March 11, Colombo (LNW): Nimal Punchihewa, the Commissioner General of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, has strongly advocated for a minimum of 25 per cent women representation in local government elections, underscoring its critical role in fostering good governance and a truly participatory democracy.
In a statement issued recently, Punchihewa highlighted the fact that women, who comprise more than half of Sri Lanka’s population, are still significantly underrepresented in decision-making positions.
He pointed out that this gender imbalance in governance needs to be addressed to ensure a more inclusive and effective political system.
“Achieving 25 per cent women representation at the local government level is crucial for bringing fresh perspectives to the table, improving decision-making processes, and enhancing the quality of governance,” he remarked, stressing that women’s voices must be heard in all spheres of public life.
Punchihewa also acknowledged the various hurdles women face when engaging in politics, noting that they often encounter unwelcome challenges and derogatory remarks from their male counterparts.
This, he suggested, creates barriers to their active participation and further discourages women from pursuing leadership roles.
In light of these challenges, the Commissioner General called for the implementation of legal measures to ensure women are provided with the necessary opportunities and support to contribute meaningfully to public life.
He pointed out that societal structures alone may not be enough to level the playing field, and that formal legal frameworks are required to guarantee equality and representation for women.
March 11, World (LNW): Doctors have confirmed that Pope Francis is no longer at immediate risk of death following his battle with pneumonia, but have decided to keep him in hospital for further treatment over the coming days.
In an update released on Monday, the Vatican announced that the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition remains stable, with recent tests indicating positive responses to medication and a steady improvement in his health.
Whilst Pope Francis is no longer in imminent danger, medical professionals have stated that due to the complexity of his condition and the nature of the infection that led to his hospitalisation, it will be necessary for him to continue receiving treatment in a hospital setting for several more days.
The Vatican emphasised that ongoing medical therapy will remain crucial to ensure his full recovery.
In the meantime, the Pope has been able to participate remotely in the Vatican’s annual spiritual retreat, which marks the beginning of the Catholic Church’s Lenten season.
From his hospital room in Rome, Pope Francis followed the retreat via video conference, although he was not able to interact directly with the group of priests, bishops, and cardinals present in the Vatican auditorium.
Whilst the attendees could see and hear the Rev Roberto Pasolini, who is leading the retreat, they were unable to see or hear the Pope.
This year’s retreat, which has the theme of “The hope of eternal life,” was planned long before Pope Francis’ hospitalisation in mid-February due to a serious lung infection.
As the retreat continues throughout the week, the Pope has participated in spiritual communion with the clergy from his hospital bed, continuing to stay involved in the church’s important traditions whilst recovering.
Pope Francis’ health struggles began when what seemed to be a severe case of bronchitis developed into a complicated respiratory infection, eventually leading to double pneumonia.
His ongoing recovery has been more prolonged than initially anticipated, marking the longest period of illness in his 12-year papacy, and raising increasing speculation about the future of his papacy.
During his hospital stay, Pope Francis has been receiving physical and respiratory therapy to aid his recovery. He has been using a nasal tube during the day to provide supplemental oxygen and relies on a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night.
The Pope, who has a long history of chronic lung issues and underwent surgery to remove part of one of his lungs when he was younger, is being closely monitored by his medical team.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has announced that the 2025 national budget marks the highest-ever allocation for education in Sri Lanka’s history.
During a speech in Parliament on March 10, as part of the ongoing budget debate, she revealed that the Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced an ambitious five-pillar plan to spearhead critical reforms in the country’s education system.
The Prime Minister emphasised the significance of the proposed budget allocation, noting that it represents a groundbreaking commitment to enhancing educational standards and infrastructure.
She stated that the LKR 619 billion allocated for education will play a crucial role in transforming the sector, with clear mechanisms in place to ensure efficient and effective use of the funds.
Dr. Amarasuriya also paid tribute to the late Dr. Janaki Jayawardena, a revered academic and activist who was instrumental in advocating for increased education funding.
Dr. Jayawardena’s efforts were pivotal during the 2011-2012 Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) protest, which highlighted the severe underfunding of education in Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister recalled, “Dr. Janaki Jayawardena was a quiet yet unwavering force behind this movement. While she never sought the spotlight, her leadership was key to the success of the protest.”
The Prime Minister further stressed the importance of strategic educational reforms in achieving the social, political, and economic changes the country needs.
“Without a comprehensive overhaul of our education system, we cannot hope to realise the societal transformation we aspire to. Education reform is the cornerstone of progress,” she stated.
A major component of the government’s reform plan includes modernising the curriculum, enhancing teacher training, upgrading infrastructure, revising student assessment methods, and fostering greater societal engagement in education.
