January 21, Colombo (LNW): The government has embarked on an extensive review of the “Aswesuma” welfare benefits programme to ensure its inclusivity and fairness, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Harshana Suriyapperuma announced in Parliament this (21) morning.

This move comes in response to concerns about the distribution of benefits and the need for greater accessibility for eligible citizens.

Speaking during the parliamentary session, Suriyapperuma highlighted that investigations are currently underway to identify individuals who have not yet received the support they are entitled to.

The government is determined to rectify this oversight and ensure that all deserving recipients are included in the programme.

“To improve the delivery of relief, the data collected through the system is being reassessed,” Suriyapperuma explained. “We have received numerous appeals from people who believe they were unfairly excluded, and these will be thoroughly examined in line with established procedures to ensure that no one is left behind.”

The Deputy Minister further revealed that, as part of the 2025 national budget, the government plans to allocate a larger sum for welfare benefits than in 2024.

This increase reflects the government’s commitment to improving the system and expanding its reach to assist those who are struggling, particularly in the wake of recent economic challenges.

The government aims to ensure that the Aswesuma programme more effectively supports vulnerable populations across the country, providing much-needed financial relief to those facing hardships.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): The parliamentary session began at 9:30 a.m. on January 21, marking the start of a full day of discussions and deliberations.

The morning was initially dedicated to routine parliamentary business, as outlined in Standing Order 22, which spanned from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

This was followed by a scheduled hour for Questions for Oral Answers from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., allowing members to raise matters directly with the government.

From 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., time was allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2), providing further opportunities for members to seek clarifications on pressing issues.

The highlight of the day was the Adjournment Debate, focused on the government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, which was scheduled to run from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

However, due to time constraints, it was decided to adjourn the debate, with plans to resume on Wednesday, January 22.

The Secretary General of the Parliament confirmed the decision, ensuring that all key aspects of the debate will receive the attention they deserve when Parliament reconvenes.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): The recent breach of the Gal Oya banks in the Nena Kaadu area, Ampara, has resulted in severe flooding, submerging large expanses of agricultural land, including valuable paddy fields.

The inundation has affected around 1,000 acres of land in the Dighavapiya colony, Nena Kaadu, and Samanthurai areas.

The breach, which occurred due to continuous adverse weather conditions, has submerged fields that were either recently harvested or nearing harvest.

The damage to the crops is considerable, with farmers in these regions now facing significant losses.

The situation has been exacerbated by the opening of the sluice gates of the Senanayake Samudraya reservoir in Inginiyagala.

The opening of the gates followed continuous heavy rainfall in the Ampara district, which saw the water level rise to 108 feet 03 inches in the catchment area.

As a result, five spill gates of the reservoir have been opened by 15 inches each, releasing approximately 1,177 cubic feet of water per second into the already saturated surrounding areas.

This incident marks the second breach of the Gal Oya banks in recent months. In January 2024, flooding caused similar damage, and despite renovations to the banks, the same area experienced a breach again in November 2024.

These recurring incidents have raised concerns about the long-term stability and effectiveness of flood control measures in the region.

The ongoing floods are not only threatening the livelihoods of local farmers but also posing a challenge to the broader agricultural productivity of the region.

Local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, but the damage to paddy crops and the infrastructure needed for flood prevention will require significant recovery efforts.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): The United Merchants Association of Colombo has called on businesses across Sri Lanka to pass on the benefits of a recent 20 per cent reduction in electricity tariffs to consumers.

The association’s president, Krishan Marambage, emphasised that the reduction should not only be seen as a relief to businesses but also as an opportunity to ease the financial burden on the general public.

He stated that with the reduced electricity tariff, businesses in all sectors should follow suit and lower the prices of goods and services.

“When the cost of electricity goes down, the cost of production and services should also decrease, which in turn will help bring down the prices of goods across the board,” Marambage explained.

The reduction in electricity rates is expected to have a far-reaching impact, particularly on small-scale businesses, the self-employed, and industries such as hospitality, manufacturing, exports, and spice production.

These sectors, which rely heavily on electricity for their day-to-day operations, stand to benefit significantly. Marambage suggested that in many cases, the prices of goods and services could be reduced by at least 10% as a direct result of the tariff cuts.

“We strongly encourage the business community to take immediate action by reducing their prices, starting today,” he urged. “This tariff revision provides a unique opportunity to lessen the financial strain on the public, and we believe it is our responsibility to ensure that these benefits are passed on to consumers.”

