March 10, Colombo (LNW): The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for intermittent rain and thundershowers in various regions of the country, with conditions expected to worsen throughout the day.
According to their latest update, the Northern, North-central, Eastern, and Uva provinces, along with the districts of Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Hambantota, will experience scattered showers or thundershowers at various points throughout the day.
In addition, other areas will see similar rainfall, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. The department highlighted that certain locations, especially in the Eastern and Uva provinces, as well as Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, and Hambantota districts, may experience heavy rainfall, with amounts exceeding 75mm in some places.
The forecast also indicates that moderate to strong winds, reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h, could affect the Northern, North-central, Eastern, and North-western provinces, along with districts such as Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Monaragala, and Hambantota.
These winds, combined with the anticipated rain and thunder, may lead to localised disruptions.
In light of these conditions, the general public is urged to take necessary precautions, particularly to safeguard against the dangers posed by sudden, strong winds and lightning strikes during the thundershowers. Those in vulnerable areas should remain vigilant and prepare for potential impacts.
March 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s domestic and regional aviation sector is witnessing remarkable growth in 2025, with increased connectivity and expansion of air routes enhancing travel accessibility.
The country has been focusing on strengthening its air transport infrastructure, fostering regional tourism, and facilitating economic growth. With improved airport facilities, growing airline operations, and enhanced regional ties, Sri Lanka is emerging as a key aviation hub in South Asia.
One of the significant developments in this transformation is the launch of new regional air routes. IndiGo’s announcement of a direct flight between Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) in Tamil Nadu and Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka is a testament to this progress. This initiative marks another step toward strengthening bilateral travel between India and Sri Lanka while catering to the rising demand for seamless air connectivity.
IndiGo, one of India’s leading airlines, has confirmed that its daily direct flights between Trichy and Jaffna will commence on March 30, 2025. This new service aims to address the increasing passenger traffic between the two regions, offering more travel options for business, leisure, and religious purposes.
Expressing enthusiasm about the new route, Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, stated, “We are delighted to extend our operations in Sri Lanka with the exclusive Tiruchirappalli-Jaffna route. Following the success of our Chennai-Jaffna service, this addition will further strengthen our regional network.”
He further emphasized IndiGo’s commitment to providing seamless travel experiences, stating, “With over 60 weekly flights to Sri Lanka from five major Indian cities—Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Tiruchirappalli—we continue to focus on accessibility, affordability, and efficiency while maintaining our signature on-time and hassle-free services.”
Jaffna, located in Sri Lanka’s northern province, is renowned for its historical and cultural significance. The city attracts visitors eager to explore its rich Tamil heritage, notable landmarks such as Jaffna Fort, and spiritual sites like Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. Jaffna’s vibrant festivals and unique cuisine further enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.
Tiruchirappalli, commonly referred to as Trichy, is equally significant for its cultural, educational, and industrial prominence. Known for landmarks like the Rockfort Temple and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the city is a magnet for pilgrims and history enthusiasts.
Additionally, Trichy’s role as an educational and industrial hub, with institutions like NIT Trichy and a thriving manufacturing sector, underscores its importance as a key gateway to South India.
The launch of direct flights between Trichy and Jaffna is expected to boost travel convenience, enhance trade opportunities, and foster cultural exchange. Travelers can book tickets for this route through IndiGo’s official website or mobile app, ensuring easy and efficient reservations.
This new air link underscores Sri Lanka’s broader aviation ambitions, reinforcing its position as a dynamic regional aviation center and strengthening its ties with India and the wider South Asian region.
March 09, Colombo (LNW): After a period of steady growth, Sri Lanka’s Information Technology (IT) sector encountered significant challenges in 2025, primarily due to increased taxation, talent migration, and financial burdens on IT services. The introduction of a 15% tax on IT services for international clients and an 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) on locally-developed software and electronic equipment has put the industry under considerable strain.
Impact of Taxation on IT Growth
The imposition of income taxes has triggered a substantial brain drain, particularly among mid-level employees crucial for business operations. With the removal of VAT exemptions and the subsequent 18% VAT increase, there is growing concern that IT companies may relocate abroad to mitigate tax-related expenses.
A report by the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), estimates that Sri Lanka’s digital economy is valued at $3.47 billion, contributing 4.37% to the country’s GDP. The ICT and Business Process Management (BPM) workforce is projected to reach 300,000, supporting a $3 billion industry by 2025, compared to its current $1 billion valuation.
