March 28, Colombo (LNW): Dr Bandura Dileepa Vitharana, Chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC), has officially stepped down from his position, submitting his resignation to the Ministry of Transport today.
His sudden departure adds to a growing wave of resignations from key institutions within the transport sector.
Dr Vitharana, a well-respected academic and a lecturer at the Open University of Sri Lanka in Nawala, had previously served as the head of the Transport Committee for the National People’s Power (NPP).
His tenure at the NTC was marked by efforts to improve regulatory oversight in public transport, but the reasons for his resignation remain unclear.
Notably, Vitharana is the third high-ranking official to resign from a transport-related institution under the purview of Minister Bimal Rathnayake. Earlier, Ramal Siriwardana, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), and Ruwan Wijayamuni, Chairman of the National Transport Medical Institute (NMTI), also stepped down from their respective posts.
The successive resignations have raised concerns about stability within the sector, prompting speculation about underlying issues that may be driving these departures.
Whilst the Ministry of Transport has yet to comment on the matter, insiders suggest that internal policy disagreements or administrative challenges could be contributing factors.
The resignations come at a time when Sri Lanka’s transport sector is facing increasing public scrutiny over service inefficiencies, fare regulations, and the need for modernisation.
March 28, World (LNW): A strong earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck central Myanmar on Friday (28), triggering widespread alarm as tremors were felt across neighbouring countries.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported that the quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located near the city of Mandalay.
The seismic event caused significant concern in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, where hundreds of residents and office workers evacuated buildings in a state of panic.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people rushed onto the streets, fearing potential aftershocks.
Reports also indicated that the tremors caused water to spill over from swimming pools in high-rise buildings, underscoring the quake’s intensity.
Whilst there were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage from Myanmar, authorities are assessing the impact, particularly in Mandalay, a major city with a population of approximately 1.2 million.
Given the shallow depth of the earthquake, experts have warned that even moderate quakes in the region can pose risks to infrastructure, especially in areas with older buildings and limited seismic resistance.
Myanmar, located in a seismically active region along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past.
In 2016, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake caused severe damage to ancient temples in Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to such natural disasters.
Authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand are closely monitoring the situation, with disaster response teams on standby should further tremors or aftershocks occur.
As assessments continue, regional governments are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols in case of further seismic activity.
Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon Faces Legal Scrutiny Amid Shooting Incident in Weligama
By:Ovindi Vishmika
March 28, Colombo (LNW): Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has been remanded in connection with a shooting incident that took place near the W15 Hotel in Weligama on December 31, 2023.
Tennakoon, who had been evading arrest for several weeks, surrendered to the Matara Magistrate’s Court on March 19, 2025. His legal troubles have attracted significant national attention, with various political and legal bodies weighing in on the matter.
What Led To His Arrest & Remand?
The incident in question occurred in the Pelena area of Weligama, where a shooting took place in front of the W15 Hotel. An arrest warrant was issued for Tennakoon and seven other officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) in connection with the shooting. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was tasked with locating and arresting the suspects. However, Tennakoon had been evading authorities for several days before his eventual surrender.
The Court of Appeal had earlier dismissed Tennakoon’s writ petition, which sought an injunction to prevent his arrest. On March 17, 2025, the court ordered that the CID take immediate steps to arrest the former IGP and present him before the Matara Magistrate’s Court. The ruling was delivered without a hearing, with the bench comprising Acting President of the Court of Appeal Mohamed Lafar Tahir and Justice Sarath Dissanayake.
Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala confirmed Tennakoon’s surrender in Parliament on March 19. The Minister also revealed that the CID had conducted a search at Tennakoon’s residence in Hokandara, where they uncovered a significant cache of liquor and a firearm believed to belong to Tennakoon. A total of 1,009 bottles of alcohol, including both foreign liquor and wine, were seized. Additionally, two mobile phones were recovered, with the Minister suggesting that valuable information would likely be revealed through these devices.
Following his surrender, Tennakoon was remanded until March 20, 2025, and transferred to Angunakolapelessa Prison under special security.Then,the Matara Magistrate’s Court further remanded him until April 3, 2025. The court also planned to hear Tennakoon’s bail application on the same day.
