Several spells of showers will occur in Uva and Southern provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts. A few showers may 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 Kurunegala district in the evening or night and fairly heavy showers about 50 mm can be expected at some places.
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 district.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces and in Badulla district 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.
January 23, Colombo (LNW): Japan’s Onomichi Dockyard Company has informed the board of Colombo Dockyard of its plans to divest its 51 percent ownership stake in Sri Lanka’s international shipbuilding and repair company.
The move comes as the company is marking its fiftieth anniversary while facing deepening financial challenges and competition in the international market.
Sri Lanka highlights the location of the shipyard and its expanded capabilities as strategic advantages.
In addition to being a large employer, the yard draws in critical export revenues for the country which has been plagued by a financial crisis.
In 2023, Colombo Dockyard which supplies ships and undertakes projects for India, Norway, and France, earned approximately $110 million in export revenues, up 36 percent over 2022.
The current company was started in the 1970s by the government of Sri Lanka and began operations in 1974 focusing on harbor craft and smaller vessels.
Today, it has the ability to handle vessels up to 125,000 dwt and provides both newbuilding and repair work.
Colombo Dockyard highlights its expanded repair work as well as involvement in building a cable layer, hybrid bulkers, and work on VLGCs, dredgers, and offshore vessels.
It has been undertaking projects for Europeans but faces regional competition as India looks to expand its shipbuilding industry.
The shipyard company has been under severe financial pressures with revenues so far in 2024 down by a third. Last year was the worst financial performance in the company’s history.
It recorded a loss of nearly $38 million and has a total retained loss on its books currently of nearly $26 million.
The company says it has informed its key creditors of Onomichi’s intent to divest its shares.
Onomichi, which has been involved in shipbuilding since the 1940s, acquired its 51 percent stake in the company in 1993 from the government of Sri Lanka.
It was part of a privatization drive by the then prime minister and the deal also gave management control to Onomichi.
As part of the decision to divest its shares, Onomichi’s board representation announced its resignation.
The board of Colombo Dockyard advises shareholders that it is in preliminary discussions for a new strategic partner.
It reports unidentified parties have expressed an initial interest in investing in the company but that no terms have been set for the future.
They look to continue the operation and have received assurances from Onomichi of its willingness to work with a new strategic buyer.
January 23, Colombo (LNW): The consultancy services for the Colombo Port Expansion Project have been awarded to Dohwa Engineering Co. Ltd. at a cost of $4.2 million. This decision, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, marks a significant step in the development of Container Platform II under Phase II of the project.
The approval follows a rigorous evaluation process conducted in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is providing both technical and financial support for the initiative.
The selection process adhered to ADB’s competitive criteria. Of 20 initial applicants, seven met the eligibility requirements, with five submitting detailed proposals.
Following financial evaluations of three shortlisted candidates, the Cabinet-appointed Consultation Procurement Committee recommended Dohwa Engineering Co. Ltd. for the consultancy role, as announced by Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
A major component of the project is the extension of the western water break of Container Platform II. This upgrade is designed to increase the port’s capacity to handle growing maritime traffic, solidifying Colombo Port’s status as a regional shipping hub.
The proposal, submitted by Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake, was unanimously approved by the Cabinet.
The Colombo Port expansion, spearheaded by the Adani Group, is progressing as planned. According to Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Sirimevan Ranasinghe, who also holds a minority stake in the project, the Colombo West International Terminal is on track for its Phase I completion by early 2025.
The terminal, part of a $1 billion foreign direct investment from Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ), represents the largest investment in Sri Lanka’s port sector.
The West Container Terminal is being constructed in phases, with the first stage featuring an 800-meter berth expected to be operational by December 2024 or early 2025. A second phase will extend the quay by an additional 600 meters, enabling the terminal to handle up to 3.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually.
In parallel, Sri Lanka is preparing for the development of the Colombo North Port to further expand its transshipment capacity. The nation, recognized as a key global transit hub, sees half of all container ships passing through its waters. Colombo Port, the busiest transshipment port in the Indian Ocean, has been operating at over 90% capacity since 2021.
The ongoing developments underscore Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining its strategic position in global shipping, ensuring its infrastructure meets the demands of rising maritime trade.
ICBS Campus has made a groundbreaking entry into Sri Lanka’s online education sector, introducing a range of affordable, high-quality diploma programs designed to prepare students for the demands of the future job market. With a mission to redefine how Sri Lankans access learning, the institution aims to bridge gaps in traditional education while offering a pathway to global opportunities.
