Police launch manhunt for gunmen after kidnapping of nine-year-old boy

The Police Command in Ondo State has commenced manhunt for suspected kidnappers who abducted a nine-year-old boy at Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of the state.

Abayomi Jimoh, the spokesperson for the command, made this known in a statement on Friday in Akure.

Jimoh explained that the incident was reported at about 2:30a.m on Friday by Mr Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun.

“According to their reports, at approximately 1:30a.m. on the same day, a group of armed men invaded the community, firing gunshots sporadically and causing panic among residents.

“During the attack, the assailants reportedly forced their way into the residence of Mr Olaosebikan Isaac.

“In a desperate attempt to save his life, he(Isaac) escaped into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Master Olaosebikan Victor, who was subsequently abducted by the armed men.

“Mr Joel Owalekan also reported that the same group of assailants unlawfully damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry. He(Owalekan) similarly escaped the attack by fleeing to safety, thereby avoiding possible harm,” he stated.

Jimoh said that upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer and his men, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

According to him, security operatives are combing the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators.

He said that investigations had commenced while relevant exhibits had been recovered and documented to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and track down those responsible.

Jimoh said that the command was working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure that the criminals were brought to justice.

He assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted child.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing investigations.

“Anyone with credible and actionable information relating to the abducted child or the suspects is encouraged to report promptly to the nearest police station or other security agency,” he said.

(NAN)

Police begin enforcement against tinted vehicles, covered number plates

By Monday Ijeh

The Police said they have commenced a comprehensive enforcement operation against vehicles operating in violation of regulations on tinted glass, concealed number plates and vehicle registration requirements as part measures to curb crimes in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Ahmed Sanusi, said this during a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

Sanusi said the operation followed the increasing use of vehicles with tinted windows, covered number plates and unregistered vehicles in the commission of crimes across the territory.

The Police Commissioner said such vehicles are frequently used in “one-chance” robberies, kidnappings and other criminal activities because they enable offenders to conceal their identities and evade detection.

He said intelligence reports available to the command indicated that many criminal elements deliberately exploited such vehicles to frustrate law enforcement efforts and threatened public safety.

“This poses a serious threat to public safety.

“Consequently, the Police Command in the FCT has commenced a comprehensive enforcement operation targeting vehicles operating in violation of these regulations.

“This exercise is not intended to inconvenience law-abiding citizens who have legitimately acquired approval to use tints on their vehicles.

“It is to deny criminals the cover they exploit to perpetrate crimes against innocent citizens and FCT residents,” he said.

The police commissioner said more than 30 vehicles operating with illegal tinted glass, concealed number plates or without proper registration had been impounded since the exercise began.

He added that the owners and operators of the affected vehicles would be prosecuted in accordance with the Laws of the Federation and the FCT Road Transport Regulations 2023.

Sanusi pledged that the command would remain committed to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention strategies aimed at protecting lives and property in the FCT.

He called for the understanding, cooperation and support of residents as the command continued the enforcement operation across the territory.

The commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.(NAN)

N36m fraud trial: Court reserves ruling on Blessing CEO’s bail application

Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday reserved ruling until June 9, 2026, on the bail application filed by social media influencer, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, (a.k.a Blessing CEO) who is standing trial over an alleged N36 million fraud.

The defendant is facing a two-count charge filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N36 million.

Justice Dipeolu had ordered her remand in EFCC custody pending the hearing of her bail application when she was first arraigned

During the hearing of the bail application on Friday, counsel to the defendant, P.I. Nwafuru, urged the court to grant his client bail on the most liberal terms.

Opposing the application, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, informed the court that the EFCC had filed a 28-paragraph counter-affidavit deposed to by the investigating officer, Bufa Regina Okangbe, on May 29, 2026.

“We rely on all the depositions contained therein and the exhibits attached. At some point during the course of the investigation, the defendant stopped honouring invitations extended to her by the Commission.

“We urge Your Lordship not to accede to the request of the defence and instead order an accelerated hearing of the matter,” Suleiman submitted.

After listening to arguments from both parties, Justice Dipeolu reserved ruling on the bail application until June 9, 2026.

