Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered a powerful call to end the stigma surrounding menstruation and address period poverty at the “Period Proud 2025” conference held today at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo. The event was organized under the Collective Action Against Period Poverty (CAAPP) project.

Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized that menstruation is a natural biological process, and the shame and silence imposed by societal norms must be dismantled. She stressed that menstrual health is not just a health issue but also a matter of dignity, equality, and human rights.

Citing findings from a recent survey conducted in Trincomalee, Kandy, and Colombo, she revealed that many schoolgirls miss school due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, and some women are forced to use unsafe alternatives, putting their health at risk.

Key Points from the PM’s Address:

• Stigma and Silence: Many women endure suffering in silence due to societal taboos.
• Education Disruption: Menstruation continues to be a barrier to education for many girls.
• Government Intervention:
  • The Ministry of Education is already providing free sanitary products to schoolgirls over 13, especially from low-income families.
  • A new program to distribute reusable sanitary pads is being considered for next year.
• Tax Reforms:
  • There are ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Finance about removing taxes on feminine hygiene products.
  • The Prime Minister acknowledged that progress is being made but comprehensive policies and reforms are necessary.

Dr. Amarasuriya concluded by emphasizing the need for a systematic and prompt national plan to ensure menstruation does not disrupt a girl’s education, health, or dignity, and called on civil society and the private sectorto support these efforts.

The event saw participation from French Ambassador Rémy Lambeau, members of the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka, social activists, and other key stakeholders committed to menstrual equity.

Sri Lanka marked a major milestone in its construction and industrial sectors with the official launch of the country’s first-ever helical anchor manufacturing plant by Ceylon Energy, in partnership with global industry leader Hubbell Power Systems Inc. (HPS). The historic event took place on 8 May and was attended by Parliamentarian Asoka Ranwala, senior representatives from HPS, the Ceylon Electricity Board, and key figures in Sri Lanka’s engineering and business communities.

This state-of-the-art facility introduces a technology that has transformed foundation engineering worldwide. Helical anchors, originally developed and patented by HPS over a century ago, are known for their quick installation, low soil disruption, and strong load-bearing capabilities. As a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional foundation methods, they are now set to revolutionize Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development.

Ceylon Energy, the exclusive local partner for HPS, conducted extensive trials in various Sri Lankan soil conditions to ensure the anchors’ effectiveness before rolling out for commercial use. The new system is expected to significantly cut construction time and costs while promoting environmentally friendly building practices.

At the launch, Ceylon Energy Chairman Madusanka Fernando highlighted the broader mission behind this venture. “If we do not think of the next generations, we are very selfish,” he remarked, underlining the company’s focus on sustainable solutions for future generations. He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s potential to become a regional export hub for helical anchors, targeting markets in Southeast Asia, East Africa, and other emerging economies.

The facility is expected to attract foreign exchange, create employment opportunities, and elevate Sri Lanka’s industrial profile on the global stage. It represents not just a technological advancement but a strategic move toward economic growth and international collaboration.

Ceylon Energy, known for its commitment to innovation, community impact, and environmental stewardship, continues to lead transformative projects across the country. The launch of the helical anchor plant is a testament to the company’s dedication to sustainable development and forward-thinking leadership.

This groundbreaking initiative positions Sri Lanka at the forefront of modern construction technology in the region, setting a strong foundation—both literally and figuratively—for the nation’s industrial future.

Sri Lanka is set to dissolve the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and replace it with two new institutions under the Ministry of Digital Economy, in a major shake-up of the country’s digital governance framework.

The move, announced by Minister of Public Administration and Digital Technology Nalinda Jayatissa and Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, aims to accelerate and streamline the implementation of digital transformation projects across the public sector.

Minister Jayatissa revealed that a new state-owned company named GovTech (Pvt) Limited will be established as part of this restructuring. This entity is expected to serve as an independent institution with the authority and capacity to ensure the effective continuation and expansion of digital initiatives already underway, as well as those planned for the future.

“A study has been conducted to review existing digital strategies in Sri Lanka and other countries. The findings highlighted the necessity for a regulatory authority with strong implementation powers. GovTech will fill this role,” said Jayatissa at a press briefing.

Deputy Minister Weeraratne provided further details, confirming that the government intends to implement a decision originally taken by the previous administration to wind up the ICTA. He explained that two new entities would be formed under the Digital Economy Ministry to handle its core functions more efficiently.

“The former Government made a Cabinet decision to shut down the ICTA. We are proceeding with that plan and will replace it with two new bodies,” Weeraratne revealed.

