Category: Daily Financial Times

I have been thinking about critical infrastructures because this is a key element of the Cybersecurity legislation that has been in preparation since 2019 and which may finally see the light of day this year. If a critical infrastructure fails for whatever reason, massive harm is caused to the economy and society. That is the ultimate test of criticality.

The first thing we think of is malicious hacker attacks in the context of cybersecurity, but failure is failure whatever the cause: cyber-attack or flood/landslide.

The most critical infrastructure

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency identified 18 critical infrastructures: Chemical, Commercial Facilities, Communications, Critical Manufacturing, Dams, Defence Industrial Base, Emergency Services, Energy, Financial Services, Food and Agriculture, Government Facilities, Healthcare and Public Health, Information Technology, Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste, Transportation Systems, and Water and Wastewater Systems.

Many of these are not relevant in our vastly different conditions. But what I took from a related discussion is the statement that all seventeen critical infrastructures would fail, or be significantly affected, if the energy infrastructure were to fail.

The recent Ditwah disaster gave us a sense of our vulnerabilities (subject to correction).

At least two major hospitals were seriously damaged as were schools and court houses.

Transportation was hit badly: roads, railroads and some vehicles. Airports, ports and expressways were not affected.

Too many people were unable to use telecom services during and after Ditwah. According to a recent news report, ‘at the peak of the crisis, over 2,000 telecom sites were impacted, leaving several districts without mobile and data services for two to five days. Network outages were primarily caused by prolonged grid power failures, fibre cut due to floods and landslides, site flooding in low-lying areas, and restricted access that delayed restoration efforts.’

Details are lacking on the banking system, but in certain areas people could not withdraw money from ATMs. Credit and debit card transactions and QR payments were also affected. If electricity supply to the port and airport had failed, they would have been crippled, as was shown in the shutdown of Heathrow Airport due to a substation fire in March 2025. The critical infrastructures in Colombo and its suburbs (except Kolonnawa) were mostly spared from the effects of Ditwah.

Electricity failures directly contributed to telecom and banking failures. According to data compiled from public sources:

Around 4 million of the 7 million electricity customers were affected by Ditwah. 40% of CEB’s infrastructure was damaged

As of 5 December, 85% of the affected consumers were reconnected.

The distribution network suffered the most damage with 17,143 transformers out of 39,537 becoming inactive.

The Rantambe-Mahiyangana transmission line suffered severe damage.

2,994 high voltage breakdowns and 32,341 low voltage breakdowns were reported.

It is not easy to make the electricity network resilient, especially from flood damage. Water and electricity do not mix.

Yet the CEB successor companies can surely do better than the CEB did in 2025. The first thing is an independent assessment of system performance that can identify what can be done to minimise the damage next time.

Given climate change, there will be a next time. The Colombo-centric economic engine may not get off so lightly the next time.

Principles for resilient infrastructure

If the CEB successor companies are wholly or partially privately owned, the best practice would be to require that they be insured against these kinds of losses. Having the government routinely absorb the additional costs (directly with Treasury funds or by allowing them to be passed on through tariffs) will reward suboptimal design and operation of networks and thereby creates a moral hazard. The companies/managers will continue to spend resources on themselves and not for risk reduction.

In the insurance scenario, unsafe behaviour will drive up insurance premia which may be disallowed by the regulator. Costs and damages not covered by insurance will have to be borne by the shareholders, not by the customers.

This may be effective after the changes envisioned under the Final Transfer Plan (FTP) specified in the 2025 Electricity Act Amendment. The successor entities created by the FTP will have varying degrees of private ownership. Even now there are many private generating plants.

A national policy would have to set out general principles on how the different elements of the system are to deal with disaster risk. This should address the problems posed by fully state-owned assets where the managers are immune to the pressures that work for private investors.

The tariff policy should specify whether disaster-recovery costs can be covered by tariffs, as some are suggesting in the aftermath of Ditwah. Simply dumping these costs on customers without setting in place any incentives for making the system more resilient, sets the stage for future bailouts.

Alliance Finance Company PLC has appointed Devika Ellepola to its Board as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director.

Ellepola holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Colombo (2004), providing a solid grounding in regulation, policy interpretation, and ethical decision making that complements her commercial expertise. She is a seasoned commercial leader with more than twenty five years of experience in the aviation industry.

