January 20, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police have confirmed that six individuals have lost their lives in a series of eight shootings that have taken place so far in the current year.
The Police Spokesperson’s Office has stated that four of the victims are believed to be involved in organised crime, suggesting a possible connection to underworld activity.
In addition to those who have died, five others have been injured in these incidents of gun violence. The shootings have sparked concern across the nation as they highlight the ongoing issues with crime and lawlessness in certain areas.
A particularly tragic incident occurred yesterday afternoon in Galaha, where a 24-year-old man was shot and killed in what authorities are treating as yet another targeted attack.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, though it is suspected that it may be linked to criminal factions operating in the region.
Whilst the police continue their investigations into these violent incidents, the rise in gun-related deaths has prompted calls for greater security measures and more effective action against organised crime.
Law enforcement agencies are under increasing pressure to address the underlying causes of this violence and to ensure the safety of citizens.
The authorities have pledged to ramp up efforts to tackle such crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.
January 20, Colombo (LNW): The government of Sri Lanka has extended its support to the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza, viewing it as a positive step towards peace in the region.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Sri Lanka expressed its hope that the truce will pave the way for crucial humanitarian and peace-building efforts.
The Ministry highlighted the significance of the ceasefire in facilitating the safe return of internally displaced persons to their homes in Gaza, as well as enabling the exchange of hostages and detainees.
The statement further underscored the importance of ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in desperate need, particularly as the region continues to grapple with the consequences of ongoing conflict.
“We are hopeful that these developments will serve as a foundation for achieving a sustainable peace not only for Palestine but for the entire region,” the statement read.
“The ceasefire provides an opportunity to rebuild lives, strengthen international cooperation, and foster dialogue among all parties involved.“
Sri Lanka has long been an advocate for peace and stability in conflict-affected areas, and its endorsement of the ceasefire signals its continued commitment to supporting diplomatic solutions and humanitarian efforts worldwide.
January 20, Colombo (LNW): The Welfare Benefits Board has announced that it will commence the census for low-income families who applied for the second phase of the “Aswesuma” welfare benefits programme tomorrow (21).
This step is crucial to ensure that the most deserving individuals and families are selected to receive the financial support offered by the initiative.
With close to 800,000 applications received for this second phase, the Board will carry out an extensive door-to-door census to verify the eligibility of these applicants.
This process aims to identify the families who are most in need of assistance, ensuring that the benefits reach those who require them the most.
The first phase of the “Aswesuma” programme saw an overwhelming 3.4 million applications, with nearly 1.8 million qualifying for the support.
Currently, the programme is providing ongoing assistance to approximately 1.72 million beneficiaries, offering vital financial aid to a wide range of individuals facing economic hardship.
The welfare benefits are distributed in four distinct categories, aimed at providing tailored support to different segments of the population.
The most vulnerable individuals in the “extremely poor” category receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 17,500, while those in the “poor” category are granted Rs. 10,000.
Additionally, families in the “vulnerable” and “transitional” categories receive Rs. 5,000 each month.
The Board has emphasised its commitment to ensuring that the second phase of the programme reaches all eligible applicants who are in dire need of assistance.
January 20, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his unwavering determination to rid the country of political corruption, as promised during his election campaign.
Addressing a large gathering in Katukurunda, Kalutara yesterday (19), the President delivered a candid and forceful speech, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to transparent and accountable governance.
The event took place at the Pakistan Sports Ground in Wettumakada, where President Dissanayake engaged with the public in an open dialogue, outlining key reforms and measures his government is implementing to curb the excesses of previous administrations.
In his speech, President Dissanayake emphasised the shift in government practices since his administration took office. “When we assumed office on November 21, we swore an oath of service with a lean 21-member Cabinet. Unlike previous governments, there are no state ministers under our administration,” he remarked, highlighting the stark contrast to the past, when several ministers hailed from Kalutara alone.
“Though we have eight MPs representing Kalutara, only one of them holds a ministerial position. This is because we believe in serving the country, not in doling out ministerial perks to please certain individuals. The days of rewarding political loyalty with government positions are over,” he declared.
The President was equally forthright about the misuse of state resources and appointments in the past, referring to instances where political families took advantage of their positions.
