March 08, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared that his long-term vision is to shape Sri Lanka into a country recognised internationally for placing humanity and compassion at the centre of its national identity.

Speaking at an International Women’s Day event held in Colombo today (March 08), the President said Sri Lanka intends to demonstrate to the world that even in times of conflict and global uncertainty, the nation will stand firmly on the side of humanity.

He observed that although some nations enjoy greater economic prosperity, Sri Lanka hopes to earn global respect as a society where empathy, kindness and social responsibility remain deeply rooted in everyday life. According to him, the country’s true strength lies not merely in economic indicators but in the values upheld by its people.

President Dissanayake emphasised that women and children would play a central role in the government’s efforts to build a fairer and more compassionate state. He noted that policies aimed at social progress must prioritise those who have historically faced greater social and economic challenges.

During his address, the President also thanked the women of the National People’s Power movement for the support they extended during the political campaign that led to the present administration taking office. He remarked that the large turnout of women at the gathering reflected growing confidence in the government’s direction.

He further stated that a key objective of the administration is to create a future in which women are relieved of many of the social and emotional burdens they have long carried. Addressing the inequalities and hardships faced by women, he said, is essential for the country’s broader national development.

Turning to social concerns, the President warned that the spread of narcotics remains a serious threat, particularly to young people. He noted that the consequences of drug addiction often extend beyond the individual, placing immense emotional strain on families, especially mothers. In response, the government has launched an ongoing nationwide campaign aimed at eliminating drug trafficking and reducing substance abuse.

Education was another major focus of the President’s remarks. He acknowledged that many mothers prioritise their children’s schooling above all else and said the government intends to ease the financial and social pressures families face in securing quality education.

As part of this effort, he announced that a new series of education reforms will be introduced beginning with Grade 6 next year. The reforms are expected to reshape the system so that it not only strengthens academic ability but also encourages empathy, civic awareness and social responsibility among students.

The President also revealed plans for a new financial support scheme designed to assist women who struggle to obtain bank loans due to a lack of collateral. Under the proposed programme, the government would act as a guarantor for eligible borrowers, stepping in to cover debts in cases where repayment becomes impossible.

He pointed out that high-interest microfinance lending has severely affected many rural communities, where women often face overwhelming debt. In some cases, he said, the pressure created by these loans has led to tragic outcomes. The government therefore plans to introduce legislation aimed at preventing exploitative lending practices and protecting vulnerable borrowers.

Alongside these legal reforms, a new low-interest credit programme will be introduced to provide women with safer financial options, while authorities will monitor projects funded through these loans to ensure their success.

The President added that the Ministry of Women’s Affairs is already implementing assistance programmes to help women struggling with loan repayments and other financial hardships.

Addressing broader social challenges, President Dissanayake acknowledged that violence against women remains a serious concern. He stated that the government is prepared to strengthen existing laws if current protections prove insufficient.

Concluding his remarks, the President said the government’s intention in marking International Women’s Day goes beyond ceremonial recognition. Instead, he said, it represents a commitment to building a future in which women are free from the longstanding hardships and inequalities that have shaped their lives.

He also noted that certain long-standing cultural practices have historically placed women at a disadvantage. The government, he said, intends to introduce legal reforms to address these issues while ensuring that changes are implemented with sensitivity so as to avoid unnecessary social tensions.

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By: Isuru Parakrama

March 08, Colombo (LNW): The United States has stated that Sri Lanka retains full authority to determine how it handles the situation involving the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Bushehr and its crew, emphasising that the matter falls under Colombo’s sovereign jurisdiction.

A spokesperson for the US State Department said Washington recognises Sri Lanka’s right to make its own decisions regarding the vessel, its personnel and the Iranian sailors rescued following the recent maritime incident. The official noted that any action taken would be guided by Sri Lanka’s domestic legislation as well as its obligations under international law.

The comments come amid heightened diplomatic attention following the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena earlier this week off Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, speaking at an international forum in New Delhi, confirmed that 32 Iranian sailors rescued from the vessel were being cared for in Sri Lanka under international humanitarian and maritime conventions.

Sri Lanka’s Navy launched rescue operations shortly after the incident and recovered both survivors and the remains of sailors who perished when the vessel went down. Authorities reported that dozens of bodies had been retrieved from the sea during the search and recovery mission.

The government also granted temporary refuge to another Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Bushehr, which arrived with mechanical difficulties shortly after the attack. The ship was escorted to the port of Trincomalee, where its 219 crew members were safely disembarked.

Reports published by international media outlets suggested that the United States had privately urged Sri Lanka not to send the Iranian sailors back to Iran. When asked about those claims, the State Department spokesperson reiterated that the final decision on the matter rested entirely with Sri Lanka.

“We respect Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and its responsibility to manage this situation,” the spokesperson said, indicating that Washington recognised Colombo’s role in applying international maritime and humanitarian law.

Meanwhile, developments in the region have involved other Iranian vessels that were present in South Asia for a multinational naval event hosted by India before the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Indian authorities confirmed that another Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, was allowed to dock at the port of Kochi after experiencing technical problems during its voyage.

