June 16, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its weather forecast today (16).
Fairly heavy falls above 50 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.
A few showers may occur in the Northern province and in Anuradhapura district.
Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee district. The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain: Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
Winds: Winds will be south-westerly.
wind speed will be (35-45) kmph and can increase up to (60-70) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Mullaittivu via Mannar and Kankasanthurai. Wind speed will be (30-40) kmph in the other sea areas around the island. Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota and from Mullaitivu to Vakarai via Trincomalee.
State of Sea: The sea areas off the coast extending Puttalam to Mullaittivu via Mannar and Kankasanthurai will be very rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into these sea areas, until further notice.
The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota and from Mullaitivu to Vakarai via Trincomalee will be rough at times.
The wave height may increase about (2.0 – 2.5) m in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Matara via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle (this is not for land area).
Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant in this regard.
June 15, Colombo (LNW): Indonesia’s Agriculture Minister, Andi Amran Sulaiman, has called for closer agricultural cooperation with Sri Lanka, particularly in the coconut sector, to unlock greater value from one of Indonesia’s most abundant commodities.
Speaking in Jakarta during a meeting with Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dewi Agustina Tobing, and Minister Sulaiman emphasized the importance of “downstreaming” in agriculture — the process of converting raw commodities into higher-value finished products. Coconut, he noted, is a top priority due to Indonesia’s vast natural supply and the growing global demand for processed coconut products.
“Downstreaming agriculture is a key government strategy to increase value and global competitiveness of local products,” Sulaiman said, underscoring President Joko Widodo’s directive to capitalize on raw material-rich sectors like coconut.
The minister highlighted shifting global consumption patterns, particularly in China, where consumers are turning from dairy to coconut-based alternatives such as coconut milk and virgin coconut oil (VCO). “This global shift is a golden opportunity for Indonesia, as European countries can’t grow coconuts,” he added.
Currently, Indonesia exports around two million tons of raw coconuts annually, valued at Rp20 trillion. However, Sulaiman estimates that turning coconuts into processed goods could raise their export value to between Rp40 trillion and Rp60 trillion — doubling or even tripling current figures.
To advance this vision, Sulaiman is actively seeking international cooperation, with Sri Lanka emerging as a key potential partner. During the meeting, Ambassador Tobing explained that Sri Lankan companies possess sophisticated technology for processing all parts of the coconut — including the husk and shell — into high-value products.
“Several Sri Lankan firms are interested in investing in Indonesia’s coconut processing industry. Their expertise could help us significantly upgrade our downstream capabilities,” Tobing said.
The two officials also explored possible collaboration in the tea sector. Sri Lanka, globally recognized for its tea industry, is reportedly keen to invest in Indonesia’s tea processing to help boost the value of local production.
“Sri Lankan companies are looking at Indonesia’s tea as a promising area. With the right processing methods, we could significantly raise the export value of our tea products,” Tobing noted.
In addition to coconut and tea, rice production was also discussed as a potential area of bilateral cooperation. Indonesia’s recent achievements in rice output have caught the attention of Sri Lankan officials. Tobing said Sri Lanka’s president and key ministers have shown strong interest in partnering with Indonesia on food security initiatives.
“We showcased Indonesia’s rice success to Sri Lanka’s leadership, and their response has been highly enthusiastic. They view Indonesia as a global food hub and want to deepen collaboration,” she added.
As Indonesia pursues a more value-driven agricultural strategy, partnerships with countries like Sri Lanka — known for their agro-processing technologies — could play a crucial role in achieving economic transformation and improving export performance in the sector.
June 15, Colombo (LNW): The Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka (CRIB), South Asia’s pioneering credit bureau, has unveiled a sweeping digital transformation roadmap aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and modernising the country’s credit ecosystem.
Key initiatives include the rollout of a dynamic credit score for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the launch of innovative digital tools, and expansion into underserved, unbanked population segments.
