Category: Daily Financial Times

Joining millions of Sri Lankans, members of the Malaiyaha Tamil community reposed their trust on the National People’s Power [NPP] last year. The support was based on its promise to end the cycle of discrimination and deceit against people of this community, that has historically played a crucial role in building our country and its economy. Malaiyaha Tamils’ contribution to rebuilding our economy after the 2022 economic crash cannot be overstated.

The election of members from the Malaiyaha Tamil community, especially women and young persons, in the last general election was widely seen as a departure from the usual style of politics that the community was used to. Many celebrated it as a refreshing wave. That said, a disturbing streak has emerged in the manner in which those in Government raise or respond to Malaiyaha Tamil issues. Sooner the party recognises this and course-corrects, the better it is for all. Ministers, MPs and members of the ruling coalition seem prone to making claims and assertions with gusto, with no fact or truth backing them. In fact, there is enough evidence in public domain that contradicts their claims.

Closing down NEVIDA, or not?

Take for instance the assertion by Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar in Parliament, that there are no plans to shut the New Villages Authority for Malaiyaham (NEVIDA), and make it a division within the Plantation Ministry. He further claimed that what is being done is to review NEVIDA, to enhance and make it better, as promised in the NPP’s ‘Hatton Declaration’, launched in October 2023.

However, it is public knowledge that a committee chaired by the Secretary to the Prime Minister was appointed by the Government on 24.12.2024. This was pursuant to the Cabinet decision taken on 18.12.2024 approving a proposal by the President submitted to cabinet on 13.12.2024. The Committee, after what seemed like a hasty review, submitted its report and recommendations on 10 February 2025. On page 34 and 35 of this report it clearly recommends that the NEVIDA be brought under the Ministry as a unit, and for it to no longer continue as a separate authority. The report and recommendations were submitted to Cabinet by the Prime Minister’s office on 13.02.2025. It was followed up by observations of the Ministry of Finance submitted to Cabinet dated 24.02.2025 and signed by President Anura Kumara Disanayake in his capacity as the Finance Minister endorsing the above recommendations.

Further he also asked for a committee to be appointed to monitor and report periodically to cabinet on the progress of implementation of these recommendations. This was approved by the Cabinet on 17.03.2025. Now despite a solid paper trail of evidence, including cabinet decisions, sanctioned committee reports and the President’s endorsement of the recommendation, we have a Minister and Deputy Minister claiming the exact opposite, repeatedly, pointing to troubling incoherence and worse, a tendency to lie to the people.

First to recognise ‘Malaiyaha Tamils’?

We have also had NPP Ministers, NPP MPs and advisors claim that they were the first to recognise the plantation workers as ‘Malaiyaha Tamils’. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath in his statement to the UNHCR on 8 September 2025 said ‘For the first time in history, the current Government recognised the Malaiyahar (sic) community as a distinct community in Sri Lanka’. This follows similar claims by others in NPP as well. The recognition of course is definitely welcome and laudable and has to be followed up with awareness-raising and steps to regularise it in all spheres of governance. All the same, the problem with the claim though is that the official recognition of ‘Malaiyaha Thamilar’ by the Sri Lankan Government was done earlier, way before NPP was elected to power. It had already been included in the national census conducted in 2024, and enumerated as a separate category. This was after a prolonged struggle by members of the community dating back to the 1960s.

The proximate cause for recognition was a concerted civil society campaign in 2023/2024 in the wake of the 200-year commemorations that garnered over 60,000 signatures from various regions of the Malaiyaham [hill country] demanding the recognition. It was actively supported by now Opposition parliamentarian and Tamil Progressive Alliance Leader Mano Ganesan, who wrote on 22.02.2024 to the President, with the stance being endorsed by leading Malaiyaha Tamil politician Palani Thigambaram. The initiative was also willingly supported by Jeevan Thondaman, of the Ceylon Worker Congress, who was then a Minister in the Government and followed it through till it was done.

As a result of this collective push, then President Ranil Wickremesinghe approved inclusion of the term ‘Malaiyaha Tamil’s along with ‘Indian Tamils’ to identify persons from this community in the national census by way of a letter dated 06.03.2024 from the Secretary to the President to the Director General of Department of Census and Statistics. Subsequently the latest national census was conducted inclusive of this recognition of the community.

We have a long road ahead to ensure greater awareness of this inclusion among the dispersed members of this community, and for decision makers to realise the full import of this recognition. The point here though, is that despite glaring evidence to the contrary, the NPP Government’s members keep repeating that theirs was the ‘first’ Government to recognise the distinct identity. This has been a stock opening statement in NPP Malaiyaha representatives’ interactions with their constituents for some time. In closed settings when confronted, the NPP members tend to backtrack, prevaricate and contextualise, but this has not stopped them from continuing to falsely claim this publicly. And sadly nothing seems to be done to ensure the operationalising of this ‘recognition’.

