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Refuting the claim that there is a link to the recent Cabinet reshuffle to ongoing investigations into the controversial release of 323 containers by the Sri Lanka Customs early this year, the Government said that it was done to improve the efficiency of Government’s plans and forthcoming Budget plans.

‘The decision to revise ministerial portfolios was taken after reviewing the scope and workload of several ministries,’ Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Responding to a question on changing Minister Bimal Rathnayake’s portfolio, he dismissed the claim and said that the investigations into the container release including alleged 14 similar incidents happened in the past, were proceeding with no interference.

Addressing the post-Cabinet press briefing, Dr. Jayatissa said that some ministries had become too broad, making it difficult to manage their key functions efficiently, therefore, certain portfolios with wider scopes were narrowed and reorganised to ensure more focused and effective administration.

‘President Anura Kumara Disanayake, as the Minister of Finance, had directed to have a full investigation into alleged irregularities occurred during releasing of containers. This move was taken to maintain transparency and accountability,’ he said referring to the ongoing probe into alleged container release.

According to the Cabinet Spokesman, the President had made it clear that irregularities were reported when following steps to address congestion and expedite container clearance.

‘The Government wants to prevent such occurrences. A committee was appointed to look into this matter and also a separate internal investigation is now being carried out to determine where corruption took place. We also want to find out whether there is a recurring pattern of such irregularities during periods of heavy port congestion, especially in March and December, when a higher number of containers are released, Dr. Jayatissa said adding that investigations have revealed that similar incidents have occurred on 14 previous occasions.

Meanwhile, further explaining the Government’s move to have a Cabinet reshuffle, he said for a year, the Government had been managing those ministries and now had a clear understanding of their functions to prepare its own Budget to implement the policies and strategies accordingly.

‘For example, my Ministry, the Health Ministry, also oversees the indigenous medicine sector. Since it has a wider scope a deputy minister has been appointed to ensure efficiency of the Media Ministry,’ he said.

Dr. Jayatissa emphasised that the reshuffle was done especially to implement the Government’s 2025 budget proposals to full scale.

‘Although the Budget was passed on 21 March, its execution was delayed until the Local Government elections were concluded in early May. Then the Government commenced implementing our new budgetary framework,’ he explained.

Dr. Jayatissa added that the Government had gained a clearer understanding of each ministry’s operational priorities and challenges to reorganise its development goals and national priorities.

‘Therefore, the Cabinet reshuffle is part of a broader strategy to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the public sector, and to deliver results in line with the policies outlined in the 2025 budget,’ he stressed.

Williams’ Carlos Sainz says Formula 1’s TV coverage is going ‘overboard a little’ by showing driver’s girlfriends while missing overtakes during races.

During Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, fans watching at home missed some on-track action, including Fernando Alonso chasing down Lewis Hamilton, who had a brake issue, for seventh place in the final laps.

In the final stages, TV coverage focused on McLaren’s Lando Norris chasing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for second place.

However, at various points during the race, high-profile girlfriends and celebrity guests were shown watching from the garages.

Sainz’s recovery drive from the back of the grid to 10th place was also rarely featured on the world feed, which is supervised by F1.

The Spaniard, 31, told Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE that F1 bosses should not lose sight of the main track action.

‘Last weekend they didn’t show any of the four of five overtakes I did at the end, nor did they show Fernando’s pursuit of Lewis. They missed a lot of things,’ said Sainz.

Aston Martin’s Alonso, who inherited P7 from Ferrari’s Hamilton, also criticised F1’s TV coverage. The Spanish two-time world champion replied to a post on X, quoting him telling his pit wall he would ‘disconnect the radio’ if they spoke to him on every lap.

‘With pole position secured for the private radio broadcast, time to fine-tune the main coverage and bring all the on-track excitement to the fans! Vamos!’ Alonso wrote with a laughing face emoji.

Drivers’ wives and girlfriends have become even more popular in recent years following the rise of social media and the Netflix series Drive to Survive.

Sainz’s girlfriend, model Rebecca Donaldson, Norris’ partner, actress Magui Corceiro and Charles Leclerc’s girlfriend, influencer Alexandra Saint Mleux, all have huge online followings of their own.

‘I understand that if there is an overtake, a very tense moment in the race, it is understandable that the production team might want to show a reaction shot if they have seen that it has worked in the past,’ said Sainz.

‘But [they only should] if the competition is respected and you are always showing the important moments of the race.

‘The other [thing] is fine but don’t lose sight of the main thing. For me, they go overboard a little showing the celebrities and girlfriends.’

An F1 spokesperson said: ‘We always focus on giving our fans the best possible footage of the race and never compromise the key focus – the racing on track.

‘Our team does a great job of covering a highly complex situation with multiple cars at different points on a track and also provide great context moments of the grandstands, high-profile guests and the locations we race at. We are always in pursuit of excellence and improvement in what we deliver.’

Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said the Cabinet has approved several key medical procurements valued at around Rs. 2.5 billion to ensure the steady supply of essential medicines and equipment across State hospitals.

Among the approved procurements are two major contracts awarded to Reliance Life Sciences Ltd., of India for the supply of 2.25 million epoetin pre-filled 4,000 IU syringes used in the treatment of chronic kidney disease. The first order covers 650,000 syringes valued at $ 574,600, while the second covers 1.6 million syringes worth $ 1.414 million. Both awards were made based on the recommendations of the Procurement Appeal Board as the lowest responsive bids.

The Cabinet also approved the purchase of 218,000 vials of Colistimethate Sodium, an antibiotic used to treat severe Gram-negative bacterial infections, from Ceyoka Ltd., the local representative of Indian manufacturer Ciron Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd., for a total cost of Rs. 32.48 million.

In addition, approval was granted to George Steuart Health Ltd., for the supply of 500,000 rolls of 10cm x 10m soft cloth liner tape used in medical bandaging, at a cost of Rs. 270.56 million (excluding VAT).

A further $ 3 million contract was awarded to Celltrion Inc. of South Korea for the supply of 24,000 vials of infliximab, a biological drug used to treat Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and certain forms of arthritis.

Meanwhile, A. Baur and Co. Ltd., was selected to supply 448,000 IU of Human Growth Hormone (Somatropin) manufactured by Merck Serono SPA of Italy for Rs. 860.5 million. The hormone is used to treat growth deficiencies in both children and adults.

Dr. Jayatissa said all procurements were approved following international competitive bidding and evaluation by the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee and the Procurement Appeal Board, ensuring transparency and timely delivery to strengthen the country’s public health supply chain.

Dilmah invited to be Patron of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka’s Water And Ocean Stewardship Working Group

For Sri Lankans, Dilmah is more than a tea brand – it is heritage distilled in a cup, a name synonymous with authenticity, integrity, and the familiar aroma of home. Yet behind its global reputation lies something far more profound: a philosophy rooted in purpose, compassion, and stewardship. This ethos is anchored in the words of Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando, who believed that ‘business is a matter of human service.’ It is this guiding principle that continues to shape how Dilmah grows, innovates, and contributes to society – placing purpose above profit.

In recognition of this enduring commitment, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC has been invited to be Patron of the Water and Ocean Stewardship Working Group of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka). This invitation is both an honour and a responsibility: an opportunity to amplify decades of leadership in conservation and inspire others to take action in Sri Lanka’s collective sustainability journey.

‘Being named Patron amplifies the work that we are already doing,’ said Dilmah Head of Sustainability and Conservation Rishan Sampath. ‘But more importantly, it gives us a platform to bring others with us – to build a national conversation, to share tools, and to invite new thinking.’

Legacy in water stewardship

Water has always been at the heart of Dilmah’s philosophy. Reliable access to water sustains the tea industry, just as thriving ecosystems sustain communities. Recognising this, Dilmah Conservation – the company’s environmental arm – has, since 2007, spearheaded over fifty initiatives to conserve, restore, and manage water resources. These include rainwater harvesting systems, community access to safe drinking water, wastewater recycling, and campaigns to reduce plastic pollution that threatens waterways.