CRIB plans to replace its 15-year-old legacy system with a new state-of-the-art digital credit bureau platform, in collaboration with a top-tier international credit bureau service provider. This transition, though complex and time-consuming, aims to transfer vast amounts of existing borrower data seamlessly, ensuring accuracy and minimal disruption for users.
A senior finance ministry official stated that the upgrade reflects CRIB’s shift from being merely a credit data repository to a fully digitised, proactive agency. Among the upcoming features is a new credit rating classification system, adding depth to the existing credit score reports currently offered.
As part of this transformation, CRIB introduced several digital tools at its annual event. These include a Portfolio Management platform, offering banks and finance companies real-time insights for managing large credit portfolios, and Credit Stat, a monthly analytical tool detailing institutional risk exposure and credit performance metrics.
A CRIB mobile app is also under development to enhance consumer access.
According to current statistics, CRIB’s coverage includes 46.5% of Sri Lanka’s adult population — about 6.3 million individuals and over 212,000 businesses.
Borrowers are now evaluated using a points-based credit scoring system, ranging from 250 to 900, with higher scores indicating lower credit risk. The bureau has also doubled its data volume in the past eight months by integrating gold loans, pawning, margin trading, and factoring into its database.
CRIB Director and General Manager Pushpika Jayasundera described 2024 as a “transformative year,” highlighting the agency’s evolution towards becoming a data-driven entity aligned with global standards.
In July, CRIB is set to launch a Secure Transaction Registry, enabling SMEs and underbanked individuals to use movable assets as collateral—further supporting financial inclusion and credit accessibility.
CRIB is also strengthening ties with regional counterparts like India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan to develop dynamic cross-border credit products and support migrant workers and foreign investors.
Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, the event’s Chief Guest, commended CRIB’s advancements in bridging information gaps between lenders and borrowers.
He stressed the importance of empowering SMEs and improving the bankability of small-scale borrowers, noting that tools like those launched by CRIB can support evidence-based policy decisions and a broader digital financial ecosystem.
Several financial institutions were also recognised for their excellence in data sharing with CRIB, underlining the growing importance of collaboration in Sri Lanka’s evolving financial landscape.
June 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is gaining new momentum through a renewed focus on social compliance, highlighted by a recently concluded GTEX Workshop held in Colombo.
Organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) with support from the Swiss Embassy, the full-day event at the Galle Face Hotel aimed to equip the country’s apparel exporters with the knowledge and tools needed to meet evolving global compliance standards.
The workshop was held under the Global Textiles and Clothing Programme (GTEX II), which is funded by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), in partnership with the Export Development Board (EDB) and ITC.
Bringing together top apparel exporters, compliance professionals, and policymakers, the event focused on enhancing the industry’s understanding of global regulatory frameworks and offered actionable strategies to boost social compliance performance.
Key industry representatives, including ITC’s Head of Textiles Matthias Knappe, Swiss Embassy Deputy Head Olivier Praz, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, and Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Secretary General Yohan Lawrence, emphasized the vital role of compliance in maintaining global market competitiveness.
Despite the global challenges and crises impacting Sri Lanka’s traditional markets, the country’s apparel exports recorded $4.7 billion in 2023, marking a 5% increase from the previous year — although still falling short of the $5.3 billion achieved in 2019.
The workshop featured an in-depth presentation on global compliance trends by ITC’s Social Compliance Lead Eranthi Premaratne, covering international frameworks such as the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP), Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI).
Case studies from industry leaders MAS Holdings and Brandix Apparel highlighted local success stories in integrating sustainability and social responsibility into business practices. An interactive session led by the Centre for Lean Excellence allowed participants to collaboratively address recurring factory-level compliance issues.
Participants also benefited from a hands-on training on compliance management systems, aimed at strengthening internal audit processes and supplier monitoring. ITC GTEX’s Navya Wijewickrema introduced the Global Textile Academy, which offers digital learning tools for continuous upskilling in compliance.
In their closing remarks, Knappe and GTEX SL National Project Coordinator Roshan Peries reaffirmed ITC’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s apparel exporters in meeting international standards while promoting inclusive growth and decent working conditions.