“In the previous government, ministers often appointed their relatives to key positions, including their spouses as private secretaries. I recall the former Speaker, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, employing only his own family members in his staff. This kind of nepotism and cronyism will no longer be tolerated,” he said, affirming that such practices had been eliminated under his leadership.
He also stressed that, unlike before, ministers are no longer provided with fleets of vehicles or police escorts. “The police force is currently short of 21,000 personnel and they are facing immense challenges. We cannot afford to waste resources on unnecessary privileges for politicians.“
The President further shared his government’s efforts to reduce the financial burden of high-security arrangements.
“In the past, the country spent over Rs. 700 million annually on the security of a single former president, deploying thousands of police, military, and STF personnel. We’ve ended this wasteful practice. Now, only 60 personnel are assigned to provide security, and if necessary, we will reduce this number further.“
Additionally, President Dissanayake made it clear that his government will no longer provide state-owned residences to ministers or former presidents.
“I will give a written assurance that I do not require a state-provided residence. However, I do not expect others to follow suit,” he stated.
He also provided details regarding the official residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, which he had ordered to be independently valued by the Government Valuation Department.
“The monthly rent for the residence has been set at Rs. 4.6 million. We have not yet valued the land, but under the Constitution, a former president is entitled to either a residence or a third of their salary. In Rajapaksa’s case, we will take over the residence and offer him a third of his salary, which amounts to Rs. 30,000. If he refuses to vacate the premises or pay the balance, he will have to leave,” he explained.
The President also revealed plans to tackle the issue of MP pensions, which he described as an unnecessary burden on the public purse. “We will soon submit a proposal to abolish pensions for MPs,” he confirmed, adding that a proposal regarding the Parliament canteen would also be introduced in the coming weeks.
“If MPs want to eat, they will have to pay for their food, just like ordinary citizens. This government will not tolerate any special treatment for elected officials,” he stated.
January 20, Colombo (LNW): Rainy condition is expected to continue further in Northern, North-central, Eastern,Uva and Central provinces, with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at times in Northern, Eastern, North-central, Uva, Central and Southern provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (20).
Very heavy showers above 150 mm can be expected at some places in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district, and heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Northern province and in Matale, Nuwara-Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Galle and Matara Districts, the statement added.
Cloudy skies are expected over most parts of the island.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere.
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.
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 around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (50-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar. Wind speed will increase up to 50 kmph at times in the other sea areas around the island.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar will be rough at times. Other sea areas around the island will be fairly rough at times. The swell waves height may increase (about 2.0 – 2.5 m) in the sea areas off the coast extending from Batticaloa to Hambanthota via Pottuvil. (this is not for land area) Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): Greenpeace South Asia has praised Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers for approving the proposal by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism to sign the Agreement on Biodiversity in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
This decision marks a significant advancement in efforts to combat the mounting threats to oceans from unregulated human activities in international waters.
Anita Perera, a campaigner at Greenpeace South Asia, lauded Sri Lanka’s leadership in prioritizing ocean health, especially as the Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). She highlighted that this move underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to international collaboration for marine biodiversity conservation.
By ratifying the BBNJ, also known as the Global Oceans Treaty, Sri Lanka will support the creation of vast marine protected areas, encourage sustainable fisheries management, and promote marine scientific research. This is particularly crucial in light of the growing concerns surrounding overfishing, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline in international waters.
The treaty allows for the establishment of large protected zones on the High Seas, areas that lie beyond 200 nautical miles (370 km) from coastlines. These zones offer a chance for marine ecosystems to recover from overfishing and pollution, helping to restore vital ocean life.
A healthy ocean is critical not only for climate stability but also for supporting the livelihoods of millions, including Sri Lanka’s coastal communities, fishers, and seafarers.While acknowledging the challenges faced by developing nations like Sri Lanka in implementing this agreement,
Greenpeace South Asia emphasized the importance of capacity-building, resource-sharing, and international cooperation to ensure its successful execution.Sri Lanka, along with the South Asian region, has been severely impacted by climate change, experiencing heatwaves, floods, mudslides, and coastal erosion.
These disasters have caused significant casualties and economic setbacks. Given the interconnectedness of climate, forests, and oceans, it is essential for leaders to understand and prioritize the protection of ecosystems that help mitigate climate change and extreme weather events.