Government Initiatives and Industry Concerns
The previous government earmarked Rs. 3 billion to establish a digital authority, tasked with spearheading the public sector’s digital transformation. Additionally, a Technological Innovation Council was proposed to foster collaboration among government bodies, research institutions, and the private sector. Another notable initiative involves creating a National Centre for Artificial Intelligence to drive economic and social transformation through emerging digital technologies.
Despite these measures, industry leaders warn of potential setbacks. PickMe Founder and CEO Jiffry Zulfer criticized the VAT policy, arguing that it could drive startups abroad and deter Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). He highlighted that, since foreign software providers remain exempt from VAT, local businesses might opt to move operations overseas while still serving the Sri Lankan market. This shift, he stressed, would make investors wary of investing in Sri Lankan startups.
Cybersecurity expert Asela Waidyalankara pointed out that taxation is only one of many challenges facing the industry. Structural and policy inefficiencies also need to be addressed to attract foreign investments.
He warned that increased VAT would drive up operational costs, particularly for startups, and called for a more business-friendly regulatory environment. He noted that Sri Lankan startups are already considering relocating to Singapore due to the lack of a conducive business climate.
The IT Sector’s Future Amid Economic Policies
Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) Chairman Indika de Zoysa voiced concerns about rising costs for hardware and locally-produced software, which could affect competitive pricing and slow down digital adoption. He warned that the new VAT policy might encourage black market transactions, exposing consumers to risks like poor product warranties and counterfeit goods.
FITIS has been in active discussions with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Technology to reconsider VAT exemptions. De Zoysa emphasized that before 2005, Sri Lanka’s IT sector was subject to 15% VAT but was later exempted to promote digital expansion. He stressed the need for continued exemptions, citing policies in regional countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Bangladesh, where IT-related services enjoy tax incentives to stimulate growth.
A major concern is that startups might relocate abroad due to tax burdens, especially since shifting IT operations requires minimal physical infrastructure. This could result in an immediate decline in foreign investments and economic contributions.
The Path to a Digital Economy
FITIS remains committed to the DIGIECON 2030 policy framework, which aims to expand the digital economy’s contribution to GDP from 4% to 15% by 2030. The framework focuses on advancing Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0, fostering a sustainable, export-oriented tech hub, and creating a business-friendly investment climate. It seeks to leverage technology to enhance productivity, integrate into global value chains, and navigate the current economic crisis.
To achieve these goals, Sri Lanka must prioritize fostering a stable and encouraging environment for IT businesses. This includes tax policies that support growth while ensuring a competitive edge in the regional and global digital economy. Without such measures, the country risks losing valuable talent, investments, and its position in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
March 09, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Registration of Persons has procured 700,000 polycarbonate cards from Thales for its Electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) initiative, scheduled for implementation by the end of the year.
However, an additional 1.6 million cards are still required to meet national demand, according to M.S.P. Suriyapperuma, Director General of the department.
Following an eight-year delay, Sri Lanka’s e-passport project has also been revived with a contract awarded to a partnership between Thales, a global technology firm, and Just in Time Technologies (JITT).
Thales is currently working on the design aspects, and once finalized, the consortium will supply the first batch of 100,000 e-passports by July 2025, with an annual distribution target of one million.
To address ongoing demand, 300,000 standard machine-readable passports (MRPs) will also be procured from Thales without issuing a new tender.
The project specifications require a software update to ensure that the e-passport supplier’s chip operating system, application, and hardware remain neutral, preventing dependency on a single vendor.
However, the consortium has stated that their e-passports cannot be personalized using the existing Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) system, violating a key tender requirement.
Additionally, the supplier has insisted that the government procure their Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) system, which is essential for e-passport functionality.
To address this issue, the Ministry of Public Security plans to submit a cabinet paper proposing the procurement of the Thales/JITT PKI system.
This proposal also includes personalizing e-passports through the supplier’s system on a ‘fee per passport’ model. If approved, the current personalization system—costing over Rs.1 billion in public funds—would be discontinued, and additional costs would be incurred for personalization services provided by the consortium.
he e-passports will include an electronic chip storing personal details, while a high-volume passport printing system, estimated at Rs.1.5 billion, will also be required.