From 1998 to February 2025, she served as Head of Passenger Sales – Emirates Airline (Sri Lanka), where she led market expansion and brand building initiatives that strengthened the carrier’s position in Sri Lanka. Her leadership was characterised by rigorous data-driven decision making and the practical application of analytics on pricing and yield management. She championed the digital transformation of sales and customer programs.

A committed mentor and people developer, she has built high performing teams, coached emerging leaders, and raised organisational capability through structured performance management and targeted learning interventions. Her contributions to business leadership have been recognised with multiple accolades, including WIM Top 50 (2021) and the CEO Global Businesswomen Award (2025).

Beyond her executive roles, she contributes to the advancement of the profession through active participation in CILT, WCIC, and WILAT, supporting advocacy, knowledge sharing, and inclusion in logistics and commerce. Ellepola currently serves as an aviation business mentor/consultant and as an Independent Wealth Planner at AIA Insurance, broadening her perspective on customer strategy, governance, and risk across adjacent sectors.

Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to Oman W.A.K.S. De Alwis has arrived in Oman and assumed duties at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Muscat.

The Ambassador-designate was warmly received on arrival at the Muscat Airport by Oman Ambassador Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saif Al Hosni, Oman Foreign Ministry Director General for Asia Pacific and Director – South Asia Abdul Rahman, and Sri Lanka Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Maxwell Keegel. On arrival at the Embassy, De Alwis was welcomed by the staff and following religious observances, he assumed duties and addressed the officers of the Mission.

De Alwis was Director (Finance) at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) prior to his appointment. He has previously served at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Muscat from 2017- 2020 with the diplomatic rank of Minister. He is a graduate of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Accountancy and holds a Master’s Degree from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, Republic of Korea.

CR and FC produced a commanding all-round performance to outclass Air Force SC 38/5 in their Inter-Club Rugby League encounter under lights at Longdon Place on Saturday.

At the short breather, the Reds led 19/5.

CR’s dominance was reflected in a six-try blitz, with Chemod Muthunayake opening the scoring before Fijian Saufa Billivanua crossed twice in a powerful display out wide. Omalka Gunaratne, Vishenka Silva, and Naveen Marasinghe added further tries as CR repeatedly breached the Air Force defensive line with structured phase play and sharp backline movements. Fly-half Mursheed Doray was in assured form, slotting over four conversions to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Air Force could respond only through a solitary try by Shamika Kaushan, but struggled to contain CR’s relentless attacking pressure and disciplined defence. The result confirms Air Force’s place in the Plate segment for Round Two, while CR and FC remain firmly in the Cup race, with CH also expected to feature among the top contenders.

For the Reds, this emphatic victory keeps them on top of the points table for yet another week and strengthens their bid to regain the League crown. With momentum building, depth across the squad, and a balanced mix of power and pace, the Reds are shaping up as genuine title favourites as the competition heads into its decisive phase. (SJ)

The manufacturing and services sectors have expanded sharply in December 2025 despite the impact of the Ditwah devastation as per the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) compiled by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

It said the PMI – Manufacturing recorded an index value of 60.9 in December 2025, indicating a continued expansion in manufacturing activities. All sub-indices contributed positively to this increase, mainly supported by seasonal demand, despite adverse weather-related disruptions experienced at the beginning of the month.

The New Orders and Production sub-indices increased in December 2025, driven by the Manufacture of Food and Beverages sector. Further, the Employment and Stock of Purchases sub-indices also increased, in line with the strengthening of New Orders and Production observed during the month. The Suppliers’ Delivery Time further extended in December 2025, mainly reflecting increased demand for input materials and adverse weather-related logistical delays.

Expectations for manufacturing activities over the next three months remain positive, supported by anticipated improvements in economic conditions.

The PMI – Services recorded an index value of 67.9 in December 2025, indicating a notable expansion in services activities compared to the previous month.

The significant growth of business activities in December 2025, despite the adverse weather-related disruptions experienced at the beginning of the month, was buoyed by robust performance across most of the sectors.

The Wholesale and Retail Trade was the primary driver of this expansion amid festive season demand. The upward trend was also supported by positive contributions from business activities related to the Other Personal and Accommodation, Food and Beverage service activities.

New Businesses increased in December 2025, underpinned by improved activity in Wholesale and Retail Trade, along with strengthened Financial Services activities.