Dr. Amarasuriya emphasised that these reforms are necessary to ensure the country’s education system meets the needs of a rapidly changing world.
Highlighting the current state of many higher education institutions, the Prime Minister drew attention to the challenging conditions faced by students. She shared, “Many of our students are enduring severe hardship.
Some institutions have students who only receive one meal a day, and that is often not until the evening. This is unacceptable.”
In response, the government has allocated LKR 36.841 billion to improve higher education infrastructure, aiming to provide students with the resources they need to thrive.
“It is vital that we recognise and address the conditions in which our students live, learn, and grow. Their basic needs must be met to ensure their success,” Dr. Amarasuriya stated.
Additionally, the Prime Minister outlined plans to revamp vocational education, ensuring that it aligns with the evolving demands of the job market. By transforming vocational training into a modern, relevant field, the government aims to equip young people with the skills required for today’s dynamic labour market.
With these substantial investments and a comprehensive reform strategy in place, the government aims to ensure that Sri Lanka’s education system provides equal opportunities for all and fosters a brighter future for the nation’s youth.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has been acknowledged as one of the countries with the lowest levels of terrorism, according to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI).
The 12th edition of the annual report, released on March 5, places Sri Lanka at 100th out of 163 nations evaluated.
Remarkably, the country shares the lowest possible score—zero—with 63 other nations, highlighting its success in mitigating terror-related risks.
This improvement is particularly notable, as Sri Lanka has ascended 64 places in the GTI ranking within just one year, demonstrating a significant reduction in the threat of terrorism on the island.
The country’s impressive advancement underlines the ongoing peace and stability following the efforts made to curb violent extremism.
Sri Lanka’s zero score places it on equal footing with Bhutan, both of which have maintained a commendable record of no terrorist incidents in the past five years.
This positions them as the safest nations in the South Asian region regarding terrorism, a noteworthy achievement given the historically volatile security environment of the area.
The 2024 report also highlighted South Asia as the region with the highest average GTI score, although this position has been influenced by the terrorism situation in Pakistan.
Despite an overall deterioration in the region’s scores, primarily driven by Pakistan’s security challenges, there has been a clear decline in terrorism when compared to a decade ago.
All South Asian countries have made notable improvements, with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka particularly benefiting from reduced terror activity.
Pakistan remains a major concern in the region, accounting for a significant portion of the deterioration, with terrorist attacks and fatalities both increasing.
In contrast, Sri Lanka’s continued peace—having recorded no attacks or deaths for five consecutive years—has earned it recognition as the most improved country in South Asia.
Nepal, another success story, recorded no attacks or deaths for the second consecutive year.
The GTI report also emphasises that terrorism in the Sahel region of Africa continues to be the global epicentre, with this area accounting for more than half of all terror-related fatalities worldwide.
This stark contrast underscores the progress made by countries such as Sri Lanka, which has demonstrated that sustained efforts in countering terrorism can lead to lasting peace.
The Global Terrorism Index, produced annually by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), is the most comprehensive report on global terrorism trends. It evaluates countries based on a variety of factors, including the number of incidents, fatalities, injuries, and hostage situations, along with conflict and socioeconomic data, to provide an in-depth overview of global terrorism patterns.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has announced that a total of 155,976 new voters have been added to the electorate for this year’s local government elections.
These individuals have now become eligible to cast their votes, further expanding the voter base in the country.
This influx of new voters is in addition to those who were previously registered for the parliamentary and presidential elections held last year, highlighting the continuous growth in the nation’s electoral roll.
The newly eligible voters have been incorporated into the supplementary voter lists, which were officially certified on October 1, 2024, and February 1, 2025.
With this update, the overall number of registered voters for the local government elections now stands at 1,729,330, a significant figure that reflects both the inclusion of new voters and the ongoing importance of civic participation in the democratic process.
Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake has also confirmed that all preliminary arrangements for the forthcoming local government elections have been completed successfully.
The Commission has worked tirelessly to ensure that all necessary logistics are in place, ahead of what is expected to be a crucial electoral event for the country.
In related news, the Commission has announced that the deadline for the submission of postal vote applications is fast approaching. Eligible voters wishing to cast their ballots by post are reminded that applications must be submitted to the Returning Officer of their respective district by tomorrow (12).
March 11, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale, Nuwara-Eliyaand Hambantota districts, with showers or thundershowers being expected at several places elsewhere during the afternoon or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (11).
Fairly heavy showers above 75mm can be expected at some places in Northern, Eastern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Uva provinces and in Galle, Matara, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Polonnaruwa districts.
