February 12, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy has secured almost US$600,000 in foreign exchange over a four-month period by extending security-related services to international merchant shipping, marking a notable boost to state revenue.
According to Director General of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral Harsha de Silva, the initiative — introduced in early October 2025 — has generated US$598,250 through formal arrangements with overseas private maritime security firms. The scheme was launched on October 03 as part of a broader strategy to capitalise on Sri Lanka’s strategic position along key Indian Ocean shipping routes.
Speaking at a media briefing, Rear Admiral de Silva explained that the Navy provides logistical coordination and operational facilitation for armed security teams deployed aboard commercial vessels transiting regional waters. These services include embarkation and disembarkation support, secure handling of equipment, and regulatory clearances in line with international maritime standards.
He noted that the programme has opened up a fresh stream of dollar earnings at a time when foreign exchange generation remains a national priority. The initiative also strengthens collaboration between Sri Lanka and global maritime stakeholders, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a reliable hub for shipping and related services.
Naval officials indicated that demand for such support services has been steadily rising, particularly amid heightened security concerns in certain sea lanes. Plans are reportedly under consideration to expand the scheme further, potentially increasing revenue while ensuring strict compliance with maritime law and safety protocols.
The Navy emphasised that all operations are conducted under close supervision and in accordance with both domestic regulations and international maritime conventions.
Navy Earns Close to US$600,000 Through Maritime Security Support Scheme
Deputy Health Minister Calls for Monthly Audits to Safeguard Medicine Supplies
February 12, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hansaka Wijemuni has proposed the introduction of mandatory monthly drug review sessions across all state hospitals in a bid to prevent recurring shortages of essential medicines.
Speaking during an निरीinspection tour of the Matara District General Hospital, Dr Wijemuni said a more structured monitoring mechanism was urgently needed to ensure patients are not affected by supply disruptions. He observed that periodic assessments would enable hospital administrators to detect looming shortages well in advance and take corrective measures without delay.
According to the Deputy Minister, the proposed monthly meetings would bring together hospital directors, pharmacists and procurement officers to examine current stock levels, forecast demand and address bottlenecks in distribution. Where necessary, he suggested that regional procurement mechanisms could be activated swiftly to fill urgent gaps.
Dr Wijemuni stressed that maintaining a stable reserve of critical medicines — particularly those used in emergency care and chronic disease management — must be treated as a national priority. He noted that inconsistent supplies not only undermine patient confidence but also place additional strain on already stretched medical staff.
He further explained that the Ministry of Health is in the process of refining the operations of the Medical Supplies Division, with a focus on improving forecasting systems, enhancing coordination between central and regional stores, and reducing delays in delivery.
Hospital officials in Matara reportedly welcomed the initiative, stating that a regular review framework would improve accountability and transparency in the handling of pharmaceutical stocks. The Deputy Minister indicated that similar inspection visits would continue across other districts as part of a broader drive to strengthen the country’s public healthcare system.
JVP Delegation Engages Indian Leaders to Deepen Tourism, Trade and Technology Links
February 12, Colombo (LNW): A delegation from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), headed by its General Secretary Tilvin Silva, has held a series of high-level meetings in India aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in tourism, cultural exchange and economic development.
During a visit to Kerala on Wednesday, the group met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to explore avenues for expanding tourism flows between Sri Lanka and the southern Indian state. Discussions also centred on enhancing people-to-people ties and promoting cultural collaboration, reflecting what both sides described as a shared historical and social heritage across the region.
The delegation’s itinerary included tours of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the strategically significant Vizhinjam International Seaport. The visits offered insight into India’s progress in space technology, maritime infrastructure and the rapidly developing blue economy. Observers noted that such exposure could inform Sri Lanka’s own ambitions in science, port development and ocean-based industries.
In a separate engagement earlier in the week, Mr Silva and his colleagues called on Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. The talks reportedly focused on expanding trade, industrial cooperation and tourism exchanges. Mr Patel expressed confidence that ties between India and Sri Lanka have grown closer in recent years and emphasised the importance of sustaining momentum in regional partnerships.
Mr Silva, for his part, highlighted Gujarat’s structured policy framework and sector-specific development strategies, suggesting that aspects of the model could offer useful lessons for Sri Lanka. He also underlined the potential for joint ventures and institutional collaboration, particularly in manufacturing and infrastructure.
The delegation is understood to have conveyed appreciation for India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during challenging economic periods, including support for key development projects. Encouraging greater tourist arrivals from Indian states such as Kerala and Gujarat to Sri Lanka was also a prominent theme throughout the visit.
Political analysts view the tour as part of a broader effort to reinforce diplomatic engagement at both national and state levels, signalling a pragmatic approach to regional cooperation in South Asia.
