SRI LANKA NEWS (MAY 2025 ) Compiled by Victor Melder
Health experts in Sri Lanka have sounded the alarm over a noticeable rise in asthma cases among children, Chest Physician Dr. Asha Samaranayaka said. She said that factors such as air pollution, changing weather conditions and environmental allergens contribute to the increase in asthma cases.Health authorities warn that symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath should be treated early to manage the condition and prevent the development of chronic asthma. Dr. Samaranayaka stressed on the importance of reducing exposure to asthma triggers, including pollutants and dust. Globally, 3,340 asthma cases have been reported, affecting 9% of children, 6% of adults and 11% of youths. (Daily Mirror, 1.5.2025)
Sri Lanka witnessed a sharp surge in underworld-related violence, with 27 individuals killed in 38 shootings during the first four months of this year, according to the police. The majority of the incidents have been reported from the Western and Southern Provinces, regions increasingly plagued by organised criminal activity. Law enforcement authorities attribute the violence primarily to escalating conflicts among drug trafficking networks and targeted attacks by rival underworld gangs. Investigations are ongoing, with police stepping up efforts to dismantle these criminal networks and prevent further bloodshed. (Daily Island, 1.5.2025)
Sri Lanka’s external sector demonstrated strong performance in March 2025, with the highest monthly current account surplus since the compilation of these statistics began in January 2023. The current account surplus for March 2025 reached US$ 459 million, which marked the third consecutive month of positive balances, driven by strong inflows of workers’ remittances. Workers’ remittances surged to a record US$ 693 million, setting a new high for the month of March. However, the merchandise trade deficit widened in March 2025 to US$ 396 million compared to the same period last year. Despite this, the deficit showed slight improvement from the US$ 411.3 million in February 2025. The terms of trade experienced a marginal improvement, as import prices declined at a faster rate than export prices. This led to higher export earnings alongside an increase in import expenditure on a year-on-year basis, with both volume indices showing positive growth. Tourism continued to contribute positively to the external sector in March 2025, with earnings reaching US$ 354 million, up from US$ 338 million in the same month last year. Foreign investments in Sri Lanka’s financial markets showed mixed results. The government securities market attracted a net inflow of US$ 49 million, while foreign investments in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded a slight net outflow of US$ 6 million. Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange reserves also saw a significant boost, with gross official reserves rising to US$ 6.5 billion by the end of March 2025. This increase was primarily driven by the receipt of the fourth tranche under the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, alongside net purchases totalling US$ 402 million by the Central Bank from the domestic foreign exchange market. (Daily Mirror, 2.5.2025)
The National People’s Power (NPP) has emerged as the clear winner in the 2025 Local Government Elections securing 4,503,930 votes (43.26%) and 3,927 seats across Sri Lanka. The party is leading in 266 local councils, including 23 Municipal Councils, 26 Urban Councils, and 217 Pradeshiya Sabhas. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) came second with 2,258,480 votes (21.69%) and 1,767 seats, leading in 13 councils. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) secured 742 seats with 954,517 votes (9.17%) but failed to lead any council. The United National Party (UNP) gained 488,406 votes (4.69%) and 381 seats, also without leading any councils. Meanwhile, the Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) claimed 377 seats and leads 37 councils, and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leads in 5 councils with 116 seats. The People’s Alliance and Sarvajana Balaya secured 300 and 226 seats, respectively. (Daily Mirror, 7.5.2-025)
At least six security forces personnel were killed when a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter, operated by the No. 7 Squadron, crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir during a demonstration this morning. The incident occurred during a demonstration held in conjunction with the passing-out ceremony at the Special Forces Training School in Maduru Oya. According to initial reports, 12 personnel were on board the helicopter at the time, including two Air Force pilots and members of the Sri Lanka Air Force and Army Special Forces (SF). The SLAF said that all personnel aboard the helicopter were rescued and admitted to hospital and six of them died after being admitted to the Polonnaruwa Hospital. Two Sri Lanka Air Force gunners and four Special Forces personnel were among the deceased. Meanwhile, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force has appointed a 9-member committee to probe into the incident. (Daily Mirror, 9.5.2025)
Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala revealed that 79 shooting incidents had occurred in the country over the past seven months, resulting in 52 fatalities and injuries to 35 individuals. Responding to a question raised in Parliament on Friday (9), the Minister stated that these shootings had taken place between 21 September last year and 8 May 2025. He explained that 62 of the shootings had been carried out by organised crime gangs, while the remaining 17 had been committed by others. However, the Minister emphasised that 260 individuals had been arrested in connection with the shootings to date, of whom 229 were linked to organised crime. He stated that the Government had taken necessary measures to curb underworld activity and insisted there had been no significant increase in crime compared to 2022, 2023, and 2024. He added that regardless of the circumstances, every loss of human life was deeply regrettable. “Our resolve to suppress the underworld has not diminished in the slightest. We have made many decisions toward that end. Our actions are guided by both a vision and a plan. This is a battle against both the drug trade and the underworld,” he told Parliament. “When we analyse these shootings, we do not see a significant increase compared to 2022, 2023, or 2024. But we do not trivialise any incident. Every human life is valued. Therefore, we have taken the strongest possible steps as a government to combat the underworld,” the Minister stressed. (Ceylon Today, 11.5.2025)
