Category: Daily Financial Times

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved amendments to the pension-related provisions in the appointment letters of all public officers recruited into the public service on or after 1 January 2016, confirming their entitlement to the existing pension scheme.

Under the approved changes, the relevant clause in appointment letters will be revised to state: ‘These appointments are pensionable. Furthermore, you should contribute to the Widows and Orphans Pension Scheme/Widowers and Orphans Pension Scheme. You should pay contributions for the same as prescribed by the Government from time to time.’

The Cabinet of Ministers has also approved the issuance of circular instructions to give effect to the decision.

In line with the 2016 Budget proposal to introduce a contributory retirement system for government servants, appointment letters issued to officers recruited from 1 January 2016, included a provision stating that while appointments were pensionable, officers would be subject to a future government policy decision regarding the pension scheme applicable to them.

However, no new pension scheme has been implemented for public officers recruited after that date. ‘In this context, the 2026 Budget proposed amending the conditions stated in the appointment letters to remove ambiguity and formally confirm their eligibility for the existing pension scheme,’ Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the decision at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said the move seeks to regularise pension entitlements for affected public servants and provide clarity on their retirement benefits.

In 1971, Italian tour operator Giorgio Corbin arrived in Sri Lanka in search of the small dots he had seen on a world map. With the help of Naseem, who was then working at the Maldives Embassy in Colombo, he travelled to the Maldives. The moment he arrived; he realised the islands were the perfect destination to develop tourism. He then connected with several Maldivians to explore this opportunity further.

In 1972, he sent his first group of tourists to Sri Lanka, where Ceylon Tours acted as his local agent. With their support, the group travelled to the Maldives on an Air Ceylon flight. As soon as they landed, captivated by the breath-taking surroundings, they immediately jumped into the crystal-blue sea.

Suren Ediriweera, Managing Director of Ceylon Tours, accompanied this group and became the first tourism guide in the Maldives, playing a pioneering role in introducing tourism to the country.

At the time, there were no hotels or guesthouses in the Maldives. Young entrepreneurs Umar Maniku and Champa Afeef prepared meals for the tourists and arranged accommodation in local homes. Soon after, they began building a small hotel on Kurumba Island, which officially opened on 3 October 1972. During construction, coral walls were used, and when the building was only half completed, Ceylon Tours arranged for more tourists because there was no other available accommodation. The only facilities on Kurumba at that time were partially built walls and mats-there was no roof or modern comforts.

However, the next morning, the guests told the hosts that they had enjoyed a wonderful night. It was the first time they had seen the moon while on their honeymoon, surprising everyone. People soon realised that this was a new and unique concept of a resort, marking the birth of the first resort in the Maldives.

Today, Maldives Tourism Day is celebrated on the anniversary of Kurumba Island Resort’s opening.

Growth of the tourism industry

Over the past 52 years, the Maldives has developed into one of the world’s most sought-after luxury destinations, now boasting:

168 resorts

883 guesthouses

13 hotels

152 safari boats

These include some of the most iconic global hospitality brands such as Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani, Gili Lankanfushi, Cheval Blanc Randheli, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, OneandOnly, Four Seasons, Hilton, and many others.

Sri Lankan companies have also made significant contributions to this expansion:

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts operates four resorts, while Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings runs five.

These major investments have helped position the Maldives as a premier high-end tourism destination, with some luxury villas selling for $ 75,000 per night (approximately Rs 22.5 million). Average resort rates range from $ 150-1,500 per night, while budget guesthouses typically cost $ 50-150.

Economic success and purchasing power

The Maldives today has the highest per capita income in Asia, with a GDP per capita of $ 13,216.

In comparison, Sri Lanka’s GDP per capita stands at around $ 4,516.

The country’s 2023 nominal GDP was $ 6.59 billion, and with a population of only 530,000, the Maldives enjoys exceptionally strong purchasing power.

Infrastructure and social development

Over the past five decades, the Maldives has made remarkable progress in infrastructure and public services:

Almost every Island now has electricity, clean water, transportation, schools, and medical facilities.

Most schools offer English-medium education, enabling strong language proficiency.

