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Sri Lanka Introduces South Asia’s First Solar Hybrid Bakery Oven

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Sri Lanka Introduces South Asia’s First Solar Hybrid Bakery Oven

Sri Lanka has become the first country in South Asia to introduce a solar hybrid bakery oven powered by both solar and biogas energy, marking a significant milestone in clean energy innovation and sustainable livelihood development.

The oven was officially unveiled at an event held at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo on May 22. The programme was organised by Incitare International and the Global Rethinking Finance Collaborative (GRFC) in collaboration with German Tech Kilinochchi.

The initiative introduces European clean-energy baking technology to Sri Lanka, replacing traditional fossil fuel-based baking methods with renewable energy alternatives while supporting sustainable livelihoods and several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Founder and CEO of Incitare International and GRFC, Beris Gwynne, said the hybrid solar oven has strong potential for use in communities, bakeries, eco-tourism establishments and vocational training institutions.

She noted that the initiative could contribute to reducing carbon emissions, lowering dependence on imported fuel and creating opportunities for a future export-oriented industry.

Country Director for Sri Lanka at Incitare International, Cheryl Arndt, stated that the project reflects years of collaboration among communities, institutions and development partners.

“Sri Lanka has not just adopted a new technology. It has demonstrated that sustainable livelihoods and clean energy are not aspirations for tomorrow. They are happening right here, right now,” she said.

The programme began in March 2025 following stakeholder discussions held with government institutions, which later led to partnerships aimed at expanding solar oven technology and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Fabio Germano, Representative of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Sri Lanka, said the initiative demonstrated successful cooperation between development agencies and vocational training institutions.

The event was also attended by His Excellency Olivier Praz, who pointed out that solar energy currently accounts for less than 12% of Sri Lanka’s energy mix.

He also highlighted ongoing challenges facing Sri Lanka’s energy sector, including global fuel supply disruptions, poor-quality coal imports and reduced hydropower generation caused by insufficient rainfall.

BOI Launches Digital Platform to Attract Foreign Investors

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BOI Launches Digital Platform to Attract Foreign Investors

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) has launched a new digital investment platform aimed at attracting foreign investors by providing direct access to 30 structured, project-ready investment opportunities across multiple sectors.

The platform, titled “Ready to Invest”, is now accessible via readytoinvestsl.com.

According to the BOI, the platform showcases investment opportunities across eight key sectors, including Tourism and Leisure, Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics, ICT, Innovation and Tech Park Development, Agriculture and Agro Processing, Urban and Mixed-use Development, Aviation, Ports and Maritime Infrastructure, and Renewable Energy and Sustainability.

The BOI stated that the initiative is intended to connect international investors with projects that are already structured and prepared for global investment partnerships.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s economic outlook, the BOI noted that the country recorded 5% GDP growth in both 2024 and 2025, while foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reached US$ 1.06 billion in 2025, representing a 73% increase compared to the previous year.

The agency also stated that BOI-approved projects worth US$ 1.9 billion are ready to commence operations.

In addition, the BOI emphasized that Sri Lanka permits 100% foreign ownership in most sectors and guarantees the repatriation of capital and profits.

The country’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean and its skilled English-speaking workforce were also highlighted as major advantages for potential investors.

CIABOC Warns Public Against Unofficial Guidance on Asset Declaration System

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CIABOC Warns Public Against Unofficial Guidance on Asset Declaration System

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has warned the public not to rely on unofficial instructions being circulated regarding the centralized electronic system used for submitting asset and liability declarations.

In a statement, the Commission said it had observed that various external parties not affiliated with CIABOC are providing guidance and awareness on how to access the system, enter information, and operate the online declaration platform.

CIABOC noted that some of the instructions and procedures shared by these parties are inaccurate and inconsistent with the officially approved process.

The Commission emphasized that it will not accept responsibility for misinformation or incorrect guidance issued by individuals or organisations outside its official structure.

It further stated that any matters relating to the submission of asset and liability declarations through the electronic system should only be clarified through the Assets and Liabilities Declaration Division of CIABOC.

