November 29, Colombo (LNW): UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Hannan Sulieman met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Tuesday (26) at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss key issues affecting children in Sri Lanka, including child protection, malnutrition, and education.
The meeting was attended by Regional Director for UNICEF South Asia Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka Christian Skoog, and Regional Chief of Operations Yuko Kusamichi. The Sri Lankan delegation included the Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary (Development) Mahinda Gunarathna, and Director for UN and Human Rights at the Foreign Affairs Ministry Dilini Gunasekera.
The discussions revisited critical topics from previous engagements, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to improving the well-being and development of children in Sri Lanka.
November 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to the full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) at the 29th session of the Conference of State Parties (CSP-29) held in The Hague, Netherlands, on November 27.
Delivering the national statement, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera, who also serves as the Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), emphasized the importance of sustained commitment to the obligations of the CWC. She stated that Sri Lanka firmly opposes the use or threat of chemical weapons under any circumstances and highlighted the country’s continued efforts at the national level through the National Authority under the Defence Ministry.
Ambassador Gunasekera also expressed Sri Lanka’s support for international cooperation in advancing scientific and technological exchanges for peaceful purposes in line with the Convention. She noted the importance of addressing emerging technological challenges, including the role of artificial intelligence, while ensuring that advancements in chemistry are not misused by terrorists.
Sri Lanka signed the Chemical Weapons Convention on January 14, 1993, and ratified it on August 19, 1994. The Convention, implemented by the OPCW, prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons and mandates their destruction. The 29th session of CSP-29 continues from November 25–29.
November 29, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of diplomatic meetings at the Prime Minister’s Office, reflecting Sri Lanka’s dedication to strengthening its international partnerships and fostering cooperation across various sectors.
Among the dignitaries received were:
Adel Ibrahim, Ambassador of Egypt to Sri Lanka
Dr. Alireza Delkhosh, Ambassador of Iran to Sri Lanka
Isomata Akio, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka
Archbishop Monsignor Brian Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Sri Lanka
These discussions, attended by senior representatives from the respective embassies and Sri Lankan officials, including Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, focused on enhancing bilateral relations and identifying avenues for collaboration.
The meetings underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering robust diplomatic relationships while advancing mutual interests in areas such as trade, cultural exchange, and development cooperation. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and partnership in navigating shared challenges and opportunities.
November 29, Colombo (LNW): The deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal was located about 240 km northeast of Trincomalee and 290km east of Kankasanthurai around 11.30 p.m. of 28th November 2024.It is likely to move northwestwards, towards Tamil Nadu coast. It can be expected that the influence of this system on the island’s weather will gradually reduce after today (29).
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern and North-central provinces and in Trincomalee district. Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Northern province.
Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Matale and Kandy districts. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere of the island in the evening or night.
Strong winds of about 60 kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern, Central and Southern provinces.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
November 28, Colombo (LNW):Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd, or AASL, is pushing ahead with key development projects and digital innovations to improve Sri Lanka’s aviation infrastructure, after a recent decline in profit.
The sattae owned enterprise announced the tender for Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project Phase 2 (the BIA Project), which aims to accomplish the full scope of the Project funded by the JICA’s ODA loan by the end of 2027 to meet the growing passenger demand in Sri Lanka.
In the end of July 2024, upon the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on debt restructuring by members of Official Creditors’ Committee and the Government of Sri Lanka, JICA has restarted disbursement for all the JICA-funded projects, including the BIA Project.
JICA recognizes the BIA Project as one of the most important projects between Sri Lanka and Japan, and wishes that the new airport facilities to be built under the project will contribute to inviting more foreign visitors to Sri Lanka and increasing country’s foreign currency earnings. JICA will continue to provide AASL with assistance necessary to complete the BIA Project.
AASL will employ a local contractor using its own money to complete unfinished substructure work at BIA, abandoned by a Japanese contractor. The work, which will be overseen by the same consultant employed for the project, is vital as BIA is already operating over capacity.
Concomitantly, AASL is integrating advanced digital technologies aimed at smoothening and enhancing passenger experiences. Advantages with regards to self-check-in kiosks, biometric security systems, and AI-driven analytics enhance efficiency and security, while mobile applications with contactless services offer safe and more convenient travel solutions in the post-pandemic era.
On November 1, 2024, AASL revised an agreement with Japan Airport Consultants, Inc. and Nippon Koei Co., Ltd., furthering Phase II, Stage 2 of the Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project. Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the project aims at completing a new passenger terminal and associated infrastructure. Procurement for construction is already in process.
Meanwhile, AASL is also setting up a dedicated unit at BIA to report on flight delays in real-time, in collaboration with SriLankan Airlines, under the guidance of Minister Vijitha Herath. Efforts are being made to reduce delays and improve facilities for waiting passengers.
Long-term plans for sustainability at AASL also include solar energy expansion, waste management, and green building. Furthermore, the organization is looking into alternative aviation fuels and other emerging eco-friendly technologies to put Sri Lanka’s airports on par with global trends of sustainable aviation.
Efforts are underway to rejuvenate Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) as a regional hub. Infrastructure enhancements to the runway and terminals aim to attract international carriers and increase cargo operations, particularly from low-cost airlines.
Despite these advancements, AASL’s financial performance in early 2024 saw a decline. Total revenue reached Rs. 20,823 million, with aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenues contributing Rs. 3,924 million and Rs. 16,824 million, respectively.
However, the profit before tax declined 13% to Rs. 17,324 million from Rs. 19,885 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2023. The decline is mainly due to higher personnel costs arising from salary revisions for air traffic controllers and staff.Though there are still financial challenges, AASL remains committed to its vision of growth, sustainability, and enhanced services, signaling promising progress for Sri Lanka’s aviation sector
November 28, Colombo (LNW):The Sri Lankan government is set to implement immediate measures to stabilize coconut and coconut oil prices, which have soared due to supply shortages and high domestic demand, according to the Agriculture Ministry. A senior official highlighted the urgency, noting the ongoing challenge of meeting local coconut demand.
Sri Lanka’s coconut oil consumption, currently 34,000 metric tons annually, is projected to reach 40,600 metric tons by 2026, growing at an average rate of 2.9% per year since 2017.
Despite being the 10th largest consumer globally in 2021, Sri Lanka faces rising costs in the global edible oil market, driven by climate issues and international demand. Refined coconut oil prices have risen from $1,320 to $1,880 per ton, with palm oil nearing $1,250 per ton.
Locally, wholesale coconut oil prices have jumped from Rs. 630 to Rs. 700 per kilogram, with retail prices reaching Rs. 1,350 per liter. These increases have forced the market to turn to cheaper imported oils. Meanwhile, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has reduced sunflower oil prices, benefiting India but leaving Sri Lanka grappling with higher coconut oil costs.
In response, the government is considering easing palm oil import restrictions, introduced in 2022, to reduce the financial burden. Currently, coconut oil imports cost Sri Lanka approximately $3.5 million monthly, a figure that could be cut by $50 million annually if restrictions are lifted. Local refiners favor crude palm oil imports, while distributors prefer refined varieties. Meeting demand through imports could stabilize coconut oil prices and boost government revenue under the existing tariff structure.
The edible oil market also faces hurdles from rising freight costs and regulatory inefficiencies. Freight charges have surged due to the U.S.-China trade conflict, leading importers to rely on smaller vessels. Customs delays and stockpiling by importers have further complicated the situation.
Sri Lanka consumes 10,000 metric tons of edible oil monthly, but local production has halved to just 4,000–5,000 metric tons due to economic challenges and reduced purchasing power. Of the 240,000 metric tons of coconut oil consumed annually, only 40,000 tons are locally produced, with the rest supplemented by substitutes.
