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Dialog Axiata Group Chief Analytics and AI Officer Dr. Romesh Ranawana on Monday said Sri Lanka’s artificial intelligence (AI) adoption remains far behind global peers, largely due to the lack of localisation in language and cultural context.

Sharing insights during a panel at the two-day conference spearheaded by the Digital Economy Ministry in collaboration with SLT-Mobitel, he highlighted the stark localisation gap with other countries. Dr. Ranawana noted that while 50-60% of people in countries such as the US, Canada and Singapore use generative AI tools like ChatGPT at least two or three times a week, Sri Lanka’s usage is low at just 5%. ‘The contrast with India is striking. Adoption there is already at 50-60%, driven by strong localisation efforts,’ he observed.

According to Dr. Ranawana, localisation in AI is twofold. The first is linguistic localisation, which involves building systems that can understand and process Sinhala and Tamil through voice recognition (ASR), text-to-speech (TTS) and optical character recognition (OCR).

‘The Digital Economy Ministry has already begun work on creating Sinhala datasets and models, with an emphasis on making them publicly available to researchers,’ he revealed.

The second is contextual localisation. ‘Most AI systems are trained on Western data. They don’t always reflect our cultural context, values or communication styles. Without that, responses can often feel irrelevant or inaccurate,’ he explained.

However, Dr. Ranawana cautioned against delaying adoption till localisation is complete. Current tools, he argued, are already good enough for practical applications in areas such as education. ‘For example, tools like Google Translate are sufficient to build simple classroom systems today. We should deploy them immediately,’ he said, urging policymakers and industry players to leverage what is already available.

He said deeper localisation must be pursued as a multi-year national program. ‘The goal should be to build comprehensive national datasets that capture our dialects, accents, and cultural contexts, while ensuring data quality and noise reduction. This will not be a one-off project-it requires sustained investment over at least five to six years,’ he said.

Done right, localisation could transform Sri Lanka’s digital economy. It would strengthen government services, empower startups to build locally relevant AI applications, and position the country as a competitive player in the global AI ecosystem.

‘We must view localisation not just as a technical task, but as a nation-building effort,’ Dr. Ranawana emphasised, calling for collaboration between Government, academia, and industry.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham SL) successfully held its 33rd Annual General Meeting at the ITC Ratnadeepa yesterday, in the presence of its members, special invitees, and media representatives.

The AGM marked a significant milestone as the Chamber reflected on a year of meaningful impact, strategic partnerships, and advocacy in strengthening US-Sri Lanka trade, investment, and bilateral collaboration. Members elected a new Board of Directors to guide AmCham into its next chapter, reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to fostering economic prosperity and innovation.

Mastercard Sri Lanka and Maldives Country Manager Sandun Hapugoda was elected the new President of AmCham Sri Lanka, while Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC Managing Director/CEO Bertram Paul was elected the new Vice President.

MAS Holdings Ltd. Director Shirendra Lawrence was appointed the President Emeritus of AmCham SL.

IAS Holdings Ltd. Group Managing Director Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny was elected as the new Secretary and Digiratina Technology Solutions Ltd. Managing Director Riza Wadood will remain as the Treasurer.

Dentsu Grant Ltd. Chairperson/Managing Director Neela Marikkar, Standard Chartered Bank Corporate Coverage Executive Director/ Head Tamani Dias, Hayleys Advantis Group Management Committee, Advantis Express Licencee of Federal Express Corporation Director, IML Delivery Systems representing CityPak Director Chamila Bandara, and HSBC Global Network Banking Head Dilshan Perera were re-elected as AmCham Directors and continue on the Board.

Citibank, N.A Country Markets Head/Treasurer and Director Saneth Gamage, North Manufacturing Ltd. Managing Director Hatem Rajabdeen, Microsoft Sri Lanka Solutions Sales Lead Senior Partner – Sri Lanka and Maldives Chinthaka Dunuwille, and JAT Holdings PLC Director Anika Williamson were appointed as board members strengthening the board’s composition covering various industry sectors.

Addressing the audience, the Chief Guest, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J. Chung, in her keynote address, underscored the mutual interests of U.S. and Sri Lankan businesses:

‘We must work together in Sri Lanka to create a conducive environment by lowering non-tariff barriers, streamlining processes, and ensuring transparency. These actions are not just in the interest of US companies – they are in the interest of Sri Lanka’s long term economic resilience. And when our partners are secure, America is more secure.’

Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing President Shirendra Lawrence stated: ‘Serving as President of AmCham Sri Lanka over the past two years has been a privilege. During this period, we remained steadfast in our commitment to advocacy and fostering meaningful networking opportunities. I am proud to have supported our dedicated and talented Secretariat team in elevating our capacity to influence policy and promote bilateral trade. I leave confident that the Chamber is well-positioned for even greater success under new leadership. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Board, our Secretariat team, and our members for their unwavering support and collaboration throughout this incredible journey.’

Elected unanimously by the membership, incoming President Sandun Hapugoda, shared his vision for the Chamber: ‘I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as President of AmCham Sri Lanka at a time when US – Sri Lanka trade relations are gaining fresh momentum. As we move forward, AmCham Sri Lanka will continue to strengthen its focus on policy advocacy to deepen trade and investment ties. We remain committed to creating meaningful value for our members through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation. I also invite our members to actively engage with the Chamber’s upcoming initiatives. Together, we can drive lasting impact for our business community and both nations.’

The AGM concluded with networking among members, dignitaries, and guests, celebrating another successful year of AmCham Sri Lanka’s contributions to advancing trade and investment ties between the United States and Sri Lanka.

Fresh from the vibrancy of Ganga Addara, Rohan and Ishan De Lanerolle will return to the Lionel Wendt Theatre on 3 October 2025 with Grace Notes, an uplifting and inspiring evening of devotional music.

Marking their first-ever spiritual concert in a theatre, the brothers will blend classical, gospel and contemporary choral traditions, offering a program that is both enriching and beautifully arranged.

They will be joined by some of Sri Lanka’s finest musical talents: Soundarie David Rodrigo on piano, Neranjan De Silva providing orchestral enhancement on keyboards, and the award-winning Soul Sounds Choir, together with the Soul Sounds Academy Choir. The collaboration brings together powerful voices and artistry to create an atmosphere of hope and transcendence.

‘Grace Notes is the first time we’re presenting a spiritual concert in a theatre, and for us that makes it a very special milestone,’ said Ishan De Lanerolle.

‘This is the very first time DLB will collaborate with the award-winning Soul Sounds and the Soul Sounds Academy Choir, along with the incomparable Soundarie David Rodrigo and the amazing Neranjan De Silva. It’s an absolute honour for us to stand on stage with so many gifted people and create music that uplifts hearts and souls’, said Rohan De Lanerolle.

With a repertoire of soul-stirring arrangements, uplifting choral numbers and the brothers’ signature duets, Grace Notes promises to be exceptional and deeply moving.

Tickets, priced from Rs. 1,500 (balcony) to Rs. 10,000 (premium stalls), are already in high demand. For reservations, call, text or WhatsApp 0777 996 991. (MTA)

Around the world, leading economies and cultural capitals are either long-standing powerhouses of arts and culture or are actively investing to become so. Whether in cities such as Paris, New Orleans, Dhaka, Kyoto, Mexico City, Bukhara, and London – or in countries like South Korea, India, Bhutan, South Africa, Egypt, and Peru – the pattern is clear: the arts are being recognised as an industry strategy, a tool of foreign policy, and a national development priority.

The numbers speak for themselves. This summer, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny made headlines with a 30-day residency that attracted celebrity attendees including LeBron James, Penélope Cruz, and Kylian Mbappé – and injected nearly USD 200 million in tourism revenue, doubling summer arrivals to 600,000. Meanwhile, as noted by UN Trade and Development,the global juggernauts of K-Pop,K-Beauty and K-Dramas ‘boast a 4% to 5% annual growth rate, employ over 600,000 people, and generate $12.4 billion in export revenue in 2021. In comparison, the Republic of Korea’s consumer electronic equipment exports generated $4.7 billion.’

University College London (UCL) Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value Mariana Mazzucato, released a discussion paper on The Public Value of Arts and Culture. She notes that when governments embed art, green spaces, sports, cultural programmes, and social services into public infrastructure, they not only improve quality of life but also signal that ‘all people, especially the most marginalised, deserve dignity, beauty, and joy.’

The World Bank echoed this in its 2020 publication The Hidden Wealth of Cities, observing that people who live near high-quality public spaces are more trusting, less isolated, and have greater faith in government. And in this age of AI, do we even need to underline how vital human creativity, originality, and connection have become?

This is all good news for Sri Lanka. We possess a cultural fabric of exceptional richness – in our food, fashion, literature, music, religious festivals – via the work of historians, contemporary collectives and internationally recognised artists. Properly nurtured at a national level, these could generate significant economic and social dividends.

Yet those working in our arts sectors often describe a tough road: funding is scarce or must be constantly validated. And when impact is made, it too feels short-lived in appreciation – undervalued and unsung. All this is while the evidence suggests it ought to be very much otherwise.

Consider that when Sri Lanka earns international acclaim – whether it is Matara-based Asia’s Best Award winners like the Smoke and Bitters team, or the jam-packed Mixmag Asia partnered music series by Dots Bay House; or our artists bringing home global prizes from the Booker to the Olivier, or Condé Nast spotlighting our surf culture, and architectural journals doing the same with Lankan heritage, and contemporary design – that these, and the knock on impact these acclaims bring, are all triumphs of our creative industries. Furthermore, as indicated by World Bank Sri Lanka’s recently announced strategic focus on cultural tourism initiatives to support increased visit durations and spend by tourists in the Western Province, culture is central to unlocking economic growth.

So when the arts are working overtime to bring economic benefit, intellectual enrichment, joy and pride, shouldn’t we reassess how we are often too quick to minimise its value?

I think of all this when recalling the government’s 2023 invitation to us to establish a festival for art and music at the height of the economic crisis as a means of revitalising tourism and rebuilding the economy. In many ways Matara was the perfect place to test this approach – for its Fort had been left devastated and in stasis since the 2004 tsunami. It had also long been centred around the Matara judicial and administrative offices, making it less inviting to public enjoyment or commercial activity.

However in 2023, the completion of a new Matara courts complex in Kotawila, freed up government owned buildings in the Fort for a reimagining. Turning the Old High Court into an art exhibition space was an opportunity to breathe new life into the city, and show that decentralised development is a vital strategy to steel Sri Lankans against future crises and stem the outflow of youth and talent from outer districts. In this regard, for those of us behind MFA – family, friends, and colleagues of fashion designer turned politician late Mangala Samaraweera – the festival has presented a vehicle way to carry forward unfinished dreams both visionary and policy pragmatic.

Community capacity-building and support for exposure to local and global ideas have been central pillars of MFA from year one. The inaugural 2024 festival was free to attend, and featured an extensive contemporary art training programme and a robust ten-session music-in-action program, funded by John Keells Foundation and USAID respectively.

On the art side of things, eight young community artists were mentored for 5 months by five established practitioners. This resulted in the creation of public artworks from recycled plastics and visual art inspired by the often-overlooked labour of Matara’s municipal streetcare staff – both which took centre stage at the final exhibition. Meanwhile, six Sri Lankan and international musicians mentored over 60 aspiring singers and instrumentalists in the power of free expression and voice. They demonstrated the exciting potential for collaboration between Sri Lankan and global music. A core group of these young performers debuted an original song at MFA’s closing concert – their first taste of taking a professional stage.

All these same objectives for cultural led empowerment and development carry forward into 2025 in collaboration with the present government. MFA will return this December alongside policy efforts led by a committee of public and private experts (which include MFA members), who are drafting a Matara Heritage and Development Foundation Act. The Act proposes a public-private board of stakeholders to guide preservation, development, investment, job creation, sustainability, and cultural activity in the district – democratically, transparently, and with broad local and international reach.

Both the Festival and the Act, working in tandem, show clearly how vision and ambitions projected first by a festival can be cemented and bolstered through policy.

From team MFA and Sri Lanka’s governments then, the vision is clear: the arts are not adornment, but a partner – a force that can shape actions, systems, and attitudes for progress. Arts that are people-centred, inclusive, collaborative, and imaginative enough to rebuild one city, and potentially more. We hope you will rally with us for this vision by joining us from the 12 to 15 December in Matara.

The writer is Co-Founder and Festival Director, Matara Festival for the Arts and Programme Lead for Freedom Hub Matara (MFA’s founding organisation)

South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) has taken a significant step forward in its journey towards decarbonisation with the installation of a 460kW rooftop solar panel array at its administrative facility.

This milestone project, completed within the 2024/25 financial year, reinforces the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources.

SAGT has long maintained a strong focus on sustainability, and remains the only terminal in Sri Lanka to publicly disclose its environmental performance through an independently accredited sustainability report. With a clear priority placed on decarbonising terminal operations, SAGT has made substantial progress in reducing Scope 1 emissions, primarily through the hybrid conversion of its Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) crane fleet. To date, 28 of 31 cranes have been hybridised, contributing to a 22% reduction in carbon intensity per move over the past six years.

The new solar project addresses Scope 2 emissions, which accounted for 22% of SAGT’s overall carbon footprint in the 2024/25 period. The rooftop installation is part of a wider strategy to transition to clean energy sources, and now supplies approximately 3-5% of the company’s annual energy needs, marking the first instance of onsite renewable energy generation at SAGT.

Looking ahead, the company is accelerating its sustainability agenda with a series of targeted renewable energy and electrification initiatives. As part of this roadmap, SAGT will introduce two electric forklifts in 2025 and plans to convert 30 prime movers to electric models from its fleet of 80. The company is also evaluating additional solar installations on its gatehouse rooftops, aiming to create ‘green gates’ that are self-sufficient and powered entirely by solar energy. This will allow gate operations to be completely independent of the grid, with zero emissions.

SAGT CEO Romesh David said, ‘We are proud to mark this new chapter in our sustainability journey with the commissioning of our rooftop solar array. This investment reflects our deep commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while supporting national and global climate goals. As the industry evolves, we are determined to lead by example, transforming terminal operations through clean energy adoption and innovation-driven decarbonisation’.

The tragedy that occurred at internationally famed Na Uyana monastery, killing seven Buddhist monks on the spot and injuring six other Bikkus is another heartrending news that shocked the entire Sri Lanka within the last one month. From the wide publicity given over the electronic media, it is reported that this unfortunate accident has taken place when the steel cable attached to the cable cart had snapped mid-journey, sending 13 Buddhist monks plummeting down a 300 meters precipice at a rapid speed without any control.

Apparently, this last batch of Bikkus out of three had been returning from a religious observance when the accident struck at about 21:30 hours. The bodies had been flung to a more than 100 meters distance, according to eye-witnesses and rescuers, which gives the impression that the cart has travelled excessive speed after losing control.

