By: Staff Writer
February 23, Colombo (LNW): As the global race for artificial intelligence accelerates at breakneck speed, Sri Lanka finds itself struggling to keep pace. Though the country boasts a highly competent workforce, its AI adoption rate stood at just 6.2 percent in early 2025, inching up marginally to 6.6 percent by year’s end, according to the Microsoft AI Economy Institute. That figure remains well below the global average, underscoring a widening technological divide.
AI Data Scientist A.D. Magedaragamage warns that artificial intelligence is no longer a passing innovation trend. It has become the bedrock of geopolitical and economic power in the 21st century, reshaping global hierarchies much like electricity and the internet once did. Nations that master AI are consolidating influence, while those that lag risk marginalization.
Global benchmarks paint a sobering picture. In the Global AI Index, Sri Lanka ranks 82nd out of 83 countries in AI-ready talent and infrastructure. Despite launching a comprehensive National AI Strategy for 2024–2028, the country’s ecosystem remains stalled at what experts describe as a “model level,” unable to transition from policy formulation to tangible implementation.
Infrastructure gaps remain the most critical bottleneck. Limited cloud capacity and high energy costs make advanced AI deployment prohibitively expensive. Without affordable, scalable computing power, even promising local innovations struggle to mature.
Compounding the problem is a persistent “brain drain.” As the nation works toward economic recovery, experienced AI engineers and strategic leaders are leaving for more stable markets, draining institutional knowledge and weakening the capacity to scale homegrown solutions.
Data governance presents another contradiction. While Sri Lanka has enacted a Personal Data Protection Act, its national open data portal remains largely dormant. Developers lack access to high-quality, localized datasets essential for building ethical and context-sensitive AI models. The result is a policy framework without practical fuel.
Analysts warn that unless Sri Lanka shifts from policy intent to rapid execution within the next 12 to 18 months, it risks becoming merely an importer of foreign AI systems deepening technological dependence rather than fostering sovereignty.
The stakes are high. Artificial intelligence is no longer optional; it is structural. Sri Lanka’s future competitiveness hinges on whether it can convert its technical talent into measurable productivity gains. Failure to act decisively could lock the nation into a decade of reliance on external innovation, with diminished economic leverage and reduced strategic autonomy.
Island at AI Crossroads: Sri Lanka’s Stark Reality
Higher Licence Fees, Mandatory EPF hake Private Transport Sector
By: Staff Writer
February 23, Colombo (LNW): The government’s decision to revise driving licence fees and widen compulsory social security coverage for segments of the transport sector marks one of the most consequential regulatory shifts in recent years. Approved by the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the measures were formalised through two Extraordinary Gazette notifications under the Motor Traffic Act.
The first regulation revises the fee structure for driving licences. The second extends the validity period of licences an adjustment officials say is designed to streamline renewals and reduce administrative congestion. While the extension appears consumer-friendly, the fee hike has triggered concern among commercial drivers already grappling with rising fuel and maintenance costs.
Behind the technical language of Gazette numbers lies a broader fiscal and policy recalibration. Licence fees are a significant non-tax revenue source. Increasing them during a period of economic adjustment raises questions about whether the move is aimed at improving road safety administration or shoring up public finances.
More transformative, however, is a recommendation to make contributions to the Employees’ Provident Fund and the Employees’ Trust Fund compulsory for private bus drivers, conductors, three-wheeler operators, and app-based transport workers. At present, many of these workers operate in the informal economy, without structured retirement savings or employer-backed protections.
Under existing law, private and semi-government employees contribute 8 percent of their wages to EPF, while employers pay 12 percent to EPF and 3 percent to ETF creating a combined 23 percent monthly contribution. Extending this framework to transport service providers would represent a structural shift in how gig and informal labour is classified.
Ride-hailing platforms currently treat drivers as independent contractors, excluding them from mandatory employer contributions. If enforced, the new recommendation would compel either platform companies or vehicle owners to assume employer status potentially increasing operating costs significantly.
Industry insiders warn that higher compliance costs may be passed on to commuters through fare adjustments. Three-wheeler drivers, who form a politically sensitive voting bloc, fear reduced take-home income if contributions are deducted without corresponding fare revisions.
The proposal also raises enforcement questions. Monitoring thousands of semi-formal operators requires administrative capacity and digital tracking mechanisms that Sri Lanka’s labour authorities have historically struggled to maintain.
Yet proponents argue the reform addresses long-standing inequities. Informal transport workers lack pension security and insurance buffers. In the event of illness or retirement, many depend solely on personal savings. Integrating them into formal social security systems could improve long-term financial resilience and reduce future welfare burdens.