According to him, the first of these new entities, the Digital Economic Authority, will be responsible for digital policy formulation, oversight, and governance. The second, yet unnamed, will focus on executing digital projects, as well as offering technical support and system maintenance services.

Both entities are expected to be operational within the year. A liquidator will be appointed to oversee the dissolution process of ICTA, during which decisions will be made regarding the future of current ICTA employees. “Whether staff are absorbed into the new institutions will be decided during the liquidation process,” Weeraratne added.

The ICTA, a fully government-owned institution, was originally formed to implement the e-Sri Lanka Development Project, a World Bank-funded initiative launched in 2004 aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure, reducing poverty, and improving service delivery. Although the agency was initially expected to conclude its role after the project, a 2008 amendment to the ICT Act made it a permanent entity.

The previous government proposed dissolving ICTA during the 2023 Budget speech, suggesting it had completed its mandate. They had intended to replace it with a Digital Transformation Agency under a proposed Technology Promotion Act.

With the establishment of GovTech and the Digital Economic Authority, the current government is now laying the groundwork for a more robust and future-oriented digital governance model that aligns with evolving global trends and domestic needs.

Once envisioned as a symbol of luxury and ambition, the Grand Hyatt Colombo remains an incomplete monument to Sri Lanka’s turbulent economic and political history, even 21 years after construction began.

Originally launched in 2003 as Ceylinco Celestial Residencies by the late billionaire Lalith Kotelawala, the project was intended to be a 48-storey mixed-use tower housing a five-star Hyatt Regency Hotel with 458 guest rooms and 100 serviced apartments. However, delays, controversies, and mismanagement have plagued its progress from the start.

After the collapse of the Ceylinco Group during the 2008 Golden Key financial scandal, the half-built tower was taken over by the government in 2012 under the Revival of Underperforming Enterprises Act. It was rebranded as the Grand Hyatt Colombo and handed over to Canwill Holdings (Pvt) Ltd., a special purpose vehicle funded by public entities including Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, Litro Gas, and the Employees’ Provident Fund.

Despite investing over Rs. 18 billion in public funds, the project has not progressed beyond its structural shell. A forensic audit has highlighted serious issues such as irregular tenders, procurement malpractice, and overspending. By 2019, costs had soared to Rs. 21.6 billion, with another Rs. 36 billion (approximately USD 120 million) required for completion.

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa recently confirmed that the government will proceed with selling its shares in Canwill Holdings, which owns the Grand Hyatt Colombo, in a bid to attract private capital. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India has been retained as the transaction advisor.

Legal disputes have further entangled the project. A controversy over the ownership and purpose of the ultra-luxury “mill owners’ apartments” on the upper floors — complete with lounges, jacuzzis, music rooms, and private elevators — added fuel to the fire. With no clear ownership and mounting costs, even these features were eventually absorbed into the general hotel layout.

Construction, originally led by architects from Design Consortium Ltd. and contractors including Maga Engineering and Nawaloka Construction, was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2008. But with repeated government changes and shifting political agendas, the project was continually derailed. In 2015, agreements with construction companies were cancelled, delaying progress yet again.

In 2022, the government included the Grand Hyatt in its broader state enterprise restructuring programme. By October 2023, interest in the redevelopment was shown by five Indian firms and one local investor. However, as of January 2025, the project remains incomplete, saddled with a USD 35 million loan and no clear roadmap to completion.

Standing tall yet hollow in the heart of Colombo’s Galle Road, directly opposite Temple Trees, the Grand Hyatt Colombo has become a potent symbol of Sri Lanka’s flawed mega project culture — a costly reminder of missed opportunities, poor governance, and systemic inefficiencies.

Whether it will ever fulfil its original promise remains a question for future administrations — and future generations.

The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka will officially roll out a new Online Visa Processing System on June 30, 2025, aiming to streamline and enhance the visa application process for all applicants.

From this date onwards, all visa applications must be submitted online via the upgraded system at https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/. Applicants can fill out forms, upload required documents, and monitor application status online, significantly reducing paperwork and processing time.