Between 2019 and 2023, Government and donor-funded programs awarded 1,695 scholarships, giving students opportunities to study abroad.

Returning graduates contribute significantly to national development, making young Maldivians highly skilled and fluent in English.

Maldives sets global examples in public health and social policy

The Maldives also provides free health insurance for all citizens. If treatment is needed abroad, the Aasandha insurance scheme covers it, costing the Government around $ 270 million annually.

The Maldives has introduced several unique national policies. The President provides free spectacles to all citizens, making the Maldives the only country in the world to offer free eyewear to its entire population.

From 1 November 2025, the country will enforce a generational smoking ban, prohibiting tobacco sales and use by anyone born on or after 1 January 2007, including tourists-becoming the first nation to adopt such a law.

Alcohol is banned on local islands and is allowed only in resorts and safari boats. Locals are not permitted to consume alcohol, and any violation can lead to immediate cancellation of the establishment’s license.

Peace, safety and environmental protection

The Maldives is renowned as one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world:

There has never been a gun-related incident caused by Maldivians.

No citizen has ever died due to a bomb attack. (The only major violent incident occurred on 3 November 1988, carried out by Sri Lankan mercenaries (PLOTE/LTTE)-not by Maldivians.

Firecrackers and sky rockets are completely banned to maintain peace.

The Maldives strongly protects its environment:

Fishing nets harmful to coral reefs and marine life are strictly prohibited.

Coral reef and ocean conservation is a national priority.

The Sri Lanka-Maldives economic link

Today, more than 21,000 Sri Lankans work in the Maldives. The Maldivian Government continues to welcome Sri Lankan professionals, and Sri Lanka earns about $ 129 million annually in remittances from the Maldives-its 9th largest source of foreign income.

Sri Lanka exports a variety of goods to the Maldives. Many luxury resorts continue to source fruits and vegetables from Sri Lanka due to their superior taste and quality. However, Sri Lanka has lost a significant share of the Maldivian market due to pricing issues. Other exports such as garments, construction materials, and motor parts are usually limited to urgent, small shipments, as bulk imports come from other countries.

Sri Lanka has not yet tapped the full potential of the Maldivian market. Countries like China, India, Dubai, and Turkey have studied the market, signed trade agreements, and captured a large share of imports. As a result, Sri Lanka’s market share in the Maldives has fallen to just 3.72%.

In 2018, around 17,000 Sri Lankans lived in the Maldives. Today, that number has dropped to about 1,400 due to official neglect, short-term thinking, and the absence of a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries.

However, Maldivians consider Sri Lanka their second home, and many of them prefer to extend more advantages to Sri Lanka. They understand that during difficult times, Sri Lanka has always stood by the Maldives, even long before modern civilisation developed there. This deep historical relationship was clearly demonstrated during the recent disaster in Sri Lanka.

On 26 July 1965, Maldives Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and British High Commissioner Michael Walker exchanged tokens after signing the Treaty of Independence in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The first commercial aircraft landed at Hulhule Airport in 1960, operated by Air Ceylon.

In 1964, Sirimavo Bandaranaike provided aid to develop Hulhule Airport in the Maldives.

The first tourism group to the Maldives was brought by Sri Lankans. The first charter flight and tourism group were organised by Sri Lankans, with Ceylon Tours as the first tour operator.

During the tenure of Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, scholarships were awarded for studies in East Germany, contributing to higher education and the development of tourism in the Maldives.

The Maldives’ national anthem, ‘Gaumee Salaam’, was composed in 1972 by Sri Lankan maestro Pandit W. D. Amaradeva.

During Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency, the Sri Lankan Government funded a major road construction project in the Maldives – a 4.5-kilometre concrete highway in Addu City, connecting Maradhoo and Feydhoo, which is the longest road in the Maldives.

The enduring bond between Sri Lanka and the Maldives

The relationship between Sri Lanka and the Maldives stretches back centuries, reflecting a deep-rooted connection that has shaped both nations. Even when resources were scarce, Sri Lankans from as early as the 3rd century extended support to help Maldivian communities develop. This bond was further strengthened when Sri Lankan kings ruled the Maldives from 1117 to 1165, a period of 48 years that left lasting cultural and political ties.

Throughout history, Sri Lanka has consistently aided the Maldives. However, over time, this connection weakened, particularly after the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka, when Maldivians faced travel restrictions and harassment, creating strains in the relationship.

Efforts to rebuild these ties gained momentum following the visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who addressed many of the issues and helped restore mutual trust. Yet, challenges remain. Misunderstandings and administrative hurdles continue to affect sectors like education, healthcare, and tourism, underscoring the need for fresh strategies to revive the historic friendship and cooperation.

Despite these challenges, the Maldivian spirit of solidarity has shone through. In times of crisis, the Maldives President, Members of Parliament, the business community, media, hotels, police, and even school children rallied to raise funds and provide support. This remarkable generosity reflects not only the Maldivians’ resilience but also the enduring affection between the two nations.

Today, it is imperative to rethink, rebuild, and strengthen this historic partnership. By learning from the past and working collaboratively, Sri Lanka and the Maldives can restore their relationship to the glory days, ensuring mutual growth, prosperity, and goodwill for generations to come.

The Government has issued a gazette notification for the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill, paving the way for the abolition of pension entitlements for Members of Parliament and their spouses. The move represents a signature pledge of the Government’s manifesto, which was extremely popular among the masses. The approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to go ahead with the highly anticipated legislative action was granted in 2025 June while the final draft later received clearance from the Attorney General.

Already, two petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the intended legislation to revoke the Parliamentary Pensions Act. The petitioners represent affected former legislators who stand to lose their retirement perks in the event the bill is passed by the Parliament. The affected Ex MPs have pointed out that a significant number of retired MPs had served for periods ranging from five to thirty-five years, dedicating their lives to public service, often at the cost of losing career opportunities as well as lucrative financial benefits in their respective professions, trades or businesses.

The bill would also help to boost the image of the NPP administration, which has been grappling with adverse publicity over a multiplicity of issues such as education reforms, shameful inclusion of the reference to an adult dating website that includes sexually explicit material in the Grade 6 English Language Text Book besides accusations of political interference with the Department of Police to rescue Government MPs who were faulted for various transgressions of the law and order.

Over the years, sympathisers and propagandists associated with the JVP/NPP have been driving the narrative that the entire political class, except themselves, is corrupt. The lopsided doctrine found validity among the gullible islanders, particularly in the aftermath of the Economic Armageddon the nation had to endure in 2022. However, the stories we hear about the difficulties faced by former MP Nandana Gunathilake, who passed away a few days ago, demonstrate how unfair and inaccurate such politically motivated generalisations are. The former JVP presidential candidate had not even had the means to meet his health and medical expenses despite having been a former Cabinet Minister apart from having headed the Urban Council of Panadura – a local authority that earns a fair amount of money.

There are many former parliamentarians who have lived their lives honourably without getting involved in acts of corruption, and plunder of state resources. Those individuals need financial security in the winter of their lives when there is no one to care for them. Terminating the pensions of such former MPs is nothing but travesty of justice and can be considered quite cruel and inhuman too. Few have even speculated the attempt by the ruling dispensation to pursue this bill vigorously was driven by the intent to take revenge from the deceased JVP defector who proved to be a huge thorn in the flesh for the NPP in the recent past. The late politician earned the wrath of the NPP’s top leaders for exposing the affiliation of Ranga Dissanayake – who was appointed Director General of the Bribery and Corruption Commission by the incumbent President – with the JVP. The parliamentary pension was his only source of livelihood.

Paradoxically though, few Cabinet Ministers of the current administration, who are now at the forefront of agitating for the elimination of the parliamentary pension system, have also benefited from the very system which they are trying to abolish, when they were in the opposition. As per the letter issued by Finance Director of the Parliament, G. Sarath Kumara to the then MP Madhura Vithanage on the 23 February, 2023, the two prominent NPP Cabinet Ministers K.D. Lalkantha and Bimal Ratnayake were beneficiaries of the Parliamentary Pension Scheme 3 years ago when they were out of the legislature.

Eliminating the financial safety net of MPs could result in legislators being financially induced by forces with vested interest to achieve their selfish objectives that may be harmful to the society overall.

