Category: Daily Financial Times

In May 2009, as the guns fell silent over Nandikadal, Sri Lanka claimed victory not only on the battlefield but also in Geneva. When the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted Resolution S-11/1, Colombo hailed it as a diplomatic triumph – an endorsement of sovereignty, a recognition of humanitarian relief efforts, and a rejection of external interference. Yet 16 years later, the same Council continues to debate Sri Lanka’s human-rights record, fund an evidence-preservation mechanism, and call for accountability that remains unresolved. The evolution of these resolutions reveals a deeper truth: Sri Lanka’s ‘victory’ in 2009 was conditional, and unfulfilled promises transformed praise into prolonged scrutiny.

The 2009 Resolution: Praise, assistance, and silence on accountability

The UNHRC’s 11th Special Session on 26-27 May 2009 produced Resolution S-11/1, ‘Assistance to Sri Lanka in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.’ Adopted with 29 votes in favour, 12 against, and six abstentions, the text – largely shaped by Sri Lanka’s skilful diplomacy – welcomed the end of hostilities, commended the Government’s relief efforts, condemned the LTTE, and reaffirmed sovereignty and territorial integrity. Crucially, it contained no call for investigation or accountability.

At a time when Western governments were criticising Sri Lanka’s final offensive, this resolution offered political cover and symbolised vindication – a rare moment when the Global South rallied to defend a state’s right to manage post-conflict affairs without foreign intrusion.

A conditional victory: The promises behind the praise

Yet this victory was not absolute. Embedded in the resolution – and more clearly in the Joint Statement of 23 May 2009 issued during UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s visit to Colombo – were two key undertakings:

1. To address alleged violations of humanitarian and human-rights law through domestic mechanisms; and

2. To pursue a political solution based on devolution under the 13th Amendment.

When the Council ‘welcomed the Government’s commitment’ to these goals, it transformed them into international expectations. The 2009 resolution thus became a conditional reprieve: the Council withheld criticism on the assumption that Sri Lanka would act on its own pledges.

The subsequent decade tested that assumption. The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), established in 2010, recommended reform, demilitarisation, and investigations into civilian deaths, but implementation was selective and slow. Key accountability cases stalled, and devolution remained incomplete.

When domestic progress faltered, these same commitments resurfaced in later resolutions. Resolution 19/2 (2012) sought an action plan to implement LLRC recommendations; Resolution 25/1 (2014) authorised an international investigation (OISL); and Resolution 30/1 (2015) designed a transitional-justice framework with truth-seeking, reparations, and a judicial mechanism involving foreign participation. Each was essentially a reminder of Sri Lanka’s unfulfilled 2009 promises.

In retrospect, Resolution S-11/1 opened space for reconciliation but also created enduring benchmarks of progress. As implementation advanced unevenly, the Council’s engagement evolved from a supportive approach to one more focused on accountability.

The post-2009 interlude: From LLRC to quiet pressure

Between 2010 and 2012, Colombo sought to demonstrate progress through domestic initiatives such as the LLRC, the resettlement of displaced persons, and the relaxation of emergency laws. While a number of steps were taken, several LLRC recommendations on investigations and institutional reform remained pending. Following the 2011 Darusman Panel Report, which cited ‘credible allegations’ of wartime violations by both parties, international attention on Sri Lanka increased. Consequently, in 2012 the Council adopted Resolution 19/2, introducing periodic reporting – marking a measured transition from reliance on domestic assurances to a framework of structured engagement.

From probing to mandating: The 2014-2015 shift

By 2014, concerns over the slow pace of domestic processes led to the adoption of Resolution 25/1, mandating an OHCHR investigation into alleged violations. The subsequent OISL Report (2015) presented detailed findings on alleged serious incidents during the final stages of the conflict, attributing responsibility to both the LTTE and Government forces.

The new Yahapalana administration responded by co-sponsoring Resolution 30/1 (2015), embracing a four-pillar transitional-justice framework covering truth-seeking, reparations, security-sector reform, and a hybrid judicial mechanism. Adopted by consensus, it marked a brief partnership between Sri Lanka and the Council.

Although important institutional steps were taken – including the establishment of the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations – implementation slowed thereafter. Both institutions required enhanced authority and support, while the proposed judicial mechanism and broader security-sector reforms remained works in progress.

