Colombo, Feb 14 (Daily Mirror) – Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) briefed U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung on the SLPP’s proposal for a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate into the use of USAID funds by both registered and unregistered NGOs in Sri Lanka, with a focus on ensuring transparency in the allocation of U.S. taxpayer resources.
The SLPP made these remarks during a meeting with Ambassordor Chung and SLPP representatives inluding Namal Rajapaksa at the SLPP Headquarters today.
“It was a pleasure welcoming U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung to the SLPP Headquarters today. We engaged in discussions of mutual interest and reaffirmed the SLPP’s dedication to strengthening the bilateral relationships between the U.S. and Sri Lanka. We commend the non-interference foreign policy upheld by U.S. President Donald Trump and his call for greater transparency in the use of taxpayer funds,” Rajapaksa said in a post on X.
He said the SLPP looks forward to collaborating closely with the new U.S. administration for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The Attorney General has filed indictments in the Colombo High Court against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his grandmother Daisy Forrest Wickremesinghe under the Money Laundering Act.
The Attorney General has filed the indictments against these defendants for failing to disclose how they acquired lands and properties at Sirimalwatta Uyana in Ratmalana and Dehiwala areas valued at over Rs. 8 billion between 2012 and 2015.
The Attorney General has filed these indictments alleging that they have committed an offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by failing to disclose how the money was acquired.
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, who was recently arrested in connection with this case, was released on bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
Meanwhile, on February 11, the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court had imposed an overseas travel ban on Daisy Forrest Wickremesinghe, also known as ‘Daisy Achchi’, in connection with a money laundering case.
Sri Lanka Police stated that under the instructions of the Attorney General, Daisy Forrest was named as a suspect in a money laundering case and in the investigations carried out into a Rs. 59 million joint account held by Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Daisy Forrest, to which Rajapaksa failed to provide a reasonable explanation on the source of earnings.
Furthermore, the police spokesman had noted that all suspects involved in the case will be prosecuted under the Money Laundering Act.
US agencies partnering Sri Lanka Ministries Statutory Bodies & Corporations
USAID & Ministries:
· Ministry of Finance: economic reforms, fiscal management, and public financial management.
· Ministry of Justice: legal reforms, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting access to justice.
· Ministry of Education: education reforms and improving educational quality.
· Ministry of Health: healthcare delivery and public health programs, HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
· Ministry of Environment: environmental protection and addressing climate change issues.
· Ministry of Agriculture: agriculture development and promoting sustainable farming
USAID & Statutory Bodies & Corporations:
· Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA): promoting tourism and economic development.
· Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB): exports and promote trade.
· Board of Investment (BOI): foreign direct investment (FDI) and support economic reforms.
National Endowment for Democracy (NED) partnering with
· Sri Lankan Parliament – transparency and democratic governance.
· Election Commission of Sri Lanka – electoral transparency and voter education.
· Ministry of Foreign Affairs: – policy advocacy and democratic reforms at international forums.
National Democratic Institute (NDI) partnering with
· Election Commission of Sri Lanka: – free and fair elections through electoral reforms and voter education.
· Sri Lankan Parliament– parliamentary reforms, capacity building, and promoting legislative transparency.
· Ministry of Constitutional Affairs: constitutional reforms and strengthening the rule of law.
International Republican Institute (IRI) partnering with
· Political parties: political party development, leadership training, and women’s political participation.
· Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government local governance reforms and decentralization.
· Sri Lankan Parliament: legislative efficiency and citizen engagement.
U.S. Department of State (Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor – DRL) partnering with
· Ministry of Justice: accountability for war crimes and strengthening the judicial system.
· Ministry of Foreign Affairs: international human rights advocacy and transitional justice.
· Ministry of Finance: infrastructure projects and economic development.
· Ministry of Transport: development of transportation infrastructure.
· Ministry of Power and Energy: energy reforms and electricity grid modernization.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) partnering with
· Ministry of Energy: renewable energy development and energy sector reforms.
· Ministry of Transport: transportation infrastructure development.
U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Export-Import Bank partnering with
· Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance,
· Board of Investment (BOI), and various corporations to encourage trade and investment between the U.S. and Sri Lanka, supporting private sector development, trade expansion, and business relations.