Police Issue Warning Over Fake Emails Impersonating CID Director
February 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police have alerted the public to a fraudulent email campaign in which unknown individuals are posing as the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Shani Abeysekara.
In a statement released by the Police Media Division, authorities confirmed that a series of deceptive emails have been circulated under the false pretence of being official communication from the CID. The department has categorically denied issuing or authorising any such messages.
Investigators say the emails originated from suspicious addresses, including [[email protected]]and [[email protected]], and are believed to have been designed to mislead recipients. Officials suspect the scheme may be aimed at extracting sensitive personal details, facilitating financial scams, or otherwise defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.
Police have since launched a formal inquiry to trace those responsible for the impersonation and to bring them before the courts. Cybercrime units are also said to be examining whether the fraudulent emails are linked to any broader network of online scams.
Members of the public have been strongly advised to remain vigilant and to avoid responding to unsolicited emails requesting personal, banking or confidential information. Authorities further reminded citizens that official correspondence from the CID is conducted through verified government channels and not via generic email accounts.
Anyone who has received a suspicious message or may have shared information in response to such communication is encouraged to report the matter promptly to the nearest police station or through official cybercrime reporting platforms.
Committee Clears Landmark Bill to End Parliamentary Pensions
February 12, Colombo (LNW): A key parliamentary watchdog has given the green light to proposed legislation that would bring an end to pension entitlements for Members of Parliament, marking a significant shift in the country’s political framework.
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection approved the draft Bill without opposition at a recent sitting, according to its Chair, MP Najith Indika. The move paves the way for the legislation to be debated and voted on in Parliament in the coming days.
Mr Indika described the decision as a decisive step towards honouring a central promise made by the current administration during its election campaign. He noted that scrapping parliamentary pensions had featured prominently in the government’s policy platform, framed as part of a broader effort to reform political privileges and restore public trust.
Under the proposed law, the long-standing Parliamentary Pensions Act No. 1 of 1977 would be repealed. If the Bill secures parliamentary approval, MPs will no longer qualify for a lifetime pension after completing a minimum period of service — a benefit that has long drawn criticism from civil society groups and sections of the public.
Addressing reporters, Indika said the reform would redefine parliamentary service as a role rooted firmly in public duty rather than personal entitlement. He argued that the change reflects an evolving political culture, one that demands greater accountability and transparency from elected representatives.
This is about aligning our actions with the commitments we made to the electorate, he remarked, adding that the government intends to pursue further measures aimed at curbing excessive perks and reinforcing ethical standards in public office.
Observers suggest the Bill could spark wider debate on the remuneration and privileges of public officials, particularly at a time when economic pressures have heightened scrutiny over state expenditure.
Sri Lanka Voices Support for Canada Following Violent School Shooting
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By: Isuru Parakrama
February 12, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has formally expressed its deepest sympathies to the Canadian people following the devastating loss of life in British Columbia.
Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath issued a poignant statement on Thursday (12), conveying the island nation’s solidarity with those mourning in the wake of a shooting that claimed nine lives and left at least 25 individuals requiring urgent medical treatment.
The Minister remarked that his thoughts were firmly with the bereaved families, offering prayers for the resilience and recovery of the local community during such a dark hour for the Commonwealth nation.
The investigation into the carnage at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School has identified the perpetrator as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old student. Local constabulary confirmed that the teenager was discovered deceased at the educational facility from a self-inflicted wound after the rampage.
The scale of the tragedy extended beyond the school grounds; while six victims were targeted at the campus, the bodies of the suspect’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old step-brother were later uncovered at a residential property nearby.
Federal authorities are currently grappling with the complexity of the case as they attempt to establish a definitive motive for the violence. Details regarding the suspect’s background have begun to surface, with officials noting that while Van Rootselaar was male at birth, they had more recently adopted a female identity.
Internet was laser-quick to establish hate and anti-trans rhetoric against the perpetrator, propagating speculation in the making of the queer community a target of online prejudice and discrimination. While the alleged crime remains a call for justice in the court of law, scapegoating marginalised communities based on the act of one should be considered unwarranted.
Deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at a school in British Columbia, Canada. On behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
— Vijitha Herath (@HMVijithaHerath) February 11, 2026
Our thoughts and…
Fairly heavy showers above 50mm expected in several districts (Feb 12)
February 12, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Central, Uva, Eastern and North-central provinces and in Hambantota district, with fairly heavy falls above 50 mm likely at some places in Nuwara-Eliya, Matale, Badulla and Polonnaruwa districts, the Department of Meteorology said today (12).