Between rollover and reversal (2017-2020)

Resolutions 34/1 (2017) and 40/1 (2019) rolled over earlier commitments, urging measurable progress. Yet by 2020, a change of government prompted Sri Lanka to withdraw co-sponsorship, pledging a purely domestic path. This effectively dismantled the transitional-justice framework built since 2015.

Renewed scrutiny: The evidence-preservation mandate (2021-2024)

In March 2021, the Council adopted Resolution 46/1, authorising OHCHR to collect and preserve evidence of serious violations for potential judicial use – a turning point that institutionalised accountability within the UN system itself. The mandate was renewed by Resolution 51/1 (2022) and again in 2024, ensuring continued monitoring.

Colombo viewed these developments as encroachments on national sovereignty, yet by that stage the international focus had shifted toward assessing progress against earlier commitments.

The erosion of promises: From commitments to credibility gaps

After 2009, Sri Lanka pledged to match victory with reform – accountability, demilitarisation, and devolution. Yet limited implementation of the LLRC, retention of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and lack of credible prosecutions widened the gap between rhetoric and reality.

The 13th Amendment remained only partly realised: land, police, and fiscal powers stayed centralised. The Resolution 30/1 commitments of 2015 – truth-seeking, reparations, judicial reform – gradually weakened. Symbolic compliance and political reversals eroded trust, leading the Council to shift from cooperation to documentation.

Where 2009 celebrated sovereignty, 2021 institutionalised scrutiny. The trajectory from S-11/1 to 46/1 thus measures both the evolution of Council policy and the cost of unfulfilled promises.

Reconciling expectations: The limits of external pressure

While Sri Lanka’s record of missed commitments drew international concern, the West failed to understand that reconciliation itself is not an event but a long, uneven process. Healing a society after three decades of war cannot be reduced to checklists in Geneva. Rebuilding trust, reviving war-torn economies, and reforming institutions require time and political stability – both often absent in Sri Lanka’s post-war years.

Many in the Global South contend that the UNHRC’s treatment of Sri Lanka reflected asymmetry and double standards. Western states leading successive resolutions – some facing their own unresolved accountability issues – appeared inconsistent. This perception hardened as Sri Lanka’s gestures of cooperation were met with more reporting and monitoring requirements.

Even critics of the Government admit that Sri Lanka was seldom afforded the policy space that post-conflict societies like Rwanda or South Africa enjoyed. International impatience and shifting geopolitics pushed the conversation from cooperation to confrontation, eroding trust on both sides: Colombo became defensive; Geneva, sceptical.

Ultimately, Sri Lanka’s experience highlights the limits of externally driven reconciliation. Sustainable peace must emerge from domestic consensus, not resolutions alternating between praise and censure. A balanced view recognises two truths: Sri Lanka fell short of its promises, and the international system often failed to provide the supportive environment needed for reform.

Recent developments: The 2025 UNHRC session

At the 60th Session of the UNHRC (October 2025), the Council adopted – without a vote – a new Resolution HRC/60/L.1/Rev.1, extending the OHCHR evidence-gathering mandate. Sri Lanka rejected it, calling the mechanism ‘an unprecedented expansion of the Council’s mandate.’ Colombo highlighted domestic measures – a planned Truth and Reconciliation Commission, strengthened Offices on Missing Persons and Reparations, and a proposed Public Prosecutor’s Office – as evidence of its continued commitment to a home-grown process.

This exchange underscored the enduring dilemma: sixteen years after its ‘diplomatic victory,’ Sri Lanka remains caught between asserting sovereignty and meeting expectations of accountability.

Conclusion: From resolution to responsibility

Sri Lanka’s journey through the Human Rights Council encapsulates a paradox of modern diplomacy: a state may win the vote yet lose the narrative. The 2009 resolution offered space for reform, but unfulfilled promises turned goodwill into scepticism. Each subsequent resolution simply echoed those early undertakings, transforming voluntary pledges into binding expectations.

The arc from sovereignty to accountability reflects not coercion but inconsistency – diplomatic success unaccompanied by domestic substance. Genuine peace cannot be secured through procedural victories in Geneva but through moral credibility at home. Sixteen years on, the enduring lesson is clear: the strength of sovereignty lies not in resisting scrutiny, but in honouring one’s own commitments.

The Colombo Comedy Show 2025, presented by Carmart and organised by the Colombo Taprobane Round Table 3 (CTRT3), returns for its 10th Anniversary Edition-a celebration of world-class humour, global talent, and a shared mission to make a difference. The laughter begins at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, at Monarch Imperial, Kotte.

