By:Staff Writer

August 14, Colombo (LNW): A constitutional and national security storm has erupted over the arrest of former Navy Commander Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, with the Defence Ministry’s public assurance that “the law applies equally to all” accused of masking a deeper jurisdictional breach.

At the heart of the dispute lies one legal question: did the alleged offence occur during naval service and in connection with operational duties? If so, Sections 34 and 131 of the Navy Act No. 34 of 1950 mandate trial by court martial—not in a civilian court. If unrelated to service, civilian jurisdiction applies, Jihan Hameed Guest Columist of the Daily FT new paper stated ina lengthy article

The decisive trigger is the CID’s B Report to the Magistrate’s Court, which classified the alleged offence as a “personal matter” unrelated to naval duties—removing the Navy Act from the equation and placing the case under civilian courts. Critics warn this is not a matter of preference but statutory obligation, and if the CID’s classification is wrong, it amounts to a procedural bypass with grave security implications, she pointed out.

Legal experts note that the CID, as a branch of the Sri Lanka Police under the Inspector General of Police (IGP), is tasked with investigating facts, not deciding law. By determining the Navy Act does not apply, the CID has allegedly stepped beyond its mandate—encroaching on the legal sovereignty of the armed forces.

The Defence Ministry’s justification that the Navy Act is irrelevant because Admiral Ulugetenne is retired collapses under binding Supreme Court precedent. In SC FR 556/2009 (Capt. A.D. Senaratne de Silva v. Military Police and others), the Court ruled that jurisdiction is based on when the alleged offence occurred, not the officer’s retirement status. This means service-related offences remain under military jurisdiction even post-retirement.

Allowing the CID’s approach to stand could set a dangerous precedent—routing any sensitive case involving senior military officers through civilian police to bypass court martial procedures. It would also hand effective control of military law to the IGP via administrative classification, undermining the armed forces’ disciplinary autonomy.

Critics stress that the Navy Act’s purpose is not ceremonial—it safeguards the chain of command, classified information, and operational sovereignty. Trying a former Director of Naval Intelligence in an open civilian court risks exposing wartime secrets, as civilian proceedings lack the strict security protocols of courts martial.

Under law, the chain of responsibility is clear:

Commander of the Navy – assesses service connection of offence.

Navy Legal Division – reviews jurisdictional applicability.

Defence Ministry – enforces military jurisdiction where applicable.

Attorney General – provides final legal oversight.

Failure by all four to act is not just a procedural lapse—it is institutional inaction. The President, as Commander-in-Chief, is the only constitutional authority bridging military and civilian spheres and must ensure jurisdictional accuracy before cases reach court.

If the B Report’s classification is right, the Navy’s exclusion stands. If wrong, the CID’s move is a direct bypass of military law. Observers warn that in a “war on jurisdiction,” silence is not neutrality—it is surrender.

By Adolf

The recent US tariff announcement, according to IPS research, has reignited debate on the real burden of trade barriers. While headlines reference a “20% tariff” on key imports, the effective rate faced by Sri Lanka is significantly higher — closer to 28–30% when weighted across products, sectors, and tariff structures. Understanding this gap is critical for policymakers and exporters.

Why 20% Isn’t Really 20%

Tariffs are rarely applied as a single flat rate. The “headline” 20% applies to a narrow set of goods, but sector-specific surcharges, product classifications, and exemptions for certain trading partners push the trade-weighted effective rate much higher.

For Sri Lanka, the US effective tariff rate will rise to 29.9% from 7 August 2025, compared to just 10.2% in April 2025 under the MFN regime. Apparel exports — our largest category to the US — will face 36.8%, while rubber products will face 20.2%. Competitor countries such as Canada, Mexico, the EU, and Japan enjoy preferential access through trade deals, leaving Sri Lanka at a distinct disadvantage.

Impact on Sri Lanka’s Economy

Economic modelling shows that under a 30% tariff scenario, Sri Lanka’s real GDP could shrink by 0.082% (with full employment) or by 0.222% if unemployment rises. Apparel exports to the US could fall by over 44%, and rubber exports by 63%, as buyers shift to lower-cost suppliers.

Even under the so-called “20%” tariff, the impact remains severe: apparel exports could drop 12.1% (USD 220.8 million loss) and rubber exports by 42%. These shocks would ripple through the economy, hitting employment — especially unskilled women in apparel — and reducing household incomes.

The Reciprocity Risk

The danger is not only in the tariffs Washington imposes, but in the reciprocal tariffs Colombo may feel compelled to apply on US goods. Reciprocity is standard in trade, but it can backfire on smaller economies.

If Sri Lanka applies a 20% reciprocal tariff while retaining para-tariffs like CESS and PAL, US exporters will face barriers — but so will our own industries that rely on imported inputs. For example, removing para-tariffs on US soymeal as part of a concession could boost imports by 40%, lowering poultry feed costs but potentially flooding our market with cheap US meat and dairy, hurting local producers.

Modelling suggests a 15% reciprocal tariff — combined with selective para-tariff removal — could actually expand Sri Lanka’s GDP by 0.038%. But beyond that threshold, the risks outweigh the benefits.

Policy Takeaway

Headline tariffs understate the real burden. Sri Lanka’s effective tariff exposure is well above 20%, and reciprocity without careful targeting could damage key domestic sectors. Negotiating a lower reciprocal rate — ideally 10–15% — while safeguarding sensitive industries is essential.