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) partnerships
· Ministry of Agriculture: agricultural practices, food security, and rural development.
· Ministry of Environment: environmental protection and climate change adaptation.
· Ministry of Women and Child Affairs: gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Sri Lankan Government Ministries, Statutory Bodies, and Corporations Partnering with U.S. Agencies
Ministries:
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Environment
Ministry of Transport
Ministry of Women and Child Affairs
Ministry of Defence (through programs on security sector reform)
Statutory Bodies and Corporations:
Board of Investment (BOI)
Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB)
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)
Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission
Election Commission of Sri Lanka
National Election Commission
Other Collaborations:
Sri Lankan Parliament: Working on transparency, democratic reforms, and capacity-building.
Central Bank of Sri Lanka: Partnering on economic reforms and financial sector development.
US agencies partnering Sri Lanka Ministries Statutory Bodies & Corporations
USAID & Ministries:
· Ministry of Finance: economic reforms, fiscal management, and public financial management.
· Ministry of Justice: legal reforms, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting access to justice.
· Ministry of Education: education reforms and improving educational quality.
· Ministry of Health: healthcare delivery and public health programs, HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
· Ministry of Environment: environmental protection and addressing climate change issues.
· Ministry of Agriculture: agriculture development and promoting sustainable farming
USAID & Statutory Bodies & Corporations:
· Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA): promoting tourism and economic development.
· Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB): exports and promote trade.
· Board of Investment (BOI): foreign direct investment (FDI) and support economic reforms.
National Endowment for Democracy (NED) partnering with
· Sri Lankan Parliament – transparency and democratic governance.
· Election Commission of Sri Lanka – electoral transparency and voter education.
· Ministry of Foreign Affairs: – policy advocacy and democratic reforms at international forums.
National Democratic Institute (NDI) partnering with
· Election Commission of Sri Lanka: – free and fair elections through electoral reforms and voter education.
· Sri Lankan Parliament– parliamentary reforms, capacity building, and promoting legislative transparency.
· Ministry of Constitutional Affairs: constitutional reforms and strengthening the rule of law.
International Republican Institute (IRI) partnering with
· Political parties: political party development, leadership training, and women’s political participation.
· Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government local governance reforms and decentralization.
· Sri Lankan Parliament: legislative efficiency and citizen engagement.
U.S. Department of State (Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor – DRL) partnering with
· Ministry of Justice: accountability for war crimes and strengthening the judicial system.
· Ministry of Foreign Affairs: international human rights advocacy and transitional justice.
· Ministry of Finance: infrastructure projects and economic development.
· Ministry of Transport: development of transportation infrastructure.
· Ministry of Power and Energy: energy reforms and electricity grid modernization.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) partnering with
· Ministry of Energy: renewable energy development and energy sector reforms.
· Ministry of Transport: transportation infrastructure development.
U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Export-Import Bank partnering with
· Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance,
· Board of Investment (BOI), and various corporations to encourage trade and investment between the U.S. and Sri Lanka, supporting private sector development, trade expansion, and business relations.
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) partnerships
· Ministry of Agriculture: agricultural practices, food security, and rural development.
· Ministry of Environment: environmental protection and climate change adaptation.
· Ministry of Women and Child Affairs: gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Sri Lankan Government Ministries, Statutory Bodies, and Corporations Partnering with U.S. Agencies
Ministries:
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Environment
Ministry of Transport
Ministry of Women and Child Affairs
Ministry of Defence (through programs on security sector reform)
Statutory Bodies and Corporations:
Board of Investment (BOI)
Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB)
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)
Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission
Election Commission of Sri Lanka
National Election Commission
Other Collaborations:
Sri Lankan Parliament: Working on transparency, democratic reforms, and capacity-building.
Central Bank of Sri Lanka: Partnering on economic reforms and financial sector development.
The concerns expressed by the Government with regard to the Attorney General’s (AG) Department’s duties concerning the legal proceedings into the assassination of former newspaper editor and lawyer Lasantha Wickrematunge have sparked debates on social media platforms, the general society, and in the political arena. While some encourage the Government’s interest in intervening in the matter, claiming that such is necessary at times to ensure the upholding of the rule of law, some point out that any intervention in the AG’s Department’s duties has the potential to undermine the rule of law.