Affordable Excellence for All By adopting an online-first model, ICBS Campus eliminates the overhead costs associated with physical campuses, ensuring cost savings are passed directly to students. This unique approach provides affordable education without compromising academic rigor, emphasizing the institution’s core value of delivering “Affordable Excellence.”
Competency-Based Learning (CBL): A First for Sri Lanka A key feature of ICBS Campus is the introduction of Competency-Based Learning (CBL), an innovative teaching methodology widely used by leading global institutions. Unlike traditional systems focused on rote learning, CBL emphasizes practical skills, real-world applications, and career readiness. Students graduate with competencies that set them apart in the competitive job market.
Programs Designed for the Future ICBS Campus has launched two inaugural programs: the Advanced Certificate and Diploma in IT and Business Management. These comprehensive, year-long courses provide in-depth coverage, preparing students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Future offerings include diploma programs in Marketing Management, IT Languages, and Social Sciences, with applications for these courses opening soon.
World-Class Faculty and Global Connections The institution boasts a faculty comprising experienced educators and industry professionals, ensuring programs are up-to-date and relevant to current market needs. An esteemed advisory panel of local and international experts plays a key role in shaping the curriculum. ICBS Campus is also in discussions with reputed foreign universities to establish affiliations, paving the way for undergraduate and master’s degree programs.
Revolutionizing Online Learning ICBS Campus is tackling common criticisms of online education in Sri Lanka by introducing an engaging, interactive approach. Moving away from passive, lecture-heavy formats, the institution focuses on active participation, project-based assignments, and collaborative learning. This hands-on methodology fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork—essential skills for today’s fast-evolving job market.
Shaping Sri Lanka’s Educational Landscape By offering affordable, relevant, and globally benchmarked education, ICBS Campus is setting a new standard for online learning in Sri Lanka. For those seeking a transformative educational experience that prepares them for long-term success, ICBS Campus offers the perfect destination.
Applications for the current programs are now open, with new courses launching soon. Visit their website to learn more and join Sri Lanka’s online education revolution.
January 23, Colombo (LNW): Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for South Asia, visited Colombo from January 21 to 23, 2025, marking his first official trip to Sri Lanka in this capacity. The visit aimed to enhance trade relations between the UK and Sri Lanka, address barriers to doing business, and explore initiatives to foster mutual economic growth.
During his stay, Kang met with key Sri Lankan government officials, including Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Western Province Governor Haniff Yousouf, and Presidential Economic Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa.
He also engaged with a wide array of stakeholders, such as representatives from UK-linked businesses, transnational education providers, and senior business leaders.
The discussions centered on sectors like financial and professional services, IT and software development, education, manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy. Kang emphasized the UK Government’s commitment to supporting British businesses, whether they are entering the Sri Lankan market for the first time or seeking to expand their operations.
Kang expressed admiration for the strong educational ties between the two nations, noting that Sri Lanka is the UK’s second-largest market for transnational education. “I am particularly impressed by the strength of our educational partnerships and am eager to explore how we can continue to contribute to the growth of Sri Lanka’s skilled workforce,” Kang stated. He also highlighted the UK’s role as a champion of open markets and its efforts to promote ease of doing business globally.
Sri Lanka holds significant value as a trading partner for the UK, with total trade amounting to approximately £1.5 billion annually. UK exports to Sri Lanka stand at £359 million, while UK imports from Sri Lanka reach £1.1 billion, making the UK Sri Lanka’s second-largest export market. Kang stressed the importance of improving market access and reducing trade barriers to further boost bilateral trade and investment.
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade plays a key role in supporting British businesses overseas by addressing challenges and promoting trade opportunities. As HMTC for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India since May 2023, Kang is focused on enhancing the UK’s trade partnerships across the region.
Before his current role, Kang served as the UK’s Chief Negotiator for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. He also had a 30-year tenure at AstraZeneca, where he served as Global Commercial Director, working on affordable pharmaceutical solutions for less developed regions. Additionally, he is a member of the University of Birmingham’s Council.
Looking ahead, Kang is optimistic about the future of UK-Sri Lanka relations. “By engaging with government and business stakeholders, I aim to identify solutions that will strengthen our partnership, ultimately contributing to the economic growth of both countries,” he noted.The UK remains committed to fostering sustainable, resilient, and productive partnerships in South Asia, with Sri Lanka playing a crucial role in these efforts.
