Police have reminded the public of the permitted time limits for the use of loudspeakers, urging organisers to adhere to regulations when conducting events.

According to the guidelines, loudspeakers may be used from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the permitted time is extended until 1:00 a.m., while on Sundays loudspeakers can be used until 12:30 a.m.

Police requested organisers to ensure events are conducted within these timeframes and in a respectful manner, in line with existing laws and regulations.

Reports claiming that Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has decided to retire from his position by the end of 2026 are false, according to Reverend Father Jude Krishantha, Director of Mass Communications of the Archdiocese of Colombo.

When contacted, Fr. Krishantha stated that decisions regarding the Archbishop’s position are made by the Vatican.

He explained that under Canon Law, the retirement of an archbishop is considered upon reaching the age of 80, but the final decision rests with the Pope.

Although Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is due to turn 80 next year, no official decision has been announced regarding his retirement.

Several media reports had claimed, citing unnamed sources, that a change in the leadership of the Archdiocese of Colombo was expected by the end of this year.

The Department for Registration of Persons has issued a warning about a financial fraud scheme being carried out by individuals misusing the department’s name.

In a statement, the department said certain parties are using its hotline number, 011 52 26 126, to obtain personal information from individuals and commit fraud.

It noted that the scam involves calls from numbers such as ‘+94 11 52 26 126’ and ‘+011 52 26 126’, as well as mobile numbers ‘077 11 67 739’ and ‘074 27 56 098’.

Authorities also revealed that the group has developed a mobile application bearing the state emblem, falsely claiming to facilitate registration for a Digital Identity Card or e-National Identity Card.

The department stressed that it does not conduct any such registration processes and that these claims are fraudulent.

The public has been strongly advised not to share personal information through unsolicited phone calls or suspicious platforms. They are also urged to avoid engaging with a fraudulent website identified as “https://drpgov-lk.com”.

Reiterating its position, the department confirmed that no registration is currently being conducted for an e-National Identity Card or any digital ID programme, and called on the public to remain vigilant.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of failing to provide a clear and formal explanation regarding the alleged theft of USD 2.5 million from Finance Ministry funds by hackers.

Speaking to reporters after a religious event in Kurunegala today (24), Premadasa said conflicting statements from key officials have created confusion. He noted that Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha have presented differing accounts of the incident.

He stressed that the public has a right to accurate and transparent information on the matter.

Premadasa further pointed out that while the Finance Ministry Secretary had stated the issue was identified in January and handled confidentially for several months, it raises concerns as to why a committee to investigate the matter was only appointed in March.

He also criticised the delay in informing Parliament, stating that the legislature—responsible for oversight of public finances—was not made aware of the incident until it became public.

The Opposition Leader also referred to remarks by Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha suggesting the incident was linked to a transaction involving India, and called on the government to clarify the facts immediately.

He added that if funds were lost in transactions involving India or Australia, the government must disclose the full details, questioning why such a serious issue had been withheld from the public for months.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya and Puttalam districts after 2.00 pm.

Mainly fair weather will prevail over the other parts of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Northcentral provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts during the early hours of 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.

By Adolf

Duminda Hulangamuwa served as Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce for two years—a position that carries both influence and responsibility. During this period, he developed a close working relationship with then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe and positioned himself, according to sources, as an informal advisor on economic restructuring. According to our sources it was within this framework that Suresh Shah was brought in to lead the restructuring of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

However, the outcomes of this initiative remain questionable. Despite an estimated Rs. 200 million in taxpayer funds spent on consultants, there has been little tangible progress in the privatization or reform of SOEs. Shah is now reportedly under scrutiny, and his role in these efforts is increasingly being questioned. His involvement in the leadership upheaval at Hatton National Bank, where the sitting chairman was removed, has further intensified concerns around judgment and governance of position chasing shameless private sector executives .

