May 14, Colombo (LNW): Public health officials in Sri Lanka are intensifying efforts to combat a concerning rise in mosquito-borne diseases, with nearly 20,000 cases of dengue reported across the country so far this year.

The National Dengue Control Unit has identified 38 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas as critical hotspots for dengue transmission, prompting the launch of an urgent vector control campaign.

Dr Sudath Samaraweera, Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, confirmed that over 2,200 new dengue cases have been recorded in the first two weeks of May alone, with the Western Province accounting for a staggering 47 per cent of infections.

The situation is further exacerbated by a parallel rise in chikungunya cases, another viral illness spread by the Aedes mosquito species.

Health authorities are particularly concerned about the dual burden of these two diseases, both of which present with fever, joint pain, and fatigue, and can place immense pressure on public health services if left unchecked.

The same mosquito species responsible for dengue is also a carrier of chikungunya, making the containment of breeding grounds a public health priority.

In response, a nationwide eradication initiative will take place from May 19 to 24, focusing on the elimination of mosquito breeding sites in 15 high-risk districts.

This concerted operation will involve local government bodies, health workers, and community leaders, aiming to disrupt the mosquito life cycle and stem the spread of disease before the onset of the southwest monsoon season, which typically exacerbates transmission rates.

Public cooperation is being emphasised as a key factor in the success of the initiative. Residents are being urged to routinely inspect their premises for stagnant water—particularly in items like discarded containers, blocked gutters, uncovered tanks, and neglected garden areas.

Simple household practices, such as clearing leaf debris and cleaning water storage units, can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito breeding.

Dr Samaraweera has also appealed to the public to allow health inspection teams access to both private and commercial premises during the scheduled eradication week.

These teams will be inspecting neighbourhoods for potential mosquito breeding sites and educating households about prevention measures.

The upcoming weeks are expected to be critical in determining whether this spike in cases can be brought under control. Health experts warn that without decisive action, the situation could escalate into a larger public health crisis, especially in urban and semi-urban areas where population density allows for rapid viral spread.

May 14, Colombo (LNW): Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith held a cordial audience with newly elected Pope Robert Prevost during a recent visit to the Vatican.

The meeting, which took place in the wake of the papal conclave that selected the American-born Cardinal Prevost as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, was confirmed by the Archdiocese of Colombo through images shared on its official social media platforms.

The encounter marks a significant moment for Sri Lanka’s Catholic community, as Cardinal Ranjith—one of the few Asian cardinals present at the conclave—was amongst the senior church figures considered a potential successor to the late Pope Francis.

The conclave, held within the revered halls of the Vatican Palace, drew together cardinal-electors from across the globe, reflecting the Church’s increasingly global character.

Cardinal Prevost, who hails from the United States and previously served in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, was elected following the passing of Pope Francis. His election represents a continuation of the Church’s evolving leadership, with a focus on pastoral reform, global outreach, and addressing contemporary social and moral challenges.

Cardinal Ranjith’s presence at the conclave and subsequent meeting with Pope Prevost highlights his longstanding influence within the global Catholic hierarchy. A former Vatican diplomat and Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments under Pope Benedict XVI, Ranjith has long been a voice for liturgical tradition and moral clarity within the Church.

He has also been an outspoken advocate for justice in Sri Lanka, particularly in the wake of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, for which he has repeatedly called for accountability and transparency.

During their meeting, Cardinal Ranjith and Pope Prevost reportedly discussed matters concerning the global Catholic community, regional concerns affecting the Church in Asia, and ongoing efforts to support post-conflict reconciliation and interreligious harmony in Sri Lanka.

May 14, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have launched an intensified inspection programme targeting long-distance passenger vehicles, in a bid to stem the alarming rise in serious road accidents involving night-time buses.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Police, is aimed at curbing dangerous driving practices and enhancing passenger safety following a spate of recent tragedies.

Police officers have been instructed to conduct random night-time checks on highways and major roads, with particular focus on long-haul buses that operate during the late hours.

The directive, issued by the Acting Inspector General of Police, mandates both stationary checkpoints and mobile inspections using police motorcycles.

According to senior police officials, these checks will target a range of violations, including driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, excessive speeding, reckless overtaking, and other hazardous behaviours that have become increasingly associated with long-distance bus operations.

Vehicles found violating safety regulations will be subject to immediate disciplinary action under prevailing traffic laws.

The crackdown follows a series of devastating incidents in recent days that have left the nation reeling. On Saturday, 10 May, a bus lost control and careened into a ravine in Dayaraba, Welimada, injuring at least 20 passengers.

