January 31, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Uva province and in Batticaloa, Ampara, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Hambantota districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (31).
Several spells of showers will occur in Northern and North-central provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kandy districts in the evening or night.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces during the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Galle via Batticaloa and Hambantota. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Negombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending fromNegombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
January 30, Colombo (LNW): The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has explained the deviation of inflation from the target in the second and third quarters of 2024, attributing it primarily to temporary supply-side factors, particularly significant reductions in energy prices.
The bank has presented a detailed report to Parliament on these deviations, which are part of the Monetary Policy Framework Agreement (MPFA).
According to Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe, inflation is set to be 5 percent under the MPFA, with a margin of ±2 percentage points. However, inflation fell much below this range, recording 1.4 percent in Q2 and 0.8 percent in Q3 of 2024.
The sharp drop in inflation during this period was primarily caused by a fall in energy prices. Significant reductions in electricity tariffs, domestic fuel, LP gas, and water prices in March and July 2024 contributed to this decline.
Additionally, an 8.2 percent appreciation in the Sri Lankan rupee against the US dollar further helped moderate inflation by reducing import costs.
Despite these drops in headline inflation, core inflation, which excludes food and energy, remained relatively stable at 3.8 percent, indicating that demand-side pressures stayed consistent. The Central Bank emphasized that monetary policy alone cannot effectively manage supply-side shocks such as energy price fluctuations.
Since June 2023, the Central Bank has maintained an accommodative monetary policy aimed at stimulating economic recovery, with interest rates reduced by 7.25 percentage points and an additional 50-basis-point cut in November 2024 to encourage private sector credit growth.
Although inflation is expected to stay low in the short term, the Central Bank predicts a return to the target range by the third quarter of 2025 as the effects of supply-side factors dissipate.
The ongoing deflation is linked to the previous reductions in energy prices, and it is anticipated that the negative inflation trend will continue for several months before gradually adjusting toward the target by mid-2025. The January 2025 reduction in the electricity tariff is expected to deepen deflation temporarily.
The Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Board will continue monitoring the situation and adjust its policy as necessary to maintain price stability and support economic growth. Despite the deflationary trends, economic growth remains strong, with GDP projected to increase by 5.5 percent in Q3 2024, following a 4.7 percent growth in Q2. The Central Bank’s current focus is on managing inflation and supporting the economy’s recovery.
January 30, Colombo (LNW): The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is introducing a mandatory International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) registration system to block unauthorized mobile phones.
Effective January 29, 2025, all SIM-enabled devices must be registered with TRCSL to function on local networks. Devices connected before January 28, 2025, are exempt.
To check compliance, users can send an SMS to 1909 with the format: IMEI <15-digit IMEI number>. TRCSL urges the public to purchase only TRCSL-approved mobile phones.
TRCSL Director General, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Bandula Herath, stated, “We request the public not to buy unapproved mobile phones. A new automated system will soon be implemented to block such devices. This initiative aims to reduce illegal activities and protect users.”
The IMEI registration system is designed to curb unauthorized phone imports, strengthen individual identification, and enhance security. TRCSL expects that, over time, legally approved mobile phone prices will decrease due to wider market availability.
All radio frequency (RF)-emitting devices, including cell phones, wireless networks, drones, and industrial and medical applications, must be registered with TRCSL by January 28, 2025. Without registration, these devices will be prohibited from operating in Sri Lanka.
To comply, users must obtain permission by submitting the relevant model number. This measure aims to ensure high-quality, certified electronic devices in the market and prevent the sale of illegal imports.
The government has suffered significant tax losses due to unregistered electronic devices flooding the market, making regulatory enforcement a priority.
TRCSL’s primary responsibility is to take legal action against illegal traders and prevent the sale of unregistered devices. An automated system to identify registered devices will be operational by the end of January 2025.
Unregistered IMEI-enabled RF-emitting devices will no longer function on Sri Lankan telecom networks after January 28. However, foreigners visiting Sri Lanka will not be affected when using their personal electronic devices.
If individuals bring new IMEI-enabled RF-emitting devices into Sri Lanka, they must register them through TRCSL’s online system. This requirement does not apply to devices already connected to local networks before January 28.
An IMEI is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile phone, typically found inside the device or displayed by dialing *#06# on the keypad.
This number helps identify the device’s manufacturer and marketing name. To verify a phone’s IMEI, users can send an SMS to 1909 in the format: IMEI <15-digit IMEI number>.
By implementing this system, TRCSL aims to streamline mobile device tracking, improve security, and ensure compliance with telecommunications regulations in Sri Lanka.
January 30, Colombo (LNW): SLT-Mobitel has made history by conducting Sri Lanka’s first-ever trial of 5G-Advanced (5G-A), an enhanced version of fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology.
This landmark event, held on January 12 at SLT-Mobitel’s headquarters in Colombo 8, demonstrated cutting-edge advancements in telecommunications, achieving speeds exceeding 5 Gbps (gigabits per second).
