July 13, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has emphasised the importance of broad-based support for the government’s upcoming overhaul of the national education system, stating that successful reform requires the active involvement of educators, administrators, and parents alike.

Speaking at the launch of a new series of awareness sessions focused on education reform, Dr Amarasuriya underlined that the existing model is no longer adequate for the needs of a modern society. She pointed to longstanding structural issues—such as unfilled teaching and leadership positions, outdated infrastructure, and gaps in educational administration—that must be tackled head-on in order to achieve meaningful change.

“Transforming education cannot be approached as a standalone initiative,” the Prime Minister remarked. “It must be part of a wider effort to ensure that every child, regardless of location or background, has access to quality learning and a supportive school environment.”

The inaugural session of the reform awareness series took place at the North Central Provincial Council and was attended by education officials across provincial, zonal, and divisional levels. These sessions aim to prepare stakeholders for the sweeping changes planned for implementation in 2026.

Dr Amarasuriya stressed the importance of building consensus and promoting shared responsibility. She noted that while policy changes are essential, the success of reforms ultimately hinges on the daily commitment of those on the ground—teachers in classrooms, principals managing schools, and parents guiding their children’s learning.

With educational reform positioned as a national priority, the government is expected to roll out a series of regionally focused discussions and workshops, ensuring that input from local communities is reflected in both planning and execution.

The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s determination to make the country’s education system more equitable, resilient, and future-ready.

By: Staff Writer

July 13, Colombo (LNW): The government is set to appoint a special committee within the next month to investigate alleged corruption and irregularities surrounding the legal proceedings linked to the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster, which caused one of the worst environmental crises in Sri Lanka’s history. This move was announced by Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendige.

The proposed committee will delve into the legal aftermath of the 2021 disaster, scrutinizing agreements made by the government and the effectiveness of compensation claims lodged on behalf of affected communities and the environment. It will also evaluate the controversial decision to permit the vessel’s entry into the Port of Colombo shortly before the incident.

The Singapore-flagged container ship X-Press Pearl caught fire and sank off the coast of Negombo on May 20, 2021, while carrying a cargo of hazardous chemicals including nitric acid and plastic pellets. The disaster caused widespread damage to marine ecosystems, polluted coastal waters, and devastated local fishing communities.

In its wake, thousands of complaints have been made regarding the government’s management of legal procedures and recovery of damages. Compensation efforts have been criticized for being inadequate. While the ship’s insurer has disbursed over Rs. 3,068 million for the fishing sector, only Rs. 1,463 million has been distributed so far across three rounds. A fourth round involving Rs. 1,605 million is expected soon, according to the Ministry of Fisheries.

However, environmental groups and legal experts argue that the insurance payout falls significantly short of the actual damages suffered. Legal action is still ongoing in Singapore and Australia, where Sri Lanka continues to push for a larger settlement.

In addition to economic losses, the ecological toll has been profound. Over 200 dead sea turtles were found along Sri Lanka’s coastline in the months following the incident. While some officials initially pointed to seasonal patterns during the ‘warakan’ monsoon period, investigations by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) confirmed that the deaths were directly linked to the toxic pollutants released from the burning and sinking vessel. Post-mortem reports showed traumatic brain injuries and other signs consistent with chemical exposure.

Former Coast Conservation Minister Nalaka Godahewa had initially downplayed the turtle deaths, citing the need to compare seasonal mortality statistics. However, expert findings have strongly implicated the maritime disaster.

The long-term environmental consequences remain a pressing concern. The incident led to the destruction of coral reefs, contamination of fishing areas, and significant marine biodiversity loss. More than 20,000 fishing families suffered livelihood disruptions, bringing renewed attention to the need for stronger maritime disaster preparedness and enforcement of environmental safeguards.

Environmentalists and maritime experts argue that Sri Lanka’s current legal and regulatory frameworks were ill-equipped to handle a disaster of this magnitude. The upcoming special committee is expected to recommend reforms to prevent similar disasters in the future and ensure transparency and accountability in legal proceedings.

With pressure mounting from civil society, legal circles, and affected communities, the government’s latest move may mark a crucial step toward justice and environmental restoration—if followed through with transparency and decisive action.

July 13, Colombo (LNW): Eric Meyer, a seasoned American diplomat, has been nominated to serve as the next Ambassador of the United States to Sri Lanka.

The nomination, announced by the White House, marks the latest diplomatic appointment by President Donald Trump, who has formally submitted Meyer’s name to the U.S. Senate for confirmation.

Meyer, a native of California and a long-serving member of the Senior Foreign Service, currently leads regional policy efforts as the Senior Bureau Official in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.

In this capacity, he plays a central role in steering U.S. foreign policy across a diverse and strategically significant region that includes countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, among others.

Over the course of his diplomatic career, Meyer has held several high-profile overseas assignments. His recent postings include acting as the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Norway, and earlier, holding the same role while also serving as Deputy Chief of Mission in North Macedonia.

His tenure in Almaty, Kazakhstan, as the U.S. Consul General, saw him managing a broad range of diplomatic and interagency efforts in a key Central Asian post.

Within the State Department in Washington, Meyer has served in senior advisory roles where he was tasked with shaping regional strategy and ensuring cohesive policy execution across South and Central Asia.

By: Isuru Parakrama

July 13, Colombo (LNW): Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath held bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart, H.E. Wang Yi, during a diplomatic gathering on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (12).

The meeting served to further consolidate the longstanding and multifaceted partnership between Sri Lanka and China, built over decades of mutual trust and strategic collaboration.

Minister Herath expressed Sri Lanka’s sincere gratitude for China’s continued support, particularly during times of national difficulty. He acknowledged Beijing’s steadfast backing in defending Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its role in helping the island nation navigate recent economic headwinds.

He highlighted that China’s consistent cooperation has not only assisted in stabilising Sri Lanka’s internal affairs but has also significantly advanced infrastructure, trade connectivity, and development across key sectors.

From large-scale investments to capacity-building projects, the bilateral relationship has been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s growth trajectory.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s adherence to the one-China policy, Minister Herath noted the importance of aligning ongoing collaboration with the shared strategic vision established by the leaders of both nations. He pointed in particular to flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects—such as the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port—as cornerstones of future economic expansion and regional integration.

The discussions also explored potential partnerships in future-oriented sectors, including renewable energy, digital technology, agriculture, and maritime industries. Minister Herath welcomed China’s interest in broadening the scope of engagement to encompass innovation and sustainability, noting the potential benefits for both nations.

As the meeting concluded, both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to fostering a resilient and forward-looking partnership, underpinned by respect for national sovereignty and a shared vision for regional peace and prosperity.

July 13, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has affirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening trade relations with the United States, emphasising that ongoing talks are aimed at securing further economic advantages for Sri Lanka.

Speaking during a high-level meeting with representatives from the export sector at the Presidential Secretariat this morning, the President highlighted recent progress achieved through diplomatic engagement.

He noted that negotiations with U.S. counterparts had already borne fruit, resulting in a significant reduction of a previously imposed reciprocal tariff—from 44 per cent down to 30 per cent.

This adjustment, he said, marks a meaningful step towards easing the burden on Sri Lankan exporters and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in international markets.

President Dissanayake underscored the government’s intention to continue policy reforms that deliver tangible benefits to local enterprises, while also safeguarding the broader interests of the national economy and improving quality of life for citizens.

“Our goal is to create an environment where Sri Lankan businesses can thrive globally,” he stated, adding that sustained dialogue with strategic international partners is essential in achieving long-term economic resilience.

The meeting also addressed key concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the anticipated shifts in U.S. trade policy, including the possible implications of the revised tariff framework. Participants explored strategies to adapt to emerging challenges while maximising new opportunities for growth in exports.

The President concluded by reaffirming his administration’s openness to feedback and collaborative decision-making, assuring the export community that their insights would play a central role in shaping future trade negotiations and economic reforms.

July 13, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Meteorological Department has issued a high-level weather warning, cautioning of turbulent sea conditions and powerful winds expected to impact southern and western maritime regions over the next 24 hours.

The advisory applies in particular to coastal stretches between Galle and Pottuvil, passing through Matara and Hambantota, where sea conditions are anticipated to become extremely rough, with gusts ranging between 55 to 65 kilometres per hour.

Winds are also expected to intensify along sea areas from Galle to Puttalam via Colombo, where waters will likely be fairly rough, accompanied by wind gusts peaking between 50 and 55 kilometres per hour. Mariners are being urged to exercise heightened caution, as the adverse conditions could pose significant dangers, especially for small and medium-scale fishing vessels.

Forecasters warn of the potential development of strong swell waves along affected coastal belts, particularly from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. These swells may reach heights of 2.5 to 3 metres, bringing the risk of coastal surges and wave inundation in nearshore areas.

In light of the prevailing conditions, the Meteorological Department has strongly advised fishing and naval communities to suspend all activity in sea zones from Galle to Pottuvil, as the combination of gusty winds and large waves could threaten both vessels and crew.

Those operating in other parts of the island’s western and southern seas, particularly between Galle and Puttalam, have been urged to remain alert and monitor further weather updates.