May 14, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (14).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Central, Uva, North-central and Eastern provinces after 1.00 p.m., the statement said.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district, according to the Met Department.

Thus, the general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has reported a notable surge in international tourist arrivals, with 33,910 visitors recorded during the first week of May 2025—a significant increase compared to the same period in previous years.

This growth reflects a steady upward trend in Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery:

• May 2023 (first week): 18,761 arrivals
• May 2024 (first week): 28,526 arrivals
• May 2025 (first week): 33,910 arrivals

As of May 07, total arrivals for 2025 have reached 930,794, with an average of 5,000 tourists arriving daily, even with the usual seasonal slowdown from Western markets post-winter.

Complementing this rise in arrivals, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka reported that tourism earnings from January to April 2025 reached USD 1,379 million, marking a 10.2% increase compared to USD 1,251.6 million during the same period in 2024.

For April 2025 alone, estimated tourism earnings stood at USD 646.1 million, highlighting tourism’s growing contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy.

This upward trajectory signals strong global interest in Sri Lanka as a travel destination and reflects effective tourism strategies and ongoing promotional efforts.

Would you like a brief chart visualizing the year-on-year comparison of arrivals and earnings?

The Sri Lankan government is facing criticism over its handling of electricity tariffs, with allegations of double standards, misinformation, and a lack of transparency surfacing amidst growing public concern. Despite earlier claims of profitability and tariff reductions, the government and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) are now signaling the possibility of a significant price hike—raising questions about the accuracy and consistency of their financial narratives.

At the heart of the controversy is the government’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to adopt a cost-reflective pricing model for electricity, which requires full cost recovery over time. This model, intended to stabilize the energy sector, stipulates that any profits made by the CEB should be passed on to consumers as relief. Conversely, losses would justify tariff increases.

Available data shows that the CEB recorded a profit of Rs. 51 billion during the first half of 2024. Based on this performance, industry experts argue that electricity tariffs should be reduced—not increased. In fact, earlier this year, the CEB even proposed a 10–20% tariff reduction, citing strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2025.

Yet, the narrative appears to be shifting. The government, through Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, told Parliament it has “no intention” to raise tariffs, but also implied that electricity pricing is critical to managing national debt. The minister admitted that a clearer picture will only emerge next month after the CEB submits its financial data to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL). So far, no such submission has been made.

Meanwhile, the PUCSL is under pressure to finalize public consultations and approve any tariff changes by July 1, as the revision is a key benchmark for unlocking a US$344 million IMF loan tranche. Critics argue that this process is being manipulated to portray the CEB as financially distressed, thereby justifying an unnecessary tariff hike.

Fueling suspicions further is the blackout on February 9, which caused losses of around Rs. 8.4 billion. Despite prior warnings from engineers, no preventive action was taken—a pattern eerily reminiscent of the government’s handling of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. No investigation into the blackout has been initiated, and accountability remains elusive.

Adding to the confusion is the CEB’s new energy policy, which claims the power system is “imbalanced,” making it difficult to use renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro. But energy experts point out that such renewable resources were used effectively during similar periods in previous years without disruption. The deliberate curtailment of green energy, in favor of expensive coal and diesel, raises environmental and economic concerns.

As of late April, the CEB had posted a Rs. 20 billion loss—just months after reporting profits. Experts argue this shift is artificially engineered to pave the way for tariff hikes. They insist the PUCSL should mandate at least a 10% tariff reduction based on available data.

With mounting inconsistencies, the government’s credibility is now under scrutiny. Critics demand transparency, accountability, and a tariff policy that prioritizes public welfare over political maneuvering.

Leading Sri Lankan consultancy firm EML Consultants PLC is playing a pivotal role in supporting both local and international investors in the Colombo Port City development, enhancing the government’s investor facilitation efforts.

The company provides end-to-end assistance across the pre-investment, investment, and post-investment phases, helping stakeholders smoothly navigate Sri Lanka’s regulatory and business landscape, said Managing Director Avanthi Jayatilake.

By offering streamlined and integrated services, EML aims to strengthen investor confidence, reduce red tape, and foster sustainable, long-term investment in the transformative Port City project.

These services include market research, feasibility studies, and comprehensive legal and regulatory guidance, especially relating to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) regulations. CEO Jeewaka Hingurangala emphasized the firm’s capabilities in investment structuring, tax planning, and aligning projects with both local and international compliance standards.

Further support includes company registration, licensing procedures with the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC), and land or office acquisition within Port City. 

EML also offers project management consulting for construction, design, and operational setup, ensuring that all stages of development are professionally handled.

Beyond initial setup, the firm assists clients in compliance management, including SEZ rules, labor laws, and financial reporting. EML also delivers HR and recruitment consulting, helping investors build competent local teams, and offers business development services, such as marketing strategies, partnership facilitation, and expansion planning.

Jayatilake pointed out that Sri Lankan consultancy firms offer critical local insight, cultural understanding, and regulatory knowledge that help reduce investment risk and improve efficiency. 

Many of these firms, including EML, partner with international consultancies, bridging the gap between global standards and local execution.

A senior expert highlighted the growing need for qualified consultants in Sri Lanka, particularly to address gaps in data availability, planning, and coordination in public investment initiatives. He emphasized the role of professionals in ensuring evidence-based decision-making, financial analysis, and project implementation, areas where EML Consultants stands out.

Recognizing the importance of quality and credibility, EML Consultants is the only publicly listed consultancy firm on the Colombo Stock Exchange, and has earned ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management and ISO 9001:2015 for quality management—setting a benchmark in the industry.

Further demonstrating its innovation, the company has launched an AI-driven agriculture project in Australia, which leverages machine learning and data analytics to enhance areas such as precision farming, irrigation, pest control, and supply chain management. 

This project not only showcases technological advancement but also opens up overseas employment and knowledge transfer opportunities for Sri Lankan professionals.

 EML’s international footprint now spans South Asia, West Asia, Central Africa, and the Pacific Islands, underscoring its growing global relevance. 

With around 8–10 reputed investment consultancy firms in Sri Lanka, firms like EML play a key role in tailoring projects to local market realities while maintaining global standards.

Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake recently chaired a high-level discussion on the possible implications of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, as well as broader global political developments, on Sri Lanka’s port and airport operations.

During the meeting, attention was drawn to the increased number of shipping requests for docking at Colombo Port in light of the Indo-Pakistan crisis. Officials reviewed the country’s capacity to accommodate additional vessels without disrupting existing operations, while also examining strategic proposals to enhance efficiency.

Minister Ratnayake stressed the importance of preparedness and proactive planning, urging all relevant institutions to treat current geopolitical dynamics as an opportunity. He noted that Sri Lanka must ensure its port and airport systems are fully equipped to function smoothly, adapt to shifting global scenarios, and capitalise on emerging logistical demands.

The discussion brought together key stakeholders including officials from the Ports Authority, airport administrators, terminal managers from Colombo and Hambantota Ports, representatives from shipping companies, and Customs officials.

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a special notice directing all candidates who contested the 2025 Local Government Election to submit detailed reports of their election campaign income and expenditure by May 27, in line with the Election Expenditure Regulation Act No. 03 of 2023.

EC Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake stated that the move is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the country’s electoral process. As per the provisions of the Act, all candidates, whether affiliated with political parties or independent groups, are required to submit separate financial reports detailing their campaign incomes and expenses.

These reports must be handed over to the returning officers at the relevant Local Government institution in the district where the candidate contested. The deadline for submission is set for midnight on May 27.

Chairman Ratnayake also cautioned that any failure to submit the required reports by the deadline will be treated as a violation of the law, and legal action will be initiated against those who are non-compliant.

The Finance Ministry has announced that further bilateral discussions will be held soon regarding the US$1 billion financial facility pledged by the World Bank (WB) during the recent visit of WB Group President Ajay Banga to Sri Lanka. The announcement comes following President Banga’s meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, where the World Bank expressed its readiness to extend the facility over a three-year period.

This financial support is intended to bolster Sri Lanka’s efforts towards rapid and sustainable economic recovery. Key goals include job creation for youth, private sector development, and growth across strategic sectors such as energy, agriculture, tourism, and rural development.

A senior official at the Finance Ministry said that the upcoming discussions will focus on finalising the structure and conditions of the facility. The official further emphasised that by channelling this funding into sectors with strong potential for employment and investment, the government aims to accelerate the pace of industrial and business development across the country.

The Ministry has also conveyed to the World Bank that unhindered access to development capital is critical for revitalising the private sector. The anticipated funding, therefore, will be directed towards providing this much-needed capital, supporting both start-ups and the expansion of existing businesses.

Initial investigations into the fatal bus accident at Gerandi Ella, which claimed 22 lives, have revealed that the passenger transport bus was carrying significantly more people than its permitted capacity. Central Province Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake confirmed that over 80 passengers were on board the bus, although its capacity was limited to between 55 and 60. Following the accident, 59 passengers were hospitalised with injuries, while others with minor injuries are reported to have left after receiving initial treatment.

Senior DIG Pathinayake pointed out that navigating steep and narrow mountain roads with such a large number of passengers would have made it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. The bus, known for running on time, had gained a reputation for reliability among locals, which led to it frequently being overcrowded—a likely contributing factor to the accident.

Although there are widespread claims that the driver may have fallen asleep, investigations have so far found no evidence to support that theory. A Motor Vehicle Inspector has been called to examine the wreckage for any mechanical or technical defects that might have led to the tragedy. The cause of the accident will be definitively determined following this inspection.

Eyewitness accounts and preliminary findings reveal that the bus had been swaying moments before it veered off the road and plunged approximately 100 feet down a steep slope. It rolled several times before coming to a stop, inflicting severe injuries and causing the deaths of many on board.

The Senior DIG commended the rapid response of local villagers and youth who were selling fruit nearby. Their immediate efforts to transport the injured to hospitals are believed to have saved several lives.

The incident has raised serious concerns about passenger transport safety, particularly on mountainous routes, and underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and capacity limits in Sri Lanka’s public transport sector.