The origin of these concerns is AG, President’s Counsel Parinda Ranasinghe Junior’s recent announcement that the AG’s Department had decided to refrain from pursuing further legal action against three suspects in the case of Wickrematunge’s assassination. The lack of evidence had been quoted as the reason. The decision, which triggered widespread public furore, exerted pressure on the Government, including due to Wickrematunge’s case being a highly controversial one and because of the delays which had incurred in investigating the case, and the Government had promised to punish all culprits in the case. In response, the Government led by the President held meetings with the relevant parties including the AG, the outcomes of which were not officially disclosed.
However, the AG had informed the Court this week that the department wishes to temporarily suspend the earlier decision. What prompted this new decision is concerning because it comes at a time when the Government seems to be taking the court of public opinion’s thinking seriously. Just a few weeks ago, the AG’s Department had pointed out a lack of evidence to pursue legal action against the suspects in question. If there was no evidence then, a question arises as to whether new evidence emerged within the past few weeks or whether a new method has been invented to pursue the said legal action without adequate evidence. Court proceedings in high-profile cases like these depend considerably on the AG’s Department’s instructions, and when it comes to a case that has caused widespread controversy and has remained unresolved for over a decade, the AG’s Department’s instructions cannot be ignored. In such a context, the AG’s Department going back on its instructions, which were defended by the department on several occasions, raises a question about what the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court should believe now.
According to the Constitution, the Executive, nor the government has a right to interfere in the AG’s Department’s functions, especially in a context where the latter cannot act against the existing laws and without adequate evidence. Although the AG’s Department’s previous decision could be controversial in the eyes of the public, the AG’s Department’s decisions do not have to be public-friendly, but rather, in accordance with the Constitution and other relevant laws and policies which represent the democratic rights of the public in a more transparent manner. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has also expressed jurisdictional concerns about the situation, noting that although media reports suggest that the Cabinet of Ministers may be considering a review of the AG’s decision regarding the matter, the AG is a public official who is accountable to the public for his decisions.
While there have been long-standing concerns about how the AG’s Department has discharged its duties. Government intervention, such as what is being announced, can also undermine the integrity of the AG’s Department’s duties and jeopardise the rule of law. Such interference threatens the independence of the legal system and risks transforming legal processes into political tools. The AG’s Department is meant to operate impartially, free from political pressure, and any attempts by the Government to influence its decisions could lead to a breakdown in the public’s trust in the justice system. When the AG’s Department makes decisions based on the law, it is not its role to appease the public opinion or political agendas but to uphold justice within the boundaries of the law, however unpopular those decisions may be. However, the behaviour of the department over the years cannot also be overlooked, public trust in the justice mechanism and belief in the rule of law is also important for a democracy.
In this context, the Ministry of Justice had decided to establish an Independent Prosecutor’s Office. The Government said that to begin the process, an experts’ committee will be appointed to address key issues regarding the creation of such an office. The committee will comprise prominent legal figures, including the AG or his representatives. The AG’s Department at present has three key duties – criminal prosecution, advising the Government, and representing – in keeping with the AG’s discretion – the Government or Government officials in certain cases, which, depending Therefore, it is a good move to set up a separate criminal prosecution office, which would help resolve potential conflicts and ensure the independence of legal processes. This move would better serve the interests of justice by enabling a clearer separation of powers and by eliminating any undue political influence over the prosecution of criminal cases.
While engaged on a research work to find out how the process of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) works as it applies to Reinforced Concrete Structural Analysis, I came across the report of such an analysis by a group of researchers of the University of California funded by their State Government. My attempt was to fix a bug in an expensive software package which some engineers working for me used thereby getting wrong results. The finite elements are chosen in various shapes and sizes according to the need of the problem. They can be two dimensional plates divided into hundreds or thousands of triangles or three-dimensional cuboids all connected along edges at number of points on its faces. Sometimes the number of equations (partial differential) to be solved run into millions. They have found that solution to such equations become miraculously simple depending on the number of nodes (or points in one face connected to the adjacent face) is equal to eight. They seem to have found it by luck and named it ‘serendipity’ element.
