Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero has claimed that he knows the mastermind behind the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks and intends to share this information with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and top security officials.

Speaking to the media after meeting the Malwatta and Asgiri Maha Nayaka Theras in Kandy yesterday (06), Gnanasara Thero stated that he would not disclose the details publicly but would relay them to the relevant authorities.

“I say this responsibly—I know the mastermind. But I will not reveal this to the media. I will, but after informing the President and those in charge of national security,” he asserted.

Sri Lanka has unveiled its 2030 Maritime Strategy, a roadmap for modernising its navy amid financial constraints. Instead of acquiring new vessels, the strategy prioritises upgrading existing naval assets, focusing on extending their lifespan and effectiveness. Key initiatives include:

Enhancing Core Capabilities: Improving navigation, communication, weaponry, and machinery on existing ships.

Strengthening Underwater Detection: Investing in sonar and sensor technology to counter underwater threats.

Diversifying the Fleet: Introducing multi-mission vessels equipped with stealth features, advanced sensors, and long-range strike capabilities.

Improving Maintenance Facilities: Acquiring a floating dock to reduce dependency on external repair facilities.

Embracing Unmanned Technologies: Deploying Unmanned Aerial and Underwater Vehicles (UAVs & UUVs) to improve surveillance and reconnaissance.

These modernisation efforts aim to strengthen the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) against evolving regional maritime threats.

Leveraging Air Power through Collaboration

The SLN has historically faced challenges in maintaining an independent air wing. To overcome this, the strategy recommends joint operations with the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). 

The navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) are currently equipped with helipads but lack airborne assets. By acquiring maritime patrol helicopters and using SLAF pilots, the SLN could significantly expand its surveillance and operational reach in Sri Lanka’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Learning from Past Setbacks

Sri Lanka’s ambitious indigenous warship-building programme, which aimed to reduce reliance on foreign acquisitions, faced setbacks due to financial constraints. 

The plan, initiated in 2019 under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, envisioned replacing aging vessels with modern warships built locally. However, due to lack of sustained government funding, only 8 out of the planned 20 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) were completed.

The failure of this project highlights a critical lesson: naval modernisation requires stable financial commitment and long-term strategic planning. 

Without such support, Sri Lanka risks falling behind in the global naval tech race, where other nations are rapidly integrating digital navigation systems, autonomous technologies, and advanced surveillance tools.

Call for Immediate Action

Sri Lanka’s maritime security is at risk due to outdated naval systems and stalled indigenous shipbuilding efforts. The 2030 Maritime Strategy stresses the urgent need for:

*Reviving Indigenous Shipbuilding: Relaunching cost-effective domestic warship production.

*Upgrading Integrated Systems: Modernising onboard navigation, communication, and weaponry.

*Enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness: Deploying cutting-edge surveillance and unmanned technologies.

*Strengthening Inter-Service Cooperation: Leveraging SLAF resources to extend naval operational capacity.

Every delay in modernisation widens the technological gap, leaving Sri Lanka vulnerable in an era where regional naval powers are advancing rapidly. The government, policymakers, and naval leadership must act decisively to ensure that Sri Lanka’s maritime security remains robust.

As maritime strategist Geoffrey Till emphasises, a successful navy must balance technology, strategy, and fiscal responsibility. Sri Lanka must prioritise homegrown talent and innovation to secure its maritime future in an increasingly competitive global landscape..

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is on track to generate approximately US$1.73 billion in revenue by 2025, driven primarily by the women’s apparel segment. 

The industry is increasingly emphasizing sustainable and ethically produced clothing to strengthen its global competitive advantage. 

A key strategy for this growth includes prioritizing domestic fabric production and improving supply chain efficiency, with leading industry players like MAS Holdings making significant international expansions.

With rising global demand for sustainable and responsibly sourced apparel, the women’s clothing sector is expected to remain the highest revenue generator, potentially reaching US$1.73 billion in earnings this year alone. 

The industry’s focus on local fabric production aims to enhance traceability, reduce costs, and ensure long-term sustainability. However, potential challenges such as global economic fluctuations and supply chain disruptions remain concerns that could impact overall growth.

A major development in the sector is MAS Holdings’ expansion into India. As South Asia’s largest apparel manufacturer, 

MAS recently commenced construction of its first facility in Odisha, India. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s regional growth strategy, reinforcing its presence in India and facilitating access to its rapidly expanding retail market. 