January 23, Colombo (LNW): A groundbreaking initiative designed to open new avenues for women in Sri Lanka’s maritime industry is now in motion.
The program is a monumental step in promoting gender diversity and inclusion within this traditionally male-dominated sector, offering young women the opportunity to embark on transformative careers at sea.
The inaugural program, supported by an investment of USD 110,000, sponsors 15 female cadets, including seven deck cadets and eight engineering cadets.
This historic batch of female navigation cadets will set sail together for the first time in January 2025, followed by the engineering cadets beginning their training in April 2025.
The initiative has garnered strong support from esteemed organizations, such as the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, the High Commission of Australia, the German Embassy, the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents, and WISTA Sri Lanka. Their collective endorsement underscores the importance of advancing gender equality and empowering women in maritime careers.
At the forefront of this change is Centrum Marine Consultancy (Pvt) Ltd., a trailblazer in maritime human resources and a staunch advocate for gender diversity. The company has launched the innovative ‘She Can Sail the Seas’ program, specifically aimed at breaking down long-standing gender barriers in the maritime sector.
The official launch of the initiative was attended by notable dignitaries, including Dr. Felix Neumann, Ambassador of the German Embassy in Colombo; Colonel Amanda Jonston, Defense Advisor at the High Commission of Australia; and Lieutenant Commander Jessica De Mont, Naval Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo.
The ‘She Can Sail the Seas’ program is co-sponsored by Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG, Hamburg, a global leader in shipping, while CINEC Maritime Campus serves as the technical partner, offering critical expertise in maritime training.
Speaking on the occasion, Kalinga De Silva, Managing Director of Centrum Marine Consultancy, remarked, “This is a pivotal moment for the maritime industry in Sri Lanka. We are proud to lead the way in empowering women to pursue careers at sea. Our mission is to create a lasting impact, paving the way for future generations of female seafarers and demonstrating that the seas are open to all who dare to sail them.”
The vision of Centrum Marine Consultancy goes well beyond this inaugural cohort. The company plans to sponsor up to 150 female cadets in the coming years, challenging societal norms and encouraging families to support their daughters in pursuing maritime careers.
The significance of this initiative transcends numbers, symbolizing a crucial leap toward inclusivity and diversity in the maritime sector. It stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring young women to explore careers at sea while reshaping societal perceptions about women’s roles in the industry.
January 23, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI) has called for urgent government intervention to address a severe coconut shortage threatening both domestic consumption and the country’s export potential.
Highlighting escalating fertilizer costs, pest infestations, land fragmentation, and climate change as key factors limiting coconut cultivation, CCCI President Jayantha B. Samarakoon has proposed immediate measures to mitigate the crisis.
At a recent media briefing, Samarakoon emphasized the need to import 200 million coconuts over the next few months to bridge the gap in domestic and industrial demand.
He cited skyrocketing fertilizer prices as the primary reason behind the production slump, noting that costs have risen from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 12,000 per 50 kg bag. This price surge has discouraged growers, with fertilizer usage among farmers dropping to less than 10%.
Sri Lanka’s monthly coconut demand is 250 million nuts, with 150 million consumed domestically and 100 million used in industrial production.
However, annual coconut yields have declined sharply, dropping from 3 billion nuts to 2.68 billion in 2024. The Coconut Research Institute predicts further declines in 2025, with a shortfall of 200 million coconuts anticipated between January and April.
This deficit, exacerbated by extreme weather conditions and a growing pest population, has resulted in soaring coconut prices and disrupted raw material supplies for export manufacturers.
The CCCI has outlined several measures to address the crisis:
Short-Term Imports: Permit the importation of raw materials such as dried coconut kernels, copra chips, and coconut milk to stabilize the supply chain.
Subsidized Fertilizer: Reduce fertilizer prices to Rs. 4,000 per bag to encourage usage and improve yields.
Water and Soil Subsidies: Provide support for water supply and soil conservation to sustain cultivation.
Consumer Awareness: Promote processed coconut products, such as coconut milk powder and desiccated coconut, to reduce demand for fresh coconuts.
Samarakoon also stressed the importance of minimizing household coconut waste, which currently accounts for 20-25% of domestic consumption. A 10% reduction could release 200 million coconuts annually for industrial use, generating an estimated $160 million in foreign exchange.
