Monday, November 3, 2025
#InfoTube
Home Blog Page 4

US STATE DEPT ISSUES SRI LANKA TRAVEL ADVISORY: EXTREME CAUTION ADVISED

adminsp
-
0
US STATE DEPT ISSUES SRI LANKA TRAVEL ADVISORY: EXTREME CAUTION ADVISED

The United States Department of State has issued a new travel advisory for its citizens visiting Sri Lanka, urging increased caution and safety measures.

The advisory particularly highlights the risks of civil unrest, terrorism, and landmines due to the prevailing economic and political situation in Sri Lanka. The State Department warns that protests related to Sri Lanka’s economic and political conditions can erupt at any moment, and terrorist attacks could occur with little or no warning.

Protest and Demonstration Risks:

The advisory notes that protests and demonstrations can turn violent without warning. American citizens are reminded that police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protestors. Travelers are advised to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations, including those that appear peaceful.

Terrorism and Landmine Threats:

The State Department emphasizes that terrorist attacks have occurred in Sri Lanka and can be carried out with little or no warning. Public places, including hotels, transportation hubs, tourist sites, and places of worship, could be targets for terrorists.

Furthermore, an estimated 23 square kilometers of Sri Lanka still contain landmines left over from the civil war, with the highest risk in the northern districts of the Northern Province. These dangerous areas are marked with international landmine warning signs. Travelers are advised to avoid straying from well-used roads in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Additional Advice for Travelers:

The U.S. State Department recommends that travelers remain aware of their surroundings and follow the instructions of local authorities. It also advises registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updated information in emergencies and recommends purchasing travel insurance before their trip. Finally, the State Department points out that the U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in some remote areas is limited.

PCoI’s Easter Sunday Mastermind Cover-Up: A Web of Silence and Intrigue

adminsp
-
0
PCoI’s Easter Sunday Mastermind Cover-Up: A Web of Silence and Intrigue

A dark cloud of suspicion hangs over the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) that investigated the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, as fresh revelations suggest a deliberate cover-up regarding the true identity of the mastermind behind the atrocities.

MP Nizam Kariapper’s recent social media post, claiming that Public Security Ministry Secretary and former Senior DIG of the CID Ravi Seneviratne had identified the mastermind, has ignited a firestorm, despite Seneviratne’s swift denial. However, Kariapper is not alone in pointing fingers, and a closer look at previous testimonies and the PCoI report itself raises troubling questions about who the commission is protecting.

The controversy dates back to October 2024, when Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, Spokesman for the Archdiocese of Colombo, publicly stated that the terror mastermind was a figure known as “Abu Hind.” According to an international terrorism expert who testified before the PCoI, “Abu Hind was a character created by a section of a provincial Indian intelligence apparatus” – a virtual persona used to manipulate figures like Zahran, the local extremist leader.

Even more damning is Fr. Fernando’s assertion that when Seneviratne, then SDIG in charge of the CID, attempted to reveal Abu Hind’s true identity during his PCoI testimony, he was silenced. Instead, a commissioner reportedly jotted down a name on a piece of paper and confirmed it with Seneviratne, suggesting a pre-determined narrative was at play.

Adding to the intrigue, the PCoI’s final report, despite these alleged interventions, states: “The CID investigators who testified before the COI informed that they are investigating the identity of Abu Hind. Those investigations should proceed.” This directive for a “fresh probe” directly contradicts the notion that Seneviratne had already identified Abu Hind to the commission.

Furthermore, Seneviratne’s own PCoI testimony indicated that Abu Hind could not be Sri Lankan, aligning with the strong belief among 11 prominent witnesses, including Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and former President Maithripala Sirisena, that a foreign hand was behind the Easter Sunday attacks.

The philosophical principle of Occam’s razor suggests that the simplest explanation is often the most accurate. In this complex web of denials, retractions, and alleged suppressions of evidence, the simplest path to truth lies in directly questioning Seneviratne and the PCoI commissioner involved. They are duty-bound to cooperate with investigators and finally bring to light the true identity of the Easter Sunday terror mastermind, and with it, justice for the victims. The public deserves to know why the PCoI seemingly prevented crucial information from being revealed and why a fresh probe is being called for when the answers may have already been at hand.