Hulangamuwa’s positioning across political administrations has also drawn attention. He was closely associated with the failed tax policy of the failed Gota Administration that led to the bankruptcy of the country, where they decided to allow self assessment . The government lost billions in tax revenue and the policy had to be reversed. During the most recent election cycle, he appeared aligned with the current leadership, and following the victory of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, he secured a role as an advisor to the Ministry of Finance. Despite his track record with the previous administrations. This appointment raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given his simultaneous position as Managing Partner of Ernst & Young Sri Lanka. How a leading global audit firm reconciles such dual roles invites legitimate scrutiny.

Public Roles

The intersection of public advisory influence and private professional practice creates, at minimum, the perception of compromised independence. His proximity to the Finance Ministry may also raise questions as to whether access could translate into professional advantage.

These concerns have been compounded by recent developments within the Treasury. In an unprecedented episode since independence, the Treasury reportedly incurred a loss of approximately USD 2.5 million (nearly Rs. 800 million) under questionable circumstances. While formal accountability rests with those in office, the influence of advisors operating without clearly defined responsibility structures cannot be overlooked.

Further scrutiny arises from the large-scale irregularities at National Development Bank PLC, estimated at over Rs. 13 billion. Ernst & Young, as the external auditor, faces legitimate questions as to whether audit standards were rigorously applied and whether material weaknesses were identified and escalated in a timely manner.

There are also unverified claims that certain risks may have been known earlier but not disclosed promptly. If substantiated, such lapses would represent serious breaches of professional and governance standards, and would warrant thorough and transparent investigation.

Taken together, these developments point not merely to individual lapses, but to a broader erosion of governance, oversight, and professional discipline. The convergence of political proximity, advisory influence, and private sector interests creates an environment where accountability becomes totally blurred.

Better Governance 

In the final analysis, the issue is not just about one individual like Hulungamuwa , but what his trajectory represents. Sri Lanka’s institutions require competence, independence, and integrity. When these are compromised, the cost is borne not by individuals, but by the country as a whole.

Private sector professionals who engage with politics and politicians like Hulungamuwa must be prepared for rigorous scrutiny and the consequences it follows . They cannot be seen to derive undue advantage from such proximity. Advising private clients on tax matters while simultaneously influencing public tax policy raises clear concerns around conflicts of interest.

It may be prudent and the right thing for Hulangamuwa to step aside from his public advisory role—much like Sarath Ganegoda—and focus on his professional practice that is now at ground zero. Failing to do so risks not only his own credibility, but also that of Ernst & Young globally , which, according to some practitioners, is already facing serious reputational questions in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery is facing renewed uncertainty, but the most immediate concern is food security. A recent assessment by the World Food Programme (WFP) warns that escalating tensions in the Middle East are beginning to disrupt the country’s ability to maintain stable and affordable food supplies, placing millions of households at risk.

The problem begins with energy. Global oil prices have surged amid tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, pushing domestic fuel prices up by 33% to 40%. For Sri Lanka, which relies heavily on imported energy, this increase is quickly passed on to consumers. Higher fuel costs raise transportation and electricity expenses, directly increasing the price of food from farm to market.

Agriculture, the backbone of rural livelihoods, is particularly vulnerable. Rising fertiliser prices and supply disruptions are increasing production costs, making it harder for farmers to maintain yields. The situation is worsened by instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global fertiliser shipments. Since Sri Lanka imports nearly all of its urea requirements, any disruption leads to immediate shortages or higher costs.

These pressures are already visible in food markets. Prices of essential imported items such as wheat, rice, and vegetable oil are increasing, adding to the burden on consumers. In 2025 alone, Sri Lanka spent around $2.5 billion on food imports, highlighting its dependence on global markets. When international prices rise, local households feel the impact almost instantly.

While macroeconomic conditions have improved since the 2022 crisis, the WFP stresses that food security remains fragile. Many families are still recovering from earlier shocks, including the effects of Cyclone Ditwah, which disrupted livelihoods and increased food insecurity in several regions.

