News

Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena has postponed the decision on a request to lift the overseas travel ban imposed on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The Magistrate ordered today that the decision be delivered on November 25.

Making submissions before court, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) raised concerns over whether Rajapaksa would return to Sri Lanka after travelling overseas.

However, the CID informed the court that it would not object to lifting the travel ban if appropriate legal measures were put in place to ensure his return to the country. It stated that it would oppose the request if such arrangements were not established.

The Magistrate subsequently observed that, as the former President had not been named as a suspect in the case, the court did not have the authority to issue an order ensuring his return to Sri Lanka after the travel ban was lifted.

A senior citizen has lost Rs. 4.6 million after falling victim to a phone scam involving fraudsters impersonating bank officials.

Dr. Amila Fernando, in a post on 'X', said his 70-year-old father was targeted in Colombo by callers claiming to handle tax calculations for a private bank.

The victim inadvertently handed over sensitive banking information and one-time passwords during the call, enabling the scammers to drain his account.

According to Dr. Fernando, bank staff confirmed that at least two other individuals had fallen victim to identical fraudulent schemes within the same week.

The financial institution reiterated that legitimate banks, the Inland Revenue Department, and government bodies will never request security credentials over the phone.

Dr. Fernando urged the public, especially elderly citizens, to maintain extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls regarding financial matters.

Account holders are advised to terminate any suspicious phone calls immediately and independently contact their branch using official telephone numbers.

Rising instances of targeted phone fraud highlight an urgent need for heightened public awareness and stronger fraud prevention safeguards across Sri Lanka's banking sector.

LAUGFS Gas PLC has been taken to court by the state consumer watchdog as Sri Lanka’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage deepens and questions grow over how the company was run.

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) filed the case on 29 October, accusing the company of breaching consumer protection directives and causing public inconvenience.

Company executives have been summoned to appear before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court on 11 November.

Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said two promised shipments of 3,800 metric tons each, due between 24 and 28 October and in the first week of November, failed to arrive, while a cargo expected on 3 November has been pushed back to 14 November.

Sanctions expose a weak balance sheet

The disruption follows action by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, which placed Slogal Energy DMCC on its Specially Designated Nationals list.

The Dubai-based subsidiary handles part of LAUGFS’ international procurement, and the listing relates to alleged dealings involving Iranian-origin LPG shipments.

The company has denied knowingly engaging in prohibited transactions and has begun a compliance review.

The sanctions have nonetheless upset international banking arrangements, making it harder to secure letters of credit and arrange new cargoes.

Critics argue that the sanctions alone do not explain the crisis.

The company’s audited accounts show a full-year net loss of about Rs. 2.52 billion, and later reporting periods point to further losses. Group liabilities reportedly exceed Rs. 41.2 billion, against shareholders’ equity of about Rs. 1.79 billion.

Heavy borrowing and rising finance costs have further limited its ability to pay for supplies on its own.

These figures raise doubts over whether the firm could maintain statutory reserves, find alternative suppliers and meet its obligations to the domestic market. The slippage has also unsettled confidence in commitments for November and December.

New owner, old questions

The company’s ownership has changed at the same time. Billionaire businessman Dhammika Perera has acquired a 50 per cent stake in LAUGFS Holdings through Vallibel Three (Pvt) Ltd.

Co-founder Thilak De Silva sold his entire 39.6 per cent holding, and Chairman W K H Wegapitiya sold 10.4 per cent.

Perera is a former National List MP and Investment Promotion Minister, which gives the deal added weight.

His arrival does not make him responsible for the company’s earlier financial troubles or procurement failures.

The issue is whether the new arrangement will bring financial stability, transparent management and steady supplies.

The Government, for its part, must establish whether the company’s internal problems were properly disclosed before the restructuring, and whether the new controlling shareholder has committed enough money to restart procurement.

In the meantime, the state-owned Litro Gas has raised its daily distribution by 80,000 to 100,000 cylinders to make up for the lost market share, shifting the immediate burden onto the public sector.

Sri Lanka needs more than corporate assurances and rescheduled delivery dates, and only an independent investigation into LAUGFS’ procurement, finances, reserve compliance and ownership change can ensure that households do not pay for the failings of a private supplier.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has paid rich tribute to the late veteran politician and NPP executive council member Lal Wijenayake, commending his principled defense of judicial independence across political divides.

The Opposition Leader issued a statement on social media platform X to express his condolences to the bereaved family and reflect on their shared campaign for legal integrity.

Defending Principles Above Party Lines

Recalling their joint efforts to protect the rule of law, Premadasa noted that political affiliations did not prevent them from aligning on critical constitutional issues.

He said that Wijenayake belonged to the governing party while he served in the opposition, yet they stood side by side when defending judicial independence.

Premadasa observed that politics often encourages individuals to protect their own parties and oppose rival factions, but Wijenayake demonstrated that foundational principles transcend political divisions.

He said that Wijenayake reminded everyone that certain values remain greater than party politics.

Premadasa emphasised the rarity of such political conviction, noting that defending what is right often requires going against one's own colleagues.

He remarked that this remains a form of courage that must never be taken for granted, especially when taking an uncomfortable stance against one's political allies.

The Opposition Leader added that political power and positions are temporary, but the courage to stand up for justice leaves an enduring legacy.

Concluding his message, Premadasa urged the nation to remember Wijenayake for the lessons his life left behind.

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported along Parliament Road, beginning near Polduwa Junction, due to a protest organised by the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP).

Police have advised motorists to expect delays and use alternative routes where possible.

SriLankan Airlines is sinking deeper into a financial crisis, with mounting losses, escalating operating costs and an enormous negative equity position raising fresh questions about the sustainability of the national carrier and the growing burden placed on public finances.

The airline recorded a pre-tax loss of Rs. 35.6 billion during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, significantly worsening its financial position compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, when its net loss stood at Rs. 12 billion.

The deterioration has occurred despite a substantial increase in revenue, which rose to Rs. 82.8 billion from Rs. 62.6 billion a year earlier. The central problem is that the growth in income has been overwhelmed by an even sharper escalation in operating expenditure.

Total operating costs increased by 40.4% to Rs. 95.2 billion, with aircraft fuel expenditure alone surging by 93% to Rs. 41.2 billion. The increase demonstrates the airline's vulnerability to international fuel-price movements, operational disruptions and weaknesses in controlling expenditure.

The airline's operating loss reached Rs. 12.5 billion, while foreign exchange losses and finance costs further aggravated its financial difficulties. Although SriLankan Catering generated a net profit of Rs. 3.4 billion, reducing the overall group loss to Rs. 32.2 billion, the contribution was insufficient to reverse the deteriorating financial position.

More alarming is the airline's balance-sheet position. Its negative equity has reached Rs. 351.5 billion, with total liabilities of Rs. 561.4 billion against assets of only Rs. 209.9 billion.

These figures expose a fundamental financial imbalance that cannot be resolved simply through increased passenger revenue or marginal improvements in operational efficiency.

The Finance Ministry has acknowledged that operating deficits, high fuel and maintenance expenditure, foreign exchange losses and finance costs continue to restrict the company's ability to generate sufficient internal cash flows to meet its financial and operational obligations.

Consequently, the General Treasury has been compelled to finance bank loan repayments and provide US$30 million in emergency funding to sustain operations. In March 2026, the Government also absorbed US$126.5 million in restructured guaranteed bonds directly into public debt.

This raises a critical question about the ultimate cost of maintaining the national carrier: how much longer can taxpayers finance an airline whose liabilities substantially exceed its assets?

Operational difficulties have compounded the financial crisis. Airspace closures in West Asia disrupted flight schedules and forced cancellations and rerouting, while increased operating costs placed further pressure on already weakened finances.

The Cabinet approved a Strategy and Restructuring Committee in June 2026 to examine the airline's financial sustainability and commercial viability. However, the establishment of another committee does not itself guarantee meaningful restructuring.

The Government must now demonstrate how the airline will reduce expenditure, improve fleet utilisation, strengthen revenue generation and address its accumulated liabilities.

Without measurable targets, transparent implementation and clear accountability, restructuring risks becoming another prolonged exercise financed by public money.

SriLankan Airlines remains a national strategic asset. But national importance cannot justify unlimited financial support without commercial discipline. The real challenge is transforming the carrier into an institution capable of surviving without repeatedly transferring its losses to the public purse.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has held a series of bilateral meetings with leaders and representatives from Rwanda, Jamaica and Uganda on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame focused on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation, trade and investment.

The two leaders also explored opportunities to broaden cooperation and increase economic engagement between Sri Lanka and Rwanda.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, with discussions centred on improving people-to-people connections and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, she invited Jamaica to participate in Expo Sri Lanka, scheduled for January 2027, and the Commonwealth Women's Affairs Ministers Meeting, which Sri Lanka is expected to host in the first quarter of 2028.

In a separate meeting, the Prime Minister held discussions with Uganda's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, on expanding cooperation in technical and vocational education, trade, investment and agriculture.

Both sides identified opportunities for sharing knowledge and expertise and developing initiatives that would benefit the two countries.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Amarasuriya also exchanged greetings with Maldives Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef during a brief meeting.

The Prime Minister's Media Division said the meetings reflected Sri Lanka's commitment to strengthening relations with Commonwealth member countries and expanding cooperation across economic, educational, agricultural and social sectors.

Sri Lanka’s latest electricity infrastructure investment signals a significant shift in the country’s energy strategy, but its ultimate success will depend on whether the Government can translate expensive infrastructure commitments into measurable savings, reliable electricity supplies and reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels.

The Cabinet has approved two major electricity transmission and storage projects, awarding both to a joint venture between Ceylex Engineering (Pvt) Ltd and China’s Xingneng Electric Power Construction Co. Ltd. The contracts cover the Sampur–Kappalthurai Transmission Project and the country’s first major utility-scale 100 MW/100 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Kolonnawa.

Although the projects represent an important step towards modernising the national grid, they also raise questions about implementation capacity, financial accountability and the ability of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to manage an increasingly complex renewable energy network.

The Sampur–Kappalthurai project, financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), carries a contract value of US$4.15 million, €0.78 million and Rs.1,096.08 million. It involves constructing a new 220(132)/33 kV solar power grid substation at Sampur and expanding the existing Kappalthurai facility to accommodate increasing solar electricity generation in the Eastern Province.

The second project, financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), involves installing a 100 MW/100 MWh battery storage facility at Kolonnawa. Its contract value comprises US$1.27 million, €2.61 million and Rs.555.13 million.

Both projects have been assigned a demanding 546-day completion period under turnkey arrangements, placing considerable responsibility on the Ceylex-Xingneng joint venture and the CEB.

The Kolonnawa installation is particularly significant because battery storage could help address one of the most expensive weaknesses in Sri Lanka’s electricity system: the inability to absorb and efficiently distribute fluctuating renewable energy generation.

Solar and wind power production is intermittent. Without adequate storage and grid flexibility, surplus renewable electricity may have to be curtailed, forcing the CEB to depend on conventional thermal generation when demand rises or renewable output declines.

The economic implications are considerable. The supplied estimates place diesel-fired generation costs at approximately Rs.115 per unit, compared with an estimated Rs.35 for battery-supported electricity services. However, the actual savings will depend on battery charging costs, efficiency losses, operating expenses, financing and replacement requirements. These figures should therefore be independently verified before being presented as guaranteed savings.

