October 25, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has issued fresh instructions to all state bodies, reminding officials that any request for legal advice or opinion from the Attorney General’s Department must be accompanied by a full and clearly articulated explanation of the matter in question.
In a new circular, Secretary S. Aloka Bandara underscored that each submission should include a detailed statement of facts, outlining the background, relevant legal context, and the specific issues on which clarification is being sought.
Where reference is made to official correspondence or files, the precise page numbers and relevant sections must also be identified to ensure clarity and efficiency in the review process.
The circular follows repeated observations from the Attorney General’s Department that government agencies often deviate from established procedures when requesting legal guidance. Some institutions, it was noted, have even resubmitted matters on which the Attorney General has already issued a clear opinion, creating unnecessary administrative delays and duplications.
Secretary Bandara emphasised that such practices hinder the timely delivery of legal advice and place an avoidable burden on the Attorney General’s Office. He reminded all departments that the procedures governing requests for legal consultation are already clearly defined under the Establishments Code and must be adhered to without exception.
Government Issues New Directive to Streamline Requests for Attorney General’s Advice
Sri Lanka Strengthens Coastal Preparedness with Nationwide Tsunami Drill Planned for Nov 05
October 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has announced plans for a comprehensive island-wide tsunami simulation on November 05, aimed at testing the country’s readiness to respond swiftly and effectively to potential seismic threats.
The announcement was made by the DMC’s Director General, Major General (Retd.) Sampath Kotuwegoda, who confirmed that preparations are already underway for the large-scale exercise involving national and regional authorities.
Speaking during a high-level meeting attended by representatives from the Tri-Forces, Police, government departments, and humanitarian agencies, Major General Kotuwegoda highlighted the importance of vigilance, noting that a series of minor tremors had recently been detected near the Sumatra Trench — the same fault line responsible for the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
The upcoming simulation, coordinated under the framework of the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), will include participation from 28 countries across the region. The exercise is designed not only to assess the effectiveness of early warning systems but also to ensure that evacuation routes, communication protocols, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms are fully functional.
According to the DMC, key coastal districts such as Kalutara, Matara, Jaffna, and Batticaloa will serve as focal points for the drill, though all other districts are expected to take part in varying capacities. Local authorities, schools, and community organisations are being encouraged to participate actively to strengthen public awareness and response capacity.
Major General Kotuwegoda underscored the importance of preparedness, explaining that any undersea earthquake exceeding 6.5 on the Richter scale near the Sumatra Trench could generate tsunami waves with the potential to reach Sri Lanka’s coastline within hours. He stressed that proactive training and coordination are essential to protect lives and minimise damage in the event of such a natural disaster.
SL Navy Launches Sea Rescue After Merchant Vessel Suffers Engine Failure South of Island
October 25, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy has deployed its offshore patrol vessel SLNS Samudura to assist in the rescue of a foreign merchant ship that ran into serious mechanical trouble in the Indian Ocean, roughly 100 nautical miles south of the island.
The operation began on October 24, 2025, after the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre received an urgent distress alert from the MV Integrity Star, reporting a major malfunction in its main engines that left the vessel adrift in open waters.
Responding swiftly to the call, the Navy dispatched Samudura, one of its key long-range patrol ships, equipped to handle both rescue and towing operations under challenging sea conditions. Naval officials confirmed that 14 crew members were on board the Integrity Star at the time of the incident, representing Indian, Turkish, and Azerbaijani nationalities.
Sri Lanka Among Most AI-Exposed Nations as World Bank Reports Sharp Rise in Tech-Driven Jobs Across South Asia
October 25, Colombo (LNW): A new assessment by the World Bank has revealed a dramatic surge in demand for artificial intelligence (AI) expertise across South Asia, with Sri Lanka emerging among the most affected nations.
The report indicates that from January 2023 to March 2025, the proportion of AI-linked job advertisements in the region more than doubled—from 2.9 per cent to 6.5 per cent—signalling a profound shift in the regional labour market. This surge in demand for AI-related roles is estimated to be expanding nearly 75 per cent faster than non-AI job categories.
According to the findings, roughly one in five jobs in South Asia—around 22 per cent—are now considered to have some level of AI exposure. Encouragingly, a majority of these roles, approximately 70 per cent, are categorised as “AI-complementary,” suggesting that automation is more likely to enhance rather than replace human work. Occupations such as educators, legal professionals, architects, and research specialists are among those expected to benefit most from AI-assisted productivity.
However, the study also points to a smaller yet significant segment—around 7 per cent of jobs—that faces a high risk of displacement. These include repetitive or process-driven roles such as customer service representatives, accountants, and text proofreaders, all of which have already seen a reduction in new vacancies since the emergence of advanced generative AI systems like ChatGPT.
While the World Bank acknowledges the potential for AI to accelerate innovation and efficiency, it warns that South Asia lags behind other regions in preparing its workforce for the technological transition. Persistent challenges in digital infrastructure, limited access to advanced training, and slow policy adaptation are cited as key obstacles preventing countries from fully capitalising on AI’s benefits.
The report further highlights notable variations within the region. Nepal has the lowest level of AI exposure, whereas Bhutan and Sri Lanka show the highest, largely due to their comparatively skilled and better-educated labour forces.
Interestingly, AI-related occupations—often higher-paying and more knowledge-intensive—account for an estimated 42 per cent of total wage earnings in these nations, underscoring the growing importance of digital and analytical competencies in securing economic mobility.
Chris Gayle Named Global Face of Revitalised Lanka Premier League 2026
October 25, Colombo (LNW): Cricketing legend Chris Gayle has been unveiled as the official Brand Ambassador for the much-anticipated sixth season of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which is set to make its return in 2026 following a year’s hiatus.
Organisers describe the upcoming edition as a “grand revival” for Sri Lanka’s flagship T20 competition, after the unexpected cancellation of the 2025 season. With the self-styled “Universe Boss” lending his unmistakable charisma and star power to the campaign, the LPL aims to re-establish itself as one of the region’s most vibrant and competitive cricket tournaments.
Since its inception in 2020, the LPL has evolved into a celebrated fixture on the international T20 calendar, offering a platform where global icons share the field with Sri Lanka’s finest emerging talent. Officials believe Gayle’s involvement will elevate the tournament’s visibility, attract global audiences, and reinvigorate fan enthusiasm both at home and abroad.
Minister Orders Retraction of Disputed Power Sector Appointment Letter
October 25, Colombo (LNW): Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody has ordered the immediate cancellation of a recent communication regarding the appointment of the Director General of the Power Sector Reforms Secretariat (PSRS), after it was revealed that the document inaccurately claimed to have his approval.
The letter, issued on 15 October 2025, suggested that the appointment had been formally sanctioned by the Minister. However, Eng. Jayakody has since clarified that no such authorisation was given, describing the claim as a “serious misrepresentation” of his office.
In a detailed statement, the Minister underscored that the power to appoint the Director General of the PSRS is vested exclusively in the Minister of Energy under Section 38(2)(b) of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, as amended. He stressed that adherence to proper legal channels is vital, particularly at a time when the Government is navigating sensitive reforms within the energy sector.
The Minister also highlighted that discussions with trade unions representing employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) are ongoing, focusing on restructuring measures aimed at modernising the country’s power industry. He commended union representatives for their cooperative stance and urged all officials to act responsibly to maintain mutual trust and transparency throughout the reform process.
Eng. Jayakody’s directive requires the immediate withdrawal of every action and correspondence connected to the unauthorised appointment, including the original letter dated 15 October 2025. The Ministry is reportedly reviewing internal procedures to ensure such lapses do not recur, reaffirming its commitment to accountability and good governance within the energy sector.
Several Reservoirs Overflow as Heavy Rains Continue Across the Country
October 25, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Irrigation has announced that around 15 reservoirs, both large and small, are currently overflowing following the persistent heavy rainfall experienced in recent days.
Director General L. S. Sooriyabandara reported that six spill gates at the Rajanganaya Reservoir have been opened, releasing water into the Kala Oya at a rate of 5,087 cubic feet per second.
Other major reservoirs, including Siyambalangamuwa, Deduru Oya, Batalagoda, Hakwatuna Oya, and Yodha Wewa, have also reached spilling levels, according to the department.
Authorities have warned that water levels could continue to rise should the rainfall persist, and have urged residents living downstream and in low-lying areas to exercise caution and remain alert to potential flooding.
SriLankan Airlines Clarifies Financial Results for 2024/25
October 25, Colombo (LNW): SriLankan Airlines has released a statement addressing recent coverage of its financial performance for the 2024/25 fiscal year, noting that the Group recorded a loss of LKR 2.7 billion, in contrast to a profit of LKR 7.9 billion reported the previous year.
