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Sri Lanka’s public health sector is showing signs of mounting unrest, with two major doctors’ unions warning that continued government inaction could soon trigger nationwide protests—or even strikes.

Doctors’ Unions Voice Deep Frustration

Both the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) and the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) have voiced growing frustration over what they describe as years of neglect, broken promises, and deteriorating working conditions across the healthcare system.

Unmet Promises and Unresolved Grievances

The AMS stated that medical specialists have faced “decades of unresolved injustices,” including unfair service placements, salary disparities, and inadequate facilities for professional development. The association accused the government of failing to deliver on key commitments made in the 2026 Budget, such as revising transport allowances and introducing fair overtime payments.

“Not a single promise has materialised,” the AMS said, adding that calls for Sri Lankan doctors abroad to return home “ring hollow when those serving here are continuously overlooked.”

Free Health System Under Strain

Meanwhile, the GMOA warned that the country’s free healthcare system is at a “critical stage,” with hospitals grappling with shortages of staff, medicines, and essential equipment.

The union said it had repeatedly raised these concerns with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and Treasury officials, but claimed that no tangible action had been taken.

Amid rising tension, doctors nationwide are reportedly considering collective action. Unless swift solutions are found, Sri Lanka may soon face another wave of strikes—this time from the very professionals working to sustain its health system.

However, addressing Parliament, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the government remains ready and open to dialogue with the doctors’ unions to resolve their grievances.

Two people were injured after a collision between a bus and a three-wheeler in Gelioya, police reported. The injured have been admitted to Peradeniya Teaching Hospital.

The newly-launched Sarvajana Trust – a fresh independent fund dedicated to empowering women and youth across Sri Lanka was officially inaugurated last week in Colombo. The high-profile event gathered ambassadors, business leaders, entrepreneurs and supporters of the affiliated Sarvajana Balaya, led by MP Dilith Jayaweera.

The Trust aims to channel funding, mentorship and other key resources into grassroots entrepreneurship, by operating through local-government-level “Sarvajana Sabha” units embedded in communities.

In his keynote address, Jayaweera declared a break with conventional politics, stating: “We are stepping away from conventional politics. Our belief has always been in an entrepreneurial nation… Our focus is on creating wealth for Sri Lankans, which is the most important factor in building a happier and more hopeful future.”

He framed the Trust as a tool to turn human capital into economic assets: “By motivating our people, we convert liabilities into assets. The Sarvajana Trust is a tool that will activate real change and set the stage for an entrepreneurial state.” He described the initiative as rooted in patriotism, empathy and accountability, inviting all Sri Lankans to join “making a positive, enduring and impactful difference.”

Other speakers stressed governance. Trustee and Secretary Ranjan Seneviratne emphasised transparency and accountability as pillars of the fund’s operations. National Organiser Dilum Amunugama added that disbursements will target “deserving individuals at the community level especially those with the drive and potential to uplift themselves and initiate transformation from the ground up.”

On the one hand, the creation of the Sarvajana Trust holds genuine promise for Sri Lanka’s economy. By directing funds toward women and youth entrepreneurs, it addresses two critical gaps: one, the under-utilised human capital in the country; and two, the need to develop more diversified economic activity beyond traditional sectors. According to studies, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can generate employment and income growth which in turn bolsters income tax compliance and broader economic resilience.

Moreover, the fund’s localised “Sabha” framework may improve targeting and speed of support, reducing bureaucratic delays that typically hamper public-sector entrepreneurship programmes. In an environment where the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has recently signalled strong support for MSME revival through directed relief measures via commercial banks, the timing is apt.

However, there are significant risks to consider.

First, the sustainability of such a fund depends on clear funding sources and robust governance systems. Without long-term capital and well-defined oversight, the initiative could become just another state-related promise with limited follow-through. The emphasis on transparency is important but needs concrete structures.

 

Second, if funds are distributed without proper risk management – e.g., weak vetting of entrepreneurs, inadequate follow-up, or lack of performance measurement – the economic return may be low while fiscal cost mounts.