The viability of these reforms hinges on policy consistency. Sudden fee hikes and mandatory contributions risk resistance if implemented without phased consultation. Transparent timelines, digital registration frameworks, and clarity on employer liability will determine whether the reforms modernise the sector or deepen financial strain on drivers already navigating narrow margins.
Empty Runways, Grand Plans: Mattala’s Tourism Gamble
By: Staff Writer
February 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Marxist JVP-led National People’s Power (NPP) government is attempting to breathe life into the underused Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, recasting it as a strategic gateway for tourism rather than a symbol of sunk cost. Officials say the time has come to transform the near-empty airport into a functioning southern hub that can ease pressure on Bandaranaike International Airport and directly serve resort zones.
At a recent media briefing, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam outlined what he termed a practical “game plan”: secure scheduled commercial flights. For years, MRIA has depended largely on sporadic charter services during peak seasons. The absence of regular airline operations remains its core weakness.
The proposed revival hinges on a coordinated marketing and operational strategy involving tour operators, the Civil Aviation Authority, and Airports and Aviation Services Sri Lanka. Authorities want to reposition Mattala as a credible “alternative airport” for scheduled services and flight diversions.
However the airport’s troubled history complicates the pitch. Airlines have often preferred diverting to India’s Trivandrum International Airport instead of landing at Mattala, citing operational familiarity and concerns over wildlife hazards. The airport’s well-documented encounters with birds and even elephants straying near runways damaged its reputation in global aviation circles.
Officials now say they are working with the International Civil Aviation Organization to strengthen safety certifications and standardise wildlife risk mitigation. Without internationally recognised compliance and demonstrable safety upgrades, however, marketing campaigns may struggle to persuade risk-averse carriers.
From a tourism perspective, the logic appears compelling. Mattala sits within driving distance of high-demand attractions such as Yala National Park, Ella, and the southern beaches. Direct arrivals could shorten travel times and reduce congestion in Colombo. Officials argue that with improved expressways linking the South, connectivity obstacles have eased compared to a decade ago.
However, infrastructure alone does not generate passenger traffic. Airlines prioritise yield, load factors, and network integration. A secondary airport requires either strong origin-destination demand or incentives that offset commercial risk. Sustained subsidies or fee waivers may attract initial flights, but they strain public finances already under pressure.
Policy inconsistency further clouds viability. Sri Lanka’s recent record of abrupt tax changes, regulatory shifts, and economic volatility has dented investor confidence. Long-term aviation planning demands stable fiscal and regulatory frameworks qualities the island has struggled to guarantee.
The NPP government’s ideological shift from its predecessors also raises questions about continuity. Investors and airlines will seek assurances that commitments made today will survive political cycles.
Rebranding Mattala as a tourism-friendly southern gateway is politically attractive and geographically logical. But aviation success depends less on slogans than on consistent policy, proven safety standards, and commercially viable passenger demand. Without those fundamentals, the runway lights may shine brightlywhile aircraft remain scarce.
Voluntary Drug Rehabilitation Scheme Records Strong Early Results
February 23, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Public Security has reported encouraging progress from its voluntary rehabilitation initiative aimed at supporting individuals battling drug dependency.
Speaking to Newsfirst, Colonel Channa Gomez, Assistant Commissioner of the Bureau of Rehabilitation, said the first batch of participants has successfully completed the structured recovery programme and has now reintegrated with their families and communities.
He noted that the scheme, which is designed to offer a supportive and non-punitive pathway to recovery, combines counselling, vocational training and wellness activities to help participants rebuild their lives. According to officials, several individuals from the initial intake have already secured employment or resumed their education following completion of the programme.
Colonel Gomez emphasised that voluntary enrolment remains open to anyone seeking assistance to overcome substance dependence. He stressed that the initiative focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment, offering a confidential and professionally supervised environment for recovery.
Those wishing to join the programme or obtain further information can contact the Bureau of Rehabilitation directly. Assistance and guidance are available through the dedicated hotline on 0112 883 891, where trained officers provide details on eligibility, admission procedures and available support services.
The Ministry stated that, given the positive response so far, there are plans to expand the programme in the coming months to accommodate more participants and strengthen community-based aftercare support.
CID Probes Sophisticated Phone Scam Involving Fake Police Officials
February 23, Colombo (LNW): The Criminal Investigation Department has launched a wide-ranging inquiry into an organised fraud ring accused of swindling members of the public by posing as police officers and banking representatives.
According to a statement issued by the Sri Lanka Police, the investigation is being spearheaded by the CID’s Computer Crime Investigation Division following a series of complaints from victims across the country. Several individuals have already been taken into custody, while detectives continue to track down other suspects believed to be involved in the network.
Initial findings suggest the group used overseas telephone numbers manipulated to resemble local landline contacts, thereby increasing the likelihood that recipients would answer the calls. Targets reportedly included bank customers and professionals whose contact details may have been obtained through illicit online channels.
