March 23, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

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:

The Asian Development Bank will help Sri Lanka sell ‘thematic’ debt securities, taking one step beyond the initial green bonds that have already been sold by some, Takeo Konishi, Director General, South Asia Department, Asian Development Bank said.

Thematic bonds, sustainability linked bonds, can be sold by governments and private companies.“A robust sustainable financing ecosystem with internationally accepted regulation and governance structure, Sri Lanka would be able to attract global investors, including social impact investors,” Konishi told a forum on green bonds in Colombo.

“These investors would look for innovative financing structures like thematic and green bonds, with projects identified to strengthen economic resilience in the country, which would create employment and empower youth and women.

“The overarching objective of ADB is to focus on economic growth, job creation, technological innovation, and private sector development.”The ADB supported the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka in the implementation of green bond regulations, he said.

The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has placed Sri Lanka-based Marine Solution Pvt Ltd on its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. This designation restricts US individuals and entities from engaging in any transactions with the company, the US Embassy in Sri Lanka announced.

Marine Solution Pvt Ltd has been identified as the registered owner and technical manager of the Barbados-flagged vessel SHANNON II (IMO: 9237797), which has been involved in the transportation of Iranian oil. This action is in alignment with OFAC’s broader strategy to curb illicit financial and trade activities associated with Iran.

The SDN list is a comprehensive public record that includes individuals, businesses, and entities sanctioned for involvement in activities such as terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and violations of international sanctions. As part of its Iran-related sanctions, OFAC continuously updates the SDN list to include entities and vessels linked to activities that undermine global security.

Benefits of This Action

This latest addition to the SDN list reinforces US efforts to prevent unauthorized financial transactions and trade that may fund destabilizing activities. Key benefits include:

Strengthening Global Security: By restricting entities involved in Iranian oil shipments, the sanctions help prevent funds from reaching organizations that may support terrorism or nuclear proliferation.

Deterring Sanctions Evasion: The designation sends a strong message to companies worldwide that involvement in sanctioned trade will lead to significant financial and operational consequences.

Protecting Legitimate Trade Networks: Blocking illicit actors helps ensure that global commerce remains free from unlawful financial activities that could distort market fairness.

Supporting International Policy Goals: This move aligns with broader US foreign policy objectives, particularly efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, missile program, and its financial support for militant proxy groups.

By taking decisive action against entities like Marine Solution Pvt Ltd, the US reinforces its commitment to maintaining economic integrity and security on an international scale.

A workshop organized under the UK Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme has set the stage for aligning Sri Lanka’s organic regulations with Britain’s organic standards, a move expected to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global organic market.

The event, jointly hosted by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), brought together regulators, industry experts, and organic farmers to discuss crucial regulatory updates.

“This initiative is a significant step towards gaining recognition from the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), helping Sri Lanka strengthen its position in the international organic market while reducing certification costs. It will also encourage more farmers and processors to adopt organic practices,” the EDB stated.

Under the UKTP Programme, Sri Lanka has been identified as a key beneficiary in the organic sector. The initiative aims to leverage Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) to expand trade opportunities between Sri Lanka, the UK, and the EU.

Previous collaborations between ITC and EDB have already led to amendments in Sri Lanka’s Organic Regulation (Gazette) to align with Great Britain’s standards, a crucial step toward achieving mutual recognition with other international organic certification systems, including the EU’s.

The workshop facilitated in-depth discussions on essential regulatory changes, organic certification, labeling requirements, import regulations, and control mechanisms needed to strengthen Sri Lanka’s organic sector.

With global demand for organic products rising, the event provided valuable insights into upcoming regulatory changes and reinforced collaboration between the public and private sectors. This partnership aims to establish a sustainable and internationally recognized organic agriculture framework in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka and Viet Nam are working to enhance trade relations by focusing on improved shipping and logistics connectivity. Recognizing the importance of streamlined trade processes, industry leaders and policymakers from both nations recently engaged in discussions to explore new opportunities for collaboration in these sectors. Strengthening maritime links is seen as a key step toward maximizing economic benefits and fostering long-term partnerships.

As part of these efforts, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) hosted a webinar aimed at promoting Sri Lanka’s logistics capabilities in the Vietnamese market. The discussions centered on increasing trade efficiency, integrating supply chains, and making strategic investments to drive growth.

The EDB emphasized the need for stronger maritime connectivity and closer cooperation to unlock the full trade potential between the two countries. EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe highlighted the importance of reinforcing partnerships in logistics and shipping to optimize supply chain networks. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Viet Nam, Poshitha Perera, also underscored the potential for significant growth through enhanced infrastructure and connectivity.

Industry experts from both countries provided insights into key aspects such as port development, investment prospects, regulatory frameworks, and best operational practices. The webinar featured presentations from Deputy Director of BOI Sudath Jayasekara, Head of Commercial at Hayleys Advantis Free Zone Ltd Rajiv Fernando, GAC Group of Companies Director – NVOCC & Logistics Navin Perera, and Viet Nam Logistics Business Association (VLA) Head of Logistics Services Department Pham Thi Lan Huong.

These discussions covered critical topics related to logistics development, supply chain efficiency, and investment opportunities, laying the groundwork for future business collaborations. The event attracted strong participation from members of the Viet Nam Logistics Business Association, with over 40 industry professionals in attendance, signaling growing interest in strengthening trade ties through a more connected and efficient logistics sector.

Women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector are gaining new opportunities to expand their businesses globally, thanks to a strategic partnership between Germany and Sri Lanka. With international trade becoming increasingly competitive, equipping women-led enterprises with the right skills, market knowledge, and industry connections is crucial for sustainable growth.

Recognizing this need, the German Import Promotion Desk (IPD), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), has launched the second phase of the EDB-IPD Women-Led Exports capacity-building programme. This initiative focuses on enhancing the export potential of 20 women-led agribusinesses by providing specialized training, technical expertise, and exposure to international markets.

IPD Germany’s Angie Martinez emphasized that establishing global trade links is essential but must be supported by ongoing capacity development. “This programme is not just about preparing women entrepreneurs for exports but ensuring their sustainability in global trade,” she said, stressing the importance of continuous mentorship for long-term success.

Since its launch in December 2023, the programme has strengthened the capabilities of women entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector, helping them meet international standards and establish trade connections with European markets, according to the EDB.

German Ambassador Felix Neumann reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to empowering women economically and fostering sustainable trade relationships. Meanwhile, EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe underscored the importance of structured export support, continuous mentorship, and market access in ensuring that women-led businesses thrive internationally.

Wijesinghe outlined export targets for the next five years and encouraged participants to leverage these opportunities. He assured that the EDB would continue providing long-term business development support, access to international buyers, and ongoing mentorship to ensure the programme’s success.

By equipping women entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and global exposure, the initiative aims to create lasting economic opportunities and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in international trade.

A staggering 63% of preschool and primary school children in Sri Lanka suffer from tooth decay, while nearly half of the adult population is affected by gum diseases, according to Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. Oral cancer has also been identified as the most common cancer among Sri Lankan men.

Speaking at the National Celebration of World Oral Health Day at Galle Face Green, Dr. Jayatissa emphasized that poor personal habits, such as excessive sugar consumption, infrequent brushing, lack of fluoride toothpaste use, smoking, betel chewing, and alcohol consumption, are major contributors to oral diseases.

Government’s Response & Initiatives

• Rs. 81.5 million has been allocated for oral healthcare improvements in the first quarter of 2025.
• Education Ministry Circular introduced to protect the oral health of 4 million schoolchildren.
• Nationwide educational campaigns in schools and preschools to promote preventive care and treatment.
• Promotion of fluoride toothpaste use as a key dental hygiene practice.

Currently, 1,700 dental professionals, including specialist surgeons, general dentists, and school dental therapists, provide oral healthcare under the Health Ministry. School dental therapists play a crucial role in treating Grade 1 to Grade 7 students.

The event, themed “Healthy Mouth–Healthy Mind”, was organized by the Health Ministry, Sri Lanka Dental Association, and International Dental Federation. Officials including Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Deputy Director General of Dental Services Dr. Chandana Gajanayake, and Sri Lanka Dental Association President Prof. Ruwan Jayasinghe were present, along with schoolchildren, university students, and dental professionals.

SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has criticized the government for failing to impose casino fees and taxes, despite multiple appeals.

He highlighted that Sri Lanka currently lacks a dedicated casino regulatory authority, preventing the taxation and regulation of online casinos, which operate untaxed across the country.

“Online casinos are everywhere. They don’t pay even a cent in taxes,” Dr. de Silva stated, urging the government to at least introduce interim taxation measures until a comprehensive regulatory framework is established.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya asserted in Parliament that the system change demanded by the people is already in motion, as reflected in the discussions and criticisms surrounding the government’s first budget.

Speaking during the Committee Stage Debate on the Budget, the Prime Minister emphasized that extensive consultations with trade unions, institutions, and individuals had strengthened the budget. She dismissed the opposition’s criticism as unproductive and ego-driven, lacking constructive alternatives.

Dr. Amarasuriya explained that true system change disrupts power structures and restructures relationships in society. She noted that those most affected by these changes were individuals who had previously misused power for personal gain, reaffirming the government’s commitment to dismantling such privileges and fostering a democratic, fair, and investment-friendly environment.

The Prime Minister highlighted growing trust in the public service sector, allowing officials to operate without undue pressure. She also emphasized that marginalized communities, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, are receiving meaningful support under the new government.

On unemployment, Dr. Amarasuriya clarified that the government prioritizes sustainable development opportunities over short-term job placements, attributing past delays to poor decisions by previous administrations.

In conclusion, she assured that both public officials and elected representatives are dedicated to ensuring inclusive economic growth, with the new budget paving the way for long-term benefits for those previously left behind.