 

Third, in a context where Sri Lanka’s public finances remain under stress, any new funding initiative must avoid adding undue burden or diverting resources from essential infrastructure and debt servicing.

 

From the regulatory perspective, the Central Bank has increasingly flagged systemic risks in unregulated financial activities, urging stronger frameworks.

While the Trust is not a microfinance institution per se, the lesson is clear: even well-intentioned funds must adhere to proper governance, transparency, and alignment with broader financial stability

While the Central Bank has not specifically commented on the Sarvajana Trust, its published guidance and relief programmes suggest that supporting entrepreneurship is aligned with national policy priorities. The June 2025 circular encouraging banks to provide relief to SMEs underscores this orientation.

The Trust’s model channelled funds, mentorship, community-level engagement – can deliver public benefit if executed well: greater economic inclusion, more empowered youth and women, and a broader base of productive activity.

The Sarvajana Trust launches at a critical moment for Sri Lankan society and economy. If managed well, it could become a meaningful boost to grassroots entrepreneurship and a step toward inclusive growth. But success will hinge on strong governance, sustainable funding, measurable outcomes, and alignment with economic stability imperatives.

As Sri Lanka navigates its recovery and transformation, the Trust has potential— provided caution tempers ambition.

Sameera Danushka de Silva from the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) has been gazetted as the new Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, filling the vacancy created by the death of former Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekera.

Lasantha Wickramasekara was elected as the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha (PS), following a closely contested vote on July 24.

Wickramasekara secured the chairmanship after the SJB clinched victory in a 23-22 vote against the National People’s Power (NPP).

However, Wickramasekera, also known as ‘Midigama Lasa,’ died on October 22 following a gun attack inside his office in broad daylight.

( Source : dailymirror.lk)

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Türkiye following the tragic military plane crash in Georgia.

In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Minister Herath stated:

“Heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Türkiye on the tragic loss of military personnel in Georgia. Sri Lanka stands with Türkiye in this time of sorrow.”

According to Turkish authorities, 20 soldiers were killed when a C-130 military transport plane crashed in Georgia on Tuesday while en route from Azerbaijan to Türkiye. The wreckage was discovered scattered across a grassy hillside, and officials confirmed that all but one of the victims’ bodies have been recovered.

Ankara has yet to announce the official cause of the crash. However, Turkish and Georgian authorities have begun a joint investigation into the incident, which marks Türkiye’s deadliest military aviation disaster since 2020.

Former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga was arrested this morning (12) after appearing before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

He had arrived at the Commission to record a statement when officers took him into custody in connection with an ongoing investigation.

(Source - Dailymirror)

A Decision That Shook the Nation

Former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has reopened one of the most controversial chapters in Sri Lanka’s modern economic history the Central Bank’s 2022 decision to suspend external debt repayments without parliamentary approval. His questions have reignited debate over whether the move, announced by Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, was a technical necessity or a constitutionally flawed act that deepened the island’s financial collapse.

Unanswered Questions over Authority

In a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Karunanayake demanded clarity on who authorised the unprecedented declaration of a “temporary suspension” of debt payments on April 12, 2022 just days after Dr. Weerasinghe assumed duties as Governor. The former minister alleged that no parliamentary or Cabinet approval had been sought, and no legal framework existed for the Central Bank or the Ministry of Finance to unilaterally halt debt servicing.

An Unprecedented Move without Approval

Media archives confirm that Weerasinghe, addressing reporters in Colombo on April 12, 2022, stated that “it has come to a point that making debt payments are challenging and impossible,” framing the move as an “interim measure” until an agreement was reached with the IMF and creditors.

The decision was portrayed as a prudent step to preserve dwindling foreign reserves for essential imports such as fuel, medicine and food. Yet, no official record has emerged showing that the Cabinet, Monetary Board, or Attorney General had endorsed this course of action prior to the announcement.

