February 28, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has revealed plans to modernise the 330 automated rain gauges currently deployed across Sri Lanka.

The upgrades aim to improve the accuracy and efficiency of early warning systems, particularly in identifying landslide risks during periods of heavy rainfall.

Dr. Gamini Jayatissa, Senior Geologist at the Landslide Studies Division, highlighted that the existing rain gauges already play a crucial role in monitoring rainfall in real-time, providing valuable data to issue early warnings when landslide threats are imminent.

However, to enhance the effectiveness of this system, the NBRO plans to increase the number of automated rain gauges across the country to 480.

This expansion is expected to significantly improve the precision of rainfall data collection, ensuring that warnings can be issued with greater accuracy and timeliness.

Dr. Jayatissa explained that these upgrades would not only allow for more comprehensive monitoring of rainfall patterns but also strengthen the overall capacity to respond to natural disasters.

The project reflects the government’s commitment to improving disaster resilience and safeguarding communities, particularly in regions prone to landslides and flooding.

By increasing the network of rain gauges, Sri Lanka aims to provide more accurate and reliable early warnings, which could ultimately save lives and reduce the economic impact of such disasters.

February 28, Colombo (LNW): A key event aimed at rallying international support for Sri Lanka’s ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (27).

The Development Partner Dialogue, also known as the Donor Conference, sought to foster collaboration and secure financial and technical contributions to support the country’s ambitious environmental and cleanliness goals.

The primary objective of the conference was to gather valuable input, proposals, and commitments from international partners to strengthen the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme, a vital government-led initiative focused on enhancing waste management, promoting sustainability, and improving the overall cleanliness of the nation.

The event, which took place under the leadership of Marc-Andre Franche, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, was organised jointly by the United Nations and the Presidential Secretariat.

It was structured around three key sessions designed to facilitate dialogue between various stakeholders and explore how their support could be integrated into the national effort.

Representatives from numerous diplomatic missions were present, underscoring the importance of the programme on the international stage. The British High Commission, Australian High Commission, Canadian High Commission, Indian High Commission, and the embassies of Japan, China, Switzerland, and the Netherlands attended the conference.

In addition to these diplomatic entities, key international development organisations, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), were also in attendance, further demonstrating global recognition of Sri Lanka’s environmental ambitions.

Also present were officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Employment and Tourism, and various affiliated departments, all of whom played a key role in facilitating the discussions.

These stakeholders discussed the country’s environmental priorities and explored how international collaboration could drive long-term success for the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme.

February 28, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is grappling with severe dry weather conditions that have left a lasting impact on thousands of families.

According to the latest report from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 2,295 households, comprising 12,308 individuals, have been significantly affected by the ongoing drought.

The hardest-hit regions include the districts of Ratnapura and Kalutara, where water shortages and high temperatures have taken a heavy toll on the local population.

In response to the crisis, the DMC has assured the public that efforts to distribute drinking water to those in need are underway.

Teams have been deployed to ensure that affected communities receive access to the vital resource, though challenges remain due to the escalating demand for water.

The extreme heat has led to an unprecedented surge in water consumption, which has put additional strain on the already limited water resources.

As the situation continues to worsen, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has issued a public appeal, urging citizens to use water cautiously.

The NWSDB has advised that water should be reserved primarily for essential purposes, as the nation’s reservoirs have been running dangerously low.

In light of the dwindling water supply, the NWSDB has also warned that some areas may experience reduced water pressure, with certain regions, particularly those in the highlands, being served on a rotational basis.

The authorities have stressed the importance of responsible water management to mitigate the effects of the crisis.

The DMC and NWSDB have emphasised that this ongoing challenge calls for collective action to minimise the impact on vulnerable communities and prevent further strain on the country’s water systems.

February 28, Colombo (LNW): The Dutch government has expressed its readiness to engage in significant port-related investments in Sri Lanka, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

This was announced by the Dutch Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Bonnie Horbach, following a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (27).

During the discussions, both parties focused on enhancing the long-standing relationship between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, with particular emphasis on potential Dutch support in several key sectors, including tourism, port development, and investment opportunities within the island nation.

The Ambassador highlighted the Netherlands’ interest in contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s maritime activities, further cementing the Netherlands’ role as a key partner in regional trade and logistics.

The meeting also saw the formulation of an agreement for Dutch assistance in the preservation of Sri Lanka’s culturally and historically significant heritage.

Ambassador Horbach confirmed the Dutch government’s commitment to supporting research initiatives at the University of Colombo, alongside educational and training programmes aimed at fostering skills development for Sri Lankans.

President Dissanayake welcomed the Dutch proposal and expressed his hopes for the country’s support in enhancing Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, as well as its port operations and overall investment climate.

He underscored the importance of deepening collaborations in these areas to stimulate economic growth and create more opportunities for the Sri Lankan population.

Ambassador Horbach also acknowledged the key points raised by the President regarding the recent budget proposals, particularly those aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.

She discussed potential Dutch contributions to elevate the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, a government programme designed to improve the country’s cleanliness and waste management systems, which aligns with broader environmental goals.

The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage, Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands, Iwan Rutjens, and Namal Perera, the Policy Officer for Political Affairs at the Embassy of the Netherlands.

February 28, Colombo (LNW): The Parliament of Sri Lanka is in the midst of the second day of its debate on the third reading of the 2025 Budget Appropriation Bill, also known as the Committee Stage debate.

This important session is designed to examine and approve the government’s planned expenditure for the upcoming financial year, and today’s discussions will focus on key areas of national security.

The parliamentary agenda for today includes a detailed examination of the budgets allocated to the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.