During the calls, the fraudsters allegedly introduced themselves as officials from well-known financial institutions, falsely claiming that irregularities or legal complaints had been filed against the victim’s bank account. To heighten the sense of urgency, the call would then be transferred to another individual impersonating an officer from a police investigation unit.
In several cases, suspects are said to have conducted WhatsApp video calls while dressed in clothing resembling official police uniforms. Investigators revealed that the group staged convincing backdrops designed to mimic police offices, complete with mock questioning sessions and fabricated documentation, in order to pressure victims into compliance.
Under the guise of “securing” or “verifying” their accounts, victims were instructed to transfer funds to a series of designated bank accounts. Authorities have since discovered that the stolen money was funnelled through multiple intermediary accounts before being converted into cryptocurrency via accounts on Binance.
Those arrested have reportedly admitted to moving funds at the direction of individuals who recruited them online, receiving commissions in return for facilitating the transactions.
Police have urged the public to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls relating to bank accounts or alleged legal matters. Citizens are advised never to disclose confidential banking information, passwords or one-time verification codes to unknown callers.
The Police Media Division has also appealed to media organisations to amplify the warning, stressing that heightened awareness is essential to preventing further financial losses as investigations continue.
Namal Rajapaksa Voices Regret Over Cancelled Oxford and Cambridge Union Events
February 23, Colombo (LNW): SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has spoken out after planned appearances at the Oxford Union and the Cambridge Union were withdrawn amid objections from sections of the Tamil student community and activist groups.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms, the Sri Lankan parliamentarian said he was disheartened that the engagements had been called off, arguing that the long-standing traditions of both debating societies were rooted in free expression and the robust exchange of ideas.
He remarked that the two historic institutions had, for generations, served as arenas where public figures are expected to defend their positions before critical audiences and engage with challenging questions. It was this culture of open scrutiny, he said, that had prompted him to accept the invitations without hesitation.
Rajapaksa suggested that organised pressure had ultimately made it difficult for the events to proceed, adding that universities should remain spaces where disagreements are confronted through reasoned discussion rather than through efforts to shut down dialogue. In his view, preventing debate risks deepening divisions rather than resolving them.
He further stated that he would have welcomed the opportunity to address critics directly, including those who fundamentally disagree with his political stance, maintaining that genuine reconciliation can only be achieved through conversation. Avoiding engagement, he argued, does little to strengthen democratic values.
Despite the cancellations, Rajapaksa expressed appreciation to both Unions for extending invitations and acknowledged the challenging circumstances they faced. He voiced hope that a future opportunity might arise to participate in a forum where differing perspectives can be aired openly and respectfully.
Prime Minister Urges Scouts to Lead with Discipline and Vision at Baden-Powell Commemoration
February 23, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on Saturday called upon young Scouts to take an active and principled role in shaping the nation’s future, as she addressed celebrations marking the 169th birth anniversary of Robert Baden-Powell and World Scout Thinking Day.
The commemorative event was held on February 22 at the National Scout Headquarters, drawing Scout leaders, district representatives and youth members from across the island.
In her address, Dr Amarasuriya underscored that Scouting is fundamentally about character-building rather than titles or rank. She reminded the audience that the spirit of the movement lies in discipline, community service and readiness to respond in times of need — ideals captured in the enduring motto, “Be Prepared”.
She encouraged Scouts to grow into responsible citizens who combine knowledge with compassion, embrace diversity and use modern technology wisely and ethically.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship, urging Scout groups to expand initiatives such as tree-planting campaigns, conservation of water sources and local clean-up drives. She noted that youth-led environmental action could make a tangible difference in addressing climate-related challenges facing the country.
As part of the ceremony, several districts received laptop computers under a nationwide Scout Digitalisation Project aimed at strengthening administrative capacity and digital literacy. First-aid kits were also distributed to support community response activities and training programmes.
Chief Scout Commissioner Manoj Nanayakkara presented the Prime Minister with a commemorative Scout stamp collection and special cover, marking the significance of the occasion.
Senior government officials, including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, representatives of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, and uniformed Scouts from various provinces attended the event, reaffirming their commitment to service, leadership and national development.
Oxford, Cambridge Unions Withdraws Invitation to Namal Rajapaksa Following Backlash
February 23, Colombo (LNW): The Oxford Union has called off a scheduled address by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa following objections from Tamil student groups and human rights campaigners.
The decision comes shortly after the Cambridge Union also cancelled a planned appearance by the same MP, citing security considerations linked to anticipated demonstrations.