Despite the challenges, Sri Lanka’s coconut export industry has shown resilience. Coconut product exports generated $782 million by November 2024, marking a 20% year-on-year increase.
Annual revenue is expected to reach $850 million in 2025, the highest ever recorded. With global demand for coconut-based products projected at $27-30 billion annually, driven by the rise in vegan and plant-based diets, Sri Lanka has significant growth potential.
The CCCI has set an ambitious target of achieving $1.5 billion in export revenue by 2027, requiring an annual production of 4.5 billion coconuts. To reach this goal, the Chamber has proposed allocating Rs. 1.5 billion from the CESS Fund to support moisture conservation, pest control, replanting, and infrastructure development.
Samarakoon concluded by urging the government to prioritize the coconut industry in its economic agenda, emphasizing the sector’s contribution to livelihoods and export revenue. With collaborative efforts and immediate action, Sri Lanka can overcome its current challenges and secure a sustainable future for the coconut industry.
January 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has witnessed a sharp increase in dengue cases, with a staggering 3,499 cases reported across the country in the first three weeks of this year.
According to the National Dengue Control Unit, the majority of these cases—1,576—have been concentrated in the Western Province, which includes the capital city of Colombo.
Among the districts, Gampaha has been particularly hard-hit, registering the highest number of dengue infections.
The surge in cases has raised serious concerns among health authorities, who are closely monitoring the situation as the country enters its peak dengue season.
The National Dengue Control Unit has further highlighted that 22 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions throughout the island have been identified as high-risk areas for the spread of the virus.
These regions are now the focus of intensified surveillance and prevention measures.
Health officials are urging the public to take immediate action in eliminating mosquito breeding sites, which are the primary cause of the rapid spread of dengue.
Authorities are also ramping up efforts to raise awareness about preventive measures, such as using insect repellent and ensuring that homes and surroundings are free of stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed.
January 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has achieved a significant milestone with the establishment of direct poultry exports to China, a move that is expected to provide a major boost to the local poultry sector.
The breakthrough deal was among 15 agreements signed during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent official visit to China.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath shared the details of the agreement during a media briefing, revealing that Sri Lanka will now be able to export chicken heads and feet directly to the Chinese market.
These items, by-products of the country’s meat processing industry, have long been in demand, and this deal opens up new revenue streams for Sri Lanka.
Minister Herath highlighted the positive economic impact the agreement will have, particularly in boosting foreign exchange earnings for the country.
He explained that the deal was secured following a formal request from the local poultry industry, which has long sought access to the vast Chinese market.
“This agreement will be a significant step forward for the local poultry industry, and they can begin exports as soon as necessary certifications and buyers are in place,” the Minister said.
The decision to pursue this agreement followed prior Cabinet approval, where the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock presented a proposal to sign a protocol facilitating the export of chicken products to China.
As part of the arrangement, both Sri Lanka and China worked together to address health and quarantine requirements for the export process.
The General Administration of Customs of China played a crucial role in facilitating the agreement, ensuring that the necessary health and safety standards were met to guarantee the smooth export of Sri Lankan poultry.
January 20, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has issued a strong advisory, following a notice from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman, cautioning against the use of tourist visas for employment purposes in Oman.
This warning comes in response to a recent announcement from the Royal Oman Police, which clarified that individuals entering Oman on a tourist visa are prohibited from converting it to an employment visa.
The SLBFE stressed that it is illegal to work in Oman on a tourist visa, and anyone found attempting to do so may face serious consequences.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Muscat has reiterated the importance of adhering strictly to the official guidelines set forth by the SLBFE when pursuing legal employment opportunities in Oman.
In the notice, the Embassy highlighted a worrying trend of Sri Lankans being stranded in Oman after entering the country on tourist visas, despite clear regulations in place by both Omani and Sri Lankan authorities.
These individuals, who sought employment without proper documentation, now find themselves in difficult situations due to the strict enforcement of visa regulations.
The Royal Oman Police’s directive, effective from October 31, 2023, strictly prohibits the conversion of tourist visas into employment visas.
The authorities have also called on job seekers to refrain from entering Oman under a tourist visa with the intention of finding work, stressing that doing so is against the law.
In addition, the Sri Lankan Embassy has urged Sri Lankan nationals who are already in Oman under tourist visas to leave the country before their visa expiry.
The Embassy warned that overstaying a visa will incur substantial fines imposed by Omani authorities, and those who fail to comply will face additional costs and complications before being allowed to depart the country.
