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Sri Lanka Caught Off Guard by Trump’s Tariff Surge amid Global Trade Shifts

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Sri Lanka Caught Off Guard by Trump’s Tariff Surge amid Global Trade Shifts

By: Staff Writer

April 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has been thrust into an external trade crisis following U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of steep tariffs on the island nation’s exports. This decision, long in the making, appears to have taken Sri Lanka by surprise, raising questions about the government’s preparedness or potential oversight in assessing the situation.

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunneththi, publicly expressed alarm over the new tariffs, calling them both unexpected and economically damaging. “This came as a shock,” he stated, adding that the 44% tariff could derail the government’s goal of boosting exports by $3 billion.

He went on to criticize the methodology behind the tariff rate, describing it as “unfair,” since it was based on halving the trade deficit between the two countries—effectively penalizing Sri Lanka disproportionately.

Handunneththi further pointed out that the U.S. had no immediate political reason to target Sri Lanka, and lamented the timing of the decision just as the nation was beginning to regain economic stability.

His remarks exposed what many see as either negligence or willful ignorance on the part of Sri Lanka’s leadership, given that Trump’s protectionist trade stance has been globally recognized since his first term.

Trump’s tariff-heavy policies are not new. During his first presidency, he initiated a trade war with China, applying heavy duties on Chinese goods, which led to retaliatory measures. Similar tactics were used to renegotiate trade agreements with Canada and Mexico under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). President Joe Biden retained most of those tariffs, albeit with a more selective approach.

Trump’s renewed presidency has brought an even more aggressive push. Since taking office again, Trump has signed multiple executive orders. In January, he proposed a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, and later extended the tariffs to Colombia after diplomatic tensions.

By early March, Trump had implemented new tariffs: 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, 20% on Chinese goods, and new measures targeting timber and lumber to “protect national security.”

On April 2, Trump introduced his long-planned “reciprocal” tariffs, applying a 10% baseline on all imports and higher rates for countries with trade surpluses with the U.S. The European Union responded with its own retaliatory duties on U.S. products like bourbon, jeans, and peanut butter, although implementation was delayed to mid-April.

Given this global backdrop, Handunneththi’s claim of surprise appears questionable. Trump’s agenda of imposing reciprocal tariffs has been clear and consistent. Yet Sri Lanka failed to prepare or engage in early dialogue, leaving the nation vulnerable.

 Currency dealers have already noted downward pressure on the Sri Lankan rupee following the 44% tariff announcement. A leading dealer said the rupee could further weaken if Sri Lanka fails to negotiate a better deal, citing reduced dollar inflows and a growing trade deficit.

In response, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a special committee to assess the tariff’s impact and strategize a response. A meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat reviewed the committee’s recommendations, with expectations for urgent bilateral discussions with the U.S. to seek tariff relief.

Sri Lanka’s internal economic structure—characterized by protectionist policies and high import taxes that favor a few politically connected industries—has long hampered its export competitiveness. Trump’s strategy, favoring hardline border taxes over diplomatic requests, has pushed countries worldwide into renegotiations, often under pressure.

Trump, addressing media aboard Air Force One, proudly claimed that countries are now eager to deal with the U.S. due to these tough tariffs. “If we asked nicely, most wouldn’t respond. But now they’ll do anything for us,” he said.

Historically, the U.S. thrived as a liberal trading nation during the 1980s and 1990s. However, following years of monetary expansion and rising inflation, Trump has adopted a bold strategy: reduce domestic taxes while leveraging international tariffs to regain control over trade.

For Sri Lanka, this episode serves as a wake-up call. It highlights the need for proactive economic planning, diplomatic agility, and policy reform to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global trade landscape.

Katunayake BIA Tender Marred by Disqualifications, Cover-Ups, and Cronyism

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Katunayake BIA Tender Marred by Disqualifications, Cover-Ups, and Cronyism

By: Staff Writer

April 06, Colombo (LNW): The long-delayed Phase II expansion of Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport—the largest construction contract in Sri Lanka’s history—has spiraled into controversy, with fresh revelations casting a shadow over the integrity of the bidding process.

At the center of the storm is the Sojitz-Larsen & Toubro (L&T) consortium, now facing explosive allegations ranging from international disqualification to legal concealment and questionable favoritism.