India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said the decision was taken on humanitarian grounds, noting that many of those on board were young naval trainees who required assistance after the vessel sought refuge.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake earlier indicated that Colombo intends to adhere to international conventions governing neutral states during armed conflicts. Under such frameworks, combatants from countries engaged in hostilities may be required to remain in a neutral state until the conflict concludes.

Government officials also said discussions are underway with the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding the treatment of survivors and the handling of those injured in the incident. According to officials, wounded sailors could be repatriated if they request it under applicable humanitarian provisions.

Iranian diplomats in Colombo have meanwhile requested that the remains of sailors killed in the attack be returned to Iran for burial. Authorities are currently considering the request in line with established diplomatic and humanitarian procedures.

March 08, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has warned that the prevailing spell of unusually hot weather affecting several parts of Sri Lanka is expected to continue for the next few months, with elevated temperatures likely to persist until around May.

Meteorologists say the current conditions are being driven by seasonal atmospheric patterns that typically bring warmer and more humid weather to the island during this period of the year.

According to the department, the “heat index” — which indicates how hot the weather feels to the human body when humidity is taken into account — is forecast to remain at a cautionary level in a number of areas today. Among the districts expected to experience noticeable heat stress are Colombo and Gampaha, where residents may feel temperatures higher than the actual recorded values.

Similar conditions are predicted in several other parts of the country, including the Sabaragamuwa, North Western and North Central provinces. Districts such as Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala are also likely to experience elevated daytime temperatures.

Weather officials have advised the public to take precautions during the hotter parts of the day, including staying well hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and reducing strenuous outdoor activities where possible. Authorities have also encouraged employers and outdoor workers to remain mindful of the health risks associated with heat stress during this period.

March 08, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra has confirmed that four Sri Lankan nationals injured during recent attacks in the Middle East have now been discharged from hospital after receiving medical treatment.

In a statement, Hemachandra said he had personally spoken by telephone with three of the affected individuals, who assured him that they were recovering steadily and were now out of immediate danger. He noted that their condition had improved significantly since the incident.

Although officials were temporarily unable to reach the fourth Sri Lankan directly due to communication difficulties, the Deputy Minister said authorities had received confirmation through other channels that the individual had also been released from hospital and was safe.

Hemachandra emphasised that the protection and welfare of Sri Lankan citizens living and working abroad remain a key concern for the Government. He added that Sri Lanka’s diplomatic missions in the Middle East are continuing to maintain close contact with local authorities and members of the Sri Lankan community to monitor developments.

He also urged calm as tensions persist in parts of the region, expressing hope that all parties involved would exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful outcome that ensures the safety of civilians.

By: Isuru Parakrama

March 08, Colombo (LNW): The United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) has dismissed Iran’s claim that its naval vessel IRIS Dena was unarmed at the time it was destroyed in an attack near Sri Lankan waters, asserting that the ship constituted a legitimate military target under international rules governing armed conflict.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the command rejected Tehran’s account of events and described the claim that the frigate was operating without weapons as inaccurate. According to INDOPACOM, the action was carried out in accordance with the Law of Armed Conflict, which allows the use of force against recognised military assets during hostilities.

The command also acknowledged that Sri Lanka played a role in the aftermath of the incident by providing humanitarian assistance to survivors, noting that such efforts were consistent with international legal obligations to aid those in distress at sea.

Iran has strongly protested the strike, maintaining that the vessel was not engaged in combat operations at the time. Iranian officials insist the ship had been sailing home after participating in the MILAN multinational naval exercise organised by India and therefore should not have been targeted.

Speaking during a visit to India, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh criticised the attack and described it as a grave breach of international law. He said the frigate had been travelling back to Iran after completing its participation in the naval exercise.

Reports indicate that the vessel sank while navigating waters in the broader Indian Ocean region not far from Sri Lanka’s southern coast. The incident is believed to have resulted in significant casualties, with dozens of Iranian naval personnel feared dead.

Sri Lankan naval units responded to distress signals from the damaged ship and launched a rescue effort approximately 40 nautical miles off Galle. Several survivors were brought ashore, while 32 injured sailors were transferred to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.

Initial reports suggest that roughly 180 crew members had been on board the Iranian frigate at the time of the attack. Authorities in Sri Lanka said search, rescue and medical support operations were carried out as part of emergency humanitarian assistance following the sinking.

🚫 Iran claims IRIS Dena was unarmed – FALSE
✅ Law of Armed Conflict authorized the use of force to target and destroy valid military targets – TRUE
✅ U.S. forces planned for and Sri Lanka provided life-saving support to survivors in accordance with the Law of Armed Conflict -… pic.twitter.com/DdY5RNFUYf

— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) March 7, 2026

March 08, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe has warned that rising global prices for essential commodities are largely outside Sri Lanka’s control, noting that disruptions in the supply of fuel and gas are likely to push costs even higher in the coming months.

Addressing a briefing, the Minister explained that fluctuations in international markets are already being felt across many countries, and Sri Lanka will not be immune to those developments. According to him, increases in global energy prices tend to trigger wider price adjustments that affect multiple sectors of the economy.