The new facility will further enhance MAS’ regional production capabilities, benefiting both the company and its Sri Lanka-based workforce.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Odisha plant was attended by key MAS executives, including Group CEO Suren Fernando, MAS India CEO Malik Ahamadeen, COO Shakthi Ranatunga, and Fabric Park CEO Murad Rajudin. 

Representing the Odisha Government was Special Secretary Subhendra Kumar Nayak. The facility is set to begin apparel production in 2026, focusing on high-value apparel products tailored for both domestic and international markets.

This expansion initiative capitalizes on India’s robust manufacturing landscape while leveraging MAS Holdings’ operational expertise developed over decades in Sri Lanka. Establishing operations in India is expected to open new market opportunities, strengthen regional partnerships, and drive further business growth. 

The company’s long-term plan involves developing a comprehensive apparel hub within a 60-acre site in Odisha over the next decade in collaboration with industry partners.

MAS India CEO Malik Ahamadeen highlighted the company’s commitment to building a strong apparel ecosystem in the region, utilizing its extensive experience in managing integrated apparel industrial zones in Sri Lanka. 

Group CEO Suren Fernando emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, noting that India has played a crucial role in MAS Holdings’ operations for over 25 years. He pointed to the immense opportunities available in India’s evolving manufacturing sector, which serves both global supply chains and its expanding domestic retail market.

By strengthening its international presence while enhancing domestic production capabilities, Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is positioning itself for sustainable growth, ensuring its continued prominence in the global fashion and textile market.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held an in-depth discussion on a sustainable long-term strategy for Sri Lanka’s energy sector with officials from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) at the Presidential Secretariatyesterday (05).

The discussions focused on ensuring an uninterrupted power supply while also examining the current challenges and future prospects of the country’s energy sector.

Among the key officials present at the meeting were Power Minister Kumara Jayakody, Power Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala, Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, CEB Chairman Dr. Thilak Siyambalapitiya, and other senior CEB officials.

The Government is set to launch a pension scheme for workers in the tourism and fisheries sectors, both of which have a high concentration of informal workers.

Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe informed Parliament yesterday (06) that a contributory pension scheme for those employed in the tourism sector will be introduced this year (2025). He also announced a special social welfare program aimed at benefiting workers in the industry.

In response to a question from SJB MP Hesha Withanage during the Committee Stage Budget debate, the Deputy Minister stated that the Tourism Ministry is currently identifying 100 tourist attractions for future development. Each of these sites is expected to receive Rs. 10 million to improve basic facilities. Additionally, the Government plans to construct Rest Centers to enhance tourist convenience.

Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage announced that a pension scheme will also be introduced for fishermen, ensuring financial security after retirement. Alongside this, an insurance scheme will provide support for families in case of a fisherman’s death and cover property damage and other losses.

The Deputy Minister also revealed that the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation will establish fish stalls at 417 Lanka Sathosa outlets and all Coop City outlets, enabling consumers to purchase fresh fish at reasonable prices.

Although the recommended daily intake of fish for an adult is 65 grams, Sri Lankans currently consume only 31 grams per day despite the country’s vast ocean resources. Sri Lanka’s annual fish production stands at over 530,000 metric tonnes, but 40% is lost post-harvest. To address this, the Government is collaborating with Cey-Nor to manufacture hybrid yachts and freezers, reducing wastage and improving the livelihoods of the fishing community.

To further support the fisheries sector, the Government has allocated Rs. 11,440 million this year, compared to Rs. 7,000 million last year. Additionally, Rs. 3,000 million has been set aside for a fuel subsidy, of which Rs. 863 millionhas already been provided to fishermen, with the remainder to be distributed soon.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Ministry of Education officials today (07) at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss budgetary allocations for education under the 2025 Budget proposals and review ongoing initiatives.

The discussion focused on challenges in the education sector and the need for reforms to enhance school education, higher education, and vocational training.

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, along with key officials, participated in the meeting to strategize future improvements in Sri Lanka’s education system.

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, announced in Parliament today (07) that the government will launch a new program to convert key post offices into tourist attractions in cities such as Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Colombo, and Galle.

As part of this initiative, the government also plans to establish a postal museum near the main postal headquarters, showcasing the rich history of Sri Lanka’s postal service while contributing to the country’s tourism industry.

Except for a few showers in Rathnapura, Kaluthara and Galle districts in the evening or night, mainly fair weather will prevail over the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Southern and North-central provinces during the morning.