Over 90% of Sri Lanka’s food processing companies depend on palm oil, which is also found in over 60% of supermarket products. Emeritus Prof. Asoka Nugawela of Wayamba University suggests that palm oil cultivation is economically viable, with minimal evidence linking it to deforestation.
Prompt action is needed to address the price hikes, secure imports, and support the struggling local oil industry.
November 28, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Computer Crimes Act (CCA) requires urgent modifications to address modern cybersecurity threats effectively, according to Public Security Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne.
Speaking at the 10th Annual Cyber Security Summit hosted by Daily FT and CICRA, Seneviratne stressed the inadequacy of current mechanisms in combating cybercrime and highlighted the pressing need for legislative updates and enhanced training for law enforcement.
Enacted in 2007, the CCA criminalizes unauthorized access to computers, data, and programs and provides guidelines for investigating and prosecuting such crimes.
However, the Act’s fixed penalties—imprisonment up to five years or fines up to Rs. 300,000—are considered insufficient for addressing the evolving complexity of cybercrimes, such as hacking and cyber-attacks.
Experts also point out the lack of provisions to distinguish between varying degrees of offenses based on their impact, underscoring the need for a “proportional punishment” framework.
Seneviratne admitted that current enforcement mechanisms are outdated and called for legislative reforms to align with evolving cyber threats. A research paper on modernizing Sri Lanka’s cybercrime laws echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating principles of proportional punishment to achieve the objectives of criminal law.
The pending Cyber Security Act, which proposes establishing a Cyber Security Agency and granting the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SL CERT) enhanced powers, has also been identified as a critical measure.
LankaPay CEO Channa de Silva urged swift parliamentary approval of the Act, noting that SL CERT’s current inability to enforce cybersecurity guidelines leaves organizations vulnerable. De Silva also emphasized the importance of separating military and civilian cybersecurity to safeguard key civilian infrastructure like water and electricity boards.
Highlighting the global dimension of cybercrime, Visa India and South Asia Vice President Vipin Surelia revealed that cybercrime costs are projected to reach $10.5 trillion in 2024, with a staggering annual growth rate of 32%. He identified key drivers behind this trend, including the rise of AI-powered attacks, advanced tools leveraged by cybercriminals, and vulnerabilities in non-traditional payment methods.
The summit underscored the critical need for Sri Lanka to modernize its cybercrime framework and strengthen institutional defenses. Enhancing legislative measures, equipping law enforcement with advanced skills, and segregating military and civilian cybersecurity operations were identified as essential steps to fortify the nation against rising cyber threats.
November 28, Colombo (LNW): Under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sri Lanka is intensifying efforts to investigate and address high-profile corruption cases and financial crimes. The administration is focusing on recovering overseas assets linked to prominent political figures and is reviewing international legal frameworks to facilitate this process.
Key cases under scrutiny include the Central Bank bond scam, misappropriation of sugar tax funds, garlic fraud, coal procurement for the Lakvijaya Power Plant from 2022 to 2025, and the purchase of 96,000 metric tons of organic fertilizer.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala announced plans to establish a mechanism for stolen asset recovery in line with the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR Initiative). He emphasized the need for new legislation to support this mechanism, aligning with the government’s mandate from the recent elections.
Regarding the revival of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), Minister Wijepala stated that while the FCID currently operates under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) without being a separate entity, its functions will continue.
He noted that some initiatives to combat corruption and fraud can proceed under existing laws, but establishing a special investigative agency for stolen asset recovery would require new legislation.
The National People’s Power (NPP) party, which emphasizes rooting out corruption and fraud, is committed to enforcing laws that prevent corrupt individuals from easily obtaining bail.
Wasantha Samarasinghe, convener of the JVP-led Anti-Corruption Voice and a member of the NPP executive committee, revealed that 118 files related to alleged financial crimes, previously investigated by the now-defunct FCID, remain pending at the Attorney General’s Department. These cases, submitted in 2016, have been reviewed and completed by the FCID but are still awaiting prosecution.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has acknowledged the significance of recent corruption investigations in Sri Lanka.