Earlier in the proceedings, the prosecution presented its first witness, Bufa Regina Okangbe, an investigator with the EFCC. She narrated a trail of bank transactions, property records, and witness statements that allegedly revealed how the defendant received N36 million from the petitioner for a property she did not own.

According to Okangbe, the Commission received a petition which was assigned to her team for investigation. She stated that a Bank Verification Number (BVN) search conducted on the defendant revealed several bank accounts linked to her.

“Following this, letters of investigation were sent to the banks, while another letter was forwarded to the Lagos State Land Bureau to determine whether the property belonged to the defendant.

“The Commission also wrote to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) regarding the defendant’s company, Break or Makeup Limited.

“After analysing the defendant’s statements of account, she was invited to the Commission’s office and confronted with transactions traced to her and the petitioner.”

The witness further testified that the defendant made statements under caution in the presence of her lawyer and husband, admitting that the petitioner paid her the sum of N30 million.

Okangbe told the court that the response from the Lagos State Land Bureau revealed that the property in question did not belong to the defendant but to one Mr. Tunbosun Osobu.

“The Commission invited Mr. Osobu, who appeared with his lawyer and son. He confirmed that he had leased the property to the defendant for three years and that the lease expired in 2023 before it was renewed in 2025,” she stated.

The witness also informed the court that the petitioner submitted the lease agreement executed between the petitioner and the defendant, along with a tenancy acquisition form.

During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Suleiman sought to tender several documents through the witness, including the petition dated February 18, 2025; statements made by the defendant on December 10, 11, 12, and 16, 2025; the tenancy acquisition form submitted by the petitioner’s lawyer; the petitioner’s Zenith Bank statement of account in the name of Pipes and Barrel Limited; and the defendant’s GTBank and Access Bank statements.

However, defence counsel P.I. Nwafuru objected to the admissibility of the defendant’s statements, arguing that there was no endorsement indicating the presence of a legal practitioner during the recording of the statements. He also contended that no video recording of the statement-taking process had been produced before the court.

In response, Suleiman argued that the absence of a legal practitioner did not render an extra-judicial statement inadmissible.

“The law only requires the presence of a legal practitioner or any person chosen by the defendant. The statements are very key to this matter, and we urge My Lord to admit them in evidence,” he submitted.

On the issue of the bank statements, Suleiman maintained that all statements of account were accompanied by certificates of identification in compliance with Section 84 of the Evidence Act.

“The witness through whom the statements of account are being tendered is the investigating officer in this case, and the law recognises such authority as an exception to the hearsay rule,” he added.

In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu overruled the objections and admitted the documents into evidence as exhibits.

The judge held that: “Section 17(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) clearly provides that a suspect’s statement may be taken in the presence of a legal practitioner of his or her choice, a representative of the Legal Aid Council, a representative of a civil society organisation, or any other person chosen by the suspect.”

Continuing her testimony, Okangbe stated that the petitioner, through the company account, paid a total sum of N36 million to the defendant.

According to her, N25 million was transferred into the defendant’s GTBank account, while an additional N11 million was paid into her Access Bank account for the lease of a property located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos.

She further testified that an analysis of the defendant’s bank accounts revealed several subsequent transfers, including N8 million to Mr. and Mrs. Osobu, N1.9 million to Beauty City by Lekki, N11 million to Lina Uzoma Okoro, the defendant’s mother, and N15 million to Kenneth Emeka Onuora.

Under cross-examination, the witness stated that the Federal Republic of Nigeria, being the petitioner in the criminal proceedings, was not privy to any settlement arrangement allegedly entered into between the defendant and the petitioner.

She also informed the court that she was unaware of any attempt by the defendant to refund N24 million to the petitioner, as earlier claimed by the defence.

According to the witness, the petitioner had already commenced renovation work on the property before the owner, Mr. Tunbosun Osobu, allegedly appeared and ejected them from the premises.

Justice Dipeolu subsequently adjourned the matter until June 9, 2026, for ruling on bail application and June 22, 2026, for continuation of trial.

Debunking Economic Myths # 1: Central Bank has no role in exchange rate management

There are widespread misunderstandings about key economic concepts such as economic growth, inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, taxation, Government debt, and fiscal and monetary policies.