The new e-NICs will integrate biometric features such as fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition, enhancing security and identification accuracy.
Sri Lankan banks are already accessing the repository to verify client details, and the plan is to integrate the Sri Lanka Unique Digital ID project with the e-NIC system.
This initiative will assign unique identification numbers, consolidate various forms of identification, and include essential data such as birth certificates and tax identification numbers. Suriyapperuma emphasized that digitization allows for effective data collection and policy-driven decision-making.
A recent awareness program on the e-NIC initiative was conducted at the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) in Colombo.
Under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, the event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and strategies for seamless implementation.
Additionally, the Registrar General’s Department is advancing efforts to establish a digital population registry in Colombo.
This electronic database will store fundamental details of all Sri Lankan citizens, facilitating streamlined life event registrations and improved data-sharing between government agencies.
As part of this effort, digital birth certificates will be issued to individuals born after January 2021 in Colombo, complementing existing handwritten birth certificates.
This project, supported by the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics initiative, is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Digital Economy, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Asian Development Bank.
March 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has reiterated its commitment to completing the remaining reviews under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This assurance was provided by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a virtual meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on March 7, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The discussion centered on strengthening Sri Lanka’s partnership with the IMF as the nation reaches the midpoint of its 48-month EFF program, which began in March 2023. President Dissanayake expressed deep gratitude for the IMF’s support in helping Sri Lanka recover from the severe economic crisis of 2022. He highlighted the substantial progress the country has made in economic reforms, macroeconomic stability, social protection, and governance improvements.
The President also acknowledged the IMF’s assistance in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts, particularly appreciating the contributions of its senior management and staff. He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration to ensure Sri Lanka’s economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
In response, Kristalina Georgieva congratulated Sri Lanka on achieving macroeconomic stability, successfully completing the third EFF review, and making significant strides in debt restructuring, including the bond exchange.
She praised the nation’s commitment to crucial reforms and reaffirmed the IMF’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic agenda. Ms. Georgieva also emphasized the necessity of strong governance frameworks to maintain macroeconomic fundamentals, especially in light of global financial challenges such as slow growth and increasing debt levels.
President Dissanayake reassured the IMF that Sri Lanka remains dedicated to implementing the program while ensuring that its goals align with the aspirations of the people. He underscored the government’s priority of strengthening social welfare programs to support the underprivileged.
Additionally, he reiterated plans to enhance the efficiency of state-owned enterprises through governance improvements and cost-recovery pricing mechanisms, particularly in the energy sector.
The President highlighted the importance of attracting foreign direct investment and securing support from multilateral institutions to mitigate debt risks and promote long-term, inclusive economic growth. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to successfully completing the remaining EFF reviews and adhering to the reform agenda.
Looking ahead, Ms. Georgieva emphasized the necessity of persisting with reforms to ensure Sri Lanka’s transition to sustainable and equitable growth. She acknowledged the challenges of achieving lasting economic recovery, particularly given rapid technological and geopolitical changes worldwide.
The IMF Managing Director reiterated the institution’s role as a steadfast partner in Sri Lanka’s economic journey. She reaffirmed the IMF’s support in fostering inclusive growth, alleviating poverty, and improving living standards.
Both President Dissanayake and Ms. Georgieva agreed on the need for ongoing cooperation and dialogue to secure Sri Lanka’s economic stability and prosperity. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to working towards a resilient and sustainable future for the country.
March 09, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala has announced that the government will initiate a fresh investigation into several serious allegations involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Speaking to reporters, Watagala confirmed that the government would take all necessary measures to look into accusations surrounding the controversial “Batalanda Report”, which was referenced in a recent interview given by Wickremesinghe to Al Jazeera.
In addition to the Batalanda Report, Watagala stated that the inquiry would also extend to two other significant issues: the Central Bank bond scam and the devastating Easter Sunday attacks.
Both of these incidents occurred during Wickremesinghe’s tenure as prime minister, and the government has expressed its intention to thoroughly examine any potential wrongdoing or lapses that may have occurred under his leadership.
The Deputy Minister stressed that the current NPP government is fully committed to upholding transparency and accountability in governance.
He indicated that steps will be taken to address all accusations, particularly those that were previously shielded from scrutiny due to political protection afforded to Wickremesinghe.