The event served as a crucial step toward reinforcing Sri Lanka’s reputation as a socially responsible and ethical manufacturing hub. To remain competitive, the country must invest in workforce upskilling, adopt advanced technologies including AI, and secure strategic free trade agreements.
While regional rivals like Bangladesh and Vietnam are advancing rapidly, Sri Lanka retains a competitive edge due to its strong track record in ethical manufacturing, sustainability, and governance — attributes increasingly valued by global buyers.
June 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Railways, once a cornerstone of national development and connectivity, is now facing a deepening crisis rooted in decades of mismanagement, resource misallocation, and bureaucratic inefficiency. The cancellation of 57 train services during the recent Vesak holidays, triggered by a severe shortage of train drivers, has brought these long-standing issues back into sharp focus.
Currently, the Department of Railways is functioning with only 275 active train drivers, despite a daily operational requirement of at least 400. The situation becomes even more strained during long weekends and holidays when more drivers apply for leave, leading to the cancellation of nearly 30 trains per day.
While the General Manager of Railways has announced the recruitment of 160 new drivers, the three-year training period means that the public should not expect immediate improvements in service reliability.
Yet, the driver shortage is only a symptom of a much larger problem. A recent report by the National Audit Office (NAO) revealed startling inefficiencies within the institution. In 2022 alone, 72% of scheduled trains failed to arrive on time, and more than 10,000 train services were cancelled altogether.
This is particularly troubling for a system that has relied on a scheduling mechanism in place since 1865—one that is now failing both in reliability and execution.
The situation is worsened by the underutilisation of valuable resources. According to the audit, 23 locomotives and 36 power sets remained idle in 2022, even as commuters endured delays and overcrowded trains.
This inefficiency comes despite a major investment in 2021, when the government spent US$ 90 million to procure engines and power sets from India. However, poor procurement decisions have resulted in operational setbacks, including the purchase of incompatible or defective spare parts such as those required for M4-class locomotives, which remain unresolved despite multiple supplier engagements.
In response to these alarming revelations, the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has recommended an urgent audit into the daily financial losses incurred due to train cancellations. This directive was made during a COPA meeting held in Parliament on May 8, chaired by MP Aravinda Senarath.
The meeting was convened to discuss the Auditor General’s Report for 2023 and to assess the current performance of the Sri Lanka Railways Department.
Former General Managers of Railways and Secretaries to the Ministry were also summoned to the hearing. The Committee questioned the insufficient number of audit and management committee meetings held between 2021 and 2024. Officials cited the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent staff transfers as reasons for the lack of oversight.
Although plans were made to regularise these meetings in 2024, the final scheduled meeting could not be held.
COPA expressed concern that the absence of regular audits and management meetings had severely impacted the department’s operational efficiency.
Train delays, which numbered 64 in 2022, remained persistently high with 61 delays in 2023 and 46 reported so far in 2024. The Committee has instructed the Department to submit a detailed report on daily delays and the preventive measures being implemented.
As Sri Lanka Railways continues to falter, urgent structural reforms, improved oversight, and investment in human resources are essential to reverse the decline and rebuild commuter trust.
June 15, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern over Sri Lanka’s electricity tariff structure, highlighting it as a critical component in the country’s ongoing economic reform program. As part of the prerequisites for its $344 million funding tranche, the IMF is urging the government to adopt cost-reflective electricity pricing to support fiscal stability and facilitate debt restructuring.
According to IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack, the organization is currently assessing two key actions taken by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL): a 15% electricity tariff increase and the publication of revised bulk supply transaction account guidelines. These moves are among the structural benchmarks required for the IMF’s next disbursement.
At the heart of the issue is the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) deteriorating financial position. Official filings reveal a looming revenue shortfall of Rs 42.2 billion in early 2025. Despite a 15% tariff hike already approved for June 2024, internal projections show this measure is insufficient to bridge the deficit, prompting the CEB to request an additional 18.3% increase in tariffs for 2025.
