June 23, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Sabaragamuwa province and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (23).
Several spells of showers will occur in the Western and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.
Fairly strong winds of about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, Southern and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain: Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
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 Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
Wind speed can increase up to (45-50) kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu.
State of Sea: The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times.
The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu will be fairly rough at times.
Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant in this regard.
June 22, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is intensifying efforts to finalize the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for the period 2025–2029, aimed at revitalizing the country’s export sector and steering it towards sustainable, inclusive growth.
The initiative comes at a time when Sri Lanka is seeking to enhance foreign exchange earnings, attract investment, and rebuild its economy following years of economic and political challenges.
The second round of discussions on the NEDP took place on 2 June 2025 at the EDB headquarters in Colombo, following the inaugural session held in April. The new plan is being developed through a diagnostic-based, data-driven approach and builds on the experience and lessons learned from the National Export Strategy (NES) 2018–2022, a comprehensive policy framework introduced by a previous government.
The NES 2018–2022, which identified priority sectors including ICT/BPM, wellness tourism, processed food, and apparel, laid the foundation for export diversification and competitiveness. However, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 economic crisis, and global market volatility prevented the full implementation of the strategy, underscoring the urgent need for a renewed, adaptive, and forward-looking framework.
EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe expressed appreciation for the continued support from the ADB and emphasized Sri Lanka’s ambitious target of reaching US$36 billion in export earnings by 2030. “This plan will allow us to focus on emerging markets, build resilience in our export systems, and integrate effectively into global value chains,” he said.
According to the EDB, Sri Lanka earned approximately US$14.9 billion from merchandise and services exports in 2023, with the apparel sector remaining the largest contributor. However, challenges such as overdependence on a few markets, limited product diversification, global economic uncertainty, and rising competition from regional peers have highlighted the vulnerabilities in the country’s export structure.
The NEDP 2025–2029, supported under the ADB’s Policy-Based Lending (PBL) program and implemented through the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, is expected to address these issues head-on. The plan’s methodology includes stakeholder consultations, trade diagnostics, market research, value chain integration, and alignment with the government’s development vision: “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”
ADB officials stressed the importance of private sector involvement, policy coordination, and measurable implementation frameworks. The plan also aims to promote export participation by SMEs, encourage sustainable production, and foster gender inclusivity.
As global trade dynamics evolve, Sri Lanka’s renewed export strategy will be critical in enhancing its economic resilience, securing foreign exchange, and generating employment. The EDB plans further consultations with industry stakeholders to ensure the NEDP becomes a cohesive, actionable, and transformative blueprint for the next five years.
June 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is poised to significantly ease administrative hurdles for drone operations by directing the Police to issue “No Objection” letters for valid requests, marking a crucial step towards liberalizing the country’s drone regulatory framework.
The decision was made during a high-level stakeholder dialogue on drone operations convened at the Ministry of Defence, under the patronage of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha (Retd). The session brought together officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), the tri-forces, Sri Lanka Police, and members of the civil drone industry.
In his opening address, the Defence Secretary stressed the importance of striking a balance between regulatory oversight and technological advancement. He emphasized that while drones offer significant potential in commercial, environmental, and public safety applications—including agriculture, surveillance, logistics, and disaster response—their operations must be controlled through a coherent framework to ensure national security.
The meeting focused on resolving procedural delays that have hindered the growth of the drone sector. Civil drone operators voiced concerns over prolonged waiting times and inconsistent practices among authorities when securing operational clearance. In response, the Defence Secretary underscored the need for improved inter-agency collaboration and timely submission of applications by operators.
In a major policy shift, he instructed all police stations to be officially informed of the legitimate civilian use of drones. He further authorized the issuance of “No Objection” letters by the police, provided that requests meet established criteria and are subject to proper oversight. This move is expected to standardize procedures across the island, especially benefiting industries such as media, infrastructure inspection, land surveying, and tourism.
Officials from the Civil Aviation Authority, led by Director General Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd), also presented updates on the current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and outlined steps to enhance regulatory coherence. The CAA, which oversees drone registration, airspace classification, and operator licensing, will work closely with the Defence Ministry to align civilian drone use with national policy goals.
With drone usage in Sri Lanka increasing rapidly, this initiative marks a turning point in enabling responsible and lawful integration of drone technology into the broader economy. The move is expected to bolster innovation while upholding public safety, operational transparency, and security interests.