The successful trial underscores the company’s leadership in digital innovation and its commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s connectivity landscape.
Understanding 5G-Advanced Technology
5G-Advanced, often referred to as 5G-A, builds upon existing 5G technology by incorporating several improvements for better speed, efficiency, and reliability.
The trial used:3CC Carrier Aggregation – This technique combines multiple frequency bands to increase data transmission rates, ensuring smoother connectivity and higher speeds.
Massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) – A system that uses multiple antennas at both transmission and reception points, significantly improving network coverage and capacity.
1024QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) – A sophisticated method that allows more data to be transmitted over the same bandwidth, further enhancing speed and efficiency.
C-Band Spectrum – A range of mid-frequency radio waves that balance speed and coverage, making it ideal for next-generation mobile networks.
The trial was powered by advanced radio equipment from ZTE, a global telecom technology leader, and utilized a Xiaomi 14 Ultra smartphone for the demonstration.
A Leap Forward for Sri Lanka’s Digital Future
SLT-Mobitel’s Chief Operating Officer, Sudharshana Geeganage, emphasized that this achievement reinforces the company’s commitment to spearheading Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.
He highlighted the vast potential of 5G-A in revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, transportation, entertainment, and smart cities by enabling faster and more reliable communication networks.
Similarly, ZTE Sri Lanka’s CEO, Yang Min, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for collaborating with SLT-Mobitel on this milestone. He reaffirmed ZTE’s dedication to advancing telecommunications technology and strengthening digital connectivity in Sri Lanka.
Bringing 5G to the Public
Beyond this milestone trial, SLT-Mobitel has also launched a 5G pre-commercial trial network, allowing customers with compatible devices to experience 5G speeds in five major cities: Colombo, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Galle, and Jaffna. This initiative enables users to explore the potential of 5G technology firsthand.
Since 2019, SLT-Mobitel has been at the forefront of 5G development in Sri Lanka.
The company previously conducted South Asia’s first 5G trial deployment over a mobile network and was the first in the country to test a hybrid model of standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G technologies.
Conclusion
SLT-Mobitel’s successful 5G-A trial marks a significant step in Sri Lanka’s telecommunications evolution.
By harnessing cutting-edge advancements in wireless technology, the company is paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and technologically advanced future.
This milestone signals the beginning of an era where ultra-fast, high-capacity networks will transform industries and improve digital experiences nationwide.
January 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is implementing reforms to expedite foreign direct investment (FDI) approvals and reassess existing free trade agreements (FTAs) to stimulate economic growth.
While these measures aim to support economic recovery, experts stress the importance of proper safeguards, transparency, and strategic negotiations to maximize benefits while mitigating potential risks. Senior officials emphasize the urgency of completing these reforms swiftly to prevent delays and their repercussions.
In July 2022, the Ministry of Technology and Investment Promotion simplified the FDI approval process by reducing the application form from 14 pages to a single page and introducing a digital system that enables approvals within 24 hours, provided all requirements are met.
This initiative aims to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate investment decisions.Building on these efforts, the government established a new agency in November 2022 to oversee investment promotion and external trade, consolidating functions previously handled by entities such as the Board of Investment (BOI), Export Development Board (EDB), and Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation (SLECIC).
The objective is to streamline investment approvals within four to five days through a unified platform.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed a review of Sri Lanka’s existing FTAs with India, Pakistan, Singapore, and Thailand.
Additionally, the country is exploring membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and resuming negotiations with China to expand its FTA with India.
After a five-year pause, Sri Lanka and India resumed talks on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) in October 2023.
The 12th round of discussions covered trade in goods and services, rules of origin, customs procedures, and other key areas, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing economic ties.
To further improve the investment climate, President Dissanayake has announced that the BOI will reduce its average response time for investment applications from 80 days to just two weeks. Currently, investors require approvals from 82 state agencies, a process that takes over 2.5 years.
For instance, environmental approvals alone involve 11 agencies and take approximately 269 days. The government plans to cut this down to 82 days, while additional clearances from eight other agencies, which currently take 184 days, will be reduced to 102 days.
The government is also prioritizing a review of past FTAs before signing new agreements. Dissanayake emphasized the need to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing FTA with India and assess its benefits, challenges, and missed opportunities before proceeding with new trade deals.
These reforms are expected to attract investment, stimulate job creation, and improve investor confidence by reducing bureaucratic delays. Expanding FTAs could enhance trade opportunities, offering Sri Lanka better market access and stronger economic partnerships.
However, potential risks remain. Rapid investment approvals could result in inadequate scrutiny, leading to environmental and labor concerns. Poorly negotiated FTAs might increase imports of cheap foreign goods, negatively affecting local industries and worsening the trade deficit.
Furthermore, national security risks could arise if critical infrastructure falls under foreign control, and public backlash may emerge if citizens perceive that these policies favor foreign investors over local businesses.
Overall, Sri Lanka’s efforts to expedite FDI and review trade agreements are crucial for economic recovery. However, careful planning and execution are essential to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.
January 30, Colombo (LNW): In an effort to provide much-needed relief to consumers, Lanka Sathosa has announced a reduction in the prices of several essential items, effective from today (30).
The price cuts come following instructions from the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development.
The updated prices, which apply across all Lanka Sathosa outlets island-wide, are as follows:
Imported Big Onions: Reduced by Rs. 10, now priced at Rs. 220 per kilogramme
Bread Flour: Reduced by Rs. 10, now priced at Rs. 165 per kilogramme
White Sugar: Reduced by Rs. 5, now priced at Rs. 235 per kilogramme
Red Lentils: Reduced by Rs. 3, now priced at Rs. 285 per kilogramme
Imported White Kekulu Rice: Reduced by Rs. 1, now priced at Rs. 209 per kilogramme
January 30, Colombo (LNW): Priyantha Mayadunne, the former Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) earlier today (30).
January 30, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) yesterday (29) organised a demonstration remembering Black January, an occasion marking media repression.
The event was held in front of the Colombo Fort Railway station.
Signatures were collected for a public petition as well.
“January is still black, expedite justice for crimes against mass media” was displayed as the slogan of the protest.
The event also displayed portraits of journalists who were either assassinated, abducted or brutally assaulted during previous regimes across the history.
Black January predominantly represents voice against state-sponsored media repression, a movement spawned out of the trend of media personnel and media institutions being repressed quite frequently in the month January during previous regimes in power.
January 30, Colombo (LNW): The newly appointed Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), Air Vice Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, has outlined an ambitious and multifaceted strategic vision aimed at enhancing the Air Force’s operational capabilities, technological advancements, and global presence, whilst also contributing to national development and maritime security.
In his first address as Commander, Air Vice Marshal Edirisinghe emphasised the importance of maximising the Air Force’s potential to respond effectively to national needs.
Central to his strategy is the goal of strengthening the SLAF’s airpower by acquiring advanced air platforms through military diplomacy, thus ensuring a fleet that is well-equipped to meet both current and future demands.
Under the framework of technological development, the new Commander highlighted plans to upgrade the Air Force’s air defence systems, enhance drone and UAV technology, and prepare the force for an era of innovation.
By embracing emerging technologies, he aims to future-proof the SLAF and maintain its operational edge in an ever-changing defence landscape.
In terms of global operations, Air Vice Marshal Edirisinghe outlined a focus on expanding the SLAF’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions, positioning the Air Force to contribute more significantly to international security efforts.
This expansion will ensure the SLAF remains a key player on the global stage, ready to respond to peacekeeping and humanitarian needs worldwide.
Maritime security was another key area of focus, with the Commander underscoring the SLAF’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the Indian Ocean region.
By enhancing surveillance operations, the SLAF aims to bolster both national and international security, ensuring stability in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime zones.
The new Commander also reinforced the Air Force’s role in national development and environmental sustainability. He expressed full support for the “Clean Sri Lanka Programme 2025”, which aims to improve the country’s environmental standards, highlighting the Air Force’s contributions to national welfare beyond military objectives.
Edirisinghe’s address provided a clear and progressive roadmap for the future of the SLAF, ensuring the Force’s readiness to tackle evolving challenges whilst fulfilling both national security objectives and international responsibilities.
Air Vice Marshal Edirisinghe officially took over as the 20th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force this morning at the Air Force Headquarters. The ceremony included a Guard of Honour by the Air Force Colour Wing, after which the Commander delivered his inaugural speech to the entire Air Force, outlining his vision for the future of the organisation.
January 30, Colombo (LNW): The United Nations has expressed its willingness to assist Sri Lanka in its ongoing efforts to uncover and recover hidden assets.
Marc Andrew France, the UN’s Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, made this commitment during a recent meeting with the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath.
During the discussions, France highlighted the significance of Sri Lanka working closely with the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission in New York.
He assured the government of the UN’s full backing in its fight against corruption and fraud, including the provision of financial and technical support to aid in these efforts.
France also took the opportunity to commend Sri Lanka for its compassionate handling of the Rohingya refugees who were rescued off the nation’s maritime borders.
He praised the government for its humane approach, acknowledging the country’s efforts to offer refuge to those in need during a time of crisis.
The Resident Coordinator further shared that UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to visit Sri Lanka towards the end of the year, a visit that is expected to further strengthen the ties between Sri Lanka and the United Nations.
Minister Vijitha Herath, in turn, remarked on the recent elections, describing the election of a new government—free from ethnic and racial divisions—as a historic achievement for Sri Lanka.
He also discussed the government’s ongoing efforts to return land to its rightful owners in the Northern and Eastern provinces, emphasising the importance of fulfilling this long-standing commitment.
Additionally, the Minister called for the UN’s cooperation in expanding the recruitment of Sri Lankan armed forces personnel for future UN Peacekeeping Missions, underscoring Sri Lanka’s continued dedication to contributing to global peace and security.