These misconceptions are propagated by various commentators through newspapers, TV talk shows, and social media. Such economic myths distort public opinion, create market uncertainty, and lead to imprudent decision-making in both the private and public sectors. They also tend to discourage savings, investment, and production activities, and can even trigger market panics.

Hence, theoretically sound and evidence-based economic analyses, grounded in a positive economic approach rather than subjective and normative personal opinions, are crucial for prudent policymaking and the country’s economic progress. Against this backdrop, this series of articles seeks to demystify some of the prevalent economic misconceptions circulating today.

Myth on exchange rate management

In the wake of foreign exchange volatility in recent weeks, a serious misconception being circulated in newspapers and on social media is that maintaining exchange rate stability is no longer a function of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) under the new Central Bank Act (CBA) enacted in 2023. According to proponents of this view, responsibility for maintaining exchange rate stability rests with the Government.

It is argued that the CBSL has no tools to intervene in the foreign exchange market other than moral suasion (e.g. informal guidance to commercial banks) under the new Act. Therefore, it is alleged that the CBSL has no freedom to conduct its own exchange rate policy in the same way that it enjoys independence in conducting monetary policy.

The reality

The above assertion is entirely false. Section 7(1) of the CBA of 2023 stipulates: ‘Subject to the provisions of this Act, the powers, duties, and functions of the Central Bank shall be to (a) determine and implement monetary policy; (b) determine and implement exchange rate policy; (c) hold and ensure the prudent and effective management of the international reserves of Sri Lanka; (d) issue and manage the currency of Sri Lanka …’.

Thus, exchange rate management remains a major function of the CBSL, contrary to the misconception outlined above. In fact, exchange rate management had been a core responsibility of the CBSL since its inception in 1950 until it was haphazardly abandoned in 2002.

Under the Monetary Law Act (MLA), which originated from the recommendations of John Exter in 1949, preserving the par value of the Ceylon rupee was among the principal functions of the then Central Bank of Ceylon.

Arbitrary removal of the exchange rate management function in 2002

Under amendments to the MLA introduced in 2002, reportedly spearheaded by then CBSL Governor A.S. Jayawardena, the crucial function of maintaining exchange rate stability was removed. Instead, the CBSL’s objectives were limited to securing (a) economic and price stability and (b) financial system stability.

This significant omission in the amended MLA was rectified by the new CBA, which reintroduced the determination and implementation of exchange rate policy as a core function of the CBSL, thereby refuting the allegation that the Act contains no provisions for exchange rate management.

CBSL’s tools for exchange rate management

Contrary to the misconception, the CBSL has several policy tools at its disposal to mitigate disorderly short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate while allowing it to be determined by market forces over the longer term.

The CBSL can influence the exchange rate by adjusting its Overnight Policy Rate (OPR). An increase in the OPR, for instance, raises market interest rates, reducing demand for foreign exchange for imports and thereby easing depreciation pressure on the rupee in the short term.

This was reflected in the CBSL’s decision to raise the OPR by 100 basis points to 8.75% in late May 2026. A key consideration behind this move was the continued expansion of private sector credit, which was fuelling import demand and placing pressure on the external sector.

Another tool used by the CBSL to ease pressure in the foreign exchange market was the reduction of the export proceeds conversion period from three months to one month. Accordingly, exporters are now required to convert residual export proceeds into Sri Lankan rupees by the 10th day of the following month.

The CBSL can also intervene in the foreign exchange market through the purchase and sale of foreign reserves to prevent excessive short-term exchange rate volatility. In May 2026, the CBSL recorded a net sale of $ 211.3 million to curb depreciation pressure on the rupee.

CBSL’s policy rate hike contested

A criticism levelled against the CBSL’s recent decision to raise the OPR is that it increases the cost of funds, thereby adversely affecting investment and GDP growth. This issue can be analysed through the well-established concept of the ‘Impossible Trinity’ (or Mundell-Fleming Trilemma), which posits that a central bank can achieve only two of the following three policy goals simultaneously: independent monetary policy, a fixed exchange rate, and free capital flows.

In a regime of exchange rate flexibility and free capital flows, a country’s central bank is compelled to sacrifice some degree of monetary policy independence. In other words, monetary policy cannot be determined in isolation from exchange rate movements and capital flows.

