January 06, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Prisons Department is grappling with a severe shortage of staff, with reports indicating a deficit of 1,800 prison officers.
This shortfall has placed considerable strain on the department’s ability to conduct essential operations, including security checks and inmate searches.
Gamini B. Dissanayake, the spokesperson for the Prisons Department, highlighted that the lack of personnel has notably hindered the effectiveness of search operations within the country’s correctional facilities.
These operations are crucial for maintaining security and preventing the introduction of contraband, including illegal drugs and weapons, into prisons.
In addition to the staffing issues, the Prisons Department is also contending with a serious overcrowding problem.
According to Dissanayake, the current inmate population across Sri Lanka’s prisons has soared to a staggering 300 per cent of their intended capacity.
This overcrowding has further compounded the challenges faced by prison authorities, creating an environment that is both unsafe and difficult to manage.
To address these pressing issues, the Prisons Department has put forward proposals to introduce technological solutions to help with the screening and monitoring of inmates.
The hope is that advanced technology will enable more efficient management of prison resources, assist in maintaining security, and reduce the burden on already overstretched staff.
January 06, Colombo (LNW): Following a shift in policy after the recent presidential election, the newly formed government has instructed relevant authorities to submit proposals for the long-term development of SriLankan Airlines over the next five years.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the government has decided against privatising the national carrier, opting instead for a comprehensive business plan aimed at reviving and strengthening the airline.
The previous administration had initially proposed privatising SriLankan Airlines to address its ongoing financial difficulties, a move that faced significant opposition and was later abandoned.
In its place, the previous government began exploring alternative strategies for the airline’s development, though no concrete steps were taken before the change in leadership.
Upon taking office after the September 2024 presidential election, the new government chose a different path, opting for a nationalised approach to revitalise the airline.
Rather than selling off stakes in SriLankan Airlines, the administration has requested a detailed proposal on how best to improve the airline’s financial performance, operational efficiency, and overall sustainability.
The airline, which has faced substantial financial challenges in recent years, showed signs of recovery by the end of 2023. For the nine months ending December 31, 2023, SriLankan Airlines reported a profit of Rs. 1.124 billion, a notable achievement considering the tough financial climate.
This positive turn, highlighted in the 2023 budget report, has provided hope that with the right strategies, the airline can continue to improve its financial standing without the need for privatisation.
January 06, Colombo (LNW): The National Transport Commission (NTC) has initiated efforts to create a comprehensive list of passenger rights, aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of those travelling by bus.
This new initiative seeks to standardise expectations for bus passengers, ensuring greater accountability and safety across the country’s bus network.
The proposed list will draw from the regulations outlined in the operating licences issued to bus services by the NTC, alongside the specific terms set by provincial councils for bus operations.
This collaborative approach aims to ensure that all relevant conditions, which govern the safety, comfort, and rights of passengers, are included in the final set of guidelines.
NTC Chairman Dr. Bandura Dileepa Witharana told Ada Derana that the Commission is in the process of consulting with various stakeholders, including bus associations and passenger rights organisations, before finalising the list.
These discussions will help address the concerns and perspectives of those directly involved in the bus transport system, ensuring that the rights of passengers are appropriately balanced with the operational realities faced by bus operators.
In addition to prioritising passenger safety, Witharana also highlighted that measures are being taken to protect the job security of private bus drivers and conductors.
January 06, Colombo (LNW): The Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) office in Vavuniya has confirmed that 41 individuals in the district contracted Leptospirosis, commonly known as “rat fever,” in the year 2024.
This was revealed during an informative session organised by the RDHS to raise awareness about the disease and educate the public on preventive strategies.
According to the RDHS, the majority of the cases were reported among farmers during the two major cultivation periods – the ‘Maha’ and ‘Yala’ seasons.
The outbreaks were a significant concern for the agricultural community, with those working in fields and close to rodent habitats being most at risk.
Leptospirosis, which is often spread through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, is a major health issue for those in farming and rural areas.
The RDHS highlighted that early intervention, such as taking preventive antibiotics before starting cultivation during the peak farming seasons, is key to reducing the likelihood of infection.
The office also drew comparisons to the successful measures implemented in the Jaffna district, where the spread of rat fever was effectively controlled. Following this model, similar steps have been taken in Vavuniya to curb the potential for further outbreaks.
These actions include providing farmers with essential information about protective measures, ensuring the distribution of antibiotics where needed, and reinforcing hygiene and safety protocols on farms.
The RDHS has stressed that while the disease is preventable, vigilance is required from both the authorities and the farming community.
January 06, Colombo (LNW): An in-depth investigation will be launched into the land allocations made for various purposes since 2015, Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation Dr. Susil Ranasinghe announced.
The inquiry will aim to uncover the details surrounding land distribution, with a particular focus on the role of the Land Reform Commission (LRC).
Speaking to the press after attending a ceremony in Anuradhapura, Dr. Ranasinghe explained that land, which has been allocated to industries and agricultural ventures through the LRC, has been the subject of numerous disputes and allegations over the years.
He acknowledged that previous efforts to distribute land had been marred by complications, with questions arising about the fairness and transparency of the process.
