February 16, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has declared that her government will not permit the country’s progress to be undermined by those seeking to inflame racial tensions, calling instead for women to take a leading role in shaping a more united and forward-looking Sri Lanka.

She made the remarks while addressing a large gathering of women in Adampan, Mannar District, on 15 February. The meeting brought together community leaders, local representatives and residents from across the district.

In her address, the Prime Minister noted that although women account for more than half of the country’s population, their influence has not always been proportionately reflected in decision-making or public life. She pointed to recent efforts by the government to improve women’s representation and said further progress would depend on women stepping confidently into leadership roles at every level.

Reflecting on the country’s past conflict, Dr Amarasuriya observed that decades of violence and mistrust had left deep scars, particularly among women who had lost family members or were still living with unanswered questions about the fate of loved ones. While the war had formally ended years ago, she said genuine reconciliation required more than silence; it demanded sustained commitment to justice, equality and mutual respect.

The Prime Minister stressed that her administration stands firmly against racism and division, arguing that certain political factions continue to exploit ethnic tensions for personal gain. Such groups, she said, show little interest in tackling corruption, strengthening democratic institutions or ensuring equal application of the law, focusing instead on regaining power.

She also referred to the severe economic crisis of 2022, describing it as the result of prolonged mismanagement and misuse of public resources. By contrast, she said, the present government had stabilised the economy by curbing corruption and reducing waste, enabling the state to respond to recent natural disasters without resorting to further borrowing.

Highlighting reforms in state-owned enterprises, she noted that dairy farmers had recently received a share of profits from Milco for the first time in over two decades. This, she said, demonstrated that with improved governance and financial discipline, public institutions could once again deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

Turning to law enforcement, Dr Amarasuriya identified the spread of narcotics as a serious threat to families and communities. She said the government had empowered the police to act independently and enforce the law without political interference, while the judiciary was being supported to function impartially. No individual, she insisted, would be placed above the law.

The Prime Minister acknowledged continuing concerns about violence against women and children, pledging to strengthen legal protections and expand judicial capacity so that cases could be resolved more swiftly and effectively.

Education reform formed a central part of her speech. She announced that graduate teachers would be recruited this year after a five-year hiatus and deployed to schools where vacancies exist. Efforts were also under way to appoint principals to long-unfilled posts and to upgrade school facilities, including the introduction of smart classrooms in secondary schools. A revised curriculum has already been launched for Grade One pupils.

Emphasising women’s economic contribution, Dr Amarasuriya said that despite their achievements across multiple sectors, many women continue to receive lower wages and face limited support. She called for improved childcare facilities and safer working conditions to enable more women to participate fully in the workforce or pursue self-employment.

Concluding her address, the Prime Minister urged women not to allow the country to slide back into division and instability. The responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s future, she said, rests heavily on their shoulders.

The event was attended by local elected representatives, including Member of Parliament Jegatheeswaran, as well as municipal and divisional council members and a large number of women from across the district.

February 16, Colombo (LNW): School candidates preparing to sit the 2025 G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination have been strongly advised to double-check the official timetable before attending their respective centres.

Commissioner General of Examinations, A. K. S. Indika Kumari Liyanage, issued the reminder during a press briefing held on the eve of the examination, which is due to begin tomorrow (17).

She stressed that only the schedules published through the Department of Examinations’ official website and its verified Facebook page should be treated as authoritative.

According to the Commissioner General, several adjustments have been made to this year’s timetable, particularly affecting the order of subjects scheduled for the fifth through eighth days of the examination.

The revisions, she explained, were introduced to streamline administrative arrangements and improve the overall conduct of the examination process.

She cautioned that relying on outdated or unofficial versions of the timetable could lead to unnecessary confusion or even missed papers. Candidates, parents and school authorities were therefore urged to ensure that they are referring to the most recent and accurate schedule.

More than a hundred thousand pupils across the country are expected to sit the examination this year, making it one of the largest national assessments conducted by the Department. Officials have assured that all logistical arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth and orderly commencement of the examination period.

February 16, Colombo (LNW): Proceedings in the Colombo High Court relating to the controversial ‘Krrish’ project involving Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa have been deferred until February 19.

The matter was taken up before the court today (16), but was postponed after members of the legal profession chose to refrain from appearing, resulting in limited court activity.

Despite the circumstances, Rajapaksa was present in court when the case was called, demonstrating his compliance with the judicial process.

Presiding judges subsequently fixed a new date in February for the continuation of the trial.

The case was instituted by the Attorney General, who alleges that Rajapaksa violated provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. According to the indictment, he is accused of accepting a sum of Rs. 70 million from the Indian firm ‘Krrish’, purportedly for the promotion and development of rugby in Sri Lanka.

February 16, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Central and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Hambantota districts.

Showers or thundershowers are likely at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of 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 will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Batticaloa via Hambantota and Pottuvil. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Galle via Kaluthara in the evening or night.

Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (45-50) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kaluthara to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Kaluthara to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be fairly rough at times. Other sea areas around the island will be moderate.

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

By: Staff Writer

February 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s call for colonial-era reparations has reignited debates over history, justice, and accountability. While the Foreign Minister pushes for compensation from former imperial powers and the return of cultural artifacts, experts warn against overstating colonial responsibility for modern economic failures.

Historical Context Matters

The debate mirrors India’s well-known reparations argument popularized by Shashi Tharoor. India suffered dramatic economic decline under British rule, losing industrial capacity, enduring famines, and seeing literacy and life expectancy stagnate. These claims are evidence-based and historically verifiable.

Sri Lanka’s Unique Colonial Experience

Sri Lanka’s pre-colonial economy, however, was never globally dominant. While British policies distorted land use and economic priorities, historians find no evidence of large-scale industrial collapse or engineered famine comparable to India. Experts highlight that post-independence governance failures including fiscal mismanagement, corruption, weak institutions, and ethnically driven policy decisions are far more significant drivers of the country’s current crises.

Targeted Reparations for Indian Tamil Workers

A defensible claim exists in the case of Indian Tamil estate workers. Brought to Sri Lanka under harsh colonial labor conditions, they endured starvation wages, poor housing, and systemic exclusion from citizenship and political rights after independence. Their intergenerational suffering is directly linked to colonial policies and post-independence state neglect.

Cultural Restitution Remains Valid

Meanwhile, efforts to reclaim Sri Lankan artifacts from British museums remain a legitimate, separate pursuit. Returning these objects can bolster cultural identity and advance historical justice.

Conclusion

Analysts argue that credible engagement with history requires separating colonial exploitation from post-independence mismanagement. By focusing on evidence-based reparations claims and confronting domestic governance failures honestly, Sri Lanka can strengthen its moral and historical credibility, avoid importing narratives from other countries, and pursue both justice and cultural restitution effectively.