In Sri Lanka’s case, if the CBSL were to maintain the OPR at a low level to stimulate economic activity while the rupee is depreciating, such a low-interest-rate environment would continue to boost import demand and encourage capital outflows, thereby accelerating depreciation of the currency.

Interest rates and exchange rates are inseparable policy instruments

In an open economy, interest rates and exchange rates are directly linked through foreign trade and capital flows. Higher interest rates help mitigate currency depreciation through several channels. They make borrowing more expensive, thereby reducing import demand and narrowing the trade deficit. Interest rate increases can also attract foreign capital and discourage capital flight.

A relatively tight domestic interest rate policy is therefore often necessary during periods of currency pressure to prevent a further deterioration of the Balance of Payments. Accordingly, exchange rates and interest rates are inseparable policy instruments within the broader monetary policy framework.

(The author, Emeritus Professor of Economics at the Open University of Sri Lanka, is the President of the Sri Lanka Economic Association and Honorary Deputy Chairman of the Gamani Corea Foundation)

”Prime Marina by Prime and Melwa” Sets a New Global Benchmark for Sri Lankan Real Estate

Highlights from the marina-front luxury real estate launch Sri Lanka has never seen before.

Prime and Melwa officially launched Prime Marina at Port City Colombo on the 10th of June – with a spectacular evening featuring a live 3D Animated drone show lighting up the night sky for the first time in Sri Lanka, a dazzling fireworks display, the iconic Lotus Tower lit up in Prime Marina logo identity, live performances by the global Brand Ambassadors Umaria and Bathiya and Santhush.

The night also marked the official project unveiling by Prime Lands Chairman Mr. Premalal Brahmanage, Co-Chairperson Mrs. Sandamini Perera, and Melwa Chairman Mr. Anandaraja Pillai – a defining moment for Sri Lankan real estate.

Prime Marina by Prime and Melwa, a vision that takes Sri Lankan Real Estate to the World.

Police warns foreigners about fake currency notes

Sri Lanka Police have advised foreign nationals to exchange foreign currency only through authorised money changers and licensed banks, warning that transactions conducted through unauthorised individuals could expose them to counterfeit currency scams and other fraudulent activities.

Police Media Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler urged foreigners visiting the country to ensure that all foreign exchange transactions are carried out through Government-approved money exchange centres or licensed banking institutions.

He cautioned that using unauthorised money exchange services could result in financial losses, including the risk of receiving counterfeit currency.

The Police warning comes amid continued efforts by authorities to safeguard tourists and foreign visitors from financial fraud and to ensure compliance with the country’s foreign exchange regulations.

ASP Wootler reiterated that authorised money changers and licensed banks provide a secure and regulated avenue for foreign currency transactions, helping to minimise the risk of scams and other illegal activities.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ pull off Super Over win in dramatic finish

In a match full of drama Sri Lanka ‘A’ snatched a thrilling win 7-run in the Super Over against India ‘A’ to record their second win in the ongoing ‘A’ team one-day Tri-Series match played at the Rangiri Dambulla Cricket Stadium yesterday that took them to top spot in the standings.

Invited to bat first India ‘A’ scored 265 off 49.2 overs and in reply Sri Lanka ‘A’ finished on 265-9 off 50 overs forcing a Super Over. In growing darkness the Super Over began and Sri Lanka ‘A’ batting first scored 16-0 leaving India ‘A’ to get 17 for a win. India ‘A’ however could manage only 9 despite the presence of ‘Boss Baby’ Vaibhav Sooriyavanshi who managed to score 6* off 3 balls against a superb Super Over from former St John’s College, Jaffna fast bowler 19-year-old Kugathas Mathulan. He bowled a masterful under-pressure over for Sri Lanka ‘A’, nailing his lines and lengths mostly to keep the Indian batters at bay.

After Sri Lanka ‘A’ won the toss and elected to bowl first, India ‘A’s powerhouse top-order suffered a mini collapse with openers Sooryavanshi and Prabhsimran Singh dismissed by the seventh over. A 52-run stand off 54 balls ensued between skipper Tilak Varma (23) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (37), before India lost their next five wickets at regular intervals for an addition of mere 52 runs. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth caused serious damage in the middle overs, picking up 3/26 which included the wickets of Gaikwad, Nishant Sindhu and Anukul Roy in quick succession.