The Batalanda Report refers to an investigative document published in 1997 that detailed human rights violations, including illegal detention, torture, and abuse, which occurred in a state-sanctioned detention centre known as Batalanda during the late 1980s.
March 09, Colombo (LNW): A total of 12 individuals have been taken into custody in relation to the brutal triple murder in Middeniya, which occurred in February and resulted in the tragic deaths of two young children.
The police reported that the latest arrest was made yesterday, when a 37-year-old man was apprehended in the Kuttigala area.
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was detained by officers from the Middeniya Police on charges of assisting in the fatal shooting that claimed the lives of the children, along with another victim.
Authorities believe that the man may have played a significant role in facilitating the execution of the crime.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the Middeniya Police and the Tangalle Division Crimes Investigation Unit working collaboratively to piece together the details of the case.
They are pursuing various leads to uncover the full scope of the events that led to this devastating crime, and to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
March 09, Colombo (LNW): A recent meeting of the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), chaired by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, revealed a significant rise in the production of alcohol in the country, which has increased by 22 per cent over the past two months.
Alongside this, the revenue generated from the liquor industry has grown by 23 per cent, indicating a notable expansion in both production and consumption.
Officials from the Ministry of Finance, presenting their findings to the committee, noted that the government is working on introducing a new category of alcohol.
The aim of this initiative is to curb the consumption of illicit liquor, which remains a persistent issue in many parts of the country.
As part of the discussions, the committee also reviewed and approved a proposal to raise the excise duty on alcoholic beverages, under Excise Notification No. 01/2025, as per Section 22 of the Excise Ordinance (Chapter 52).
The move is expected to generate additional revenue for the state, but it has raised concerns among several members of Parliament.
Some MPs expressed reservations that the increase in excise duties might inadvertently push more individuals towards the illegal production and consumption of alcohol.
They highlighted the risks of driving the market for illicit liquor underground, where it could be sold without regulation and at potentially dangerous levels of alcohol content.
In response to these concerns, Ministry of Finance officials reassured the committee that steps are being taken to combat the production and distribution of illicit liquor.
They noted that raids targeting illegal operations are being carried out regularly and systematically to reduce the prevalence of unregulated alcohol.
March 09, Colombo (LNW): In a recent reshuffle within the Sri Lanka Police Force, four Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) have been promoted to the position of Acting Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), effective immediately.
SSP M.N.S. Mendis has been assigned to serve as the Acting DIG for the Batticaloa District, where he will oversee law enforcement operations and ensure the maintenance of public order.
Meanwhile, SSP W.P.J. Senadheera has been appointed as the Acting DIG responsible for the Western Province Traffic Division, a role crucial for managing traffic-related challenges in the region.
In addition, SSP D.M.M.A.B. Mahagiriulla has been designated as the Acting DIG in charge of the Ratnapura District, a position that will require him to manage police affairs in the district, known for its vibrant agricultural and mining sectors.
Lastly, SSP K.M.U.P. Kaluapahana has been appointed as the Acting DIG for the Monaragala District, where he will be tasked with overseeing policing in a predominantly rural area.
Alongside these high-level appointments, the police force has also seen the transfer of five other SSPs, who will take on new responsibilities within different regions.
Additionally, 28 Officers in Charge (OICs) have been reassigned to new posts, further reshaping the leadership across the island’s police stations.
The police media division confirmed that these changes were made following the approval of the National Police Commission, underscoring the careful consideration and oversight involved in these appointments and transfers.
March 09, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Posts has announced plans to extend its international courier service, broadening its reach from 46 to 59 countries.
This expansion aims to improve connectivity for individuals and businesses wishing to send legal documents and other items abroad.
Deputy Postmaster General, Thusitha Hulangamuwa, revealed that the service would now cater to a wider array of destinations, making it easier for both personal and organisational correspondence to be sent internationally.
The service will allow for the secure dispatch of any legal letters or parcels to recipients worldwide.
Hulangamuwa further highlighted that parcels and documents can be handed over for dispatch at more than 4,000 post and sub-post offices scattered across the country.
This extensive network will provide convenient access to those looking to use the service, no matter where they are located on the island.
One of the key benefits of the service is its affordability, as it offers the lowest rates for international courier services, all under the supervision of the state.
The Deputy Postmaster General also assured that items sent through this service would reach their destinations within seven days, ensuring timely deliveries for both urgent and routine matters.