The association also expressed its gratitude to the government for implementing the tariff reduction at such a critical time when many sectors are in the process of recovery.

Marambage praised the government’s responsiveness to the concerns of businesses and the public, highlighting that the relief provided by the tariff reduction will contribute to reducing the overall cost of living and promoting greater economic stability.

“The government’s decision to lower electricity rates shows that it is not only listening to the needs of the people but is committed to making genuine, positive changes that will support the economic revival of the country,” he said. “We are thankful for this relief and believe it will have a lasting, positive impact on both businesses and consumers.“

H.K. Jagath Kumara, Chief Secretary of the United Merchants Association, echoed these sentiments, calling the tariff reduction a humanitarian gesture that reflects the government’s awareness of the public’s hardships.

He stressed that this move was a clear indication of a government that is committed to transparency, free from corruption, and focused on providing relief to the people.

“Everyone should view this as a time to support the government’s efforts to ease the cost of living. We are confident that the upcoming Budget will bring further relief to the public and contribute to the ongoing economic revival,” Kumara said. “This government has shown that it is taking the right steps, and we are hopeful for what lies ahead.“

Marambage also took the opportunity to contrast the current government’s approach to tariff reductions with that of the previous administration. He noted that under the previous government, the Public Utilities Commission’s recommendations for tariff reductions were largely ignored, which caused further hardship for the public.

“While businesses are quick to raise prices when costs increase, they are often reluctant to reduce prices even when costs fall,” Marambage pointed out. “This is unfair to consumers, and we urge businesses to take the necessary steps to pass on these savings.“

Finally, Marambage called on the Opposition to refrain from criticising the government during this time of positive change and instead support the government’s efforts to bring about long-term relief for the people.

“Rather than focus on negative criticism, it’s time for all parties to come together and support initiatives that will benefit the country and its people,” he concluded. “We are hopeful that the government’s ongoing efforts will lead to a brighter, more stable future for all Sri Lankans.”

January 21, Colombo (LNW): Four individuals, wanted by the Sri Lankan authorities for their involvement in various criminal activities, have been apprehended by Interpol in a coordinated international effort.

The suspects, who had red notices issued for their arrest, were detained in Dubai and three other countries, according to the Police Media Division.

For security reasons, the identities of the arrested individuals have not been disclosed by the Sri Lankan authorities.

The operation is part of a broader effort to capture notorious criminals who have fled the country and continued their illicit activities, including drug trafficking, while operating from abroad.

In a related development, Sri Lankan authorities had previously submitted a list of wanted criminals to Interpol, seeking international assistance to track down those accused of serious crimes and who were suspected to be hiding in foreign countries.

One of the most high-profile arrests in recent weeks was that of Janith Madushanka Silva, also known as ‘Podi Lassie’, a notorious drug trafficker and organised crime figure.

Silva had been out on bail but illegally fled Sri Lanka despite a court-imposed travel ban. He was recently arrested in Mumbai, India, and Sri Lankan officials are now working closely with Indian authorities to arrange for his repatriation.

In the meantime, investigations by the Sri Lankan Police have revealed that organised criminal gangs are responsible for a significant portion of the shootings that have taken place across the island in 2025.

Out of the eight reported shootings so far, six have been linked to criminal groups. These incidents have resulted in five fatalities and five other individuals suffering injuries that required hospitalisation.

The most recent of these shootings occurred in Mount Lavinia on Sunday (19), where a 24-year-old man, Savidu Tharusha from the Badowita area, was shot and killed by two gunmen on a motorcycle. The assailants, after carrying out the attack near a restaurant on Siripala Mawatha, fled the scene.

However, one suspect was apprehended by Dehiwala Police along with the firearm used in the crime. Later, the motorcycle used in the shooting was discovered abandoned in the Attidiya area on the same day.

Further investigation has linked the victim to the criminal gang of ‘Kos Malli’, who is believed to be hiding in Dubai.

Police also suspect that the shooting may have been orchestrated by another notorious gang leader, ‘Badowita Asanka’, further highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by organised crime in the region.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister of Public Security, Sunil Watagala, confirmed that the salaries and allowances of all Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers under the National People’s Power (NPP) government are deposited into a single account, a long-standing practice that dates back to 1994.

Speaking to the press, Watagala explained that this tradition began with Nihal Galappatti, the first JVP MP, when he was elected.

