February 16, Colombo (LNW): The relentless dry weather sweeping across Sri Lanka is forecast to continue throughout the remainder of the month, according to the Department of Meteorology.
Meteorologist Malith Fernando has confirmed that the prevailing hot and arid conditions are expected to affect many regions in the coming days, with little relief in sight.
Compared to the previous week, the perceived temperatures have risen markedly, and intense heat is predicted, particularly during the midday hours.
With little to no rain expected, the public is being urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to cope with the extreme heat and dryness.
To help mitigate the adverse effects of the extreme heat, the Meteorology Department has issued several guidelines for the public.
It is advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the sun’s rays are at their harshest.
Experts recommend increasing fluid intake, staying hydrated with water and beverages that replenish lost fluids, and avoiding dry, salty foods that can worsen dehydration.
In addition, it is important to ensure good ventilation in homes and workplaces to promote air circulation and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, who are at greater risk of heatstroke or dehydration.
Authorities also warn of the heightened risk of forest fires during such dry spells and encourage the public to exercise caution in rural areas.
Small sparks or careless handling of fires can easily escalate into large, uncontrollable blazes in these dry conditions.
With extreme heat and dry weather expected to persist for the remainder of the month, it is crucial that everyone takes the necessary precautions to protect their health and well-being during this challenging period.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): Police Media Spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manatunga has firmly reiterated that a foreign travel ban remains in place for Daisy Forrest, who is implicated in the ongoing money laundering investigation involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa.
This statement comes in response to earlier claims made by attorney-at-law Premanath Dolawatte, who had suggested that no such travel restriction was ordered by the Kaduwela Magistrate.
Dolawatte further alleged that SSP Manatunga had violated legal protocols by disclosing information that had not been officially sanctioned by the court.
However, SSP Manatunga responded publicly on Saturday (15), asserting that he had provided accurate information regarding the matter.
He clarified that the travel ban against Forrest had indeed been issued and remains enforceable, underlining that the police had followed due procedure in relation to the investigation.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its connection to high-profile individuals, and the dispute over the foreign travel ban has only added to the public’s scrutiny of the ongoing investigation.
Whilst the legal representatives involved continue to debate the validity of the travel restriction, SSP Manatunga remains steadfast in his position, emphasising that the police are acting in accordance with the law and judicial orders.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): The highly anticipated 2025 Government Budget will be presented to the Sri Lankan Parliament tomorrow (17), marking a significant moment as it will be the first budget under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration.
Parliament is set to convene at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow for the presentation of the budget speech, which will outline the government’s financial plans and priorities for the upcoming year.
In the lead-up to the budget presentation, President Dissanayake chaired a crucial meeting on February 13 to finalise the details of the budget. The session was attended by several key ministers and senior officials, including Mahinda Siriwardana, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance.
The discussions focused on finalising the key elements of the budget and ensuring alignment with the government’s broader economic and social goals.
Earlier this year, on January 09, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya introduced the Appropriation Bill, which serves to allocate funds for government expenditure for the 2025 financial year.
The budget speech, or second reading of the bill, will take place tomorrow, and the subsequent debate will run from February 18 to 25, lasting a total of seven days. A vote on the second reading will be held on February 25 at 6:00 p.m.
Following the second reading, the Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill will span 19 days, including four Saturdays, from February 27 to March 21. The final vote on the third reading of the bill is scheduled for March 21 at 6:00 p.m.
During the debate, daily sessions will run from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a half-hour window from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. allocated for questions for oral answers. Motions at adjournment time will be scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the exception of February 25 and March 21, when votes are to be held.
In his remarks at a Cabinet press briefing on November 26, 2024, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa highlighted that the 2025 budget would be crafted with an emphasis on bolstering public trust and advancing national development in line with the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people.
In this regard, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal from President Dissanayake, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to ensure that the 2025 budget aligns with the various projects and initiatives identified by each ministry.
Furthermore, it will adhere strictly to the expenditure guidelines outlined by the Public Finance Management Act, No. 44 of 2024, and the Government Policy Statement.
The government is committed to a transparent and strategic financial plan that meets the expectations of the public while fostering long-term growth and stability for the nation.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): A notorious criminal, along with his wife, who had been evading justice by hiding in a foreign country, has been successfully brought back to Sri Lanka.
The 30-year-old suspect, a Colombo resident, faces multiple serious charges, including involvement in murder and other violent crimes.
Authorities have confirmed that he has now been returned to the island after an extensive manhunt that spanned several months.
According to police sources, the fugitive was a key figure in an organised crime syndicate and had been wanted for a series of heinous offences.
The repatriation was part of a broader initiative by Sri Lankan authorities aimed at bringing back individuals involved in organised crime who have fled overseas to avoid arrest and prosecution.
The ongoing operation, which is focused on tracking down and extraditing criminals, is being coordinated by the Sri Lankan police in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.