Samarasinghe pointed out that the current tensions and instability in the Middle East are having a widespread impact on global trade and logistics. As a region closely linked to the world’s major energy supplies and shipping corridors, developments there can significantly influence fuel availability and transportation costs worldwide.

He noted that countries heavily dependent on maritime trade routes, including Sri Lanka, are particularly vulnerable to such disruptions. Any reduction in the supply of fuel or liquefied gas, he said, would naturally lead to price escalation in international markets.

The Minister added that global price movements have already begun to reflect these pressures, and nations that rely on imported energy and goods will inevitably feel the consequences. While governments can attempt to manage the local impact, he stressed that the underlying drivers of such price increases originate in global supply conditions that no single country can control.

Samarasinghe also indicated that the Government is closely monitoring the situation and assessing its potential effects on the domestic market, especially in sectors linked to energy, food supply and transportation.

March 08, Colombo (LNW): Marking International Women’s Day, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake underscored the crucial role women continue to play in shaping Sri Lanka’s economic, political, social and cultural progress, stressing that their contributions should be valued throughout the year rather than recognised on a single occasion.

In a message issued to coincide with the global observance on March 08, the President noted that the day offers an opportunity to reflect on the rights, freedoms and security of women while also acknowledging the responsibilities they shoulder in various sectors of national life.

Highlighting the demographic reality that women account for approximately 52 per cent of Sri Lanka’s population, he said their impact on the national economy remains substantial. Beyond their often unrecognised role within households, women serve as a backbone of key industries including garment manufacturing, plantations, overseas employment, healthcare, education and the broader services sector.

The President also expressed appreciation for the perseverance and commitment demonstrated by Sri Lankan women, pointing out that their efforts were instrumental in supporting the country’s economic recovery and progress during 2025.

He further stated that the Government is continuing efforts to advance gender equality and safeguard women’s rights, while addressing persistent issues such as violence, discrimination and unequal opportunities in workplaces, communities and public spaces.

Referring to recent political developments, the President observed that the current Parliament includes the largest number of female representatives in Sri Lanka’s history. He also described the election of the first female Member of Parliament from the Malayagam community as a landmark moment for representation and inclusion.

Looking ahead, President Dissanayake emphasised the importance of expanding opportunities for women in emerging sectors, particularly through entrepreneurship linked to the digital and green economies. Encouraging women to take on leadership roles in the country’s evolving economic landscape, he said empowering women would be vital to Sri Lanka’s long-term development.

Commending this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “In a Thriving Nation – She Leads with Determination”, the President called on women across the country to actively participate in building a more progressive, equitable and forward-looking society.

Full Statement:

‘‘International Women’s Day has been celebrated annually across the world on 8 March for over a century. In Sri Lanka, the role of women in the economic, political, social and cultural spheres is distinctive and significant. While this day serves to recognise and appreciate the immense responsibilities borne by women across all these sectors, and to reflect in particular on women’s rights, freedom and security, I believe that such recognition cannot be confined to a single day.

It is no secret that women, who represent 52 per cent of our country’s population, play a substantial role in the national economy. In addition to their unpaid contribution as homemakers, women make a considerable contribution to the garment industry, the plantation sector, foreign employment, as well as to the health, education and service sectors. I wish to acknowledge with gratitude the strength and commitment demonstrated by women, which contributed significantly to the many economic achievements our country attained in 2025.

In pursuit of social justice, we are already implementing plans to ensure gender equality and to enable women to participate more actively and productively in the economic process. As a Government, we have prioritised the structural changes necessary to secure and promote women’s rights and to act against all forms of violence and discrimination faced by women, at home, in public transport, within communities, in the workplace and on the political stage, while striving to realise the aspirations of a just society, a free nation and a liberated woman.

Marking a new chapter in parliamentary history, this Parliament includes the highest number of female Members of Parliament to date. Furthermore, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a female Member of Parliament representing the Malayagam community has been elected, an important and historic milestone. I wish to emphasise that it is both our responsibility and our resolve to nurture a strong and dignified generation of women who will stand shoulder to shoulder in advancing the programme of economic, political and social transformation we have initiated. Expanding women’s entrepreneurship within a digital and green economy, and fostering women entrepreneurs capable of adapting to the country’s forthcoming economic transformation, remains a key objective of our Government.

In this context, I greatly appreciate the organisation of this year’s Women’s Day under the theme, ‘In a Thriving Nation – She Leads with Determination’, which proudly showcases the strength and dignity of Sri Lankan women to the world.

As we move forward with firm determination to free our society and nation from all adverse challenges, and to build a progressive country and a future generation grounded in ethics and compassion, I extend my warm wishes for a meaningful International Women’s Day and invite all women to join hands as strong partners and pioneers in this journey.”

March 08, Colombo (LNW): Except for showers or thundershowers that may occur at a few places in Southern province and Rathnapura district after 2.00 pm, mainly dry weather will prevail over the other areas of the island, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (08).

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Northern, North-central, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva and North-western provinces during the early hours of the morning.


Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
Mainly fair weather will prevail over the sea areas around the island.

Winds:
Winds will be variable in direction and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.

State of Sea:
Sea areas around the island will be slight.