The Deputy Minister confirmed that the Cabinet had recently made the decision to suspend further land allocations through the LRC until a thorough investigation is conducted.
The primary objective of this probe is to identify who has been granted land since 2015 and to examine the rationale behind these allocations.
Dr. Ranasinghe stated that the investigation would scrutinise whether any unlawful practices, including corruption or procedural irregularities, had taken place in the distribution of land.
He emphasised that legal action would follow the investigation’s findings, ensuring accountability for any wrongdoings.
The Deputy Minister reassured the public that the government is committed to upholding fairness and transparency in land management, with steps now being taken to restore public confidence in the system.
January 06, Colombo (LNW): Showers may occur at a few places in Eastern province and in Mullaittivu district, with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at several places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts during the afternoon or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (06).
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Uva provinces 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 may occur at a few places in the sea areas extending from Batticaloa to Kankasanthurai via Trincomalee during the afternoon or night. Mainly fair weather will prevail in the other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly in the sea areas around the island and speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Mannar via Puttalam and Pottuvil to Hambanthota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Mannar via Puttalam and Pottuvil to Hambanthota will be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is set to undergo significant restoration and improvement aimed at boosting visitor numbers and enhancing the tourist experience.
During a meeting chaired by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Euwan Ranasinghe, plans were shared to address critical infrastructure issues and improve visitor management.
Key initiatives include the restoration of Sigiriya’s ancient water lilies and the upgrade of its museum to meet global standards. These efforts seek to combine historical preservation with modern tourism amenities, ensuring Sigiriya becomes a leading example of sustainable cultural tourism.
The meeting involved representatives from key agencies such as the Tourism Promotion Bureau, the Forest Conservation Department, the Department of Archaeology, and senior officials from the Urban Development Authority and Central Cultural Fund.
The discussions focused on resolving key problems, including long ticket queues, inadequate facilities for rest and safety, poor lighting, and the lack of regulation for tour guides, all of which have negatively impacted the experience of both local and international visitors.
The proposed improvements include streamlining the ticketing process to reduce wait times for visitors. Additionally, safety measures will be enhanced by installing streetlights and upgrading first aid stations.
Rest areas will be created for visitors who are unable to climb Sigiriya, ensuring greater comfort. The signage throughout the site will be developed to be both clear and visually appealing, enriching the overall visitor experience.
Emergency shelters will be improved to effectively address concerns such as wasp attacks. Finally, the Sigiriya Museum will be renovated to align with international standards, highlighting the cultural significance of the site.
Collaboration with the Department of Archaeology will also focus on restoring historical features, including the ancient water lilies.
These proposed upgrades aim to tackle ongoing issues like insufficient facilities, traffic congestion, and unwelcoming security personnel, which have led to dissatisfaction despite high entry fees.
With these enhancements, the Ministry of Tourism aims to elevate Sigiriya to a top global destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Economic Diplomacy Initiative, organized a high-impact trade, investment, and tourism promotion forum in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province on December 18, 2024.
Held at the Ashqariya Chamber of Commerce, the event aimed to showcase Sri Lanka’s export potential, investment opportunities, and tourism attractions to Saudi stakeholders. The forum also featured a catalogue exhibition, offering a closer look at Sri Lankan products and services, while emphasizing collaboration opportunities between the two countries.
The Vice Chairman of Ashqariya Chamber, Hamad Alamar, welcomed the initiative, commending the embassy for fostering economic cooperation and reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening private-sector partnerships between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, in his inaugural address, highlighted the deep-rooted historical trade ties and people-to-people connections between the two nations.
He underlined the vast, untapped potential for trade and investment collaboration and encouraged Saudi travel companies to capitalize on Sri Lanka’s booming tourism sector.
Stressing the need for improved information sharing and bilateral engagements, the ambassador called for regular forums like this to address the knowledge gap and facilitate stronger business-to-business (B2B) relationships.
The forum featured key presentations by prominent Sri Lankan institutions, including the Board of Investment (BOI), Export Development Board (EDB), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, and Colombo Port City. These presentations offered in-depth insights into Sri Lanka’s trade, investment, and tourism sectors.
Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Mangala Wijesinghe, virtually presented an overview of the country’s diverse export potential, focusing on key sectors relevant to Saudi investors. Acting Director of the Market Development Division, Saumya Kannangara, followed with detailed insights into each sector.
Buddhika Hewawasem, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, emphasized Sri Lanka’s appeal as a travel destination, citing global accolades that named it the “most desirable island” for tourism. Meanwhile, BOI Executive Director Prasanjith Wijayatilake highlighted investment incentives in sectors ranging from manufacturing to renewable energy, appealing directly to Saudi investors.
Colombo Port City (PCC) Executive Director, Shalaka Wijeyaratne, outlined lucrative investment opportunities within the Port City, a 269-hectare reclaimed land project serving as a multi-service Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The event attracted a significant number of Saudi business leaders, providing a platform to explore trade, investment, and tourism opportunities in Sri Lanka. The accompanying catalogue exhibition facilitated direct engagement between Saudi participants and Sri Lankan businesses, paving the way for potential collaborations.