India ‘A’ found themselves reeling at 125-6 and shortly after at 143-7. That’s when a rescue act was brilliantly orchestrated by the lower-order all-rounders, Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam. Batting at No. 7, Shedge played a remarkably mature and aggressive innings, top-scoring with 72 runs off 66 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes). He found an ideal ally in Nigam, who compiled a crucial 51 runs from 49 balls (6 fours) before getting run-out. The duo staged a counter-attack that quickly shifted the momentum back in India ‘A’s favour through a defiant 104-run partnership off 90 balls.

India ‘A’s batting performance included repeated breaches of regulations by running on the protected middle area of the pitch by Nigam resulting in two separate five-run penalties after an initial warning. Consequently, Sri Lanka ‘A’ were awarded 10 runs before facing a single ball, allowing them to remarkably start their run chase at 10-0.

Sri Lanka ‘A’s pursuit of 266 started strongly before they lost their openers in quick succession to be 75-2. Middle-order batter Sadeera Samarawickrama then stepped up, anchoring the chase elegantly with a 113-ball knock of 93 (6 fours) struggling throughout the latter part of his innings with cramps. He stitched meaningful partnerships after a brief collapse of 3 for 34 wherein Sri Lanka ‘A’ lost a well-set Niroshan Dickwella for 37 off 33. Samarawickrama found able company in Wanuja Sahan (25) and Viyaskanth (18) to drag the equation down to a comfortable 12 required at a run-a-ball.

However, India ‘A’s bowlers mounted a spectacular death-overs comeback to tie the scores with a run-out on the last ball, triggering immense confusion and animated discussions on the field. Captain Varma was involved in a heated discussion with the umpires, seemingly suggesting that Chamika Gunasekara hadn’t offered a shot before the ball rolled off his boot for a leg bye off the last ball. After settling down for a Super Over amid fading light, Sri Lanka ‘A’ batted first and smashed 18 runs, courtesy of a dramatic over that included a controversial six off a no-ball that India ‘A’ contested again, with a furious Varma in argument with the umpires’ again.

India ‘A’ fell well short by 7 runs giving Sri Lanka ‘A’ a breathtaking victory. It was immediately followed by heated on-field tensions and physical contact between the batters and the Sri Lankan fielders, capping off a dramatic contest. India ‘A’ take on Afghanistan ‘A’ in another match of the one-day tri-series tomorrow. – [ST]

n Scores: India ‘A’ 265 (49.2) (V Sooriyavanshi 21, R Gaikwad 37, T Varma 23, S Shedge 72, V Nigam 51, M Shiraz 3/33, V Viyaskanth 3/26)

n Sri Lanka ‘A’ 265-9 (50) (N Dickwella 37, A Fernando 22, S Samarawickrama 93, W Sahan 25, A Badoni 2/45)

n SUPER OVER: Sri Lanka ‘A’ 16-0; India ‘A’ 9-0.

Can Indian Ocean Dipole cushion Sri Lanka from a strong El Niño?

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) can significantly influence rainfall patterns across Sri Lanka and India and may either strengthen or weaken the effects of El Niño. While climate forecasts indicate a high likelihood of a strong El Niño event during 2026, some of the claims circulating online appear overstated.

Climatic influence of Indian Ocean Dipole

Recent discussions in both social and print media have raised concerns about the potential impacts of the developing El Niño on Sri Lanka. While climate forecasts indicate a high likelihood of a strong El Niño event during 2026, some of the claims circulating online appear overstated. Although El Niño can affect rainfall patterns and water availability, Sri Lanka is unlikely to experience an extreme water crisis solely because of this phenomenon. In fact, the possible emergence of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) could partially mitigate El Niño’s adverse effects by contributing to increased rainfall in the region.

Assessing the likely impacts of El Niño on Sri Lanka requires looking beyond the Pacific Ocean. Another important climate phenomenon, the Indian Ocean Dipole, can significantly influence rainfall patterns across Sri Lanka and India and may either strengthen or weaken the effects of El Niño. The IOD is sometimes described as the Indian Ocean counterpart of El Niño because it also involves ocean-atmosphere interactions that influence rainfall. However, it is a distinct climate system and should not be confused with El Niño or La Niña.