In February 2024, Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior ship visited Sri Lanka, coinciding with the opening of the Greenpeace South Asia office in the country. This event was a key moment in raising awareness about ocean conservation and the importance of the BBNJ Agreement, particularly for island nations like Sri Lanka.
A series of awareness campaigns, social media outreach, and workshops for Civil Society Organizations were organized throughout 2024 to empower local groups with advocacy tools.
Greenpeace also facilitated letters to presidential candidates, urging them to prioritize the signing and ratification of the BBNJ Agreement. This legal framework is designed to establish Marine Protected Areas, set Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) standards, ensure fair sharing of benefits from Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs), and promote sustainable funding for marine conservation.
These efforts underscore Sri Lanka’s potential to benefit from improved marine governance under the BBNJ framework.The approval of the Global Oceans Treaty presents a vital opportunity to establish large-scale marine sanctuaries on the High Seas.
This decision signals a commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems for both current and future generations. Greenpeace South Asia is eager to collaborate with Sri Lanka and other regional stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): Recently, Sri Lanka’s healthcare system has faced increasing pressure due to a shortage of essential medicines.
A key factor behind these shortages is the delay in the procurement process, which has hindered the timely arrival of medical supplies.
Although medicine shortages have been a persistent issue since the economic crisis, the extended approval timelines and lack of coordination within the healthcare system are particularly concerning. Swastha, the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) medical supplies information system, reports that there is currently a shortage of 300 essential medicines needed for treating critical health conditions.
These ongoing procurement challenges must be addressed to prevent further exacerbation of shortages, which ultimately threatens the lives of Sri Lankan citizens.
The shortage of specific medicines can also be traced back to the quality of drugs being imported, which underscores the importance of competitive bidding in procurement. When authorities evaluate tenders, they have cancelled those offering subpar medicines, but they have failed to reissue tenders or invite bids for these vital supplies.
Competitive bidding, when applied properly, ensures that clear quality standards are set, encouraging suppliers to meet those standards. It can also help eliminate monopolies formed through preferential drug registration practices, creating a fairer competitive environment and reducing the risk of a few suppliers controlling the procurement process.
Medical experts have stressed the urgent need for a structured and systematic approach to resolve the national medicine supply crisis. This involves streamlining procurement processes, enhancing transparency, and fostering better coordination among stakeholders to prevent supply disruptions.
Although the recently published procurement guidelines align with best practices, the necessary legal frameworks to enforce these processes in public sector procurement have yet to be established.
Implementing a procurement law would provide a legal foundation to enforce standards and principles in public procurement. This would allow authorities to hold violators accountable, as non-compliance could result in legal consequences or international sanctions.
The Advocata Institute has called on the government to establish a comprehensive procurement law to improve accountability, efficiency, quality, and competitiveness in public procurement.
Such a law would also ensure that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) function effectively across various sectors of the economy, optimize large-scale infrastructure projects, and guarantee that public resources deliver maximum benefit to society.
For Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, an efficient and transparent procurement process is essential to ensuring equitable, cost-effective, and high-quality services for millions of citizens who rely on the public healthcare system.
A procurement law that codifies these practices would establish clear processes, reduce corruption, increase competition, and ensure accountability, ultimately optimizing public funds and strengthening the entire healthcare infrastructure.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved Lanka Electricity Company Ltd. (LECO) to launch a prepaid electricity tariff scheme for retail consumers.
Expected to roll out by March or April 2025, this initiative empowers users from Negombo to Galle with greater control over energy usage.
According to PUCSL Director of Communications Jayanath Herath, the system features a flexible top-up mechanism that promotes energy efficiency.
Under the scheme, households consuming up to 90 kWh per month will pay Rs. 15 per kWh, while higher usage incurs Rs. 23 per kWh. Fixed monthly charges range from Rs. 100 to Rs. 1,000 based on consumption.
Herath emphasized the scheme’s potential to help users better manage expenses amidst rising costs, encouraging responsible energy use.
Sometime back in 2021 the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), together with Lanka Electricity Company Pvt. Ltd. (LECO), has launched an interest pay scheme for the security deposits of electricity for LECO consumers.
Former PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake, said, “steps gave been taken to protect the rights of electricity consumers since the inception of the Commission in accordance with the powers vested in it.
It has published the Declaration of the Rights and Obligations of Electricity Consumers and many regulatory decisions to protect the rights contained therein and to protect consumers.