Beneficiaries selection or ownership transfer?

The recent event in Bandarawela on 12 October, that potentially caused embarrassment to the President and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka is another case in point. An event for handing over confirmation letters to ‘potential beneficiaries’ of the ongoing Indian Housing project, was ingeniously conveyed for popular consumption as much more than that. Too clever by half. Heated debate ensued with the NPP members, who aggressively confounded the issue, rather than clarifying it, when the matter was raised by opposition, media and activists. Even the Deputy Foreign Minister, Arun Hemachandra, who is from Trincomalee, felt compelled to wade in to do some damage control.

Handing over 200+ title deeds that were substantially prepared by the previous Government for houses, that were constructed by earlier Governments, and conflating it with the handing over of 2,000+ beneficiary selection letters done under the NPP Government, was obviously a stretch. Clear and truthful communication upfront may have saved them the blushes and backlash.

Playing fast and loose with the truth

One can say that over the top pre-election promises, and thereafter a bit of spin, tall claims and evasiveness post-election is par for the course in Sri Lankan politics, and we should not be surprised with the NPP resorting to the same script. But, what we are seeing in regard to Malaiyaha issues is more serious. There seems to be scant regard for facts and truth. These are not exaggerations (like the easily falsifiable claim to finish 5,000 houses in 2025), or embellishments (like quietly climbing down from Rs. 2,100 to 1,700 per day wage rate for plantation workers), but seem to be clear untruths, calculated and deliberately peddled. For supporters and critics alike outside of the Government, piercing through this façade is a necessary pre-condition for any constructive engagement with this Government.

Even more sinister is that after brazenly subverting the truth, we also see the Malaiyaha MPs invariably remind everyone of the popular support they garnered in the recent elections, almost as if to say they now have the mandate to play fast and loose with the truth. It is not only disrespectful of the multitude of Malaiyaha people who voted for them, and who expect better, but is also a slippery slope to even more damaging untruths.

With many important issues like the wage negotiations, land use policy in the Malaiyaham, education reforms and so on, in focus, it is time the high command of the NPP takes heed and does an urgent course correction.

Colombo Navakorala Sangha Chapter Chief Prelate and Gangaramaya Temple Chief Incumbent Most Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero on Thursday declared that President Anura Kumara Disanayake is the only leader capable of freeing the nation from the drug menace.

He made this remark during his address at the launch of the national initiative ‘One Nation Against Drugs’ held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

Ven. Assaji Thero emphasised that the country is currently facing a serious crisis due to the spread of illicit drugs, which has reached schools and deeply affected families and society at large. The Thero stressed that the President’s efforts to eradicate drug addiction and dismantle organised crime networks represent a critical investment in safeguarding the future generations of Sri Lanka.

‘Even parents today are helpless. Society has deteriorated to the extent that people no longer think about religion, values, or even their own children,’ Ven. Assaji Thero said.

The Thero highlighted that Sri Lanka has become a significant hub for drug trafficking networks and warned that failure to act decisively at this stage would result in a devastated future – ‘a mentally deranged society with no hope.’

According to Ven. Assaji Thero, the drug trade is closely tied to organised crime and international mafia networks, where large amounts of money circulate. He noted that the President’s actions to disrupt these networks, including suppressing underworld elements, involve major risks for any political leader.

‘This is not merely a drug eradication campaign – it is a national duty. The President has placed his leadership and even personal safety at stake to protect our future,’ he added.

The Thero further stated that Sri Lanka has overcome many major crises in the past, including 30 years of terrorism and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic collapse. However, he warned that no sector – tourism, industry, agriculture, or spiritual and moral development – can progress unless the country first succeeds in eliminating drugs and underworld crime.

Ven. Assaji Thero called on all citizens, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic differences, to support this national mission. ‘This is a farsighted initiative. The blessings of the people, as well as the blessings of the Maha Sangha, are fully with this effort,’ the Thero declared.

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has called on specialist doctors of Sri Lankan origin working overseas to return and serve the country, highlighting the critical shortage of medical specialists in the nation.

The Minister made these remarks while addressing a meeting of doctors organised by the Sri Lankan High Commission during his recent visit to the United Kingdom.

He asserted that producing a specialist doctor takes considerable time and personal sacrifice, especially in the current economic and social environment, making the return of Sri Lankan-trained specialists essential for the country’s healthcare system.

Assuring returning doctors, the Minister stated that they would be reinstated in their respective ranks with all service facilities and provided with the necessary support to resume their professional duties in Sri Lanka.

The conference, organised by the High Commission at the invitation of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), was attended by numerous specialists, doctors and other professionals of Sri Lankan origin.

The Sri Lankan delegation to the UK included Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, Women and Children’s Affairs Minister Saroja Savitri Paulraj and Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Hansa Abeyratne. The gathering focused on strengthening ties with the Sri Lankan diaspora and encouraging contributions to the nation’s healthcare development.

Rakuten Symphony and SLT-Mobitel have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a pilot project to build an Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) comprising 4G and 5G NSA/SA (Non-Standalone and Standalone) sites within Sri Lanka.

SLT-Mobitel will leverage Rakuten Symphony’s advanced Open RAN portfolio to deliver innovative network infrastructure for the project, including a virtualised Centralised Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU) infrastructure, along with pre-certified third party 4G and 5G open Radio Units (RUs).

The partnership is part of a wider strategic initiative led by Rakuten Mobile, Rakuten Symphony’s parent company, supported by the Japanese Government. This initiative is accelerating global Open RAN adoption to diversify the telecom supply chain and represents a forward-looking investment in telecom to make networks more competitive and secure. To date, initiatives have been rolled out in India, Vietnam, Kuwait and Kenya.

The project will be among the first Open RAN deployments in South Asia and serves as a precursor to a nationwide Open RAN deployment in Sri Lanka, aimed at enhancing SLT-Mobitel’s network agility, efficiency and scalability.

Rakuten Symphony President Sharad Sriwastawa said, ‘Adopting open network principles and leveraging Rakuten Symphony’s proven technology, SLT-Mobitel is positioned to achieve improved total cost of ownership, a leaner operating model and faster time to market, ultimately delivering improved network outcomes and an enhanced customer experience. We look forward to supporting SLT-Mobitel in the delivery of one of South Asia’s first Open RAN deployments.’

Mobitel Ltd., Chief Operating Officer Sudharshana Geeganage said, ‘SLT-Mobitel is proud to lead South Asia’s Open RAN revolution through the partnership with Rakuten Symphony. The collaboration demonstrates SLT-Mobitel’s focus on implementing next-generation technologies to strengthen our service capabilities. Open RAN trial will offer unprecedented network flexibility and innovation capabilities, supporting SLT-Mobitel to deliver superior customer value and support Sri Lanka’s digital economy growth.’

Rakuten Symphony, through its collaboration with Rakuten Mobile who applies achievements obtained from key research and development projects subsidised by the NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation) program*1, remains committed to leading Open RAN innovation, and the development of automated network quality assurance systems and edge cloud capabilities for next-generation communication networks of the future.

Read more about Rakuten Symphony and Rakuten Mobile’s participation in Government sponsored research and development initiatives to explore modernisation of mobile networks and diversification of supply chain vendor ecosystems.

Notes:

*1 Research and Development Project of the Enhanced Infrastructures for Post-5G Information and Communication Systems (JPNP20017), subsidised by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO). https://corp.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/english/news/press/2023/0703_02/

British number two Cameron Norrie struggled to find his rhythm as he lost in straight sets to Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot at the Paris Masters.

Norrie, 30, described his victory against world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the previous round as ‘the biggest win of my career’ but was unable to reach that level again, losing 7-6 (7-4), 6-4.

Vacherot, who beat his cousin Arthur Rinderknech to win his first ATP title at the Shanghai Masters earlier this month, will face either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Daniel Altmaier in the quarter-finals.

The 26-year-old was ranked world number 204 in September but entered this week’s tournament at 40th. World number two Jannik Sinner ensured he became a quarter-finalist in every ATP Masters 1000 event this season with a 7-5, 6-1 win over Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo and will meet American Ben Shelton in the next round.

Third seed Alexander Zverev kept his title defence alive with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and will face Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-final after the 11th seed defeated Lorenzo Sonego.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have agreed to explore joint efforts in developing marine and coastal tourism as part of broader plans to strengthen the blue economy, generate employment, and promote sustainable ocean-based growth in the region.

The understanding was reached during discussions between Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake and Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry in Islamabad.

Minister Chaudhry noted that the blue economy presents significant untapped potential for both nations, pointing out that nearly three billion people worldwide depend on ocean-related industries.

He said Pakistan’s 1,000-kilometre coastline offers major opportunities for harbour cruises, yachting, recreational fishing, and maritime heritage tourism, particularly in Gwadar and Karachi, which the Government is developing to diversify its economy.

He proposed enhanced collaboration between the two countries through marine tourism routes or packages linking popular coastal destinations, ferry services, and coordinated marketing and cultural exchange programs.

Minister Rathnayake welcomed the proposal, saying Sri Lanka’s Marine Tourism Roadmap seeks to strengthen the coastal economy through environmentally sustainable tourism zones and improved infrastructure in areas such as Kalpitiya, Trincomalee, Mannar, and Jaffna.

He added that a partnership between the two countries could boost regional tourist flows while showcasing their shared maritime and cultural heritage.

The Government yesterday signed a $ 90 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Second Integrated Road Investment Program (iRoad 2 – Tranche 5) to improve rural connectivity and strengthen road infrastructure resilience across the country.

The agreement was signed at the General Treasury in Colombo and aims to enhance road transport efficiency by improving links between rural communities and key socioeconomic centres, while also boosting the institutional capacity of national road agencies.

Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma signed on behalf of the Government, while ADB Sri Lanka Resident Mission Country Director Takafumi Kadono signed on behalf of the Asian Development Bank.

Under this tranche, the ADB loan will support the upgrading of around 500 kilometres of rural access roads to all-weather, climate-resilient standards designed to be inclusive and accessible for the elderly, women, children and persons with disabilities. The program will also cover the rehabilitation of about 21 kilometres of national roads and maintenance of 100 kilometres of rural access roads.

The Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry serves as the Executing Agency, with the Road Development Authority (RDA) acting as the Implementing Agency for the initiative.

The iRoad 2 program represents a continued partnership between Sri Lanka and the ADB to modernise the island’s rural road network, improve mobility, and promote inclusive economic growth through better transport infrastructure.

Sri Lanka Police yesterday announced that they have arrested 971 individuals in a single day during countrywide anti-narcotics raids, marking the first major crackdown under President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s new national campaign to eradicate drug trafficking and organised crime.

As part of the Government’s intensified efforts to combat the narcotics trade, 971 suspects were arrested during 987 raids conducted across the country on Thursday (30). Police said that 22 of the arrested suspects were detained under detention orders, while 10 individuals were referred to rehabilitation centres.

During the operations, officers seized 735 grams of heroin, 2.422 kilograms of ICE (methamphetamine), 603 grams of cannabis, one gram of kush and 27 grams of hashish.

The crackdown comes on the heels of President Disanayake’s launch of a sweeping national initiative titled ‘A Nation United: Eradicating the Menace of Narcotic Drugs’, held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo. The President declared that the country must ‘dismantle the black State that has taken root within the official State,’ asserting that narcotics had infiltrated institutions, devastated families and crippled the economy.

‘This is a defining moment for the nation,’ the President said, vowing a decisive battle against drug trafficking and organised crime in the coming months.

As part of the campaign, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has also introduced a 24-hour hotline-1818, enabling citizens to confidentially share accurate information on drug trafficking, distribution, or related suspicious activity.

The nationwide operation marks the most extensive anti-narcotics enforcement drive in recent years, signaling a renewed state commitment to restoring law, order and public trust.

Australia yesterday raced to a four-wicket victory against India inside 14 overs to go 1-0 up in the T20 series.

Having been put into bat in Melbourne, only Abhishek Sharma, who top-scored with a blistering 68 from 37 deliveries, and Harshit Rana (35) made it into double figures as India were bowled out for 125 in the 19th over.

Seamer Josh Hazlewood (3/13) did early damage for the hosts, dismissing Shubman Gill, visiting captain Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma as India slumped to 32-4 inside the powerplay.

Opener Abhishek and Rana put on 56 for the sixth wicket to give their side hope, but Xavier Bartlett (2/39) ended the partnership when he had Rana caught at long-on.

Abhishek was the ninth wicket to fall, trapped lbw by Nathan Ellis (2/21), and Jasprit Bumrah was run out off the next delivery to end India’s innings prematurely.

Australia Captain Mitchell Marsh led the reply from the top of the order, scoring 46 from 26 deliveries and putting on an opening partnership of 51 with Travis Head (28).

By the time he was caught by Abhishek off Kuldeep Yadav, the home side were well on their way to their target, and while the middle order was dismissed cheaply, they still wrapped up the match with 40 balls to spare.

Australia lead the five-match series 1-0, after Wednesday’s opener in Canberra was abandoned because of rain, with the third game in Hobart on Sunday.

Poland’s leading charter airline, Enter Air, commenced its winter operations to Sri Lanka yesterday with two inaugural flights from Katowice and Warsaw arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, marking a strong start to the winter tourist season.

The two Boeing 737 aircraft carrying a total of 378 passengers and 16 crew members landed at BIA on the morning of 31 October, officially launching Enter Air’s winter flight schedule to Sri Lanka.

The first flight departed Katowice Airport at 9:50 a.m. and was ceremonially welcomed at BIA with a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival. Shortly after, the second flight from Warsaw touched down at 11 a.m., further strengthening air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Poland.

Enter Air plans to operate eight flights a week from Katowice and Warsaw, providing a consistent influx of European tourists during the peak travel season.

The launch of Enter Air’s services underscores Sri Lanka’s growing appeal among European travellers and supports the efforts to boost tourist arrivals during the winter months.