Key Features and Guidelines:

• Account Registration: Applicants must register using an email address before beginning the application.
• Application Process:
  1. Complete the online form and upload required documents.
  2. Application enters preliminary review, which typically takes 1–3 working days.
  3. When status changes to “Passport to be submitted”, applicants must:
     • Visit the Chinese Embassy in person,
     • Submit original passport and documents,
     • Provide biometric information (e.g., fingerprints).
  4. Application then proceeds to the final review stage, taking an additional 3–4 working days.
• Express Service: Applicants can opt for “Normal” or “Express” processing. Express service speeds up only the post-preliminary phase and involves additional fees, which are non-refundable even if delays occur.
• Important Dates:
  • The system will be offline from 5:00 p.m. on June 27 to 8:00 a.m. on June 30 for upgrades.
  • Applications submitted during this period will be invalid.
  • Forms submitted through the previous system before June 27 will remain valid, and in-person submissions under the old process will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on June 27.
• Fingerprint Collection: Mandatory for most applicants after preliminary approval unless exempt. Exempt individuals may authorize a third party to handle document submission and visa collection.
• Application Timing: Applicants are advised to apply two to three weeks before travel to avoid delays. Submitting applications too early (e.g., more than a month ahead) may lead to processing issues.

Note: This system applies only to visa applications for mainland China.

For further information or inquiries, contact the Chinese Embassy’s Consular Office at:

• Phone: +94-112676658
• Email: [email protected]

Visit https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/ for complete details and instructions.

The Government has announced the establishment of a new state-owned enterprise, Gov Tech (Pvt) Limited, to spearhead Sri Lanka’s ongoing and future digital transformation initiatives as an independent institution with full implementation authority.

Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed that the decision follows Cabinet approval granted on January 27 to dissolve the existing Sri Lanka Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and to begin drafting legislation to form a Digital Economic Authority.

Extensive research was undertaken—drawing from both domestic experiences and international best practices—to design an effective institutional framework that can fast-track the country’s digitalisation and foster a thriving digital economy.

Minister Jayatissa stressed the importance of a stable and clearly defined institutional structure in achieving the goals laid out in Sri Lanka’s national digital strategies. He said that Gov Tech (Pvt) Limited will function with the autonomy required to efficiently implement key digital projects, free from bureaucratic delays.

Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Digital Economy, to formally establish Gov Tech (Pvt) Limited—marking a significant step forward in the country’s digital governance and economic modernization efforts.

The Government has announced a series of critical measures aimed at enhancing child protection and improving the reporting process for child abuse cases, following concerns over the low number of formal complaints received by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing held yesterday (27), Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that despite the NCPA operating a 24-hour complaint facility, many incidents go unreported through official channels.

To address this, the Government has decided to regulate the conduct of media outlets and social media communicators to prevent the exposure and potential harm to the identities of child victims. The move is part of a broader effort to build public trust in formal reporting mechanisms and uphold the rights and dignity of children.

A Standing National Committee will also be established, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, and will include representatives from other key agencies to coordinate child protection efforts nationwide.

Additionally, the Government is preparing amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Code to eliminate physical punishment against children and ensure that all forms of abuse are duly reported and addressed.

Minister Jayatissa emphasized that the new media ethics framework currently in development will contain robust safeguards to protect victims from repeated exposure and harassment.

He also referenced the Cabinet-approved national policy, “A Safe World for Children – A Creative Future Generation”, which identifies the protection of children from abuse and violence as a fundamental principle. The policy was adopted during the Cabinet meeting on March 3, 2025.

Multiple ministries—including Women and Child Affairs, Health and Mass Media, Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Justice, and National Integration—as well as the Sri Lanka Police, are expected to play a central role in this coordinated initiative.

The Cabinet has formally approved the proposal by the Women and Child Affairs Minister to implement these measures, aiming to ensure swift and effective intervention in cases involving child abuse.

A high-level joint meeting was recently convened at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel to advance the development of power boating in Sri Lanka—as both a recreational sport and a potential export-driven industry.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders including Chaturanga Abeysinghe from the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, representatives from the National Chamber of Commerce and Shipbuilding (CMISL), the Lanka Powerboat Association, and the International Motor Boat Union (UIM).

Although power boating has had a presence in Sri Lanka for over a decade, earlier efforts have been largely fragmented. The current initiative marks a strategic shift toward an integrated national approach.

Participants explored the feasibility of manufacturing boats and related equipment domestically for export, while ensuring adherence to international standards. Strengthening Sri Lanka’s marine tourism appeal—particularly through events and festivals—was also a central focus.

This multi-stakeholder initiative will now proceed as a joint effort involving the Ministries of Industries, Sports, and Tourism, with the aim of positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for marine sports and powerboat manufacturing.

Due to the influence of the active southwest monsoon weather condition, showery weather over the Western, and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts is likely to enhance during the next few days.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.

Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Sabaragamuwa province and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.

A few showers may occur in North-central province and in Mannar, Hambantota and Matale districts.

Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers