The Batticaloa-Colombo train, ‘Meenagaya,’ collided with a herd of elephants at Gal Oya, resulting in the tragic death of five elephants, Sri Lanka Railways confirmed.

The impact caused the train to derail, obstructing services on the line. Authorities are working to restore operations.

As global trade dynamics shift, Sri Lanka remains vigilant about potential economic consequences stemming from the second-term policies of U.S. President Donald Trump. With Washington signaling a move toward stricter trade reciprocity, emerging markets, including Sri Lanka, are assessing both risks and opportunities. 

While some Sri Lankan exporters see potential benefits, concerns linger over possible disruptions in key industries such as apparel and manufacturing. The government and financial institutions are closely monitoring developments to adapt to potential changes in trade patterns and commodity prices.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka is actively tracking major policy shifts in the U.S., particularly the possibility of increased tariffs, but does not anticipate any severe economic setbacks, a senior official stated.

President Trump has announced plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that charge higher duties on U.S. imports, raising fears of an escalating global trade war and the potential for rising inflation in the U.S. 

In response, the European Commission has warned that it would take immediate and firm action against such tariff increases, labeling them as unjustified and counterproductive, according to international reports.

S. Jegajeevan, Director of the Central Bank’s Economic Research Department, told reporters on Friday (14) that Sri Lanka is closely observing these developments. “There are both positives and negatives to consider. Some of our major exporters, particularly in the apparel sector, are optimistic about potential outcomes,” she noted. However, she emphasized that it is still too early to make a definitive assessment of the impact on Sri Lanka’s economy.

Jegajeevan pointed to two main channels through which these policies could affect Sri Lanka. Firstly, external demand for Sri Lankan exports may fluctuate, though a major downside impact is not expected. Secondly, changes in global commodity prices—especially oil—could play a role. She suggested that an increase in U.S. oil production might help stabilize or reduce global oil prices in the medium term, offering a potential economic benefit to Sri Lanka.

Potential Direct Impacts on Sri Lanka

Another key concern is the effect of U.S. trade policies on inflation. If tariff hikes lead to persistent inflation in the U.S., the Federal Reserve could slow down its policy normalization process, which in turn could have direct economic implications for Sri Lanka.

If President Trump enforces a reciprocal trade policy, Sri Lanka’s export sector—particularly its apparel and rubber industries—could face serious consequences. The U.S. is Sri Lanka’s largest export market, accounting for around 25% of total exports. 

Should tariffs make Sri Lankan products more expensive and less competitive, it could reduce demand, impact manufacturers, and lead to potential job losses, particularly in the garment industry, which makes up nearly 40% of Sri Lanka’s total exports.

On the import side, Sri Lanka sources several essential goods from the U.S., including machinery, medical equipment, and agricultural products. If Sri Lanka retaliates with higher tariffs on American imports, local businesses and consumers could see rising costs, worsening existing inflationary pressures. Given the country’s ongoing foreign exchange crisis, any additional cost burdens on essential imports could hinder economic recovery efforts and weaken industrial competitiveness.

Shifting Economic Alliances

With potential disruptions in U.S.-Sri Lanka trade relations, analysts predict that Sri Lanka may need to strengthen economic ties with China and India to offset losses from the American market. In the long term, a shift in trade alignment could push Sri Lanka closer to China, altering its foreign policy stance and economic dependencies.

As global trade policies evolve, Sri Lanka must remain adaptable to safeguard its economic stability. While uncertainties remain, proactive strategies will be essential to mitigate potential risks and capitalize on new opportunities in the shifting geopolitical landscape.

The United Kingdom (UK) has warned that terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka cannot be ruled out.In an updated travel advice, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said that attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals and tourists such as hotels, bars, restaurants and night clubs, beaches, tourist sites, places of worship, and large public gatherings, including major events, public holidays, religious occasions

British nationals have been urged to avoid crowded public places and to stay aware of their surroundings at all times, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

“The conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has led to heightened tensions around the world. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida and Daesh, have called on their supporters to carry out terrorist attacks in response to the conflict. The conflict could also motivate individuals to carry out attacks,” the travel advice said.