Employment continued to rise in December 2025, reflecting workforce expansion by firms to meet year-end operational requirements. Meanwhile, Backlogs of Work grew for the second straight month.

The Expectations for Business Activity over the next quarter turned more optimistic, supported by a combination of favourable macroeconomic conditions and seasonal tourism related factors, and the gradual normalisation of operations following recent weather-related disruptions.

Janashakthi Life, has announced the appointment of two distinguished leaders to its executive team – Namalee A. Silva as the Chief Business Officer, and Shankar Dharmaratne as the Chief Digital Officer.

These strategic appointments mark a significant milestone in Janashakthi Life’s commitment to accelerating business growth, enhancing market presence and driving comprehensive digital transformation across the organisation.

Namalee A. Silva is an accomplished marketing and business professional with over 36 years of experience in the Banking, Finance, and Insurance sectors. She has held various senior leadership positions at renowned institutions, including Commercial Bank, Nationwide Building Society (UK), Lloyds Bank (UK), Seylan Bank, People’s Bank, and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, where she last served as Chief Business Officer. Her extensive expertise and strategic insight are expected to be instrumental in steering Janashakthi Life towards new heights of success.

Shankar Dharmaratne joins Janashakthi Life with over 25 years of experience across Banking, Telecommunications, and Technology. He has held key leadership roles at Dialog Axiata PLC, Royal Vision Singapore Ltd., and Hatton National Bank, where he most recently served as Head of Digital Services. He has also contributed to national-level digital initiatives through his work with the National Payment Council and the Digital Roadmap Committee of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. His expertise will play a crucial role in advancing Janashakthi Life’s digital strategy, enhancing customer experience, and fostering innovation.

Janashakthi Life Director/CEO Ravi Liyanage said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Namalee Silva and Shankar Dharmaratne to our leadership team. Their combined experience and leadership will be pivotal in our pursuit to achieve our strategic goals and deliver exceptional value to our customers.’

Janashakthi Life said it remains committed to building a dynamic and forward-thinking leadership team to navigate the evolving landscape of the insurance industry.

Sri Lanka today stands at a critical juncture in its energy transition. Once lauded for its rapid adoption of rooftop solar and renewable technology, the country’s policy landscape has shifted in ways that risk undermining hard-won gains, destabilising investor confidence and jeopardising national sustainability commitments.

This shift has sparked robust debate among energy specialists – most notably Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe, a leading voice in renewable energy advocacy – whose concerns encapsulate the tension between short-term policy adjustments and long-term strategic goals.

Controversial policy decisions: a snapshot

In June 2025, the Sri Lankan Government enacted a new tariff structure for solar power, significantly cutting feed-in tariffs (FITs) for rooftop and utility solar projects. The previous regime – which had offered reasonably attractive rates – was replaced with rates that, for many industry players as well as households, no longer reflect project economics. Under the revised structure, rooftop solar tariffs range from Rs. 20.90 per kWh for small systems (0-5 kW) down to Rs. 14.46 per kWh for systems above 1 MW.

This represents a sharp reduction compared with past tariff levels – which until recently hovered around Rs. 27.60 per kWh for systems up to 500 kW and Rs. 23.18 per kWh for larger systems. These cuts – exceeding 30% in some segments – were introduced with minimal stakeholder consultation and have become a flashpoint for debate.

Insights into risks and realities

At a public briefing in 2025, Dr. Ralapanawe highlighted that the Government’s revised draft policy threatens the viability of rooftop solar expansion. He noted that ambitious targets, such as the Government’s pledge to add 2,000 MW from rooftop solar, have become impractical under the new regime.

Renewable capacity build-out depends not merely on physical panels but on the ecosystem of local service providers – over 700 companies involved in installations, maintenance, and operations. If these firms exit the sector due to poor returns, and some already have done so, that service infrastructure collapses, with losses in jobs for youth and women employed in these SMEs. Noteworthily, the renewables sector is one of the few spheres in Sri Lanka today that offers skilled technical jobs for women and the industry has not a few CEOs heading their startups.

Dr. Ralapanawe also recalled the earlier Soorya Bala Sangramaya era, when a two-tier tariff system offered Rs. 22 per kWh for the first seven years and Rs. 15.50 for the following 13 – a structure that enabled payback and growth. (Ironically, this scheme was initially opposed by the same group that is now working to dismantle the rooftop solar industry.) Today’s abrupt tariff cuts, he argues, may undermine economic sustainability and disincentivise future investment.

