February 28, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court has directed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to pay annual interest on the security deposits collected from electricity consumers when providing connections.
The court’s decision follows a petition filed by the Electricity Consumers’ Association, its Chairman, and Secretary, asserting that consumers are entitled to interest on the deposits they have paid.
The Supreme Court, taking into account the petition, ruled that the CEB must pay an annual interest rate of 11.67 per cent, the same rate the Ceylon Electricity Board earns from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on these deposits.
The ruling applies to all categories of consumers, including domestic users, effectively ensuring that they are compensated for the security deposits they made when obtaining electricity connections.
The petition, which sought to enforce the payment of the relevant annual interests under Article 28/III of the CEB Act, named several key respondents, including the Ministry of Power, the Minister, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and the Attorney General.
The case was reviewed by a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, which included Justices S. Thurairaja and Sobhitha Rajakaruna, during proceedings held today (28).
February 28, Colombo (LNW): The word “woke” is now a political grenade, lobbed with venom by far-right factions across the globe. To them, it is a catch-all curse for progressive ideals—social justice, inclusivity, multiculturalism—recast as a menacing spectre haunting traditional values.
As alien as it may appear to Sri Lankan eyes and ears, social movements being labelled as “woke” unravel a deeper societal issue wooing the division amongst communities. Now that local far-right religious extremists like “Mawwarunge Peramuna” have taken the matter to the street, being “woke” should no longer remain a closed topic.
The demonisation of being “woke” is not mere bluster; it is a deliberate ploy to smother a movement with deep historical roots and a critical role in confronting global injustice.
“Woke” began in African American Vernacular English in the early 20th century, a call to stay alert to racial prejudice. Its modern lineage stretches to the 1930s, tied to civil rights struggles in the United States. Blues icon Lead Belly sang of the Scottsboro Boys in 1938, urging listeners to “stay woke” to the fate of nine Black teens framed for rape.
For decades, it thrived in activist circles, surging anew with Black Lives Matter in 2014 after Michael Brown’s killing. By then, “woke” had ballooned into a worldwide rallying cry—against racism, sexism, economic disparity, and environmental ruin.
From Tokyo’s feminist marches to Johannesburg’s anti-apartheid echoes, from Stonewall riots challenging criminalisation of same-sex conduct to the “ACT UP” movement demanding equal access to health during the AIDS epidemic across Europe, “woke” became a universal language of resistance.
Being “woke” matters because it is about piercing the veil of power. It is the Indigenous Australians demanding land rights, not just apologies, for centuries of theft. It is the Fridays for Future kids striking for a planet choked by greed. It is the whistleblowers in Brazil exposing Amazon deforestation whilst far-right leaders shrug. It is the cry of the Tamil minorities of Sri Lanka, demanding equal access to the national dialogue. To be “woke” is to see the threads—how wealth hoarding in New York fuels slums in Nairobi, how misogyny in Delhi mirrors machismo in Buenos Aires. It is not about preaching; it is about prying open eyes too long shut.
Yet the far right has made “woke” their whipping boy. In the US, Trump acolytes—quite notably the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement—decry it as “cancel culture” run amok; in France, Le Pen’s National Rally slams it as a threat to Frenchness; in India, Hindu nationalists brand it Western meddling. They scoff at “woke” wins—same-sex marriage, climate accords—as frivolous, dodging the structural critiques beneath.
This is no accident. By trashing “woke” ideals, they shield the hierarchies—white supremacy, patriarchy, racism, homophobia, corporate dominance—they champion. Take the UN’s 2021 climate talks: far-right voices globally dismissed “woke” green agendas, even as floods and fires ravaged their own backyards.
The damage is not just rhetorical. Far-right campaigns against “woke” spark real rollback—Hungary’s bans on gender studies, Russia’s crackdowns on LGBTQIA+ rights, Brazil’s gutting of Indigenous protections. In 2022, US states like Florida pushed “Don’t Say Gay” laws, framing “woke” teachers as groomers.
This repression paints dissent as treachery, stifling voices that dare challenge the status quo. It is a global playbook: mock the “woke”, then muzzle them. Yet it is a losing gambit—the more they attack, the more they reveal their dread of a world waking up.
Groups demonising the “woke” culture do not hesitate to violate the rule of law, as this was clearly evident when “Mawwarunge Peramuna” held that being queer is an equivalent to being paedophilic, in a blatant contempt of what the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka declared in its special determination two years earlier, and even openly campaigned inside public schools against the queer rhetoric.
The twist? The far right’s fixation on “woke” apes the vigilance they condemn, only they are hunting imaginary foes whilst real crises—inequality, climate collapse—burn.
“Woke” culture has flaws; it can tip into dogma or alienate with sanctimony. But its essence—awareness, compassion, defiance—is a lifeline against indifference.
The far right’s war to bury it is not just wrong-headed; it is a threat to a planet that could be kinder, braver, and more just.
February 28, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has revealed plans to modernise the 330 automated rain gauges currently deployed across Sri Lanka.
