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A delegation from the Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council (SLTBC) consisting of the President Rizan Nazeer and a few Exco members met with His Excellency Mr. Paitoon Mahapannaporn, the Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka, recently. The strategic dialogue focused on unlocking new economic avenues, advancing implementation of the landmark Sri Lanka–Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and operationalizing the newly signed labour cooperation frameworks.

The FTA was signed on 3 February 2024 but is not yet in force. The Council engaged in productive discussions with the Ambassador to clarify on an implementation roadmap.

The SLTBC formally requested an update on outstanding steps and approvals, potential obstacles, and the definitive timeline required to bring the agreement into full force. Discussions also centered on identifying high-potential export sectors for Sri Lankan goods into Thailand, simultaneously mapping strategic spaces for Thai investments and partnerships in Sri Lanka.

To sustain the momentum, the Council requested regular updates to be shared with its members. The SLTBC offered to actively support the process, organizing targeted B2B meetings and business delegations between Sri Lankan and Thai companies. Furthermore, the Council proposed jointly hosting an FTA Awareness Programme for the business community as soon as the agreement officially becomes active.

To operationalize employment opportunities for Sri Lankans, the Council warmly welcomed the recent signing of the Labour Cooperation MoU and Employment Agreement between the two nations, which is understood to open an initial 10,000 employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers in Thailand.

During the meeting, the delegation sought clarity on the official implementation mechanisms, timelines, the sectors and occupations in greatest demand, how vacancies from Thai employers will be communicated to Sri Lanka, and the exact qualifications, experience, skills and language requirements.

The SLTBC also offered to act as a vital bridge to connect Thai employers with Sri Lankan companies, recruitment organisations, and training institutions. The collaboration aims to help identify suitable skilled a candidate and to ensure they are provided the precise preparation required for the Thai market. Additionally, the Council inquired if an official, verified channel or database of vacancies will be available, so it can circulate these opportunities among its members.

The visa issue was also discussed at length. The SLTBC requested the Ambassador to revert back to getting on line or at entry point to Thailand visas as previously done.

The Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council is committed to support the implementation of these bilateral agreements. Fostering direct institutional and commercial links, the Council seeks to expand trade, attract Thai investment, and open employment pathways for Sri Lankan workers.

From Left to Right - Dushyanta Basnayake - Immediate Past President Chandana Nanayakkara – Committee Member Kamil Weerasekara – Vice President Lionel Fernando – Founder / Past President Paitoon Mahapannaporn – Ambassador Rizan Nazeer – Founder / President A.M. Musajee – Vice President Priyantha Kolonnage – Secretary Rohan Elgiriyawithana – Assistant Secretary

Strict legal action will be taken under the Public Property Act against private bus drivers and owners involved in deliberately crashing into or obstructing Metro buses, transport, highways and urban development minister Bimal Rathnayake said today (9).

More than 100 Metro buses are currently in operation.

The Minister said most private bus operators had not obstructed the service, adding that the incidents involved only a small group.

He stressed that the issue should not be generalised to the entire private bus industry and urged those involved to avoid actions that disrupt services and create unnecessary difficulties.

Rathnayake also called on private bus operators to adapt to the new transport system, which he said had gained acceptance nationwide.

The government plans to open the Metro bus service to private sector participation within the next year, he added.

(Sachithra Perera)

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called an emergency meeting of a key parliamentary body to review prison rules governing the attire of detained Buddhist monks and clergy of other faiths.

In a letter sent to the Committee Chairperson through the Speaker on 10 October 2026, the Opposition Leader called for an immediate session of the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection.

He highlighted growing public concern over the enforcement of Department of Prisons Standing Order Number 550, which dictates how religious leaders in custody are dressed while serving sentences and during transfers outside prison facilities.

Premadasa noted that the government had failed to take swift, constructive action to resolve the escalating dispute, resulting in widespread public distress.

He emphasised that parliament bears a direct responsibility to re-examine existing statutory provisions and formulate necessary legal amendments.

To ensure a comprehensive review, the Opposition Leader requested that officials from the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Prisons, and the Attorney General's Department be summoned for the initial hearing.

Highlighting the national sensitivity of the matter, Premadasa also requested special authorization to attend the committee proceedings as a non-member so he could directly submit policy proposals aimed at resolving the crisis.

The enforcement of the rule of law had weakened “thugs” across the country, Transport and Highways Minister and Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake said in parliament today(8).

Rathnayake said that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption was established in 1994.

However, it was not significantly strengthened until 2015, the minister said.

The current anti corruption act was passed in August 2023.

Setting up institutions alone is not enough, he said.

Without the necessary administrative, institutional and legal support, these institutions will fail, the minister said.

The government was working to amend the anti corruption act and at the same time appoint the necessary officials, he said.

Large number of officers were currently being appointed and funds were being allocated for this work, he further explained.