I insert here two pages of that report (the project headed by a South Korean expert) which I downloaded around 2017 when I grappling with problem. Dissatisfied the way the problem has been treated I solved the thing using a manual method as per the latest version of Reynolds book which is the ‘bible of the structural engineer’:
I did not know about how serendipity name evolved, though I had known our country was referred to as Serendib by Arabs who travelled the world as traders. When I googled, I found an interesting read in the Arabian Nights. The story is fairly long and I give the link below so those interested can read.
This also remind me of some information given by professor Raj Somadeva in one of his weekly discussions about a copper plate inscription written by a king in Persia offering his daughter in marriage to a king in Sri Lanka around first century AD. It seems this copper plate is in a museum in Egypt. By the way Alexandria was a part of Egypt. It was established by Alexander the Great and was reclaimed by his trusted general Seleucus Nicator, his cousin. Nicator’s wife was a princess from Bactria (in present day Syria which was part of Persian Empire) they captured before coming over to India. In India, Nicator ruled part of North India one of his daughters supposed to have married king Porus (or Sinha). Their children supposed to have come to Ceylan or Sinhale and established colonies in various places according to a Sri Lankan researcher whose book I have read. So, no wonder many from around the world finding interesting things in Serendipity. Another interesting revelation is the fact that both Sri Lankan current national flag and that of former Shah of Iran have stark similarities. The stylized mane (or Kaysera) of the lion and the way they hold the sword is exactly the same. So, who copied whom circa 3rd century BCE.
Thousand and one nights (Tausend und eine nacht):
Story telling was a bedtime delight for children. I remember how enjoyable were they during our childhood. These days I listen to youtube music quite often to while away the time and also to clear any stresses. I connect my laptop to the TV with a HDMI cable to get better quality. While doing so I came across a lovely song a creation by the band Fantasy, whose one of the songs I included in my previous write up. I am sure the readers would enjoy this too. This story which is a translation from Arabic to English is available in the internet and can be accessed and is quite long. The interesting thing is it has captured the hearts imaginations of many Europeans nations. Even dance forms like waltzing created couple of centuries ago to celebrate it.
The gist of the story goes as follows:
A king in Persia was heading towards the border of his domain leaving his beloved queen in the palace to meet two of his brothers ruling two other adjacent lands after meticulous planning. However, on his way he remembers he left his valuable ring in the palace and returned in the night to get it. But when he enters his bedroom, he finds queen sleeping with a negro servant. So, he gets angry and kills both then and there. This incident has deeply affected his mental condition so much that whenever he marries another bride, he kills her in the first night itself. This behaviour upset everybody in the palace and his Wazeer (or prime minister) decided to change the king by getting his own daughter to marry the king, but the daughter would tell a wonderful story without an end each tight so that the king would wait for another day to kill her. This has gone on for thousand nights and by the next night the king was cured.
This is how the Europeans revelling on that episode:
Finally, I will end up once again on a video animation by the duo Hans Romatikus and partner Petra:
It’s a waltzing to a song by the Austrian brothers Brunner & Brunner titled Weil dein Herz dich verrat (because your heart betrays):
The correct steps in this thing are important as I have observed careful observers would comment. A friend of mine from a wealthy muslim country when watching a wedding video recorded in a Colombo hotel would find fault with the steps our fellows were taking. Maybe they also teach their children to do it correctly under strict guidance so that when their students go to western countries they do not find out of place. The world would have been a much better place if they continued that trend.
One more thing:
I remember there was a trainer by the name Johny Solomons in Kolpetty around late 60s who was very strict when teaching those steps. And there was one young guy in the group who worked in a bank in Colombo. He was from a respected well to do family from Kalutara district in Mathugama. He had just embarked on the life’s journey after finishing from college. One day he did not return after work and there was a news on the radio to say that he had stepped out from the bank with the days collection in a bag. The amount was about 5 to 6 million rupees in today’s value. I do not know whether the guy is living or dead today and I dared not to inquire. Hope their efforts were not in vain.
The project approved by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government in 2022 without a competitive tender process was under scanner for a long time
Representative Image
Adani Green on Thursday announced that the group will withdraw from the two proposed wind power projects and two transmission projects in northern and eastern Sri Lanka. The USD 442 million renewable energy project ran into a controversy due to fierce opposition from the locals due to the environmental impact.
In a media statement issued an Adani spokesperson said: Adani Green Energy has conveyed its board’s decision to respectfully withdraw from further engagement in the RE wind energy project and two transmission projects in Sri Lanka. However, we remain committed to Sri Lanka and are open to future collaboration if the Government of Sri Lanka so desires.”
The development comes months after the project ran into a controversy due to protests by the locals and a legal battle over the approval granted by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government in 2022 without a competitive tender process.
In January this year, months after Anura Kumara Dissanayake took charge as the President of the Island nation, the Adani power project ran into a controversy, when a committee was appointed to review the project.
In a letter sent to Arjuna Herath, Chairman, Board of Investment in Sri Lanka, Pranesh Darji, company secretary of Adani Green, said that the decision to pull out of the ambitious project which would have brought in $1 billion investment to the country was because of the two review committees appointed by the government to renegotiate the project proposal.
In a letter dated February 12, Darji explained that the appointment of two fresh committees to review the project was deliberated by the Board of the company and it was decided that while the company fully respects the sovereign rights of Sri Lanka and its choices, it would respectfully withdraw from the said project.”
The announcement by Adani to cancel the project, however, signals a victory for president Anura and his party colleagues, as he called it a corrupt” project during his election campaign.
The NPP and Anura during the run-up to the presidential election in 2024 had insisted on a competitive bid for the project. And recently after taking charge as the president, Anura, clarified saying that his government is not for cancelling the project but insisted on renegotiation.
Anura’s government wanted to renegotiate the power purchase rate which was agreed at 8.26 cents per kilowatt hour. Cabinet spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa insisted that the rate be lowered from 8.26 to less than six cents per kWh. In fact, Anura’s government even informed the Sri Lankan Supreme Court that it would reconsider the approval granted by Gotabya’s government to the Adani wind power projects.
Adani’s withdrawal from the wind energy projects in Sri Lanka comes as another setback for the Ahmedabad headquartered group as it ran into a controversy after allegations that it bribed government officials in India for entering into pacts with SECI for purchase of solar power from the discos in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jammu and Kashmir it.
Mannar has been chosen as the site for the largest wind power project in South Asia
A large wind power project, built by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and India’s Adani Group, has disturbed the island’s natural balanceWhile the project aims to produce clean energy, it has caused severe floodingPoor planning has blocked the natural water flow, leading to disastrous effects for both people and wildlifeAccording to environmental reports, 20 more wind power plants are planned in addition to the 30 already built near TalaimannarLocal government officials claim they are unaware of the problem, and past governments have ignored complaints about the wind power project
Every year, as winter arrives, thousands of migratory birds fly south in search of food and water. Many of them find a temporary home on Mannar Island, Sri Lanka’s largest island. This special place welcomes birds from over 30 countries, offering wetlands where they can rest, feed, and breed for nearly six months before returning home. Mannar is an important stop on the Central Asian Flyway, a major migration route for birds.
Letters sent to officials
However, this fragile environment is now in danger. A large wind power project, built by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and India’s Adani Group, has disturbed the island’s natural balance. While the project aims to produce clean energy, it has caused severe flooding. Many homes and fishing areas have been damaged, and some parts of the island have turned into marshland. Additionally, large-scale limonite mining is further harming the land.
Local community faces struggles
Even animals in the area are affected by flooding
Mannar’s 70,000 residents, mainly fisher folk and farmers, are struggling to cope with these changes. When Sri Lanka’s largest wind farm was built in 2020 along a crucial bird migration route, the local people strongly opposed it. However, they did not expect the long-term damage it would cause to their land and way of life.
A media team and members of the Center for Environmental Justice (CEJ) recently visited Mannar to assess the damage. They met with the Mannar Citizens’ Committee (MCC), led by President Fr. S. Marcus, who shared his concerns. Reports from the Mannar District Secretariat and the Disaster Management Centre warn that if flooding continues due to wind turbines, new roads and a railway line, the island may become uninhabitable in the near future. Poor planning has blocked the natural water flow, leading to disastrous effects for both people and wildlife.