The technical challenges are equally serious. Installing the battery system at an operational Kolonnawa substation requires careful coordination to prevent interruptions to Colombo's electricity supply. Lithium-ion battery installations also demand sophisticated cooling, fire suppression and monitoring systems to prevent overheating and potential thermal runaway.

Equally important is the Energy Management System, which must communicate effectively with the CEB's National System Control Centre to ensure rapid responses to fluctuations in electricity generation and demand.

Meanwhile, smaller 10 MW battery installations are being introduced at 16 regional substations, including Anuradhapura, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Hambantota.

The Government's ambition to achieve 70% renewable electricity by 2030 cannot be realised through generation capacity alone. Transmission infrastructure, storage technology and competent system management are equally essential.

However, the critical test will be transparency over procurement, construction costs, operational performance and actual savings. International development financing does not eliminate the responsibility to protect public resources.

Sri Lanka cannot afford another generation of expensive infrastructure that fails to deliver its promised economic returns. The battery revolution must ultimately be measured not by contract awards or installed capacity, but by lower electricity costs, fewer power disruptions and reduced dependence on costly imported fuel.

A supplementary estimate amounting to Rs. 47 billion was presented to Parliament today (04) to reduce the financial burden on the public caused by rising fuel prices and provide additional assistance to Aswesuma beneficiaries.

Presenting the estimate, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said Rs. 41 billion would be allocated under the expenditure head of the Ministry of Energy, while the remaining Rs. 6 billion would be provided through the operational programme of the Ministry of Finance and Planning for additional payments under the Aswesuma welfare programme.

He explained that the Rs. 41 billion allocation would be utilised over October, November and December to minimise the impact of fuel price increases in the domestic market resulting from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Under the additional welfare assistance, beneficiaries in the extremely poor category of Aswesuma will receive an extra payment of Rs. 6,250, while those in the poor category will receive Rs. 4,000.

The Deputy Minister clarified that although the additional payment for beneficiaries in the extremely poor category would be distributed in two instalments, it would be considered a one-time benefit.

He further stated that the supplementary estimate would not create additional government expenditure, as the required funds would be obtained through the reallocation and management of existing budgetary provisions from other sectors.

Sri Lanka’s worsening LPG shortage has exposed a dangerous weakness in the country’s energy security arrangements. The crisis highlights the absence of an effective mechanism to protect consumers when a major private-sector supplier fails to maintain uninterrupted distribution.

The disruption affecting LAUGFS Gas PLC is now testing the Government's ability to regulate essential commodities, protect household consumption and prevent an interruption in industrial activity. With the company reportedly accounting for approximately 20% of the domestic LPG market, its supply difficulties have created consequences extending well beyond its own commercial operations.

The Consumer Affairs Authority's decision to institute legal proceedings against LAUGFS on October 29 represents an important intervention. The company has been accused of failing to maintain continuous supplies and complying with consumer protection requirements. The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court has summoned the company to appear on November 11.

Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe has reportedly stated that the company failed to follow proper procurement procedures. According to his account, LAUGFS had previously informed the Finance Ministry that a shipment containing 3,800 metric tonnes of LPG would arrive between October 20 and 28. That shipment did not arrive within the promised period. The company subsequently indicated a revised arrival window of November 2–5.

However, prosecuting a company after consumers have already suffered shortages does not constitute an adequate national energy security strategy.

The Government must explain why a supplier responsible for a substantial share of the market could experience prolonged supply difficulties without an effective emergency arrangement being activated earlier.

Litro Gas has increased its distribution to compensate for the shortfall. Reports indicate that the company has released between 90,000 and 100,000 domestic 12.5-kilogram cylinders daily during the intensified distribution period. An additional LPG shipment has also reached the country, providing some relief to the market.

Nevertheless, the increased workload raises questions about the capacity of the state-backed supplier to absorb an extended disruption without creating new shortages or logistical bottlenecks.