Data shows that for the June–December 2024 period, CEB’s total approved cost stands at Rs 279.2 billion, while revenue under the current tariff regime is estimated at just Rs 234.4 billion. Even after accounting for Rs 11.9 billion in excess revenue from bulk supply transactions, the deficit remains at Rs 32.9 billion. The gap is expected to widen further in the first quarter of 2025, with an additional Rs 8.3 billion shortfall.
A major controversy surrounds the CEB’s handling of a Rs 38 billion clawback aimed at offsetting its excessive profits in the first half of 2024 — later revised to Rs 41 billion by PUCSL. In its latest filing, the CEB is attempting to recoup Rs 18.5 billion of this clawback by charging consumers again, effectively reversing the earlier adjustment. Simultaneously, the utility is proposing another Rs 11.8 billion clawback for the second half of 2025, creating confusion over the logic of its pricing mechanisms.
When the reversed clawback is excluded — as it contradicts tariff guidelines — the projected revenue deficit drops from Rs 42.2 billion to Rs 23.7 billion, indicating that only a 10% tariff hike would be justifiable under current cost assumptions.
Energy sector officials argue that the current tariffs are inadequate to cover rising costs in power generation, transmission, and distribution. Core cost drivers include Rs 201.6 billion for energy and capacity, Rs 63.5 billion for transmission and distribution, and Rs 14.1 billion in finance charges. These are being compounded by escalating global energy prices and loan servicing obligations.
While another tariff increase could stabilize the CEB’s finances, it is likely to trigger backlash from industrial users and households already grappling with inflation and high input costs. Experts warn that without phased and transparent pricing reforms, the utility’s sustainability — and the broader energy sector’s stability — remain at risk.
June 15, Colombo (LNW): India’s civil aviation authorities have launched a comprehensive inspection drive across the country’s fleet of Boeing 787 aircraft in the wake of a catastrophic crash that killed 270 people earlier this week, Reuters reported.
The incident, which involved an Air India Dreamliner en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, is being described as one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent memory.
The aircraft, which had just taken off, reportedly experienced a sudden loss in altitude before crashing into a group of buildings and erupting into flames.
The wreckage was scattered across a section of Ahmedabad, where the plane struck the hostel complex of a local medical college, resulting in mass casualties. Only one person on board survived.
Ram Mohan Naidu, India’s Minister for Civil Aviation, confirmed that all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by Indian carriers are undergoing immediate safety inspections. These checks, which include engine diagnostics and performance tests, are focused on Dreamliners equipped with GEnx engines.
According to officials, eight aircraft have already been examined, and inspections on the remaining jets are being expedited.
Air India, which operates 33 Boeing 787 aircraft, and IndiGo, with a single Dreamliner, have both been instructed to prioritise safety reviews. Though no blanket grounding has been enforced, Indian regulators have not ruled out that possibility should the investigations uncover systemic concerns.
The airline has acknowledged the regulatory directive and said it is in the process of completing additional technical checks, particularly focusing on take-off performance, engine behaviour, and fuel systems. The carrier has warned of potential delays on some long-haul flights due to extended turnaround times resulting from the checks.
Early reports suggest investigators are scrutinising several technical aspects of the aircraft’s operation, including whether the landing gear had fully retracted, the positioning of wing flaps during ascent, and anomalies in engine thrust. A special government committee has been tasked with producing a detailed report within three months.
Meanwhile, recovery operations have been ongoing at the crash site, with emergency teams having now removed large sections of the aircraft from impacted buildings. Among the most heart-breaking scenes has been at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where families of the deceased have gathered, desperate for news and closure.
Forensic specialists are working round the clock, matching dental records and conducting DNA profiling to identify the severely charred remains of the victims.
Out of the 242 individuals on board, 270 fatalities have been confirmed, a discrepancy arising from the number of people killed on the ground when the aircraft struck the hostel building. Medical teams are particularly affected, as several of the dead were associated with the medical college targeted by the crash.
Survivors from the institution have spoken of deep emotional trauma, with one unnamed doctor noting the mental toll the tragedy has taken on those tasked with identifying friends and colleagues.
In an effort to support grieving families, Air India has announced interim financial relief. Each bereaved family is to receive ₹2.5 million (£23,000), in addition to the previously pledged ₹10 million in assistance from the Tata Group, the airline’s parent company. A formal process to return personal belongings and remains to next of kin has now begun.
Grief-stricken families have expressed frustration over the pace of identification procedures. Rafiq Abdul Hafiz Memon, who lost four loved ones, pleaded for clarity on when he could recover their bodies. Another father, mourning his son, expressed anguish over the long wait required for DNA confirmation.
At the heart of the investigation lies growing scrutiny over aircraft maintenance and safety oversight. As India’s aviation sector rapidly expands, observers have pointed to the urgent need for stronger regulatory frameworks to keep pace with fleet growth and increased air traffic.
Boeing has yet to comment extensively on the incident, though industry analysts expect that the findings of India’s inquiry will have global ramifications, particularly if technical faults linked to the aircraft model are confirmed.
June 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has continued to witness steady growth in tourist arrivals this year, with almost 44,000 international visitors having entered the country in the first half of June alone.
Figures released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) indicate that 43,962 travellers arrived during this two-week period, adding momentum to what appears to be a robust recovery for the island’s tourism sector.
India remains the leading contributor to inbound tourism, accounting for 12,362 arrivals in June so far—approximately 28.1 per cent of the total. This figure not only highlights the enduring importance of Sri Lanka’s neighbour as a tourism partner but also reflects the broader trend of regional travel resurgence following years of pandemic-related disruption.
Other significant source markets include the United Kingdom with 3,740 arrivals, followed by Bangladesh (2,717), Germany (2,439), and China (2,403), indicating a diverse range of traveller interest from both within Asia and across Europe.
These figures underscore the country’s ongoing appeal as a multi-faceted destination catering to beachgoers, cultural tourists, and nature enthusiasts alike.
The cumulative number of foreign visitors to Sri Lanka for the year 2025 now stands at 1,073,765—a notable achievement considering the global headwinds still affecting the travel industry, including inflationary pressures, fluctuating fuel costs, and geopolitical tensions in key markets.
India again tops the list of countries sending the highest number of visitors to Sri Lanka this year, with 216,422 Indian nationals recorded as having entered the country so far. Russia follows with 111,285 visitors, reflecting a continued interest in Sri Lanka among Russian travellers, particularly during their colder months. The United Kingdom ranks third, contributing 100,014 tourists so far in 2025.
Officials have also indicated an increased focus on improving visitor experience, ranging from streamlined visa services to enhanced security and cleanliness at major tourist hotspots. Stakeholders in the tourism sector are optimistic that this year could surpass previous recovery benchmarks, further cementing the industry’s role as a crucial pillar of the national economy.
June 15, Colombo (LNW): Dr Gita Gopinath, currently serving as the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has arrived in Sri Lanka for a high-profile two-day visit, marking a pivotal moment in the island’s ongoing engagement with the international lender.
Her arrival in Colombo signals an important development in the country’s economic recovery trajectory, particularly as this is the first time since 2005 that a top IMF official of her rank has undertaken an official visit to Sri Lanka.
Dr Gopinath, who is one of the most prominent economists in the global financial landscape, is expected to engage with a wide cross-section of local stakeholders, from government representatives to members of civil society and the business community.
Upon her arrival, Dr Gopinath expressed her anticipation for meaningful discussions with Sri Lankan officials and non-state actors, noting her interest in exploring both the hurdles and prospects that lie ahead for the country and the broader region. She emphasised the IMF’s readiness to support Sri Lanka’s reform agenda at a time when the nation finds itself at a crucial inflection point.
During her visit, Dr Gopinath will serve as the guest of honour at a high-level conference titled Sri Lanka’s Road to Recovery: Debt and Governance. The event, scheduled to take place tomorrow, is being co-organised by the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and the IMF.
The conference seeks to examine the country’s reform journey at the halfway stage of the IMF-supported economic recovery programme, with particular focus on lessons drawn from the stabilisation of macroeconomic fundamentals, the progress of debt restructuring, and governance reforms that have been rolled out over the past year.
The discussions are expected to be far-reaching and reflective, with participants invited to evaluate not just what has been achieved, but also to openly deliberate on what remains to be done to restore investor confidence, stabilise the financial system, and reinforce public institutions.
In addition to her keynote appearance at the conference, Dr Gopinath will participate in a series of closed-door meetings with senior Sri Lankan officials. These bilateral discussions will centre on Sri Lanka’s continued adherence to IMF-supported policies, progress towards meeting reform benchmarks, and the institution’s longer-term engagement with the country.
The talks are likely to include discussions on fiscal consolidation, monetary policy independence, and the strengthening of anti-corruption frameworks—areas which remain under close IMF observation.
The visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is still navigating a fragile path out of one of its worst economic crises in recent history. Following its default on foreign debt in 2022, the country entered into a programme with the IMF aimed at stabilising its economy, restoring public trust, and paving the way for sustainable growth.
June 15, Colombo (LNW): Heart disease is increasingly affecting young adults aged between 20 and 40, Dr Gotabaya Ranasinghe, Consultant Cardiologist at the Colombo National Hospital, disclosed during a recent interview with Hiru TV.
He discussed the growing concern surrounding sudden cardiac-related deaths amongst youth and the lifestyle factors contributing to the trend.
Q: Sudden deaths amongst young people are being reported frequently. Many appear healthy one day and are gone the next, often due to a heart attack. What is the real situation?
A: “The pattern is clear – more and more individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 are suffering heart attacks. This number is increasing by the day. Out of ten patients presenting for treatment, at least four or five are under the age of 40. It’s become a serious concern.”
Q: How do these sudden deaths occur so quickly?
A: “Many individuals die within the first hour of experiencing a heart attack. This is particularly common amongst young people. It’s important to explore why this is happening. It’s not merely about cholesterol levels. Our lifestyle has shifted dramatically – from a natural rhythm to a largely artificial one. The way we sleep, the food we consume, and the stress we endure all play a role. Physical activity has drastically declined. Many spend seven to eight hours seated at desks, immersed in work on computers or mobile phones. This ‘digital overdose’ has significantly reduced our mobility.
“Additionally, we’ve moved away from traditional, home-cooked meals to processed foods. For instance, instead of cooking chicken, we eat it in the form of sausages. Instead of boiling potatoes, we consume them as fried crisps. These processed foods contain multiple components that can adversely affect heart health. They damage coronary arteries, and once that happens, even without high cholesterol, blockages can form. When blood flow is disrupted, clots develop, leading to a heart attack.”
Q: Some people claim that Covid-19 vaccines have contributed to these heart conditions. What is your view on this?
A: “The emergence of Covid-19 led to the development of vaccines, which undoubtedly saved lives. Whilst it’s possible that some may experience side effects, I do not believe the vaccine is the primary cause of the current trend in heart attacks. I’ve observed this pattern developing over the past 15 to 20 years – well before Covid ever appeared. So it’s incorrect to attribute this solely to the vaccine.”
Q: What is your most essential piece of advice for young people?
A: “Prioritise your health. Whether you’re focused on business, education, or chasing financial success, remember that your health underpins it all. Be mindful of your diet – your best food is always what is prepared at home. Be cautious with oils and drastically cut down on sugar. If you smoke, reduce or quit. If you attend the gym, rely on natural sources of protein and avoid synthetic supplements. Also, keep an eye on waist circumference – ideally, less than 35 inches for men and less than 32 inches for women.”
Q: What is the simplest way for young people to protect their heart health?
A: “Young adults should undergo regular medical check-ups. It’s crucial to monitor metabolic health. Ensure that fasting blood sugar remains below 100 and get a full lipid profile done. Whilst cholesterol is important, it’s not the central issue. Ultimately, maintaining a life that aligns with a natural rhythm is key. Don’t try to fight nature. Live in harmony with it as much as possible.”