In the wake of these events, the legal proceedings surrounding Tennakoon have been complicated by political dynamics. The National People’s Power (NPP) has filed a no-confidence motion against Tennakoon, with a group of MPs expected to submit the motion to the Speaker of Parliament on March 25.
Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, speaking on behalf of the NPP, emphasized the importance of accountability in public office.
“A people’s government is now in power, and we are committed to using the public mandate to remove Deshabandu Tennakoon from the post of Inspector General of Police, a position to which he was unlawfully appointed,” Gunasekara stated.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has also expressed his party’s support for any proposals aimed at holding Tennakoon accountable, criticizing his appointment to the position of IGP by former President and former Speaker, whom he claims violated the Constitution.
On the same day, a resolution calling for the establishment of a committee to investigate Tennakoon’s removal from office was handed over to Parliament by 115 Members of Parliament. The motion, submitted under Section 5 of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act No. 5 of 2002, seeks to begin an inquiry into Tennakoon’s fitness to continue in office, with the support of a significant portion of the legislature.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation into the Weligama shooting incident continues, it remains to be seen how the legal and political challenges facing Tennakoon will unfold. His case is not only a matter of criminal justice but also a focal point in the broader political discourse surrounding police leadership in Sri Lanka.
The Court of Appeal’s dismissal of Tennakoon’s writ petition and the subsequent developments, including the ongoing investigation into the shooting incident and his alleged involvement in various illicit activities, have ensured that the case will be under close scrutiny for the foreseeable future. With his political and legal future uncertain, the former IGP is set to face further hearings in the coming weeks, and his role in Sri Lanka’s policing will likely continue to be a matter of public debate.
March 28, Colombo (LNW): India’s Ministry of External Affairs has officially announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a diplomatic visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka next week, marking a significant step in regional cooperation and bilateral relations.
According to the statement, Modi will first travel to Bangkok from April 03 – 04, 2025 at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
His visit coincides with the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which Thailand, as the current chair, will host on 4 April. This marks Modi’s third official visit to Thailand, underscoring India’s deepening engagement with its regional partners.
The statement further highlighted that this will be the first in-person meeting of BIMSTEC leaders since the 2018 Kathmandu Summit. The previous summit, held in Colombo in 2022, took place virtually.
The theme for this year’s summit, “BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient and Open,” will guide discussions amongst leaders on revitalising cooperation and fostering stronger economic and security ties within the region.
Following his engagements in Thailand, Modi will proceed to Sri Lanka for a state visit from 4–6 April 2025, at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and assess progress on collaborative initiatives outlined in the Joint Vision for Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future, which was formulated during the Sri Lankan leader’s state visit to India.
During his stay, Modi is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with the Sri Lankan President and other senior officials, addressing key areas of economic and strategic cooperation.
He will also meet political leaders and dignitaries, reaffirming India’s support for Sri Lanka’s development agenda. As part of his itinerary, the Indian Prime Minister will travel to the historic city of Anuradhapura, where he is expected to inaugurate several development projects funded through Indian financial assistance.
This will be Modi’s first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019. It follows President Dissanayake’s visit to India, which marked his first international trip after assuming office.
The longstanding cultural, historical, and economic ties between India and Sri Lanka are expected to receive a renewed boost through this high-level engagement.
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasised that Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka underscores India’s commitment to its Neighbourhood First and Act East policies, as well as its broader MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and Indo-Pacific strategic frameworks.
March 28, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has acknowledged Sri Lanka’s progress in economic recovery, noting that key indicators suggest a positive shift.
However, the global financial body has also cautioned that the nation’s economy remains fragile, stressing the need for continued reforms to ensure long-term stability and debt sustainability.
During the IMF’s weekly briefing, spokesperson Julie Kozack confirmed that the organisation had released the fourth tranche of financial assistance—amounting to $334 million—immediately after the Executive Board approved the Third Review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.
This latest disbursement brings the total IMF financial support for the country to $1.34 billion.
Kozack elaborated on Sri Lanka’s economic turnaround, stating, “Reforms are beginning to bear fruit, and economic recovery is gaining momentum. Inflation remains low, fiscal revenue collection is improving, and international reserves are continuing to grow.”