This milestone marks a decade of bringing some of the best international comedians to Sri Lankan audiences, and this year’s show promises to be the biggest one yet. The 2025 edition features a powerhouse international line-up of five acclaimed comedians from across the globe. Umar Rana from Pakistan, founder of Comedy Masala Singapore and a veteran performer with two decades of experience, brings sharp wit and unmatched timing to the stage. Kavin Jay from Malaysia, known for his Netflix special ‘Everybody Calm Down!’ captivates audiences with his relatable humour and observational storytelling.

Rizal van Geyzel, also from Malaysia, delivers high-energy performances infused with comedic takes on everyday chaos and cultural quirks. April Macie from the USA, a global headliner and finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, lights up the stage with bold humour and charisma. Completing the line-up is Azeem Banatwalla from India, whose razor-edged insights and commentary on modern life have made him one of India’s most celebrated stand-ups. Together, they promise an unforgettable evening that unites audiences through laughter, offering a dynamic mix of humour styles, personalities, and perspectives.

As with every year, the Colombo Comedy Show remains rooted in purpose. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Kids Off Streets (KOS) charity project, a long-running initiative by CTRT3 that empowers underprivileged children through education, rehabilitation, and community care. Over the past decade, this event has not only brought joy to audiences but also created meaningful social impact across Sri Lanka.

CTRT3 Chairman Rukshan Periyapperuma said, ‘Each year, the Colombo Comedy Show brings together laughter, unity, and purpose. Celebrating 10 years, we’re proud of how far we’ve come, from our very first sold-out night to becoming one of Sri Lanka’s most anticipated entertainment events. Beyond the humour, this show helps us create lasting change through Kids Off Streets and other community programs.’

Tickets now available via CTRT3.myshopbox.lk and PickMe Events.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic 10-year celebration, a night of laughter, community, and impact that continues to make the world a little brighter, one joke at a time.

Amari Colombo recently unveiled VALENTINA, an exclusive jewellery boutique where timeless elegance meets exquisite craftsmanship. Located in the hotel’s lower lobby, VALENTINA showcases a curated collection of stunning pieces, celebrating artistry and sophistication in every design. The launch event was attended by celebrities, politicians, and top corporate clientele, marking a glamorous occasion for the city.

Winil Holdings Ltd., under the visionary leadership of Winil Walgampala, internationally recognised for his expertise in gemstones, makes a distinguished foray into the hospitality sector. Drawing on a legacy of excellence as a gem connoisseur and tradesman, Walgampala brings unparalleled expertise and a meticulous eye for detail to this venture.

The boutique’s debut coincides with the hotel’s first anniversary celebrations, offering guests a unique experience that blends the opulence of Winil Gems’ heritage with the modern sophistication of Amari Colombo. VALENTINA is set to redefine elegance and style for discerning patrons in Sri Lanka.

WindForce PLC yesterday said that it has emerged as the lowest-cost bidder for Lot 1 of the 50MW Mullikulam Wind Power Project, marking a key milestone towards securing the contract for the large-scale renewable energy development.

The company said the formal award of the contract is still pending, but described the outcome as price-sensitive information, given its potential implications for future operations, material contracts, and long-term financial performance.

WindForce said further disclosures will be made following the official award, execution of agreements, or any other material updates connected to the tender.

The company added that the announcement includes forward-looking information based on current bidding results, which remain subject to final awarding procedures, regulatory clearances, and term negotiations, and should not be taken as confirmation of contract award.

As Sri Lanka grapples with an estimated $ 450 million to $ 1 billion in annual losses due to cybercrime, leading experts and diplomats have called for stronger awareness, vigilance and governance to counter the growing digital threat landscape.

The warning came during the ‘Mastering ISO 27001 Auditing’ workshop held at the Taj Samudra Colombo yesterday, organised by HLB Lanka Business Advisory. The program aimed to build capacity among Sri Lankan professionals to strengthen internal audit systems and align with global standards in information security management.

Conducted by ContinuityNZ Director /Principal Consultant Nalin Wijetilleke, the workshop offered hands-on training on effective ISO 27001:2022 implementation, risk-based auditing and integrating compliance with Sri Lanka’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).

Wijetilleke – an ISACA Hall of Fame Inductee and multi-award-winning international governance, risk and cybersecurity professional – underscored that information security must now be viewed as a strategic business enabler, not merely a compliance requirement.

‘The cost of cyber incidents goes beyond financial loss – it damages trust, reputation and business continuity,’ he said.

‘By embedding a culture of vigilance, accountability and continuous improvement, organisations can transform compliance into confidence,’ He further added.

New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives David Pine echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of education and shared responsibility in addressing cyber-risks.

‘Cybersecurity awareness is the first line of defence. Every organisation and individual must understand the value of the data they handle and the consequences of a breach. A well-informed society is a safer one, reaffirming proper commitment to strengthening regional digital resilience initiatives,’ Pine said.

The workshop was further distinguished by the presence of New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka David Pine who graced the opening ceremony as the chief guest, highlighting the significance of cross-border collaboration in advancing information security practices.

Pine echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of education and shared responsibility in addressing cyber risks.

‘Cybersecurity awareness is the first line of defence. Every organisation and individual must understand the value of the data they handle and the consequences of a breach. A well-informed society is a safer one, reaffirming proper commitment to strengthening regional digital resilience initiatives,’ he added.

According to Asian Development Bank (ADB) Digital Sector Office Director Antonio Zaballos, Sri Lanka’s annual cybercrime losses could reach $ 1 billion, signalling the urgent need for professional training, regulatory alignment and stronger governance frameworks.

The workshop also highlighted the global role of ISACA, the international professional association for IT governance and cybersecurity, which today boasts 231 chapters in 90 countries and a membership of over 170,000 professionals worldwide. ISACA’s global network continues to drive best practices in information systems auditing, cybersecurity and risk management across industries.

Also present at the event were Cargills Bank Chief Manager – Information Systems Audit Amitha Munasinghe, Eguardian VP Technology Evangelist Lakmal Embuldeniya, and HLB Lanka Business Advisory Partner – Technology Advisory and Chief Information Officer Lahiru Livera.

The workshop concluded with a call for Sri Lankan organisations to adopt international standards like ISO 27001 as part of a broader strategy to safeguard data, maintain trust and ensure business continuity and by bringing together professionals from the public and private sectors, the event reinforced that cybersecurity is no longer a technical issue but a strategic imperative essential for ensuring trust, resilience and long-term business sustainability in Sri Lanka’s digital economy.

The Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2025, hosted by the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA), concluded successfully at the Shangri-La Colombo, bringing together over 500 retail leaders, innovators, and professionals to chart the future of Sri Lanka’s retail landscape.

With the theme ‘Retail Reimagined – Where AI Meets the Human Edge,’ the forum explored how artificial intelligence (AI) and human creativity can converge to revolutionize customer experiences, operational efficiency, and leadership in the retail sector.

Graced by Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, the event set the stage for forward-looking discussions on digital transformation, policy frameworks, and public-private collaboration to accelerate the nation’s retail modernization journey. Delivering the keynote address, Satyendra Khare, Head of Strategic and Emerging Partnerships and Distribution Ecosystem (India and SAARC) at Google India, spoke on ‘Inf ‘AI’nite Possibilities,’ emphasizing how AI can unlock next-level personalization, streamline supply chains, and transform retail decision-making.

In his welcome address, SLRA President Infiyaz Ali said: ‘The insights gained today will serve as a blueprint for the next era of retail growth in Sri Lanka, proving that the synergy between AI and human talent is the key to unlocking infinite possibilities.’

The day’s speaker sessions featured a lineup of thought leaders and industry experts who shared valuable insights across diverse themes.

Advocata Institute Chairman Murtaza Jafferjee spoke on ‘From Stability to Sustainability: Driving Growth Through Structural Transformation,’ exploring how structural reforms can create a stable foundation for retail growth.

Surge Global Founder and CEO Bhanuka Harischandra discussed ‘Data and Retail,’ highlighting the importance of leveraging consumer insights for competitive advantage.

Beyond: Putting Data to Work CEO Paul Alexandar presented ‘Beyond the Hype: Building Retail’s Data Foundations for AI Success,’ focusing on the role of robust data ecosystems in achieving AI-driven transformation.

Breakthrough Business Intelligence Chief Research Officer Dilini Jayasuriya, delivered an engaging session titled ‘Winning the Human Mind in the Age of AI,’ while Dialog Group Chief Analytics and AI Officer Dr. Romesh Ranawana, presented ‘AI That Sells – Price. Personalize. Perform.’ offering actionable strategies for implementing AI in retail.

A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled ‘Where AI Meets the Human Edge: Future of Retail Leadership.’

Moderated by Pepper Cube Consultants Chief Insights Officer Crystal Nathan, the session featured Clootrack – Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Pakistan President Dr. Rohantha Athukorala; Hemas Consumer Cluster Managing Director Sabrina Esufally and Futureworks at Twinery – Innovations by MAS Director Ahmed Irfan. Together, they explored the evolving role of leadership in an era where AI, innovation, and human creativity redefine customer experiences and operational excellence.

The forum also featured two insightful TechTalk sessions. OMAK Technologies presented ‘AI Applications in Retail Technology,’ while NCINGA showcased ‘The Age of Agents: How Agentic AI is Revolutionising the Industry,’ both highlighting the practical applications of AI in modern retail environments.

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by SLRA Vice President Kumar de Silva, followed by a Networking High Tea that provided an engaging platform for participants to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas.

The Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2025 was supported by a strong lineup of sponsors and partners: Platinum Sponsors John Keells CG Auto Ltd., and Jaykay Marketing Services Ltd; Silver Sponsors Abans PLC, Healthguard Pharmacy Ltd., Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC, Samsung Sri Lanka, and Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd.,; Associate Sponsors Vision Care, Perera and Sons Bakers Ltd., DSI, SPAR Supermarkets, Havelock City Mall, Cool Planet Ltd, and Nestlé Sri Lanka; Tech Talk Sponsors OMAK Technologies Ltd., and NCINGA; Exhibition Sponsors Itechro Ltd., Effectz AI Ltd., Essilor Lanka Ltd., and Celeste; Digital Sponsor Azbow Ltd; Logistics Sponsor Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC; Event Partner Ceylon Chamber of Commerce; PR Partner Impressions Public Relations; and Ticketing Partner Oneticket.lk.

The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association invites retailers, entrepreneurs, and professionals to join its growing network and contribute to shaping the future of retail in Sri Lanka.

HNB, has partnered with Sathosa Motors PLC to promote leasing solutions for ISUZU vehicles nationwide.

The partnership, brings together HNB’s leasing and Sathosa Motors’ automotive expertise to provide tailored leasing solutions for commercial and personal vehicle customers.

HNB’s Senior Vice President /Head of Retail Banking Kanchana Karunagama said: ‘At HNB, we believe access to reliable transport should be simple and affordable. This partnership with Sathosa Motors allows us to extend practical leasing solutions to more individuals and businesses. It reflects our commitment to empowering customers with financial options that support daily life, commerce, and long-term growth.’

HNB and Sathosa Motors aim to make vehicle ownership a smoother, more approachable experience for everyday customers. By expanding access to reliable vehicles, create a ripple effect, strengthening local economies, supporting daily life, and fostering sustainable growth throughout Sri Lanka.

Sathosa Motors PLC, Director of Sales and Marketing Dirk Joshua said: ‘We are proud to join hands with HNB in this partnership. ISUZU vehicles are trusted worldwide for durability and performance, and through HNB’s leasing solutions, more Sri Lankans can now enjoy that reliability. Together, we are making vehicle ownership more convenient and rewarding for our customers.’

Together, HNB and Sathosa Motors are reshaping the automotive leasing landscape in Sri Lanka. With flexible financing, trusted service, and nationwide reach, the partnership ensures that owning a premium ISUZU vehicle is no longer a distant aspiration but a practical, dependable, and rewarding reality for every customer.

Police have arrested a female lawyer on charges of aiding and abetting the murder of underworld figure ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’.

Police said the suspect, who is a practicing Attorney-at-Law, is accused of assisting Ishara Sewwandi, a key suspect in the killing by providing her with a forged lawyer’s identity card, the copy of the Penal Code with the pistol concealed inside to the shooter.

Investigations revealed that the fake ID was used to mislead authorities and facilitate the suspect’s movements.

One would expect the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to avoid making political statements but going by the remarks he has been making of late and the manner in which the Police Department continues to showcase and question apprehended suspects, it is prudent to ask if those entrusted with upholding the law actually know the law.

For example, IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya thought nothing of accusing an Opposition MP, namely Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Withana, of having connection to underworld figures in public comments he made this week.

This after the SJB MP claimed he had received death threats and has sought Police protection.

‘It has been revealed that the MP has certain links with individuals involved in organised crime. We are conducting investigations to determine the basis of these threats,’ the IGP told reporters, adding that some individuals connected to organised crime and drug trafficking have entered politics and are seeking to expand their influence at the national level.

He seems to be echoing the words of Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala who accused the slain Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Lasantha Wickramasekara of links to criminal gangs which resulted in his killing.

Politicians having links to criminals isn’t exactly a new finding. This is common knowledge. While Wijepala is a politician and will want to deflect criticism over the security situation in the country, the IGP needs to act in a more responsible manner. Most importantly he must remain impartial without making political statements.

The Police Department has not had a proper man at the helm for a while. The last IGP Deshabandu Thennakoon was removed by Parliament after being found guilty of engaging in acts that are unbecoming of a person holding a prestigious position as IGP. One would expect the current IGP to take a cue from what happened to Thennakoon and keep out of politics but in the few months since being confirmed in the post, he is sounding more like a politician than a public official.

If as the IGP says the SJB MP is involved with underworld gangs, there are enough laws to deal with it. It was the same case with the slain Weligama PS Chairman. There’s no use of accusing the dead man of being involved with criminals because if the Police was doing its job properly, the man should’ve been behind bars, not sitting in a Government office.

It’s the same with MP Withana. If the IGP has evidence to substantiate his claim that the MP has underworld links, what is stopping the Police from arresting him and producing him in court?

The bane of our public service has been over enthusiastic public officials bending backwards to please politicians. Going by the number of public officials facing charges of corruption and other illegal activities, it’s obvious that many have used their clout with politicians to accumulate wealth illegally and have also carried out illegal orders.

Politicians hold power temporarily while public officials have a long run in these services until retirement. This is why they need to stop pandering to the whims of politicians and carry out their jobs without looking at personal benefits such as getting a job extension or a diplomatic posting once retired.

IGP Weerasooriya has won much praise for being the first in the Police Department to rise through the ranks to become the IGP. That is much appreciated. But he needs to stop making political statements and ensure his Department does not make a mockery in the manner in which it carries out investigations particularly into high profile drug-related cases.

President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris, former Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President, was among many who urged that arrests and criminal investigations be conducted strictly in accordance with the procedure established by law. ‘Parading suspects before the media, getting them to give voice cuts, and sharing those clips on media and social media will thrill some sections of the public but will not help the prosecution once the trials start,’ he said.

These are things the IGP should take note of and stop this unprofessional behaviour of those who work under him.

The real success will only be when the Police can assist in the successful conviction of a criminal, not by gloating over its achievements prematurely.

Sri Lanka’s property tax system is delivering negligible revenue and will not support the Government’s plan to introduce a new property tax by 2027 unless the valuation method is modernised, according to a new study published by Verité Research.

The paper, Property Taxes in Sri Lanka: Proposal for a More Effective Valuation Method, authored by Verité Research Sri Lanka Economic Policy Group Member Prof. Mick Moore, argues that Sri Lanka should replace manual, site-inspection valuations with digital, mass-appraisal techniques to create a fair, enforceable, and administratively viable tax base.

The Government has agreed in principle to introduce a new property tax by 2027 under the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Prof. Moore says the commitment alone will not yield results without changing how properties are valued.

‘The key to unlocking change lies in the valuation system,’ he writes, adding that digital valuation ‘provides an accessible, low-cost method for breaking the current systemic logjam.’

He describes the status quo as a ‘low-level equilibrium,’ where little effort is invested and little revenue is collected.

The country’s main property tax, known as the rate assessment system, raised less than 0.1% of GDP in 2021-22. Verité notes this is low even by developing-country standards.

Stamp duties on property transactions and property taxes together contributed about 2% of total Government revenue in that period, with roughly two-thirds coming from stamp duties.

At the local level, the incentives are weak. In 2020, rates and other local taxes provided about 8% of council revenues, while Treasury grants accounted for about 80%. Only around 7% of council staff had revenue-collection responsibilities.

Compliance is thin.

The Colombo Municipal Council estimates that only about 20,000 of roughly 110,000 commercial properties regularly pay property tax. Individual bills are often so small that they may not cover the cost of collection.

Prof. Moore traces poor performance to five weaknesses in the valuation regime.

Many new buildings are not registered for tax when construction is approved, indicating evasion. Valuations for new properties are often set by local authority staff who are not trained valuers and who lack market rental databases, creating scope for undervaluation and collusion.

Extensions to buildings and local infrastructure upgrades rarely feed into revised valuations, so tax assessments drift away from market reality.

General revaluations by the Government Valuation Department, meant to occur every five years, are infrequent in practice.

Between 2022 and 2023, the Department issued new annual valuations for about 120,000 properties, only about 3.5% of the 3.5 million properties on record, implying that an average local authority might see a block revaluation roughly once in three decades.

Even professional revaluations are exposed to bias and bribery risks because they rely on interior inspections and subjective judgments without a reference database of local rents.

The report recommends a shift to Points-Based Valuation (PBV), an approach widely used internationally and also known as Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) or Automated Valuation Models (AVM).

PBV maps uniquely identify all properties using aerial imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GISs), collects standardised external data and photographs without entering buildings, calibrates a transparent valuation model to local market samples, then generates mass valuations and the tax roll.

Once established, the system can automate billing and payments, continuously update for new construction and major modifications, and be recalibrated periodically to reflect market changes.

Prof. Moore says the operational timelines are practical.

Mapping a city of about 100,000 properties can be completed in one to four weeks once imagery is available. A trained field team of around 100 can typically gather standardised data in about three months.

He cites current international practice to show feasibility. The UK Valuation Office Agency is using model-assisted valuation to help revalue 1.5 million domestic properties in Wales for council tax in 2025, and close to half of real-estate appraisals globally now involve PBV, CAMA or AVM techniques.

The Government Valuation Department has begun digitising valuation records and building a nationwide Sales Price and Rents Register.

Prof. Moore calls these ‘a very first step,’ noting that the existing data are inadequate, inaccurate, and often outdated, and that legacy records list properties but not owner identifiers, complicating enforcement and integration with other taxes.

He argues that successful reform will require coordination among several Government organisations and targeted capacity-building.

He proposes that the Government encourage and support the creation of one or more groups of people with digital skills to pilot PBV, adapt it to local conditions, and work with a few councils to demonstrate results. ‘Initial success should generate further demand for PBV,’ he writes.

The study sets out the political-economy case for moving now.

Prof. Moore says the current environment is relatively conducive to reform, and that property taxation is both fair and growth-friendly.

It is hard to evade because buildings are visible and immobile. It tends to shift the burden towards those better able to pay, since higher-income households hold more property.

It discourages speculative hoarding of land and large houses by making it more costly to sit on undeveloped or under-used assets, easing pressures on land for housing and productive use.

Prof. Moore cites research suggesting automated models can reduce unfair valuations compared with systems that grant broad discretion to individual assessors.

He argues that PBV can unlock the stalemate at a relatively low cost and with minimal change to statute. The tax base and structure need not be rewritten. ‘It is the valuation method that needs changing,’ he says.

He also highlights complementary steps already underway. From 2024, the grant to local councils for recurrent expenditure was cut by 20%, with plans to repeat the cut annually.

Prof. Moore suggests this can sharpen incentives for councils to build their own revenue capacity and could give local staff a direct interest in better collections, including through PBV.

He adds that PBV’s flexibility matters. The Colombo Municipal Council could likely manage PBV with modest central support, while rural and town councils would require more assistance. He sees merit in allowing councils discretion on when and how to adopt PBV, with short-term revenue top-ups from the central Government to encourage early movers.

The study links better valuations to broader tax integrity. A functional Sales Price and Rents Register and a PBV-based cadastre would help enforce capital gains tax on property, improve the accuracy of stamp duty administration, and strengthen anti-evasion controls across property-linked taxes.

Over time, Prof. Moore prefers capital-value assessments to rental-value assessments because capital prices are more observable and can be cross-checked against market data, but he notes the country could still retain rental valuation while moving to PBV in the near term.

Prof. Moore cautions that digitisation alone will not deliver fairness or revenue.

Data must be standardised, valuation models must be transparent and auditable, and revaluation must become routine so that extensions, new construction, and local infrastructure upgrades are captured promptly.

He urges separating the political decision on tax rates, which councils can vary annually, from the technical task of producing uniform valuations so that like properties are treated alike within a council area.

‘The question is not whether Sri Lanka should explore this technology but how long it can afford to ignore it,’ Prof. Moore writes.

There will be pressure to ignore reforms, he warns. ‘It is much less disturbing for existing institutions and interests. People owning more valuable properties will welcome any delay. The start-up time and costs required to initiate PBV will likely be exaggerated’.

With a 2027 timeline on the table and fiscal space tight, the report argues that PBV is the practical route to a fair and enforceable property tax that can underpin both local governance and national fiscal stability.