Global Red Flag: Sojitz Disqualified Abroad

Sojitz Corporation, a key member of the bidding consortium, was recently disqualified from a major airport expansion project in Egypt by the country’s sovereign aviation authority. Experts say this should be a wake-up call for Sri Lanka: if a globally credible nation deems Sojitz unfit for a project, how can they be trusted with ours?

Legal Skeletons in the Closet

Even more troubling, Sojitz has dragged the Sri Lankan government into international arbitration over a $30 million dispute with the Ceylon Electricity Board—an episode they omitted from their bid documents, violating mandatory disclosure rules. Industry leaders argue this alone should disqualify them.

Bid Manipulation and Procedural Violations

The tender, originally due on March 18, 2025, was controversially extended by a week—allegedly to accommodate Sojitz-L&T, who weren’t ready. The extension, granted after private meetings between government officials and the bidder, reeks of favoritism and breaks procurement norms. Critics say the move has undermined fair competition and eroded trust in public contracting.

L&T’s Troubled Track Record

Sojitz’s Indian partner, L&T, has its own history of incomplete projects, cost overruns, and legal disputes across the region—including arbitration cases against the Sri Lankan government. Together, the consortium appears to be leveraging legal loopholes, political connections, and procedural manipulation to stay in the race.

Compliance Crisis

Adding fuel to the fire, Sojitz’s subsidiary previously violated U.S. sanctions on Iran, paying a $5.2 million penalty in 2022. This calls into question the company’s internal compliance and risk management—essential pillars for executing a project of this scale.

National Stakes, Global Consequences

The airport expansion, backed by a Rs. 170 billion investment from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is intended to boost Sri Lanka’s aviation capacity to 16 million passengers annually. With only two bidders—Taisei Corporation and Sojitz-L&T—industry insiders warn that awarding the contract to a discredited and possibly unqualified consortium could damage national interests and scare off future foreign investment.

Undermining Good Governance

This saga has exposed deeper flaws in Sri Lanka’s public procurement system. Allegations of hidden litigation, deadline manipulation, and opaque dealings have turned what should have been a flagship infrastructure initiative into a governance crisis. The outcome will be a litmus test for the Dissanayake administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and reform.

Call to Action

With national infrastructure, public trust, and international credibility at stake, civil society and business leaders are calling for a full investigation, a reset of the tender process, and strict enforcement of procurement guidelines. Anything less risks turning a vital national project into a symbol of systemic failure.

Environmentalists Reaffirm Legal Stand against Wind Power Projects on Mannar Island

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Environmentalists Reaffirm Legal Stand against Wind Power Projects on Mannar Island

By: Staff Writer

April 06, Colombo (LNW): Environmentalists, scientists, and legal experts have firmly stated they will seek legal intervention once more if any new attempts are made—by global or local entities—to initiate wind power projects on Mannar Island. This comes after India’s Adani Group withdrew its controversial wind energy plans in June 2023.

A recent press conference was hosted by Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda along with leading environmental groups including the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ), and Environmental Foundation Ltd. (EFL). The event addressed key issues such as transparency, legal procedures, and misconceptions that environmentalists oppose progress.

Mannar Island, located off Sri Lanka’s northwest coast, is an ecologically and culturally sensitive area, equated in significance to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and other national parks. It plays a vital role in global biodiversity, particularly as a stop on the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds. Around 15 million birds from 30 countries pass through annually, with nearly a million of 180 species nesting there—including several endangered species.

Prof. Sampath Seneviratne of the University of Colombo highlighted the environmental dangers of Adani’s now-scrapped wind project, which would have added 73 massive turbines—each 220m tall—across the island. These towers would have disrupted migratory routes, causing significant bird mortality, as already observed in the existing Thambapavani wind farm on the island’s southern edge.

Beyond biodiversity, the island is also home to 67,000 people still recovering from the civil war. Large-scale wind developments could drastically impact their fragile livelihoods. Seneviratne added that while Mannar offers optimal wind conditions, alternative sites such as the Mahaweli Valley, Knuckles, Rakwana Hills, Kalpitiya, and areas in Jaffna could support wind farms with less ecological impact. These alternate sites may slightly reduce energy output but can operate continuously without pausing for bird migrations, potentially balancing overall generation.

The WNPS has also challenged the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Adani project, citing its flawed findings and acknowledgment of higher-than-expected bird deaths. CEJ Chairman Ravindranath Dabare emphasized that any future project on Mannar would breach multiple international environmental agreements, infringe on biodiversity laws, and undermine national energy sovereignty.