She highlighted that Sri Lanka’s economy registered a growth rate of 5 per cent in 2024, marking a significant rebound after two consecutive years of contraction. The IMF expects this upward trend to continue into 2025, further strengthening the country’s economic outlook.
Whilst acknowledging these positive developments, Kozack warned that Sri Lanka is not out of danger yet. “The economy remains vulnerable, and therefore it is critical that reform momentum is sustained to ensure durable macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability,” she emphasised.
The discussion also touched upon Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to restructure state-owned enterprises (SOEs), a key aspect of its economic reform agenda. When asked about proposals to list these enterprises on the Colombo Stock Exchange, Kozack refrained from commenting, stating, “I don’t have anything for you on that regarding the SOEs, but we’ll come back to you bilaterally.”
March 28, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has made a strong appeal to global investors, presenting itself as a revitalised economy poised for long-term expansion.
The country, having overcome a series of economic and political crises, is now positioning itself as a compelling destination for capital market investments.
At the ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ forum held in Colombo, senior officials from regulatory bodies underscored the timeliness of entering the Sri Lankan market.
This marks the first major investment call within the country since 2014, with the inaugural initiative dating back to 1998.
The event attracted a full house, with over 100 international delegates and around 400 local participants gaining direct insights into Sri Lanka’s economic progress since the 2022 crisis, its current financial landscape, and the vision for future growth.
Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Chairman Dilshan Wirasekara set the stage by highlighting the resilience of the Sri Lankan economy. Reflecting on the country’s turbulent recent history—including political instability, the Easter bombings, the pandemic, and a severe economic downturn—he stated that Sri Lanka has emerged stronger, entering an unprecedented phase of recovery.
“This is a pivotal moment, unlike any before. We have made a complete turnaround, and this is why we believe now is the right time to showcase our market’s potential,” Wirasekara noted.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Professor Hareendra Dissabandara reinforced the importance of a sustainable economic expansion strategy, emphasising that past recoveries had often been short-lived due to a lack of solid macroeconomic foundations and policy consistency.
“This time is different. We now have a structured regulatory framework and a robust macroeconomic policy approach to ensure long-term stability,” he explained, urging investors to seize the opportunity.
Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe echoed this sentiment, stressing the return of price stability and economic predictability, both of which were absent three years ago.
Acknowledging the difficulties faced during the restructuring process, he reassured investors that Sri Lanka has emerged stronger, with valuable lessons learned along the way.
The forum also highlighted regional collaboration, bringing together representatives from Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Nepal to discuss strategies for capital market growth.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed among the five nations, committing to deeper cooperation and knowledge-sharing.
Whilst acknowledging India’s more advanced market position, Sri Lanka’s capital market leaders emphasised the unique opportunity for smaller frontier economies to leverage collective strengths and expand their investment potential.
The event featured notable speakers including Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, AB Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer Mattias Martinsson, Redwheel Emerging and Frontier Markets Team Co-Head James Johnstone, Deloitte Sri Lanka and Maldives Head of Strategy Ruvini Fernando, HNB Investment Bank MD Ray Abeywardena, and Asia Securities Holdings Chairman Dumith Fernando.
Panel discussions were moderated by Bloomberg News Managing Editor for South Asia Jeanette Rodrigues and Lynear Wealth Management Co-Founder Dr. Naveen Gunawardane.
March 28, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath has confirmed that an official inquiry is underway to trace a number of provincial council vehicles that have gone unaccounted for.
A dedicated investigative team has been appointed to scrutinise the issue following reports that several vehicles, originally assigned for provincial council operations, have disappeared without proper documentation or oversight.
Authorities are working to determine whether these assets were misplaced due to administrative lapses or deliberately misused for personal purposes.
Minister Senarath stressed that the government will not tolerate the mismanagement of public resources and vowed that those found responsible for any wrongdoing will face strict legal consequences.
He reiterated that reclaiming government property and ensuring accountability remains a top priority, as efforts to enhance transparency within the provincial administration continue.
Officials are expected to submit a comprehensive report on their findings, following which further disciplinary measures or legal action may be initiated against those implicated in the misuse of state-owned vehicles.
