The Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT) has recently boosted its efficiency with the installation of three new Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, raising its total to nine.

This upgrade allows the terminal to accommodate a wider variety of vessels, regardless of size, reinforcing Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s (SLPA) goal of establishing the country as a key maritime hub in the Indian Ocean.

Once fully operational by mid-2025, the CECT is expected to handle up to 3.5 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually, with specifications including a 1,320-meter berth and water depths of 18–20 meters to support larger vessels.

In 2024, SLPA terminals achieved a record throughput of 2.41 million TEUs, contributing to the Port of Colombo’s total of 7.78 million TEUs.

This milestone positions Colombo as a leading gateway for international trade in the region. Key contributors include the South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) with 2.02 million TEUs and the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT), which led with 3.35 million TEUs due to its deep-water facilities.

Meanwhile, the delayed expansion of the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) has significantly overrun costs, doubling from an initial estimate of Rs. 5 billion to Rs. 10 billion.

The upgrade includes extending the terminal’s anchorage by 120 meters, increasing its length to 1,400 meters, installing three new gantry cranes, and expanding the container yard by 13 acres to meet growing demand.

With its existing 14 gantry cranes, these enhancements aim to address the current 600-meter berth limitation, which restricts the terminal from handling two large vessels simultaneously, impacting SLPA’s profitability.

Although the JCT expansion was approved in July 2017 and contracted in November 2018 at Rs. 5.04 billion, delays caused by political instability and procedural inefficiencies have hindered progress.

 Originally scheduled for completion by July 2020, only 82.6% of the project was finished by the end of 2023. Despite this, renovations are nearing completion, with an official launch planned for June 2024.

 These developments signify a crucial step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s maritime infrastructure. Improved governance and timely project execution are essential to capitalize on the country’s strategic location, enhancing its role in global trade networks.

Sri Lanka faces a rising threat from the nexus of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis, posing significant risks to public health and societal wellbeing. Experts warn that these industries, driven by profit motives, continue to evolve their strategies, targeting vulnerable populations such as youth and women.

 The Center for Combatting Tobacco (CCT), Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC), and National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) urge policymakers to adopt a stricter stance to mitigate the long-term consequences of substance abuse in the country.

At a forum held recently , these organizations highlighted the concerning trends in substance use and abuse.

They criticized the tobacco industry’s recent windfall following a cigarette price hike, which, despite reducing consumption to two billion sticks, is expected to boost profits by over Rs. 7 billion.

Alarmingly, global tobacco manufacturers are reportedly aligning with cannabis producers to promote products under the guise of innovation, threatening public health under the pretext of business growth.

CCT Director Dr. Mahesh Rajasuriya explained that the cannabis industry complements the cigarette market.

He expressed concern about the promotion of electronic products containing cannabis and other flavored additives designed to attract women and children.

He also warned against the involvement of tobacco and cannabis companies in research, education, and health initiatives to legitimize their products.

The forum included experts from the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), and other professional bodies.

They unanimously condemned any attempts to reduce alcohol prices, arguing that it would not deter consumers from illicit products but might instead lower the price of illegal alternatives.

SLMA President Dr. Anula Wijesundera discussed the ongoing efforts to introduce draft regulations restricting access to tobacco for individuals born after 2010.

 She also emphasized the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration in 2023 that no amount of alcohol consumption is safe, urging the Government to reconsider any measures that could encourage its use.

NATA Chairman Dr. Alan Ludowyke highlighted the alarming rise in oral tobacco consumption, which is a leading cause of oral cancers and related diseases. He reiterated that tobacco remains the world’s largest preventable killer, with no safe level of usage.

Further, A.T. Darshana from the Dangerous Drugs Control Board presented data revealing a staggering 200% increase in drug abuse, including methamphetamine, with worrying levels of involvement among women and children.

 While alcohol and tobacco sales contribute over 15% of Sri Lanka’s tax revenue, experts at the forum contested the notion that these industries are indispensable for the Treasury. Instead, they called for urgent policy changes to prioritize health over profits and curb the devastating effects of substance abuse.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath affirmed that Sri Lanka will not permit its territory to be used for activities that promote separatism, including any actions related to China’s internal matters. Addressing a media briefing on January 22, the minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to upholding the “One China” policy and ensuring the country’s territorial integrity.

“Sri Lanka will not allow its land to be used for China’s separatist activities,” Minister Herath stated, adding that China has pledged to support Sri Lanka in preserving its sovereignty and territorial unity. He underscored that previous Sri Lankan governments had upheld the “One China” policy, and the current administration remains committed to it.

The minister highlighted that Sri Lanka stands by China as a unified nation, recognizing its contributions to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s own territorial integrity against separatist movements. “If there are any attempts to promote separatism within China, the Sri Lankan Government will intervene, as this aligns with our principles,” he stated.

Additionally, the two nations have agreed to implement joint defense training programs, further strengthening their collaboration. Minister Herath assured that Chinese projects in Sri Lanka will be managed in a way that does not pose any threats to the country’s interests, with adjustments made where necessary through mutual agreement.

“These agreements are not based on policies within China but are aligned with Sri Lanka’s Constitution. Our support for China as a unified nation will continue on the international stage,” the minister concluded.

Roshan Sithara Khan Azard has officially assumed duties as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador-designate to Qatar at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Doha on January 23, making history as the first woman to hold this position.

Ambassador-designate Azard emphasized her commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Qatar, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange. She also highlighted the importance of fostering stronger people-to-people connections between the two nations.

A seasoned diplomat with over 25 years of experience, Ambassador-designate Azard joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 1998. She has served in various roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, most recently as the Additional Secretary for SAARC and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Her extensive diplomatic career includes postings in London, Chennai, Doha, and Ottawa, where she served as Deputy High Commissioner and Acting High Commissioner. Her latest appointment marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan diplomacy in Qatar.

Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka, Dr. Siri Walt, has reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in recovering assets that have been moved out of the country.

During a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Ambassador Walt outlined the international measures required for asset recovery and assured Switzerland’s readiness to provide the necessary resources and assistance.

The discussions also delved into leveraging Switzerland’s expertise and technical knowledge to bolster Sri Lanka’s ongoing anti-corruption initiatives. The Swiss government reiterated its support for priority programs, including the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, through technical and financial assistance.

Moreover, Ambassador Walt expressed Switzerland’s dedication to addressing Sri Lanka’s social challenges, promoting national reconciliation, and aiding the development of the Northern region by offering essential aid and resources.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage also attended the meeting, which marked a significant step toward enhanced collaboration between the two nations.

Showers or thunder showers will occur at times in Uva and Southern provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Several spells of showers will occur in Northern and North-Central provinces and in Trincomalee district.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere in the evening or night. Showers may occur in Western province in the morning too.

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm can be expected at some places in Uva, Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa, Nuwara-Eliya and Matale districts.

Fairly strong winds of (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Eastern slope of the central hills and Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Matale and Hambantota districts.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts 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.