The influence of both El Niño/La Niña and the IOD on South Asian rainfall has long been recognised. However, research has shown that rainfall patterns over Sri Lanka are often explained more accurately when El Niño/La Niña and the IOD are considered together rather than in isolation. A forecast based solely on El Niño may therefore overlook important signals originating from the Indian Ocean.

Climate scientists monitor several key indicators simultaneously, including the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and seasonal monsoon circulation forecasts. Together, these indicators provide a far more reliable picture of future rainfall patterns than any single index alone.

What is the Indian Ocean Dipole?

El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterised by abnormally high temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean and cooler temperatures towards Indonesia and Australia. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a climate phenomenon characterised by differences in sea surface temperatures between the western and eastern tropical Indian Ocean.

It occurs in three phases: Positive IOD; Neutral IOD; and Negative IOD.

Many climatologists consider the IOD particularly important for Sri Lanka because it often exerts a stronger influence on October-December rainfall than on the Southwest Monsoon (May to September). This is because IOD events typically reach their peak intensity between September and November.

Positive IOD

A Positive IOD occurs when sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean become warmer than normal, while waters near Indonesia become cooler than normal. This temperature contrast alters atmospheric circulation and rainfall patterns across the region. During the Southwest Monsoon season, a Positive IOD generally tends to strengthen monsoon activity over India and parts of Sri Lanka, partially offsetting the drying influence often associated with El Niño.

Negative IOD

A Negative IOD is the opposite condition, with warmer waters near Indonesia and cooler waters in the western Indian Ocean. During June to September, a Negative IOD generally weakens the Southwest Monsoon by reducing moisture transport towards South Asia. However, timing is critical. If a Negative IOD persists into October-December, it can increase moisture availability over the Bay of Bengal and enhance Northeast Monsoon rainfall over Sri Lanka and southern India. Thus, a Negative IOD may be unfavourable for the Southwest Monsoon but beneficial for the Northeast Monsoon. Neutral IOD

A Neutral IOD occurs when sea surface temperatures in the western and eastern equatorial Indian Ocean are close to average, resulting in little or no significant influence on normal regional rainfall patterns.

Why timing matters

El Niño and La Niña originate in the Pacific Ocean, whereas the IOD develops in the Indian Ocean. When they occur simultaneously, their effects can either reinforce or counteract each other. The strongest climate impacts occur when ENSO and IOD phases support the same rainfall pattern. Together, they influence whether Sri Lanka experiences droughts, floods, or near-normal rainfall. Climate forecasts are valuable tools for planning, but they should not be interpreted in isolation. Sri Lanka’s climate is influenced by multiple interacting systems, and the outcome depends on how these systems evolve over the coming months.

El Niño and Positive IOD

This combination is particularly important for Sri Lanka and India. A notable historical example occurred in 1997, when one of the strongest El Niño events on record coincided with a strong Positive IOD. While El Niño alone often weakens monsoon rainfall, a Positive IOD can partially offset this effect by strengthening moisture transport over the Indian Ocean. As a result, Sri Lanka may receive more rainfall than would normally be expected during an El Niño year. Although a Positive IOD does not eliminate the impacts of El Niño, it can reduce their severity.

El Niño and Negative IOD

This combination generally produces a stronger drying effect across South Asia. El Niño weakens monsoon circulation, while a Negative IOD shifts convection towards Indonesia. Together, they can significantly reduce Southwest Monsoon rainfall over India and Sri Lanka, increasing the risk of drought.

How are the IOD and El Niño now?

Current climate assessments indicate that the Indian Ocean Dipole remains neutral. However, many climate models suggest a high probability of a transition towards a Positive IOD during July-September 2026, coinciding with the expected development of El Niño conditions in the Pacific. If this scenario materialises, the Positive IOD may help offset part of the rainfall reduction typically associated with El Niño, particularly during the latter part of the Southwest Monsoon season.