The risk now is that rising costs could reverse recent gains. As food prices increase, households may be forced to reduce both the quality and quantity of their diets. This is particularly concerning in rural and low-income communities, where food expenditure already takes up a large share of income.

Supply chain disruptions are adding further strain. Delays and higher shipping costs are affecting the timely arrival of both food and agricultural inputs. This creates uncertainty not only for consumers but also for farmers planning future production cycles.

The WFP warns that without timely intervention, these overlapping pressures could deepen food insecurity across the country. Stabilising fuel prices, ensuring access to fertiliser, and maintaining steady food imports will be critical in the months ahead.

Sri Lanka’s recovery cannot be measured by economic indicators alone. Ensuring that households have reliable access to affordable food will be the true test of resilience in the face of global uncertainty.

Sri Lanka’s tea smallholders are facing severe challenges as fertilizer shortages and rising costs threaten production, compounding the impact of declining exports caused by global geopolitical tensions. These small-scale growers, who form the backbone of the industry, are increasingly under pressure as both domestic and international factors converge.

At the heart of the issue is limited access to affordable fertilizer. Reduced availability has led to lower yields and declining leaf quality, directly affecting the ability of smallholders to maintain consistent production. For many growers operating on narrow profit margins, this has resulted in falling incomes and growing financial strain.

These domestic difficulties are occurring alongside disruptions in global trade linked to tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Instability in the Strait of Hormuz has affected shipping routes, leading to delays, higher costs, and reduced demand in key export markets.

Although Sri Lanka has increased its focus on value-added tea products, the benefits have not been evenly distributed. Large exporters dominate these segments, while smallholders remain dependent on selling raw tea leaves. This leaves them vulnerable to price fluctuations and reduced demand in bulk tea markets.

Export trends illustrate this imbalance. Declining shipments to major markets such as the United Arab Emirates and Russia have weakened demand for bulk tea, directly impacting farmgate prices. As a result, smallholders are receiving lower returns for their produce.

At the same time, production costs continue to rise. Fertilizer, labor, and transport expenses have all increased, reducing profitability. While the depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee has helped maintain export earnings in local currency terms, it has also made imported agricultural inputs more expensive, placing an additional burden on growers.

There are also broader structural challenges. The industry’s reliance on a limited number of export markets increases its exposure to geopolitical risks. Although exports to China and Japan have remained stable, these markets have not grown sufficiently to offset declines elsewhere.

For many smallholders, the situation is becoming increasingly unsustainable. Without reliable access to fertilizer and stable market conditions, some may be forced to reduce cultivation or exit the industry altogether. This could have long-term consequences for Sri Lanka’s overall tea production and export capacity.

Addressing these issues will require targeted policy measures, including improving fertilizer distribution, providing financial support, and integrating smallholders into higher-value segments of the industry. Strengthening market diversification and reducing dependence on volatile regions will also be critical.

Sri Lanka’s tea sector has shown resilience in the past, but the current combination of global conflict and domestic constraints presents a serious challenge. The future of the industry will depend on how effectively it supports its smallholders while adapting to a rapidly changing global environment.

Sri Lanka’s growing engagement with Iran under the National People’s Power government is delivering tangible economic and strategic benefits—but it also exposes the island nation to rising geopolitical and financial risks, particularly in relation to the United States.

At the center of this relationship is a mix of humanitarian cooperation and economic necessity. Iran has positioned itself as a key partner in helping Sri Lanka manage its lingering energy crisis, offering oil supplies and technical expertise at a time when global supply chains are under strain due to conflict in the Middle East. For a country heavily dependent on imports, such support is difficult to ignore.

One of the most visible symbols of this partnership is the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project, a $500 million-plus initiative that now contributes 120 MW of electricity to the national grid while supporting irrigation. The project reflects Iran’s long-term investment in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and underscores the depth of bilateral ties beyond short-term diplomacy.

