President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that Sri Lanka is poised to achieve an economic growth rate exceeding 4% in 2025. Speaking at the inauguration of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce-hosted Economic Summit at the Shangri-La Hotel yesterday, the President outlined the government’s strategic focus on key sectors to drive this growth.

Highlighting tourism, shipping and logistics, and the ICT sector as priority areas, the President emphasized that the government will invest significantly in expanding the ports sector. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was also identified as a critical driver of rapid economic growth, and the government has introduced measures to streamline investment processes.

“Currently, it takes around 269 days from signing an agreement with the Board of Investment (BOI) to project execution, requiring approvals from 82 institutions, including 11 under the Ministry of Environment. We have now implemented systems to reduce this timeline to less than 82 days to attract more investors,” the President stated.

Addressing regional economic disparities, the President noted the importance of reducing the economic gap between the Western Province and other regions. He assured that the upcoming budget will include proposals to address these disparities and promote balanced development across the country.

The President’s remarks highlighted the government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment, fostering regional equity, and leveraging key sectors to achieve sustained economic growth in 2025.

Cloudy skies can be expected over Southern part of the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva and Southern provinces and in Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm can be expected at some places in the above areas.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere 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 minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

In preparation for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, the Colombo Police have announced a special traffic plan for the area around Independence Square. The traffic restrictions will be enforced from January 29 to February 2, from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM each day.

The following roads will be affected by the traffic plan:

• Entry from Vijerama Mawatha (Cinnamon Gardens) to Vidya Mawatha will be restricted.
• Entry from Bauddhaloka Mawatha (Cinnamon Gardens) to Maitland Place will be restricted.
• Entry from Bauddhaloka Mawatha (Cinnamon Gardens) to Premakeerthi de Alwis Mawatha will be restricted.
• Entry from Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha (Cinnamon Gardens) to Foundation Institute Road will be restricted.
• Entry from Independence Roundabout (Cinnamon Gardens) to Independence Square will be restricted.
• Entry from Horton Place to Maitland Crescent Junction towards Independence Roundabout will be restricted.
• Entry from R.G. Senanayake Mawatha to Maitland Crescent towards Independence Roundabout will be restricted.
• Entry from Independence Roundabout to Maitland Crescent will be restricted.

Motorists are advised to plan their routes in advance to avoid any disruptions or inconvenience caused by these temporary restrictions.

In line with the new government’s vision of “A Thriving Nation- A Beautiful Life,” President Anura Kumara Disanayake has directed officials to implement measures aimed at boosting Sri Lanka’s export revenue to $36 billion by 2030. This target was highlighted during a meeting of the Export Development Council of Ministers (EDCM) held on January 27, 2025, at the Presidential Secretariat.

Sri Lanka’s export revenue stood at $16.1 billion in 2024, with an anticipated increase to $18.2 billion this year. The comprehensive action plan aims to achieve the $36 billion target by focusing on strengthening domestic production, shifting to an export-driven economy, and leveraging the country’s strategic location, human resources, and natural assets for industrial growth.

Key points discussed at the meeting included revitalizing domestic manufacturing industries, enhancing export sector competitiveness, expanding the services industry, and exploring innovative global market strategies. There was also a focus on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under a national framework, creating an investor-friendly environment, and ensuring the availability of infrastructure and resources.

Several important decisions were made:

1. A VAT refund system will be established at the airport for goods purchased by tourists.
2. The manual system for inspecting export products will be replaced with an automated scanning system at Katunayake airport, with funding from the Ministry of Industries.
3. Sri Lankan-manufactured railway engines will now be inspected within the country to expedite exports.
4. Renewable energy sources will be introduced to reduce costs in the export industry, and exporters will be encouraged to adopt modern technology.
5. Funding from the CESS fund will be provided for programs aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and investors in achieving export targets.
6. The Investment Facilitation Committee will be established to support both domestic and foreign investments in the export sector.
7. Export incentives will be introduced for gems and jewellery exports by implementing a method to accurately determine their export value.
8. The government will focus on boosting the export of locally manufactured electronic equipment and devices, including customs duty concessions on raw material imports.

Additionally, the digitalization of data systems for the export industry was prioritized, and measures were discussed to increase bank guarantee limits for incentivizing service exports.

The meeting also tackled current challenges in the export sector, including delays in apparel export inspections, with resolutions developed through consensus.

The EDCM, established on September 11, 1980, had not met between 1992 and 2020. The 2025 meeting marks the resumption of its activities after a 28-year hiatus, underscoring its significance in shaping Sri Lanka’s export strategy.

Key attendees included Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake, Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe, and several other ministers and government officials. The EDCM’s goal remains to enhance Sri Lanka’s global competitiveness by formulating and executing national export development policies.