“This system has been in place since 1994, ensuring that the funds allocated to MPs and Ministers are channelled directly for public service,” Watagala said.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted that the account, which is based in Borella, has consistently been used to support various public welfare initiatives. He went on to emphasise that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake adheres to this practice as well, reinforcing the commitment of the NPP government to transparency and serving the public good.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for an official visit to the Middle East scheduled for February, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has unveiled key plans aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s energy and economic sectors.

During a public address, the President discussed ongoing efforts to secure vital energy supplies and enhance the nation’s economic infrastructure, with particular focus on petroleum imports and the establishment of a new oil refinery.

One of the key elements of these initiatives involves a proposed partnership with India to construct an oil refinery in Sri Lanka.

The President revealed that the refinery would not only serve the domestic market but also position the country as a key player in global petroleum exports.

“We are set to collaborate with an Indian company to build this oil refinery, where we will refine crude oil, store it in warehouses, and export it worldwide,” he affirmed, emphasising the long-term economic benefits of this project for Sri Lanka.

In addition to the refinery plans, President Dissanayake provided an update on the Sampur power plant project, a joint venture with India.

“The ownership of the plant will be shared equally, 50-50. Initially, electricity was to be supplied at US$ 0.07 per unit, but after successful negotiations, we have secured a price of US$ 0.0597 per unit. Work on the power plant is now underway,” he said, highlighting the importance of this project in addressing Sri Lanka’s energy needs.

The President also gave a detailed update on the status of the 99 oil tanks located in Trincomalee, which have been a source of strategic focus for Sri Lanka’s energy plans.

“Out of the 99 tanks, we have taken control of 24, while 14 have been handed over to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). This leaves us with 61 oil tanks that are crucial for the proposed refinery and future energy security,” he explained.

Regarding fuel prices, the President acknowledged that while there has been a significant reduction in diesel prices under his administration, further price cuts are not expected on a monthly basis in the immediate future due to the financial challenges faced by the Petroleum Corporation.

“The Corporation currently owes Rs. 900 billion, and the debt is repaid with every litre of fuel sold. Once this debt is cleared, we will be able to eliminate the excise duty,” he clarified, outlining a clear path to potential future reductions.

President Dissanayake also touched upon ongoing infrastructure development projects funded by China, such as the construction of a conference hall in the Colombo Port City, financed by a USD 1.2 million grant. Additionally, he highlighted plans for a new oil refinery in Hambantota, further solidifying Sri Lanka’s strategic position in energy production.

On the topic of corruption, the President assured the public that measures are being taken to address alleged misconduct and ensure accountability.

“Legal proceedings have already begun. Previously, many files were hidden away in the Attorney General’s Department, but now cases are being filed swiftly. Several high-profile cases will reach their conclusion by the end of this month,” he affirmed, reinforcing the government’s commitment to tackling corruption head-on.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): Severe weather conditions have wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka, affecting 15 districts and leaving thousands of people displaced while causing widespread disruption.

Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and associated disasters have impacted a total of 20,300 individuals from 6,785 families, with two confirmed fatalities and three people injured in separate incidents, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

The extreme weather, which has led to flooding, landslides, and other hazards, has forced many to evacuate their homes, particularly in regions vulnerable to landslides and flash floods.

Authorities have urged residents in these high-risk areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

In one of the key transport disruptions, the Kandy-Mahiyanganaya main road was temporarily closed last night due to the heightened threat of mudslides and rockfalls.

The road, which connects Kandy and the central highlands, was shut between the Thannekumbura Junction and Hasalaka Bridge Junction at 6:00 p.m. on January 20 as a safety measure.

Fortunately, the road has since been reopened, allowing traffic to resume, although authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Relief operations are currently underway, with local authorities, emergency services, and the police working in tandem to assist those affected by the adverse weather.

Efforts are focused on providing immediate aid, such as food, shelter, and medical assistance, while also addressing the long-term needs of displaced individuals.

The DMC has issued ongoing warnings, advising people in the impacted regions to remain cautious, particularly those living in areas prone to flash floods and landslides.

With the extreme weather expected to persist, authorities are urging residents to stay informed and follow updates to ensure their safety.

January 21, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Eastern, North-central and Uva provinces and in Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Hambantota districts, and a few showers may occur in the Northern province, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (21).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere in the evening or night.

Fairly strong winds of (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Eastern slope of the central hills and Northern, North-central, Eastern and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala 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 minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

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