Even though heavy rains have been received in areas such as Thevipuram, Puthukk udiyiruppu and up to Talaimannar, such flooding has never been experienced before. Three to four years after the commencement of wind power plants and illegal mineral sand mining projects, flooding in the Mannar district has increased”
– Mawlavi Azim, President All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
MCC Vice President and President of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama Mawlavi Azim claimed that most of the government institutions are located in Mannar Island. Even though heavy rains have been received in areas such as Thevipuram, Puthukkudiyiruppu and up to Talaimannar, such flooding has never been experienced before. Three to four years after the commencement of wind power plants and illegal mineral sand mining projects, flooding in the Mannar district has increased,” said Azim. He added that previously, several natural waterways allowed rainwater to flow into the sea. However, after the implementation of these projects, the construction of roads blocked these natural waterways. As a result, rainwater has no proper outlet to the sea, leading to persistent flooding, with water remaining for more than six months, according to Azim. Due to floods, the small and medium-scale agriculture lands with crops have been destroyed. He said that large-scale illegal limonite sand mining will make the island unsuitable for habitation. With Mannar Island’s growing population, there will not be enough land for people to live on. Companies have exploited the poverty of innocent locals by purchasing their land for minimal amounts of money.
Many families have already left for India due to the difficult living conditions. If all the planned wind turbines and mining projects are completed, there may not be enough land left for Mannar’s people to continue living”
– M.Lakshi Kurushanthan, Mannar Women’s Development Federation President
Many people in Mannar traditionally earn a living by making handicrafts and food products using palmyra trees. However, due to these developments, the density of palmyra trees is looking bleak and also threatening their livelihoods.
People affected by the wing power projects express their views
Reports from the Mannar District Secretariat and the Disaster Management Centre warn that if flooding continues due to wind turbines, new roads and a railway line, the island may become uninhabitable in the near future
Future plans raise more concerns
According to environmental reports, 20 more wind power plants are planned in addition to the 30 already built near Talaimannar. There were also plans for 56 large-scale wind power plants under Adani Group, but the Indian multinational conglomerate has pulled out of this project. This project was expected to generate 250 megawatts of electricity. CEJ strongly opposed the Adani project and even filed a court case to stop the construction of these wind power plants.
Besides wind power, other industries are causing harm to Mannar. For over a decade, an Australian company has been mining heavy mineral sands, as Mannar Island has the world’s fourth-largest limonite deposit. However, this project has seen little success. Another company from India has also completed mineral exploration in Pesalai, where the Thambapavani Wind Farm is located. Due to new mining policies, companies are now allowed to export one-third of the mined sand within the first two years.
Fishing and farming were their main sources of income, but after the construction of 30 wind turbines, the surrounding land was filled with clay to build roads. This has prevented floodwaters from draining into the sea, causing villages to remain underwater for over six months”
– Fr. S. Marcus, President Mannar Citizens’ Committee
Some of these companies have already made deals with local residents to buy land, and they have even hired former armed forces personnel to pressure poor residents into selling their properties.
Threat to livelihoods and environment
Fr. Marcus emphasised that the wind power project has severely affected the lives of Mannar’s people. Fishing and farming were their main sources of income, but after the construction of 30 wind turbines, the surrounding land was filled with clay to build roads. This has prevented floodwaters from draining into the sea, causing villages to remain underwater for over six months.
Flooding has made basic living conditions worse. Many families don’t have access to clean drinking water and ater has become contaminated with floodwater and sludge. The toilet pits have overflowed, further polluting the underground water supply. As a result, people are suffering from waterborne diseases. Many families now have to buy bottled water, costing them over Rs. 6,000 per month, which they can barely afford,” Fr. Marcus said.
Fr. Marcus said that despite sending letters to government officials, including the President, there has been little action taken to resolve these issues. Local government officials claim that they are unaware of the problem, and past governments have ignored complaints about the wind power project.
At the time the complaints were made, Adani Group denied reports that its 484 MW wind power projects in Mannar and Pooneryn were canceled as speculated and added that the Sri Lankan government was simply reevaluating the tariff rates.