The travel advice says terrorist attacks could target Jewish or Muslim communities, or the interests of Israel and its allies. Attacks could also be indiscriminate and occur without warning.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office noted that on Easter Sunday in April 2019, more than 250 people, including 8 British nationals, were killed in terrorist attacks against 3 churches and 3 hotels in Sri Lanka: in Colombo, Negombo and in Batticaloa.

In October 2024, the United Kingdom updated its travel advisory for Sri Lanka, highlighting a heightened threat of terrorism. This update was prompted by credible intelligence reports indicating potential attacks targeting popular tourist destinations, particularly in the Arugam Bay area. The U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued a security alert on October 23, 2024, advising American citizens to avoid Arugam Bay due to the serious risk of an imminent attack. 

In response to these threats, Sri Lankan authorities arrested three local suspects believed to be planning attacks on Israeli tourists in Arugam Bay. Security measures were intensified, with increased deployments of police and Special Task Force personnel in coastal regions frequented by tourists. The Israeli government also advised its citizens to leave areas deemed at high risk, including Arugam Bay and other southern and western coastal regions. 

These developments have significantly impacted Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which has been striving to recover from past adversities, including the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and recent political unrest. In an effort to rejuvenate tourism, Sri Lanka had introduced a visa-free entry program starting October 1, 2024, for visitors from 35 countries, including the UK. However, the renewed security concerns have posed challenges to these recovery efforts. 

Travelers are advised to exercise heightened caution, stay informed through official channels, and adhere to local security guidelines when considering travel to Sri Lanka.

Australia is set to continue its support and collaboration with Sri Lanka in further strengthening Maritime security cooperation an essential part of the bilateral relationship between the two nations,.

Australia formally handed over a cutting-edge Kongsberg EM2042 shallow water multibeam echo sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy on Tuesday (18). The ceremonial transfer took place in the presence of Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens, and Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.

Despite its compact size, the EM2042 Multibeam Echo Sounder is highly efficient and robust, offering high-resolution, clean data in challenging marine environments. This advanced hydrographic equipment, funded by the Australian Department of Defence, is set to significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s independent hydrographic capabilities.

High Commissioner Stephens expressed his pride in the collaboration, highlighting the strategic importance of enabling Sri Lanka to collect vital maritime data autonomously. He emphasized that as an island nation seeking to grow its blue economy, Sri Lanka would greatly benefit from the ability to map its ocean floor without relying on external assistance.

The precise hydrographic data provided by the Kongsberg EM2042 will play a crucial role in expanding maritime trade, a key component of Sri Lanka’s economic growth through export diversification. The handover is the result of more than a year of planning and cooperation between the Australian and Sri Lankan governments.

Maritime security cooperation forms an essential part of the bilateral relationship between the two nations, complementing strong ties in areas such as education, tourism, trade, investment, sports, and cultural exchange. Both countries are committed to fostering an open, prosperous, and resilient Indian Ocean region.

“Australia and Sri Lanka are Indian Ocean neighbors, and as island nations, we share a mutual interest in ensuring regional stability and economic prosperity,” said High Commissioner Stephens. He added that as geopolitical competition in the northeastern Indian Ocean intensifies, Australia seeks to be a trusted and reliable partner for Sri Lanka.

In 2024, Australia demonstrated its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka through multiple initiatives. These included gifting a King Air 350 maritime surveillance aircraft to the Sri Lanka Air Force, providing all-terrain vehicles to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and offering fuel support to the Sri Lanka Navy. These efforts were part of Australia’s flagship Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024 program, aimed at strengthening regional defence and security partnerships.

 Looking ahead to 2025, Australia plans to continue its support and collaboration with Sri Lanka. This will include ongoing training and educational opportunities, the return of Indo-Pacific Endeavour, and sustained fuel assistance for the Sri Lanka Navy to bolster efforts in combating transnational crime.

The handover of the Kongsberg EM2042 echoesounder underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. By equipping Sri Lanka with modern hydrographic capabilities, Australia is reinforcing its commitment to regional maritime security, economic stability, and long-term cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

The easy way is to swim with the flow. But choosing the direction

that clearly appears to be the truth is the practice of media activity.

It is not easy. Sometimes they can even turn life into a challenge.

Especially in Sri Lanka, politicians have been accustomed to

standing up for their own opinions, not for the right opinions.

It is clear from the National Sports Council itself that the

government is strongly feeling the need to stand up for the wrong

decisions in rugby that are being pointed out by the media at this

moment in sports. The expectation at this moment is to end the

pro-Namal interest at the root of the rugby crisis with a political

victory, regardless of the law of the country. Therefore, a National

Sports Council has been appointed to ensure the identity of rugby

with a majority of rugby representation. We have written about it

before.In that regard, the Minister cannot ignore that the £50,000 fine

imposed on the Sri Lanka Rugby Administration an international

offender that has become a black mark not only on rugby in this

country but on the sport as a whole has played a role in the

decline of Sri Lanka Rugby. However, he will have to set that

aside and personally appoint its CEO as the Chairman.

Some individuals must be appointed despite their ineligibility

under the laws of the game. To mask this irregularity, the names

of Roshan Mahanama and Sidath Weththamuni figures known

for their clean reputations have also been included to lend

credibility and cover up the mess.

What we are witnessing here is the identity of a political faction

that cannot be detached from figures like Namal or Sunil Kumara.

It represents a mindset where highlighting the truth is viewed as

an act of influence, disrespect, and opposition. What this identity

defends is not just the £50,000 offenders, but also a broader

extension that tacitly endorses troubling actions, such as the

murder of Thajudeen a tragic chapter in the history of Sri Lanka

rugby and sports. The damage caused by any form of proud and

arrogant ideology is not insignificant. Rather than addressing the

fundamental issues related to the two points mentioned above, it

is becoming increasingly evident that the misguided belief that

opposing these issues harms one’s character goes beyond party

affiliation. It is, in fact, a reflection of the identity of our

politicians.To a society that still views sports as mere play, the murder of

Thajudeen, a player, may seem like the killing of just a boy who

played. When politics interferes and the politician sees no harm

in exploiting the situation, the incident is regarded as normal.

However, as politics becomes entangled, we witness how not

only the law of the country but also the Hippocratic Oath along

with its inherent nobility diminishes, tarnished by the dirty and

inhumane actions of political manipulation.

This process has been energized and a blessing for the security of

the people, and it is a moment when another narrow politics is

working in a similar way. But there is an ugly and noble coating.

The desire to confine the entire power in a narrow place as a class.

The above-mentioned evils are the result of making the

environment of this country a blessing without punishment so that

the culprits can go for a power recognized not only in the country

but in the world.

Although the Sports Minister, who was a Namal supporter, left

behind figures who always stood up for his interests. Roshan

Ranasinghe, who wielded great power in the Sports Council, is

considered an accomplice in some of the legal charges against

Namal. The current Sports Minister does not know that the Rugby

World Cup was also organized in this country by a group of

politically blessed people, outside the Rugby administration, in

collaboration with people who handle the wealth of this country,

so that they could spread their wings like octopuses.Therefore, not only in Sri Lanka but also in the rugby world, the

guilty parties who have ignored the mistakes of Sri Lanka are

making plans to seize the responsibility as a hereditary right. It is

a political tragedy that rugby powerhouses, who largely fit the

political identity of the current government, are showing great

interest in securing the legacy of a noble system with the blessings

of that same government.

In the final phase of the attempt to destroy rugby regionally by

sacrificing the country’s development funds to pay the £50,000

fine, political authorities should be working to revive the sport by

holding accountable those who have destroyed it, even if it means

banning the country’s sports administration. Yet, to this day,

because the local associations refuse to agree, those responsible

have lost their rugby positions, only to occupy prominent sports

roles elsewhere. What is happening now, despite the justice that

should be served, feels like burying the victim alive and covering

it with soil.