(Sachithra Perera)

Sri Lankan Cue Sports Star Gives India’s Top Player a Tough Fight in a Thrilling Battle for a Place in the Final

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s talented snooker player Mohamed Thaha Irshad has brought pride and honour to the nation by winning the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Snooker Championship 2026, held in India.

Thaha delivered an outstanding performance throughout the championship, demonstrating his skill, determination, composure and fighting spirit against some of the finest players in the Commonwealth. His journey to the semi-finals was a significant achievement for Sri Lankan cue sports and a moment of pride for the country.

In a closely contested semi-final against a formidable Indian opponent, Thaha produced a determined performance and gave his rival a tough challenge in the decisive frame. The match was fiercely contested, with Thaha fighting hard for the opportunity to progress to the final and secure a chance to win the silver or gold medal. Despite his tremendous effort, the Sri Lankan star narrowly missed out on a place in the final and had to settle for the bronze medal.

Although Sri Lanka missed the opportunity to compete for the championship title, Thaha’s performance deserves the highest appreciation. His fighting spirit, confidence and ability to compete at the highest level against strong international opposition reflect the growing potential of Sri Lankan snooker.

The bronze medal is more than an individual achievement. It represents the dedication of the player, the development of cue sports in Sri Lanka and the determination of Sri Lankan athletes to make their mark on the international sporting stage. Thaha’s achievement is also an inspiration to young and aspiring players who dream of representing their country at major international competitions.

The Billiards and Snooker Association of Sri Lanka (B&SASL) takes immense pride in Thaha’s achievement and congratulates him on this remarkable performance. His success highlights the importance of continued support for national-level players, structured training, international exposure and opportunities to compete against the world’s best.

While the silver and gold medals remained just beyond Sri Lanka’s reach on this occasion, Thaha has demonstrated that Sri Lankan players have the ability and determination to challenge top-ranked international competitors.

The nation is proud of you, Thaha! Your bronze medal is a valuable achievement for Sri Lanka, and your courageous performance has shown that with dedication, perseverance and the right support, greater victories are within reach.

Billiards and Snooker Association of Sri Lanka (B&SASL)

The removal of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara thero’s monastic robes violated articles 9 and 10 of the constitution, former president Ranil Wikremesinghe said.

Wickremesinghe said that under the 'Vinaya Pitaka,' the Buddhist monastic code of discipline, only senior monks known as Nayaka Theros have the authority to remove a monk’s robes.

The former president said that the Ministry of Justice should have consulted the Mahanayake theros when Gnanasara Thero was imprisoned.

Wickremesinghe said the senior monks had not wanted Gnanasara thero to be disrobed or imprisoned.

He stressed that the court verdict against Gnanasara thero was delivered during 'Yahapalana' government.

The former president said he granted a presidential pardon to Gnanasara thero at the request of the Mahanayake theros.

He said the pardon cannot be changed through standard procedures and that the legal position on the matter would be announced in due course.

(Sachithra Perera)

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

Speaking in parliament yesterday (09), the opposition leader advocated for decentralising power while maintaining the unitary structure of the state, arguing that the constitutional provision remains the primary mechanism for distributing authority across regions.

Addressing long-standing ethnic divisions, Premadasa urged a shift in national discourse to view every citizen equally as a Sri Lankan rather than categorising people into majority and minority groups.

He apologised on behalf of the nation to the Tamil community for the tragic violence of Black July in 1983, inviting those who fled abroad following the riots to return to the country.

Furthermore, the Opposition Leader urged the government to immediately hold the long-overdue Provincial Council elections to restore regional governance and foster communal goodwill.

New amendments to the anti corruption act contain provisions that could facilitate or encourage corruption, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman said in parliament yesterday (8).

“Many of the cases mentioned by the Leader of the House were filed by the ‘Yahapalana’ government,” MP said.

“We never defended or assisted people accused of corruption and would not do so in the future,” he stressed.

The ‘Yahapalana’ government worked with a genuine interest in reducing fraud and corruption in the country, a fact that Minister Bimal Rathnayake has also acknowledged, he said.

Rahman said that the current government had overlooked their own role in bringing some of the people now facing allegations.

"None of us assisted in that process or appeared on public stages to recommend that people vote for them. It was the current government that made that recommendation at the time, he said.

As a country we are still paying the price for that political decision, Rahman added.

(Sachithra Perera)

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament Nalin Bandara accused the government of illegally seizing land in Millennium City, Athurugiriya, to build a metro bus depot.

Addressing the parliamentary session on 9 October, the opposition lawmaker alleged that a ruling party parliamentarian and the Mayor of Kaduwela personally led the forceful takeover of the site without following standard statutory procedures.

He stated that lawful land acquisition requires a formal proposal, authorisation through the Ministry of Lands via the Divisional Secretariat, and an official assessment by state valuation authorities.