Fight against further construction
Fr. Marcus said that while they aren’t against generating electricity, the location chosen for the wind power plants is unsuitable. He stressed that the project should have been carried out in an area where it would not harm people or the environment.
Mannar has been chosen as the site for the largest wind power project in South Asia. However, there are fears that the construction of large turbine foundations could destabilise the island’s soft underground plates, making it vulnerable to natural disasters like tsunamis.
Government officials say that they need scientific proof before they can take action. This has left the people of Mannar struggling to find a way to present their case scientifically.
A divided land and rising tensions
Fr. Marcus also expressed concerns that Mannar, historically home to both Sinhalese and Tamils, is being unfairly targeted for destructive projects. He thanked the CEJ for raising awareness about these issues beyond the island.
He emphasised that while they support clean energy, they will fight to stop any further wind power projects in Mannar. He also urged the authorities to relocate the project to another district where it would not harm local communities.
Government response and community efforts
Mannar District Secretary K. Kanageswaran explained that the Thambapavani Wind Power Project by CEB and the proposed Adani project were approved by the Sri Lankan Cabinet. As a government official, I do not have the authority to oppose this decision. A district coordinating meeting was held recently to discuss the issue, and they plan to take their concerns to the President,” said Kanageswaran.
As a government official, I do not have the authority to oppose this decision. A district coordinating meeting was held recently to discuss the issue, and they plan to take their concerns to the President”
– K. Kanageswaran, Mannar District Secretary
Due to poor planning, flooding has become a severe problem. People in Mannar warn that they will not allow similar wind power projects to be built in the future. Letters of protest, petitions, and complaints have been sent to the previous government and the CEB, but the situation has not changed. Now, local leaders hope to bring the issue to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and request that the project be moved to other areas such as Musali, Nanaddan or Mandaitivu.
Mannar is a low-lying island, with two-thirds of its land below sea level. Large-scale projects like wind farms and sand mining could make the land even more unstable and unsuitable for living.
Mannar Citizens’ Committee (MCC) sit for a meeting to address the issues caused by proposed wind power projects
Social and economic impacts
Sivaharan, a member of the Federation of Community-Based Organizations, warned that three foreign companies have already started surveying for titanium sand mining and have identified over 5,000 sites. Their environmental impact reports claim the area is safe for mining, but the people of Mannar strongly disagree.
Mannar Women’s Development Federation President M. Lakshi Kurushanthan said that after the wind power project, their cultural heritage has been violated. She criticized the government for not consulting the local people before implementing these projects.
Many families have already left for India due to the difficult living conditions. If all the planned wind turbines and mining projects are completed, there may not be enough land left for Mannar’s people to continue living. Drug addiction, family disputes, and economic struggles have increased as a result of the loss of livelihoods,” said Kurushanthan.
She said that women, in particular, are facing hardships, including a lack of clean water and hygiene products. Many families are forced to live in temporary camps due to flooding, and the situation is becoming unbearable.
Mannar’s people are calling for urgent action. They demand proper environmental protection measures and request that these projects be moved to a location where they do not threaten lives and livelihoods.
Adani Group pulls out, respects Sri Lanka’s sovereign rightsFollowing long discussions with the CEB and the Ministry officials, on Wednesday (February 12), Adani Group had decided to withdraw from the project. The project involved setting up of 484 MW renewable energy wind farms in Mannar and Pooneryn, along with a new transmission system and expanding the 220 KV and 400 KV transmission network to deliver electricity to the southern part of Sri Lanka.In a statement, Adani Group said that the decision to pull out of the project was made after careful consideration by the company’s Board. The company also emphasised its full respect for Sri Lanka’s sovereign rights.As we step away, we want to reaffirm that we are always open to working with the Sri Lankan Government on future development projects if they ever wish to involve Adani Group,” the statement added.
Colombo, February 14 (Daily Mirror) – Social activist groups lobbying for LGBTIQ rights yesterday urged the new government to make necessary legal reforms to decriminalize same-sex relationships between consenting adult women in Sri Lanka, as stated by the NPP policies to improve welfare of the LGBTIQ community.
