The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) organized a series of 59 factory visits from December 2–6 as part of the UK-Sri Lanka Trade Mission under the SheTrades Commonwealth Program. 

The initiative brought buyers from the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce to Sri Lanka, spotlighting women-led businesses across Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Kandy, Matale, Galle, Matara, Jaffna, Mullaitivu, and Kilinochchi.

This program provided an invaluable platform for women entrepreneurs to connect with UK buyers, exhibit their products, and explore new export opportunities, particularly in the UK market. Highlighting sectors such as apparel and agri-food, these businesses showcased the innovation, quality, and sustainability of Sri Lankan women-led enterprises.

Building Cross-Border Business Links

During the mission, visiting buyers engaged with production facilities and entrepreneurs, gaining firsthand insights into their operations and unique product offerings. This interaction opened doors for potential trade partnerships and emphasized the export readiness of Sri Lankan businesses. 

Tayub Amjad from Zouk Group Ltd. lauded the initiative, saying, “The engagement with Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs was both productive and inspiring. Their dedication to quality and sustainability aligns well with the expectations of UK buyers.”

Fostering Inclusivity and Regional Empowerment

A standout feature of the mission was its inclusive approach, which included visits to businesses in rural regions such as Jaffna, Mullaitivu, and Kilinochchi in the Northern Province. These visits highlighted the untapped export potential of the region’s women entrepreneurs, empowering them to access global markets and contribute meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s economy.

Strategic Collaboration for Export Growth

EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe emphasized the mission’s role in empowering women entrepreneurs, stating, “This mission reflects our commitment to positioning women entrepreneurs as key contributors to Sri Lanka’s export economy. Partnering with ITC and esteemed UK Chambers of Commerce has strengthened the bridge between Sri Lanka and the UK.”

Similarly, Nasir Awan, President of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, praised the mission’s success. “Exploring new suppliers is crucial for UK businesses to mitigate risks while supporting CSR initiatives. This collaboration also enables companies in developing countries to scale up their operations and provide ethical, sustainable products to conscious consumers.”

Advancing a Resilient Export Sector

The UK-Sri Lanka Trade Mission has significantly amplified opportunities for women entrepreneurs and laid the groundwork for future collaborations. By focusing on capacity building and fostering global partnerships, the initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s dedication to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient export sector.

This milestone initiative integrates women entrepreneurs into global trade, marking a significant step toward long-term economic growth and empowerment.

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has proudly earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification, marking it as the 50th building in Sri Lanka to achieve this prestigious status. LEED, managed by the U.S. Green Building Council, recognizes outstanding performance in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and indoor air quality.

This achievement reflects the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental responsibility, demonstrating the Embassy’s dedication to eco-friendly practices while respecting Sri Lanka’s cultural and ecological heritage.

On the occasion of World Energy Conservation Day on December 14, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung met with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, and Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody, to discuss the Embassy’s innovative, sustainable design. Ambassador Chung emphasized the building’s energy-efficient features, integration of local cultural elements, and its role in addressing global environmental challenges.

“Achieving LEED Gold certification is a significant milestone in our shared sustainability efforts,” said Ambassador Chung. “The Embassy is a symbol of how thoughtful design and green practices can protect the environment while honoring Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage. We are proud to contribute to Sri Lanka’s greener future.”

Minister Patabendi praised the Embassy’s design, noting its energy efficiency, use of native plants, and respect for the local environment. He emphasized that this building sets a high standard for future infrastructure projects, showcasing the positive impact of international cooperation on sustainable development in Sri Lanka.

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo is part of a larger network of U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide that adhere to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) requirements. While OBO mandates LEED Silver certification for new diplomatic facilities, the Embassy’s Gold certification sets it apart, contributing to a global network of 63 U.S. diplomatic missions with LEED certification.

The Embassy was designed with minimal environmental impact in mind. Key features include:

Energy Efficiency: A climate-responsive design with solar panels that reduce energy consumption by 40%. The panels, totaling 194.58 kWp, supply energy to the building and excess power is fed into the city’s grid.

Water Conservation: Advanced stormwater management and wastewater treatment systems recycle water for irrigation, conserving potable water.

Green Spaces: The Embassy grounds feature native Sri Lankan plants, reducing the need for excessive irrigation and creating harmony with the local ecosystem.

Sustainable Transportation: A bicycle-sharing program encourages staff to reduce reliance on motor vehicles.

Efficient Operations: Enhanced commissioning ensures systems are optimized for performance and energy savings.