Environmentalists reaffirmed they are not anti-development. Dr. Pethiyagoda recalled how they previously proposed alternatives to destructive industrial plans, and called for a broader national consensus on sustainable energy development.

A key takeaway from the discussion was the urgent need to formally recognize Mannar Island as a national ecological treasure—and to create a unified national voice to guide future energy decisions responsibly.

NPP MP Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera passes away

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NPP MP Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera passes away

April 06, Colombo (LNW): National Peoples Power (NPP) National List MP Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera has passed away, aged 38.

His death was pronounced due to a sudden cardiac arrest.

He has been receiving treatments at the Karapitiya Base Hospital at the time of his demise.

NSBM Green University Partners with American University, USA, for Exclusive Bachelor’s Degree Transfer Pathway

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NSBM Green University Partners with American University, USA, for Exclusive Bachelor’s Degree Transfer Pathway

Her Excellency Julie J. Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka
“It is a proud moment to witness this partnership between American University and NSBM Green University—a powerful reflection of the enduring ties between the United States and Sri Lanka. The United States continues to attract the brightest minds and foster innovations that shape the future. With the signing of this 2+2 agreement, Sri Lankan students now have the opportunity to pursue a world-class Business Administration degree—beginning their journey here in Sri Lanka and completing it in Washington, D.C. This collaboration not only equips students with valuable business leadership skills but also strengthens both our economies and lays the groundwork for future cooperation. It’s an investment in education that promotes long-term growth, prosperity, and mutual success.”

H.E. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the U.S.
“This marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s higher education that will enhance international engagement and open invaluable avenues for Sri Lankan students on the world stage. While I take immense pleasure in our Embassy’s role in facilitating this partnership, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to NSBM Green University and American University for a truly transformative partnership.”

Prof. E. A. Weerasinghe, Vice Chancellor, NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka
“We, at NSBM Green University, always remain committed to expanding our global
outreach. This partnership with American University reinforces this commitment while ushering a new era of international engagement. We are deeply hopeful and excited about the world-class learning opportunities and global career prospects this collaboration brings to empower Sri Lanka’s youth for future success.”

Ms. Tashina Giraud, Director of International Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives, American University, USA
“We are thrilled to collaborate with NSBM Green University in this exciting step towards expanding our global reach. This partnership will open many new pathways and enrich the academic experiences of students from both of our institutions. We look forward to a mutually enriching and fruitful collaboration through the exchange of knowledge and culture.”

NSBM Green University (NSBM) has entered into a landmark partnership with American University (AU), Washington, USA, to deliver an exclusive transfer pathway for bachelor’s degree in Sri Lanka. This partnership enables Sri Lankan students to commence their degree studies at NSBM Green University and seamlessly transfer to AU to complete the final two years, earning an internationally recognized American University degree in Business Administration.

The collaboration between NSBM and AU was initiated by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the USA, under the guidance of Ambassador H.E. Mahinda Samarasinghe, with a strong commitment to identifying partnership opportunities for higher educational institutions in Sri Lanka. It stands as a significant milestone in NSBM’s global expansion efforts, with a commitment to offering students cost-effective, world-class educational opportunities.

The official signing ceremony of this landmark partnership took place on 4th April 2025 at NSBM Green University, Homagama, in the esteemed presence of Her Excellency Julie Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka. Representing the Vice Chancellor of NSBM Green University, Prof. E. A. Weerasinghe, the agreement was formally signed by Ms. Thilini De Silva, Dean of the Faculty of Business at NSBM, together with Ms. Tashina Giraud, Director of International Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives at American University.

As part of the signing ceremony, Her Excellency Ambassador Julie Chung and the visiting dignitaries toured the NSBM Green University premises, engaging in discussions and exploring the campus. In honor of Her Excellency’s visit, a tree-planting ceremony was held at the NSBM Phase 2 site, where H.E. the Ambassador planted a Naa Tree – Sri Lanka’s national tree – underscoring the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability and long-term growth.

SUNIL DOES WHAT EVEN NAMAL COULDN’T

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SUNIL DOES WHAT EVEN NAMAL COULDN’T

April 04, Colombo (LNW): When Namal Rajapaksa became the Sports Minister, there was an incident where the Sri Lankan rugby team, which he and his brothers played for at the time, had to pay a fine of 50,000 pounds for fielding foreign players. Although the officials who had taken that careless and indecent decision were responsible for that fine, what those officials did together was to announce that the fine should be deducted from the money Sri Lanka receives internationally.

