February 06, Colombo (LNW): Cybersecurity experts are raising alarm over a significant increase in fraudulent job advertisements that are using the logos of reputable government institutions to deceive the public.

These scams, primarily spread through social media platforms, are designed to lure unsuspecting individuals into sharing sensitive personal information.

Charuka Damunupola, a Senior Information Security Engineer at the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (SLCERT), disclosed that numerous cases have been reported recently, where scammers have exploited the trust associated with official government branding to create fake job postings.

These advertisements often appear legitimate at first glance, making it difficult for job seekers to differentiate between authentic and fraudulent offers.

In response to these growing threats, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a public warning about a specific fraudulent advertisement that is circulating online, falsely claiming to offer job opportunities under its name.

The CBSL has clarified that the advertisement is entirely fabricated and has urged the public to remain vigilant, as such scams could result in personal data theft and financial loss.

In addition, similar scams have been reported involving fake job ads using the logo of SriLankan Airlines, further highlighting the prevalence of this type of cyber fraud.

These fraudulent advertisements are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder for individuals to discern their authenticity.

Damunupola further cautioned that responding to these deceptive job offers could lead to identity theft. Scammers often create fake websites that request sensitive documents such as national identity cards, passports, and birth certificates.

By submitting personal data to these unverified platforms, individuals expose themselves to the risk of having their information stolen or misused.

Authorities are advising the public to exercise caution and verify job postings directly through official government or corporate websites.

They also recommend avoiding engagement with suspicious or unsolicited advertisements to safeguard personal information and protect against potential scams.

February 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has reached out to the World Bank to obtain a concessional loan of US$ 100 million aiming climate-smart agriculture initiatives aimed at promoting integrated rural-urban development and enhancing climate resilience.

This project, backed by technical support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is set to make significant strides in improving the country’s agricultural sector, contributing to both local and global sustainability efforts.

The “Integrated Village Development and Climate Resilience Project” is designed to address multiple challenges within Sri Lanka’s agricultural landscape.

The initiative focuses on improving productivity across various agricultural sectors, including food crops, plantation crops, livestock, and fisheries.

This is considered as part of the government’s strategy to promote sustainable agricultural practices and increase resilience to climate change.

A key feature of the project will be the implementation of climate-smart agriculture techniques. These practices are designed to minimise the environmental impact of farming while maximising productivity.

The project will also focus on the diversification of crops and farming systems to reduce dependence on single crops and improve food security.

In addition to agricultural enhancements, the project will address crucial water resource management issues. Effective water usage and management strategies will be implemented to ensure a sustainable water supply for irrigation, livestock, and other agricultural activities.

The project will also provide extensive capacity building and training, ensuring that farmers are well-equipped to adopt new, more efficient farming techniques.

The initiative will also involve the development of essential infrastructure, including irrigation systems, rural roads, and market facilities, which will contribute to improved access for farmers and increase their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Furthermore, the project will work towards improving the economic sustainability of the agricultural sector by ensuring that it remains competitive and resilient in the face of global market shifts and climate-related challenges.

February 06, Colombo (LNW): US President Donald Trump’s decision to place all direct personnel of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave worldwide as of February 07, 2025 has sparked significant concerns regarding the future of humanitarian aid initiatives, with experts fearing a disruption in vital global support efforts.

In response to this development, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, reassured the public that the government would continue to support USAID-funded projects within the country, with alternative funding sources being explored.

Speaking at the Cabinet press conference, Dr. Jayatissa addressed questions raised by the media, expressing that the government would adapt to the situation if foreign aid was withdrawn.

“If this were a decision made by our own government, I could have given a different response. Let’s see how this plays out for us. Should they cease funding, we will find other ways to sustain these essential projects,” the Minister said.

Jayatissa further emphasised that Sri Lanka does not solely rely on USAID funds, acknowledging that whilst such aid is appreciated, the country’s development will not be halted if this support is withdrawn. “If USAID can offer us funding, we welcome it. If not, we will continue these projects using resources from alternative sources,” he assured.

USAID, established in 1961, has been a significant player in global humanitarian assistance, providing aid for issues ranging from health and education to trade and human rights.

However, the agency has faced mounting scrutiny under President Donald Trump’s administration.

On his first day back in office, President Trump signed an executive order freezing foreign aid for 90 days, arguing that such spending does not offer good value for American taxpayers.

In line with his administration’s criticism of overseas funding, U.S. officials have confirmed that USAID will be merged with the State Department, leading to substantial workforce reductions. Despite these changes, the agency is set to maintain its humanitarian role.

As part of the restructuring, USAID announced that, effective February 07, 2025, all direct hire personnel would be placed on administrative leave, except for key staff involved in mission-critical roles, core leadership, and specially designated programmes.

The agency also stated that it is working with the State Department to arrange for the return of USAID employees stationed abroad within the next 30 days.

USAID currently employs over 10,000 people, with two-thirds of them deployed internationally. In the fiscal year 2023, the U.S. government disbursed US$ 72 billion in foreign aid, with USAID funds directed towards causes such as women’s health in conflict zones, clean water access, HIV/AIDS treatments, energy security, and anti-corruption efforts.

Over the years, USAID has invested billions of dollars into Sri Lanka’s agriculture, health, education, business development, trade, and governance sectors. The suspension of personnel and potential cuts to operations, however, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on these ongoing projects, particularly as Sri Lanka has relied heavily on USAID’s contributions for critical development work.

Whilst the suspension of USAID staff creates uncertainty, Sri Lanka is now exploring alternative funding mechanisms to ensure that the progress made in key sectors continues uninterrupted.

February 06, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka will embark on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 10 to 13, 2025, following an invitation from the President of the UAE, Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The primary purpose of the visit is for President Dissanayaka to participate in the prestigious ‘World Government Summit 2025’, which is set to take place in Dubai.

During his time at the summit, President Dissanayaka is expected to deliver a key address, contributing to the global discussions on governance, innovation, and the future of public administration.

In addition to his participation in the summit, he will also engage in high-level bilateral talks with President Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

These discussions will cover a wide range of topics of mutual interest, aimed at deepening the existing cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UAE.

President Dissanayaka’s visit will also see him meeting with UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to discuss further strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

In addition to the meetings with UAE officials, President Dissanayaka is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with heads of state and government from various countries attending the summit, further broadening Sri Lanka’s international diplomatic reach.

Furthermore, President Dissanayaka plans to meet with CEOs of major global companies across several sectors, including information technology, artificial intelligence, energy, tourism, finance, and media.

These engagements are strategically aimed at attracting foreign investments to Sri Lanka, fostering economic growth, and enhancing Sri Lanka’s position on the global business stage.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasised that this diplomatic mission will contribute substantially to Sri Lanka’s international relations and economic development goals.

February 06, Colombo (LNW): Except for a few showers in Galle, Matara, Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Ampara, Matale and Badulla districts in the evening or night, mainly fair weather will prevail over the island, the Department of Meteorology said today (06).

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and North-central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts during the morning.

Marine Weather:

By: Staff Writer

February 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s corporate world is mourning the loss of two distinguished business leaders, Ken Balendra (85) and Harry Jayawardena (82), both of whom passed away yesterday after brief illnesses.

Their untimely demise on the same day has sent shockwaves across the country, with thousands paying tribute to their immense contributions to the national economy. Both were widely regarded as self-made legends who left an indelible mark on the private sector, serving as role models for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals alike.

Ken Balendra, a dynamic corporate figure, held numerous leadership roles in Sri Lanka and beyond. He was the first Sri Lankan Chairman of John Keells Holdings Ltd., the nation’s largest conglomerate.

Affectionately known as ‘Ken’ to some and ‘Bala’ to others, he excelled as a schoolboy rugby player at Royal College Colombo, later coaching Royal Rugby team   and playing for CR & FC club.

His journey began in 1963 as a planter at Finlays, a well-established tea and horticultural trading company. In 1969, he joined John Keells Holdings—then known as John Keells Thompson White Ltd.—where his expertise as a tea broker led to his appointment as Director in 1974.

He eventually became Chairman in 1990, the first Sri Lankan to hold the position, and played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a colonial-era tea broker into the country’s most diversified corporate giant. Under his leadership, John Keells experienced unprecedented growth and expansion.

Beyond John Keells, Balendra served as Chairman of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the Bank of Ceylon, the Ceylon Tobacco Company, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Insurance Board of Sri Lanka. I

n 2000, he was named the inaugural President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors. His contributions were recognized with the national honor of ‘Deshamanya’ in 1998, and he was later appointed Honorary Consul General of Poland in Sri Lanka.

He also received the prestigious Cavaliers Cross of the Order of Merit of Poland in 2007 and was named ‘Sri Lankan of the Year’ in 1998. In 2003, he was voted Sri Lanka’s Most Effective Business Leader since independence.

Harry Jayawardena, another towering figure in Sri Lanka’s business community, was the Founder Director and Chairman/Managing Director of the Stassen Group of Companies.

Known for his astute business acumen, he played a crucial role in the growth of numerous enterprises. He took the helm as Chairman of the Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka in 2006, after serving as its Managing Director for nearly two decades.

His leadership extended to various industries, including Melstacorp PLC, Aitken Spence PLC, Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC, and Lanka Bell, among others.

Jayawardena also held key positions outside the private sector, including being a former Director of Hatton National Bank PLC and serving as Chairman of both the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and SriLankan Airlines.

His international contributions were recognized when he was appointed Honorary Consul for Denmark and awarded the prestigious ‘Knight’s Cross of Dannebrog’ by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. In 2005, he was honored with the national title of ‘Deshamanya’ for his outstanding services to Sri Lanka.

The passing of these two esteemed business leaders represents a significant loss to Sri Lanka’s economy and corporate sector.

Their visionary leadership, strategic decision-making, and unwavering commitment to national development helped shape the country’s business landscape for decades.

Their absence leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, and their contributions will be remembered for generations to come.

The nation mourns the loss of two trailblazers who not only built thriving enterprises but also inspired countless individuals to strive for excellence in business and beyond.