In 2024/25, Dilmah took a significant step forward by conducting its first-ever water footprint assessment, aligned with ISO 14046:2014 and validated by a third party. The assessment, based on the methodology of the Water Footprint Network, represents a milestone in the company’s sustainability journey. By adopting internationally recognised standards, Dilmah has enhanced the credibility of its water data and reinforced its commitment to transparent, science-based environmental management.

The results of the assessment provided detailed insights into Dilmah’s water use. At Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company (DCTC), the total direct water footprint was recorded at 19,498 cubic metres per year, while its subsidiary MJF Beverages (MJFB) reported a total of 880 cubic metres per year. The breakdown highlighted direct blue water footprints of 11,851 cubic metres per year at DCTC and 527 cubic metres per year at MJFB, while the direct grey water footprint was 7,647 cubic metres per year and 353 cubic metres per year respectively. These figures provide a critical baseline to guide future water efficiency and conservation strategies.

Importantly, the assessment revealed a clear trend of improvement. In 2024/25, the volume of municipal water withdrawn and consumed fell by 8% year-on-year, decreasing from 39.15 million litres in 2023/24 to 35.93 million litres. Similarly, the volume of water discharged to wastewater treatment plants declined by 44%, falling from 41.11 million litres to 23.01 million litres. These reductions demonstrate Dilmah’s progress in reducing its water footprint and enhancing efficiency across operations.

From waste to resource: Water conservation in practice

Water conservation at Dilmah extends beyond monitoring and reporting. The company has integrated circular practices into its operations, ensuring that water is reused wherever possible. All effluents are routed to on-site wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which are designed to meet stringent environmental parameters, including pH levels, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), oil and grease, and heavy metals. Once treated, wastewater is repurposed for landscaping and gardening, reducing dependence on fresh water and minimising waste.

Rainwater harvesting is another critical aspect of Dilmah’s conservation model. Systems installed at the company’s Headquarters in Colombo, the One Earth Centre in Moratuwa, and selected estates under Kahawatte Plantations PLC collectively offer a harvesting capacity of 129,799 cubic metres. By capturing and storing rainwater, Dilmah reduces reliance on municipal water supplies and ensures water security for operations and communities.

Looking ahead, Dilmah is scaling up its rainwater harvesting efforts even further. In December 2024, preliminary feasibility studies were conducted in collaboration with the Lanka Rainwater Harvesting Forum (LRWHF) at the Endane and Houpe estates. These studies lay the foundation for an expanded rainwater harvesting infrastructure across the Kahawatte Plantations footprint, demonstrating Dilmah’s proactive approach to long-term water stewardship.

‘Without reliable sources, there is no tea. Without healthy ecosystems, there are no resilient communities. Water is everything,’ Rishan emphasised.

Strengthening through Network Sri Lanka

Dilmah’s progress has also been accelerated by its collaboration with Network Sri Lanka. Through the Network, Dilmah has been able to align its water stewardship practices with global frameworks, access international expertise, and share its learnings with peers across industries. The Working Group has provided a platform not only to showcase Dilmah’s pioneering efforts in water footprint assessment and conservation, but also to engage other businesses in advancing shared solutions. By convening companies from diverse sectors, Network Sri Lanka ensures that individual initiatives like Dilmah’s contribute to system-wide change and strengthen Sri Lanka’s collective response to water and ocean challenges.

‘Our collaboration with the Network Sri Lanka has helped us go forward, faster,’ added Rishan. ‘Through the Network, we have been able to benchmark our progress against international best practices, access expertise on emerging issues, and, most importantly, work alongside other Sri Lankan businesses who share our commitment to water and ocean stewardship. That collective approach makes our efforts stronger and more impactful.’

Expanding to ocean conservation

Dilmah has more recently extended its stewardship to Sri Lanka’s oceans and coastal ecosystems. On World Oceans Day, 8 June 2024, Dilmah partnered with the University of Colombo and Uva Wellassa University to launch Phase I of a coral conservation project at Colombo Port City. This initiative builds on Dilmah’s earlier efforts to protect the Kayankerni Marine Reef and focuses on studying coral diversity in an urban setting. Using baseline surveys, mapping, data collection, and impact assessments supported by innovative technologies, the project aims to generate critical insights into the resilience of corals in rapidly developing coastal environments.