Even though this matter has been written about and openly discussed, Sri Lankan politicians along with the officials at the Ministry of Sports and the Department of Sports Development have completely turned a blind eye. No action has been taken, and no decision has been made to address the issue.

When Namal Rajapaksa became the Sports Minister, the controversy surrounding the inclusion of foreign players who played alongside him and his brothers had caused major backlash within the rugby community, leading to the rejection of key
figures linked to that administration. Then Namal Rajapaksa went as far as dissolving the existing rugby administration.

But before doing so, he appointed the very individual who was responsible for the original blunder, along with the President of Asia Rugby, to an advisory council for local rugby and even made him the chairman of it.

The current Minister, who is now dancing to the tune of Asia Rugby, and Rizly Illyas, the then-chairman of the administration, were both nominated to the advisory board by the President of Asia Rugby and Minister Namal Rajapaksa. However, the rugby administration, which was constitutionally headed by Illyas at the time, did not tolerate such external interference.

While Namal Rajapaksa, who operated outside the then-official rugby governing body in Sri Lanka, was actively engaging with the President of Asia Rugby and negotiating a new sponsorship deal for Sri Lankan rugby, that very sponsor was later introduced to an Asian tournament through Namal Rajapaksa’s intervention.
Rizly Illyas’s personal criticism of the Asia President over these incidents ultimately led to his ban from rugby.

However, once again, the Sri Lankan rugby community was not given the chance to stand up against the very group that had brought shame to the country by fielding foreign players. It was Namal Rajapaksa himself who blocked that effort. That protest was a response to the serious damage and disrepute caused to Sri
Lanka rugby a stand that was never allowed to gain ground. But the current Sports Minister, disregarding all of that history, went on to appoint the CEO of that same controversial administration as the Chairman of his National Sports Council. At one point, his Ministry Secretary even issued a letter proposing to appoint this individual as the head of Sri Lanka Rugby. However, that move was quietly shelved after the media caught wind of it and began reporting on it from afar.

But even if Namal could not, the current Sports Minister could have seated the Chairman and Executive Officer of the administration that once again brought Sri Lanka into disrepute on the Sri Lankan rugby scene as dignitaries.

Some may find it shameless. But as he called the media and said, it is the arrogance of wanting to do what he wants without considering the mistakes that the media points out.

It was shameless to sit down with the owners of the scandal and express opinions on the same platform. If many thought that this Sports Minister would attack those involved when he spoke in Parliament about Namal Babyla’s £50,000 fine for rugby, it is important to remove it. Moreover, during the Diyagama stadium tour, he pointed out that the names of those involved in this rugby scandal are listed in the Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports Foundation, alongside the fraudulent activities that have occurred there. None of that is true. What is happening here is that the Sports Minister is treating them as elites, not only sitting in the same chamber, but also holding speeches on the same stage with the people who made those allegations, who were proven to be wrong before the world, and who have blamed the loss on rugby in the country and have made rugby suffer for their mistakes.

If those who voted for Malaima did not expect a government or a minister who would better serve the interests of Namal Rajapaksa or the rugby interests of Malik Samarawickrama, then anyone in the government could talk about this. But it is becoming clear that Sugath Thilakaratne does not have such power or ability and is only a chair and a table in the ministry.

We do not know whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed Sunil Kumara Gamage as the Sports Minister expecting that people he knew would handle sports as they wished. However, Sunil Kumara Gamage’s ability to hold any guilty person accountable, accept them with dignity and present himself as the most upright man is amazing. It is impossible to imagine that there was anyone in the party who could speak so proudly and say that he was doing the right thing while surrounding the guilty. The acting was so realistic. He may have thought that it was okay if he lied to the media in public, thinking that the truth he wrote would be seen as a lie once the story became public. But in reality, Namal and the Sports Minister of the government, who was elected by the majority of the oppressed people, were able to stand together and express their opinions with the people who were not able to bring them to the country as elites due to the disgrace they caused to the country by destroying rugby.

