Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism,
It is quite absurd that I have been trying to reach you for an appointment regarding a highly valuable investor meeting and another crucial tourism-related economic matter, yet received no response.
As someone who was attached to the tourism promotion bureau, Served as the Colombo District Director for YPO, and was a member of the Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Municipal Council, the youngest council member at the time, I have always been committed to contributing to our country’s economic growth. I served my electorate using my own resources, without taking any personal benefits, and upheld clean politics throughout my tenure.
Despite multiple attempts, texts, calls, and even a Letter of Intent via WhatsApp, you never responded, nor were my calls returned. Having worked with several previous Tourism Ministers, I can confidently say they were always punctual and responsive. We expect the same level of efficiency from high-ranking officials. With all due respect, if basic communication cannot be managed, how do you plan to develop our motherland? Public servants, especially those in the tourism and hospitality industry, must be accountable.
Disappointingly, none of your secretaries seem to have any details about your appointments either. Who exactly is in charge of this chaos? If this is the “change” being promised, then the level of disorganization is truly appalling.
February 06, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court has set a date for the hearing of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Fundamental Rights (FR) petition, challenging the government’s decision to cut back on his security detail. The case will be heard on March 19.
Rajapaksa filed the petition in response to the government’s move to reduce his security, claiming that the action was taken without a thorough and comprehensive security assessment.
The petition names Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, the Cabinet of Ministers, and several others as respondents, seeking judicial intervention to reinstate his previous security arrangements.
In his petition, Rajapaksa asserts that he continues to face significant threats to his safety, particularly due to his pivotal role in bringing an end to the decades-long civil conflict with the Tamil Tigers (LTTE).
He argues that, despite no longer holding office, the nature of these ongoing risks warrants a heightened security presence around him.
This petition comes in the wake of a controversial decision last December, when the security detail for former presidents was scaled down to a total of 60 personnel following a review conducted by the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP).
As part of this change, 116 police officers who had previously been assigned to Rajapaksa’s personal security were reassigned to other duties, a move that raised concerns about his safety among some political and public circles.
February 06, Colombo (LNW): In a troubling update presented in Parliament on February 6, Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi revealed that Sri Lanka has witnessed a staggering 3,477 wild elephant fatalities over the past nine years, a direct consequence of the ongoing human-elephant conflict in the country.
This alarming figure underscores the severity of the issue that continues to threaten both the nation’s elephant population and the lives of its citizens.
The Minister’s report showed that from 2015 to 2019, 1,466 elephants lost their lives, but the situation worsened in recent years, with the number of fatalities increasing to 2,011 between 2020 and 2024.
This escalation highlights the growing challenges of managing the delicate balance between conservation efforts and the protection of human lives.
Equally concerning, the human cost of the conflict has also been substantial, with 1,190 fatalities recorded due to wild elephant attacks over the same period.
Of these, 456 people were killed between 2015 and 2019, while the number surged to 734 fatalities from 2020 to 2024, further compounding the crisis.
In response to a question raised by Member of Parliament Kins Nelson, Dr. Patabendi acknowledged the multifaceted nature of the issue, stressing that finding a resolution would require time and considerable effort.
He noted that the Department of Wildlife Conservation is grappling with numerous challenges in its attempts to mitigate the conflict, with the need for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to wildlife management.
Minister Patabendi assured the public that addressing this crisis would be a priority in the upcoming national budget, with additional funding being earmarked for efforts aimed at curbing the conflict.
He further emphasised that innovative solutions, such as new research initiatives and stronger collaborations with relevant institutions, would be crucial in developing effective strategies to protect both human and wildlife populations.
February 06, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Cabinet has granted approval for a four-year contract to Lufthansa Technik (LHT) in Hamburg for the repair and maintenance of CFM 56-5B engines used by SriLankan Airlines.
These engines, which power the airline’s fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, will undergo comprehensive servicing and overhaul to ensure their continued operational efficiency.
The decision follows an international competitive bidding process, in which a total of seven proposals were submitted. After careful review and evaluation by the Technical Evaluation Committee and the Standing Procurement Committee, the Cabinet, under the leadership of the President in his role as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, endorsed the recommendation to award the contract to Lufthansa Technik, which was identified as the lowest responsive bidder.
