September 28, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (28).

Showers or thundershowers are likely at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara district after 2.00 p.m.

Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, North-western, and Central provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by strong winds.

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain: Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle, Matara and Hambantota.

Winds: Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.

Wind speed can increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota and from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Mullaittivu.

State of Sea: The sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota and from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Mullaittivu will be rough at times.

Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant in this regard.

BY DR ROGER SRIVASAN

An ambassador is not merely a messenger of state, but the living embodiment of a nation’s
conscience, culture, and aspirations. In their bearing one discerns both the weight of history and the promise of the future. To listen to such a figure is to hear both reason and resonance, for their words carry the authority of intellect, the elegance of rhetoric, and the subtle power of diplomacy.

Yet beneath the eloquence lies the careful architecture of competence. An ambassador is
measured not merely by title, but by the sum of qualities that make them a custodian of their nation’s honour. At the heart of their calling is a mastery of diplomacy itself: the ability to negotiate wisely, to mediate with patience, and to safeguard national interest while sustaining international goodwill. Political acumen enables them to read shifting tides of power, anticipate consequences, and navigate the complex interplay of domestic and international priorities.

No less vital is the gift of communication. The ambassador must command English with the fluency of a scholar and the poise of an orator. Language becomes their foremost instrument: not merely to convey information, but to persuade, inspire, and charm. Their voice moves seamlessly from the deliberations of cabinets to the salons of the press, capable of commanding attention while remaining relatable and human.

Cultural literacy amplifies their influence. Raised or educated in the West, exposed to its ideals, institutions, and social codes, the ambassador gains instinctive familiarity with democratic values and international norms. This Western polish never eclipses loyalty to their homeland; rather, it equips them to interpret their nation to foreign audiences with subtlety, credibility, and grace. They understand that diplomacy is as much about listening and learning as it is about asserting national interest.

Character is their unshakable foundation. Integrity is essential, for an envoy who lacks
incorruptibility cannot inspire trust. Composure under pressure, emotional intelligence in delicate encounters, and quiet charisma that wins respect without demanding it—all are indispensable. Courtesy and discretion are their constant companions, for the smallest word or gesture can ripple through the corridors of power.

Beyond the negotiating table, the ambassador is a consummate bridge-builder. They weave
networks among governments, scholars, merchants, and artists. In banquets, boardrooms, and cultural forums alike, they embody hospitality and tact, ensuring their nation is represented with dignity and warmth. Diplomacy, in its highest form, is not only the negotiation of treaties; it is the cultivation of goodwill, the forging of trust, and the quiet strengthening of bonds between peoples.

An ambassador of this calibre combines intellect, eloquence, loyalty, and grace. They speak, act, and live as the voice of their nation, translating its values into action, its principles into presence, and its vision into enduring relationships across the globe. They do not simply represent a country—they personify its voice, its vision, and its values.

Sri Lanka’s state-owned LPG distributor, Litro Gas Lanka Ltd, has come under scrutiny after a sudden amendment to its latest international tender raised questions of transparency, competition, and national energy security.

The tender, issued on August 27 to procure 380,000 metric tonnes (±20%) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for 2026, officially closed in mid-September. Yet, just before the deadline, Litro introduced a controversial new clause to its conflict-of-interest section, igniting industry alarm and political criticism.

The new clause, Section 11, Clause 4.2 (VIII), states that: “Bidders shall be permitted to lease the competitor’s terminal facility in Hambantota. However, Litro will bear no responsibility for the product or any related logistics arrangements until the product is delivered for the Litro CBM terminal.”

While appearing to offer flexibility, critics argue the amendment effectively nudges suppliers toward using infrastructure owned by LAUGFS Gas, Litro’s direct competitor. The Hambantota terminal, long a flashpoint in Sri Lanka’s energy sector, is once again at the center of debate.

Currently, Litro relies on a relatively modest 8,000 MT terminal at Kerawalapitiya and smaller facilities at Mabima to meet national demand, which averages 32,000 MT per month.

This forces frequent shipments to maintain supply. By contrast, LAUGFS Terminals Ltd operates a state-of-the-art 30,000 MT facility in Hambantota alongside a 3,000 MT Mabima terminal, giving it a significant storage and logistical advantage.

“It is like asking a state company’s suppliers to pay rent to its competitor,” one energy analyst noted, warning that dependence on a rival’s facility could undermine Litro’s long-term independence and bargaining power.

This is not the first time Hambantota’s role has stirred controversy. Back in June 2021, the government proposed a public-private partnership allowing Litro and LAUGFS to jointly use the Hambantota terminal. LAUGFS Chairman W.K.H. Wegapitiya argued the plan would cut import costs by US$70 per metric tonne and help stabilise retail LPG prices.

 A committee was appointed to study feasibility, but the proposal stalled amid political uncertainty and fears of losing strategic control over energy assets.

 Procurement specialists now warn that Litro’s amendment may not meet procedural standards. Under Sri Lanka’s procurement rules, any substantive change should be issued as an addendum and circulated equally among bidders. Failure to do so risks legal challenges before the Procurement Appeal Board or courts.

For international suppliers, the clause adds operational risks by tying logistics to a private competitor, potentially raising costs and limiting flexibility. For consumers, fewer bidders could mean higher prices and weaker supply security.

As the controversy unfolds, Litro’s procurement decision is likely to face growing scrutiny—not only from industry stakeholders but also from policymakers concerned about Sri Lanka’s fragile energy security.

Sri Lanka Tourism has formally endorsed a landmark initiative led by rights organisation EQUAL GROUND to promote and develop LGBTIQ tourism in the country, a move seen as both progressive and commercially strategic for an industry seeking to diversify its markets and rebuild after ears of disruption.

In an official letter to EQUAL GROUND Executive Director Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam praised the proposal, highlighting its potential to strengthen the island’s position as a safe and inclusive destination.

 “We recognise the potential of this project to diversify our tourism markets and position Sri Lanka as a safe, inclusive and welcoming destination for all travellers,” Hewawasam wrote, adding that the project aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader strategy of expanding its global tourism footprint.

The programme, built around principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, is structured into six components including stakeholder engagement, training and awareness programmes, job creation, and international promotional linkages.

Sri Lanka Tourism has granted EQUAL GROUND authority to liaise with hotels, tour operators, training institutions, guides and drivers to conduct training and awareness initiatives across the industry.

 In addition, the organisation will be included in Sri Lanka’s participation at international tourism fairs and global LGBTIQ travel networks in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, providing visibility in a niche but fast-growing market segment.

The endorsement also confirmed that EQUAL GROUND will have opportunities to present the initiative to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and senior cabinet ministers, with Sri Lanka Tourism pledging support to facilitate such high-level engagements.

 “We look forward to working closely with EQUAL GROUND to ensure the success of this initiative, which we believe will contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s tourism development and economic growth,” the letter stated.

The timing of this development is significant. Globally, the LGBT tourism market was valued at over USD 320 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at nearly seven percent annually through 2033.

Travellers in this segment are often seen as high-spending, loyal customers who actively seek destinations that embrace inclusivity and safety. For Sri Lanka, which is attempting to move beyond its reliance on traditional sun-and-beach tourism and rebuild its reputation after years of economic and political turmoil, tapping into this market could deliver both financial and reputational dividends.

Domestically, EQUAL GROUND’s Mapping LGBTIQ Identities in Sri Lanka research found that around 12 percent of surveyed respondents across all districts identified as LGBTIQ, suggesting a local community of nearly 1.5 million people who could also benefit from greater inclusion in tourism and hospitality. Yet challenges remain.

A 2025 study on hindering factors in LGBT tourism highlighted persistent obstacles such as social stigma, harassment, and lack of awareness, particularly outside urban centres.

Meanwhile, colonial-era laws criminalising same-sex relations remain on the statute books, even if they are rarely enforced. International watchdogs have noted that legal uncertainty, coupled with reports of discrimination in housing, education and law enforcement, could deter some visitors.

Against this backdrop, Sri Lanka’s official embrace of LGBT-inclusive tourism marks a noteworthy shift. If implemented sincerely, with industry buy-in, effective training and progress toward legal reforms, the partnership between Sri Lanka Tourism and EQUAL GROUND could help the island carve out a competitive niche in a booming global travel sector, while also signalling a broader commitment to inclusivity and social progress at home.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) this week launched an ambitious 10-year roadmap designed to transform the country’s capital market into a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive hub.

The plan, themed “12 Pillars, One Vision for a Resilient Market”, sets out a series of structural reforms and product innovations aimed at revitalising the economy, boosting investor confidence, and mobilising long-term capital for development.

Unveiling the initiative, SEC Chairman Prof. Hareendra Dissabandara said the strategy would revolve around twelve developmental and regulatory priorities. “Our ultimate goal is to build a dynamic and resilient market that fosters stability while ensuring sustainable prosperity for generations to come,” he said.

Prof. Dissabandara noted that the reforms will focus on three broad outcomes: driving continuous innovation to keep the market relevant and responsive; upgrading infrastructure and services to be more efficient and accessible; and cultivating a diverse, competitive ecosystem that enhances market resilience.

Endorsing the SEC’s vision, Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando described quality capital formation as “critical” for Sri Lanka’s future growth.

“The next take-off is nothing but investment. Without investment, we can’t expect growth,” he told the launch audience. Stressing the stock market’s role as a national platform for development, he added: “Scattered, insignificant capital cannot make a big push for the economy. We need to pull it together, and the stock market is the platform for that.”

Calling capital market participation a “public duty,” Dr. Fernando urged regulators and industry players to lower entry barriers and attract grassroots savers to strengthen liquidity. “If you want robust capital formation and exponential growth, we need to bring them together and close the gaps,” he said.

At the heart of the SEC’s roadmap are twelve reform projects targeting infrastructure, product diversity, regulation, and investor engagement.

One of the most significant changes will be the demutualisation of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), converting it from a member-owned institution into a company limited by shares to improve governance and operational efficiency.

Another milestone is the Central Counterparty (CCP) system, which became operational in August 2025, providing guaranteed trade settlements and reducing counterparty risk.

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has launched all client payments through the GovPay digital system, effective from yesterday, the Environment Ministry announced.

With this move, CEA clients will be able to make payments more efficiently and transparently via the online platform.

The initiative is part of the Government’s digital state policy, which seeks to expand the use of information technology across state institutions. Introduced earlier this year, the GovPay system now includes 138 government entities, with the CEA becoming the latest addition.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, said on Friday that bilateral ties have reached a point of “unprecedented excellence” following recent high-level visits between the two countries.

Speaking to PTI Videos in New Delhi, Colonne highlighted that the relationship has grown stronger since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka a few months later.

“At this point, Sri Lanka has stabilised its economy and is well on the path of recovery and transformation. Opportunities to explore partnerships are at an optimal level,” she noted.

The envoy emphasized the unique historic ties binding the two neighbours, citing shared culture, geography, and trade links spanning millennia. “We see India not just as our closest neighbour, but also our most natural business partner,” Colonne said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant address to the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, vowing that Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza, even as his government faces unprecedented international isolation and mounting war crimes accusations.

Dozens of delegates walked out of the hall before his speech, while others shouted protests. The U.S. delegationremained in place, though it was represented only by lower-level diplomats rather than senior officials or the ambassador.

Wearing a special pin symbolizing the October 7 hostage crisis, Netanyahu held up a large map titled “THE CURSE” and praised former U.S. President Donald Trump, calling him his chief ally. He also announced an “unprecedented operation” in which the Israeli army would broadcast his speech directly onto the mobile phones of Gaza residents, as well as via loudspeakers placed on the Israeli border.

Netanyahu’s remarks came as Australia, Canada, France, the U.K. and other nations formally recognized a Palestinian state, while the EU considers sanctions and tariffs against Israel. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu on charges of crimes against humanity, while the International Court of Justice is weighing South Africa’s allegation of genocide in Gaza—both of which Israel rejects.

The conflict, triggered by Hamas’ October 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 taken hostage, has since killed over 65,000 Palestinians and displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, according to U.N. figures.

On Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the Assembly via video, urging stronger international action to deliver Palestinian statehood. “The time has come for the international community to do right by the Palestinian people,” Abbas said.

Netanyahu, however, dismissed a two-state solution, calling it a reward for Hamas. “This will not happen,” he declared before leaving Israel for New York.