These days, he is trying to prevent rugby from reaching the feet of those with sporting talent in the villages and subordinate it to the majority of the elite sports clubs. The red light that the Sports Minister ignites for the development of rugby in the village has also been lit on Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Thambuttegama
single signal post. Therefore, we can say that even if Namal Rajapaksa cannot do it as the Sports Minister, Sunil Kumara Gamage is showing that he can do it.

*Adapted from original article, “නාමල්ටත් බැරි වෙච්චි දේ කරන සුනිල්” by Nishman Ranasinghe published on 04/04/2025.

C.D. De Fonseka & Sons Wins SLFPA 9th Annual Cricket Trophy 

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C.D. De Fonseka & Sons Wins SLFPA 9th Annual Cricket Trophy 

The Annual Soft Ball Cricket Tournament organized by Sri Lanka Food Processors Association was held on 15th of March 2025 at the Colombo Colts Cricket Club Grounds. Thirty Seven (37) teams comprising both men and women playing together from 30 member companies vied for the SLFPA challenge Shield. The tournament was conducted on league basis. It was helpful in creating a high degree of interaction, relationship, understanding and fellowship among the employees of the participating member companies.

The participated company teams represented the following categories- Processed Food, Processed Beverages, Machinery & Packaging, International Food Certification, Food Ingredients and Casual Dining. The tournament is a key event in the calendars of all members of Processed Food Industry, bringing professionals from various organizations together in a spirit of fun and sportsmanship taking the participating teams’ families into account this year.

Team C.D. De Fonseka & sons were the winners and Team CBL Foods International (Pvt) Ltd were the runners up. The Plate winners were the Varun Beverages Sri Lanka . Man of the Match award was presented to Mr. A.A. Mujitha Udara of  C.D De Fonseka & Sons  & Woman of the Match award was won by Ms. M.D. Niroshangani of CBL Foods International (Pvt) Ltd. 

Participants were showing immense interest on participating and grabbing gifts in parallel events such as Karaoke competition, dancing competition, and best marquee competition. Best Male Singer was the Dayal Fernando & Best Female Singer was the Nipuni Gallage SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Dancing Competition  was so hot, and judges went troubled when selecting the best out of the best. Thus, they decided to select Winner & Runnersup – Male Winner was  the Madawa Dissanayake  from Perfetti Van Melle Lanka (Pvt) Ltd  and Female winner Ms.Madushika Madumali from CBL Convenience Foods Lanka and male runnersup Mr. Nuwan Kumara from Cargills Convenient Foods (Pvt) Ltd &  female runnersup Ms. Madushani from Cargills Convenient Foods Lanka and Best Tent was the Control Union Inspections (Pvt) Ltd

The sponsors of this year’s tournament include Analytical Instruments Tech (Pvt) Ltd as the Platinum sponsor, Cargills Convenient Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Control Union Inspections (Pvt) Ltd &  CBL Group as the Gold sponsor,  Elephant House, SMR Consolidated and SGS Lanka as Silver Sponsors, Lanka Exhibitions & Conference Services Limited (LECS) as the service partner of the event. CMC Engineering GMBH, Nestle Lanka  Limited, Coca Cola Beverages, Visvaka Marketing & Country Style (Pvt) Ltd are also sponsoring the event.

Front  Row: The Winning team of 9th SLFPA Six-A-Side Cricket Carnival – C. D. De Fonseka & Sons. 
Back Row (From left to right): Mr. Hamilton Diaz (Past President of of SLFPA), Mr. Deepal De Alwis (Chairman of Cricket Committee), Mr. Thusith Wijesinghe (Presidentof SLFPA), Mr.Delano Dias (Immediate Past President of SLFPA), Mrs.Sandhya Fernando(Staff Member of SLFPA), Mr. Niroshan Dalpethadu(Committee Member of SLFPA), Mr. Vijitha Govinna(Committee Member of SLFPA) Mr.Aruna Senanayake (1st Vice President of SLFPA) Mr.Thusitha Ekanayake ( Committee Member of SLFPA)

Top gov officials summoned for urgent meeting on safeguarding state resources ahead of Polls

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Top gov officials summoned for urgent meeting on safeguarding state resources ahead of Polls

April 06, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the upcoming Local Government Elections, all Secretaries of Ministries along with the heads of public institutions and statutory bodies have been summoned to attend a high-level meeting at the Election Secretariat.

The meeting, convened under the direction of R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, Chair of the National Election Commission, is expected to take place in the coming week.

The central focus of this assembly will be the enforcement of recently gazetted regulations designed to curb the misuse of state-owned assets and facilities during the election period.

These measures aim to ensure the integrity of the electoral process by preventing public resources from being exploited for partisan gain—a persistent concern in Sri Lankan political life.

In addition to resource management, the session will also address broader issues related to election preparedness. These include guidelines for civil servants, procedures for maintaining neutrality in government communication, and strategies for responding to electoral violations at the local level.

The Election Commission has expressed deep concern over recent developments, with six formal complaints lodged in just the past 24 hours regarding alleged breaches of electoral law. Amongst these was a report concerning the improper use of public assets, a matter now under review by the police.

The commission has been vocal in its calls for all government officers to strictly adhere to established election guidelines. It has also reiterated that public trust in democratic institutions depends heavily on the neutrality and transparency of state functionaries during the lead-up to polling day.

With the Local Government Election scheduled for May 06, 2025, the Commission is intensifying oversight to prevent electoral malpractice and bolster public confidence. This includes monitoring campaign activity, assessing the conduct of public officials, and investigating any credible allegations that may emerge.

The Story Of Idiyappam

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The Story Of Idiyappam

Idiyappam’s journey from the ancient streets of Tamilakam to the kitchens of Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and beyond is a story of resilience and adaptation.

Idiyappam, the energy-packed, steam-cooked dish, is delicious and delightful. It is yummy and filled with all the goodness that kickstarts your day. However, it is more than just a meal. It’s a glimpse into the history, culture, and traditions of South India and beyond.

This simple yet flavorful dish made from rice flour and steamed into delicate noodles has travelled across centuries, reflecting the shared culinary roots of communities in India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.

A steaming plate of Idiyappam, often paired with rich coconut chutney or a spicy curry, may seem like a modern breakfast dish to some, but it has deep roots in the ancient food cultures of southern India. Known by different names like noolputtu, noolappam, and chomai, it’s a dish beloved across various regions, yet its journey begins in the southern tip of India.

The rice flour is carefully kneaded into soft strings and then shaped into small spools before being steamed to perfection. Its texture is light and tender, yet its flavour is rich, making it a popular choice for both breakfast and dinner.

In Sri Lanka, the dish takes on a slightly different character. In the northern and eastern parts of the island, Idiyappam is served with a sweet twist—sugar, fresh coconut, and sometimes even banana are sprinkled on top.

The savoury version, however, is more commonly enjoyed in southern India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where it is often paired with spicy chutneys or vegetable curries, adding a zesty complement to the soft, neutral flavour of the rice noodles. The versatility of Idiyappam, whether sweet or savoury, speaks to the adaptability of this ancient dish, with each region putting its own spin on it.

But where did this humble dish come from? The history of Idiyappam is steeped in the rich culinary traditions of southern India. For centuries, the region has been a melting pot of cultures, thanks to its strategic location along ancient trade routes.

The early trade connections between southern India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia set the stage for the spread of rice-based dishes like Idiyappam. These trade routes were bustling with merchants and travellers, all exchanging goods, ideas, and, of course, food.

Idiyappam’s origins can be traced back to Tamilakam, the ancient Tamil kingdom that spanned much of what is now southern India. Here, rice was not just a staple; it was a symbol of prosperity. The cultivation of rice was central to the economy and daily life.

The Sangam literature, a collection of ancient Tamil texts, offers a glimpse into the culinary practices of this time. In these texts, there are references to dishes like appam, a close relative of Idiyappam. These foods were sold by vendors at the bustling markets along the seashores, where the aroma of fresh rice dishes filled the air.

The presence of rice-based foods like Idiyappam in Tamil literature shows how deeply embedded rice was in the culture of ancient Tamil society. One poem from the Purananuru, a famous Tamil literary work, describes a prosperous city filled with lush rice fields, buzzing bees, and streets paved with gold.

Another poem from the era praises the king who transformed barren forests into fertile paddy fields, further emphasising the central role of rice in the prosperity of Tamilakam. The imagery in these poems reveals a society that not only valued rice as a food source but also saw it as a symbol of abundance and wealth.

Despite its ancient origins, the spread of Idiyappam across the region can be attributed to the maritime trade routes that connected Tamilakam to distant lands. The Tamil kingdoms, with their powerful naval fleets, established trade networks that reached as far as Southeast Asia. These exchanges allowed for the flow of not just goods, but cultural practices as well. Dishes like Idiyappam travelled along these routes, finding new homes in Sri Lanka and beyond.

While the Portuguese arrived in India in the late fifteenth century, it’s important to note that Idiyappam and similar rice-based dishes predated their arrival by centuries. The Portuguese were not responsible for introducing these dishes; rather, they were already a part of the Indian culinary landscape, passed down through generations of Tamil traders and settlers.

The connections between southern India and Sri Lanka go back as far as the 3rd century BCE, as evidenced by ancient inscriptions found on the island. These inscriptions, written in Tamil-Brahmi script, tell the story of Tamil merchants and settlers who were deeply involved in trade and cultural exchange along Sri Lanka’s southern coast. This cultural exchange likely played a significant role in introducing Idiyappam to Sri Lanka, where it was embraced and adapted to local tastes.

The Tamil influence on Sri Lankan cuisine is undeniable. Archaeological findings, including ancient coins inscribed with Tamil names, suggest that Tamil settlers were present in Sri Lanka as early as the second century BCE. The exchange between the two regions laid the foundation for the spread of culinary traditions like Idiyappam. Over the centuries, this dish found its way into the hearts and kitchens of Sri Lanka, where it remains a popular comfort food today.

The maritime prowess of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties further propelled the spread of Tamil culture across South and Southeast Asia. These powerful dynasties not only dominated trade but also expanded their cultural influence far beyond the southern tip of India.

The Cholas, for example, embarked on naval expeditions that reached Southeast Asia, bringing with them their language, art, and culinary practices. As Tamil culture spread across these regions, so did their food traditions, including Idiyappam.

In modern times, Idiyappam continues to be a beloved dish in many parts of the Indian Ocean world. Whether it’s served in the bustling streets of Chennai or the tranquil towns of Sri Lanka’s coast, the dish has evolved, yet its essence remains the same.

Today, it connects people across borders, a testament to the enduring appeal of rice as a foundational food. It is a dish that links generations, drawing from the rich history of trade, migration, and cultural exchange.

Idiyappam’s journey from the ancient streets of Tamilakam to the kitchens of Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and beyond is a story of resilience and adaptation. It is a dish that reflects the region’s rich culinary heritage, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and innovation. From the ancient trade routes to the modern-day plates of families, Idiyappam continues to bring people together, offering a taste of history with every bite.

Source: Madras Courier

Sri Lanka dispatches humanitarian relief mission to earthquake-stricken Myanmar

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Sri Lanka dispatches humanitarian relief mission to earthquake-stricken Myanmar

April 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has dispatched a dedicated humanitarian relief mission to Myanmar in the wake of a powerful earthquake that has caused significant destruction and loss across the Southeast Asian nation.

A 26-member team, comprising medical and disaster response personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force, departed from Colombo on April 05 aboard a specially chartered flight to provide immediate assistance to affected communities.

The relief contingent is led by Brigadier Punya Karunathilake and is tasked with delivering essential aid, offering medical support, and contributing to recovery operations in collaboration with Myanmar’s local authorities.

The mission forms part of a broader emergency response initiative coordinated at the highest levels of government.

Under the guidance of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the close supervision of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), the deployment demonstrates Sri Lanka’s capacity for rapid and organised humanitarian mobilisation.

The tri-forces, acting in unison, have once again underscored their ability to respond swiftly and compassionately to crises beyond national borders.

The humanitarian cargo includes medical supplies, food items, and other critical essentials, donated by the people of Sri Lanka in a show of solidarity with the people of Myanmar.

The effort has been led by the country’s monastic community, with the Venerable Maha Sangha and the Chief Prelates of the three principal Buddhist chapters playing a central role in mobilising public support and spiritual guidance for the mission.

Diplomatic coordination for the operation was facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose officials ensured the logistical and regulatory frameworks were aligned for the team’s entry and cooperation with Myanmar’s disaster management agencies.

The ministry worked in close partnership with its counterparts in Naypyidaw, underscoring the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries.

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier, has played a pivotal role in enabling the mission’s swift deployment by offering logistical support and facilitating the transport of personnel and cargo to the affected region.

The Sri Lankan government has reiterated its intention to continue monitoring the situation in Myanmar and to offer further assistance as needed. The gesture has drawn praise from both local and international observers, who view this response as part of Sri Lanka’s growing role in regional disaster relief efforts, especially in times of acute humanitarian need.

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