Fairly strong winds of (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, Eastern and North-western provinces and in Matale, Nuwara-Eliya, Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai, from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Wind speed can increase up to (45-50) kmph at times in the other sea areas around the island.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending fromColombo to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai, from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times. Other sea areas around the island may be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
March 10, Colombo (LNW): Japan has rescheduled defaulted loans of 369.453 billion yen (about 2.5 billion Us dollars) due from Sri Lanka were rescheduled till 2042, an interest rate below 1 percent, as per a statement from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sri Lanka will start repaying loans starting from January 05, 2028 in semi-annual instalments until 2042.Accrued interest from January 01, 2023 to December 31, 2023, will be paid on July 05, 2025.
Interest accruing on or after January 01, 2024 will be paid from July 05, 2025, to July 05, 2042. The loans to the central government will be charged 0.96 percent a year.
Loans to the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, for a new terminal is changed 0.18 percent.
March 10, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic agenda while emphasizing the importance of adhering to reform benchmarks and conditions.
While the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised the government’s progress in economic reforms, concerns remain over potential risks if agreed-upon targets are not met.
Failure to comply with the IMF’s conditions could jeopardize future financial assistance, impacting Sri Lanka’s long-term economic stability. The government must balance its reform agenda with public expectations while ensuring that critical IMF conditions, such as debt restructuring and governance improvements, are not violated.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva commended Sri Lanka’s efforts in implementing key reforms and reaffirmed the IMF’s continued support. She stressed the need to strengthen macroeconomic fundamentals within a robust governance framework, especially in light of slowing global growth, rising debt levels, and increasing uncertainties in the global economy.
On Friday, the IMF congratulated President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his progressive economic policies and reiterated its commitment to assisting Sri Lanka. During a virtual meeting with President Dissanayake,
Georgieva acknowledged Sri Lanka’s progress in achieving macroeconomic stability and discussed future measures needed to address current and emerging economic challenges.
The discussion also covered the ongoing partnership between Sri Lanka and the IMF as the country reached the halfway mark of its 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, which commenced in March 2023.
Georgieva praised the government’s success in maintaining stability, completing the third review of the EFF, and making significant progress in the bond exchange and debt restructuring processes.
However, she emphasized the importance of maintaining the reform agenda to ensure Sri Lanka’s path toward sustainable and equitable growth. She noted that despite the achievements, significant challenges remain due to the rapid evolution of global economic conditions, technological advancements, and geopolitical shifts.
Reiterating the IMF’s role as a reliable partner, Georgieva assured Sri Lanka of continued support in fostering inclusive growth, alleviating poverty, and improving the quality of life for its people.
President Dissanayake highlighted the government’s achievements in implementing economic reforms, stabilizing the macroeconomic environment, protecting vulnerable populations, and improving governance.
He expressed gratitude for the IMF’s support, particularly in the debt restructuring process, and underscored the importance of continued cooperation to navigate ongoing economic uncertainties.
He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the IMF program while ensuring that reform targets align with the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people. He emphasized the government’s focus on social welfare expenditures, enhancing governance in state-owned enterprises, and implementing cost-recovery pricing mechanisms, including in the energy sector.
Additionally, President Dissanayake highlighted the significance of attracting foreign direct investment and securing multilateral support to reduce debt vulnerabilities while fostering sustainable growth. He reassured the IMF of the government’s commitment to completing the remaining EFF reviews successfully.Both the President and the IMF Managing Director agreed on the necessity of ongoing collaboration and dialogue to achieve long-term economic stability. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ensuring Sri Lanka’s sustained economic progress and prosperity.
March 10, Colombo (LNW): The Solar Industries Association (SIA) has urged the Sri Lankan Government to halt further reductions in rooftop solar tariffs, warning that continued cuts could severely impact the sector and slow the country’s transition to renewable energy.
SIA representatives highlighted the negative effects of tariff reductions, with President Javid Kamil stressing that the industry cannot thrive under unpredictable and unstable policies.
“Our appeal to the Government is to implement a just and consistent policy. The industry brings significant investments and growth opportunities. Six months ago, tariffs were reduced from Rs. 37 to Rs. 27—a 40% drop. Now, another reduction is being considered, which could completely cripple the industry,” Kamil stated.
He further explained that Sri Lanka’s rooftop solar sector has expanded significantly in recent years, supporting over 40,000 workers and 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The industry plays a crucial role in achieving the country’s renewable energy goals.
However, recent and proposed tariff cuts have created uncertainty among investors and jeopardized around 100,000 solar projects, many owned by middle-class households relying on these investments for energy savings.
“We are at a crucial juncture. If another tariff revision happens within six months, it will damage investor confidence. A stable market is essential,” Kamil emphasized.
Currently, the rooftop solar industry contributes 600MW to Sri Lanka’s national grid, fulfilling approximately 5% of the country’s total energy demand. Despite its cost-effectiveness and reliance on local funding, the sector has not received the recognition it deserves.
SIA has called for a structured and predictable policy framework that ensures fair compensation for solar energy producers. Kamil argued that tariff adjustments should not be treated as mere calculations but should factor in the broader economic and social benefits.
“This is a long-term, 20-year investment. If policy changes are necessary, they should be made annually with clear timelines to avoid abrupt disruptions,” he suggested.
Additionally, SIA dismissed claims that the rooftop solar industry was causing financial losses in the power sector. The association urged the Government to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the recent power failures.
Meanwhile, Power Minister Kumara Jayakody revealed that Sri Lanka is progressing with 1,358MW of solar power projects as part of its commitment to achieving 70% renewable energy by 2030. Several projects are underway, with some expected to be operational by 2026.
A 100MW solar plant, awarded to the Winforce consortium, is set to commence in 2026. Additional projects include 150MW and 100MW plants in Hambantota, a 50MW phase in Sampur, and two 100MW plants in Valachchenai. Other planned developments include a 60MW project in Embilipitiya, a 70MW plant in Puttalam, and a 108MW group plant in Moneragala.
With these developments, Sri Lanka aims to strengthen its renewable energy sector, but industry leaders stress that policy stability is essential for sustained growth.
March 10, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has designated the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) at Colombo Port as a special project, following approval from the Cabinet of Ministers on March 21 2024.
This decision aligns with a 2021 Cabinet resolution to develop the terminal in phases under the complete ownership of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). The construction contract has already been awarded, and work is currently in progress.
The procurement process for acquiring cranes has been successfully completed, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to enhance the terminal’s operational capacity. Additionally, various tax incentives granted to private terminal operators and service providers under the Strategic Development Act and Board of Investment Law will be extended to ECT.
Once completed, the terminal will feature a 1,400-meter-long jetty, enabling the simultaneous berthing of three large vessels.
A total of $585 million has been allocated for the terminal’s development, with China Engineering and Access Engineering appointed as construction contractors.
ECT will be equipped with 12 gantry cranes and 40 transfer cranes, spanning a container yard of approximately 75 hectares. The terminal is designed to handle up to three million containers annually and will operate as a semi-automated facility incorporating digital technology.
Despite government commitments to commence operations by July, delays persist. Shipping lines and ship agents have raised concerns about inefficiencies at the port, particularly regarding inter-terminal trucking delays during peak hours.
This congestion has led to operational slowdowns, with approximately 30,000 containers currently awaiting transfer between terminals.
If these delays are not addressed, shipping companies may opt for alternative routes, incurring additional costs due to extended waiting times.
The Chairman of the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA), Shano Sabar, has emphasized the need for immediate intervention to improve port efficiency.
Infrastructure and Equipment Challenges
A significant contributing factor to delays is the deteriorating road conditions leading to the container yard. The port’s container movement rate has dropped to fewer than 20 moves per hour—well below the optimal 30 moves per hour.
Addressing these infrastructure challenges is crucial for attracting higher shipping volumes to Colombo.
Another pressing issue is the shortage of essential equipment. The ECT, originally slated to be operational by mid-2024, has faced setbacks due to delays in acquiring necessary machinery. Previously awarded tenders were canceled by the current administration, further complicating the process.
One critical requirement for smooth operations is the use of straddle carriers, which transport containers between the quay and yard efficiently. Although tenders had been issued for twin-lift straddle carriers capable of handling two twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) simultaneously, they were later revoked.
Industry experts warn that alternative solutions, such as relying solely on prime movers instead of straddle carriers, may not be feasible and could result in severe logistical challenges. Authorities are now exploring cost-effective alternatives, including new procurement processes.
However, if the government proceeds with re-tendering and ordering straddle carriers now, it could take up to 14 months for them to be manufactured and delivered, potentially causing further delays.
The ongoing challenges in bringing ECT online pose a significant risk to Sri Lanka’s position as a key maritime hub.
If the commissioning of the terminal is delayed further, international shipping lines may divert to competing ports, such as the Vizhinjam Port in southern India, which is managed by Adani Ports and also oversees the West Container International Terminal (WCIT).
Addressing these issues promptly is essential to ensure the successful completion and operation of the ECT, reinforcing Colombo’s status as a strategic port in the region.