In particular, more than 20 different regulations, rules and guidelines have been enacted to protect consumers.
Speaking further he said the payment of interest on electricity consumer deposits is a benefit provided to the consumer under Section 28 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act.
“Accordingly, electricity utility service providers have to pay interest to electricity consumers for the electricity deposit.”
The PUCSL has the authority to decide the interest rate that to be paid to the consumers and the PUCSL declared that the interest rate for this year would be 8.68 per cent, he said adding that the interest rate changes annually.
Accordingly, LECO has commenced paying interest to its customers from yesterday onwards where the interest will be deposited to the electricity bill account of the consumer, the PUCSL chairman said. “LECO alone will pay Rs. 42 million annually to its customers as a benefit through this scheme.”
“We hope that in the future other licensees will implement this interest payment program. When other electricity distribution licensees also implement this interest benefit scheme in the future, around Rs. 1,200 million will flow into the hands of electricity consumers annually.” Rathnayake added.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): Victor Ivan, a distinguished journalist and former editor of the renowned Ravaya newspaper, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of fearless journalism and thought-provoking commentary.
Ivan was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Sri Lankan media, known for his unflinching commitment to truth and media freedom.
Throughout his career, Ivan earned a reputation for his sharp, incisive reporting and his courage in challenging the status quo.
His fearless approach to journalism and his ability to tackle sensitive issues made him an admired and respected figure in the field.
Ivan’s contributions to the media landscape helped shape public discourse in Sri Lanka, and his work continues to inspire many in the industry today.
As news of his passing spreads, tributes have poured in from colleagues, fellow journalists, and others who admired his integrity and professionalism.
His untimely departure has left a significant void in the media community.
Details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be shared shortly.
January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) has praised the Government’s decision to delay the abolition of the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) system to 1 April 2025.
Initially planned for removal on 1 January 2024, this postponement came in response to strong opposition from exporters and business chambers.
While the delay provides temporary relief, the PA urged the Government to retain SVAT until a viable, stakeholder-endorsed alternative is implemented.
The SVAT system, introduced in 2011, has been crucial for Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) and smallholder tea farmers. Eliminating SVAT without a robust replacement could disrupt Sri Lanka’s tea value chain, causing income losses for exporters, particularly tea and rubber smallholders, who form the backbone of the industry.
Historically, Sri Lanka’s tea industry thrived until 2014, with exports exceeding 300 million kg and generating $1.5 billion annually. However, adverse policy decisions, such as the 2015 Glyphosate ban and the 2021 fertiliser ban, severely reduced tea yields.
By 2023, production had dropped to 223 million kg, and export earnings fell to $1.3 billion, affecting the livelihoods of around 480,000 smallholders who rely on tea for sustenance.
Smallholders, who earn about Rs. 23,000 monthly on average, are particularly vulnerable. They receive 68% of auction prices for their green leaf, but the removal of SVAT could cost them Rs. 24 billion annually, representing an 18% income loss directly borne by smallholder families.
Over 90% of Sri Lanka’s tea is exported, and SVAT has mitigated cash flow issues by simplifying VAT refunds, which are often delayed for six to seven years. The recent imposition of an 18% VAT on exports exacerbates these issues, tying up vital capital and increasing operational costs for RPCs and smallholders alike.
For instance, with 1 kg of tea priced at Rs. 1,200, the 18% VAT adds Rs. 216, increasing the upfront cost to Rs. 1,416. Exporters must pay this VAT upfront, straining their cash flow and limiting reinvestment in production. These inefficiencies resulted in an alarming Rs. 60 billion in financial losses for the tea industry in 2023 alone.
The PA highlighted the urgency of a strategic Government intervention to support the sector. Key recommendations include ensuring access to affordable fertilisers and agrochemicals to lower production costs and increase productivity. Streamlining VAT refund processes is also critical to alleviate financial pressures on exporters and improve cash flow.
Competitor nations like Kenya exemplify what Sri Lanka could achieve with the right policies. In 2014, Kenya’s tea production stood at 415 million kg and rose to 550 million kg by 2023, showcasing remarkable growth. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s production has stagnated or declined, raising concerns about the industry’s future.
The PA stressed that retaining SVAT and implementing strategic reforms are essential to stabilising Sri Lanka’s tea industry, boosting its competitiveness, and restoring it to a trajectory of sustainable growth.