After seven weekends of intense competition the Major Club 3-day League first round group matches have been completed with the top four teams from each of the two groups qualifying to play in the Super 8 and the bottom three teams from the two groups in the Major Plate.

Due to the unavailability of ground covers which will be used at the venues hosting the T20 World Cup matches, the Super 8 matches will not commence until 6 March, whereas the Major Plate will continue starting from 23 January.

The three Major Plate matches scheduled for this day are: Panadura SC v Kurunegala YCC at Maggona, Nugegoda SWC v Badureliya SC at Welagedera Stadium, Kurunegala, and Chilaw Marians CC v Tamil Union at Galle Cricket Stadium.

Teams that have qualified to play in the Super 8 as well as the Major Plate will carry forward their points into the next round.

One of the few changes the Major Club 3-day League under went from this season was that all the matches were played at neutral venues with no team having home advantage.

Tournament Committee chairman Nalin Aponso said: ‘This has been very much effective. This is the first time in history we played at neutral venues. The wickets were good and you can see from the stats from the previous year to this year there is vast improvement in both batting and bowling performances. Even the national selectors were happy with the outcome and have praised this move. We will be going ahead with this format for the next four years. The same structure. The Major Plate matches will also be played at neutral venues.’

The team that finishes at the bottom of the Major Plate will be relegated to Tier B and the champion team of Tier B will be promoted to play in the Major Club 3-day League the following season.

Meanwhile, the Tier B 3-day league matches will continue and completed by 15 February. The team that finishes on top of the league will gain promotion, while the team that finishes at the bottom will be relegated to play in the Governor’s Cup.

Hela Apparel Holdings PLC has called an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to seek shareholder approval for the transfer of a majority stake in its overseas subsidiary, Hela Brands Ltd., in a deal valued at $ 12 million.

The EGM is scheduled to be held on 3 February at 3.30 p.m. as an online meeting.

The resolution seeks approval for the transfer by the company of up to 65,000 shares held in Hela Brands Ltd., representing up to 65% of the total issued shares of that entity, to a strategic investor.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for November 2025 global passenger demand with the following highlights:

Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 5.7% compared to November 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), increased 5.4% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.7% (+0.3 ppt compared to November 2024), a record high for November.

International demand rose 7.7% compared to November 2024. Capacity was up 7.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.0% (+0.4 ppt compared to November 2024).

Domestic demand increased 2.7% compared to November 2024. Capacity was up 2.7% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.2% (unchanged compared to November 2024).

IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh said: ‘November 2025 saw continued strong demand for air travel with year-on-year growth of 5.7%. Load factors reached a new record of 83.7% for the month as airlines continued to satisfy growing passenger demand amid continuing capacity constraints stemming from challenges in the aerospace supply chain. The new year’s resolution for the manufacturing sector must be to increase production to meet the needs of their airline customers. The backlog of more than 17,000 aircraft orders that we reached in 2025 must be reduced in 2026.’ International RPK growth was a healthy 7.7% in November year-on-year. The international load factor, at 84.0%, was also a November record high. Compared to October, growth was slightly down in all regions except Africa.

Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 9.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 8.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.8% (+0.5 ppt compared to November 2024). Geopolitical tensions led to traffic between China and Japan slowing to single-digit growth for the first time in 2025.

European carriers had a 6.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.6% (+0.5 ppt compared to November 2024).

North American carriers saw a 4.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 4.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 81.0% (-0.1 ppt compared to November 2024). Looking at total traffic, North America has seen 10 consecutive months of year-on-year decline in load factor.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 9.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 81.4% (+0.3 ppt compared to November 2024).

Latin American airlines saw a 4.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 4.7% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.9% (-0.2 ppt compared to November 2024).

African airlines were the stand-out performer, with an 11.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 8.5% year-on-year. The load factor was 74.3% (+1.8 ppt compared to November 2024).

Having opened in 1984, the Pettah branch of National Savings Bank (NSB), had delivered a supreme customer service during the past 40 years and with a view to offering a better banking experience to the customers of the area, the branch was ceremoniously reopened recently at a new location, at No. 24, Malwatta Road, Colombo 11.