March 28, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have apprehended four additional suspects in relation to the brutal double homicide that took place in Devinuwara, Matara, intensifying the ongoing investigation into the violent crime.
The arrests were carried out while the suspects were in hiding in the Wennappuwa area, according to Police Spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manathunga.
The individuals in custody are accused of aiding and abetting the killings, though their precise roles in the crime are still being examined by investigators.
These latest arrests bring the total number of suspects taken into custody to nine, following the earlier detention of five individuals linked to the case.
Law enforcement officials continue to pursue additional leads, as they piece together the events leading up to the attack.
The crime occurred on the night of March 21, when a group of unidentified assailants in a van ambushed and gunned down two young men travelling on a motorcycle.
The victims, aged 28 and 29, sustained fatal gunshot wounds and succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Police suspect that the attack was premeditated, with early indications pointing to a dispute between the victims and the perpetrators.
Investigators are currently examining potential motives, including personal conflicts and organised crime links, as they work towards bringing all those involved to justice.
March 28, Colombo (LNW): The government is set to roll out a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing food security by establishing new restaurants that will provide nutritious and affordable meals to the public.
This programme seeks to ensure that citizens have access to high-quality food at reasonable prices while promoting healthier dietary habits across the country.
The initiative will be implemented through a collaborative effort involving the National Food Promotion Board, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Additionally, existing restaurant owners will be engaged to secure their participation and support in expanding the availability of healthy meal options.
The first model restaurant under this project is set to open on April 01 in Narahenpita, serving as a prototype for future establishments.
As part of the programme’s second phase, the government plans to introduce measures aimed at improving the quality and hygiene standards of existing restaurants.
This will include regulatory enhancements, improved food safety measures, and incentives for businesses that prioritise nutrition and health-conscious meal preparation.
A preliminary discussion regarding the initiative took place at the Presidential Secretariat, where officials from the relevant ministries and agencies convened to outline the project’s key objectives.
During the meeting, participants underscored the importance of ensuring the public’s right to safe and nutritious food.
They discussed strategies to create an environment where consumers can access meals that meet stringent health standards, fostering greater public confidence in food quality.
Further deliberations focused on how the private sector can collaborate with the government to achieve these objectives. The discussion also touched upon the practical enforcement of existing food safety regulations and how businesses can be encouraged to adhere to best practices in food preparation and hygiene.
Officials explored the role of the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative in complementing these efforts by promoting higher sanitation standards within the food sector.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Kapila Bandara, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, and S.P.C. Sugeeshwara, Additional Secretary to the President, along with representatives from the National Food Promotion Board, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture.
March 28, Colombo (LNW): US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has been accused of modifying the official statement issued by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to the UK government’s sanctions on former Sri Lankan military leaders.
The above accusation was levelled by Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, former MP Udaya Gammanpila.
Gammanpila claimed that certain words had been deliberately removed, implying foreign influence over the Sri Lankan government’s stance on the matter.
Speaking on the issue, Gammanpila suggested that Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath had originally drafted the statement with a strong patriotic tone. However, he alleged that Ambassador Chung, whom he described as wielding significant power over the government, had intervened to soften its language.
Gammanpila, whose far-right conspiracy theories on and off the House are not unheard of, shed this bombshell amidst the ongoing debate over the international community’s response to Sri Lanka in the human rights dialogue.
He argued that this interference diluted the government’s official response to the UK’s actions, which he views as part of a broader international effort to target Sri Lanka’s military leadership.
Gammanpila also questioned the government’s relationship with the Canadian Tamil Congress, drawing attention to a letter sent by the organisation to President Anura Dissanayake after his electoral victory.
The letter, according to the former lawmaker, expressed congratulations while also reminding the president of certain “responsibilities” that had been promised. He raised concerns over what commitments the government might have made to the organisation, stating that the details remained undisclosed to the Sri Lankan public.
Linking this to the government’s response to the UK sanctions, Gammanpila accused the administration of adopting a passive stance towards what he described as a systematic campaign against Sri Lanka’s military personnel.
He suggested that this lack of assertiveness could be interpreted as an attempt to honour undisclosed agreements with external groups, further questioning the government’s priorities and its handling of diplomatic affairs.