A far more catastrophic accident occurred the next morning, 11 May, when a private bus travelling from Kataragama to Kurunegala veered off the mountainous road at Gerandi Ella in Kotmale and plunged into a deep precipice, killing 23 people on board.

The tragedy prompted widespread public outcry and renewed scrutiny over the regulation of public transport vehicles.

The carnage continued on Monday (12) when yet another bus crashed in Aladeniya, Kandy, injuring more than 20 passengers. All three incidents involved long-distance buses operating on winding roads in central and southern regions of the island, often during hours when driver fatigue and low visibility heighten the risk of accidents.

In response, law enforcement agencies are coordinating with the National Transport Commission and provincial transport authorities to tighten enforcement and ensure accountability among bus operators.

Passengers have been encouraged to report erratic driving behaviour via designated hotlines, while transport companies have been warned to ensure their drivers comply with mandatory rest periods and safety regulations.

Authorities are also exploring the feasibility of introducing GPS monitoring for commercial buses and expanding the use of dashboard cameras to monitor driver conduct in real time.

The Ministry of Transport is expected to table proposals in the coming weeks aimed at revising safety protocols for long-distance travel, including compulsory health checks for drivers and stricter licensing conditions.

May 14, Colombo (LNW): In the aftermath of the devastating bus crash in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, which left many passengers critically injured, immediate efforts have been mobilised to support the overwhelmed Kotmale Regional Hospital.

With dozens of casualties rushed to the facility, both the government and the local community have stepped in to improve conditions at the hospital, which has been operating under significant strain.

As part of the nationwide “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, teams were swiftly deployed to the Kotmale hospital to assist in a comprehensive clean-up and refurbishment of the wards and surrounding premises.

The campaign, which is aimed at improving public health infrastructure and promoting civic responsibility, has turned its focus to the hospital in response to the sudden influx of patients needing urgent care.

Volunteers from the area, along with representatives from the “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat, worked tirelessly to sanitise the hospital environment, enhance sanitation services, and provide a more dignified and hygienic space for the treatment of the injured.

The ward complex—typically under-resourced—was given a much-needed facelift, whilst outdoor areas were cleared and prepared to better accommodate emergency services.

The President’s Media Division issued a statement commending the efforts of all those involved, with particular praise directed toward the medical professionals and support staff at Kotmale Regional Hospital.

Despite limited facilities, the hospital’s personnel acted swiftly and decisively to stabilise the injured, prioritising life-saving care under intense pressure.

What stood out in this effort, beyond the institutional involvement, was the spontaneous support from ordinary citizens. Locals, some of whom had witnessed the tragic incident, came forward to donate supplies, assist in cleaning efforts, and offer emotional support to affected families.

Their participation was not only practical but deeply symbolic, reflecting a spirit of solidarity that continues to be a hallmark of Sri Lankan resilience during times of crisis.

Officials from the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative acknowledged the powerful example set in Kotmale and have suggested that similar community-driven responses may be encouraged at other public institutions as part of the broader public health improvement agenda.

May 14, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (14).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Central, Uva, North-central and Eastern provinces after 1.00 p.m., the statement said.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district, according to the Met Department.

Thus, the general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has reported a notable surge in international tourist arrivals, with 33,910 visitors recorded during the first week of May 2025—a significant increase compared to the same period in previous years.

This growth reflects a steady upward trend in Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery:

• May 2023 (first week): 18,761 arrivals
• May 2024 (first week): 28,526 arrivals
• May 2025 (first week): 33,910 arrivals

As of May 07, total arrivals for 2025 have reached 930,794, with an average of 5,000 tourists arriving daily, even with the usual seasonal slowdown from Western markets post-winter.

Complementing this rise in arrivals, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka reported that tourism earnings from January to April 2025 reached USD 1,379 million, marking a 10.2% increase compared to USD 1,251.6 million during the same period in 2024.

For April 2025 alone, estimated tourism earnings stood at USD 646.1 million, highlighting tourism’s growing contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy.

This upward trajectory signals strong global interest in Sri Lanka as a travel destination and reflects effective tourism strategies and ongoing promotional efforts.

Would you like a brief chart visualizing the year-on-year comparison of arrivals and earnings?

The Sri Lankan government is facing criticism over its handling of electricity tariffs, with allegations of double standards, misinformation, and a lack of transparency surfacing amidst growing public concern. Despite earlier claims of profitability and tariff reductions, the government and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) are now signaling the possibility of a significant price hike—raising questions about the accuracy and consistency of their financial narratives.

At the heart of the controversy is the government’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to adopt a cost-reflective pricing model for electricity, which requires full cost recovery over time. This model, intended to stabilize the energy sector, stipulates that any profits made by the CEB should be passed on to consumers as relief. Conversely, losses would justify tariff increases.

Available data shows that the CEB recorded a profit of Rs. 51 billion during the first half of 2024. Based on this performance, industry experts argue that electricity tariffs should be reduced—not increased. In fact, earlier this year, the CEB even proposed a 10–20% tariff reduction, citing strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2025.

Yet, the narrative appears to be shifting. The government, through Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, told Parliament it has “no intention” to raise tariffs, but also implied that electricity pricing is critical to managing national debt. The minister admitted that a clearer picture will only emerge next month after the CEB submits its financial data to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL). So far, no such submission has been made.

Meanwhile, the PUCSL is under pressure to finalize public consultations and approve any tariff changes by July 1, as the revision is a key benchmark for unlocking a US$344 million IMF loan tranche. Critics argue that this process is being manipulated to portray the CEB as financially distressed, thereby justifying an unnecessary tariff hike.

Fueling suspicions further is the blackout on February 9, which caused losses of around Rs. 8.4 billion. Despite prior warnings from engineers, no preventive action was taken—a pattern eerily reminiscent of the government’s handling of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. No investigation into the blackout has been initiated, and accountability remains elusive.

Adding to the confusion is the CEB’s new energy policy, which claims the power system is “imbalanced,” making it difficult to use renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro. But energy experts point out that such renewable resources were used effectively during similar periods in previous years without disruption. The deliberate curtailment of green energy, in favor of expensive coal and diesel, raises environmental and economic concerns.

As of late April, the CEB had posted a Rs. 20 billion loss—just months after reporting profits. Experts argue this shift is artificially engineered to pave the way for tariff hikes. They insist the PUCSL should mandate at least a 10% tariff reduction based on available data.

With mounting inconsistencies, the government’s credibility is now under scrutiny. Critics demand transparency, accountability, and a tariff policy that prioritizes public welfare over political maneuvering.

Leading Sri Lankan consultancy firm EML Consultants PLC is playing a pivotal role in supporting both local and international investors in the Colombo Port City development, enhancing the government’s investor facilitation efforts.

The company provides end-to-end assistance across the pre-investment, investment, and post-investment phases, helping stakeholders smoothly navigate Sri Lanka’s regulatory and business landscape, said Managing Director Avanthi Jayatilake.

By offering streamlined and integrated services, EML aims to strengthen investor confidence, reduce red tape, and foster sustainable, long-term investment in the transformative Port City project.

These services include market research, feasibility studies, and comprehensive legal and regulatory guidance, especially relating to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) regulations. CEO Jeewaka Hingurangala emphasized the firm’s capabilities in investment structuring, tax planning, and aligning projects with both local and international compliance standards.

Further support includes company registration, licensing procedures with the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC), and land or office acquisition within Port City. 

EML also offers project management consulting for construction, design, and operational setup, ensuring that all stages of development are professionally handled.

Beyond initial setup, the firm assists clients in compliance management, including SEZ rules, labor laws, and financial reporting. EML also delivers HR and recruitment consulting, helping investors build competent local teams, and offers business development services, such as marketing strategies, partnership facilitation, and expansion planning.

Jayatilake pointed out that Sri Lankan consultancy firms offer critical local insight, cultural understanding, and regulatory knowledge that help reduce investment risk and improve efficiency. 

Many of these firms, including EML, partner with international consultancies, bridging the gap between global standards and local execution.

A senior expert highlighted the growing need for qualified consultants in Sri Lanka, particularly to address gaps in data availability, planning, and coordination in public investment initiatives. He emphasized the role of professionals in ensuring evidence-based decision-making, financial analysis, and project implementation, areas where EML Consultants stands out.

Recognizing the importance of quality and credibility, EML Consultants is the only publicly listed consultancy firm on the Colombo Stock Exchange, and has earned ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management and ISO 9001:2015 for quality management—setting a benchmark in the industry.

Further demonstrating its innovation, the company has launched an AI-driven agriculture project in Australia, which leverages machine learning and data analytics to enhance areas such as precision farming, irrigation, pest control, and supply chain management. 

This project not only showcases technological advancement but also opens up overseas employment and knowledge transfer opportunities for Sri Lankan professionals.

 EML’s international footprint now spans South Asia, West Asia, Central Africa, and the Pacific Islands, underscoring its growing global relevance. 

With around 8–10 reputed investment consultancy firms in Sri Lanka, firms like EML play a key role in tailoring projects to local market realities while maintaining global standards.