In a bilateral meeting held prior to the forum, Ambassador Ajwad met with Ashqariya Chamber Chairman Dr. Bader S. AlReziza, Vice Chairman Hamad Alamar, and Secretary General AbdulRahman bin Abdullah Al-Wabel. Discussions centered on enhancing economic ties, with senior embassy officials Mohamed Anas and Tashma Vithanawasem in attendance.
The forum concluded successfully, underscoring the potential for Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia to expand their partnership in trade, investment, and tourism.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): The government has made energy sector reform a top priority, focusing on reducing Sri Lanka’s notoriously high energy costs and expanding its renewable energy capacity.
As part of its ambitious plans for 2025, the country aims to increase its power generation capacity from 4,043 megawatts (MW) to 6,900 MW, with a significant emphasis on renewable energy sources.
The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) is expected to add over 500 MW to the national grid within the next two years, contributing to this goal.
In addition, the government is constructing two natural gas plants, each with a capacity of 350 MW, which are anticipated to become operational between 2024 and 2025. By 2025, existing power plants will also be converted to run on natural gas, further diversifying the country’s energy mix.
To encourage the adoption of renewable energy, the government plans to periodically revise feed-in tariffs for small power plants and rooftop solar users. This move aims to create a more favorable environment for renewable energy producers.
Furthermore, a competitive procurement framework will be applied to streamline the integration of renewable energy projects into the national grid, ensuring efficient and cost-effective implementation.
Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody recently outlined these ambitious initiatives during a meeting with investors at the Ministry.
During the discussion, the Minister underscored the urgent need to address Sri Lanka’s high energy costs and provide energy at affordable rates.
He emphasized the importance of affordable energy in driving national development and highlighted the potential of renewable energy to unlock significant economic opportunities.
Minister Jayakody reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering private-sector participation in energy generation. He stated that the government is pursuing a balanced approach that benefits both the state and investors, assuring prompt solutions to investor concerns.
The meeting also brought together representatives from renewable energy institutions, who shared their perspectives on the challenges facing the sector. Issues such as regulatory barriers and operational delays were highlighted, but optimism remained high as SLSEA projects are expected to contribute over 500 MW to the national grid in the near future.
Recognizing the potential of these projects, Minister Jayakody directed government officials to expedite policy decisions and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to address bottlenecks.
He stressed the government’s commitment to achieving the country’s energy goals while ensuring that investor expectations are met, stating, “We are working to provide prompt solutions to problems and create an environment that supports investment.”
These reforms underscore Sri Lanka’s determination to transition to a more sustainable energy future while ensuring affordability and economic growth.
January 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has decided to revisit and amend the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024, which came into effect on June 27, 2024.
The act, aimed at restructuring the electricity sector, has faced criticism for potentially failing to achieve its intended objectives and for possibly imposing additional burdens on both the industry and consumers.
Key Objectives and Controversies
The law primarily seeks to restructure the state-run Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) into 14 independent corporate entities.
These entities would separately handle electricity generation, transmission, distribution, trade, supply, and procurement.
However, multiple stakeholders have raised concerns about the feasibility of this restructuring, questioning its alignment with the goals of creating a secure and sustainable electricity sector.
The Supreme Court intervened after the bill was contested, mandating that several provisions of the act would only take effect after the preparation and approval of crucial plans, including:the Preliminary Transfer Plan,the National Electricity Policy and National Tariff Policy, the Annual Power Procurement Plan and t he Long-Term Power System Development Plan
Cabinet’s Response and Committee Formation
In response to these concerns, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the Minister of Energy to appoint a 10-member committee to review the act and recommend amendments.
This initiative aims to address stakeholder concerns and ensure that the act supports a sustainable electricity sector without privatizing current assets.
The committee, chaired by Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, includes experts from various fields, such as power system planning, engineering, state-owned enterprise restructuring, law, and finance. Pubudu Niroshan Hedigallage, Director General of the Power Sector Reforms Secretariat, will serve as the General Secretary, while Chandana Wijayasinghe, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, will act as the Convener.
Members of the Committee
The appointed members bring a mix of academic, industry, and policy expertise, including:
Tilak Siyambalapitiya: Chairman of Ceylon Electricity Board
Janaka Aluthge: Representative from Lanka Electricity Company (LECO)
Athula Rajapakse: Professor, University of Manitoba, and contributor to the 2024 Energy Policy Framework
Lilantha Samaranayake: Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya
Thushara Rathnayake and Indra Mahakalanda: Senior Lecturers, University of Moratuwa
Kosala Kamburadeniya: President-Elect 2024–25, Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL)
The committee is expected to deliver its recommendations within one month.
Government’s Commitment to Energy Reforms
The government, led by the ruling party, has reiterated its commitment to implementing comprehensive electricity sector reforms without privatizing existing assets. During its election campaign, it assured voters of lowering energy costs within a competitive, unbundled market.
The act, passed initially to fulfill conditions for an Asian Development Bank budget support loan, will now be reviewed to ensure it aligns with national objectives and stakeholder interests.
This review underscores the government’s focus on refining its policies to support a sustainable, affordable, and efficient electricity sector while addressing the concerns of various stakeholders.