Investigations are underway on the orders of the Mahawa Magistrate who made an inspection of the ill-fated cart and the accident in question to ascertain the causes of the snapped cable, as images showed frayed steel cable, blood-stained clothes, damaged equipment, and poorly maintained corroded tracks on which the cart had travelled.

It is not the intention of the writer to point out the causes for the accident, as a full-scale investigation is underway and it is entirely left to the learned magistrate to give a verdict after ascertaining all the relevant facts.

However, there are a few grey areas that demand closer attention.

1. Maximum load: It is learnt that the maximum load of the passengers the cart carries is 800 kg and at the time of the accident the cart has taken 13 Bikkus on this ill-fated trip. If the average weight of a Bikku is around 80 kg, it can be safely assumed that the cart had carried a gross weight of 1,040 kg. What about the weight of the other paraphernalia, the Bikkus have taken as is visible from the incident scene. All in all, it could be assumed that the cart has had a full load of 1,100 kg. Obviously, this load of 1,100 kg is well above the recommended weight of 800 kg. Can a poorly maintained cart shoulder an excessive weight is a question that demands an answer!

2. Inferior quality of materials used for construction: It is learnt that this facility was constructed almost 20 years ago, using leftover material, according to the eyewitnesses who spoke to the media. The writer visited this temple and spent almost a half a day by performing religious activities in the late 1990s and I just cannot remember this facility for the Bikkus to travel from their abodes.

As a matter fact, one foreign Bikku whispered, when questioned, that he had to travel by foot a distance of 350 meters in a difficult terrain to reach the main hall twice a day spending 45 minutes to one hour where the almsgiving are arranged by the public.

The manner in which that donor has constructed and gifted this facility by using leftover sub-standard materials is a matter that cannot be discounted, considering the safety and the vulnerability of the project on a hilly terrain. In the science of mechanical engineering, it is explicitly stated that no chain, rope or lifting tackle shall be used for a sensitive facility of this nature, unless it is of good construction, sound material, adequate strength and free from patent defect. Section 28 (1) A of the Factory Ordinance of 45 of 1942 has clearly specified this requirement. The donor would have undertaken this project in good faith to the monastery but if the substandard materials have been used from the leftovers, it is inevitable to experience such a calamity.

3.Periodical maintenance: it has to be borne in mind that the cart which is extensively used for the transportation of Bikkus should be periodically serviced and maintained for the safety of the Bikkus. The Factory Ordinance in section 28 (1) d, states that all chains, ropes and lifting tackle shall be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least once in every six months or at such greater intervals. Has this vital and mandatory requirement been observed in the breach is the dollar million question.

A monastery is a religious organisation and it does not have a rigid and systematic organisational structure to deal with specific internal segments. Thus, my gut feeling is no periodical examination or servicing has been undertaken by a qualified person or an institution. Periodically, the monastery might have undertaken minor repairs on ad-hoc basis. I have my serious doubt whether the District Factory Engineer or for that matter a reputed engineering institution or qualified engineer had ever visited this plant during the last 20 years.

From the safety point of view, the provision of one cable to the cart cannot be endorsed. Had there been two cables, the extent of the damages could have been either averted or mitigated.

It should have been the duty of the Dayake Saba to look into these aspects. Most of the Dayaka Sabas consist of elderly persons appointed on a routine basis and they lack the knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms that govern these basic facilities.

4. Un-secured prime-mover: What I saw in the telecast was a frightening situation last night as regards the prime-mover to which the steel cable is connected. It is located in an isolated hut and it has not been either securely fenced or protected, thus leaving the hut at the mercy of any undesirable elements to meddle with the system. From the safety point of view this is a very dangerous situation. Anyone could have access to this hut and damaged the fly wheel directly connected to any prime mover, had he wanted to cause a wanton damage with an ulterior motive. The regulation says whether the fly-wheel or prime-mover is situated in an engine house or not, it shall be securely fenced.

5. It is timely that the custodians of the temple or the Dayaka Saba revisit the safety aspects of this monastery and take precautionary measures to avoid health and safety hazards of this precinct on an utmost priority.

6.There may be similar health hazards in other religious places, which pose a threat to the life and limbs of devotees. Hence, it is imperative that the Ministry of Buddha Sasana visit such religious places and take appropriate measures to avoid fatal accidents.

Amana Bank recently opened its 36th and 37th self-banking centre in the towns of Maruthamunai and Natpiddimunai in the Eastern Province. With these two openings, Amana Bank’s footprint has expanded to 70 customer locations, which includes 33 fully fledged branches, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to enhancing inclusivity, accessibility and convenience for customers across Sri Lanka.

The Maruthamunai self-banking centre, located at No. 253, Main Street, Maruthamunai – 03, and the Natpiddimunai self-banking centre, situated at No. 343/A/1, Main Street, Natpiddimunai – 04, offer customers 24/7 access to cash withdrawals, cash deposits and cheque deposits as well as bill payments through the Pay and Go facility.

The inauguration of the two centres was attended by Amana Bank’s Chief Operating Officer Imtiaz Iqbal, Treasury and Financial Institutions Vice President Harindra Obeyesekere, SME and Regional Branches Assistant Vice President Arshad Adhnan, Retail Sales and Acquisition Channels Head Mohamed Asmil, Kalmunai Branch Manager Mohamed Sameem, and Kalmunai Unity Square Branch Officer-in-Charge Mohamed Naimulla, together with local business representatives and residents.

Commenting on the opening Chief Operating Officer Imtiaz Iqbal stated ‘We are pleased to expand our customer touch points with the opening of these two new self-banking centres. This expansion reflects the growing demand for our people-friendly and development-focused banking model in the Eastern Province, where we now serve customers through 9 branches and 11 self-banking centres. Our goal is to bring banking services closer to communities, providing them with unmatched ease and convenience in their financial transactions. These new centres are also well-positioned to support the diverse banking needs of the local economy, including sectors such as paddy cultivation, fisheries, agriculture, poultry, and trading, thereby contributing to the region’s overall growth and prosperity.’

Last week, at the UN General Assembly, the UK, France, Canada and Australia recognised Palestine as an independent, sovereign state. With the latest development, 157 of 193 UN member states recognise Palestine as a sovereign, independent country. The acknowledgement of statehood of Palestine by countries that have been sympathetic to Israel in the past represents the growing international isolation of the Jewish state as well as the overwhelming, international opposition towards Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.

At the recent Doha Summit, representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco – the Middle East nations that maintain diplomatic ties with Israel as part of the Abraham Accord – agreed to review diplomatic and economic relations with the beleaguered state.

In view of the massive international backlash Israel is facing as the war in Gaza escalates, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had warned his country could face isolation for years and has no choice but to stand on its own. Israel is currently encountering either partial or complete arms embargoes from France, the Netherlands, the UK, Spain, and Italy.

At least 67,000 people have been killed and another 167,000 have been wounded since the war in Gaza began in October 2023. Some international observers have opined the recognition of statehood by few countries in the West as a mere face-saving exercise in the wake of growing worldwide displeasure about the severe humanitarian catastrophe that is taking place in the Middle East.

Despite the overwhelming international censure, the US, Israel’s biggest ally, is firmly backing the Middle East state. Although former President Joe Biden was expressing a sense of reservation in terms of providing unconditional support to Israel during the latter stages of his tenure, the Trump administration has adopted a markedly pro-Israel stance.

Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly last month voted to endorse a Hamas-free government for Palestine. Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace with recognised borders has been advocated as the lasting and viable solution to one the most pressing and brutal conflicts in the world. However, Hamas has steadfastly refused to accept the existence of Israel. Many commentators in the Sri Lankan media who express their views about the conflict in the Middle East often overlook the atrocities committed by Hamas. Tactics and ideology of Hamas and its backers have been recognised as the foremost obstacle to peace in the region. In fact, the devastating two-year-long war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups launched an attack on Israel, in which 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals, including 815 civilians, were killed while 251 were taken hostage.

Sri Lanka has been a staunch supporter of the cause of Palestine. The top political leaders of the NPP were enthusiastic supporters of Palestine before coming into power and opposed Israel vociferously. Nevertheless, critics have pointed out that since capturing power, the ruling political party has softened its stance on Israel. Surprisingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its statement about the Israeli airstrike on Qatar on 9 September did not even include the name of Israel.

The Trump administration shared a 21-point plan to bring permanent peace in Gaza few days ago on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. It envisions the pathway for a state of Palestine while advocating for immediate release of Israeli hostages. Decisive and forceful action is imperative to bring lasting peace in the Middle East, and it requires sacrifices from both Israel and Palestine.

Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), which returned to positive territory in August, continued its upward trend toward the inflation target in September 2025.

The Central Bank said, headline inflation (Y-o-Y) accelerated to 1.5% in September from 1.2% in August, in line with the Central Bank’s near-term projections.

It added that the food inflation (Y-o-Y) accelerated to 2.9% in September from 2% registered in August, while the non-food inflation (Y-o-Y) decelerated marginally to 0.7% in September from 0.8% in August.

On a month-on-month basis, the CCPI increased by 0.17% in September 2025, for which the food category contributed 0.10 percentage points and the non-food category contributed 0.07 percentage points.

Meanwhile, core inflation (Y-o-Y), which reflects the underlying inflation trends in the economy, remained unchanged at 2% in September 2025.

‘Realised quarterly average headline inflation for Q3-2025 is in line with Central Bank’s projections. The latest projections show a gradual acceleration of inflation in the period ahead towards the target of 5%, with the support of appropriate policies,’ the CBSL added.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former President of Sri Lanka, son of D.A. Rajapaksa, was born in June 1949, Palatuwa in Matara district as the fifth of nine siblings. He was brought up in Weeraketiya in Hambantota district. Hailing from a well-known political family, his father a prominent politician, Member of Parliament and the Cabinet Minister of Agriculture and Land in Wijayananda Dahanayake government and Mahinda Rajapaksa his elder brother. He was educated at Ananda College, Colombo and joined the Sri Lankan Army.

Gotabaya’s army career

Gotabaya joined the Sri Lanka Army as a cadet officer on 26 April 1971, in the middle of the 1971 JVP insurrection. Following basic officer training at Army Training Centre, Dityatalawa, he was commissioned as a signals officer and transferred to several infantry regiments. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in May 1972, in Sri Lanka Signals Corps. He was sent to a young officers course at the Military College of Signals, Rawalpindi. On his return, he was assigned as signals officer to Task Force Anti Illicit Immigration, based at Palaly, under the command of Colonel Tissa Weeratunga. In April 1974, he was promoted to Lieutenant and in October transferred to Sri Lanka Singha Regiment as an infantry officer.

In April 1975, he attended an infantry officers course at School of Infantry and Tactics, Rawalandi, Pakistan. Returning in June, he was assigned as battalion intelligence officer at Echelon Barracks in Colombo and promoted to Captain in April 1977. Following the change of government in the 1977 general election, he was transferred to the Army Training Centre, Diyatalawa as an officer instructor.

In 1980, he joined the newly formed Rajarata Rifles as its adjutant under the commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel V.K. Nanayakkara. Rajapaksa played a major role in establishing the regimental headquarters of newly formed regiment at Saliyapura. He attended the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Assam and in 1982 attended the Defense Services Staff College in Wellington, India, gaining the PSc qualification and a Master of Science in Defence and Strategic Studies from University of Madras.

Vadamarachi operation

He was involved in the early stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War, in the Gajaba Regiment. In May 1987, Sri Lankan forces launched the Operation Liberation, the biggest military operation since independence. Brigadier Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Major Gotabaya Rajapaksa with 5,000 troops left their bases in Jaffna, fighting rebel Tamil Tigers who kept soldiers confined to the barracks for over a year. The operation was a success, within a week, the Vadamarachchi was brought under Government’s control, scores of rebels killed or captured and their munition factories destroyed.

In 1988, he attended the advanced infantry officers course at US Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, USA. After a number of transfers he was appointed Deputy Commandant of Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy. He retired from the army on 1 November 1991.

Civilian Gotabaya

Following return to civilian life, Rajapaksa read for a postgraduate diploma in information technology from University of Colombo and joined Informatics, an IT firm based in Colombo. He migrated to United States in 1998 and worked at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, as a Systems Integrator and Unix Solaris Administrator.

He returned to Sri Lanka in 2005, to his assist brother’s presidential campaign. With Mahinda becoming the President, Gotabaya was appointed Defence Secretary. He was the target of an assassination attempt in December 2006 by a Tamil Tiger suicide bomber, which failed. During his tenure, Sri Lankan Armed Forces successfully concluded the long Civil War defeating Tamil Tigers and killing leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in 2009. Following the defeat of his brother in the 2015 Presidential election he stepped down.

Colombo Development Plan

In June 2012, as the Secretary of Defence and Urban Development, Gotabaya Rajapaksa launched the Metro Colombo Urban Development Project funded with $ 223 million from World Bank. The project aimed to solve several of the city’s longstanding infrastructure constraints, developing Colombo to transform into a world class one. The proposals highlighted the following.

Flood and drainage issues

The Metro Colombo Urban Development Project, a five-year long undertaking comprised three main components. First, it was to address flood and drainage issues in Colombo metro region. The city’s drainage infrastructure, its micro drainage channels, primary and secondary canals and lakes will be rehabilitated. Beira Lake was particularly important, as the lake had been neglected for many decades.

Drainage and public infrastructure

The second component aimed at supporting local authorities in the Colombo metro region to rehabilitate and manage drainage and public infrastructure in their areas. Selected roads were improved. Pedestrian facilities and public conveniences were upgraded and quality of public walkways improved.

Under Gotabaya’s supervision, dedication and the hard work of everybody involved, the projects were designed swiftly and approved by the Government and the World Bank in record time. It’s to be noted that on most days Gotabaya was present at construction locations in early mornings, forcing the staff and workers to report on time.

Public open spaces

Residents of Colombo needed access to public areas near their homes, where they can relax, exercise and interact with one another freely. Accordingly several projects were launched to improve the quality of existing urban spaces.

Development of Independence Square is a good example. Established to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948, the Square was neglected in recent years. With the removal of walls and fences that obstructed parts of it and the development of walkways and bicycle paths around it, Independence Square was transformed into a high quality public space.

In addition, long neglected Old Dutch Hospital was renovated and reopened, while retaining the spirit of the original architecture. The hospital was rehabilitated and transformed into a public open space, housing, high-end shopping and restaurant facilities.

The old Colombo Racecourse, which was scheduled for demolition, was rehabilitated. Its pavilions were conserved and converted to suit new activities, while the area with road frontage converted into an upmarket shopping complex.

Support for overall implementation

The third component of the project provides support for the project’s overall implementation. An area often neglected in projects, resulting in outcomes short of initial expectations.

Redevelopment of marshes and abandoned paddy fields

What attracted the attention of Gotabaya was the massive marshes and abandoned paddy fields around Colombo. These included Diyatha Uyana on the banks of the Diyawanna Oya near the Parliament, Beira Lake Linear Park and the Bellanwila Park and many others.

In these developments Gotabaya, as Secretary of Defence and Urban Development, took care not to involve public contractors, but used the Army and the Navy which were under him. In addition to the machinery already held by the forces, the required machinery and equipment for the excavation and construction were purchased with World Bank funds already received.

Beira Lake

Beira Lake gates were not functioning, its tributaries and output channels were blocked and the unauthorised settlements and buildings on its borders had severely polluted the water. Instead of being an attraction, Beira Lake had become an eyesore. It was rehabilitated to restored to former splendour and enhancing its utility. The developed Beira Lake Linear Park is important in the city’s flood management system, whilst being the site of many recreational and economic activities, is a centrepiece in revitalised city of Colombo.

Basic construction

Basic construction included excavation of shallow marshes and abandoned paddy fields into lakes and using excavated materials to build bunds around the lake, using as walking paths, also constructing a network of reservoirs and improvement of canals to control floods in Colombo.

Diyatha Uyana on the banks of the Diyawanna Oya

Constructed on the banks of Diyawanna Oya, Diyatha Uyana was created with excavated materials from marshes, between Diyawanna Oya and Polduwa Road. It is a picturesque place in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte. With a water fountain at its entrance, Diyatha Market is the highlight of the park. The market consists of over 100 stalls, protected by white canopies. The fountains allow kids to explore and play with water, making it a fun, experience for families.

Diyatha Uyana Park was officially opened on 15 September 2014. The opening ceremony was graced by key figures, including Basil Rajapaksa, the Minister of Economic Development and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary of Defence and Urban Development.

Essentially the park, housing numerous food stalls, shops and places to relax, dedicated to sales and marketing of local flora and tropical flowers, comprising of 84 sales outlets and canteens providing employment opportunities to locals. The market offers plants (both indoor and outdoor), fertilisers, flower pots and gardening tools, the largest plant market in Colombo. It also offers batik clothing, handmade crafts, home decorating items and traditional Sri Lankan sweets.

Diyatha Uyana project was carried out under the close guidance and supervision of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The combined efforts and expertise of Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Civil Security Department personnel were utilised in the construction of the project.

The Diyatha Uyana playground offers kids a play area featuring swings, slides, see-saws and climbing structures designed with safety in mind. The safety rubber surface ensures that toddlers can play freely without any worries.

With grassy areas surrounding the playground, kids can run around, ride bicycles, or enjoy activities like skateboarding. Parents can relax by the lake while keeping an eye on little ones, making it a great place for a family outing.

For cycling enthusiasts, Diyatha Uyana offers a dedicated cycling track around the lake and through the park, spanning around 3 km. Bicycles could be rented at the entrance for Rs. 100 per hour, the cycling track is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Also a visitors’ attraction to Diyatha Uyana, the floating restaurant accommodates around 40-50 people at a time, serving delicious food; the restaurant is popular with visitors.

Bellanwila walking path

The most popular development project of Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the Bellanwila walking path, constructed by excavating marshes and abandoned paddy fields using Sri Lanka Army and Navy personnel with no private contractors. In addition to their machinery, World Bank funds received were used to purchase machinery requirement.

The park is in a large land located between Boralesgamuwa-Dehiwala road and Boralesgamuwa-Kohuwala roads.

The admission to Bellanwila Park is free, as one enters, to the right is the vehicle park and a building, hosting the food court with a dedicated seating area overlooking the lake, some in the open under the trees. The seating is on concrete chairs and tables capable of seating over 100 persons, with no possibility of stealing.

To the left is the beautiful large lake with walking path and cycle track. The pleasant walking space around the lake is more than just an exercising spot. The excavated materials from the marshes and abandoned paddy fields were used to construct the large elevated walking paths and cycle tracts.

As you stroll through its winding paths Bellanwila Park, with its serene lake, towering trees and diverse wildlife, is a perfect spot to escape the city noise, recharge your spirit and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity. Bellanwila Park offers a refreshing breath of fresh air, lush greenery and a chance to experience the vibrant flora and fauna of Sri Lanka.

Bellanwila Park offers a sandy walking path and an asphalted cycle track, each 12 feet wide, covering a distance slightly over 2,800 meters, with concrete kerbs separating the tracks and the outside. At the centre are electric posts with lights on either side, located every 20 meters apart with sign boards indicating distance every 100 meters. The lights come on at 6:30 p.m., allowing round the clock usage.

Walkers around the path notice sign boards warning ‘Be careful of crocodiles’. One would see an occasional crocodile sleeping on banks 20-30 meters away, also the head of a crocodile jutting out of water. There is nothing to fear, as all lake areas are fenced over a meter high.

The park is most popular in the evenings, for walking one or more rounds. Late in the evening, even after 9 p.m. there are latecomers, who could come only after completing their office work. Bellanwila Park, home to over 150 species of plants and variety of trees, including majestic kumbuk trees who love nearby water and the fragrant cinnamon, is a haven for botany enthusiasts. In addition, children use the cycling track with their three-wheel and two-wheel cycles.

The park also offers a children’s play area with swings, slides and climbing structures promising hours of fun. Parents can relax on nearby seats while keeping an eye on their playing little ones. The safe environment allows kids to explore and play freely, making it a perfect outing for families.

Bellanwila Park also offers a number of small shops offering a wide variety of delicious local cuisine, also a variety of fruit drinks. For those who wish, dinner is available in a wide variety or takeaway.

Although the admission to the park is free, cars are charged Rs. 50 per hour. On weekends and holidays parking would be full, having to wait 10 to 15 minutes for parking. But roadside parking is always available and is free.

Other developments

In addition, around Boralesgamuwa, other developments have been carried out, a km towards Piliyandala is the Kilimandala Children’s Park, with a nearby large pond popular with children. Opposite the park is another lake smaller than Bellanwila, also with a walking path around, but no cycling.

On either side of Old Kesbewa Road before Udahamulla on High Level Road, hosts a number of smaller lakes developed by dredging the marshes, along with walking paths and seating with lighting.

Cutting off Milk Board Hill

Ten years ago, Milk Board was located on a hill in Narahenpita, with a high water tank. Gotabaya removed the earth around the water tank, leaving only a road to get there. A large amount of earth excavated were deposited over the marshes nearby and either side of Kirimandala Mawatha. On the filled land, today, Ninewells Hospital, parking area for Kings Hospital, Narahenpita Economic Centre has been constructed, with large filled lands still remaining vacant awaiting usage. A part is occupied as parking for machinery of Low Lying Areas Reclamation Board. In addition, Heen Ela Mawatha, by the side of the stone built deep canal conveying rain and flood waters preventing floods. Meanwhile, on Heen Ela Mawatha with a number of byroads leading from it, a large number of houses have been constructed.

President Gotabaya

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, contested the 2019 Presidential election and became the first President of Sri Lanka with a military background, also the first President who had not held an elected office in prior.

2019 economic crisis due to Easter bombing

On 21 April 2019, Easter Sunday, eight bomb blasts occurred in and around Colombo. Three churches and three luxury hotels in Colombo, were targeted in a series of coordinated Islamic terrorist suicide bombings. Also four hotels and three churches in the greater Colombo area and in Batticaloa, killing 269 people, including five Americans. The Government took steps to search and catch culprits and supporters, mostly Muslims.

The Government action was condemned by Arab countries who stopped the purchase of tea and rubber and ended oil exports to Sri Lanka.

This resulted in a drop of tourist arrivals from 7,600 to 1,700 for the two-month period after the attacks, leading to the country’s worst economic crisis, unprecedented levels of inflation, depletion of foreign exchange reserves, resulting shortages of medical supplies, increasing prices of commodities.

Without funds to import fertiliser, Gotabaya took action for a nationwide policy shift to organic or biological farming. The country received an Indian line of credit amounting to $ 4 billion. This infusion served to cover the costs of importing essential goods and fuel. As a result, the foreign currency reserves of debt-ridden Sri Lanka experienced a notable improvement, reaching $ 2.69 billion.

Corona pandemic

With the spread of COVID-19 world-wide, in early March 2020, the first case of local COVID-19 was recorded. By mid-March around 1,500 COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths were reported. Gotabaya faced the crisis with a militarised path headed by the Sri Lankan army. A three-day holiday till 19 March was declared to minimise public interactions, troops were deployed at airports, and they also increased the number of checkpoints.

Thousands of people were forcibly sent to coronavirus ‘quarantine centres’, those who refused, were hounded by the authorities. By March-end Sri Lanka reported its containment of the pandemic has been a success and eased its coronavirus lock-down with curfew relaxed in Colombo and Gampaha districts. But with the virus, countries stopped importing goods, resulting in unemployment.

Unhappy masses leading riots

With the economic crisis from the Easter bombing and corona pandemic, the country faced the worst economic crisis since independence, leading to unprecedented levels of inflation, depletion of foreign exchange reserves, shortages of medical supplies, and increased prices of commodities. The unhappy communities revolted, led to massive riots, demanding stepping down of Gotabaya.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaving the country

On 9 July 2022, Gotabaya fled his official residence in Colombo, before the protestors broke through police barricades and entered the Presidential House. He left the President’s House through a tunnel connecting the Colombo Port. He joined a navy boat and fled to Trincomalee Navy camp. It was reported in the early hours of 13 July, Rajapaksa has reached Maldives through a military aircraft.

Later in the evening, the Speaker of Parliament confirmed that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has resigned his office on 13 July 2022.

The country was in a serious crisis and none of the political parties were willing to take over the Government. Finally Ranil Wickremesinghe from UNP, the only elected member agreed to take over the country. He managed to recover the country and it is another story.