Colombo, April 12 – In a significant advancement toward a digital and cashless Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Digital Economy, in partnership with the Road Development Authority (RDA) and Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB), has launched a card payment system at highway toll gates, beginning with a pilot at the Kottawa and Kadawatha interchanges on the Southern Expressway.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s transport infrastructure and support the national digital transformation agenda. Commuters can now pay tolls using international and local cards, including Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay International (UPI), LankaPay–JCB, and American Express (Amex).
HNB, acting as the Point of Sale (POS) system provider, has implemented the necessary infrastructure to support seamless and secure transactions at the toll gates. Importantly, the system is bank-agnostic, allowing cardholders from any issuing bank to use the service.
“This move reflects our commitment to building a digitally inclusive economy,” the Ministry stated, noting that the project brings real-time digital payments into everyday use, making travel faster, easier, and more secure for the public.
Following the successful pilot, the card payment system will be rolled out to all highway toll gates nationwide starting in May, significantly expanding public access to modern payment technologies.
The initiative underscores the government’s dedication to promoting digital inclusion, enhancing public convenience, and modernizing public infrastructure through technological innovation.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced that it needs additional time to assess the full impact of recent global shocks on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and the progress of its ongoing reform program.
This statement followed the conclusion of an IMF visit on April 3, led by Senior Mission Chief Ivan Papageorgiou, as part of the review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
While acknowledging signs of economic recovery, the IMF highlighted that external vulnerabilities and global uncertainties continue to complicate Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and the evaluation of reform outcomes.
Despite these challenges, the IMF praised Sri Lanka’s reform agenda, citing several positive developments:
Projected economic growth of 5% in 2024
Inflation decline to -2.6%
Gross official reserves rising to US$6.5 billion by March 2025
Strong fiscal reforms contributing to public finance stability
The IMF also commended the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for effective foreign exchange management, and emphasized the need to maintain reform momentum amid global economic shifts.
The Fund reiterated its support for Sri Lanka’s efforts but noted that a comprehensive review would require further analysis in the context of evolving global conditions.
In a significant move to boost Sri Lanka’s energy capacity, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the construction of the Sahasdanavi Power Plant, a 350 megawatt (MW) combined cycle facility.
The plant will be developed, owned, and operated by Sahasdanavi Company Limited, with ownership set to transfer to the CEB after 25 years as per the agreement terms.
Approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the project aims to improve electricity reliability and affordability across both residential and commercial sectors.
Construction is scheduled to begin shortly, with electricity expected to be supplied to the national grid in open cycle mode within 30 months. Full combined cycle operations are planned to begin 12 months after the initial phase.
The new plant is a key part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen energy security and meet growing power demands.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Western and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.
Showers may occur in the coastal areas of Western and Southern provinces and Puttalam, Jaffna and Mannar districts in the morning too.
Fairly strong winds of (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 05th to 14th of April in this year. The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (12th) are Adiyakulam, Veppankulam, Padawiya and Kuchchaveli at about 12:11 noon.
Ignacio Yufera is more than an award-winning photographer—he is a storyteller whose lens captures the delicate relationship between animals and their natural habitat. With decades of experience in wildlife photography and a portfolio spanning continents, Yufera’s work reflects an enduring fascination with the wild. His incredible bird photography, in particular, has earned him international acclaim, appearing in renowned publications and inspiring conservation efforts worldwide.
Scroll down and inspire yourself. You can check Ignacio’s Instagram account for more amazing photos.
Born in Madrid in 1968, Ignacio Yufera has lived a life rich with cultural and ecological diversity. From the urban centers of France and Canada to the lush landscapes of Panama, where he currently resides, his international experience has deeply informed his artistic perspective. With years of fieldwork in Africa, Europe, and the Americas, his portfolio is a living atlas of the natural world.
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The Evolution of a Wildlife Photographer
Yufera’s journey into photography began in France, where he studied the art form before stepping into the wild with a camera in hand. In the 1990s, he started photographing wildlife but paused to travel light—until digital photography reignited his passion. His early adoption of digiscoping soon gave way to professional-grade Canon and Olympus gear, leading to the stunning high-resolution images he is now celebrated for.
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The Magic of the Neotropics
Currently focused on the Neotropics—an ecologically rich region encompassing Central and South America and the Caribbean—Yufera captures vibrant scenes of biodiversity that many only dream of witnessing. From rare bird species to elusive jungle mammals, his images reveal the pulse of life in these lush, untamed regions.
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Birds in Focus: A Flight into Excellence
Yufera’s incredible bird photography has become a signature of his work. Whether it’s a hummingbird suspended mid-flight or a raptor poised in predatory stillness, his mastery of timing and light transforms fleeting avian moments into timeless visual poetry. His published work in the Handbook of the Birds of the World and BBC Wildlife Magazine stands as a testament to his skill and dedication.