The Defence Ministry’s commitment to a collaborative and transparent approach is likely to strengthen Sri Lanka’s drone ecosystem and foster a more agile regulatory environment.
In Sri Lanka, while only around 50 drones are officially registered with the Civil Aviation Authority, many more are believed to be in operation across various sectors. Several firms are involved, including those providing drone services for agriculture, construction, and entertainment (e.g., drone shows). The market is projected to grow, with a predicted annual growth rate of 6.33%.
Although the Civil Aviation Authority has only registered around 50 drones, the actual number in operation is likely much higher.
Drones are also used in law enforcement, wildlife monitoring, disaster management, and more. The Sri Lankan drones market is projected to experience significant growth, with a projected annual growth rate of 6.33%.
The increasing use of drones in various industries, coupled with advancements in drone technology, is expected to drive further growth in the market.
June 22, Colombo (LNW): The World Bank has approved a $150 million financing package to support Sri Lanka’s ambitious transition toward renewable energy, in a major push to scale up solar and wind power while enhancing the country’s electricity grid to prevent future blackouts.
The initiative, titled the “Secure, Affordable, and Sustainable Energy for Sri Lanka” program, is expected to catalyze over 1,000 megawatts (1 gigawatt) of new clean energy capacity. This will significantly contribute to Sri Lanka’s national goal of meeting 70% of its electricity demand through renewable energy sources by 2030.
The World Bank’s support includes a $40 million guarantee facility aimed at reducing investor risks and attracting over $800 million in private sector investment into the renewable energy sector.
The rest of the funds will go toward critical grid upgrades to accommodate fluctuating solar and wind power inputs, thus ensuring system stability and avoiding widespread outages like the one experienced earlier in 2025.
“Modernizing the grid and integrating more renewables will help reduce power outages, stabilize electricity prices, and expand access to energy for households and businesses,” the World Bank said in a statement.
The upgrade is particularly important for maintaining voltage stability, as Sri Lanka’s grid previously experienced reliability issues due to a high penetration of solar without adequate ‘inertia’ from conventional generators.
Sri Lanka’s energy landscape has long relied on large-scale hydroelectric power, particularly from plants owned by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). These older, fully depreciated hydro plants remain the country’s cheapest source of electricity, producing power at rates ranging from Rs. 1 to Rs. 12.69 per unit, according to Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody.
In comparison, solar energy currently costs between Rs. 27.26 and Rs. 35.50 per unit, while coal costs Rs. 20.80 per unit. Diesel and other liquid fuels remain the most expensive sources of electricity. Analysts also point to the lack of competitive tendering in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy procurement as a factor inflating costs relative to international benchmarks.
Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to diversifying its energy mix and reducing its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, which have historically burdened the economy during global price shocks.
The World Bank program is seen as a crucial step toward unlocking Sri Lanka’s untapped renewable energy potential, leveraging the island’s abundant solar and wind resources, especially in the northern and eastern regions. With global momentum building around clean energy, the country’s latest partnership with the World Bank marks a pivotal moment in its journey toward a more sustainable and energy-secure future.
June 22, Colombo (LNW): The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a recent surge in advertisements, both in print and social media, promoting overseas property investments targeting resident Sri Lankan individuals.
These promotions not only market foreign real estate opportunities but also claim to provide assistance in securing foreign financing for such ventures—raising serious concerns over their legality.
In a public notice issued this week, the CBSL highlighted that these promotions may mislead Sri Lankans into violating the country’s foreign exchange regulations, which are governed by the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 (FEA). Under current regulations,
Sri Lankan resident individuals are strictly prohibited from making payments to acquire or invest in immovable property abroad unless such payments are made from a Personal Foreign Currency Account (PFCA) and are limited to USD 20,000 per individual per annum or the equivalent in any other designated foreign currency.
Furthermore, the Central Bank emphasized that Business Foreign Currency Accounts (BFCAs) held by resident entities or individuals cannot be used for such overseas property transactions under any circumstance. Importantly, the CBSL also warned that resident individuals are not allowed to obtain foreign loans or raise financing from non-residents, including banks or other financial institutions, for any purpose—particularly for investing in real estate abroad.
“The public is strongly advised not to be misled by these advertisements, which not only promote unauthorized overseas investments but also encourage financial practices that are in direct violation of national law,” a CBSL official stated. “Any individual or entity found to be engaged in, or facilitating, such unauthorized transactions will be subject to legal action under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Act.”