The High Commission of India in Colombo has announced the availability of 200 fully-funded scholarships for Sri Lankan nationals for the 2025-2026 academic session. These scholarships are open for various levels of study at prestigious Indian Institutes and Universities, excluding Medical/Paramedical, Fashion Design, and Law courses.

The scholarship opportunities are available under the following schemes:

• Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme: Covers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses in Engineering, Science, Business, Economics, Commerce, Humanities, Arts, and more.
• Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme: Offers scholarships for Master’s Degrees with a focus on Engineering, Science, and Agriculture.
• Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme: Specifically for undergraduate courses in Information Technology, leading to a Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology.
• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme: Covers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses in Engineering, Science, Business, Economics, Commerce, Humanities, and Arts.

Each scholarship scheme includes full tuition fees for the entire course duration, a monthly sustenance allowance, an annual grant for books and stationary, airfare to India, and an annual educational tour grant. Additionally, hostel facilities will be provided on campus.

The Government of India, in consultation with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education, will select meritorious candidates for these scholarships. For more details on eligibility and the selection process, interested applicants should visit the Ministry of Education’s website at www.mohe.gov.lk or contact the High Commission of India in Colombo at [email protected].

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Namal Karunaratne, has acknowledged that the government is intentionally delaying the announcement of a minimum guaranteed price for paddy to pass benefits to farmers. Addressing a press conference today (27), the Deputy Minister stated that the delay is a strategic move aimed at allowing the private sector to purchase paddy at higher prices during the peak of market demand.

Despite this explanation, weeks into the harvesting of the ‘Maha’ cultivation season, the government has yet to establish a guaranteed price for paddy.

Farmers’ associations, however, have expressed frustration over the delay, arguing that it has inadvertently opened the door for private sector entities to exploit the situation by purchasing paddy at unreasonably low prices.

Representatives of farmers’ groups are calling for immediate government intervention to ensure fair pricing mechanisms that safeguard their livelihoods. They emphasize the urgent need for a guaranteed price to stabilize the agricultural sector and prevent exploitation by private buyers.

“This delay is harming farmers rather than helping them. Without a guaranteed price, we are left vulnerable to market manipulation and unfair practices,” said a spokesperson for one of the farmers’ associations.

As concerns grow, pressure mounts on the government to take swift action to protect the agricultural community and ensure equitable outcomes for the farming sector.

The United Nations in Sri Lanka and the Embassy of Japan jointly supported the Malayaha Teachers’ Research Conference, held on January 27 and 28, 2025. Marking the 200th anniversary of the Upcountry Tamil community’s arrival in Sri Lanka, the event celebrated their resilience and contributions while addressing critical challenges faced by the community.

Organized by the Law and Society Trust in collaboration with the Young Researchers Network, the conference brought together educators and young researchers from the Upcountry Tamil community. Over the past year, this initiative has fostered a network of young teachers and researchers, predominantly women, trained by senior academics to investigate key issues such as land rights, education access, employment, and gender equality.

The conference, attended by stakeholders including the Coordinating Secretary to the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, showcased impactful research on the socio-economic challenges confronting the Upcountry Tamil community, particularly in the context of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. The event aimed to generate dialogue and sustainable solutions, focusing on education, housing, and working conditions to foster broader social progress.

“The Upcountry Tamil community exemplifies resilience, yet systemic barriers continue to hinder their progress. This conference is a vital step toward empowering this community through education and actionable research,” said Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka. “Through collaboration, we can ensure sustainable development that truly leaves no one behind.”

Kamoshida Naoaki, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, emphasized Japan’s shared commitment to human security and inclusive growth, particularly in supporting education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for vulnerable communities.

Dr. Ahilan Kadirgramar, a Senior Researcher supporting the Young Researchers Network, highlighted the transformative potential of participatory research in addressing the community’s needs. “This initiative provides actionable ideas for the continued development of education in the Upcountry, including support for infrastructure, teacher training, and relief for school children, particularly during the ongoing economic crisis,” he stated.

The Malayaha Teachers’ Research Conference exemplifies the power of grassroots leadership and international collaboration in driving sustainable development. By empowering young researchers and educators, the initiative sets the foundation for lasting progress within the Upcountry Tamil community.

The Supreme Court yesterday concluded arguments on the constitutionality of the ‘Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill,’ following four Special Determination petitions filed in opposition to it.

The court’s final determination on the Bill will be communicated to the President and the Speaker in due course. The Three-Judge bench presiding over the case comprised Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Janak de Silva, and Arjuna Obeyesekere.

The Bill, tabled in Parliament, seeks to facilitate fresh nominations and elections for specific local authorities where elections were previously called and subsequently postponed.

Petitioners, including Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) General Secretary Nizam Kariapper, PC, argued that the Bill infringes on citizens’ voting rights, thus violating fundamental rights. They further contended that certain provisions of the Bill necessitate approval by a special majority in Parliament and ratification through a referendum.