The death toll from the devastating bus crash in the Gerandi Ella area of Ramboda rose to 21, with more than 35 others injured, Police said. The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus, travelling from Kataragama to Kurunegala via Nuwara Eliya, veered off the Kandy – Gampola – Nuwara Eliya main road early Sunday morning and plunged down a steep precipice. It was reported that about 77 people were on board at the time of the crash, making it the worst road accident since the April 2005 Yangalmodara train-bus collision that killed 41. Survivors described the terrifying moment the bus lost control on a narrow, winding stretch of road. “The driver applied the brakes suddenly, and the bus skidded and went straight off the road,” one injured passenger recounted from his hospital bed. Initial investigations suggest the bus failed to negotiate a sharp bend, possibly due to wet road conditions and speeding. The driver, who is among the injured, is currently under Police custody at the hospital. Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said the crash may have resulted from either driver negligence or a technical fault. The Road Development Authority (RDA) has been directed to inspect the site and assess safety conditions on the hazardous but frequently President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed condolences and instructed Security Forces and medical personnel to ensure all necessary care for the injured. The President’s Media Division announced that compensation of Rs 1 million would be paid from the President’s Fund to the family of each deceased victim. “The Government is deeply concerned about the rising number of daily road accidents,” the President said in a statement. “We are preparing a comprehensive plan to prevent such tragedies, including stricter law enforcement and improving driver behaviour.” (Ceylon Today, 12.5.2025)
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A wild elephant died on Thursday night (8) after becoming entangled in an unauthorised electric wire in the Udawewa area of Divulapelassa, Police said. The Divulapelassa Police stated that the elephant was electrocuted by an unauthorised electric wire that had been set up to protect a house from wild elephants. Officers from the Mahiyangana Wildlife Office said that the wild elephant was nine and a half feet tall and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. Further investigations are being conducted by the Divulapelassa Police and officials from the Mahiyangana Wildlife Office. (Ceylon Today, 12.5.2025)
A four-hour strike by employees at the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) and the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port last night has resulted in an estimated loss of at least Rs. 300 million, a senior official of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) said. He said the strike, which began at 8:00 p.m. yesterday and continued till midnight, was triggered by a controversial decision by the Ports Authority to cut incentive allowances paid to essential employees who worked on April 12 and 13, dates that coincided with the Vesak Poya holidays. The workers resumed duties at around 12:30 a.m. today after the SLPA administration reissued a letter assuring that overtime allowances will be paid according to the previous system. At the time the strike began, six cargo ships were anchored at the affected terminals, and all operations were brought to a complete halt, the official said. The dispute stems from a decision by a senior SLPA official to limit the overtime allowances for work done on the Poya day (April 12) to Rs. 10,000 and the following day (April 13) to Rs. 5,000. This move broke with long-standing practices regarding holiday compensation for essential workers. The Ports Authority official further alleged that the decisions were taken unilaterally by a senior administrator who has previously been criticised for making media statements regarding workers’ salaries. (Daily Mirror, 12.5.2025)
Sri Lanka’s tourism earnings in April registered $ 256.7 million, reflecting a 13.8% increase year-on-year (YoY), but also marking the lowest monthly income in 2025 so far. As per the latest data released by the Central Bank, on a month-on-month basis, April earnings saw a 38% decline, highlighting the challenges of sustaining momentum without consistent strategic promotion. Despite this, April 2025 inflow remains the highest recorded for the month since the onset of the COVID-19. However, on a cumulative basis, the first four months of 2025 have outpaced last year’s performance. It registered over $ 1.37 billion in 2025, registering a 10.2% YoY increase—a milestone which took five months to reach a comparable revenue level last year. Industry experts are optimistic about the sector’s resilience, but have reiterated concerns regarding the lack of cohesive and timely promotional efforts. Reflecting on April numbers, industry stakeholders argue that seasonal travel patterns alone do not fully explain the downturn, pointing to the authorities delay in launching its promised global tourism campaign as a missed opportunity. Sri Lanka Tourism has set an ambitious target of attracting 3 million tourists and generating $ 5 billion in revenue for 2025. (Ceylon Today, 14.5.2025)