Recycled Materials: The building incorporates recycled materials to minimize environmental impact.

Indoor Air Quality: Low-emitting paints, coatings, and flooring enhance indoor air quality for occupants.

The Embassy’s achievement serves as a concrete example of how innovative design can reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability. It aligns with the global movement towards greener, more sustainable practices, reaffirming the shared commitment between the United States and Sri Lanka to address climate challenges and protect the environment for future generations.

1. The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the import of up to 30,000 metric tons of non-iodized salt by the State Trading Corporation to address the ongoing salt shortage in the market. Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed that the approval was given to import the stocks before January 31, 2025.
2. Former MP Manoj Sirisena says he made a verbal and written clarification from the President’s Fund yesterday, about the recent statement made in Parliament by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa mentioning his name related to the misuse of funds from the President’s Fund. Issuing a statement, the former MP said that on March 9, 2009, while participating in an event held in Akuressa he was seriously injured in a suicide bomb.
3. A Quo Warranto application has been filed against Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Professor Upali Pannilage, seeking his disqualification as an MP. The application was filed by public interest litigant Oshala Herath at the Court of Appeal, stating that Prof. Upali Pannilage had been appointed as a Member of Parliament under the National People’s Power (NPP) National List and was appointed a Cabinet Minister while being an officer in a public corporation.
4. Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) with a loan facility of US$ 150 million, which is utilised in several essential projects in CEB’s long-term transmission plan. Accordingly, the ADB and the CEB signed an agreement for ADB to provide a loan of US$ 150 million to CEB. After rigorous due diligence by ADB on technical, economic and social merits of CEB’s upcoming investment proposals, ADB approved the loan package in November 2024, a CEB media release revealed.
5. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that criticism pertaining to the country’s economy should be made within the framework of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement. Issuing a special statement, he emphasized that it is necessary to move forward and protect the IMF agreement and that neither the government nor the opposition has the ability to exit that agreement.
6. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to increase the daily allocation for providing breakfast to children in Early Childhood Development Centers and preschools with a high percentage of underweight children, Cabinet Spokesman Mass Media Minister Dr.Nalinda Jayatissa said.
7. Police officers have reported that many traffic speed measuring devices used to detect those who drive at excessive speeds are currently detective. This has made it difficult to apprehend drivers who break speed limits. A senior Police officer mentioned that there are only one or two functional speed measuring devices available per district.
8. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the extension of the compulsory age limit of retirement for government medical officers up to 63 years, with amendments to be made in line with the Pensions Act. This decision allows government doctors who were set to retire by December 31, 2024, to continue serving until the age of 63.
9. Commemorating the 25th year since the bomb attack that targeted her in December 1999, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga donated essential medicines to the Apeksha Cancer Hospital in Maharagama. In a statement, the former President said she was accompanied by the family members of her Security official who had died in the bomb blast.
10. Cabinet approval has been granted for the renovation of the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex according to international standards. The Sugathadasa National Sports Complex is an internationally recognized sports complex that provides class 1 sports facilities.

The Sri Lanka Police are grappling with a shortage of functional traffic speed measuring devices, hampering efforts to curb excessive speeding, a significant contributor to road accidents.

A senior Police officer revealed that most districts have only one or two operational devices, making it challenging to enforce speed limits effectively. The National Audit Office has reported that since the purchase of 25 devices in 2016, no additional equipment has been procured, despite requests for 500 devices between 2018 and 2023.

The lack of equipment is a pressing concern, as excessive speeding remains a leading cause of road accidents. The National Audit Office criticized the Police for not prioritizing the acquisition of these devices to mitigate the risks associated with speeding.

A senior officer from the Traffic Division highlighted the urgent need for at least one speed measuring device per Police division. To address this issue, plans are underway to purchase 50 devices to improve enforcement capabilities.

This shortfall underscores the importance of investing in traffic safety measures to reduce road accidents and ensure public safety.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to increase the daily allocation for providing breakfast to children attending Early Childhood Development Centers and preschools with a high percentage of underweight children, according to Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department, the Minister outlined the Government’s commitment to addressing child malnutrition.

This program, implemented by the National Secretariat on Early Child Development under the Health Ministry’s technical guidance since 2017, currently allocates Rs. 60 per day per child. However, due to rising food costs, this amount has proven insufficient. To address this, the Cabinet approved a proposal by the Women and Child Affairs Minister to increase the allocation to Rs. 100 per child.

The initiative will benefit approximately 155,000 children in 2025, focusing on preschools identified as having a high percentage of underweight children.

This effort forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to combat malnutrition, promote child well-being, and ensure a healthier foundation for early education.

For centuries, rice cultivation has been at the heart of Sri Lankan agriculture, covering over a million hectares annually and accounting for 37% of the country’s land use. 

However, climate change has intensified the challenges of managing water resources, particularly for water-intensive paddy farming. 

The Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP), supported by the Green Climate Fund and implemented by the Sri Lankan government with the UNDP, is addressing this issue through an innovative technique known as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD).

A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Traditionally, Sri Lankan paddy fields relied on continuous flooding, requiring approximately 2,500 liters of water to produce 1 kilogram of rice. This method placed immense pressure on water resources, especially during droughts. 

AWD, a sustainable alternative, has reduced water usage by up to 27% while increasing cropping intensity from 1.2 to 2.1. This enables farmers to cultivate more frequently, enhancing harvests, income, and food security.

Empowering Farmers through Knowledge

The success of AWD lies in its integration of technology and farmer empowerment. CRIWMP collaborates with farming communities to provide training, tools, and climate advisory services to implement AWD effectively. 

Farmers use simple tools like buried water pipes to monitor water levels and irrigate only when necessary, conserving water and optimizing irrigation schedules with agro-meteorological advisories.

Technological Innovations in Water Management

The AWD method has been further strengthened by advanced technologies such as the Sensor Light System and the Water Level Arrow Marking System. The solar-powered Sensor Light System alerts farmers to irrigate when water levels are critically low, while the Water Level Arrow Marking System visually indicates water levels, reducing the need for field inspections. These innovations have empowered farmers like Wasantha, who now consider themselves “smart” farmers, to confidently manage water resources.

A Sustainable Shift in Paddy Cultivation

CRIWMP’s Climate Smart Agriculture Coordinator, Dr. Geethika Wijesundara, describes AWD as a transformative step for sustainable water management. By adopting AWD, farmers can cultivate paddy using just 2.9 to 3 acre-feet of water, freeing up resources to grow other field crops during a third season. This diversification boosts yields, income, and food security.

Environmental and Climate Benefits

Beyond improving water efficiency and productivity, AWD has significantly reduced methane emissions—a key contributor to global warming. In fields using AWD, methane emissions have decreased by 40%, from 570 mg/ha to 325 mg/ha. Nationwide adoption of AWD could reduce Sri Lanka’s methane emissions by 245,000 tons annually.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, CRIWMP plans to conduct soil drainage mapping in two irrigation systems to optimize crop planning for the Yala season. This approach ensures paddy cultivation aligns with water availability while promoting high-value crops to enhance smallholder resilience and profitability.

Sri Lanka’s journey towards climate-resilient agriculture demonstrates the power of blending traditional farming practices with modern innovations. Through AWD and other water management advancements, Sri Lankan farmers are not only growing rice but also cultivating hope, sustainability, and resilience for future generations.

Tobe publishe don Thursday19 

“Yukthi Calls for Economic Justice rejecting Debt and Unsustainable Policies”

Yukthi, a collective supporting Sri Lanka’s working-class movements and struggles for democracy and justice, has issued a strong appeal for sustainable economic policies that prioritize the well-being of the people.

The forum vehemently opposes a return to high-interest international capital markets, citing the significant burden these have already imposed on the nation.

On December 13, 2024, the Ministry of Finance announced the completion of a controversial debt restructuring agreement related to Sri Lanka’s international sovereign bonds. 

This deal, finalized during a politically sensitive blackout period two days before the presidential election on September 21, 2024, has drawn widespread criticism for its long-term economic repercussions. 

Yukthi warns that the agreement, which relies on Macro-Linked Bonds (MLBs) tied to Sri Lanka’s dollar-denominated GDP, will cost the country billions of dollars while failing to provide any substantial debt relief.

 Under the terms of the deal, Sri Lanka’s debt repayment obligations are linked to the anticipated rise in its dollar GDP between 2025 and 2027.

However, this projection assumes a temporary appreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee under the ongoing IMF program, which delays significant repayments to bilateral and commercial creditors. An appreciated rupee, while boosting dollar GDP, could hurt foreign earnings necessary for external debt servicing.

The arrangement has severe implications for public finances. External debt servicing is projected at 4.5% of GDP, with repayments consuming 30% of government revenue. This leaves minimal fiscal space for public spending, forcing working people to shoulder the economic burden while bondholders profit.