April 21, LNW (Colombo): The Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) has announced comprehensive measures to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of ‘Aloka’, the internationally recognized rescue dog set to arrive in Sri Lanka for the upcoming “Walk for Peace.”
According to the association, a full range of medical and emergency services has been arranged in preparation for Aloka’s visit. These include a dedicated 24-hour veterinary ambulance service, access to essential medicines, and the deployment of specialized veterinary medical teams to monitor the dog’s condition throughout the event.
In addition, a specially trained emergency response unit has been placed on standby to respond swiftly to any unforeseen situation, reflecting the importance placed on ensuring uninterrupted care and protection.
The SLVA emphasized that Aloka’s visit carries significant symbolic value, as the rescue dog is globally recognized as a representation of peace, compassion, and resilience. In light of this, authorities have pledged to provide the highest level of care and security during its stay in the country.
The “Walk for Peace” is expected to draw participants from various communities, with Aloka’s presence serving as a unifying symbol promoting harmony and goodwill.
April 21, LNW (Colombo): Seven years after the devastating Easter Sunday attacks, Sri Lanka today (21) observes a day of solemn remembrance, with religious ceremonies and memorial events taking place across the island.
According to Rev. Father Jude Krishantha Fernando, Director of Mass Communication for the Catholic Church, churches nationwide organized special commemorative programs this morning. These observances included the tolling of church bells, a two-minute silence, lighting of candles and oil lamps, and prayer services dedicated to the victims who lost their lives in the tragedy.
The main commemoration is being held at St. Anthony’s Shrine, where a special Mass is scheduled under the patronage of Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. The event is expected to draw large numbers of clergy and faithful.
In view of the gathering, police have implemented a special traffic plan in the Kochchikade area, restricting vehicular movement from 7:00 a.m. until the conclusion of the service.
A parallel service is also being held at St. Sebastian’s Church, another site deeply affected by the attacks.
Meanwhile, a prayer walk is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. from the grounds of Maris Stella College. The procession, involving bishops, clergy, and lay devotees, will conclude at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, symbolizing unity, remembrance, and continued calls for justice.
The nationwide observances reflect the country’s enduring grief and collective commitment to honoring the victims while promoting peace and solidarity.
April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s improving fiscal position has drawn praise from international financial institutions, but serious structural weaknesses within the energy sector threaten to derail the country’s ability to manage future shocks. Comments by IMF Asia-Pacific Director Krishna Srinivasan, while supportive, may underestimate the scale of domestic challenges currently unfolding.
At a recent press conference, Srinivasan emphasised that Sri Lanka has “rebuilt fiscal space” through stronger revenue mobilisation, noting that tax revenues as a share of GDP have increased significantly over the past three years. This, he argued, places the country in a stronger position to respond to rising energy costs. “They’re better placed to provide support,” he said, while cautioning that any intervention must be “efficiently implemented” and limited in scope.
However this cautiously optimistic outlook contrasts sharply with ongoing turmoil in the energy sector. Sri Lanka’s dependence on imported fuel continues to expose it to global market volatility, a risk the IMF itself acknowledges. Rising energy prices not only strain public finances but also place pressure on foreign reserves, which remain fragile despite recent improvements.
Compounding these external risks are internal governance issues. The so-called “coal gate” controversy has brought renewed attention to procurement practices and alleged irregularities in fuel sourcing. These concerns highlight persistent weaknesses in oversight and raise doubts about whether resources are being managed effectively.
Meanwhile, tensions within the Ceylon Electricity Board have escalated into a significant obstacle to reform. Workers have strongly opposed government plans to unbundle the utility, a move intended to restructure the sector and introduce greater efficiency. Critics argue that breaking up the institution—long the sole authority over electricity supply could lead to fragmentation, higher costs, and reduced public accountability.
The standoff between policymakers and workers has slowed progress on key reforms required under Sri Lanka’s IMF programme. Cost-reflective energy pricing, a central condition for continued financial support, remains politically sensitive and difficult to implement amid widespread resistance.
Srinivasan’s remarks acknowledge that Sri Lanka remains vulnerable due to its reliance on energy imports, but they stop short of fully addressing how internal instability may amplify these risks. Fiscal buffers alone cannot compensate for inefficiencies, policy uncertainty, and institutional conflict.
As Sri Lanka moves forward, the gap between international assessments and domestic realities is becoming increasingly apparent. While revenue gains and fiscal discipline are important milestones, they do not guarantee resilience. The true test lies in whether the country can resolve its energy sector challenges, restore trust in governance, and implement reforms without triggering further instability.
Until these issues are addressed, claims that Sri Lanka is well-positioned to cushion energy shocks remain open to question.
April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s ongoing “Coalgate” scandal is not just a procurement failure it is the latest chapter in a long-running pattern of mismanagement that has cost the country billions and weakened its energy sector. At the center of both past and present controversies stands the Norochcholai Power Plant, whose operations have repeatedly been affected by flawed coal procurement decisions since 2009.