High blood pressure is a leading cause of death in Sri Lanka accounting for approximately 70% of all fatalities nationwide, the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Unit of the Ministry of Health revealed. According to Dr. Samiddhi Samarakoon, Director of the NCD Unit, the statistic is based on findings from the most recent national survey on non-communicable diseases conducted in 2021. The survey indicated that 34.8% of the Sri Lankan population is currently affected by high blood pressure. “64% of individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure are not on any form of medication to manage the condition. In the early stages, high blood pressure often presents no symptoms, and in some cases, a stroke or heart attack may be the first warning sign,” Dr Samarakoon, said. She further warned that uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major risk factor for other life-threatening conditions including kidney disease. The Health Ministry conducts nationwide surveys on non-communicable diseases every five years to monitor trends and guide public health strategies.(Daily Mirror, 14.5.2025)
A two-day vehicle tuning dansala will be held today (15) and tomorrow (16) in front of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) head office in Narahenpita, to mark Vesak Poya day. The event was inaugurated by DMT Commissioner General Kamal Amarasinghe. Free tuning services for motorcycles and three-wheelers will be provided at the dansala. These vehicles, which make up the majority of Sri Lanka’s vehicle population, often lack systematic maintenance due to economic constraints, resulting in harmful emissions. The vehicle tuning dansala will commence at 9:30 a.m. in front of the DMT and continue till 3:00 p.m. The initiative, organised by the Department of Motor Traffic’s Motor Vehicle Emissions Trust Fund, aims to address this issue. The programme features some of Sri Lanka’s most experienced vehicle technicians. Through this dansala, the DMT hopes to improve fuel efficiency, reduce unnecessary fuel expenses, and minimise harmful emissions. This program will be conducted in line with the Government’s ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative. (Ceylon Today, 15.5.2025)
Workers’ remittances hit a record high for the month of April, surging to $ 646.1 million, marking the second consecutive month of record inflows for 2025, the latest Central Bank data revealed. The April inflow reflects a robust 19% year-on-year (YoY) growth, although it registered a 7.3% dip compared to March 2025. The April 2025 figure is also the fourth-highest monthly remittance inflow in history, behind $ 812.7 million recorded in December 2020, $ 729.35 in January 2018 and $ 693.3 million in March 2025. The improved inflows during April also boosted the cumulative remittances for the first four months of 2025, which reached over $ 2.46 billion—an 18.3% YoY increase and the highest cumulative in the period since 2021. The cumulative figure also represents a 4% increase compared to the $ 2.37 billion registered in the same period of 2016 — the year that holds the record for the highest annual workers’ remittances inflow at $ 7.24 billion. In 2024, workers’ remittances hit a four-year high of $ 6.57 billion, up by 10.1% from $ 5.69 billion in 2023. This growth was followed by a record wave of people seeking foreign employment after an unprecedented economic crisis. The sharpest post-crisis rebound was in 2023, when workers’ remittances grew by 57% to $ 6 billion, recovering from a 12-year low of $ 3.78 billion in 2022. Historically, the highest-ever annual workers’ remittances were recorded in 2016, whilst between 2014 and 2018, the annual inflows averaged around $ 7 billion, or roughly around $ 600 million per month. (Financial Times, 15.5.2025)
Sri Lanka celebrated a key milestone as three of its young and emerging entrepreneurs ; Yanika Amarasekera-Siyaguna, Charith N Silva, and Nikin Matharaarachchi have been named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list. Yanika Amarasekera-Siyaguna founded Silver Aislein 2019, Sri Lanka’s first online wedding registry platform Charith N Silva, the creative force behind Wild Cookbook, turned pandemic-era outdoor cooking videos into a global phenomenon. His rustic culinary adventures amassed over 10 million YouTube subscribers and 2.3 million Instagram followers, earning him a loyal fanbase. Nikin Matharaarachchi founded Synapse AI Labs in 2021, a Sri Lanka-based company behind the AI-powered social listening tool-Kommon Poll. This tool provides businesses with marketing insights by analyzing keyword performance across multiple online platforms, including news sites, blogs and social media.(Daily Mirror, 16.5.2025)
A brand-new Rolls-Royce Phantom Series 8 II, Bentley Bentayga and BMW M3 CS have officially arrived in Sri Lanka, marking the high-profile return of ultra-luxury vehicles following the recent easing of the vehicle import ban. The vehicles were spotted being unloaded from an air cargo shipment at the Bandaranaike International Airport. The delivery is reportedly considered one of the most expensive air cargo shipments in Sri Lanka’s history. (Daily Mirror, 16.5.2025)
A new study by Sri Lankan researchers has found that only one in five adults with high blood pressure in Sri Lanka have their condition under control, highlighting the need to strengthen detection and treatment of Sri Lankan patients with high blood pressure. Just published in the international journal BMC Public Health, the study analysed data from over 6,300 adults across the country, collected by the Sri Lanka Health and Ageing Study (SLHAS). The SLHAS is a Sri Lankan research initiative led by the Institute for Health Policy (IHP), the University of Colombo, University of Peradeniya, University of Ruhuna, and Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, that has been tracking the health of seven thousand Sri Lankans since 2018.
SLHAS researchers previously reported that 28% of Sri Lankan adults suffer from hypertension. This new study examines how well this condition was managed in 2019. Key findings include: among those with hypertension, only half (53%) have ever been diagnosed, and only 20% have their blood pressure under control. While 44% of Sri Lankans with hypertension are being treated, less than half of them (45%) have their blood pressure under control. Control was worse in men, and in Tamil and Muslim Sri Lankans. Public sector patients appeared to be more likely to have their blood pressure controlled than those treated in the private sector. Executive Director Dr. Ravi Rannan-Eliya said: “While we do well in diagnosing high blood pressure, we need to focus a lot more on managing blood pressure in patients better. Otherwise, there is no point in screening people. These findings should spur more aggressive action to find out why control often fails, and to support doctors to do better.” (Financial Times, 18.5.2025)
A total of 1,000 people have died due to road accidents in the past five months, according to the Department of Government Information. DIG in charge of the Traffic Division, Indika Hapugoda said that 958 road accidents and 1,021 road accident-related deaths have been reported. He stressed the urgent need for better road discipline and responsible driving among motorists. DIG Hapugoda said that action will be taken against vehicles with decorations disturbing the vision of the driver, starting June 1, as sharp metal fittings can cause serious injuries to pedestrians and passengers, and increase the severity of accidents. Sri Lanka’s Accident Data Management System development with the support from WHO funding, categorises accidents as fatal or minor. The first system was launched with support from WHO funding in the Western Province. To detect alcohol and drug-impaired drivers, 30 night vision devices have been imported and distributed to 30 police stations. Authorities urge the public to follow traffic rules, wear seat belts, use helmets when riding and ensure proper vehicle maintenance to reduce the number of fatal incidents on the roads. (Daily Mirror, 21.5.2025)
Colombo, May 21 (Daily Mirror) – While issuing a gazette notification, the government announced the national minimum monthly wage for all workers in any industry or service as Rs. 27,000, and the national minimum daily wage as Rs. 1,800. The announcement was made following the amendment of Section 3 of the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act, No. 3 of 2016. According to the gazette, the legal effect of the amended section is to increase the national minimum monthly wage by Rs. 9,500 and the national minimum daily wage by Rs. 380, with effect from April 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and to further increase the national minimum monthly wage by Rs. 3,000 and the national minimum daily wage by Rs. 120, with effect from January 1, 2026. Accordingly, the national minimum monthly wage for all workers in any industry or service shall be Rs. 30,000 and the national minimum daily wage shall be Rs. 1,200, effective from January 1, 2026.(Daily Mirror, 21.5.2025)
Sri Lanka has lost more than 4,600 healthcare professionals to overseas migration since 2022, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed in his remarks at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva. Addressing global health leaders, Dr. Jayatissa detailed the scale of the exodus: 726 specialist consultants, 1,116 medical officers, and approximately 2,800 nurses have left the country over the past three years. “This represents not only a national crisis but a significant financial loss,” he said, noting the high cost borne by the State to train and retain healthcare workers. Dr. Jayatissa called for urgent global attention to the issue of health workforce migration, warning of its far-reaching consequences for equitable healthcare access worldwide. He urged receiving countries to act responsibly and in line with the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel, which calls for ethical recruitment and the protection of vulnerable health systems in source countries. (Ceylon Today, 23.5.2025)
Sri Lanka’s tea crop in April has reached a five-year high at 26.3 million kilograms (Mnkg), Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC said. “All three elevations recorded sharp gains resulting in the national total rising to 26.3 Mnkg, sharply higher by 21% from last year’s figure of 21.6 Mnkg. This is the highest production in April since 2021, when a quantity of 30 Mnkg was recorded,” Asia Siyaka said. Tea production for the period January-April has risen by a healthy 10% year-on-year (YoY) to 88.3 Mnkg but is still lower than the 2021 four-month figure of 104 Mnkg. Low Growns have recorded the highest gain, rising from 48.5 Mnkg to 51.6 Mnkg, followed by High Growns with 20.2 Mnkg, which are up 17% or 2.2 Mnkg YoY, and Medium Growns, which have risen 15% from 14.3 Mnkg to 16.4 Mnkg. (Financial Times, 23.5.2025)
Former Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando have been sentenced to 20 years and 25 years of rigorous imprisonment, respectively, by the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar. The verdict stems from a corruption case linked to the importation of sports equipment during their tenures as Ministers of Sports and Trade, particularly during the 2015 Presidential Election period. The court ruled that the charges against the accused had been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Bribery Commission filed the case, accusing the two former ministers of misappropriating Rs. 53.1 million between September 1 and December 31, 2014, during the importation of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts boards, intended for distribution to sports clubs. (Ceylon Today, 29.5.2025)
In lieu of the upcoming World No Tobacco day, a study revealed that Sri Lankans spend Rs. 520 million per day on cigarettes and the health and economic costs of smoking were Rs.214 billion in 2019, the Alcohol and drug information Centre (ADIC) in a media briefing about tobacco habits said. According to the 2020 Global Adult Tobacco Survey a total of 3.2 million Sri Lankans consume tobacco daily, and 20,000 premature deaths every year in Sri Lanka are caused by tobacco. Around 1.8 billion plastic cigarettes per year are not discarded properly in Sri Lanka which causes 7000 toxic chemicals into the ecosystem and harms the environment. The media briefing by ADIC also said that “due to a lack of proper tax collecting mechanisms, the government’s tax revenue from cigarettes decreased by Rs. 9.4 billion in 2024, instead it was transferred as profit to the producer.” Dr Ananda Rathnayake, chairperson of National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) said “people think that reducing the tax on cigarettes may lead to more smuggling of cigarettes which is absolutely not true.” Another major issue mentioned by ADIC is that tax-in-price on cigarettes is at 67 to 69 percent which is below the World Health Organization’s recommended rate of 75 percent. ADIC also said that even though cigarette sales have decreased by 54 percent in the past decade, Ceylon Tobacco Company’s profit after tax has increased by 179 percent. A research done by Verite Research reveals that “the tax for most products subject to VAT has more than doubled since the economic crisis but for cigarettes it has actually decreased.” The research also mentioned that cigarettes may be the only product in the market where tax revenue has declined in 2024, while suppliers’ revenue has increased. ADIC said that measures to address these challenges are being taken. A framework on banning the sale of cigarettes one by one is being proposed, while also prohibiting the sale of tobacco to people born after 2010.(Daily Mirror, 29.5.2025)
With the onset of the Southwest monsoon, 21 districts have been affected by heavy rains and gusty winds across the country. A total of 2,249 families in 219 Divisional Secretariat Divisions of 21 districts have been affected as of yesterday (30) evening. The Disaster Management Center (DMC) Secretary, K. G. Dharmathilaka said that three people have lost their lives due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions in the country. Meanwhile, the Government has decided to provide compensation to all those who lost their lives and have been injured due to the adverse weather conditions. Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts, the Met Department stated issuing the weather forecast for today (31). With the activation of the Southwest monsoon, fairly heavy rainfalls above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara Districts. Several spells of showers may occur in North-central province and in Mannar and Hambantota districts. Strong winds of about 50-60 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts. Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere in the country. The public has been requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. According to the DMC, one death has been reported in the Puttalam District, as of yesterday. More than 800 houses have been partly damaged in Colombo and several other districts as of yesterday evening, according to DMC. The DMC further said that eight persons have been injured in various disaster incidents. Around 1,321 persons of 245 families have been affected with two people injured in the Colombo District due to the adverse weather conditions from Thursday till 10 am yesterday, the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRCS) stated. The District Disaster Management Unit stated that the greatest impact has been reported from the Colombo and Homagama areas. (Daily News, 31.5.2025)