The upgrades aim to improve the accuracy and efficiency of early warning systems, particularly in identifying landslide risks during periods of heavy rainfall.
Dr. Gamini Jayatissa, Senior Geologist at the Landslide Studies Division, highlighted that the existing rain gauges already play a crucial role in monitoring rainfall in real-time, providing valuable data to issue early warnings when landslide threats are imminent.
However, to enhance the effectiveness of this system, the NBRO plans to increase the number of automated rain gauges across the country to 480.
This expansion is expected to significantly improve the precision of rainfall data collection, ensuring that warnings can be issued with greater accuracy and timeliness.
Dr. Jayatissa explained that these upgrades would not only allow for more comprehensive monitoring of rainfall patterns but also strengthen the overall capacity to respond to natural disasters.
The project reflects the government’s commitment to improving disaster resilience and safeguarding communities, particularly in regions prone to landslides and flooding.
By increasing the network of rain gauges, Sri Lanka aims to provide more accurate and reliable early warnings, which could ultimately save lives and reduce the economic impact of such disasters.
February 28, Colombo (LNW): A key event aimed at rallying international support for Sri Lanka’s ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (27).
The Development Partner Dialogue, also known as the Donor Conference, sought to foster collaboration and secure financial and technical contributions to support the country’s ambitious environmental and cleanliness goals.
The primary objective of the conference was to gather valuable input, proposals, and commitments from international partners to strengthen the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme, a vital government-led initiative focused on enhancing waste management, promoting sustainability, and improving the overall cleanliness of the nation.
The event, which took place under the leadership of Marc-Andre Franche, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, was organised jointly by the United Nations and the Presidential Secretariat.
It was structured around three key sessions designed to facilitate dialogue between various stakeholders and explore how their support could be integrated into the national effort.
Representatives from numerous diplomatic missions were present, underscoring the importance of the programme on the international stage. The British High Commission, Australian High Commission, Canadian High Commission, Indian High Commission, and the embassies of Japan, China, Switzerland, and the Netherlands attended the conference.
In addition to these diplomatic entities, key international development organisations, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), were also in attendance, further demonstrating global recognition of Sri Lanka’s environmental ambitions.
Also present were officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Employment and Tourism, and various affiliated departments, all of whom played a key role in facilitating the discussions.
These stakeholders discussed the country’s environmental priorities and explored how international collaboration could drive long-term success for the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme.
February 28, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to review Sri Lanka’s progress under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) today (28).
This crucial evaluation will be taken up by the IMF’s Executive Board as part of the ongoing financial assistance programme for Sri Lanka.
A staff-level agreement between the IMF and the Sri Lankan authorities was reached back on November 23, 2024 regarding the third review of the country’s EFF programme.
This agreement laid the foundation for the current review and set the stage for further financial support once approved by the IMF’s Executive Board.
Upon approval of the third review, Sri Lanka is expected to gain access to an additional $333 million in financing, which will play a vital role in stabilising the nation’s economy amid its ongoing financial challenges.
The EFF arrangement, which was first approved in March 2023, is a 48-month programme valued at approximately SDR 2.286 billion (about $3 billion), representing 395 per cent of Sri Lanka’s IMF quota.
February 28, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is grappling with severe dry weather conditions that have left a lasting impact on thousands of families.
According to the latest report from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 2,295 households, comprising 12,308 individuals, have been significantly affected by the ongoing drought.
The hardest-hit regions include the districts of Ratnapura and Kalutara, where water shortages and high temperatures have taken a heavy toll on the local population.
In response to the crisis, the DMC has assured the public that efforts to distribute drinking water to those in need are underway.
Teams have been deployed to ensure that affected communities receive access to the vital resource, though challenges remain due to the escalating demand for water.
The extreme heat has led to an unprecedented surge in water consumption, which has put additional strain on the already limited water resources.
As the situation continues to worsen, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has issued a public appeal, urging citizens to use water cautiously.
The NWSDB has advised that water should be reserved primarily for essential purposes, as the nation’s reservoirs have been running dangerously low.
In light of the dwindling water supply, the NWSDB has also warned that some areas may experience reduced water pressure, with certain regions, particularly those in the highlands, being served on a rotational basis.
The authorities have stressed the importance of responsible water management to mitigate the effects of the crisis.
The DMC and NWSDB have emphasised that this ongoing challenge calls for collective action to minimise the impact on vulnerable communities and prevent further strain on the country’s water systems.
February 28, Colombo (LNW): The Dutch government has expressed its readiness to engage in significant port-related investments in Sri Lanka, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
This was announced by the Dutch Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Bonnie Horbach, following a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (27).
During the discussions, both parties focused on enhancing the long-standing relationship between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, with particular emphasis on potential Dutch support in several key sectors, including tourism, port development, and investment opportunities within the island nation.
The Ambassador highlighted the Netherlands’ interest in contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s maritime activities, further cementing the Netherlands’ role as a key partner in regional trade and logistics.
The meeting also saw the formulation of an agreement for Dutch assistance in the preservation of Sri Lanka’s culturally and historically significant heritage.
Ambassador Horbach confirmed the Dutch government’s commitment to supporting research initiatives at the University of Colombo, alongside educational and training programmes aimed at fostering skills development for Sri Lankans.
President Dissanayake welcomed the Dutch proposal and expressed his hopes for the country’s support in enhancing Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, as well as its port operations and overall investment climate.
He underscored the importance of deepening collaborations in these areas to stimulate economic growth and create more opportunities for the Sri Lankan population.
Ambassador Horbach also acknowledged the key points raised by the President regarding the recent budget proposals, particularly those aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
She discussed potential Dutch contributions to elevate the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, a government programme designed to improve the country’s cleanliness and waste management systems, which aligns with broader environmental goals.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage, Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands, Iwan Rutjens, and Namal Perera, the Policy Officer for Political Affairs at the Embassy of the Netherlands.
February 28, Colombo (LNW): The Parliament of Sri Lanka is in the midst of the second day of its debate on the third reading of the 2025 Budget Appropriation Bill, also known as the Committee Stage debate.
This important session is designed to examine and approve the government’s planned expenditure for the upcoming financial year, and today’s discussions will focus on key areas of national security.
The parliamentary agenda for today includes a detailed examination of the budgets allocated to the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.
These crucial ministries, responsible for maintaining the country’s security infrastructure, will face scrutiny as lawmakers debate how public funds should be allocated for their operations in the coming year.
The Committee Stage debate, which began on February 27, is scheduled to run for a total of 19 days, concluding on March 21. This period will include sessions on four Saturdays, ensuring that all aspects of the budget are thoroughly discussed.
Lawmakers will have the opportunity to propose amendments and question ministers about their expenditure plans during these sessions.
The final vote on the third reading of the Appropriation Bill is set to take place on March 21 at 6.00 PM. This vote will be a decisive moment in determining the government’s financial framework for the year ahead, shaping the allocation of funds across various sectors, from defence and public security to education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
February 28, Colombo (LNW): In a stark revelation, the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) reported a significant rise in social media-related incidents in the past year, with over 17,000 cases documented.
This surge highlights the growing concerns surrounding online safety and the urgent need for stronger regulatory frameworks.
SLCERT engineer Charuka Damunupola told Daily Mirror that a staggering 1,371 cases of online sexual harassment were reported, specifically relating to adult victims.
This figure raises alarms about the prevalence of such offences on digital platforms, calling for immediate action to combat this type of abuse.
Furthermore, the report brought to light a particularly disturbing trend: 60 cases of child sexual harassment were recorded, underlining the pressing need for enhanced protection for minors in the digital environment.
“Children are especially vulnerable online, and the data points to an increasing necessity for vigilance, education, and legal safeguards,” Damunupola emphasised.
The report also highlighted 16 cases of suicide or self-harm linked to social media interactions, a stark reminder of the severe psychological toll that online platforms can exert on individuals.
This raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current measures to ensure mental health support and secure online spaces for vulnerable individuals.
In addition, the SLCERT reported that 6,123 accounts were compromised last year, an alarming figure that draws attention to the vulnerability of personal data and the potential for cybercriminal activity.
The frequency of these hacks is a growing concern, particularly as more people conduct personal, financial, and professional transactions online.
Another troubling statistic revealed 673 incidents of harmful or dangerous behaviour, further reinforcing the need for a safe digital environment for all users, particularly in light of growing concerns about cyberbullying and online harassment.
Given these findings, experts are urging the government to implement stricter laws and regulations to safeguard Sri Lanka’s digital landscape. There is a call for more robust enforcement of existing laws, along with enhanced awareness campaigns to educate the public on online safety.
In particular, experts stress that it is crucial to equip children, parents, and educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the digital world safely.
February 28, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has submitted a confidential report to the court regarding the murder of organised criminal “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” whose death has shocked the nation.
The report, which outlines key findings related to the case, was presented to Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
Following the submission, the court issued a series of instructions to the police to aid in the further investigation of the crime. Amongst these directives is the requirement for investigating officers to take statements from a group of inmates currently held at Boossa Prison, a crucial step in uncovering the circumstances surrounding Sanjeewa’s murder.
The brutal killing took place on the morning of February 19, when Sanjeewa was fatally shot inside the dock of Courtroom No. 05 at the Aluthkade Courts Complex, during a live court session.
The audacious nature of the attack has raised many questions about the security arrangements at the court, as well as the motives behind the assassination.
At present, the CCD is conducting a thorough inquiry into the murder, and ten individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime.
The authorities are working tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, with law enforcement sources suggesting that the crime may be linked to Sanjeewa’s alleged involvement in organised criminal activities.
As the investigation progresses, there are mounting concerns about the broader implications of the murder, particularly regarding the safety and security of public officials and institutions.
The CCD is expected to continue its efforts in gathering crucial evidence and questioning key witnesses to bring those responsible to justice.