Key interpretation for Sri Lanka:

n El Niño + Positive IOD ? Drought effects are usually moderated.

n El Niño + Negative IOD ? Strongest drought risk.

n La Niña + Positive IOD ? Highest likelihood of excessive rainfall and floods.

n La Niña + Negative IOD ? Mixed or near-normal rainfall outcomes. While there is reason for concern, there is no cause for panic. The most appropriate response to the developing El Niño is proactive preparedness. Government agencies, water managers, farmers, industries, and households should closely monitor evolving climate conditions and take timely measures to minimise potential impacts. Sri Lanka enters this period with a significant advantage: substantial carry-over storage in major reservoirs, many of which continue to receive inflows from the ongoing Southwest Monsoon. These reserves provide an important buffer against possible rainfall deficits, unless the country experiences a prolonged drought.

Priority should therefore be given to the efficient management of available water resources. Reservoir storage should be conserved where possible by limiting hydropower generation and increasing reliance on alternative energy sources, particularly solar power.

Water conservation should be promoted among households, industries, and commercial establishments, while irrigation systems should be managed carefully to maximise efficiency and minimise losses. For the forthcoming Maha season, farmers should be encouraged to commence cultivation early and adopt short-duration crop varieties to reduce exposure to possible late-season water shortages.

Rainwater harvesting and home gardening should also be promoted to strengthen household water and food security.

At the national level, a coordinated preparedness programme involving Government agencies, farmer organisations, research institutions, and local communities would help strengthen resilience to possible climate-related challenges.

At the same time, attention should be given to long-term water security measures, including expediting the proposed saltwater exclusion barrier at Ambatale to enhance water supplies for Colombo and the Greater Colombo area. The key message is clear: preparedness and prudent resource management, rather than alarm, offer the most effective response to the potential impacts of El Niño.

Conclusion

While El Niño deserves close attention, it is only one part of a much larger climate picture. The future behaviour of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) may prove equally important in determining whether Sri Lanka experiences drought, near-normal conditions, or even above-average rainfall in some regions. The coming months will reveal whether the Indian Ocean provides Sri Lanka with an important buffer against the impacts of a strong Pacific El Niño. Until then, preparedness should guide national policy and public response. (The author holds a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering from Tokyo University and an M.Sc. in Soil and Water Management from the University of Wageningen. He is a specialist in watershed management and soil conservation, and a former Director of the Natural Resources Management Centre, Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka. He has also worked with FAO in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.)

Pelwatte Dairy commissions largest dairy effluent treatment plant

Pelwatte Dairy Industries Ltd., has successfully commissioned its state-of-the-art Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) at its Buttala manufacturing facility, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward environmental stewardship, ESG compliance, and responsible dairy processing.

This facility is the largest Effluent Treatment Plant within a dairy processing operation in Sri Lanka, underscoring Pelwatte Dairy’s commitment to aligning its operations with global environmental standards and strengthening its position in international markets.

This investment reflects a deliberate and forward-looking strategy by the Board of Directors to embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into core operations. As Pelwatte Dairy continues to scale its processing capacity and expand its export footprint, environmental compliance has become a central pillar of sustainable growth.

The ETP has been designed to meet the increasingly stringent environmental expectations of Western, European, and Far Eastern markets, where compliance with wastewater discharge standards, environmental reporting, and sustainability practices are essential for market access.

The facility has a base treatment capacity of 250 m³ per day, with the engineered capability to handle peak volumes of up to 325 m³, representing approximately 30% additional capacity to accommodate future growth in processing volumes.

This future-ready design ensures that Pelwatte Dairy can maintain consistent environmental performance even under high production scenarios, reinforcing the company’s commitment to long-term compliance, operational resilience, and responsible expansion.

The ETP integrates advanced treatment technologies, including: Integrated Dissolved Air Flotation (IDAF); Anaerobic and Enhanced Sequential Batch Reactor (AnSBR/eSBR) systems; Dedicated CIP wastewater management; Real-time automated process monitoring and Screw press sludge dewatering.

