October 07, Colombo (LNW): A sharp increase in the cost of dialysis needles has sparked distress among kidney patients and their families, as shortages in public hospitals force them to purchase the items independently at steep prices.
Relatives of those undergoing regular dialysis have voiced frustration, reporting that needles, which were previously available for around Rs. 100 at private pharmacies, are now being sold for as much as Rs. 760.
With hospitals currently unable to provide the necessary supplies, patients are left with no choice but to bear the financial burden themselves—an unsustainable situation for many already struggling with the costs of long-term treatment.
The issue stems from a disruption in the supply chain, following the rejection of a large consignment of substandard dialysis needles. Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, confirmed that the supplier responsible had imported 400,000 units that failed to meet required standards. As a result, the Health Ministry refused to distribute them to hospitals.
In response to the urgent need, the government has now allocated funds to procure high-quality needles through private sector channels. Dr. Jayatissa noted that the current shortage was primarily due to lapses on the part of suppliers and assured the public that the situation is being addressed as a priority.
The Minister emphasised that the government expects the next shipment of approved dialysis needles to arrive by the 10th of October, and expressed confidence that the disruption will be resolved soon.
Sharp Rise in Dialysis Needle Prices Sparks Concern Amid Hospital Shortages
Sri Lankan Government Moves to Curb Misuse of Religion Amid Rise in Distorted Teachings
October 07, Colombo (LNW): In response to mounting concerns over the misrepresentation of major religions by fringe elements, the Sri Lankan government has announced a series of measures aimed at safeguarding the integrity of religious teachings and preventing social unrest.
Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake told Daily Mirror that advisory committees have been established for each of the country’s four principal religions—Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. These bodies will be tasked with reviewing and addressing the spread of misleading interpretations, while also offering guidance on doctrinal matters.
The move comes amid increasing incidents where self-styled preachers or unregulated groups have disseminated distorted narratives, sometimes fuelling tension within communities. One notable case in 2022 involved a controversial figure whose reinterpretation of Buddhist doctrine drew widespread criticism, leading to a temporary revocation of his licence to preach.
“To address this growing issue, we have now appointed advisory committees under the relevant religious affairs departments,” Dissanayake said. “These panels will monitor questionable teachings and provide expert guidance when interpretations appear to contradict established doctrine.”
Each committee will consist of seven individuals recognised for their expertise and authority within their respective religious traditions. Their responsibilities will include advising the Ministry, scrutinising emerging interpretations, and proposing corrective measures or policy changes where necessary.
The government hopes that these committees will act not only as watchdogs but also as educational bodies capable of promoting accurate religious understanding and preserving harmony in Sri Lanka’s multi-faith society.
The Deputy Minister also revealed that a specialised body, the Buddha Sasana Sabha, has been created to deal exclusively with issues related to Buddhism. This institution will intervene in matters requiring doctrinal clarification or when disputes arise within the Buddhist community.
In parallel, the Ministry has raised red flags over the financial activities of certain groups promoting unauthorised religious messages. According to officials, some of these organisations pose as charitable or religious institutions while engaging in dubious fundraising tactics—collecting money via online platforms, foreign sponsors, and informal donation drives, often without proper oversight.
Authorities are now considering tighter regulatory frameworks to monitor such financial flows and ensure that religious institutions operate transparently and within the law.
Suspended Judges to Receive Reduced Pay and Stripped Allowances Under New Judicial Commission Directive
October 07, Colombo (LNW): Judges currently facing suspension in Sri Lanka will now receive only a portion of their regular salaries, with several standard allowances withheld, following a recent directive issued by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The decision, which marks a tightening of policy regarding judicial officers under disciplinary review, was formally communicated via a circular dispatched to all High Court Judges by Prasanna Alwis, Secretary to the JSC.
This development comes in the wake of several suspensions involving judges who are the subject of ongoing inquiries into misconduct and other allegations.
The Judicial Service Commission has clarified that while these judges will still receive partial salaries during their suspension period, most discretionary financial benefits are to be suspended. The matter was discussed extensively during a recent meeting of the Audit and Management Committee of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, where the terms of financial entitlements for suspended judicial officers were reviewed.
Following the deliberations, the committee resolved that only a limited set of allowances would be paid in addition to the reduced salaries. These include the professional allowance, personal allowance, cost of living adjustment, and language proficiency allowance.
Meanwhile, a broad range of other benefits—typically provided to sitting judges—have been explicitly withdrawn for the duration of the suspension. These include the telephone, vehicle, driver, book, housing or rent, fuel, and appeal-related allowances.
Hundreds Taken into Custody in Sweeping Island-Wide Police Crackdown Across Sri Lanka
October 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan law enforcement launched a sweeping operation across the island yesterday (06), leading to the arrest of over 700 individuals suspected of various offences, including drug-related crimes, illegal alcohol distribution, and broader criminal activity.
According to the Police Media Division, the large-scale operation, conducted over a 24-hour period on 6 October, saw 28,476 individuals subjected to checks at various locations nationwide.
Officers carried out targeted inspections in both urban and rural areas as part of a continuing crackdown on organised crime, illicit substances, and threats to public safety.
Among those arrested were 13 individuals believed to have direct ties to criminal operations, while 409 persons with outstanding arrest warrants were also taken into custody.
Police confirmed that several of these suspects had evaded capture for months, and some are linked to ongoing investigations into organised criminal networks.
Traffic enforcement also featured prominently in the operation. Nineteen individuals were apprehended for driving under the influence, while 20 others were charged with reckless driving.
In addition, authorities flagged 3,483 traffic violations ranging from driving without valid documentation to dangerous manoeuvring and disobeying road rules.
“Usually Late” No More: SriLankan Airlines Finally Catches Its Flight
October 07, Colombo (LNW): SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, has long been associated with the flight code prefix “UL”. Unfortunately, for an extended period, this designation became the subject of ridicule, earning the airline the unflattering moniker “Usually Late” due to frequent delays and cancellations. In 2024, the airline continued to experience widespread disruptions to its flight schedules, further cementing this negative reputation.
However, the situation has undergone a marked transformation. Multiple sources confirm that SriLankan Airlines is now operating its services punctually, with flights consistently taking off and landing on schedule. This represents a significant shift from the airline’s previous operational record.
This turnaround is largely attributed to the new management team, led by Chairman Sarath Ganegoda, who assumed responsibility under the current government. Within the span of a year, the administration has succeeded in removing the long-standing stigma of unreliability that plagued the national carrier.
Punctuality is a cornerstone of success for any international airline, as passengers and airport partners alike require reliability. Chronic delays not only inconvenience passengers but also place a strain on foreign airport operations and coordination with other airlines.
SriLankan Airlines’ recent improvements are, therefore, a point of national satisfaction and an important development for the country’s aviation and tourism sectors.
According to employees of SriLankan Airlines, the company is now operating as a true corporate entity—free from political interference and governed by professional management principles.
“This is exactly how a company should function. There is no political meddling. Now everyone can see how it is gradually recovering as an institution,” one employee noted.
Under successive past governments, the airline reportedly suffered from political appointments and mismanagement, most notably during the tenure of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who appointed his brother-in-law as Chairman. These decisions led to a substantial misuse of public funds and left the airline on the brink of collapse.
At its lowest point, the management was forced to consider two drastic options: either sell the airline or shut it down. However, given the airline’s heavy debt burden, a sale was deemed impractical.
With the change in government, the appointment of Mr Ganegoda and his new team has injected renewed hope into the airline’s future. The administration has successfully reintroduced private sector efficiency into the operation of the national carrier, helping to restore its credibility and performance.
It is important for the media not only to criticise failures but also to acknowledge progress and commend effective leadership. In this case, credit is due to the new management of SriLankan Airlines and the current government for steering the airline back towards operational excellence.
As a nation with ambitious plans to expand its tourism industry, a reliable national airline is of critical importance. SriLankan Airlines serves as the first point of contact for many international visitors and plays a vital role in shaping their initial impression of the country. The fact that this responsibility is now being fulfilled with professionalism and care by the airline’s pilots, flight crew, engineering teams, and ground staff is a source of national pride.
Showers, thundershowers to occur at most places of island (Oct 07)
October 07, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (07).
Fairly heavy falls above 50 mm are likely at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern, Central and Uva provinces.
Showers or thundershowers may occur in Western province and in Galle, Matara, Puttalam, Jaffna and Trincomalee districts in the morning too.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightning and temporary localised strong winds during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly or variable and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph.
State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island can be slight to moderate.
Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
32 Police OICs Reassigned Across Sri Lanka
October 06, Colombo (LNW): A significant reshuffle within the Sri Lanka Police has seen 32 Officers-in-Charge (OICs) transferred and appointed to new roles, with the changes taking effect immediately.
The reassignments were approved by the National Police Commission and sanctioned by Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya.
The move, announced by Police Headquarters, involves the transfer of 26 Chief Inspectors of Police and six Inspectors of Police.
The transfers are as follows:
Chief Police Inspector B.M.H. Somasiri – from the post of OIC of Bingiriya Police to Kurunegala Division for general duties;
Chief Police Inspector M.I.M.A. Wickramaratne – from Kuliyapitiya Division to the post of OIC of Bingiriya Police;
Chief Police Inspector W.P.A. Vidanapathirana – from the post of Inspector of Police, Kayts Headquarters to Kebitigollewa Division for general duties;
Chief Police Inspector L.A. Ajith Kumara – from the post of OIC of Wellawa Police to the post of Inspector of Police, Kayts Headquarters;
Police Inspector W.D.J.S. Prabath – from the post of OIC of Kapugollawa Police to the post of OIC of Wellawa Police;
Police Inspector R.D.P.S. Rajapaksa – from Anuradhapura Division to perform the duties of the post of OIC of Kapugollawa Police;
Police Inspector S.K. Gamage – from the post of OIC of Kesbewa Police to Puttalam Division for general duties;
Chief Police Inspector K. P. Kalansuriya – from Mount Lavinia Division to perform the duties of OIC of Kesbewa Police;
Chief Police Inspector E.A.D.D. Somajith – from the post of OIC of Arachchikattuwa to Kegalle Division for general duties;
Police Inspector N.U.W.K. Nelumdeniya – from the Police Legal Division to perform the duties of the post of OIC of Arachchikattuwa;
Chief Police Inspector K.A.D. Roshantha – from the post of OIC of Police performing duties in Kosgama to Gampaha Division for general duties;
Chief Police Inspector G.P.S. Weerasinghe – from the Apprentice Recruitment Division to the post of OIC of Kosgama Police;
Police Inspector H.M. Kumarasinghe – from the post of OIC of Police in Dombagahawela to the post of OIC of Police in Galauda;
Police Inspector R.D.A.D.K. Yalkumbura – from the post of OIC of Police in Galauda to the post of OIC of Police in Dombagahawela;
Chief Police Inspector W.W.A.S.R. Piyasena – from the post of OIC of Police in Moragoda to perform general duties in Ratnapura Division;
Chief Police Inspector B.L.T.S. Pingno – from the post of OIC of Ichchankulam Police to the post of OIC of Moragoda Police;
Chief Police Inspector S.S.P. Weerasinghe – from the Service Training Division to perform the duties of the OIC of Ichchankulam Police;
Chief Police Inspector K.W.C.N. Abenarayana – from the post of OIC of Delf Police to Kegalle Division for general duties;
Chief Police Inspector O.A.U. Jayashantha – from the Mannar Division to perform the duties of the OIC of Delf Police;
Chief Police Inspector B.C. Rohan – from the Police Academy Division to perform the duties of the OIC of the Police Academy Division;
Chief Police Inspector P.M.C.J.B. Palihena – from the post of Inspector of Police, Jaffna Headquarters to Ratnapura Division for general duties;
Chief Police Inspector R.M.P. Seneviratne – from the post of Inspector of Police, Chavakachcheri Headquarters to the post of Inspector of Police of Jaffna Headquarters;
Chief Police Inspector M. Koneswaran – from Negombo Division to the post of Inspector of Police, Vavakachcheri Headquarters;
Chief Police Inspector G.P.H.H. Silva – from the post of OIC, Wakkare to Matale Division for general duties;
Chief Police Inspector G.R.Y.D. Madduma Bandara – from the post of OIC, Seeduwa Police to perform the duties of OIC of Wakare Police;
Chief Police Inspector P. Weerasinghe – from Gampaha Division to perform the duties of the post of OIC of Seeduwa Police;
Chief Police Inspector M. S. Najim – from Trincomalee Division to perform the duties of the post of Inspector of Police, Kilinochchi;
Chief Police Inspector W.K.R. Wijesinghe – from the post of Inspector of Police, Kalutara South to Ratnapura Division for general duties;
Chief Police Inspector A.M.N.I. Gunasekara – from the post of OIC of Puliyankulam Police to the post of Inspector of Police, Kalutara South Headquarters;
Chief Police Inspector S.M.L.R. Bandara – from the post of OIC of Valachchena Police to the post of Inspector of Police, Matara Headquarters;
Chief Police Inspector J.P.S. Sampath Kumara – from the post of OIC of Public Order Management Division to the post of OIC of Valachchenai Police;
Chief Police Inspector Ravindra Kumara – from the Public Order Management Division to perform the duties of the OIC of the Public Order Management Division.
New Government Green-Lights Commercial 5G Rollout Across Sri Lanka
By: Staff Writer
October 06, Colombo (LNW): In a bold move to accelerate the nation’s digital transformation, the new government yesterday formally issued the Final Assignment Notice (NoA) for the 2025 5G spectrum auction, officially opening the way for commercial 5G services to enter Sri Lanka’s telecommunications landscape.
The notice was unveiled at a high-profile media briefing hosted by the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), with key officials from the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), and the 5G Auction Committee in attendance.
Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Acting Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala, TRCSL Director General Air Vice Marshal (Rtd.) Bandula Herath, Auction Committee Chairman Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, and TRCSL Director Shantha Gunanananda were among the speakers.
Deputy Minister Weeraratne emphasized that the spectrum assignment marks a critical foundation for expanding “next-generation telecommunication and ICT services.” He argued that 5G technology will be central to innovation, economic growth, and industrial transformation. He cited agriculture and apparel manufacturing as areas where smart sensors and automation could significantly raise productivity and reduce waste.
TRCSL Director General Herath traced the journey to this milestone, recalling that the regulatory and technical groundwork began as far back as 2017. Between 2017 and 2020, TRCSL focused on developing spectrum policy and regulation; from 2020 to 2022, consultations with the World Bank, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and GSMA were held to identify the optimal frequency bands.
He explained that after this comprehensive evolution, the final assignment notice is now being issued in 2025. He added that once the auction is completed expected within two months—Sri Lankans will begin to enjoy 5G-enabled services.
Dr. Jayawardena, chairman of the 5G Auction Committee, outlined that the auction period will span 40 days, with all procedural documents already published on the TRCSL website. He pledged that the auction would be conducted with “high transparency.”
TRCSL Director Gunanananda added a social dimension, noting that 5G would help bridge the digital divide by enhancing access to education and economic opportunities in rural and urban communities alike. He observed that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored how essential reliable internet connectivity has become.
Observers view the government’s step as a strong signal of commitment to digital modernization. The tracking of the assignment notice follows earlier public consultations: in December 2024, TRCSL had invited stakeholder feedback on the draft Notice of Assignment covering the 3,500 MHz and 27 GHz bands.
Once the auction concludes, telecommunications operators will bid for spectrum rights, after which commercial 5G deployment could begin in earnest potentially in selected urban centres initially, then expanding outward. Analysts expect that 5G’s ultra-low latency and high throughput capabilities will enable innovations in telemedicine, smart cities, precision agriculture, Industry 4.0, immersive media, and more.
In short, the issuance of the Final Assignment Notice is not just a regulatory formality it is a turning point that signals Sri Lanka is poised to leap into a new era of connectivity. The government will now look to ensure that rollout is efficient, equitable, and catalyses sustained economic growth across all sectors and regions.
China Funding Likely to resume for Delayed Expressway Project
By: Staff Writer
October 06, Colombo (LNW): Funding from China’s Export-Import (Exim) Bank for Sri Lanka’s long-delayed Central Expressway Project (CEP) is expected to resume by September or October, marking a potential breakthrough for one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure ventures.
Road Development Authority (RDA) Chairman T. Paskaran confirmed that discussions with the Chinese lender are progressing, following a suspension triggered by Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis. “Negotiations with the donor are currently ongoing, and there is a strong likelihood that funding could resume by September or October,” Paskaran said.
The funding freeze was the main reason for the project’s prolonged delays. Paskaran added that, in case of further setbacks in foreign disbursements, the Government is prepared to mobilise domestic funds as a contingency to ensure continuity.
However, concerns have emerged from Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) over the incomplete negotiations with both the contractor, Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC), and China Exim Bank. Committee Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva revealed that discussions on the contractor’s claims and revised loan conditions for the reduced USD 500 million facility remain unfinished.
In a post on X, de Silva questioned the decision to alter the previous 15-year fixed loan rate of 2.5% to a variable rate ranging between 2.5% and 3.5%. “We were puzzled why the Highways Ministry wants to switch from a fixed rate to a variable rate,” he said, adding that the CoPF urged a fair and balanced arrangement that equally shares future interest rate movements between both parties.
Despite financing uncertainties, the Government has taken steps to advance construction. The Cabinet of Ministers recently approved the award of the Central Expressway Phase 3 spanning the vital Mirigama to Kurunegala stretch to Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd., following a competitive bidding process that selected the lowest responsive bidder.
The appointment of Maga Engineering represents a strategic shift toward involving reputable local firms in large-scale projects, with an emphasis on transparency and cost efficiency. Officials hope the move will curb cost overruns and accelerate completion timelines, crucial to meeting Sri Lanka’s infrastructure goals.
Once completed, the Central Expressway is expected to serve as a critical transport artery linking Colombo to the central provinces, easing congestion on the A1 and A6 routes and reducing travel times significantly.
Analysts view the Cabinet’s decision and renewed funding talks as a hopeful step in reviving a project long mired in financial and administrative delays, signalling a renewed commitment to deliver long-promised connectivity and economic growth.
Sri Lanka’s PPP Gamble Risks Becoming a Fiscal Time Bomb
By: Staff Writer
October 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is increasingly turning to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to rebuild its crumbling infrastructure and attract foreign investment. Yet, beneath the celebratory rhetoric lies a dangerous undercurrent, a legacy of opaque deals, cost overruns, and hidden fiscal burdens that threaten to undermine the very recovery PPPs are meant to fuel.
The Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 openly concedes that PPPs pose “significant fiscal risks,” especially when governments extend guarantees or assume contingent liabilities.
When such projects underperform or fail, the financial fallout often lands squarely on taxpayers a pattern analysts warn Sri Lanka can no longer afford amid its fragile post-crisis recovery.
Successive governments have pinned hopes on PPPs across key sectors such as energy, ports, and water management. However, many projects have been bogged down by renegotiations, cost escalations, and an absence of central oversight. The result is a patchwork of ventures plagued by opacity and inconsistency.
The energy sector remains the most striking example. Two 350 MW LNG power plants in Kerawalapitiya essential for energy security have already incurred an additional US$ 73 million due to contractual revisions.
Similarly, the 50 MW Trincomalee solar project, backed by a sovereign guarantee, remains incomplete, with half of the Ceylon Electricity Board’s equity still pending.
Meanwhile, large-scale solar ventures in Poonakary, Siyambalanduwa, and Hambantota are progressing with private backing. Yet, experts caution that without robust fiscal safeguards, these deals could leave the Treasury exposed to new debt obligations.
Infrastructure partnerships tell a similar story. The US$ 700 million West Container Terminal-I at Colombo Port is finally operational, but other initiatives have stalled.
The proposed US$ 4.2 billion Galle Port remains mired in procurement delays, while the US$ 150 million South Asia Logistics Hub only recently secured a tender. Analysts say bureaucratic inertia and investor uncertainty continue to erode momentum.
In water management, the Rs. 3.3 billion Non-Revenue Water reduction project in Galle aims to reduce losses by 2025 through private participation. Yet, officials warn that poor contract design or performance failures could trigger costly compensation claims.
Despite the growing fiscal exposure, Sri Lanka lacks a central PPP registry or independent monitoring body. Past unsolicited proposals and hidden guarantees have burdened the Treasury with undisclosed liabilities. In response, the Finance Ministry is preparing a PPP Bill that will establish a National PPP Agency, enforce competitive bidding, and create a contingent liabilities register.
While PPPs may be one of Sri Lanka’s few remaining tools to fund infrastructure amid borrowing limits, weak oversight and political meddling could transform them from a growth catalyst into what officials now describe as a looming “fiscal time bomb.”