Beyond market disincentives, Dr. Ralapanawe and other experts argue that the rollback of the Net++ scheme and removal of other supportive mechanisms have been just as damaging. Under Net++ – now scrapped – commercial and industrial rooftop producers could export surplus electricity beyond their contractual load, effectively monetising excess generation and improving returns. Its removal has constrained future system sizing and reduced the financial appeal of distributed solar.

Statistical snapshot: rooftop solar today

Despite these policy headwinds, Sri Lanka has made remarkable progress. Rooftop solar capacity, once modest, has surpassed 2 GW (2,000 MW) – 2,185 MW spread across over 150,000 installations by October 2025. This reflects a remarkable decentralisation of generation previously dominated by large hydropower and thermal plants. It is also the energy democratisation which is a core part of the global energy transition. Notably, these additions have come without a single rupee investment in the country’s transmission grid, which is a necessity in large-scale centralised power plants.

The small renewable energy sector – representing solar, wind, biomass and mini-hydro-based generation – contributed to 26% of total electricity generation for 2025 – a marked growth from the meagre 10% in 2019. At the same time, the expensive oil-based generation which dominated the sector (25% in 2019) has declined to 12% in 2025, providing a major cost relief to all electricity consumers in the country.

Renewable energy journey – particularly in rooftop solar deployment – has been exemplary by regional standards. But recent policy shifts reveal a tension between immediate administrative priorities and long-term national sustainability targets

Economic and grid considerations

Supporters of the tariff revision have cited grid stability concerns, arguing that rapid solar uptake poses challenges without corresponding upgrades. This narrative gained traction around episodes such as the February 2025 blackout, which some officials initially attributed to solar generation impacts. However, Dr. Ralapanawe and others clarified that the blackout resulted from incorrect transmission protection settings and operational errors at major hydro generation facilities, especially Victoria – not rooftop solar excess. It is noted that the official report by the CEB on the blackout has not highlighted any issues related to rooftop solar in its report.

Nonetheless, grid integration remains an unresolved issue. Without adequate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and modern grid automation, day-time surpluses can’t be efficiently leveraged into evening peak use, undermining both reliability and solar economics. While the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) recently introduced a night solar tariff of Rs. 45.80 per kWh for stored solar discharged at peak hours, industry advocates argue these prices are impractical at domestic scale, and constrained by unclear implementation guidelines.

The CEB has also lapsed in terms of its implementation. Its generation plan of 2023 proposed building 300 MW battery storage between 2024 and 2026, not a megawatt of which was built. The utility company tendered 160 MW of battery storage in the latter part of 2025, but the tender award is still pending cabinet approval. These projects came at prices of approx. Rs 17 per kWh, confounding the critics who were complaining about the high cost of battery storage. The capital cost of these projects were 75% cheaper than what the CEB had estimated in their generation plans.

Even other steps for the grid, such as converting the non-used gas generators (which are no longer necessary due to high renewables) into synchronous condensers (syncons) required for strengthening the grid, has not moved forward. This has been delayed by the CEB for over 18 months – and counting.

Impact on investment and jobs

The policy shifts have already exacted economic costs. Independent reporting notes that local banks have invested over Rs. 100 billion (roughly $ 250 million) in renewable projects. Persistent uncertainties could now jeopardise repayments, put projects at risk, and dampen appetite for future lending.

Further, industry voices warn of tens of thousands of job losses if the rooftop solar ecosystem continues contracting. Closing down of rooftop solar installation companies will leave current rooftop solar power consumers with no service providers to maintain their rooftop solar systems, resulting in inability to enforce warranties or obtain technical assistance.

Sustainability and national commitments

Sri Lanka has pledged to achieve 70% renewable energy generation by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Rooftop and distributed solar are central to this trajectory; without them, the country will likely remain dependent on imported fossil fuels – with significant economic and environmental costs.

Sri Lanka appears to be one of the very few countries who is actively placing roadblocks on renewable energy, especially rooftop solar, whilst blessed with ample sunshine that eludes many nations.

Data suggests that existing non-traditional energy sources save approximately $ 620 million in foreign exchange by displacing fossil fuel imports. National imports of fossil fuels still exceed $ 5 billion annually, underscoring the stakes of halting clean energy growth.