In an environment where the government thinks it is the children

of working people like farmers, laborers, fishermen, and the like,

under the power of a movement that has used young women like

Ambiga to attract votes on the country’s stages, instead of

standing up for the return of sports to their culture, a great wall is

being built that prevents them from entering.If a child from an ordinary family is given the opportunity to play

rugby in a college like Olcott in Galle, it is sad that the Southern

Province Rugby Administration should be helped to further

strengthen it, but it is sad that the government has the blessing to

trample them and deprive that class of its right constitutionally.

For several years, this unholy alliance, both domestically and

internationally, has been striving to strip ordinary Sri Lankans of

their right to rugby, reducing it to the pastime of a privileged few,

simply because the law was properly enforced. State officials and

politicians, who have disregarded the constitutional

representatives and overstepped the boundaries of the existing

constitution, are eroding the right to play sports for certain

classes. How tragic it would be if the plans of the elite who have

long enjoyed these privileges in sports club restaurants for a

fraction of the cost were executed by the very politics that serves

their interests.

After the tales that the red-tinted tea poured onto our tables by the

Ambigala generations is the very blood of the people, the plan to

deny justice to those who believed their sacrifices of blood, sweat,

and tears would be acknowledged is unfolding in rugby. This is

happening with the blessings of the same power that once upheld

those ideals. We are waiting. In Sri Lankan political ideology,

where correcting pointed-out wrongs is seen as disrespectful, it

has become the norm to commit to upholding injustice, whether

against one’s conscience or without regard for the will of others.

Because of the distance to that right, they fail to see the future

being lost for the children of the Ambiga.One day, when the Ambiga grow older and realize that fighting

for rights, which seem so far out of reach, is a political act, they

will be deeply shocked by the mistakes they have made and the

impact those choices will have on their future generations.

The health sector has issued a public advisory urging precautionary measures due to the current high temperatures affecting the country.

Patients undergoing surgery and adults with non-communicable diseases should avoid extreme heat and stay hydrated.

Children, who are particularly vulnerable due to their high water composition, should drink unsweetened fruit juice or clean water. They should also avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures, wear lightweight white clothing, and opt for long sleeves when exposed to the sun.

If feeling faint or excessively tired, seek shade immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Authorities emphasize that preventive measures are crucial to avoiding heat-related complications during this period.

An Extraordinary Gazette has been issued, declaring that the term of office for all Municipal Councils, Urban Councils, and Pradeshiya Sabhas in Sri Lanka will officially commence from June 2, 2025.

The announcement was made by Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, A. H. M. H. Abayaratne, under the powers vested in him by Section 10(1)(b) of the Municipal Councils Ordinance, Chapter 252.

The newly appointed local government bodies include:

27 Municipal Councils
36 Urban Councils
274 Pradeshiya Sabhas

This marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s local governance framework, setting the stage for a new administrative cycle across the country.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking at the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, underscored the geopolitical shifts transforming the Indian Ocean into a critical hub for trade, security, and economic growth.

Citing a 2017 PricewaterhouseCoopers report, he noted that by 2050, economies like India, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia are projected to be among the world’s largest. He also pointed to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Japan’s increasing economic engagement, highlighting the region’s strategic importance.

Wickremesinghe stressed that the Indian Ocean contains over half of the world’s proven oil and natural gas reserves, while emerging undersea resources like cobalt—jointly explored by Sri Lanka and India—offer new opportunities for sustainable development.

Reflecting on the region’s maritime heritage, he recalled Sri Lanka’s historical ties with Oman and the Indian Ocean civilisation, citing past military victories and cultural collaborations as testaments to the enduring regional bonds shaping today’s geopolitics.

The Immigration and Emigration Department in Battaramulla has begun issuing passports at night from yesterday (19), the Public Security Ministry announced.

To support this initiative, a special bus service from Pettah to Battaramulla has been introduced for those seeking passports.

The Ministry stated that 4,000 passports will be issued daily at the Battaramulla office, with this number already being exceeded on the first day. Full-time security measures have been implemented to ensure smooth operations.

Additionally, the Ministry confirmed plans to open a new Passport Office in Jaffna next month, aiming to enhance public accessibility and convenience.