This contract marks a significant step towards ensuring that SriLankan Airlines’ fleet remains in top operational condition, with Lufthansa Technik bringing its expertise and world-class standards to the repair and maintenance of these crucial engines.
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): In a significant move to boost the country’s digital public infrastructure, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Digital Economy, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and other key stakeholders, has launched a new civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system.
This initiative, which was unveiled at the Sri Lanka Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Summit 2025 in Colombo, aims to modernise the nation’s digital governance and service delivery.
The CRVS system, as outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is a crucial part of a nation’s digital framework, designed to register all vital life events such as births and deaths.
The platform will also gather key information on public health matters, including causes of death, and could potentially include data on marriages and divorces.
By centralising this data, the government will be able to make more informed decisions and enhance its planning and delivery of services to citizens.
During his address at the summit, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne stressed the importance of the upgraded CRVS system in improving the accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of vital records.
He highlighted that the system’s capabilities would play a critical role in the efficient functioning of public services, making them more accessible to citizens.
“Our ultimate objective is to create a society where all public services are just a click away, readily accessible to every citizen, regardless of their location,” Weeraratne remarked, emphasising the need for continued advancements in Sri Lanka’s digital public infrastructure (DPI).
Weeraratne went on to explain that the establishment of a robust DPI framework is central to the nation’s ongoing digital transformation. He underscored that achieving these goals requires strong collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“The digital infrastructure we are building now is the foundation for every future digital modernisation effort in Sri Lanka. Through these initiatives, the government envisions the country’s digital economy reaching an ambitious target of US $15 billion by 2030,” he added.
As part of the effort to bridge the gap between government and private sector systems, Weeraratne pointed to the Digital ID system, which will serve as a vital tool in connecting both sectors and streamlining public services.
The Digital ID system is expected to make accessing essential services more efficient for citizens, contributing to the government’s broader vision of a more digitally inclusive society.
“We are committed to ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic transformation is inclusive, equitable, and secure,” Weeraratne said, highlighting the importance of narrowing the digital divide. He emphasised that the country’s economic progress should include marginalised groups, rural populations, and underserved communities, ensuring no one is left behind in the transition to a digital economy.
In closing, the Deputy Minister called for a unified effort to position Sri Lanka as a competitive player in the global digital marketplace, stressing that the nation’s success in this space depends on collective action and commitment to digital innovation at every level.
February 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has achieved a remarkable milestone as it continues to recover and thrive, with January 2025 witnessing an all-time high for tourist arrivals in the month.
The island nation has begun the year with exceptional momentum, welcoming over 250,000 international visitors, a significant achievement after facing numerous challenges in recent years.
According to the latest provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), a total of 252,761 tourists arrived in the country in January, marking a 21 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2024.
This impressive rise also surpasses the previous record set in January 2018, which was regarded as a peak year for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, as the country recorded 238,000 arrivals that month.
This growth represents a 5.8 per cent rise over the 2018 figures, underscoring the ongoing recovery and resilience of the tourism sector.
With this achievement, January 2025 has secured its place as the second-highest month for tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka’s history, just shy of the record set in December 2018, when 253,169 visitors arrived.
The daily average number of arrivals in January 2025 reached an impressive 8,153, whilst the weekly average stood at 63,190, reflecting the steady and growing demand for Sri Lanka as a travel destination.
India remained the largest source of tourists, accounting for 17.2 per cent of total arrivals. Russia followed closely behind with 13.5 per cent, and the United Kingdom rounded out the top three with 8.6 per cent.
Other significant markets included China, Germany, France, Australia, Poland, the United States, and the Netherlands, all contributing to the diverse and growing international appeal of the island.
The SLTDA has set a target for 2025 to attract three million visitors and generate an estimated US $5 billion in revenue from the tourism sector.
Whilst the official monthly targets and growth projections have yet to be released, the strong performance in January is a positive indicator of the sector’s potential.
Historically, Sri Lanka experiences higher tourist arrivals during the first quarter of the year, particularly in January, February, and March, as well as during the mid-year and year-end holiday seasons in July, August, and December.
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.
