March 28, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan police have taken 27 individuals into custody, including members of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF), for staging a protest march in defiance of a court-issued directive.
Authorities stated that the demonstration, organised by the Allied Health Sciences Students’ Union, took place outside the Ministry of Health yesterday (27).
Despite a court order prohibiting protests that could cause public disruption, the demonstrators proceeded with their rally, prompting police intervention.
The protest initially began as a demand for improved conditions within the health and education sectors. A delegation of eight representatives engaged in discussions with the Secretary of the Ministry of Health in an attempt to address their grievances.
However, the discussions reportedly failed to yield any resolution, leading the protesters to reject the court order and continue their demonstration.
Law enforcement officials moved in to disperse the crowd and enforce the judicial directive.
March 28, Colombo (LNW): India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has informed the Rajya Sabha that 97 Indian fishermen are currently detained in Sri Lanka, with 83 already serving sentences, three awaiting trial, and 11 newly apprehended on Thursday (27).
Addressing the Upper House during question hour, Jaishankar stated that India is actively engaging with Sri Lanka to encourage a humanitarian approach towards the detained fishermen.
At the same time, the Indian government is working on long-term solutions, including the installation of transponders on fishing vessels, to prevent further incidents of trespassing into Sri Lankan waters.
Jaishankar pointed to historical agreements from 1974 and 1976 as the root cause of the ongoing disputes between the two nations over maritime boundaries and fishing rights.
He noted that the fishermen currently serving sentences include many repeat offenders and boat owners, complicating diplomatic efforts to secure their release.
The minister emphasised that the Indian government has inherited a complex and longstanding issue but remains committed to resolving it through diplomatic channels and policy measures aimed at preventing such conflicts in the future.
March 28, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Health has announced plans to extend specialist medical services to rural hospitals, aiming to bridge longstanding disparities in healthcare access between urban and remote areas.
Specialist treatment has traditionally been confined to base hospitals and larger medical institutions, leaving residents of rural communities with limited options for advanced healthcare, according to Deputy Minister Dr Hansaka Wijayamuni.
This initiative seeks to address that gap by making specialised medical expertise more widely available at district-level hospitals.
As part of the first phase of the programme, a pilot project will commence next month in six hospitals across the Kandy District.
These facilities will be equipped with essential resources to accommodate visiting specialists, ensuring that patients in outlying regions no longer have to travel long distances for consultations and treatment.
Dr Wijayamuni emphasised that this move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the healthcare system by decentralising services, reducing overcrowding in major hospitals, and improving patient outcomes in underserved areas. If successful, the initiative will be expanded to other districts in the near future.
March 28, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Uva provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya district after 2.00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (28).
Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces.
A few showers may occur in the coastal areas of Eastern province during the morning.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts during the morning.
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 are likely at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo, Galle and Matara during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be South-westerly or variable in direction and wind speed will be (20-30)kmph.
State of Sea:
Sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
March 27, Colombo (LNW): Badulla District MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake has been remanded in custody until April 01 over allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as Chief Minister of Uva Province.
His remand order was issued despite being granted bail earlier in the day on two separate bribery charges.
The New Democratic Front (NDF) legislator was arrested by the Bribery Commission in connection with three cases of alleged corruption.
Whilst the Colombo Magistrate’s Court approved his release on bail for two of the charges, the court determined that he should remain in custody for the third.
The case centres on accusations that, in 2016, Dassanayake solicited funds from three state banks under the pretext of financing a programme to distribute school bags to preschool children in Uva Province.
Two of these banks reportedly complied, transferring Rs. 1 million and Rs. 2.5 million, respectively, into a foundation linked to the politician.
However, when the third bank refused to release funds, he allegedly withdrew the Uva Provincial Council’s fixed deposits from that institution in retaliation.
According to the Bribery Commission, these actions resulted in a financial loss of Rs. 17.3 million to the government.
Following a review of the case, the court ordered Dassanayake’s remand in connection with this third charge whilst granting him bail on the first two.
As per the court’s ruling, the MP was released on a cash bail of Rs. 50,000 and two sureties of Rs. 5 million each for the first two cases. However, he will remain in custody until at least April 01 as investigations continue into the third charge.
March 27, Colombo (LNW): The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has reassured borrowers who face challenges in securing loan restructuring support from financial institutions that they can lodge complaints with the Financial Consumer Relations Department (FCRD).
This assurance came from CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe in response to concerns raised by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) regarding inadequate assistance from the banking sector. However, he noted that with only around 500 requests for support, the issue does not appear to be widespread.
Dr. Weerasinghe highlighted that banks had continuously supported SMEs during the economic crisis and that recent economic improvements, including lower interest rates and inflation, have benefited businesses.
Additionally, he pointed out that non-performing loans (NPLs) in the banking sector have decreased to approximately 12% from nearly 14% previously.
In a separate statement, the CBSL emphasized that in coordination with the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (Guarantee) Ltd. (SLBA), relief measures have been extended to affected SMEs through licensed commercial and specialized banks.
These measures were outlined in Circular No. 04 of 2024, dated 19 December 2024, and its addendum, Circular No. 01 of 2025, dated 1 January 2025. These directives aim to ensure consistent implementation of relief initiatives across all licensed banks.
With the deadline of 31 March 2025 fast approaching, borrowers are urged to engage with their respective banks to access these relief measures.
Those facing rejection or disputes are encouraged to appeal to the Director of FCRD through various channels, including the hotline 1935, telephone number 0112477000, fax 0112477744, postal correspondence to the Central Bank’s Financial Consumer Relations Department, or via the CBSL website (www.cbsl.gov.lk/fcrd).
The relief measures available to SMEs include rescheduling of credit facilities for up to 10 years, extension of repayment commencement periods based on outstanding capital, conditional waivers of unpaid interest, and the provision of new working capital loans. Despite these offerings, only a limited number of borrowers have taken advantage of the available support so far.
In addition to these measures, the CBSL and the banking sector have implemented further initiatives to aid businesses in their recovery. As part of these efforts, the CBSL issued Circular No. 02 of 2024 on 28 March 2024, mandating banks to establish Business Revival Units (BRUs) to support struggling but viable businesses.
These BRUs provide assistance such as restructuring and rescheduling credit facilities, adjusting interest rates and maturities, offering interim financing, and providing advisory services—contingent on the submission of viable business and repayment plans.
By the end of 2024, banks had facilitated around 6,000 cases through these BRUs, demonstrating ongoing efforts to support business recovery and sustainability. The CBSL remains committed to ensuring that SMEs receive the financial assistance needed for their continued growth and stability.
March 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and India share deep-rooted economic and trade relations, with India being one of Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners and investors.
Over the years, the two nations have strengthened their cooperation through bilateral agreements, trade facilitation, and industrial collaborations, driving economic growth on both sides.
Against this backdrop, the Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ILCCI) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a discussion with Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, to explore Sri Lanka’s industrial growth strategy and Indo-Lankan economic ties.
The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the Government’s vision for economic expansion and trade cooperation. ILCCI President M. Raghuraman welcomed Deputy Minister Abeysinghe and reiterated the chamber’s commitment to fostering stronger business and investment partnerships between Sri Lanka and India.
During the session, the Deputy Minister outlined the Government’s economic priorities under the latest Budget, emphasizing key areas such as infrastructure development, energy sector advancements, and digital transformation.
He also stressed the need for efficient customs and tax administration, strengthened border controls, and industry-specific policy reforms to enhance competitiveness and ease of doing business.
A broad range of industries—including IT, tourism, marine sectors, vehicle parts manufacturing, and agriculture—were discussed. Deputy Minister Abeysinghe underscored Sri Lanka’s potential to emerge as an IT hub and the critical role of export growth in driving economic development.
He reassured stakeholders of the Government’s efforts to streamline bureaucratic processes and encouraged private sector participation in shaping industry policies. He also urged businesses to collaborate as sectoral clusters to present unified recommendations for policy improvements.
The discussion concluded with an interactive Q&A session where industry representatives shared insights and raised concerns. Key topics such as skills development, access to financing, education, and the role of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in enhancing market access were also addressed.
The session highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the Government and the private sector to drive industrial progress and strengthen Indo-Lankan economic ties.
March 27, Colombo (LNW): The government has issued 6.8 million Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs) to facilitate access to public services, according to M.A. Priyanka, President of the Inland Revenue Commissioners Association. Speaking at the association’s annual conference, he emphasized that TINs will serve as digital identification codes for citizens, simplifying interactions with government agencies.
Currently, TINs cover approximately 46% of the population aged 18 and above. However, Priyanka acknowledged that the issuance process has been confusing and complex for many. He stressed the need for greater public awareness to clarify misconceptions, particularly that obtaining a TIN does not automatically mean an individual is liable to pay taxes.
State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya addressed public concerns, reiterating that while registration with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is now mandatory for individuals over 18, it does not imply tax obligations for all.
This requirement was established through Gazette Notification No. 2334/21, issued on May 31, 2023, under Section 102 of the Inland Revenue Act.
The notification identifies 14 specific categories of individuals who must register for a TIN, including professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants, as well as vehicle and property owners, business registrants, and those with significant financial transactions.
Among those required to register are employees contributing over LKR 20,000 per month to provident funds, individuals receiving payments exceeding LKR 100,000 monthly or LKR 1.2 million annually, and those obtaining building plan approvals from local authorities.
Despite the government’s push, several tax experts have raised legal concerns. Former Deputy Commissioner General of IRD Tax Policy, N.M.M. Mifly, argued that the mandate to register all individuals over 18 lacks legal backing under Section 102 of the Inland Revenue Act.
He pointed out that only the IRD Commissioner-General has the authority to determine who qualifies for registration, and citizens could challenge this requirement in court.
Mifly further clarified that holding a TIN does not necessarily mean a person must pay taxes but noted that it will be beneficial in the long run. As the government digitalizes public services, TINs will become an integral part of a unified system, streamlining access to various services and transactions.
March 27, Colombo (LNW): Badulla District MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who was taken into custody earlier today on corruption-related charges, has been granted bail following his court appearance.
The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court ruled in favour of bail after the MP was produced before the judiciary, hours after his arrest by the Bribery Commission.
Authorities had detained him following an inquiry into allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure in public office.
Dassanayake was reportedly taken into custody after providing a statement to the Bribery Commission earlier in the day.
March 27, Colombo (LNW): The money laundering case against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has faced another setback as a second High Court judge has recused himself from hearing the case.
Earlier today, Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne announced in open court that he would withdraw from the case, citing social media posts targeting him. The case was then reassigned to High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka, who also recused himself shortly after.
However,Judge Thilakaratne stated that his decision was influenced by two social media posts made against him by individuals named Sanath Balasooriya and Poddala Jayantha. Following his withdrawal, the case was referred to Judge Sujeewa Nissanka, who took it up for hearing. However, Judge Nissanka also opted to withdraw from the case, leading to further delays.
As a result, the matter has now been referred to Colombo Chief High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige. The case is scheduled to be recalled on May 21, when a new judge will be appointed to continue proceedings.
The case against Namal Rajapaksa is linked to alleged money laundering in connection with the controversial ‘Krrish’ project, a large-scale real estate investment deal. The repeated recusals have raised concerns about the progress of the legal proceedings.