Comparing the recent incident to controversial land seizures carried out by former Kelaniya politicians, Bandara said that the NPP government has abandoned its promises of equal enforcement of the law.

Drawing on his experience establishing Sri Lanka's largest export processing zone, he stressed that state authorities cannot bypass legal frameworks simply to accommodate new transport projects.

He emphasised that government officials must immediately cease arbitrary land takeovers and restore the rule of law.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has condemned the government’s decision to restrict new rooftop solar agreements to the Net+ scheme as erroneous and unfair, saying that it endangers electricity costs, system stability and the power supply for 2027.

He raised the matter in Parliament on Wednesday through a question under Standing Order 27(2).

The Opposition Leader said solar capacity in Sri Lanka had grown from 3 MW in 2013 to 2,502 MW, and that more than 150,000 rooftop systems were in place by July, against a target of one million.

He described solar as a renewable source that can be deployed quickly.

Premadasa said a unit of solar electricity costs Rs. 28, while a unit from fuel-based plants costs between Rs. 51 and Rs. 129.

He also said that oil supplies 16.5 percent of the country’s energy but accounts for 43 percent of total generation expenditure.

Suspension of net metering and net accounting

The Opposition Leader said the Energy Ministry, through letter PE/DEV/03/01-RT dated 11 September 2026, limited new rooftop solar agreements to the Net+ scheme.

This suspended the Net Metering and Net Accounting methods, which he said had favoured solar consumers and entrepreneurs.

He noted that if additional rooftop solar and battery systems were to be used to meet the supply challenge, the government must disclose the solar capacity and battery storage involved.

He also asked the government to present the balanced tariff it proposes for the new arrangement.

Premadasa further demanded to know why the Sahasdanavi power plant was being given greater opportunities to generate electricity when rooftop generation and battery systems could lower costs.

He asked why the government favoured high-cost generation and said it must determine how much additional electricity the Yugadanavi and Sobadanavi plants had produced, since their operations bypassed Public Utilities Commission regulations.

He expressed regret over what he called the resurgence of the fuel-based and thermal power plant mafias.

He also questioned how the government intended to reach the target of one million rooftop systems, including whether it would provide tax relief for such installations.

Sri Lanka’s newly introduced Metro Bus project has wasted public funds, Samagi Jana Balawegaya( SJB) MP Jagath Withana said.

Metro bus suffered from serious irregularities due to the absence of a proper feasibility study, he claimed.

Withana raised concerns over the buses’ fuel efficiency, passenger capacity, fare structure and procurement practices, calling on authorities to address what he described as major shortcomings in the public transport system.

He said a single bus consumed as much as two litres of diesel per kilometre, questioning the decision to import vehicles with high fuel consumption at a time when other countries were increasingly adopting hybrid technologies.

He also criticised the fare structure, saying the buses were designed to carry about 40 passengers but were being operated with around 80 people, many of them standing.

Passengers were charged twice the standard fare regardless of whether they had a seat, he said.

Withana further questioned the lack of reserved seating for Buddhist clergy and other religious representatives, saying members of the clergy were also being forced to travel standing.

The MP alleged widespread corruption in the procurement of spare parts, tyres and tubes, claiming that commissions of between 15 percent and 35 percent were paid during purchasing transactions.

He said tender procedures appeared to favour locally sourced, lower quality tyres over imported alternatives, resulting in more frequent replacements.

Imported tyres could last up to 125,000 kilometres, compared with about 35,000 kilometres for the locally sourced products, he said.

He also referred to alleged financial losses at the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), saying Auditor General’s reports had highlighted daily losses of Rs. 20 million linked to such practices.

(Sachithra Perera)

Importing substandard coal for Sri Lanka's Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant has resulted in a loss exceeding Rs. 17.9 billionto the state, opposition lawmaker S M Marikkar said.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP cited an expert panel report commissioned by a parliamentary oversight committee and called on the government to clarify whether legal action will be taken against former Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody.

The report, compiled by officials from the Ministry of Power and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), will be formally submitted to Parliament next week.

According to the findings, the majority of the financial damage stemmed from emergency measures required to keep the national grid operational.

State energy suppliers spent Rs. 8.57bn purchasing emergency power from private providers following breakdowns linked to the poor-quality coal.

A further Rs. 2.28bn was lost when missing delivery schedules forced the state to buy five replacement shipments at inflated spot-market rates.

The lower-grade coal also reduced generation efficiency, requiring the plant to burn an extra Rs 709m worth of fuel to maintain its standard 300-megawatt output, while high ash content caused nearly Rs 93m in machinery repairs and waste disposal costs.

Marikkar said the financial fallout had ultimately been passed on to the public through higher electricity tariffs and increased taxes.

A separate Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating the procurement process has issued formal notices to several individuals, including Jayakody, with its final report due shortly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P34enjyC8b8