Bleak Economic Realities behind the Default

The numbers at the time painted a desperate picture. By end-March 2022, official foreign reserves stood at around US$1.9 billion, while external debt obligations due that year exceeded US$6 billion. Treasury data later revealed that usable reserves had fallen “to near-zero levels” by April 2022.

The World Bank reported that by mid-year, reserves  excluding a US$1.5 billion swap line with China had dropped below US$400 million. Against this backdrop, the government’s capacity to maintain debt payments while importing essentials had effectively vanished.

Default Inevitable, But Was It Lawful?

Economists now concede that Sri Lanka’s default was, in practical terms, unavoidable. But the legality and process remain deeply contested. Karunanayake argues that the issue was not inevitability, but legitimacy whether the decision was taken with proper legal and parliamentary oversight.

“This was not merely a technical decision,” he said. “It was an executive act that redefined our economic destiny without the people’s representatives being consulted.”

Economic Meltdown and Social Fallout

The aftermath was swift and severe. Sri Lanka’s credit ratings plunged to junk status, international lenders withdrew, and the rupee collapsed by nearly 80 percent in the following months. Inflation soared beyond 60 percent, pushing millions into poverty and forcing the government to seek IMF assistance under a US$3 billion Extended Fund Facility in 2023.

The default effectively sealed Sri Lanka’s exclusion from global capital markets and triggered a prolonged economic contraction that continues to burden the nation.

Governance Failure and Constitutional Concerns

Investigations reveal that while the financial collapse made a suspension almost inevitable, the lack of procedural legitimacy has left a deep scar on Sri Lanka’s governance. There was no Cabinet paper, no Attorney General’s opinion, and no parliamentary resolution authorising the default — only a press conference that altered the country’s economic trajectory.

A Call for Accountability Three Years On

Three years later, as the nation struggles to rebuild credibility and investor confidence, Karunanayake’s call for accountability exposes a deeper institutional failure. The 2022 default may have been a financial necessity, but without transparency and parliamentary consent, it became a constitutional aberration.

The question that still echoes through Colombo’s corridors of power is not just who announced the default but who authorised it.

Over 1,000 children in Sri Lanka are currently awaiting life-saving heart surgeries, but a new collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Rotary Club of Colombo West seeks to offer renewed hope to some of them.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed yesterday (11) at the Health Ministry, 50 children suffering from congenital heart diseases will undergo surgery at Amrita Hospital in Kochi, India. The agreement was signed by Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe and Rotary Club of Colombo West President K. P. Nagaraja, as part of a Rotary Global Project jointly supported by the Rotary Clubs of Colombo West and Cochin West.

According to the Ministry, the initiative aims to ease the country’s long waiting lists and ensure that children in critical need receive timely, life-saving medical care. Eligible patients will be identified through medical assessments conducted by specialists from the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo.

This marks the second phase of the program. Two years ago, 60 Sri Lankan children successfully underwent heart surgeries at Amrita Hospital, returning home healthier and giving their families a fresh sense of hope and relief.

The Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB) has announced plans to cut down and destroy approximately 5,000 coconut trees in Matara District due to the rapid spread of coconut root (wilt) disease. Known locally as “Weligama Wint” and caused by an invasive insect called “Renda Makuna,” the disease has already affected 6,250 coconut trees in the district.

Dr. Sunimal Jayakody, Chairman of the CCB, said the disease has been a persistent problem in the Southern Province for nearly 15 years, rotting trees within two years and halting coconut production. He added that while around 325,000 infected trees have already been removed across the country, immediate action is necessary to prevent further spread.

The disease, believed to have originated in Indonesia, spreads easily through the tiny insect carrying the bacteria, prompting urgent measures to protect remaining coconut plantations

United National Party (UNP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) should work together, as that is the opinion held by the majority of the country’s people, said Mahesh Senanayake, a member of the SJB Executive Committee.

He made these remarks during an interview on the “Inside Talk” program presented by the TTV NEWS YouTube channel.