The public has been advised to seek assistance exclusively through the Commission’s official hotline numbers — 0767011954 and 0112587284 — regarding issues related to the electronic declaration platform.

Govt to Provide Motorbikes for Public Health Midwives

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Govt to Provide Motorbikes for Public Health Midwives

id wiHealth Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says arrangements will be made in the future to provide motorbikes for Public Health Midwives (PHMs), while the scheduled salary increase for public sector employees will also be implemented from January next year.

The Minister made these remarks today (26) while addressing a certificate awarding ceremony for 275 administrative Public Health Midwife trainees who successfully completed their training programme.

The event was held at the auditorium of the new Outpatient Department complex of the Colombo National Hospital.

Dr. Jayatissa stated that the government is continuing efforts to stabilise the economy while ensuring that additional burdens are not placed on the public despite current global economic challenges.

The training programme for the PHM trainees was conducted at 11 training centres across the island under the supervision of the National Institute of Health Sciences.

The newly qualified officers will be responsible for maternal and child healthcare development, health education, and the supervision of field-level duties carried out by Public Health Midwives.

The Minister also highlighted that Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system recently received recognition at the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO), noting that the dedication and service of Public Health Midwives had played a major role in that achievement.

Sajith Calls for New IMF Agreement to Protect Public

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Sajith Calls for New IMF Agreement to Protect Public

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa has urged the government to immediately seek a fresh agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to protect the public from worsening economic hardship.

In a message posted on X, Premadasa pointed out that Bangladesh is also pursuing a more realistic IMF arrangement aimed at reducing the burden on citizens amid challenging global economic conditions.

He said Sri Lanka should similarly place public welfare at the centre of its economic policy decisions.

Premadasa warned that economic policymaking should not become a delayed process where authorities only respond after shortages intensify, prices increase further and families are pushed into greater difficulty.

He stressed that the responsibility of leadership is to prevent public suffering before it becomes unmanageable and called on the government to act swiftly while there is still an opportunity to avoid deeper economic distress.

Centenary Commemoration of Sri Narayana Guru’s Second Visit to Sri Lanka Held in Colombo

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Centenary Commemoration of Sri Narayana Guru’s Second Visit to Sri Lanka Held in Colombo

A centenary commemoration marking the second visit of revered Indian social reformer and spiritual leader Sri Narayana Guru to Sri Lanka in 1926, along with the annual conference of the Sri Narayana Guru World Council, was held on the 24th at the Narayana Guru Swami Hall in Grandpass, Colombo 14.

Sri Narayana Guru, who led a revolutionary social reform movement in Kerala during the early 20th century against caste, religious, and social divisions, is highly respected among the Malayali community as a spiritual teacher and religious philosopher.

The event was presided over by Sri Swami Sachidanandaji, the current spiritual head of the Narayana Guru tradition and chief of the Sivagiri Ashram in Varkala, Kerala, where Sri Narayana Guru once lived.

Representatives of Narayana Guru organizations from several countries attended the conference, including the President of the Sri Narayana Guru World Council, S. Suvarnakumar. Parliamentarian Mano Ganesan participated as the chief guest.

Sri Narayana Guru had visited Sri Lanka in both 1918 and 1926. During one of his visits, he is said to have conducted religious observances in a small abandoned land on Layard’s Broadway Road in Colombo 14. Later, Sinhala Buddhists and the Malayali community in Sri Lanka jointly built the Narayana Guru Swami Hall at that location.

Addressing the gathering, Sri Swami Sachidanandaji stated that Sri Narayana Guru deeply respected Buddhism and maintained close ties with Buddhist monks in both Sri Lanka and India. He emphasized that the Guru’s philosophy was rooted in unity and harmony beyond religious and social divisions, based on the principle of “One Religion, One Caste, One God for Humanity.”

Special recognition was also given to Prasanna Suresh for translating the “Deva Dashakam,” the principal devotional hymn of Sri Narayana Guru, from Malayalam into Sinhala. The hymn, which has now been translated into 100 languages, was recognized as a Guinness World Record achievement.