These systems ensure high treatment efficiency and compliance with critical environmental parameters such as Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and nutrient discharge limits. [ETP Opening | Word]

The plant is fully aligned with Sri Lanka’s stringent Central Environmental Authority (CEA) discharge standards and supports adherence to ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) practices, reinforcing Pelwatte Dairy’s structured approach to environmental management and continuous improvement.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives from the Board of Investment (BOI) Environmental Division and Central Environmental Authority (CEA) provincial and district offices, reflecting strong regulatory engagement and endorsement of the environmental standards achieved through this investment.

Their presence underscores Pelwatte Dairy’s proactive approach in working closely with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with national environmental frameworks while aligning with global best practices.

With this development, Pelwatte Dairy strengthens its position as a responsible and globally competitive dairy processor, capable of meeting the environmental expectations of leading international buyers and regulatory bodies.

This initiative not only enhances the company’s ESG profile but also contributes to elevating the sustainability standards of Sri Lanka’s dairy industry.

Sweden overwhelm Tunisia 5-0 as Cote d’Ivoire edge Ecuador 1-0 and Japan-Netherlands draw

Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak starred as Sweden sprinted to the top of Group F with an emphatic win over Tunisia. Graham Potter’s team sit two points clear of Japan and the Netherlands at this FIFA World Cup 2026.

Yasin Ayari, whose father was born in Tunisia, broke the deadlock at Monterrey Stadium with a brilliant drive from outside the box. Isak made it two following a delightful turn and pass from strike partner Gyokeres, before Sabri Lamouchi’s side got themselves back into the game when Omar Rekik glanced home Hannibal Mejbri’s glorious delivery for his first international goal.

The second half was all Sweden. Isak robbed Ellyes Skhiri and Gyokeres buried the loose ball to make it 3-1, Mattias Svanberg amplified the advantage moments after coming on, and Ayari sealed a morale-boosting success.

Amad Diallo scored a 90th-minute winner as Côte d’Ivoire edged Ecuador in a breathless contest in which the woodwork was struck four times.

The match, somehow, seemed to be heading for a goalless draw before substitute Amad expertly caressed a shot into the bottom corner to spark scenes of joyous celebration.

The first half of the match was wildly entertaining. Ecuador’s John Yeboah was the first to be denied by the frame of the goal, with his venomous strike from outside the area crashing against the crossbar. Soon after, Alan Minda had a golden opportunity when he was played in by a perfectly-weighted Pedro Vite pass. His curling effort also struck the bar, with goalkeeper Yahia Fofana beaten.

It was not one-way traffic, though. Yan Diomande was an electric presence for Côte d’Ivoire on the right flank, regularly advancing into dangerous areas, while Bazoumana Toure’s low drive forced a fingertip stop from Hernan Galindez.

Chances continued to flow early in the second half, with Enner Valencia smashing a shot off the post from a tight angle. It was then Les Elephants’ turn to hit the woodwork. Elye Wahi made a solid connection with his first-time strike but couldn’t keep it down and it cannoned off the bar.

Côte d’Ivoire began to seize control of the match, enjoying most of the possession as Ecuador retreated. They got their reward for their enterprising play late in the piece when Manchester United star Amad slotted in to send them top of Group E.

Japan came back to hold the Netherlands late on in Dallas as substitute Koki Ogawa’s header was deflected in by Daichi Kamada to reward the Samurai Blue for their perseverance.

The Netherlands had looked set to become the early FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F frontrunners after Crysencio Summerville’s 64th-minute goal. However, as they had done during the 14-minute goal burst earlier in the second half, Japan showed their mettle to secure a point.

After an initially cagey contest under the roof at Dallas Stadium, this group opener sprang into life when Virgil van Dijk headed back across goal from a Ryan Gravenberch cross.

Japan had beaten Germany and Spain at Qatar 2022 after conceding first, and they rallied through Keito Nakamura’s super low strike. Yet on his third Oranje appearance, lively winger Summerville stepped inside to curl a perfectly measured shot in off the post. The lead lasted until Ogawa’s header from a corner flicked Kamada on its way past Bart Verbruggen.

A quieter first half had been enlivened by the duel between Donyell Malen and Japan No1 Zion Suzuki, while the keeper also saved from Cody Gakpo. However, Japan would not be cowed by Ronald Koeman’s Oranje and gave a hint of things to come with efforts from Nakamura and Ayase Ueda. (FIFA)