India may have ended up with rates above 40%, but with President Trump, anything is possible. He is quick to forgive and forget — and we could even see India’s rate drop below the “20%” mark. In trade, as in politics, nothing is ever truly final.

August 14, Colombo (LNW): A series of senior-level appointments to prominent public institutions has been formally endorsed by the Committee on High Posts.

Amongst the most significant appointments is the selection of Kavinda de Zoysa as the new Chairman of the Bank of Ceylon (BOC), a cornerstone of the country’s financial system and one of its most influential state-owned banks.

In the media sphere, Priyantha Wedamulla has been approved to take the helm at Independent Television Network (ITN) Ltd, a key state broadcaster with a national footprint.

Also amongst those confirmed is Pravir D. Samarasinghe, who will lead Hotel Developers (Lanka) Limited, a government-owned entity tasked with key responsibilities in the hospitality and property development sectors.

Meanwhile, Jayathissa Anaththa Pathiranage has been appointed Chairman of the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB), a leading government-affiliated consultancy involved in infrastructure and engineering services.

On the diplomatic front, Wijesinghe Arachchige Kapila Sanjeewa De Alwis received the committee’s backing to serve as Sri Lanka’s new Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman.

In the administrative domain, two secretarial appointments have also received formal approval. M.A.L.S.N.K. Manthrinayake has been named Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment—a portfolio increasingly critical amid efforts to improve social welfare and decentralised development.

Simultaneously, J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara was endorsed as Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.

August 14, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed a temporary halt to two planned wind power developments in the Mannar region—a 20 MW and a 50 MW facility—despite both projects having progressed to the contract stage following the tender process.

The decision, taken during a high-level meeting held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat, comes in response to mounting opposition from local communities and religious leaders. Concerns raised included environmental degradation, threats to traditional livelihoods, and a lack of implementation of previously recommended environmental safeguards, including those connected to a separate ilmenite mining project in the same region.

President Dissanayake emphasised that while renewable energy is a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s long-term economic and environmental goals, development initiatives must proceed with the consent of the people they affect. He highlighted the need for balanced progress, stating that energy generation is not merely a technical matter but one intrinsically linked to broader issues such as household electricity costs, industrial competitiveness, foreign investment, and national development.

As a result, both wind power projects will be suspended for a period of one month to allow for a comprehensive review of the issues raised. The review will focus on delivering practical solutions to community concerns, particularly in relation to environmental impact and land use.

The projects, which promise to generate electricity at a cost of 4.65 US cents per unit (approximately Rs. 13), present a cost-effective alternative to other proposed agreements—such as the deal with Adani Company, which would have seen electricity purchased at 8.26 US cents (around Rs. 25) per unit. The government remains committed to keeping average generation costs at or below Rs. 13 per unit, a key factor in its long-term energy affordability strategy.

Also discussed during the meeting were related infrastructure matters, including confirmed budget allocations for the reconstruction of the Kokilai Bridge and the implementation of the Mannar New Water Project—both of which are expected to bolster regional development.

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody stated that the Land Reclamation Department has been tasked with assessing potential flood risks posed by the wind power installations. Meanwhile, other state bodies including the Department of Wildlife and the Ministry of Lands will contribute to a joint report addressing broader land and environmental concerns in the Northern Province.

The meeting brought together a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including religious representatives from the Northern Province, members of Parliament from both government and opposition benches, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development Upali Samarasinghe, Ministry of Energy Secretary Professor Udayanga Hemapala, senior government officials, and delegates from the Mannar Citizens’ Committee.

August 14, Colombo (LNW): A scheduled 10-hour interruption to the water supply will affect several areas across the Gampaha District today (14), according to a statement issued by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).

The supply cut, which will be in effect from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., will impact the following locations: Nittambuwa, Kandahena, Mapagolla, Kongasdeniya, Pinnagollawatta, Kolawatta, Gorakadeniya, Ranpokunagama, Ranpokunagama Housing Scheme, Urapola, Dikkanda, Meevitigammana, Maimbula, Mathalana, Haggalla, Alawala, Kalalpitiya, and Ellamulla.

The NWSDB cited essential maintenance work as the reason for the temporary suspension and extended its apologies to residents for any inconvenience caused. 

Consumers in the affected areas are advised to store an adequate supply of water in advance and to use available resources sparingly during the disruption.

August 14, Colombo (LNW)): Sri Lanka has appointed Priyantha Weerasooriya, a seasoned legal and law enforcement professional, as its 37th Inspector General of Police (IGP), marking a significant milestone in the history of the country’s police service.

The official assumption of duties took place at Police Headquarters in Colombo 02, where he addressed senior officers and dignitaries shortly after taking charge.

In his inaugural remarks, IGP Weerasooriya underscored his commitment to restoring the dignity, credibility, and professionalism of the police institution. Drawing inspiration from philosophical principles, including the concept of the “Eight Worldly Winds”—a Buddhist teaching on impermanence and balance—he signalled a leadership style guided by composure, fairness, and ethical clarity.

Weerasooriya expressed his intention to transform the police service into a disciplined and trusted force, noting that he expects unwavering commitment and high standards from every officer under his command.

He described his new role not as a position of privilege, but one of deep responsibility, and conveyed gratitude to all those involved in entrusting him with the nation’s highest policing post.

His appointment was officially confirmed on August 13 by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, following the Constitutional Council’s approval a day earlier. The formal letter of appointment was presented by Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The vacancy arose after the parliamentary removal of former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, paving the way for a new chapter in police leadership.