Moreover, the World Bank warned that Sri Lanka risks losing up to $ 1.2 billion in climate financing if it backtracks on renewable commitments. Such losses would strain public finances and slow infrastructure investments.

Strategic recommendations

High-level discourse now needs to shift from reactive policy tinkering to comprehensive, stable frameworks. Based on expert analysis and industry feedback, the following policy priorities should command immediate attention:

Restoring predictable tariffs

Tariffs should reflect economic fundamentals – including renewable capital costs, exchange rates, and finance costs – without large arbitrary cuts. There is also the hoary issue of return on investment: for many prosumers, there are long-term investments entered into with an eye on ROI. Many countries around the world including India and Australia also provide financial subsidies to ensure rapid payback and high returns on investments to promote this sector. Restoring confidence via a clear, long-term tariff policy can ameliorate investor risk premiums.

Grid modernisation

Strengthen grid management through smart technologies and invest decisively in BESS integration, syncons – all to minimise curtailment and enable surplus solar to meet peak demand.

Institutional clarity and consultation

Energy regulations, especially tariff changes, should be governed by independent regulators such as the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), with mandatory stakeholder consultation to prevent abrupt reversals. Unfortunately, the entity entrusted with managing energy policy – the National Electricity Advisory Council (NEAC), which was created by the Electricity Act of 2024 – was abolished by the 2025 amendment: a dismantling that appears to have led directly to these dismal policy reversals. Meanwhile, tariff setting powers for FITs are likely to be given to the PUCSL – most probably in the second quarter of 2026 – when the new act comes fully into force.

Flexible capacity rules

Rooftop solar limits should be based on future demand projections, not historical consumption alone. This would encourage smart growth, including electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and commercial and industrial electrification. Also, to take a leaf from a First World notebook, Sri Lanka would do well to consider a scheme such as the three hours or so of free electricity during solar peak hours – a salutary plan that becomes operational in Australia from this year.

Policy shifts have already exacted economic costs. Independent reporting notes that local banks have invested over Rs. 100 billion (roughly $ 250 million) in renewable projects. Persistent uncertainties could now jeopardise repayments, put projects at risk, and dampen appetite for future lending

Link policies to national and global goals

Align domestic energy policy with climate commitments to secure international financing and reduce reliance on imported fuel.

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Sri Lanka’s renewable energy journey – particularly in rooftop solar deployment – has been exemplary by regional standards. But recent policy shifts reveal a tension between immediate administrative priorities and long-term national sustainability targets.

As Dr. Ralapanawe and other experts have emphasised – stable, transparent, and economically rational policy frameworks are essential not only for investor confidence but for national energy security and environmental commitments too.

If the Government recalibrates its approach with these principles at the forefront, Sri Lanka can still harness rooftop solar’s full potential, drive economic resilience, and anchor its climate leadership in the region.

HayWind, the wind energy arm of Hayleys Fentons Ltd., part of the Hayleys Group – Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerate – marked a defining milestone in the country’s renewable energy journey with the groundbreaking ceremony of its 50 MW Wind Power Project in Mannar last week.

This landmark project represents the largest private-sector investment in wind energy in Sri Lanka’s history.

The ceremony, attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and key Government officials, highlights the critical importance of energy security and economic resilience.

Sri Lanka continues to face sustained economic and environmental pressures linked to imported fossil fuels. The Mannar Wind Farm represents a decisive shift towards clean, domestically generated energy that reduces foreign exchange outflows while protecting the environment. Upon completion, the facility is expected to generate annual fuel cost savings of approximately Rs. 4.7 billion and offset around 186,300 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

Hayleys Chairman/CEO Mohan Pandithage said: ‘Hayleys has grown alongside Sri Lanka for nearly 148 years, contributing meaningfully to its economy, industries and communities. This wind power project represents an investment in the nation’s future by strengthening energy independence, protecting the environment and reinforcing long-term economic stability. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to leading in areas that shape Sri Lanka’s long-term resilience and prosperity.’

Mannar’s strong and consistent wind conditions, long recognised as a natural advantage, are being leveraged through this project into a strategic national asset capable of powering progress. The 50 MW facility will comprise 10 wind turbines of 5 MW each. Electricity generated will be supplied to the national grid under a guaranteed power purchase agreement with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), reinforcing the commercial viability, bankability and technical robustness of the investment.

Hayleys Fentons Managing Director Hasith Prematillake said: ‘Renewable energy is central to Sri Lanka’s development trajectory. This project demonstrates that clean energy can be delivered at scale through sound engineering, proven technology and strong institutional frameworks. Investments of this nature show that renewables are dependable, scalable, bankable and capable of driving meaningful national transformation.’

Hayleys Solar Director and CEO Roshane Perera said: ‘With careful consideration, we have selected one of the most efficient wind turbines available to us at 110-meter elevation. We look forward to completing this project successfully with our expertise in engineering and project management skills.’

The HayWind One Ltd., project’s corporate social responsibility initiative, Pawan Sathkara, also known as Kaatra Doolium, has launched a series of community-led programs aligned with the Hayleys Lifecode – the Group’s ESG framework and the Hayleys Fentons Green Blueprint, which drives its environmental and social impact agenda.

These initiatives include providing 200 water connections, donating smart classroom systems and school supplies to local schools, excavating 6.8 km of flood mitigation canals, and installing street lighting, among other efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the community.

Through these efforts, the project seeks to strengthen community resilience, addressing local challenges collaboratively and ensuring that progress is shared with those who live closest to the development.

In addition, the project will position the region as an active contributor to national development by converting wind resources into long-term economic and social value. The commencement of the construction of the Mannar Wind Farm by HayWind One Ltd., reinforces confidence in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy future and underlines the role of the private sector in partnering the state to deliver nationally significant infrastructure.

Senior Christian leaders in Jerusalem have issued a warning against outside interference threatening the unity and future of Christianity in the Holy Land, singling out ‘Christian Zionism’ and political actors linked to Israel.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem said recent activities by local individuals advancing ‘damaging ideologies, such as Christian Zionism, mislead the public, sow confusion, and harm the unity of our flock.’

The church leaders warned that these efforts have found support among ‘certain political actors in Israel and beyond,’ accusing them of pushing an agenda that could undermine the Christian presence not only in the Holy Land but across the wider Middle East. The intervention comes amid growing concern among Palestinian Christians that Israel’s policies – including land confiscation, illegal settlement expansion, and pressure on church property – are accelerating the erosion of one of the world’s oldest Christian communities.

A powerful strand of evangelical Christianity in the US continues to shape political and financial support for Israel, drawing growing concern from church leaders in Jerusalem.

Many Christian Zionists also embrace the ‘prosperity gospel,’ which teaches that blessing Israel brings personal and financial reward.

Critics say these beliefs translate into donations and political backing for Israel’s settlement enterprise, entrenching occupation while marginalising Palestinian Christians and undermining the historic churches of the Holy Land.

The patriarchs said they were also ‘deeply concerned’ that individuals promoting these agendas have been ‘welcomed at official levels both locally and internationally,’ calling such engagement an intrusion into the internal life of the churches.

‘These actions constitute interference in the internal life of the churches,’ the statement said, accusing outside actors of disregarding the authority and responsibility of Jerusalem’s historic Christian leadership.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has met 10 of his key election promises by November 2025, while 10 more are in progress, nine have shown no progress, and one has failed, according to the latest update of the ‘Anura Metre’ manifesto tracker.

The assessment monitored 30 key promises made in the 2024 Presidential Election manifesto and includes the 2026 Budget, but was completed prior to Cyclone Ditwah.

The promises tracked by the ‘Anura Metre’ were selected based on their high public interest and national significance. They span key policy areas including economic reform, governance, anti-corruption, law and order, and social protection.

The ‘Anura Metre’ is a best-effort initiative by Manthri.lk to improve transparency around the fulfilment of election promises. It was preceded by the ‘Maithri Metre’ and ‘Gota Metre,’ which tracked the manifestos of Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, respectively.

Seven of the 30 promises tracked by the ‘Anura Metre’ were added based on public feedback. Manthri.lk invites the public to nominate additional promises that they believe warrant tracking.

Manthri.lk is Sri Lanka’s only Parliamentary monitoring platform, and is managed by Verité Research, Sri Lanka’s largest independent think tank.

The full updated status of all tracked promises is available in Sinhala, Tamil, and English at: https://manthri.lk/en/anura-metre.