This alert comes at a time when many Sri Lankans are seeking more secure or lucrative investment options overseas amid domestic economic uncertainty. Real estate markets in countries such as the UAE, UK, Australia, and even Southeast Asia have been aggressively marketed to Sri Lankans through seminars, influencer promotions, and paid social media advertisements. Some of these campaigns promise “zero down-payment” financing, “easy loan options,” and “citizenship via property investment” schemes, further luring unsuspecting individuals into potentially unlawful financial dealings.
CBSL reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the country’s foreign exchange reserves and legal financial channels. The Bank also urged the public to verify the legality of any overseas investment opportunity with relevant authorities before committing funds or entering into financial arrangements.
The CBSL’s latest warning serves as a crucial reminder of the legal and financial risks associated with engaging in unauthorized cross-border investments.
June 22, Colombo (LNW): Equal Ground, the oldest running non-profit organisation working for people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics in Sri Lanka, is proudly hosting its 21st annual “Colombo PRIDE” event with a series of events celebrating the rights of the LGBTQIA+ people in Sri Lanka.
In a glamorous event, the Colombo PRIDE Walk was organised this afternoon in Colombo. Yet another successful walk organised by Equal Ground, the Colombo PRIDE walk was attended by members of the LGBTQIA+ community, their family members, allies and individuals concerned of the rights of the marginalised communities.
The Colombo PRIDE was incepted in 2004, with Equal Ground’s establishment of the same year. For more than two decades, the organisation has been raising awareness amongst the public about the rights of the marginalised communities on a national scale.
Colombo PRIDE, influenced by the global PRIDE movement stemmed from the fights against historical injustices targetting LGBTQIA+ constituencies across the world, primarily focuses the demand of repealing colonial laws in enactment criminalising LGBTQIA+ citizens in Sri Lanka. Whilst combatting social discrimination, harassment, violence and prejudice against queer individuals, the Sri Lankan LGBTQIA+ movement demands right to equality by repealing Section 365 and 365A of the Penal Code, which are commonly misinterpreted deeming consensual same-sex conduct between adults a criminal offence, and safeguarding their rights guaranteed under Article 12 of the Constitution.
This year’s Pride Month holds special significance, as celebrations that were once confined to Colombo have now expanded across the island, reaching the Northern, Central, and Western provinces of the island.
June 22, World (LNW): Air travel across the Middle East faced heightened disruption over the weekend, as commercial airlines continued to divert flights away from key regional airspaces in response to recent military escalations, international media reported.
The move follows a series of United States-led strikes targeting nuclear facilities in Iran, which have further destabilised the already volatile air corridors across the region.
According to the aviation monitoring platform FlightRadar24, the current flight patterns reflect precautionary measures introduced in recent days due to the rising threat from missile attacks and drone incursions.
Aircraft are now avoiding the skies above Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel, instead taking longer detours either northwards over the Caspian Sea or south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Whilst these routes significantly increase flight durations and operating costs, safety concerns have taken precedence for carriers and regulators alike.
This shift comes amid broader fears in the aviation sector over the growing number of global conflict zones, which increasingly threaten the security of international air travel. The Middle East, in particular, has once again become a focus of concern, with airspace closures prompting delays, cancellations, and operational reshuffles.
Since Israel launched military action on Iranian soil on June 13, many airlines have either suspended services to and from the region or redirected flights to avoid affected zones. A limited number of evacuation operations have continued from neighbouring countries, mainly to repatriate nationals caught in the crisis.
Israel’s two main airlines, El Al and Arkia, announced on Sunday the indefinite suspension of all special rescue flights. El Al also extended the cancellation of regular services until at least June 27.
Meanwhile, Israel’s aviation authorities confirmed that the nation’s airspace remains closed to all inbound and outbound flights, though its border crossings with Jordan and Egypt remain operational.
In response to the worsening situation, governments around the world have begun evacuating their citizens from the region. Japan’s foreign ministry confirmed it had successfully transported 21 individuals, including 16 Japanese nationals, from Iran to Azerbaijan by land. It marked the second such evacuation in recent days, with the government signalling readiness to organise additional extractions if required.
New Zealand also announced emergency preparations. In a statement released on Sunday, officials confirmed that a C-130J Hercules military aircraft would be dispatched to the Middle East from Auckland the following day. The transport mission, intended to stand by for potential evacuations of New Zealanders in the region, is expected to take several days to arrive. Authorities are also liaising with commercial carriers to explore further evacuation options.
June 22, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has called for swift and strategic measures to confront a growing crisis in Sri Lanka’s education system, highlighting an acute shortage of more than 42,000 teachers across national and provincial schools.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with the Cabinet-appointed Task Force for Digital Education Transformation, she underscored the urgent need for innovation to bridge the widening educational divide.
In response to the teacher shortfall, Dr Amarasuriya proposed the rapid deployment of digital learning systems to ensure continuity in education delivery.
She recommended that a comprehensive framework for digital instruction be introduced within the next six months, with the aim of optimising existing resources and minimising disruptions to student learning.
The meeting centred on accelerating digital transformation in the school system for students in Grades 6 to 13. Participants discussed both immediate and long-term strategies for integrating technology in classrooms, revising outdated policies, and addressing barriers to implementation—including regional disparities in infrastructure and access.
Dr Amarasuriya also stressed that the initiative must include specific provisions for students with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to learning tools and digital platforms. According to the Prime Minister, inclusivity must be a foundational principle in shaping any nationwide education reform.
She further emphasised the importance of creating a strong, multi-sectoral task force composed of educators, technologists, policymakers, and social advocates to oversee and guide the reform process.
The task force, she said, must ensure that digital education reforms do not simply benefit well-resourced urban schools but instead uplift all students regardless of geography or socioeconomic background.
June 22, Colombo (LNW): A new national initiative has been introduced to commend exceptional academic performers at the district level in Sri Lanka’s most recent G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations.
The programme, spearheaded by the President’s Fund, seeks to identify and reward students who have demonstrated outstanding scholastic achievement in the 2023/2024 A/L cycle.
The first of a series of ceremonies is set to unfold today in Kilinochchi, with the event taking place under the patronage of Speaker of Parliament, Jagath Wickramaratne. Organised with the intention of recognising academic excellence in the Northern Province, today’s gathering will spotlight students from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, and Vavuniya.
Under this scheme, a selection of 60 students from each district who have excelled across all academic streams will be awarded financial scholarships and certificates as a token of recognition and encouragement.
The awards are designed not only to provide financial support but also to serve as a national acknowledgement of their dedication and potential.
This recognition initiative is intended to be extended across the island, with arrangements currently underway to hold similar events in other districts in the coming months. The President’s Fund, which is managing the project, has indicated that this effort is part of a broader strategy to support and uplift youth who show promise, especially in regions that have historically faced educational disparities.
June 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has expressed deep appreciation to India for extending a crucial lifeline to its citizens stranded in Iran, as the regional crisis intensifies.
The move comes in the wake of India’s ongoing evacuation mission, which has been broadened to include foreign nationals from neighbouring countries following direct appeals from Colombo and Kathmandu.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath acknowledged the gesture as a demonstration of the close ties and cooperative spirit that continue to define relations between Sri Lanka and India.
He remarked that such acts of solidarity reinforce the longstanding partnership between the two nations, especially during times of crisis.
India’s evacuation campaign, codenamed Operation Sindhu, was launched in response to the deteriorating security situation in Iran, which remains locked in a volatile military exchange with Israel. The Indian Embassy in Tehran confirmed that citizens of Sri Lanka and Nepal would now be eligible for evacuation alongside Indian nationals, with coordination lines and emergency channels established for urgent assistance.
Sri Lankans currently in Iran seeking evacuation have been advised to contact the Indian Embassy through a dedicated Telegram platform or emergency telephone lines, as well as reach out to their own mission in Tehran for support.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka has also issued helpline numbers staffed by multilingual officers to streamline communication.
The evacuation efforts are taking place against a backdrop of rapidly escalating military action in the Middle East. On Saturday (21), U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a targeted operation had been executed against key nuclear infrastructure in Iran, including the suspected facility at Fordow.
In a post on social media, Trump declared the mission a success and hinted at a desire for de-escalation, writing, “Now is the time for peace.”
Whilst the Pentagon confirmed the involvement of U.S. B-2 bombers in the strike, questions remain as to whether Israeli forces participated in the coordinated assault.
In parallel, Israel has continued its aerial bombardment of Iranian sites, insisting that its objective is to eliminate any potential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Iranian officials maintain that their programme remains strictly for civilian energy development, though international observers remain sceptical.
Efforts by Western governments to broker a ceasefire have so far failed to gain traction, as both Iran and Israel remain entrenched in their positions.