The IMF’s Technical Assistance Report on Governance Diagnostic Assessment observed that widespread protests in 2022 revealed public consensus that systemic corruption played a significant role in precipitating the country’s economic crisis.
The resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in July 2022 underscored the need for governance reform as a vital part of economic recovery, with civil society playing an instrumental role in advocating for accountability and transparency.
The enactment of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023 by the previous regime repealed the long-standing Bribery Act No. 11 of 1954, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Act No. 19 of 1998, and the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law No. 1 of 1975. Under this new legislation, the Anti-Corruption Commission has the authority to conduct preliminary inquiries upon receiving complaints, information, or motions.
Upon finding reasonable grounds to suspect an offense, the Commission can direct the Director General of the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission to conduct a full investigation and initiate criminal proceedings in the relevant courts.
This strengthened legislative and investigative framework is expected to restore public trust and provide a clear path forward in tackling corruption and financial misconduct across the nation.
November 28, Colombo (LNW): On the 27th of November, a virtual meeting was held between Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Mr. Ajay Banga, the President of the World Bank Group, to explore the future development trajectory of Sri Lanka.
The discussion, which took place at the Presidential Secretariat, focused on identifying key areas for collaboration in promoting long-term economic stability and growth.
In the meeting, Mr. Banga underscored the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to addressing critical development challenges across the globe, with particular emphasis on fostering job creation.
He also highlighted the bank’s role in providing both financial and technical support to Sri Lanka, aimed at driving innovation and transforming various sectors vital to the nation’s development.
These areas include education, healthcare, social protection, and broader economic prosperity.
The World Bank’s support, according to the statement from the President’s Media Division, would extend beyond immediate financial assistance to encompass vital aspects such as enhancing Sri Lanka’s economic policy, bolstering investments, improving competitiveness, strengthening institutions, and reducing poverty.
Additionally, the World Bank aims to assist in advancing agriculture, water resource management, and addressing climate change.
Sustainability efforts are also a major priority, with a focus on environmental preservation, social inclusion, infrastructure development, and the digitisation of various sectors to ensure comprehensive and inclusive growth.
During the talks, President Dissanayake outlined the Sri Lankan government’s concerted efforts to alleviate poverty, particularly in rural areas.
He emphasised the importance of improving government revenue by leveraging digital technologies, as well as reinforcing strategic sectors such as tourism, maritime industries, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and energy, with particular focus on encouraging foreign investment in power generation projects.
The President also shed light on the government’s initiatives to promote regional development in the Northern and Eastern provinces. He stressed the need for enhanced educational and healthcare systems, alongside more targeted efforts in human resource development.
Furthermore, Dissanayake pointed out the growing necessity of aligning vocational education with academic learning to equip the future workforce with the skills needed to meet evolving industry demands, particularly in these regions.
Banga shared the exciting news that Sri Lanka has been selected as one of only 20 countries globally to host the new integrated South Asia office. The office is set to open in July 2025, as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the World Bank Group’s global network.
This new office will facilitate better coordination among the bank’s four main arms—the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)—to streamline efforts and improve development outcomes in the region.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof. Anil Jayantha, and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, both of whom participated in the fruitful discussions.
November 28, Colombo (LNW): In response to the ongoing adverse weather conditions, the Sri Lanka Examinations Department has announced a postponement of the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations.
Originally scheduled to begin later this week, the exams will now commence on December 4, 2024.
Amith Jayasundara, the Commissioner General of Examinations, confirmed that the decision was made after carefully considering the impact of the severe weather on the safety and well-being of students and exam personnel.
The examinations, which were initially set to start earlier, have been delayed by one day, with the new starting date now confirmed for December 4.
The Department has advised all candidates and examination centres to stay updated on any further instructions, including possible changes to venue arrangements, as weather conditions continue to be closely monitored.