The Deputy General Manager – Operations Nalika Wijesinghe and Deputy General Manager – Administration Anusha Fernando graced the occasion. The Pope Paul VI Centre in Colombo Chairman Rev. Fr. Gihan Ridley Perera, Divisional Secretariat, Colombo Assistant Divisional Secretary R.A. Suranjith Sameera, National Savings Bank Assistant General Manager – Operations Janaka Herath, Assistant General Manager – Marketing Dulakshi Perera, Assistant General Manager – Branch Banking Suranga Baduge, Pettah branch Manager Ruwan Epa, several State officers and representatives of the business community were also present at the event.

The first day deposits were handed over by the distinguished guests, and the first deposit was handed over to the National Savings Bank Deputy General Manager – Operations Nalika Wijesinghe, by the Cooperative Welfare Society of Sri Lanka Port Authority Accountant P.D. Karunarathna.

The relocated branch, which consists of a spacious premise and modern banking amenities including an ATM, looks forward to ensuring an enhanced customer service to the people of the area.

Standard Chartered Bank Economist Saurav Anand said Sri Lanka’s improving fiscal and debt indicators, recovery in consumption and the potential for an investment rebound, could support a change in the sovereign ratings outlook this year, even if the headline rating remains unchanged.

‘Our view is that we will see a change in the rating outlook this year,’ Anand said, adding that the most likely shift would be from Stable to Positive.

S and P Global and Fitch have upgraded Sri Lanka’s sovereign ratings to CCC+ with a Stable Outlook, citing the post-crisis recovery but continuing to highlight elevated debt levels and reliance on ongoing reforms, while Moody’s retains a lower Caa1 rating with a Stable Outlook.

He said Sri Lanka’s public debt position had strengthened materially since the start of the IMF program. ‘Debt-to-GDP has come down from around 125%-126% of GDP in 2022 to closer to 103%-104% by 2025 once the final numbers are out,’ Anand said. ‘We are expecting that number to fall below 100% by 2027.’

Anand noted that the IMF had initially projected Sri Lanka’s debt ratio to decline to 95% of GDP only by 2032, with earlier estimates pointing to 100% by 2030. ‘The IMF has since upgraded its forecast and now expects 100% of GDP by end 2028,’ he said, adding that Standard Chartered expected Sri Lanka to outperform that timeline.

He said fiscal consolidation had been central to the improving credit outlook. ‘The fiscal deficit target last year was around 4.5%, but based on actual data for the first 11 months, the deficit was only about 1% of GDP,’ Anand said, noting that the Government had indicated it would remain on the consolidation path in 2026 despite recent shocks.

Lower interest costs were also improving debt affordability. ‘Between 2022 and 2023, around 80% of Government revenue was going toward debt servicing,’ he said. ‘That ratio came down to around 50% in 2025, and we expect it to fall below 45% in 2026 and closer to 40% in 2027.’

Anand said Sri Lanka’s external debt servicing requirements were expected to ease, declining from $ 3.5 billion in 2025 to under $ 3 billion in 2026, while official reserves were projected to rise to about $ 7.5 billion by end-2026.

On growth dynamics, Anand said consumption had strengthened over the past year. ‘Consumption looks good,’ he said, adding that domestic demand was supporting a broadly robust outlook.

Investment, however, remained well below pre-crisis levels. ‘Investment levels in 2025 are still only around 60% of the 2018 level,’ Anand said, referring to the prolonged investment slowdown between 2019 and 2023-24.

He said a recovery in Government capital expenditure would be important in lifting investment momentum. ‘With Government capex coming back, investment growth is likely to be supported,’ Anand said.

Taken together, he said stronger consumption and a gradual investment recovery supported growth of around 3.5% to 4% in 2026, unless there was a larger-than-expected impact from Cyclone Ditwah.

Standard Chartered sees both upside and downside risks to its growth outlook. Upside risks include higher Government capital expenditure, which could crowd in private investment, and sustained implementation of structural reforms that improve confidence and attract equity capital inflows.

Downside risks include large-scale infrastructure damage from Cyclone Ditwah, still-limited fiscal space, constrained external financing support and uncertainty around global trade and monetary policy.