These crucial ministries, responsible for maintaining the country’s security infrastructure, will face scrutiny as lawmakers debate how public funds should be allocated for their operations in the coming year.

The Committee Stage debate, which began on February 27, is scheduled to run for a total of 19 days, concluding on March 21. This period will include sessions on four Saturdays, ensuring that all aspects of the budget are thoroughly discussed.

Lawmakers will have the opportunity to propose amendments and question ministers about their expenditure plans during these sessions.

The final vote on the third reading of the Appropriation Bill is set to take place on March 21 at 6.00 PM. This vote will be a decisive moment in determining the government’s financial framework for the year ahead, shaping the allocation of funds across various sectors, from defence and public security to education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

February 28, Colombo (LNW): In a stark revelation, the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) reported a significant rise in social media-related incidents in the past year, with over 17,000 cases documented.

This surge highlights the growing concerns surrounding online safety and the urgent need for stronger regulatory frameworks.

SLCERT engineer Charuka Damunupola told Daily Mirror that a staggering 1,371 cases of online sexual harassment were reported, specifically relating to adult victims.

This figure raises alarms about the prevalence of such offences on digital platforms, calling for immediate action to combat this type of abuse.

Furthermore, the report brought to light a particularly disturbing trend: 60 cases of child sexual harassment were recorded, underlining the pressing need for enhanced protection for minors in the digital environment.

“Children are especially vulnerable online, and the data points to an increasing necessity for vigilance, education, and legal safeguards,” Damunupola emphasised.

The report also highlighted 16 cases of suicide or self-harm linked to social media interactions, a stark reminder of the severe psychological toll that online platforms can exert on individuals.

This raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current measures to ensure mental health support and secure online spaces for vulnerable individuals.

In addition, the SLCERT reported that 6,123 accounts were compromised last year, an alarming figure that draws attention to the vulnerability of personal data and the potential for cybercriminal activity.

The frequency of these hacks is a growing concern, particularly as more people conduct personal, financial, and professional transactions online.

Another troubling statistic revealed 673 incidents of harmful or dangerous behaviour, further reinforcing the need for a safe digital environment for all users, particularly in light of growing concerns about cyberbullying and online harassment.

Given these findings, experts are urging the government to implement stricter laws and regulations to safeguard Sri Lanka’s digital landscape. There is a call for more robust enforcement of existing laws, along with enhanced awareness campaigns to educate the public on online safety.

In particular, experts stress that it is crucial to equip children, parents, and educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the digital world safely.

February 28, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has submitted a confidential report to the court regarding the murder of organised criminal “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” whose death has shocked the nation.

The report, which outlines key findings related to the case, was presented to Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.

Following the submission, the court issued a series of instructions to the police to aid in the further investigation of the crime. Amongst these directives is the requirement for investigating officers to take statements from a group of inmates currently held at Boossa Prison, a crucial step in uncovering the circumstances surrounding Sanjeewa’s murder.

The brutal killing took place on the morning of February 19, when Sanjeewa was fatally shot inside the dock of Courtroom No. 05 at the Aluthkade Courts Complex, during a live court session.

The audacious nature of the attack has raised many questions about the security arrangements at the court, as well as the motives behind the assassination.

At present, the CCD is conducting a thorough inquiry into the murder, and ten individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime.

The authorities are working tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, with law enforcement sources suggesting that the crime may be linked to Sanjeewa’s alleged involvement in organised criminal activities.

As the investigation progresses, there are mounting concerns about the broader implications of the murder, particularly regarding the safety and security of public officials and institutions.

The CCD is expected to continue its efforts in gathering crucial evidence and questioning key witnesses to bring those responsible to justice.

February 28, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move to bolster economic growth at the local level, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed District Secretaries to allocate Rs. 1,400 billion in recurrent expenditure to fund a series of productive projects over the next eight months.

This directive was issued during a high-level meeting with the District Secretaries, convened at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (27).

The President stressed that focusing on rural development is key to stimulating the national economy, with the potential to increase growth by as much as 3 per cent to 4 per cent.

He emphasised the importance of both enhancing existing economic opportunities and discovering new avenues for growth, particularly in rural areas.

“Expanding economic activity into the rural heartlands will be the driving force behind the country’s long-term prosperity,” he remarked during the meeting, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

A key topic of discussion at the gathering was the pension schemes outlined in the 2025 budget. The President and his officials explored the framework for these schemes, which aim to provide greater financial security for citizens in their retirement years.

Additionally, the President addressed concerns regarding the inefficiency often associated with the public sector. Acknowledging the negative perceptions surrounding government services, he outlined the need for urgent reform.

“We must work towards creating a more efficient, motivated, and satisfied workforce within the public service,” he stated. “Government employees must be empowered to deliver services effectively and with a sense of commitment.”

In line with this vision, President Dissanayake highlighted the discovery of 30,000 vacancies within the public service and confirmed plans to recruit for these positions in stages.

This recruitment initiative will focus on filling mid-level positions within the government to enhance administrative capacity and improve the functioning of public institutions.

The President also clarified that development extends beyond the physical construction of infrastructure such as buildings and bridges. “True development,” he stated, “also involves the social upliftment of communities. This responsibility lies squarely with the District Secretaries, who play a critical role in reshaping the fabric of our society.”

During the meeting, the District Secretaries presented challenges specific to their regions, prompting thorough discussions on potential solutions. Several proposals were put forward to address these localised issues, with a focus on improving access to services and fostering greater regional cooperation.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Chandana Abeyratne, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government; Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President; and Alok Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration.