Several spells of light showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Northern provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.
Mainly fair weather will prevail in the other areas of the island.
National Council for Disaster Management convenes after seven years
The 14th session of the National Council for Disaster Management was held at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday (6).
This is the first time the Council convened in seven years.The Council was established under the Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005, following the national need that emerged after the 2004 tsunami. The last meeting was held on April 5, 2018.
The Council is responsible for overseeing the duties assigned to all institutions involved in disaster management, minimizing disaster risks across the country and making necessary policy decisions to guide those efforts.
It also coordinates and facilitates disaster risk mitigation activities at national and provincial levels through the Disaster Management Centre. During the session, the Disaster Management Plan and the National Emergency Operations Plan were presented and approved by the Council.
The discussion focused on new trends, future plans and current measures for disaster risk reduction in Sri Lanka. The Council emphasized the importance of establishing a unified and centrally coordinated mechanism to enhance the efficiency of disaster management.
In light of prevailing climate-related challenges, the committee underscored the need to enhance disaster management mechanisms and concluded that the existing legislation must be amended to reflect contemporary needs and emerging risks.
President Dissanayake instructed the relevant officials to revise current financial limitations associated with disaster management and relief, as well as to allocate the required financial resources to restart halted projects. The President also instructed officials to update the Disaster Management Act in alignment with current conditions and challenges.
A proposal to establish a dedicated Disaster Management Fund was also presented and received the approval of the committee. The President instructed officials to expedite the identification of vulnerable homes, evacuate people from those homes and assess their safety.
President Dissanayake proposed an increase in the compensation provided by the Government for housing. He also directed attention to the people who are still living in displacement camps. It was revealed during the meeting that 58 families from Badulla and Punagala are still residing in such camps.
Uva Province Governor Kapila Jayasekera stated that steps are currently being taken to resettle these 58 families before the end of August.
As per the Act, the President serves as the Chair of the Council, the Prime Minister as the Vice Chair, and members include the Leader of the Opposition, relevant subject Ministers, Chief Ministers of provinces (or Governors in their absence) and five MPs or experts appointed by the Parliament. A Minister may also be temporarily appointed to the Council based on necessity.
Defence Ministry Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha was appointed as the Secretary to the Council and accordingly he will serve as a member of the Disaster Management Committee.
The Council is assigned 15 key responsibilities, including the formulation of a National Policy on Disaster Management, which has already been developed and distributed among members. This policy covers critical areas such as protecting lives and the environment, rehabilitation, public awareness, training and relief provision.
The meeting was attended by Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Dr. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, Science and Technology Minister Dr. Chrishantha Abeysena, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, Defence Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera, MPs from the Opposition, Provincial Governors and other members of the National Council for Disaster Management.
JSC Suspends Six Judicial Officers Over Conduct and Performance Concerns
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has suspended six judicial officers, including the former Batticaloa Magistrate, after reviewing evidence linked to multiple cases.
The suspensions were prompted by serious concerns over judicial conduct and performance. Those affected include Moratuwa Magistrate Thilina Gamage, Mahiyanganaya Additional District Judge Rangani Gamage, and three probationary magistrates who had only recently been appointed.
The JSC, chaired by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, also includes Supreme Court Justice Mahinda Samayawardena as a member, while the third position—previously held by retired Supreme Court Justice Gamini Amarasekara—remains vacant pending Constitutional Council approval. High Court Judge Prasanna Alwis serves as the Commission’s Secretary.
This decisive action underscores the JSC’s commitment to ensuring judicial accountability and preserving integrity within Sri Lanka’s judiciary.
Sri Lanka Sees Sharp Rise in Aviation Fuel Sales in First Half of 2025
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has reported a notable surge in aviation fuel sales during the first six months of 2025, with volumes rising by 21 million liters compared to the same period last year.
CPC Managing Director Mayura Netthikumara credited the increase to strategic pricing, which has kept Sri Lanka’s aviation fuel rates competitive within the region. This pricing advantage, he said, has helped attract more international air traffic, providing a boost to the country’s aviation sector.
Perahera elephants appreciated
A ceremony to appreciate the elephants who have taken part in the Kandy Esala Perahera for over forty years was held yesterday (7) at the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises in Kandy prior to the final Randoli Perahera today.
Sri Lanka Records USD 8.4 Billion in Exports in First Half of 2025, Targets USD 18 Billion for Year
Sri Lanka earned USD 8.4 billion in export revenue in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the same period last year, Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe announced yesterday (7).
Speaking at a press briefing at the Department of Government Information, Wijesinghe stressed the need to maintain this growth momentum to achieve the Government’s annual export target of USD 18 billion. “Our goal for the first six months was a 7% growth rate. For the third and fourth quarters, we aim for 8% to 10%,” he said, warning that failure to meet these targets could make the annual goal difficult to reach.
A new Export Development Plan—based on the National Export Strategy (2018–2022) and incorporating newly targeted sectors—is set to launch by September or October. Developed with industry input, the plan aims to boost exports to USD 36 billion by 2030, increasing the sector’s share of GDP from the current 19% to 25%.
Exports remain Sri Lanka’s largest source of foreign exchange, accounting for over 60% of total inflows, or about USD 1.4 billion monthly. Tourism adds around USD 350 million, while worker remittances make up the rest, bringing total monthly foreign earnings to nearly USD 2.4 billion. Import costs range from USD 1.6 to 1.8 billion, especially after vehicle imports resumed.
Merchandise exports in the first half of 2025 totaled USD 6.5 billion, while services contributed USD 1.8 billion, marking a 16% year-on-year increase. Apparel exports rose by 5%, with strong growth also seen in tea, processed foods, gems and jewellery, electronics, and spices.
The U.S. remained Sri Lanka’s top export destination, importing goods worth USD 1.7 billion—65% of which came from the apparel sector. Recent U.S. tariff changes have strengthened Sri Lanka’s competitive edge over rivals such as India and Vietnam, creating new opportunities to diversify exports.
Wijesinghe also highlighted renewed policy coordination through the revival of the Export Development Council of Ministers—last convened in 1992—chaired by the President. The council’s next review meeting will be held next Tuesday to assess export sector performance and ambassador-led market expansion efforts.
To promote inclusive growth, export development targets have been extended to all districts and Divisional Secretariats, supported by new EDB offices in Kurunegala, Jaffna, Kandy, and Matara.
Govt to Remove Barriers for Return of Specialist Doctors to Strengthen Health Sector
The Government is taking steps to remove all obstacles preventing specialist doctors who left Sri Lanka from returning to serve in the local health sector, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament yesterday (7).
Responding to a question from NPP MP Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, the Minister revealed that Sri Lanka currently has 72 specialist medical services with an approved cadre of 3,181 positions. Of these, 2,042 are filled, while 1,139 vacancies remain. He noted that many doctors who had migrated for overseas employment have already returned, with the Government planning to fill existing vacancies using these returning specialists.
Dr. Jayatissa made an open invitation to all Sri Lankan specialist doctors abroad, stressing their moral duty to contribute to rebuilding the country’s health service, given the significant public investment in their education and training. He assured that the Government will facilitate their return by addressing administrative hurdles, providing schooling for their children near assigned hospitals, and ensuring transport and other necessary facilities.
The Minister highlighted that during the previous administration, a surge in medical migration saw only 40% of those who left returning by September 2024. This figure has now risen to 65–70%. He expressed hope that the remainder will also return, noting past cases where specialists appointed to remote hospitals opted to go abroad again rather than take up their posts.
Final Randoli Maha Perahera Marks Grand Conclusion of Kandy Esala Perahera Tonight
The grand finale of the Kandy Esala Perahera, the final Randoli Maha Perahera, will parade through the streets of Kandy tonight (August 8), starting from the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) at 6:51 p.m.