The bank expects the current account to remain in surplus in 2026, though narrowing to around 1% of GDP as consumption- and investment-related imports pick up, partly offset by lower vehicle imports.

Remittances are expected to remain strong, although growth may moderate from around 20% in 2025, while tourism is projected to expand by 5%-10% in 2026.

Standard Chartered estimates the 2025 current account surplus at 1.8% of GDP, driven by services exports and remittances, even as the merchandise trade deficit widens.

On monetary policy, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is expected to maintain the policy status quo in 2026, with policy rates likely to remain on hold amid robust economic activity and easing inflation pressures. The bank has revised its 2026 inflation forecast down to 4.5% from 5.0%, while maintaining its 2025 forecast at 0.7%.

Private-sector credit growth remains elevated at 22.1% as of September, supported by accommodative policy and improved liquidity. This has driven a sharp fall in interest rates, with average weighted new lending and deposit rates declining to 10.3% and 5.9%, respectively, in September, from 25.8% and 22.2% in January 2023. The central bank is expected to remain cautious, as sustained credit growth above 20% could pose risks to external-sector stability through higher consumption imports.

On the fiscal front, the bank said Sri Lanka’s 2026 Budget, announced on 7 November, remains aligned with the IMF’s revenue-focused consolidation framework and projects modest outperformance against IMF targets for revenue-to-GDP and the primary balance.

The revenue target of 15.4% of GDP for 2026 is viewed as conservative, with 2025 revenue expected to exceed 16% of GDP. Primary surplus targets of 2.5% in 2026 and 2.6% in 2027 are seen as achievable, despite higher planned investment spending.

Stronger revenue performance, contained inflation and lower financing costs are expected to continue improving debt affordability and support upward pressure on sovereign ratings in 2026.

In markets, a neutral outlook is maintained on LKR Bonds over three- and 12-month horizons, with rates on hold limiting scope for duration gains. Higher borrowing needs associated with a wider fiscal deficit could act as a headwind to bond yields.

In the foreign exchange market, gradual depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar is expected as the current account surplus narrows, with the exchange rate projected at 309 by mid-2026 and 315 by end-2026.

The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved a proposal to implement the incentive allowance for estate workers announced in the 2026 Budget, including the payment mechanism and timeline.

In presenting the 2026 Budget in his capacity as Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister, the President proposed increasing the daily wage of estate workers to Rs. 1,550, along with a daily attendance allowance of Rs. 200, with the objective of ensuring a fair daily wage commensurate with workers’ service.

To facilitate the implementation of this proposal, an allocation of Rs. 5,000 million has been provided in the 2026 Budget.

‘Accordingly, the Plantations and Community Infrastructure Ministry, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, has planned to pay the proposed incentive allowance for an initial period of six months with effect from 1 January 2026, through the respective plantation companies,’ Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the decision at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said thereafter, the allowance will be credited directly to the personal bank accounts of estate workers.

The joint proposal submitted by Labour Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando and the Plantations and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratna was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka yesterday said it was the responsibility of the Government and law enforcement authorities to ensure that there is no unwarranted interference with the powers exercised by the Attorney General.

In a statement responding to recent social media posts directed at the Attorney General, the BASL said the independence of key institutions must be protected to preserve the rule of law, including the Office of the Attorney General.

The BASL said the posts amounted to an attempt to influence the independence of the Attorney General’s Office and stressed that its integrity must be maintained at all times to safeguard justice and constitutional freedoms.

Explaining the role of the Attorney General, the BASL said the office performs a quasi-judicial function in criminal proceedings. It said the Attorney General is required to decide whether to charge or indict a suspect based on material submitted by investigating authorities, after assessing its admissibility in law and whether it discloses a reasonable prospect of conviction.

The BASL also noted that decisions of the Attorney General are subject to judicial oversight, either through writ applications before the Court of Appeal or under the Fundamental Rights jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

The BASL called on the authorities to ensure that the Office of the Attorney General is able to function independently, without external pressure or influence, in the broader interest of the rule of law.

The statement, dated 20 January 2026, was signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena.