneficiaries, according to the Board.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (26) reiterated that all citizens must be equal before the law, pledging that his government is firmly committed to creating a culture of accountability and justice.

Speaking at the National Bhikkhu Day commemoration ceremony held at Temple Trees under the theme “Kalo Ayan Te – This is Your Time,” and attended by over 5,000 monks from across the country, the President declared that those guilty of crime, corruption, abuse of power, or misuse of public funds will face justice regardless of rank or influence.

“This is not an act of revenge or political witch-hunting, but a necessary step to restore public trust,” he said. “Wealth, power or lineage should not matter — all are equal before the law.”

The President acknowledged that for decades, the rule of law had been undermined in Sri Lanka, with one standard for the powerful and another for the poor. He pointed to the misuse of authority as a tool for dynastic politics and the unchecked accumulation of wealth, stressing that his government is determined to reverse this legacy.

“No matter the criticism, we will not turn back. If my government and I fail to fulfill this duty, then no government will ever succeed,” he declared.

Highlighting reforms already underway, President Dissanayake said that many privileges once associated with political power have been relinquished. He emphasized that true leadership requires acting with conscience and transparency before the people.

“Decisive measures are being taken to end the destructive practice of using political authority to amass unlimited wealth and squander public resources,” he noted. “A leader who has squandered billions of the people’s wealth cannot then ask those same people to unite in rebuilding the nation. From this point forward, political power will never again be allowed to serve as an opportunity to plunder the resources of the people.”