The majestic procession will travel northward from the Maligawa, passing along Dalada Veediya, Yatinuwara Veediya, Kande Veediya, and D.S. Senanayake Veediya, before ascending Raja Veediya and returning to the temple. In the early hours of tomorrow (August 9) at 1:18 a.m., the Perahera, along with the four Devale processions of Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini, will ceremonially place the Sacred Relic Casket at the Gedige Viharaya.
At dawn, the four Devale Peraheras will perform the traditional water-cutting ceremony (Diya Kapeema) at Getambe Diya Kapana Thota, before arriving at the Gana Devale Kovil. The Dalada Maligawa Perahera will then depart from Gedige Viharaya at 2:16 p.m., proceeding along D.S. Senanayake Veediya to join the Devale processions near the Kandy Municipal Council junction.
The united Perahera will ascend Raja Veediya, perform three ceremonial circumambulations of the Maligawa Square, and conclude its sacred journey. The official closing ceremony will take place tomorrow at the Kandy President’s House, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Following the daytime procession, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, along with the Basnayake Nilames of the four main Devales and affiliated rural shrines, will deliver the Perahera Sandeshaya — the traditional message marking the successful completion of this year’s festival — to the President, in accordance with centuries-old custom.
Australia Pledges Stronger Economic and Bilateral Ties with Sri Lanka
Australian Governor-General Samantha Joy Mostyn met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (7) for bilateral talks aimed at strengthening the more than 75-year-old friendship between the two nations.
Governor-General Mostyn affirmed Australia’s readiness to continue supporting Sri Lanka under President Dissanayake’s leadership, with a particular focus on bolstering the economy.
President Dissanayake thanked Australia for its longstanding assistance in economic development, education, defence, tourism, and maritime affairs, noting that Australia has become a key hub for employment, education, and vocational training for Sri Lankans. He added that Sri Lanka has now created a favourable environment for Australian investors and expressed interest in drawing on Australia’s expertise in various sectors.
The Governor-General is in Sri Lanka on a three-day official visit at the invitation of President Dissanayake and will tour several locations, including Australian-supported projects in Bandaragama, Mirissa, and Weligama.
President Highlights Record Export Growth, Rising Tourism and Investments
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday told Parliament that Sri Lanka’s economy, which had collapsed under previous administrations, has made significant strides under the new Government — with the highest export revenue in history recorded in the first six months of this year.
Speaking during the adjournment debate on the current economic situation, the President said the Government is committed to diversifying export markets to reduce dependence on a handful of countries.
“Around 25% of our exports go to the United States and 23% to the European Union. Any tax changes in these markets have a major impact on Sri Lanka. That is why we are expanding into other high-potential markets,” he said.
According to the President, exports to the African market have increased by 57% and to the Asian market by 26%compared to June last year.
He noted that while no final agreement has yet been reached on tariff rates between Sri Lanka and the United States, negotiations have led to a reduction in the US-imposed tariff to 20%, which he described as a significant milestone.
The President also stressed that the Government will provide infrastructure and facilities for industrialists, but emphasised the importance of proper tax compliance. He revealed that 200 major tax defaulters owe between Rs. 100–150 billion in unpaid taxes, and efforts are underway to encourage payment.
On tourism, he reported a 10% increase in revenue compared to last year, projecting 2025 to be the highest-earning year for the industry.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has also surged, with a 101% increase — reaching US$ 507 million in the first six months of this year compared to US$ 252 million in the same period last year. The Government expects to exceed US$ 1 billion in FDI for 2025. Domestic investment, through the Board of Investment, has grown by 18% year-on-year.
President Dissanayake said that immense sacrifices over the past year have put the economy on a stable and strengthened path, and that the upcoming budget will continue to channel economic benefits to the people.
Dismissing predictions of an economic collapse, the President said:
“Those who constantly dream of an economic collapse should choose another political path. That will not happen under this Government.”