The services of former Parliamentary language translator and veteran writer M.K. Rahulan, who serves as President of the Sri Narayana Guru Association in Sri Lanka, as well as Vice President Surendra Madhavan, were also specially appreciated during the ceremony.

Religious leaders representing Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic, and Muslim communities participated in the event. School books and educational equipment were also distributed among schoolchildren representing different religious communities in the area.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR 27 MAY 2026

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WEATHER FORECAST FOR 27 MAY 2026

South-west monsoon has established over the island. The prevailing showery condition over the south western parts of the island is expected to continue.Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in these areas.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa district after 1.00 pm.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers

Sampath Bank launches PayPal integration to expand global payment access for Sri Lankans

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Sampath Bank launches PayPal integration to expand global payment access for Sri Lankans

Sampath Bank PLC has become the first bank in Sri Lanka to introduce integrated PayPal withdrawal and account connectivity capabilities through Sampath Vishwa, marking a major advancement in Sri Lanka’s digital banking landscape and expanding access to secure global payments.

Sri Lanka’s digitally connected workforce and business community continue to expand across international marketplaces and cross-border industries. Growth in freelancing, entrepreneurship, online commerce, exports, and remote work has increased demand for trusted international payment channels. Sampath Bank’s collaboration with PayPal responds directly to this shift, enabling greater financial connectivity between Sri Lanka and the global economy while supporting foreign currency inflows into the country.

Commenting on the launch, Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sampath Bank PLC, said, “Digital access should never limit Sri Lankan talent from participating in the global economy. Our collaboration with PayPal represents an important step towards helping individuals and businesses engage confidently with international markets through secure and convenient banking. Sampath Bank remains committed to presenting the future for our customers through meaningful digital innovation that supports entrepreneurship and strengthens Sri Lanka’s growing digital economy.”

Commenting on the partnership, Amir Valliani Vice President and General Manager of PayPal, said, “PayPal’s partnership with Sampath Bank marks an important step in expanding secure and trusted access to global payments for customers in Sri Lanka. This collaboration represents an important milestone for Sri Lanka, helping freelancers, entrepreneurs, start-ups and businesses to easily connect to international opportunities and access their earnings with greater convenience and confidence. We are excited to support Sri Lanka’s growing digital economy and the talented communities driving its global participation.”

The integration enables customers to link their PayPal accounts to the Sampath Vishwa Mobile App and withdraw funds directly into their Sampath Bank accounts in LKR or USD. Customers without a PayPal account can initiate setup directly through the platform, simplifying access for first-time users entering the global digital marketplace.

Designed for freelancers, entrepreneurs, SMEs, exporters, online sellers, and digital professionals, the solution delivers a seamless experience while maintaining the high standards of security, reliability, and compliance associated with Sampath Bank’s digital banking services.

Extensive collaboration, regulatory engagement, and investments in digital infrastructure supported the development of the initiative, ensuring compliance with evolving international payment requirements. The launch further reinforces Sampath Bank PLC’s position as a future-focused banking leader committed to accelerating digital adoption and delivering innovative financial solutions for emerging customer needs. The initiative enables Sri Lankan individuals and businesses to compete and grow beyond borders with greater confidence while supporting the continued development of the country’s freelance, entrepreneurial, and export-oriented sectors.

Driven by its brand promise, “We Present Your Future,” Sampath Bank PLC continues to invest in banking solutions that enhance convenience, accessibility, and financial empowerment for customers across Sri Lanka.

Photo caption: Amir Valliani Vice President and General Manager of PayPal and Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sampath Bank PLC, at the official signing ceremony for the PayPal integration via Sampath Vishwa.

Pope Leo Calls for Global Controls on Artificial Intelligence and Warns of ‘Endless Conflict’

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Pope Leo Calls for Global Controls on Artificial Intelligence and Warns of ‘Endless Conflict’

By: Isuru Parakrama

May 26, World (LNW): Pope Leo XIV has issued a sweeping appeal for tighter international oversight of artificial intelligence, cautioning that unchecked technological development could deepen global instability, fuel misinformation and push humanity towards a future shaped by permanent conflict.

In his first major encyclical, titled Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), the pontiff urged world leaders to slow the rapid expansion of AI technologies and establish firm ethical and legal safeguards before systems evolve beyond meaningful human control.

The nearly 43,000-word document, regarded as one of the most significant statements of his papacy so far, addresses a broad range of issues linked to artificial intelligence, warfare, labour exploitation and global political responsibility.

The pope warned that advanced AI systems are increasingly being designed and deployed in ways that prioritise competition, profit and military advantage over human dignity and social wellbeing.

Speaking at a Vatican event marking the release of the document, attended by AI researchers and technology executives including Chris Olah, the pope expressed alarm over the rise of autonomous weapons systems that he said may already be operating beyond effective human oversight.

The pontiff argued that governments must not surrender control of AI development entirely to private corporations, insisting that stronger democratic accountability and independent regulation are urgently required.

He also called for international cooperation to prevent an uncontrolled technological arms race between major AI firms and powerful nations.

Among the key concerns raised were the spread of disinformation, threats to employment, exploitation of vulnerable workers and the growing exposure of children to harmful digital environments. Pope Leo stressed that political leaders must become more actively involved rather than allowing technological progress to accelerate without restraint.

The encyclical also linked modern technological systems to wider global injustices. The pope condemned what he described as “new forms of slavery”, referring to exploitative labour conditions associated with the extraction of rare earth minerals and the manufacturing of electronic devices used to power AI systems.

He highlighted the suffering of workers and children in poorer regions involved in hazardous mining operations supplying the global technology industry.

Beyond AI, the pope delivered a forceful critique of modern warfare and the global arms trade, warning that geopolitical tensions and commercial interests are increasingly driving nations towards conflict. He argued that the traditional “just war” doctrine — historically used within Christian teaching to justify armed conflict under certain conditions — no longer reflects the realities of modern warfare.

The remarks are likely to attract international attention, particularly following recent disagreements between the Vatican and political leaders over ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Pope Leo suggested that some governments may even use military confrontations to divert public attention from domestic political and economic difficulties.

In a notable passage, the pope also acknowledged the Catholic Church’s historical failures regarding slavery and formally asked forgiveness for the Church’s delayed condemnation of the transatlantic slave trade.

Concluding the document, Pope Leo urged humanity not to surrender to hopelessness in the face of rapidly advancing technology and global instability. Drawing on the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, he warned against pursuing scientific and political power without moral responsibility, calling instead for nations and institutions to work collectively towards the common good.

Sri Lanka Assured of Stable Fuel Supply Amid Speculation Over Price Changes

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Sri Lanka Assured of Stable Fuel Supply Amid Speculation Over Price Changes

May 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka currently holds adequate fuel reserves to meet national demand through the end of July, according to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO), which has moved to reassure the public amid growing speculation over possible price adjustments.

CEYPETCO Managing Director Dr Mayura Neththikumarage said the country’s fuel supply position remains stable, with additional crude oil shipments expected to arrive on May 28 and 31.

He noted that all scheduled deliveries for the current month have already reached Sri Lankan ports, helping to maintain a comfortable stock buffer.

In response to recent concerns circulating in the market, he stated that there are no immediate plans to raise fuel prices, while also indicating that a price reduction is unlikely in the near term given prevailing global market conditions.

The announcement comes after reports prompted increased activity at fuel stations, with some consumers rushing to fill tanks amid fears of an impending price hike. Authorities, however, have stressed that such concerns are unfounded at this stage.

Dr Neththikumarage further explained that international diesel prices, which had risen in April, are now showing a gradual downward trend. This, he said, has eased earlier expectations of a significant upward revision in domestic fuel prices.

He added that the arrival of upcoming crude shipments will strengthen supply stability in the months ahead, reducing pressure on the country’s import-dependent energy sector. For now, officials maintain that fuel distribution remains uninterrupted and sufficiently stocked to meet nationwide demand.

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