The economic consequences are particularly serious for small and medium enterprises. Restaurants, bakeries, food processors, hotels and other commercial establishments depend on uninterrupted LPG supplies. Even a temporary interruption can increase operating costs, reduce production and threaten employment.

For ordinary households, the shortage creates another financial burden. Consumers already struggling with rising living expenses may be forced to spend additional money locating available cylinders or purchasing alternative cooking arrangements.

The proposed introduction of emergency cross-filling arrangements, allowing Litro to refill empty LAUGFS cylinders, deserves urgent technical and regulatory consideration. However, such a measure must address cylinder ownership, safety standards, compatibility, liability and distribution controls before implementation.

There is also an important question concerning the company's financial position. Its reported losses and liabilities exceeding Rs. 41 billion suggest that the present crisis cannot be examined exclusively through the lens of international sanctions.

The Government must establish whether financial weakness, procurement decisions, inadequate reserves or other operational failures contributed to the disruption.

The ownership structure also requires accurate public disclosure. Dhammika Perera's 50% investment in LAUGFS Holdings was completed in September 2025, rather than being a new acquisition arising from the present shortage. The partnership was publicly announced by the company in April 2026.

What matters now is whether the new ownership structure can restore financial stability and guarantee reliable supplies.

The Government should publish a transparent emergency LPG supply plan, disclose reserve requirements and their enforcement, and establish clear accountability for failures.

Sri Lanka cannot afford to treat cooking gas as an ordinary commercial product when millions of households and thousands of businesses depend on it for their daily survival.

Former LTTE combatant E. Kathir has announced plans to register the People’s Front of Liberation Tigers with the Election Commission of Sri Lanka to contest future polls independently.

Speaking at a press conference at the Jaffna Press Club on Sunday, Kathir declared himself general secretary of the new entity, which he described as the official political party of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

He said that the timing of the announcement was chosen because November is the month dedicated to commemorating fallen Tamil fighters.

Kathir said that existing political parties had failed to address the needs of ex-combatants since the end of the conflict in 2009, prompting the creation of a dedicated political vehicle.

He outlined plans for a national convention in January, noting that regional and district branches have already been established across the northern and eastern regions.

The general secretary said that the party intends to pursue self-determination and a federal solution for Tamils through strictly democratic and non-violent means.

He urged the Sri Lankan government not to hinder its political initiatives and called for international diplomatic backing.

Kathir previously served as secretary of the Crusaders for Democracy, an organization of former fighters that fielded independent candidates in the 2015 parliamentary elections after being turned down by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA).

His past political activity led to intense interrogation by the Terrorism Investigation Division in 2018 regarding his involvement in Tamil war commemoration events.

However, Kathir did not disclose specific dates for the official registration application or reveal the identities of other senior party members during the press briefing.

Former Chief Justice Sarath Nanda Silva has accused the government of introducing draconian security laws to suppress political dissent and violate fundamental civil rights.

The former chief justice made these remarks during a media conference held at the Colombo office of United National Party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on 3 November.

Opposition figures also contend that the Protection of State from Terrorism Bill alongside the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill will undermine democratic freedoms and trigger severe international sanctions.

Speaking at the press briefing, Prof. G.L. Peiris warned that the country risks losing its European Union GSP Plus trade concessions due to strong condemnation from the United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.

The former foreign minister pointed out that the new measures would allow forced confessions obtained under assault to be used as admissible evidence in court proceedings.

He further noted that the proposed law authorises police and armed forces to detain individuals without judicial oversight, calling for international intervention to stall the legislative process.

Meanwhile, the former chief justice pointed out that the military would be empowered to execute arrests and hold suspects for up to 72 hours before presenting them to a magistrate.

He cautioned that armed forces could be deployed without a declared state of emergency, leaving political opponents vulnerable to military overreach under the guise of state protection.

Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara tabled the controversial anti-terrorism and organised crime bills in parliament on 6 October and 20 October respectively.