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Animals in Their Natural Habitat: Ethics and Intimacy
Respect for wildlife is at the heart of Yufera’s craft. His photographs never feel invasive; rather, they give viewers the rare opportunity to witness animals behaving naturally in their environments. Whether photographing steppe birds in Spain or primates in the tropics, he remains an observer—not a disruptor—ensuring his subjects are never compromised for the shot.
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A Conservationist Behind the Camera
In 2007, Yufera co-founded the Emberiza Fund, a nonprofit focused on wildlife and habitat conservation. Through projects in Spain, Uganda, and Senegal, the organization supports raptor feeding stations, protects steppe bird populations, and empowers young birdwatching guides with equipment and education. His photography supports these initiatives, proving that inspiring talent can also be a catalyst for real-world change.
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Published, Exhibited, Celebrated
Yufera’s imagery has reached global audiences through magazines, travel books, and exhibitions. His award-winning photography has not only captivated casual admirers but also graced scientific texts such as the Handbook of the Mammals of the World. His book Birds of Morocco, published in multiple languages, reflects his deep respect for regional biodiversity and his ability to make it accessible and beautiful.
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The Tools of the Trade: Art Meets Technology
From compact digiscoping setups to high-end Olympus mirrorless systems, Yufera has embraced evolving technology while remaining true to the art of storytelling. His technical skill is evident in every photograph, but it’s his patient eye and empathetic approach that elevate his work above the ordinary.
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Conclusion: Through Yufera’s Eyes
Ignacio Yufera invites us to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be—respected, preserved, and cherished. Through his lens, we are offered a rare and intimate view into the lives of wild creatures and the ecosystems they call home. His inspiring talent, grounded in both artistry and advocacy, continues to shape how we experience nature—one breathtaking moment at a time.
In a significant ruling, the Court of Appeal directed the Election Commission (EC) to accept 35 additional nomination papers for the 2025 local government elections that had previously been rejected by election officials.
The ruling was delivered by a bench consisting of Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mohamed Lafar Tahir and Justice Priyantha Fernando. The Court ordered the relevant Returning Officers to accept these nominations, following hearings on several petitions filed by political parties and independent groups contesting the rejections.
This latest decision follows a similar ruling from last week, where the Court of Appeal instructed the Election Commission to accept 37 nomination papers that had been rejected earlier.
This ruling has been viewed as a victory for the political parties and independent groups, ensuring a more inclusive participation in the upcoming local government elections.
The National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early landslide warnings for multiple areas across four districts, as heavy rainfall continues in parts of Sri Lanka.
The warnings will remain in effect until 4:00 p.m. on April 11, and are categorized as Level 1 (Yellow) alerts—indicating a potential risk of landslides, slope failures, and rock falls in the following Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) and surrounding areas:
Galle District: Elpitiya DSD
Kalutara District: Walallawita DSD
Matara District: Pitabeddara DSD
Ratnapura District: Ratnapura and Kalawana DSDs
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay alert, monitor official updates, and take necessary precautions, especially those living near slopes or hilly terrain.
The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced temporary changes to its passport issuance services on April 15, 16, and 17, in light of the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year period.
According to the department:
Tokens for both one-day and regular passport services will only be issued until 12 noon on the specified dates.
The 24-hour one-day passport issuance service will be suspended during this period.
Authorities urge applicants to plan their visits accordingly and complete any urgent passport-related matters before the affected dates.
In a move to modernize traffic law enforcement and enhance public convenience, the Sri Lanka Police Headquarters has announced the introduction of a digital traffic fine system through the GovPay app, as part of the government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative.
The system allows traffic officers to issue instant fines for violations, with motorists able to make payments online via GovPay. Upon confirmation of payment, the detained driver’s license will be released on the spot, eliminating the need for follow-up visits to police stations or government offices.
The digital mechanism aims to promote transparency, reduce corruption, and minimize inconvenience to the public by streamlining the traffic fine process.
A pilot phase will be conducted from April 11 to April 30, 2025, across 12 selected areas:
Kurunegala
Doratiyawa
Malsiripura
Gokaralla
Galewala
Dambulla
Madatugama
Maradankadawala
Kekirawa
Thirippane
Kavarakkulama
Anuradhapura
The Police Headquarters stated that the pilot rollout will be used to evaluate the system’s performance and gather public feedback before considering a nationwide expansion.
Under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme is set to commence 34 new projects this year as part of a broader national effort to drive social, environmental, and ethical transformation. Project work is expected to begin before the end of April.
A one-day workshop was held on April 10 at the “Clean Sri Lanka” Secretariat in the Lotus Building at Temple Trees, led by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. The session focused on preparing project proposals aligned with Department of National Planning formats to expedite approval and implementation.
With Rs. 5 billion allocated from the 2025 national budget, the programme is a major government initiative aiming for cross-sectoral impact. Upon approval, detailed action plans will be developed, with priority projects fast-tracked for launch.
The workshop was attended by senior officials from more than a dozen ministries and agencies, including Public Administration, Environment, Education, Health, Urban Development, and Sri Lanka Police.