At the same time, Dilmah Conservation has embarked on one of Sri Lanka’s most ambitious mangrove restoration programs. In Kalpitiya’s Kappal Adi Lagoon, Dilmah is restoring twenty-five acres of degraded mangrove forest. This project is underpinned by a dedicated mangrove nursery cultivating seven species of saplings. Since its launch in October 2022, the initiative has reported an above-average planting success rate, owing to the use of science-based planting techniques. A comprehensive baseline survey of the site documented 144 wildlife species and 62 native plant species, creating a robust scientific foundation to guide ongoing restoration work.

Collaboration remains a cornerstone of Dilmah’s approach. Through Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), the company is jointly restoring mangrove patches in the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, a Ramsar-recognised site of international importance. These projects complement ongoing coral reef conservation under the initiative Life to our Coral Reefs.

‘Our responsibility extends from the cloud forests of our estates to the coral reefs on our coasts,’ Rishan noted, highlighting the interconnectedness of land and marine ecosystems.

Road ahead

As Dilmah looks to the future, its ambitions in water and ocean stewardship are growing. Plans are underway for the accurate mapping of Sri Lanka’s fringing coral reefs using high-resolution drone imagery and for the evaluation of ecological and benthic characteristics to guide national policy. The company is also exploring the potential of blue carbon ecosystems – mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes – to act as carbon sinks while supporting eco-tourism and enhancing climate resilience. At the same time, expanding rainwater harvesting infrastructure across its plantation footprint remains a priority to safeguard freshwater resources in the face of climate variability.

By marrying decades of water stewardship with bold new commitments to marine conservation, and through Dilmah’s longstanding participation with Network Sri Lanka to translate global principles into local impact, the company is helping build a future where people, ecosystems, and businesses can thrive together. In doing so, Dilmah continues to advance the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact – safeguarding human and environmental well-being, promoting responsible labour and ethical business conduct, and contributing to a resilient, sustainable Sri Lanka.

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society is calling on the Government to block the Sri Lanka Cricket Board’s plan to construct an international cricket stadium complex on Mandaitivu Island in Jaffna as it has raised serious environmental and planning concerns. The proposed 52-acre development would include indoor stadiums, sports facilities, apartments, hotels, and parking but at significant ecological cost.

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society’s statement is as follows:

Mandaitivu is irreplaceable

Jaffna, with less than 5% forest cover, relies heavily on its coastal vegetation, including over 50% mangroves, to balance carbon emissions, provide essential green spaces, and offer places of solace and celebration for its local community. The island supports seven true mangrove species and seven seagrass species, creating an integrated habitat that directly sustains fish species of commercial value and attracts numerous migratory birds. These ecosystems aren’t just scenically valuable but they’re economic engines supporting the fisheries industry and have immense potential for sustainable tourism initiatives. The island is deeply woven into Jaffna’s social fabric, offering breathtaking sunset views and serving as a cultural and economic anchor for the community.

The diverse mangroves, particularly the Rhizophora mucronata fringes, and salt marshes (both succulent and grass dominant type) form a critical protective barrier safeguarding Jaffna from coastal erosion, while silently binding sediments, storing carbon, and providing habitat for a vast array of animals and migratory birds. These ecosystems have served for years as a living laboratory for Jaffna University, nurturing scientific research and bright minds.

The site’s ecological importance is officially recognised. Northern Province Strategic Environment Assessment plan recognised this area to be protected for social and ecosystem welbeing. Mandaitivu has been declared a forest reserve, and the Greater Jaffna Development Plan 2024-2034 (developed by the Urban Development Authority) designates this location as a ‘High Sensitive Zone’ where development should be minimised. The Government’s own Integrated Strategic Environmental Assessment recommends nature-based tourism activities like snorkelling for these islands and not large-scale infrastructure construction.

Mandaitivu is not just an island; it is the heart of Jaffna’s proud heritage, identity, and culture, shaped by its wealth of natural resources including biodiversity.

The safety concern

Beyond ecology, there are critical safety issues to be considered. Between 1980 and 2019, South Velanai divisional secretariat (which includes Mandaitivu) experienced 12 major flood events, the second highest in Northern Province. The 2012 floods affected 40,000 people; the 2017 floods impacted 35,000 residents. The area also faces extreme vulnerability to storm surges and falls within Sri Lanka’s highest wind loading zone, experiencing wind speeds of 49-54 m/s. Climate projections indicate temperature increases of 1.7-2.0°C by 2050, with increasing and erratic rainfall intensity. Building a major sports complex in such a disaster-prone location contradicts basic safety planning.

Sri Lanka’s global commitments and our reality

Sri Lanka co-champions the Commonwealth’s Mangrove Ecosystem and Livelihood Action Group and received the UN Decade of Restoration Flagship Award for mangroves. The nation led the declaration of World Seagrass Day at the UN General Assembly. Our national policy states: ‘Mangroves are of incomparable value.’

Yet this project would require massive land filling of saltmarshes and mangroves, triggering environmental damage through quarrying and sand mining elsewhere. It directly contradicts Sri Lanka’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Net Zero commitments, which specifically integrate blue carbon ecosystems as climate solutions.

Also, this is not the time to further destroy our blue carbon ecosystems. At this moment, Sri Lanka is under a trade ban to export blue swimmer crab to the USA. Sri Lanka does not require further trade bans in future, and we need to be aware that the world is united to protect blue carbon ecosystems as they are one solution to global climate change

What we’re asking

Jaffna deserves an international cricket stadium. The region has tremendous potential, and cricket unites Sri Lanka with the rest of the world. However, this specific location is fundamentally incompatible with large-scale infrastructure development as already recognised by the national plans themselves.

We call on authorities to answer:

Why was Mandaitivu, an island of immense economic, social, and ecological importance, chosen for this development?

How does this align with the Greater Jaffna Development Plan?

Why wasn’t an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted?

Who consulted the local communities to understand their profound attachment to this land?

Why were alternative locations not evaluated?

Which international cricket team would want to play in a stadium built upon the destruction of not one, but all three critical blue carbon ecosystems: seagrass, saltmarsh, and mangroves?

What about the devastating impacts of land conversion, disturbances to ecological processes and influx of freshwater discharge on the sensitive coastal ecosystems?

Why are the Ministry of Environment’s Blue Carbon Task Force and Coast Conservation Department silent?

Local communities and subject experts deserve consultation on a project that affects their homelands, livelihoods and heritage.

We urge the government to identify a sustainable alternative location that allows Jaffna to have its stadium while preserving Mandaitivu’s irreplaceable ecosystem services for current and future generations.

Representing a dismal assessment, the World Bank in its recent Sri Lanka Public Finance Review report had observed that the island’s public sector employees earn less than their peers in the private sector as well as counterparts in comparable economies. Furthermore, as per the report, the public sector workforce is higher than that of similar countries and the Bank had opined the bloated workforce needs to be trimmed gradually through proper planning and well-targeted attrition strategies.

Sri Lanka perhaps had one of the finest and impressive public/civil services in the Asian region during the bygone era. Sadly, the deterioration and decay of the country’s public sector is quite gut-wrenching apart from being distressing. Even career Central Bank officials, a minority of semi-government employees who enjoy highly lucrative remuneration benefits, have been disgraced for their unprofessional and unworthy conducts in certain instances. Prominent special grade Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) officers have been jailed and remanded quite regularly by the courts in the recent past, reflecting the considerable erosion of the nation’s public service.

The descent of the public service began with the abolition of the Ceylon Civil Service (CCS), which was the premier public service under British colonial rule and during the early post-independence era, in 1963. Modelled after the British Civil Service, the CCS was known for its high standards and professionalism. Impressive and erudite CCS officers like Ronnie de Mel, Bradman Weerakoon, and Nissanka Wijeyeratne were considered as colossal figures, and none of the contemporary SLAS officers can come even close to their grace and stature. The examination to join the CCS was considered extremely tough and rigorous, with only a small number of candidates chosen from a very large pool of applicants. The prestigious service attracted aspirants hailing from respectable family backgrounds who were educated from the best schools in the country.

In contrast, the SLAS – the successor to the CCS – is quite broad, with about over 2,500 officials, and the service is manned by individuals from the middle class with even top SLAS officials not having the capacity to converse in English language. Today, the public service is no longer perceived as a career path by the ambitious and academically brightest young individuals in the country. At the time of gaining independence, there were quite a number of educated Tamils holding prominent positions in State organisations. However, with the Governments in the South exercising racial prejudice against the minority community systematically over the years in addition to the escalation of the civil war, many of them left the shores, thus, contributing towards the degeneration of the public service.

According to the World Bank publication, in cumulative real terms, average public sector wages and pensions decreased by 33% and 26% from 2020 to 2023. The international development agency also states that government wages are least competitive for highly skilled workers, as they earn 8% to 22% less than private sector peers. Such gross under remuneration contributes towards apathy and dissatisfaction among government employees, resulting in low productivity.

Due to the fiscal constraints, the Government’s ability to spend on the training and development needs of workers has been severely constrained. On the other hand, top companies in the private sector place a special emphasis on the capacity development of junior and middle-level employees to foster their career progression. Although individuals in the private sector can progress through the career ladder rapidly, employees in departments and statutory boards have to spend a considerable amount of time to gain promotions, which further aggravates their frustration.

Going forward, policymakers should strive to develop a leaner and meaner public service through meticulous human resources planning. A smaller public sector with excellent financial and non-financial benefits which attracts competent and talented individuals would boost the progress of the nation.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) remained a net purchaser of foreign exchange from the domestic forex market during the first eight months of 2025, continuing the positive trend seen in 2023 and 2024, according to the Financial Stability Review 2025 released last week.

From January to August 2025, the CBSL absorbed $ 1.3 billion from the domestic forex market and injected $ 63.3 million, resulting in a net absorption of $ 1.24 billion. This compares with $ 2 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2024.

Gross Official Reserves stood at $ 6,164.2 million at the end of August 2025, slightly above the $ 6,122.0 million reported at the end of 2024.

The report noted that this accumulation occurred despite rising import demand and ongoing external debt servicing by the Government and the CBSL.

‘To sustain this positive trend amidst increasing import demand, scheduled repayment of external Government debt, and the CBSL’s foreign currency obligations, consistent foreign currency inflows will be essential,’ the report stated.

The review said liquidity conditions in the domestic forex market improved, reflected by a narrowing bid-ask spread for the USD/LKR rate.

This downward momentum continued from 2024, indicating reduced volatility and lower transaction costs. A temporary widening of the spread in April 2025 was attributed to market uncertainty following the announcement of reciprocal tariffs on Sri Lankan imports by the US and seasonal import-related pressures during the festival period.

The CBSL noted that maintaining improved liquidity through stronger export earnings, tourism receipts, and workers’ remittances will be critical for sustaining confidence and attracting foreign investment.

Interbank foreign exchange transaction volumes also strengthened during the review period. In January 2025, the market recorded the highest monthly volume since October 2020, reaching $ 1,668 million, and later increased to $ 1,722.9 million in August 2025. The surge early in the year was likely due to the anticipated resumption of vehicle imports and hedging activities amid expectations of increased demand for foreign exchange, the CBSL said.

Forward transactions rose 22% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $ 622 million in August, or 36.1% of total transactions for the month.

Spot transactions increased by 19%, TOM transactions by 39%, and cash transactions by 85%, reflecting stronger liquidity needs at various points during the year.

The one-month forward premium continued its declining trend from 2024, indicating stable expectations in the forex market.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved a proposal to permit rice importers to bring in up to 520 metric tons of Ponni Samba rice per importer, without permits, to address the current shortage of Keeri Samba in the local market.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the decision follows concerns that Keeri Samba is being sold above the Government’s control price due to limited availability.

According to the Department of Census and Statistics’ Household Income and Expenditure Survey, Sri Lanka’s annual rice consumption is estimated at 2.46 million metric tons, of which about 10% or 246,000 metric tons is Keeri Samba.

The imports will be allowed from 15 October to 15 November subject to the maximum limit of 520 metric tons per importer and exemption from the usual permit requirement, Dr. Jayatissa said.

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has announced that over 3,000 Sri Lankans will depart for jobs in South Korea by the end of October this year.

A group of 36 Sri Lankans, including 33 men and three females were scheduled to leave for South Korea yesterday (14 October) on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 470 to take up employment in the manufacturing sector.

According to the SLBFE, a total of 2,927 Sri Lankans have already left for jobs in South Korea in 2025, including 100 women. Of this number, 2,197 have joined the manufacturing sector, 680 have found employment in the fisheries sector, 25 in construction, 23 in the service sector, and two in the agricultural sector.

The Bureau further stated that nearly 200 more Sri Lankans who have been offered job opportunities in South Korea are scheduled to depart by the end of this month.

Meanwhile, 36,745 candidates have registered for the 2025 Korean Language Proficiency Test (KLPT), which will commence on 23 October. The test is a prerequisite for securing employment under South Korea’s Employment Permit System (EPS).

The secondary Bond market yesterday witnessed healthy overall activity, despite being characterised by prolonged periods of inactivity interspersed with sporadic bursts of trading.

This marked a stark departure from the virtual standstill seen the day before. Transaction volumes were at robust levels, with sizeable block trades executed during the active periods.

Yields held broadly steady across most of the curve as the market continued to consolidate, keeping rates anchored around prevailing levels. The exception was the 2028 tenors, which saw yields creep upwards.

In terms of the secondary Bond market trade summary, 01.08.26 maturity was seen trading at the rate of 8.35%-8.30%. The 15.02.28, 01.05.28 and 01.07.28 maturities were seen trading at the rates of 9.10%, 9.20% and 9.25% respectively.

The 15.10.28 and 15.12.28 maturities were both seen trading at the rate of 9.30%. The 15.06.29, 15.10.29 and 15.12.29 maturities were seen trading at the rates of 9.65%, 9.70%-9.68% and 9.70% respectively. The 01.07.30 maturity was seen trading down the range of 9.80% to 9.78%.

The 01.06.33 and the 01.11.33 maturity were seen trading at the rates of 10.70% and 10.72% respectively.

In Secondary market Bills, trades were observed on March

2026 maturities at the rates of 8.00%-7.95%.

Meanwhile, the Treasury Bills auction scheduled to be conducted today will have a total offered amount of Rs. 77.5 billion, an increase of Rs. 44 billion over the previous week. The auction will consist of Rs. 15 billion on the 91-day, Rs. 35 billion on the 182-day and Rs. 27.50 billion on the 364-day maturities.

For context, at the previous weekly Treasury Bill auction (08th October), the weighted average rates held largely steady, with the exception of the 91-day maturity which registered a further drop of 01-basis point.

The 182-day and 364-day tenors remained unchanged at 7.89% and 8.02% respectively.

This marks the 12th week where T-Bill rates have stayed broadly anchored around prevailing levels. Nevertheless, the auction went undersubscribed. Only 57.10% or Rs 19.13 billion out of the Rs 33.50 billion targeted offered amount was raised. This was despite the bids received to offered amount ratio standing at 1.59 times

The total secondary market Treasury Bond/Bill transacted volume for 13 October was Rs. 37 billion.

In money markets, the net liquidity surplus was recorded at Rs. 171.02 billion yesterday. An amount of Rs. 179.46 billion was deposited at Central Banks SDFR (Standing Deposit Facility Rate) of 7.25%, while an amount of Rs. 8.44 billion was withdrawn from the Central Banks SLFR (Standard Lending Facility Rate) of 7.25%.

The weighted average rates on Call money and Repo were registered at 7.87% and 7.89% respectively.

Forex Market

In the Forex market, the USD/LKR rate on spot contracts closed the day depreciating to Rs. 302.80/302.90 as against Rs. 302.59/302.62 the previous day.

The total USD/LKR traded volume for 13th October was US $ 67.31 million.