Trade relations, however, present a more mixed picture. Sri Lanka’s exports to Iran dominated by Ceylon Tea have shown modest recovery, reaching around $76.7 million in 2025. Imports from Iran remain significantly lower, constrained by sanctions and banking restrictions. This imbalance highlights the structural limitations of the relationship, even as both countries seek to expand economic cooperation.

The nearly completed “tea-for-oil” barter arrangement further illustrates both innovation and constraint. Initiated to settle a $251 million oil debt, the deal allowed Sri Lanka to repay Iran through monthly tea shipments. With over 95% of the debt now cleared, the program is winding down, leaving questions about what will replace it in an increasingly complex sanctions environment.

Geopolitically, the risks are mounting. The United States and its allies continue to monitor countries maintaining ties with Iran, with discussions of potential trade penalties or tariffs. While Sri Lanka’s exposure remains relatively small, any escalation could impact its export-driven sectors, particularly tea.

Shipping disruptions linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are another concern. Rising freight and insurance costs are already squeezing profit margins for exporters, threatening one of Sri Lanka’s most vital industries.

Despite these challenges, the government has maintained a firm stance on neutrality. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has emphasized that Sri Lanka’s actions—such as assisting Iranian naval personnel—are rooted in humanitarian principles rather than political alignment. His engagement with Abbas Araghchi reflects ongoing diplomatic dialogue aimed at preserving this balance.

For Sri Lanka, the relationship with Iran is neither purely strategic nor purely economic it is a necessity shaped by circumstance. The benefits are clear: energy support, infrastructure development, and a reliable export market. But the risks are equally evident, from sanctions exposure to geopolitical entanglement.

As global tensions intensify, Sri Lanka’s ability to navigate this partnership without compromising its broader international relationships will be critical. The path forward demands careful calibration, where every economic gain must be weighed against its potential geopolitical cost.

For millions of Sri Lankan workers, the Employees’ Provident Fund represents financial security in retirement. The latest data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka suggests the Fund remains robust but the real question is whether its benefits are keeping pace with the expectations and needs of its contributors.

In 2025, the EPF delivered an interest rate of 10.75% on member balances, a figure that stands out in a low-growth global environment. Combined with rising contributions and a growing asset base, this signals stability and reliability two qualities essential for a national pension scheme.

Yet, the benefits to subscribers are not determined by interest rates alone. Inflation, taxation, and accessibility all shape the real value of retirement savings. While the Fund’s total income increased, higher tax expenditure has reduced the net distributable surplus. This means that despite strong gross earnings, the actual benefit reaching members may not rise proportionately.

Another key factor is withdrawal patterns. The decline in refunds by 6.4% suggests fewer payouts, which strengthens the Fund’s capital position. However, it may also reflect barriers to access or delayed retirements, raising questions about how easily members can utilize their savings when needed.

Investment strategy is also evolving, with the EPF increasing allocations to corporate debentures and ESG-linked bonds. These instruments potentially offer better long-term yields, but they come with added risks compared to traditional government securities. For subscribers, this shift represents a trade-off: higher potential returns in exchange for greater exposure to market fluctuations.

Equity investments, supported by gains in the Colombo Stock Exchange, have contributed positively, but the Fund remains conservatively positioned overall. This cautious stance protects against volatility but may limit growth during strong market cycles—again raising the issue of whether returns are optimized for members.

Importantly, the EPF continues to dominate Sri Lanka’s retirement sector, holding over 80% of total superannuation assets. Its decisions influence not only individual savings but also the broader financial system. This dual role adds pressure to balance national economic priorities with the personal financial outcomes of contributors.

For subscribers, the EPF still offers clear advantages: compulsory savings discipline, relatively stable returns, and low administrative costs. However, the evolving economic landscape demands more transparency, diversification, and responsiveness to member needs.

The Fund’s strength is undeniable, but its success should ultimately be measured not just in trillions of rupees but in how effectively it secures the financial futures of those who depend on it.