Officials have expressed their commitment to ensuring that those who have evaded justice are held accountable for their crimes, regardless of where they may attempt to hide.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has revealed plans to set up an Education Council aimed at revolutionising the teacher training system in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the inauguration of the refurbished library at the Kopay Teacher’s College, Dr Amarasuriya emphasised the crucial role the new council will play in improving and regulating the quality of education across the country.
The council, according to the Prime Minister, will work to modernise and streamline the teacher training process, ensuring that educators are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the evolving needs of students.
Dr Amarasuriya acknowledged the growing demand for a more robust and forward-thinking teacher training programme, underscoring the importance of enhancing both the scope and capacity of the current system.
In her speech, the Prime Minister stressed that a strong and well-organised framework for teacher development is essential for achieving long-term educational goals.
By creating a dedicated council, the government hopes to bring greater structure and consistency to the training process, with the ultimate aim of raising educational standards nationwide.
The opening of the upgraded library at the Kopay Teacher’s College, a key institution for teacher education in the Northern Province, further underscores the government’s commitment to improving the educational infrastructure.
The new library facilities are expected to provide a modern space for both learning and research, helping to support future educators in their professional development.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): Thirteen Sri Lankans who had been forcibly held in cybercrime camps across Myanmar have reportedly been freed, with authorities confirming their safety.
The group includes 11 young men and two women, all aged between 20 and 30. They are currently in good health, and plans are underway for their transfer from the Thai border to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangkok.
Once at the embassy, arrangements will be made to return them to Sri Lanka in the coming days.
The successful rescue operation marks a significant step forward, though four other Sri Lankans are still being detained in separate camps in Myanmar.
Sources within Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry have stated that efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives are ongoing, with diplomats working tirelessly to negotiate their freedom.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has been actively involved in the rescue efforts, recently engaging in high-level talks with both the Thai Foreign Minister and Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister.
Herath’s appeal for assistance in freeing those trapped in cybercrime operations has seemingly borne fruit, with the latest developments seen as a positive outcome of these diplomatic exchanges.
Despite the progress, officials remain focused on ensuring the safe return of the remaining Sri Lankans. Further diplomatic measures are expected in the coming days as the situation unfolds.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): Mainly dry weather will prevail over most parts of the island, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (16).
A cold weather can be expected in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western and Central provinces during the early morning.
Misty conditions can be expected at several places in the island during the morning.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Mainly fair weather will prevail over sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 40 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Mannar via Puttalam and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending fromColombo to Mannar via Puttalam and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be fairly rough at times.
Some of the Chamber Executives hold key jobs in the AKD Administration
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has traditionally played a key role in shaping Sri Lanka’s economic policies. However, in recent years, it has increasingly been perceived as a politically engaged entity according to Chamber analysts , leveraging its influence to steer policy decisions in favor of its key stakeholders. Under the leadership of figures like Duminda Hulangamuwa, the CCC has adopted a more strategic approach in engaging with the presidency, actively maneuvering economic and tax policies to align with its preferred economic agenda. For President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD), who lacks prior business or economic and oversees experience, the CCCs outreach presented an opportunity to gain economic insights. However, sources suggest that he may have placed undue trust in the Chamber’s narrative. Also that there are several other chambers in the country. Who do their and stay out of politics. This led to the appointment of the CCC Chairman as his Economic Advisordespite concerns within his party about the Chamber’s alignment with elite business interests.
CCC Chairman
Notably, the CCC Chairman is set to retire from his main Jobposition and the Chamber presidency in the coming months. Finance Ministry insiders indicate that he is eyeing the position of Finance Ministry Secretary, currently held by Mahinda Siriwardana. However, resistance is mounting within the JVP hierarchy, given Hulangamuwa’s past associations with Dr P.B. Jayasundara and later Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Neutrality
Historically, the CCC has positioned itself as a neutral business advocacy platform, offering policy recommendations that support economic stability, trade facilitation, and investment growth. However, its current trajectory suggests a deeper entanglement in political decision-making particularly in shaping the President’s economic strategy. While its influence has resulted in pro-business reforms, concerns are emerging about governance, economic equity, and policy neutrality. This shift has also affected the Chamber’s ability to navigate between the public and private sectors as a key policy influencer. With the CCC increasingly seen as having vested interests in governance structures, other chambers may now have an opportunity to step up as more credible policy advocates.
Future
Amid Sri Lanka’s fragile economic landscape, President AKD faces the critical challenge of balancing business interests with broader economic stability. The CCCs growing political engagement places pressure on him to align policies with the Chamber’s priorities particularly in areas such as corporate taxation, financial regulations, and trade liberalization. While pro-business policies are essential for economic recovery, the CCC’s increasing influence, including its acceptance of unpaid government advisory roles and executive , raises concerns about the potential for policy imbalances. If the AKD government leans too heavily toward private sector interests without addressing social equity and economic inclusivity, the country risks widening wealth disparities and regulatory imbalances. Over time, the President may face backlash from within his own party, while private sector advisors, as is common in Sri Lanka, will seamlessly transition to advising the next political administration.
February 15, World (LNW): In the midst of escalating ideological battles, one of the most compelling paradoxes of contemporary American politics lies in the figure of Scott Bessent, the openly gay Treasury Secretary under Donald Trump.