Several spells of showers will occur in Northern province.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere after 2.00 p.m. Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western 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 may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Kankasanthurai via Pottuvil and Trincomalee. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island 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 Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar 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.
Virtusa and Wiley Form a Multi-Year Partnership to Accelerate Wiley’s Technology Transformation
Virtusa Corporation, a global leader in digital business strategy and AI-led product and platform engineering, and Wiley (NYSE: WLY), a global leader in authoritative content and research intelligence for the advancement of scientific discovery, innovation, and learning, today announced a multi-year managed services partnership under which Virtusa will provide infrastructure and application services and support Wiley’s strategic technology initiatives.
The partnership represents an important first step in accelerating Wiley’s technology transformation to better serve customers and to drive innovation, productivity gains and cost efficiencies. As a result, Wiley will free up capital for high-return investments and enable its technology teams to concentrate on developing next-generation customer platforms and AI-powered solutions that create competitive advantage in its markets.
“Our collaboration with Virtusa represents a true transformation for Wiley, allowing us to write a new chapter in technology for our company,” said Andrew Weber, Wiley’s executive vice president, technology and operations. “It will lead to material operational efficiencies and cost savings, help us modernize how we manage enterprise technology and allow our teams to focus on product innovation that benefits our customers and stakeholders.”
Virtusa brings deep expertise in technology transformation and a proven track record of helping organizations modernize their operations. The company provides industrial-scale capabilities and access to market-leading automation and AI platforms, including Virtusa Helio, a suite of platform powered AI-native services that deliver domain driven solutions across enterprise applications and infrastructure.
“This partnership represents an important milestone for Virtusa as we support leading organizations in their technology transformation journeys,” said Nitesh Banga, president & CEO at Virtusa. “We are pleased to be partnering with Wiley to streamline Wiley’s technology operations and create a focused engine for innovation that will help propel its strategic transformation goals going forward.”
As part of this collaboration, Virtusa has assumed ownership of Wiley’s Sri Lanka technology operation. With over three decades of innovation and delivery experience in Sri Lanka, Virtusa has an established presence and expertise that will provide continuity to Wiley’s technology operations as the company optimizes its technology foundation and positions itself to respond more rapidly to evolving customer needs.
Photo Caption:
The Leadership Teams of Virtusa and Wiley at the Announcement of Divesture.
From L to R:
Denver De Zylva – Senior Vice President, Facilities & Sustainability, Virtusa; Inoka Dias – Senior Director, HR, Virtusa; Shehan Warusavithana – Senior Vice President, Enterprise Applications Group, Virtusa; Andrew Weber – Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, Wiley; Mehul Trivedi – Group Vice President, Software & Data Engineering, Wiley; Sumit Kaushik – Executive Vice President, BU Head, Virtusa; Amit Bajoria – Chief Financial Officer, Virtusa; Mohit Sharma – Senior Vice President, BU Head, Virtusa; and Ramanan Gunendran – Vice President, Delivery Head Sri Lanka, Virtusa.
About Wiley
Wiley (NYSE: WLY) is a global leader in authoritative content and research intelligence for the advancement of scientific discovery, innovation, and learning. With more than 200 years at the center of the scholarly ecosystem, Wiley combines trusted publishing heritage with AI-powered platforms to transform how knowledge is discovered, accessed, and applied. From individual researchers and students to Fortune 500 R&D teams, Wiley enables the transformation of scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. From knowledge to impact—Wiley is redefining what’s possible in science and learning. Visit us at Wiley.com and Investors.Wiley.com. Follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Wiley Media Contact:
[email protected]
About Virtusa
Virtusa is a global product and platform engineering services company that makes experiences better with technology. We help organizations grow faster, more profitably, and more sustainably by reimagining enterprises through domain-driven solutions. We combine strategy, design, and engineering, backed by unmatched expertise at the intersection of industry, business, and technology to generate real-world business impact for clients.
Headquartered in Massachusetts with global delivery centers, Virtusa provides a broad range of services, solutions, and assets, including strategy and design, AI advisory and services, digital engineering, data and analytics, digital assurance, cloud and security, and managed services across industries such as financial services, healthcare, communications, media, entertainment, travel, manufacturing, and technology.
Virtusa is a registered trademark of Virtusa Corporation. All other company and brand names may be trademarks or service marks of their respective holders.
Media Contact:
Paul Lesinski
Edelman
(971) 226-5299
Corruption’s Heavy Price Resulting in Public Sector Failures Dragging Economy
Sri Lanka’s economic recovery in 2026 continues to be undermined by entrenched public sector corruption, with new official data exposing deep procedural failures across key State institutions. The latest Progress Report of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for 2025 paints a sobering picture of systemic weaknesses that directly affect investor confidence, public revenue, and service delivery.
The report reveals that CIABOC received 8,409 complaints during 2025, a volume that underscores the scale of public distrust in State institutions. Yet structural limitations remain evident. More than 3,600 complaints were dismissed at the preliminary stage due to insufficient evidence or jurisdictional constraints, highlighting gaps in both reporting mechanisms and investigative capacity.
Enforcement outcomes remain modest when weighed against the scale of alleged wrongdoing. While the commission carried out 130 raids and arrested 84 suspects, operational effectiveness was inconsistent, with nearly half of the raids yielding limited results. Only 115 new cases were filed during the year, and by the end of 2025, over 300 cases remained pending across the court system. This backlog continues to fuel perceptions of delay and impunity.
CIABOC Chairman Justice Neil Iddawela has acknowledged these challenges, announcing a strategic shift under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023. The commission is transitioning from a passive, complaint-driven model to a more proactive investigative authority, with a stronger focus on complex financial crimes such as money laundering and unexplained wealth.
However, watchdog groups argue that legislative reform alone will not deliver results. Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has repeatedly warned that weak enforcement, limited political will, and institutional inertia continue to undermine anti-corruption efforts. It has flagged the absence of a centralised beneficial ownership registry as a critical loophole, limiting the State’s ability to trace illicit financial flows and verify asset declarations of public officials.
The economic consequences are far-reaching. Corruption in revenue agencies, local government bodies, and law enforcement erodes tax collection, distorts public spending, and raises the cost of doing business. The CIABOC report documents arrests across the police force, judiciary, local authorities, and the Inland Revenue Department institutions central to economic governance and rule of law.
High-profile arrests, including former ministers, Members of Parliament, and heads of State-owned enterprises, signal an effort to pursue accountability at senior levels. Yet analysts caution that without timely prosecutions and convictions, these actions risk being viewed as symbolic rather than transformative.
The investigation into the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), where millions of rupees in alleged illicit collections were uncovered, has become emblematic of everyday corruption affecting citizens and businesses alike. Delays, bribes, and opaque systems raise transaction costs and discourage formal economic activity.
As Sri Lanka seeks stability and growth in 2026, restoring trust in public institutions remains as critical as fiscal reform. Without credible enforcement and transparency, corruption will continue to function as an invisible tax one the economy can ill afford.
Colombo Port’s Next Act: Can Expansion Power Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival?
As Sri Lanka struggles to sustain its fragile economic recovery, the Port of Colombo has re-emerged as a critical national asset one that policymakers believe can deliver growth, foreign exchange, and regional relevance. The Government’s renewed emphasis on port expansion, technology upgrades, and global partnerships signals a strategic bet: that maritime trade can once again anchor the island’s economy.
Speaking at the Terminal Technology and Trade Engagement 2026 in Colombo, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka reaffirmed the State’s commitment to strengthening the ports sector, describing it as a national priority rather than a standalone infrastructure project. His message was clear: Colombo’s status as South Asia’s leading transshipment hub must be defended and enhanced through timely policy decisions and operational reform.
The Port of Colombo has already embarked on a major expansion programme, including new terminals and upgraded facilities aimed at handling larger vessels and higher cargo volumes. These developments are designed to keep Colombo competitive against fast-growing regional rivals such as Indian and Middle Eastern ports. Government officials argue that efficient transshipment services not only generate revenue for the Ports Authority but also lower logistics costs for exporters and importers across the economy.
However, expansion alone is no longer enough. With fiscal constraints limiting large-scale public spending, attention has shifted toward improving productivity within existing infrastructure. Karunathilaka acknowledged that efficiency gaps remain a pressing concern, especially as global shipping lines demand faster turnaround times and predictable service standards.
This reality has pushed the Government to court foreign investment more aggressively, particularly through public-private partnerships. Officials say a more consistent and investor-friendly policy framework is essential to attract global terminal operators and logistics firms. Without such partnerships, Sri Lanka risks falling behind in a region where port modernisation is accelerating rapidly.
International cooperation is also playing a growing role. Technical assistance delivered through the Colombo Plan’s Maritime Advisory Program has supported training, port security enhancements, and operational upgrades at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Engagements with US and other international technology providers are helping local operators understand global best practices in terminal automation and digital systems.
Despite global trade volatility and lingering economic pressures at home, the Government remains confident that port-led growth can continue. Colombo’s ambition is not merely to retain its regional ranking but to emerge as a major Asian transshipment hub. Whether that vision materialises will depend on how effectively expansion, efficiency, and investment are aligned—at a time when the margin for error is narrow.