The current crisis stems from the import of substandard coal under a tender awarded to Trident Chemphar Limited. Investigations show that shipments failed to meet required quality standards, with ash content exceeding acceptable limits and calorific value falling below specifications. The result is a significant drop in efficiency and a 130MW shortfall in electricity generation.
This is not a minor technical issue it directly translates into economic damage. The National Audit Office estimates immediate losses of Rs. 2.23 billion. However, the broader financial impact is far greater.
To make up for lost coal power, Sri Lanka has relied on diesel generation, which is significantly more expensive. When fuel imports and system inefficiencies are included, total losses could approach Rs. 100 billion.
These costs eventually fall on consumers. Higher generation expenses increase pressure on electricity tariffs, adding to the cost of living. Businesses face rising operational costs, reducing competitiveness and slowing economic recovery. In an already fragile economy, energy instability becomes a serious obstacle to growth.
What makes this scandal particularly significant is how closely it mirrors past failures. Between 2009 and 2024, coal procurement was often influenced by tender cancellations, emergency purchases, and preferential treatment for certain suppliers.
For years, Noble Resources dominated the supply process, benefiting from repeated contract extensions even after tenders were cancelled. In 2016, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court criticized these practices, pointing out how procurement rules were manipulated.
Similarly, a 2015 contract awarded to Swiss Singapore Overseas Enterprises was later cancelled by the court due to serious procedural violations. That decision alone led to a loss of Rs. 3.9 billion by selecting a higher-priced supplier.
More recently, contracts involving Black Sand Commodities were flagged by the Auditor General for not following proper procurement procedures. Across different governments, the pattern has remained the same weak oversight and decisions that have not protected public funds.
The difference today lies in how the losses occur. Earlier scandals were mainly about overpaying for coal. The current crisis is about receiving low-quality coal that reduces power generation. However, both situations lead to the same result: large financial losses and inefficiency.
The government has stated that part of the loss can be recovered through a $15 million performance bond. However, this amount is small compared to the total damage, which includes diesel costs, equipment wear, and wider economic impacts.
This comparison highlights a key issue: Sri Lanka’s coal procurement system has changed in form but not in outcome. Whether through high prices or poor quality, the country continues to suffer major losses.
Without strong reforms such as transparent bidding processes, independent oversight, and strict quality checks these problems are likely to continue. The current scandal is not an isolated case but part of a larger, ongoing failure that has affected the country for more than a decade.
April 21, LNW (Colombo): Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.
Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara and Anuradhapura districts.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, North-central and Uva provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts during the early hours of the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is approaching a critical juncture as it prepares to finalize a long-awaited Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the entry and monitoring of foreign research vessels in its territorial waters. Officials say the framework, expected within two months, aims to bring clarity and consistency to a sensitive issue increasingly shaped by geopolitical rivalry—particularly involving vessels from China.
In recent years, Sri Lanka’s strategic location along key Indian Ocean shipping lanes has drawn heightened attention from global powers. Foreign research vessels, often presented as scientific missions, have raised concerns among regional actors who suspect dual-use capabilities—especially in areas like seabed mapping and satellite tracking. These concerns are not merely hypothetical; such data can have military applications, intensifying scrutiny from neighbors like India and partners such as the United States.
The Sri Lankan government finds itself balancing competing priorities. On one hand, it seeks to maintain strong economic and diplomatic ties with China, a major investor in infrastructure projects, including ports and logistics hubs. On the other, it must reassure regional partners that its waters will not become a platform for strategic activities that could destabilize the region.
The absence of a clear SOP has, until now, led to ad hoc decision-making. Some vessel requests have been approved with conditions, while others have been delayed or quietly declined. This inconsistency has fueled criticism both domestically and internationally, with analysts warning that ambiguity could erode Sri Lanka’s credibility.
The forthcoming SOP is expected to outline stricter approval processes, mandatory data-sharing requirements, and enhanced coordination with defense and maritime authorities. It may also introduce designated zones where foreign research activities are either restricted or subject to closer monitoring. Officials indicate that the goal is not to block scientific collaboration but to ensure transparency and safeguard national security.
However, implementation will be the real test. Sri Lanka’s limited maritime surveillance capabilities could pose challenges in enforcing new regulations. Without significant investment in monitoring infrastructure, even the most robust SOP risks being ineffective.
As global competition intensifies in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka’s decisions carry weight beyond its borders. The SOP represents more than a bureaucratic update—it is a signal of how the country intends to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape while protecting its sovereignty and maintaining balanced foreign relations.
April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s flagship urban megaproject, Colombo Port City, is being positioned as a future engine of growth, but its ability to meet aggressive performance and investment targets remains uncertain amid ongoing policy delays.
The project has made measurable progress. Over 27 ventures have been designated as Businesses of Strategic Importance (BSI), attracting both global and domestic players. Key stakeholders include CHEC Port City Colombo Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company, alongside local partner Browns Investments PLC, which is funding major developments such as the marina and parts of the financial district.
Major projects already underway include a $142 million mixed-use development by IFC Colombo 1 Private Limited and luxury residential initiatives by ICC Port City Private Limited. International firms such as KPMG and Hexaware Technologies have also established a presence, signaling early confidence in the zone.
The financial ecosystem is gradually taking shape, with major domestic banks including Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sampath Bank, and Hatton National Bank approved to operate within the city. However, revised 2026 regulations now restrict offshore banking licenses exclusively to foreign-incorporated institutions, a move designed to enhance credibility but potentially narrowing local participation.
Economically, the stakes are high. At full capacity, the Port City is expected to generate over $13 billion annually in GDP contribution. Achieving this would significantly transform Sri Lanka’s economic structure, shifting it toward high-value services and international finance.
However, there is a widening gap between projections and current performance. While investment inflows are accelerating, reaching $3.9 billion in the pipeline, this represents only a fraction of the $15 billion FDI target. Delays in policy implementation, particularly under the current administration, risk slowing investor onboarding and project execution.
Moreover, global economic conditions tightened financial markets, geopolitical uncertainty, and competition from established hubs like Dubai and Singapore pose additional challenges. To compete effectively, Colombo Port City must offer not just incentives but also regulatory certainty, ease of doing business, and world-class infrastructure.
The coming years will be decisive. If the government can streamline approvals, maintain policy stability, and attract anchor investors, the project could still meet its long-term goals. If not, there is a real risk that Colombo Port City may fall short of its transformative promise, becoming a partially realised vision rather than a fully functional global financial hub.
April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has moved decisively into the implementation stage of its external debt restructuring programme, with significant progress achieved across bilateral and multilateral agreements as of April 2026. This phase follows the landmark June 2024 Memorandum of Understanding reached with the Official Creditor Committee, which laid the groundwork for coordinated relief from major lenders.
Recent weeks have seen a series of concrete agreements signed to operationalise that framework. A bilateral deal with Germany was finalised on April 9, covering the restructuring of €188 million in outstanding debt. Similarly, arrangements with Credendo have been completed, rescheduling around €9.6 million.
One of the most significant milestones has been the conclusion of restructuring with the Export-Import Bank of China, covering approximately $4.2 billion. This agreement was crucial given China’s status as one of Sri Lanka’s largest bilateral creditors.
Overall, the bulk of the $6.06 billion owed to Official Creditor Committee members has now been addressed, with remaining countries finalising implementation letters. These agreements are expected to unlock the resumption of suspended development financing from institutions such as Agence Française de Développement and Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The implications for Sri Lanka’s medium-term fiscal outlook are substantial. Foreign currency debt servicing, which exceeded 9 percent of GDP before the crisis, is projected to fall below 4.5 percent on average through 2032. This reduction provides critical breathing space for the government to stabilise public finances and redirect resources toward growth and social protection.
Infrastructure development is also set to regain momentum. With financing lines reopening, projects such as the Bandaranaike International Airport expansion are expected to move forward after prolonged delays.
However, challenges remain. The success of the restructuring hinges on maintaining fiscal discipline, meeting IMF programme conditions, and sustaining investor confidence. Any deviation could risk reversing hard-won gains.
Future targets include completing all bilateral implementation agreements, further reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio, and strengthening resilience against external shocks. Authorities are also focusing on diversifying funding sources and avoiding excessive reliance on commercial borrowing.
Sri Lanka’s restructuring effort is increasingly viewed as a case study in coordinated creditor engagement and institutional reform. While risks persist, the progress achieved so far signals a credible path toward long-term debt sustainability and economic recovery.
April 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s latest telecom reform is being promoted as a lifeline for rural communities and schoolchildren but whether it truly delivers inclusive benefits remains an open question.
By scrapping taxes on new telecom towers and offering substantial subsidies, the government hopes to fast-track nationwide connectivity under its “Communication to the Village” initiative. The ambition is sweeping: near-total 4G and 5G coverage by the end of 2026.
At the heart of the policy is a financial incentive structure that strongly favors telecom expansion. Companies like Dialog Axiata, SLT-Mobitel, and Hutch can recover up to 75 percent of tower construction costs, capped at Rs. 35 million per site.
Combined with a five-year tax holiday, this dramatically lowers the risk of investing in low-income or sparsely populated areas.
For rural students, the potential upside is significant. Improved network coverage can enable access to online classrooms, digital libraries, and educational platforms that were previously out of reach.
The government has also encouraged telecom providers to introduce discounted data packages specifically for students, alongside cost-oriented tariffs aimed at keeping internet expenses below 0.6 percent of average income.
Early signs suggest some progress. Increased investment has already boosted 5G infrastructure, with hundreds of sites established nationwide. Faster internet speeds reportedly rising by over 30 percent on some networks could enhance the quality of remote learning and digital communication. Additionally, the expansion of infrastructure supports broader economic activity, from agricultural technology to small-scale e-commerce, indirectly benefiting families and students alike.
However the critical issue is whether these gains will be equitably distributed. Infrastructure alone does not guarantee access.
Many rural households still lack affordable smartphones or digital literacy skills needed to fully utilize high-speed internet. Without targeted support such as device subsidies or community training programs the benefits may remain concentrated among those already better positioned to take advantage of them.
There is also skepticism about pricing. While telecom operators have introduced new data plans, the long-term sustainability of low-cost offerings is uncertain.
Companies may initially reduce prices to align with government expectations but could adjust tariffs once market conditions stabilize. Regulatory oversight will be crucial to ensure that affordability commitments are maintained.
Another concern is the reliance on private sector delivery. By channeling public funds into corporate-led infrastructure, the government is effectively betting that market incentives will align with social goals.
This approach can be efficient, but it also carries risks if profit considerations outweigh public interest.
In essence, the success of this initiative depends not just on building towers, but on building access. If complemented by policies that address affordability, device access, and digital skills, the reform could reshape educational opportunities for rural students.
Without those safeguards, it may fall short of its promise leaving the digital divide narrower, but far from closed.
We have been taught to ‘strike while the iron is hot.’ It makes sense. One presses one’s advantage. This holds for investors, politicians and even those navigating complex strategic situations. If life is a game, if countries and economies are ‘at war’ with one another, then such truisms can be and are applied.
Then again, we know of ‘fishing in troubled waters.’ It makes sense too, but in this case, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Somehow, making capital of someone else’s misfortune doesn’t seem right.
Of course, we don’t really live in a world where things such as fair play and justice are celebrated and rewarded. When profits are raked in, it’s the bank balances that are scrutinised. ‘Ends should not justify means,’ we are taught but that adage is affirmed mostly in its reverse. Ends do justify means; the history of the world bears this out.
And yet, in a world where ‘might is right’ and the so-called Golden Rule means ‘He who owns the gold makes the rules,’ where warmongering genocidal world leaders threaten to end civilisations and proudly promise to ‘bomb the enemy country into the stone ages,’ and the means to desired ends sanctions attacks on hospitals and schools and the killing of children, the sick and elderly, there’s something to say for decency and civilisation.
This is why I feel a certain unease when crises are spoken of only as opportunities. Of course we need not be pessimistic; there’s virtue in being pragmatic and looking to optimise in a not-so-kind world where unfolding events conjure images of terrible scarcity.
‘Crisis or opportunity?’ That’s one way of framing analysis of the world right now. The subtext however it’s pretty for this reflects a mindset that is not only misplaced but has no qualms about diminishing people, communities and countries.
It is like saying ‘hard luck buddy — see you later, or never,’ to someone who is all but ‘done and dusted’ or ‘down and out.’ And then laughing your guts out.
It is reasonable to say that every crisis may, in time, present opportunity. History shows that resilience and recovery often open new paths. But there is a clear line that must not be crossed. It is one thing to recognise that crises shape opportunity. It is quite another to view someone else’s crisis as an opportunity for oneself.
What is unfolding in the Middle East is not a shift to be assessed for advantage. It is a moment of consequence where families are disrupted, livelihoods uncertain and nations are under enormous strain. To reduce such a reality to the language of “opportunity” is to miss both its gravity and our responsibility in how we speak about it.
Let us be clear. Governments must remain alert in times of global instability. Preparing for impact, safeguarding national interests and ensuring resilience are not only legitimate, they are necessary. But that is not the same as suggesting that another country’s crisis is to our benefit. That line should not be crossed.
For Sri Lanka, this carries particular weight. The Middle East has, for decades, been a source of strength for our people, providing livelihoods, stability and support when it mattered most. Those ties were built on trust and mutual respect. They should guide not only our actions, but our words.
There is a difference between preparedness and opportunism. One reflects responsibility. The other reflects a failure of judgement. At times like this, the question is not what we might gain but how we choose to conduct ourselves.
Do we speak with proportion? Do we recognise the human reality behind the headlines? Do we show, even in our analysis, that we understand the difference between strategy and decency?
The Middle East does not need to be viewed purely through the lens of our advantage. It deserves commiseration but, as importantly, respect. When others endure crisis, the only ‘opportunity’ that counts is that which allows us to demonstrate our character.
There are countless idioms that we can use to buttress an argument or justify less-than-admirable position. We pick and choose. We can be heartless, we can be wise. I believe we should err on the side of heart and wisdom.