Bessent’s ascension to the second most powerful position in the Trump administration, following Vice President J.D. Vance, presents a striking contradiction in the broader political landscape, particularly within the “Make America Great Again!” (MAGA) movement that has increasingly sought to curtail LGBTQIA+ rights, especially for transgender individuals.
Bessent, a wealthy hedge fund manager and former associate of political figures like George Soros, was a key donor to Trump’s 2024 campaign, and his role as Secretary of the Treasury was announced shortly after the former president’s victory. In doing so, Trump positioned Bessent not only as the face of a new economic agenda but also as the highest-ranking openly LGBTQIA+ individual in American history, becoming a symbolic representative of the American Dream.
However, Bessent’s high-profile nomination sits uncomfortably with the prevailing policies endorsed by Trump’s administration, particularly the MAGA movement’s growing influence over Republican agendas that undermine LGBTQIA+ rights.
In stark contrast to Bessent’s personal identity, the policies endorsed by the Trump administration have veered sharply in the direction of social conservatism, with a particular focus on dismantling protections for transgender individuals and restricting access to healthcare for LGBTQIA+ people.
These efforts are championed by powerful voices in the Grand Old Party (GOP), notably members of the MAGA base who continue to push a reactionary social agenda that directly contradicts the values of equality and inclusivity that the LGBTQIA+ community has fought for over the last several decades.
The Idaho House’s recent passage of a bill urging the Supreme Court to reverse the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, which legalised same-sex marriage in 2015, serves as a chilling example of the political climate that Bessent, despite his personal affiliations, now finds himself aligned with.
This bill, which was officially approved with backing from both the state’s GOP leadership and key elements of the MAGA movement, aims to strip legal recognition from same-sex unions in the state and could ultimately set a precedent for a wider push to unravel the gains made by the LGBTQIA+ community in recent years.
Given that Bessent holds one of the most influential positions in American politics, one might wonder how his personal identity aligns with the broader ideological forces that his administration supports.
Bessent is married to John Freeman, a former New York City prosecutor, and the couple live with their two children in Charleston, South Carolina. His appointment raises difficult questions about the intersection of personal identity and political power.
Whilst his position as an openly gay public figure in such a high-profile role could be seen as a victory for LGBTQIA+ visibility, the policies that the Trump administration champions—especially in regard to the restriction of civil rights for transgender individuals—call into question the sincerity of this representation.
Bessent himself may remain largely silent on the contentious social issues surrounding his administration, perhaps focusing on his economic mandate, but his silence cannot wholly shield him from criticism. His support for Trump’s political platform—despite the direct contradiction to his own identity—becomes an emblematic example of the ways in which oligarchical interests can overlook social justice in the pursuit of wealth and power.
There is also an undeniable irony in Bessent’s appointment in the context of the Trump Administration’s so-called “WOKE” policies, a term often weaponised by right-wing figures to mock progressive movements for social justice. In this environment, Bessent becomes a symbol of the contradictions inherent in the intersection of personal ambition and political power, particularly for someone who resides in a privileged position of wealth and influence.
In effect, his success within the administration, despite the MAGA movement’s attacks on LGBTQIA+ rights, echoes the uncomfortable reality that policy, identity, and morality are often subordinate to the political and financial interests of the elite.
The growing tension between the push for civil rights and the political priorities of those in power has been starkly highlighted by the passage of bills like the one in Idaho, and the increasingly hostile rhetoric surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues. Bessent’s role in the Trump administration provides a chilling reminder that progress for marginalised communities can be undone by those who wield power, even when they seem to share an identity with those they are working to oppress.
His participation in this administration reveals the uncomfortable truth that in politics, one’s personal identity can often be secondary to the broader ideological and financial goals of the elite—goals that are more than willing to sacrifice the rights of minorities for the sake of power.
Thus, as Scott Bessent continues to occupy his role as Treasury Secretary in a government that has been increasingly hostile to the LGBTQIA+ community, his situation serves as a potent symbol of the hypocrisy that can arise when personal identity and oligarchical interests intersect.
In the face of an administration bent on eradicating the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly the dismissal of transgender individuals from sports and the military and the banning of gender-affirming healthcare for trans-identified minors, Bessent’s role invites us to reflect on the delicate balance between progress, power, and the often incompatible nature of identity politics and financial ambition.
Colombo, February 14 – Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, will participate in the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), scheduled to take place from February 16–17, 2025, in Muscat, Oman.
The Indian Ocean Conference, a flagship forum for nations in the Indian Ocean region, is organized annually by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with the India Foundation. This year’s edition is being held in partnership with Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the theme: “Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.”
Minister Herath is scheduled to address the first plenary session on February 16, focusing on regional maritime security, economic integration, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region.
The conference will bring together ministers and officials from over 60 countries and international organizations. In addition to his address, Minister Herath will hold bilateral discussions with regional counterparts on strengthening economic partnerships and maritime cooperation.
Sri Lanka has played a significant role in previous IOC meetings, having hosted the second edition in Colombo in 2017.