According to the airline, the year-on-year difference was largely driven by a sharp reduction in foreign exchange gains. The company posted an exchange gain of LKR 3.9 billion in 2024/25, compared with LKR 26.7 billion in 2023/24.
The carrier explained that such gains result from the revaluation of foreign currency-denominated interest-bearing liabilities, where appreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee generates accounting gains.
When excluding the impact of exchange rate movements, the airline’s underlying loss for 2024/25 stood at LKR 6.7 billion, a marked improvement from the pre-exchange loss of LKR 18.8 billion recorded in the previous financial year.
Prison Reform Group Condemns Call for Executions of Drug Offenders
October 25, Colombo (LNW): The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) has sharply criticised recent comments by the Prisons Commissioner advocating the execution of convicted drug traffickers, arguing that such measures will not address the chronic overcrowding in Sri Lanka’s prisons.
At a media briefing, attorney Senaka Perera, representing the CPRP, reminded that the government’s stance remains firm that the death penalty will not be implemented. He expressed concern over the remarks made by Commissioner Jagath Weerasinghe, who had suggested enforcing capital punishment for drug-related offences and pointed out that the current inmate population of over 36,000 far exceeds the designed capacity of approximately 10,500.
Perera questioned the Commissioner’s suitability to manage the prison system while contradicting official policy, asserting that an individual who endorses executions cannot be expected to uphold justice or facilitate rehabilitation within prisons.
He stressed that criminal behaviour stems from social and economic inequalities rather than inherent tendencies, adding that true reform requires tackling these root causes. “Eliminating the circumstances that lead to crime is the only way to build a society free of it,” he said, warning that leadership favouring punitive measures undermines the department’s rehabilitative mission.
Perera further noted that the principle that “prisoners are also human beings” will only hold meaning when actions that deprive inmates of justice and dignity are brought to an end.
Sri Lanka to Introduce National Single Window for Trade by 2027
October 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is preparing to launch a digital platform aimed at transforming the country’s trade processes, with the pilot phase of the National Single Window for Trade (NSW) set for late 2026 and full-scale implementation expected the following year.
The initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Finance, seeks to streamline cross-border trade by cutting through bureaucratic delays, reducing transaction costs, and improving overall efficiency. Project Director Neelakanth Wanninayake explained that the programme, which officially began on October 01, 2024, has already completed its preliminary phase and is now advancing towards implementation.
The initial stage, concluded in April 2025, involved a detailed assessment of 18 government agencies, evaluating their operational, technological, and legal readiness. This groundwork was carried out by Deloitte Advisory Services (Pvt) Ltd. The next phase, currently under way, will define the system’s functional and technical specifications, with KPMG contracted to lead this process and prepare bidding documentation for potential system vendors.
To formalise cooperation, the Finance Ministry has signed memoranda of understanding with all participating government bodies. A key policy decision is now pending on the technological framework of the NSW, with options including the development of a bespoke platform, adoption of the UNCTAD/ASYCUDA system, or acquisition of a commercial off-the-shelf solution. The Asian Development Bank has supported the evaluation through technical studies comparing available systems. A final decision, to be endorsed by the Cabinet, is expected by the end of 2025.
If timelines proceed as planned, vendor selection and mobilisation will be completed by mid-2025, paving the way for a phased rollout. The initial pilot will involve six institutions—Sri Lanka Customs, the Standards Institution, the Food Control Administrative Unit, the Import and Export Control Department, the National Plant Quarantine Service, and the Animal Quarantine Department—covering import, export, and transshipment activities.
The NSW will serve as a single online entry point through which traders can submit all regulatory documentation electronically, thereby reducing the need for in-person visits to multiple agencies. This digital gateway aims to create a transparent, paperless trading environment and fulfil Sri Lanka’s commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Looking ahead, authorities are examining several operational models for long-term management of the system after 2027. These range from a fully government-run framework to a public-private partnership model or a state-owned company, with financial sustainability and service quality identified as top priorities.
Acknowledging the project’s complexity, Wanninayake highlighted the need for close coordination among 18 government agencies across nine ministries. He also noted that rebuilding private-sector confidence, after years of stalled trade reforms, has been a key objective. To address this, the project implementation unit has introduced a comprehensive engagement strategy featuring inter-ministerial and technical committees to maintain stakeholder alignment and drive the initiative forward.