According to reporting by Cherwell, Oxford Union President Katherine Yang explained that the move was prompted by concerns raised by students who felt unable to engage freely in the proposed event. She noted that open and direct questioning lies at the heart of the Union’s tradition, and that several individuals closely connected to the issues surrounding Sri Lanka’s recent history had expressed unease about participating in such a forum.
Yang reportedly stated that while alternative formats were explored, any arrangement that limited meaningful engagement from those most affected would undermine the integrity of the debate. She emphasised that the Union’s purpose is to foster rigorous discussion in an environment where all participants feel able to speak without fear.
Rajapaksa, a member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, is currently visiting the United Kingdom. During his stay, he paid a visit to the London Buddhist Vihara, which is marking its centenary this year with a series of commemorative events.
The diaspora advocacy organisation Tamil Solidarity had urged both debating societies to withdraw their invitations, arguing that offering a prestigious platform to the MP risked legitimising controversial aspects of Sri Lanka’s political past. The group signalled its intention to stage protests should the events proceed.
Tamil Solidarity, founded in 2009, campaigns on matters including alleged wartime abuses, accountability mechanisms and the rights of Tamil-speaking communities. The episode has reignited debate within British universities over how best to balance freedom of expression with the concerns of students who feel directly impacted by the subject matter under discussion.
Postal Service Poised for Record Revenue as Modernisation Drive Gathers Pace
February 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s state-run postal network could generate as much as Rs. 15 billion in revenue this year, according to Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media.
The Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the refurbished Madawala Ulpotha Post Office on Saturday (22), describing the upgrade as part of a wider effort to revitalise one of the country’s oldest public institutions. The renovation of the local facility was completed at a cost of Rs. 5.1 million, offering improved customer areas and upgraded operational space.
Reflecting on recent financial performance, Dr Jayatissa noted that an earlier allocation of Rs. 2 billion for development initiatives had enabled the Postal Department to increase its income to Rs. 13.45 billion. Building on that momentum, officials are now aiming to surpass Rs. 15 billion in revenue during the current financial year.
He explained that the transformation strategy goes beyond infrastructure repairs and focuses heavily on digitisation and security enhancements. Funds amounting to Rs. 27 million have been set aside to procure 209 CCTV cameras to strengthen monitoring systems at post offices, while Rs. 74 million has been invested in 225 new computers to improve administrative efficiency. In addition, Rs. 101 million will be spent on 1,500 tablet devices to modernise operations at the Central Mail Exchange.
Energy efficiency has also become a priority. Solar power systems are being installed at key locations, including the Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa post offices, the Central Mail Exchange, and Postal Headquarters, at a combined cost of Rs. 24 million. These measures are expected to reduce electricity expenses and promote environmentally sustainable operations.
The Minister further confirmed that long-planned development work at the Polonnaruwa Post Office has now been completed, bringing it in line with updated service standards.
As part of efforts to streamline attendance and improve accountability, Rs. 31 million has also been allocated to purchase 657 fingerprint recognition machines for deployment across post offices islandwide.
Dr Jayatissa emphasised that with continued investment in technology, security and renewable energy, the Postal Department is well positioned not only to improve public service delivery but also to emerge as a financially stronger and more competitive state enterprise.
Litro Steps Up Gas Supplies with Major Cylinder Release to Ease Islandwide Shortage
February 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s state LP gas vendor Litro Gas Lanka has begun releasing a substantial consignment of domestic gas cylinders into the local market in a bid to counter recent shortages, the company confirmed yesterday (22).
From today (23), approximately 300,000 household cylinders will be dispatched across the island through its distributor network. Company officials said the move is intended to stabilise supply after an unexpected spike in consumer demand left many retailers struggling to maintain stocks.
The replenishment drive follows the arrival of a vessel carrying 3,900 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas at the Port of Colombo on Saturday. Unloading commenced shortly after docking, enabling distribution operations to begin without delay.
Two further LP gas consignments are due to reach the country on February 25 and 28, bolstering efforts to rebuild reserves. Litro indicated that fresh procurement orders have also been placed to ensure continuity of supply in the coming weeks, with additional shipments expected before month’s end.
Under the current plan, around 100,000 cylinders will be released daily, a phased approach that the company believes will steadily relieve pressure on the market and reduce long queues seen in several towns in recent days.
Consumers in various parts of the country had voiced frustration over limited availability of both Litro and rival brand cylinders, with some retailers reporting uncertainty over delivery schedules. Trade representatives had previously called for clearer timelines and improved coordination to prevent panic buying.
Meanwhile, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, stated earlier this week that even larger volumes of Litro cylinders are expected to enter circulation from 12 March as part of a broader plan to reinforce national energy security.
Litro reiterated that with the ongoing distribution of 300,000 cylinders and incoming shipments, supply conditions are anticipated to normalise progressively, restoring regular purchasing patterns for households across the island.