SJB Shakes Up Gampaha Leadership: Hasith to Katana, Waruna to Mahara, Prasadini to Gampaha!

adminsp
-
0
SJB Shakes Up Gampaha Leadership: Hasith to Katana, Waruna to Mahara, Prasadini to Gampaha!

Reports indicate that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has devised a plan to shuffle key organizer positions within the Gampaha District.

InfoSriLanka.lk has learned that the party is set to appoint Hasith Gunasekara, who served as the Chief Organizer for Mahara Samagi Jana Balawegaya, as the organizer for the Katana electorate. This decision is reportedly based on a request made by Gunasekara during a recent interview for provincial council candidates.

With Hasith Gunasekara’s departure from Mahara, the vacant Mahara electorate organizer position is expected to be filled by Waruna Deeptha Rajapaksa, who currently serves as the Gampaha electorate organizer.

Furthermore, the Gampaha electorate organizer position, which will become vacant after Waruna Deeptha Rajapaksa’s move, is slated to be given to Prasadini Kariyawasam Sammandapperuma, the Deputy National Organizer for the Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya (SJB Women’s Wing).

However, SJB sources indicate that no final decision has yet been made regarding the fate of Attorney-at-Law Rose Fernando, who currently holds the Katana electorate organizer position.

CRITICAL GOVERNMENT ONLINE SERVICES CRASH AMIDST CLOUD FAILURE

adminsp
-
0
CRITICAL GOVERNMENT ONLINE SERVICES CRASH AMIDST CLOUD FAILURE

A major outage of the Lanka Government Cloud (LGC) system, managed by the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), has crippled several critical government online services, including payment and police clearance systems.

Numerous Services Affected

According to an ICTA statement, services temporarily halted include the Registrar General’s Department’s Birth, Marriage, and Death (BMD) certificate system, the Provincial Motor Department’s (excluding Western Province) e-revenue license system (eRL 2.0), the Police Department’s police clearance system, and the Department of Commerce’s online system for issuing certificates of origin. Additionally, the Pensions Department’s pension system, the e-Local Government system, and websites for the Department of Meteorology, the Registrar of Companies, and the Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board have also been affected.

Questions Over Infrastructure Management

ICTA engineers and service providers are reportedly working actively to restore cloud services as quickly as possible. Critics, however, point to this breakdown of a cloud system managing national-level critical services as a serious indictment of technical infrastructure management.

Anura and Hans Face Scrutiny

President Anura Dissanayake, who also holds the portfolio for Technology, and high-ranking officials in relevant institutions, particularly Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, former Group Chief Executive of Dialog, Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy, and Chairman of ICTA, have come under severe criticism. They are accused of failing to implement necessary immediate capacity enhancements and proactive operational improvements to ensure uninterrupted essential services for the public over an extended period.

ICTA states that restoring LGC services is their highest priority and that the next phase of LGC expansion, which began in October 2025, is expected to alleviate existing capacity and operational constraints. However, critics argue that the occurrence of this cloud system failure despite the project already being underway highlights weaknesses in planning and execution.

ICTA has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public and institutions hosted on LGC, reiterating that all efforts are being made to restore all online services to full capacity as soon as possible.

SLTDA Chairman Under Fire: Allegations of Favoritism, Intimidation, and Policy Missteps Rock Tourism Sector

adminsp
-
0
SLTDA Chairman Under Fire: Allegations of Favoritism, Intimidation, and Policy Missteps Rock Tourism Sector

Sri Lanka’s vital tourism industry is embroiled in a deepening crisis, with the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Buddika Hewawasam, facing widespread criticism and serious allegations concerning both policy direction and internal governance. The controversy has not only drawn the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) into its wake but also sparked outrage among tourism professionals, civil servants, and political figures.

Unauthorized LGBTQIA Initiative Fuels Initial Outcry

The initial wave of discontent stemmed from Hewawasam’s unilateral decision to endorse an NGO-led initiative promoting LGBTQIA tourism. On September 9, 2025, a formal letter was issued by the SLTDA Chairman, authorizing collaboration to position Sri Lanka as a safe and inclusive LGBTQIA destination and encouraging DE&I training. This move, however, was made without prior consultation with ministerial or political authorities. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya confirmed in Parliament that the Chairman acted independently, contradicting the government’s official stance which does not grant special privileges to any particular group. Critics argue that this action undermined the credibility of both SLTDA and SLTPB and clashed with assurances made by the President regarding the safeguarding of Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious values.

“A Culture of Favoritism and Intimidation”

Beyond policy disputes, a more insidious crisis of internal governance has emerged. Multiple sources within both SLTDA and SLTPB have described a “toxic work environment” under Chairman Hewawasam’s leadership. Allegations include rampant favoritism, exclusion, and psychological pressure. Hewawasam is accused of cultivating an inner circle of loyalists, including Director – HR / Admin/procurement, Anusha, who reportedly receives disproportionate benefits such as foreign travel and preferential treatment. Conversely, staff members who question or challenge the Chairman’s actions allegedly face marginalization, verbal intimidation, and punitive measures, leading to plummeting morale and eroding professional standards.

Unethical Conduct and Political Resurgence

Concerns have also been raised regarding the behavior of certain female staff members closely aligned with the Chairman, who are perceived to wield undue influence, contributing to a “climate of fear and mental distress” among employees. Furthermore, the controversy has been amplified by the re-emergence of individuals previously associated with past governments. With the Chairman’s apparent endorsement, these figures have reportedly reclaimed powerful positions, perpetuating long-standing practices without reform or accountability. Critics argue this represents a return to an old system where loyalty and political connections overshadow competence and integrity, undermining efforts to modernize the tourism sector.

Calls for Accountability and Urgent Reform

Stakeholders are now demanding urgent attention from oversight bodies and political leadership. The consensus is that the crisis at SLTDA and SLTPB is not merely an internal matter but a significant threat to the credibility and effectiveness of the entire tourism sector, a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy. Calls for investigation and reform are growing louder, urging the government to restore professionalism, protect staff welfare, and ensure that leadership is held to the highest standards of accountability.

Waters Edge Chairman Under Police Investigation Amidst Allegations of Misconduct

adminsp
-
0
Waters Edge Chairman Under Police Investigation Amidst Allegations of Misconduct

InfoSriLanka.lk has learned from police sources that an investigation has been launched against the Chairman of Waters Edge, a notable hotel in Battaramulla owned by the Urban Development Authority (UDA). The investigation stems from an incident where the Chairman allegedly verbally abused and threatened the OIC of the Welikada Police Station over the phone. Preliminary police investigations reveal that the Chairman, Chathura Krishantha Perera, used the hotel’s Head of Security’s phone to make the threats.

Unqualified Personnel in Security

While educational qualifications and training are typically scrutinized for security officers in state-owned institutions, reports suggest that a portion of the Waters Edge security team consists of the Chairman’s personal staff. Several recent incidents have raised concerns about whether these individuals possess the necessary qualifications to serve as security officers. It has also been revealed that this group, associated with the Chairman, recently assaulted a young man who visited the hotel.

Rs. 50 Million Profit and Unclaimed Salary

Chairman Chathura Krishantha Perera recently stated at a press conference that Waters Edge hotel earned a profit of Rs. 50 million in the past few months. He also claimed that he does not draw a salary from the hotel. Additionally, he reportedly operates a factory producing male and female detergent products. However, against this backdrop, employees express strong distrust regarding the proper execution of duties by the Chairman of this semi-government institution.

Chairman’s Son’s Activities and Political Connections

Reports also indicate a conflict of interest arising from the Chairman’s son, who represents the hotel’s band and organizes various events and programs. Furthermore, Mr. Chathura Krishantha Perera reportedly often tells hotel staff that he is a close associate of the President and works closely with the current government.

From Another Party to NPP

Investigations reveal that Mr. Perera recently joined the National People’s Power (NPP) after being a member of another political party. He is reported to have attended only four business meetings of the NPP.

With the government maintaining a firm stance that no politician should interfere with police transfers or duties, reports further indicate that the government’s attention has been drawn to the hotel Chairman’s alleged threats against the Welikada Police OIC.

Chathura Krishantha Perera with NR

Sri Lanka Sees Record Surge in Remittances, Poised to Exceed Previous High

adminsp
-
0
Sri Lanka Sees Record Surge in Remittances, Poised to Exceed Previous High

Latest data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka reveals a remarkable increase in foreign remittances, reaching an all-time high due to a significant rise in funds sent by Sri Lankan expatriates.

In September, Sri Lankan overseas workers remitted an impressive USD 695.7 million, marking a substantial 25.2% increase compared to USD 555.6 million received in September of the previous year.

Furthermore, for the first nine months of this year (January to September), foreign remittances totaled USD 5.81 billion. This represents a 20% growth when compared to the USD 4.84 billion received during the same period last year.

Last year recorded the highest annual foreign remittances received by Sri Lanka since 2018, with Sri Lankan expatriates sending USD 6.57 billion. This was a 10.1% increase compared to 2023. Economic experts predict that, based on current trends, Sri Lanka is well on track to comfortably surpass last year’s record this year.

SJB Prepares for 2026 Provincial Council Elections, Key Candidates Emerge

adminsp
-
0
SJB Prepares for 2026 Provincial Council Elections, Key Candidates Emerge

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is reportedly in full swing, preparing to contest the Provincial Council Elections scheduled for 2026, according to Infosrilanka.lk.

The party has decided to field strong district-level teams, in some cases naming Chief Ministerial candidates, and in others opting for powerful district leaders without a Chief Ministerial nominee.

Three incumbent Members of Parliament are reportedly ready to resign from their parliamentary seats to contest as Chief Ministerial candidates for the three Provincial Councils: Central, Sabaragamuwa, and North Central. MP Sujeewa Senasinghe (Attorney-at-Law) is slated for the Central Province, MP Hesha Withanage for Sabaragamuwa Province, and MP Suranga Ratnayake for the North Central Province.

Discussions are also underway within the party regarding the nomination of United National Party Deputy Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam (Attorney-at-Law) as the SJB’s Chief Ministerial candidate for the North Western Provincial Council. Attention is also being given to MP Nalin Bandara as a potential Chief Ministerial candidate for the same province.

For the Western and Southern Provincial Councils, the SJB is focusing on naming district leaders rather than Chief Ministerial candidates. A group of young individuals who strongly represent the party in the media has been proposed as district leaders. These include Hirunika Premachandra for Colombo District, Varuna Rajapaksha for Gampaha District, and Charitha Abeysinghe for Kalutara District.

In the Southern Provincial Council, Buddhika Pathirana has been proposed for Matara District, Tharaka Nanayakkara (Attorney-at-Law) for Galle District, and Dr. Upul Galappaththi for Hambantota.

For the Uva Provincial Council, there are suggestions to either field MP Chaminda Wijesiri as the Chief Ministerial candidate or to present teams under strong district leaders. However, a final decision has not yet been made.

Many prominent SJB members reportedly believe that the era of “importing” named individuals for political campaigns is over, a lesson they believe the party should have learned from its defeat in the Colombo Municipal Council election. They advocate for a new generation of young leaders to spearhead the Provincial Council battle.

PM Harini Amarasuriya Embarks on Pivotal India and China Visits Amid Geopolitical Tensions

adminsp
-
0
PM Harini Amarasuriya Embarks on Pivotal India and China Visits Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya is set to depart for New Delhi, India, on October 17th and 18th to attend the NDTV World Summit. This marks her first official visit to India during her tenure, and it holds significant importance as she is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both Prime Ministers Modi and Amarasuriya are special guests at this year’s summit. Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott are also slated to address the event, which will bring together influential policymakers, business magnates, scientists, and cultural experts from the region. Prime Minister Amarasuriya is expected to deliver a speech on the theme “Steering Change in Uncertain Times.”

China Visit and Geopolitical Backdrop

Following her visit to India, Prime Minister Amarasuriya is also scheduled to undertake a tour of China, where she will hold bilateral discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This suddenly planned meeting with the Chinese President is particularly noteworthy given the intensified American activities within Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador Julie Chung is in the final stages of her official term and is expected to conclude her duties and depart Sri Lanka in December or the first weeks of January. During this concluding phase, she has been actively engaging with Washington to expedite matters concerning Sri Lanka.

US Pressure on Sinopec Project

Reports indicate that the American Ambassador has been working strenuously behind the scenes to halt the commencement of the USD 3.7 billion oil refinery project by the Chinese Sinopec company in the Hambantota Port. This project is considered the largest foreign investment Sri Lanka has received in recent times.

Initially, the project faced delays as Sinopec stated that the 20% fuel quota offered by Sri Lanka was insufficient and requested an increase to 40%. However, the government has now decided to increase Sinopec’s fuel distribution quota to 40% as per their request, paving the way for the company to commence construction of the Hambantota oil refinery in the near future.

Nevertheless, further reports suggest that a high-ranking US official is behind the American Ambassador’s efforts to halt the Chinese refinery project, viewing it as an attempt to re-establish American influence in Sri Lanka on a conceptual level. Against this backdrop of geopolitical tension, many are closely watching the outcomes of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s visits to India and China.

Sri Lanka at Critical Juncture: Economic Recovery Threatened by Poverty Surge and Stalled Reforms

adminsp
-
0
Sri Lanka at Critical Juncture: Economic Recovery Threatened by Poverty Surge and Stalled Reforms

An independent study group has issued a stark warning: while Sri Lanka’s economy is stabilizing after its worst crisis, a significant risk of another downturn persists. The report, titled “Sustaining Transformative Economic Growth in Sri Lanka 2025-2030,” highlights that the nation stands at a critical juncture.

Poverty Doubles: Quarter of Population at Risk

One of the most alarming findings of the report is the projected poverty rate for 2024, estimated at a staggering 25% of the population. This figure represents a doubling of poverty compared to 2021, reversing gains made in poverty reduction during the economic crisis. The report indicates that Sri Lanka has regressed to the high poverty levels last seen in the early 2000s.

Urgent Reforms Needed to Avert Further Crisis

To avoid another painful debt restructuring and a further increase in poverty, the report strongly recommends the urgent implementation of structural reforms. Without these reforms, especially amidst rising risks of a global trade war and a darkening global economic outlook, economic growth could plummet below 3%. This would further exacerbate already elevated poverty levels.

The report emphasizes the critical need to maintain macroeconomic stability and implement a series of economic growth policies, with a particular focus on enhancing state capacity.

Expert Panel Behind the Report

The study was compiled under the auspices of ODI Global and the Centre for Poverty Analysis, with contributions from an independent group of expert economists. This group includes former Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, current Assistant Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara, and Emeritus Professor Sirimal Abeyratne of the University of Colombo.

The report also commends the current government for its continued engagement with the International Monetary Fund program and for the progress made in the debt restructuring negotiation process.

1...345...28Page 4 of 28

www.infosrilanka.lk

About us

Info Sri Lanka [www.infosrilanka.lk] is Sri Lankan latest news, entertainment, political, world and sport website. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from Sri Lanka.

Latest Articles

Opposition Secures Landslide Victory in Deniyaya Kotapola Cooperative Election

Local 0
The opposition groups have achieved a resounding victory in the election for representatives of the Deniyaya Kotapola Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka's largest multi-service cooperatives, thereby consolidating their power.

Government Backtracks on Key Legal Reforms Amidst Public Outcry

Politics 0
The National People's Power (NPP) government has reportedly decided to temporarily withdraw three major legislative drafts that it planned to present to Parliament, following strong public opposition.

KKS Port Development Stalls: Indian Aid Hits Snag, Northern Operations Suffer!

Politics 0
The Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port development project, intended to proceed...

Most Popular

Defamation Suit Looms Over Kingsbury Deal Accusations, Waruna Claims “Pelawatte” Conspiracy

Politics 0
Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abesinghe has initiated legal action against Waruna Rajapaksha, sending a legal letter demanding compensation for defamation following statements made by Rajapaksha on his YouTube channel concerning a liquor manufacturing license. In response, Rajapaksha alleges he is the target of an organized operation orchestrated from "Pelawatte" with the sole aim of destroying him.

Opposition Secures Landslide Victory in Deniyaya Kotapola Cooperative Election

Local 0
The opposition groups have achieved a resounding victory in the election for representatives of the Deniyaya Kotapola Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka's largest multi-service cooperatives, thereby consolidating their power.

Controversy Erupts Over Public Interrogation of Weligama PS Chairman Murder Suspect

Local 0
The public questioning of a suspect arrested in Maharagama yesterday, in connection with the murder of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickremasekara, has sparked strong condemnation from President's Counsel Saliya Pieris and the Professional Web Journalists' Association. Both parties allege that releasing "voice cuts" of suspects to the media compromises police professionalism and could jeopardize future trials.

UseFull links

Copyright © 2014 - 2025 | An INSEL Holdings (Private) Limited. All Rights Reserved.