He further emphasized that they had endured in silence for a year out of fear, but that the time has now come to take to the streets.

Former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga was granted bail today (12) after being arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations of misappropriating public funds.

The bail order was issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama, following submissions made by officials from the Bribery Commission and the defense counsel representing the former minister.

Ranatunga was released on cash bail of Rs. 100,000 and two surety bails of Rs. 500,000 each. The Magistrate also imposed a travel ban, preventing him from leaving the country. The case is scheduled to be heard again on January 16, 2026.

Earlier in the day, Ranatunga was taken into custody after providing a statement to the Bribery Commission. He faces accusations of misappropriating over Rs. 4.7 million in public funds, allegedly causing financial losses to the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC).

According to investigators, the former minister is suspected of illegally appointing a private brokerage firm to handle direct medical insurance coverage for employees of four institutions under the Ministry of Tourism, resulting in a loss of Rs. 4,750,828.72 to SLIC.

Ranatunga, a prominent political figure and former Cabinet Minister, has previously faced several inquiries related to his ministerial tenure, but this case marks one of the most significant corruption allegations brought against him in recent years.

Sri Lanka’s blue-chip conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) has won a crucial legal relief in its high-profile electric vehicle (EV) venture, as the Court of Appeal ordered the release of 625 BYD electric vehicles detained by Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) over allegations of import duty manipulation.

The order, issued by Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justice K. Priyantha Fernando, directed Customs to expedite the release of the vehicles under bank and corporate guarantees, as specified in a motion filed by the Customs Department. The case stems from a dispute over the motor capacity classification of certain BYD vehicle models imported by John Keells CG Auto (Pvt) Ltd, a joint venture between JKH and Nepal’s Chaudhary Group (CG Corp Global).

Appearing for the Director General of Customs, Senior Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena, PC, informed the court that Customs had agreed to release the models BYD Atto 2 Premium (70kw), Atto 1 Dynamic (45kw), Atto 1 Premium (45kw), and Dolphin Dynamic (70kw) on corporate guarantees. Additionally, the Dolphin Standard (49kw) and Sealion 7 (100kw) models will be released upon submission of bank guarantees.

Accordingly, 130 Atto 1 Dynamic and 74 Atto 1 Premium vehicles will be released under corporate guarantees, while 232 Dolphin Standard and three Sealion 7 units will be cleared under bank guarantees. However, six vehicles will remain in Customs custody to facilitate motor capacity testing.

The JKH–CG partnership, known as John Keells CG Auto, launched its first showroom in Colombo in 2024, marking a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s transition to green mobility. Expansion plans are already in motion for Kurunegala, Ratnapura, and Ampara, with deliveries of the BYD Sealion 6 SUV scheduled for early 2025.

Despite its promise, the venture has been marred by controversy over duty classification and customs valuation, casting a shadow over what was expected to be one of the country’s most significant EV rollouts. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the regulatory and compliance risks surrounding emerging electric vehicle imports in Sri Lanka.

The current dispute also mirrors past controversies involving CG Motors in Nepal, which faced allegations in 2023 of duty manipulation after reclassifying King Long minibuses to pay lower taxes, resulting in an estimated NPR 14.5 million revenue loss to the Nepali government. CG Motors was later compelled to repay misclassified duties on KYC-branded electric vans, while its operations involving XPENG, Neta V, and GAC Aion EVs drew further regulatory scrutiny.

Adding to the scrutiny, CG’s acquisition of a 70.8% stake in Union Bank of Colombo, executed via a Dubai-based entity and registered in Singapore, has raised governance and regulatory concerns, as it places Nirvana Chaudhary at the helm of the bank while he remains a director at Nepal’s Nabil Bank.

For JKH, the partnership with BYD represents a bold strategic step toward sustainable mobility and alignment with Sri Lanka’s climate commitments. Yet, the unfolding legal and governance issues underscore the urgent need for stronger oversight, regulatory consistency, and transparency in the country’s fast-evolving EV sector.