In 2022, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR) stated that the criminalization of same-sex relationships between consenting adult Sri Lankan women violated the CEDAW treaty. The Government of Sri Lanka was urged to make the necessary legal reforms.
Independent lobby group for LGBTIQ community Equal Ground issuing a statement said the original case, which was put forward by Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Executive Director of Equal Ground, supported by Human Dignity Trust, set a major legal precedent stating that the criminalization of lesbian and bisexual women violates the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
However, at present neither the required amendments have occurred nor has Ms. Flamer-Caldera been compensated. Despite the change of government and with the new government stating in their policies their intent to improve the welfare of the LGBTIQ community, reforms are yet to be seen.
Furthermore, in September 2023 written replies to the List of Issues, the GoSL claimed (at para 135) that Legal gender recognition could be obtained by transgender persons in 3-5 days per existing regulations.” However, the reality is contrastingly different to their claims. As per the circular issued by the Ministry of Health, the Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) will be issued by a psychiatrist.
This evaluation process differs for each psychiatrist, at times the process would take months to complete. This directly hinders transgender persons from changing their legal documents such as the National Identity Card as the GRC is required for them to change all legal documents.
Stark contrasts exist between what has been either claimed or promised by the Sri Lankan state versus the current realities. We urge the GoSL to promptly and fully comply with the recommendations made by the CEDAW Committee in the name of good governance, the statement read.
Adani Green Energy, part of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s Adani Group, has decided to withdraw from its wind energy project in Mannar, Sri Lanka.
Despite obtaining most approvals, the company cited delays, including unresolved environmental clearance and an ongoing Supreme Court case as reasons for the withdrawal.
The company has informed Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) of its decision to respectfully withdraw” while remaining open to future projects.
A new committee is set to renegotiate terms, but official statements from both Adani Group and Sri Lankan authorities are still pending.
Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has officially withdrawn from its proposed $1 billion renewable wind farm and transmission project in Sri Lanka, citing prolonged discussions and new government renegotiation efforts, Indian media reported today.
In a letter to the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Adani Green confirmed that after two years of negotiations with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and government departments, and after 14 rounds of discussions, the company had secured most approvals. However, with a new Cabinet-appointed negotiations committee (CANC) and Project Committee (PC) being constituted to renegotiate the proposal, AGEL has decided to step away from the project.
The project aimed to establish 484 MW wind farms in Mannar and Pooneryn, alongside a 220 KV and 400 KV transmission network expansion to support Sri Lanka’s energy infrastructure. The company had already spent $5 million on pre-development activities and had made progress on clearances and land acquisitions. However, unresolved environmental approvals in Mannar and an ongoing Supreme Court case further delayed the project.
While withdrawing from this investment, Adani Green reaffirmed its willingness to consider future opportunities in Sri Lanka should the government invite the group for any new projects.
This marks a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy landscape, as the country continues its search for sustainable energy solutions amid increasing power demands.
A preliminary discussion on the final phase of drafting the Budget 2025, which is scheduled to be presented to Parliament on February 17, was held this afternoon (13) at the Presidential Secretariat under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The discussion was attended by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayanta Fernando, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, along with several senior government officials.
The Attorney General has informed the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court that his recent recommendation regarding the suspects in the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge will be temporarily suspended.
Previously, the AG had advised the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on the possible release of three suspects, including former Army Intelligence officer Prem Ananda Udalagama, former Mount Lavinia Crime Branch OIC Tissasiri Sugathapala, and former DIG Prasanna Nanayakkara. The recommendation, conveyed to the CID Director on January 27, had sparked controversy.
However, the AG has now informed the court to put the recommendation on hold, clarifying that the release of the suspects does not rule out the possibility of filing criminal charges if new evidence emerges.
A recent island-wide power outage that lasted for several hours has sparked concerns over the country’s national security and the reliability of its power grid. The incident, which was initially attributed to a lone monkey invading a substation in the Panadura area, has raised more questions than answers.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has offered a different explanation, citing the integration of solar power installations on rooftops into the main grid as the cause of the outage. According to the CEB, the unpredictable nature of renewable energy production, which can vary depending on weather and time, makes it challenging to control the grid.
However, this explanation has raised several questions. If the CEB is unable to control the grid due to the integration of renewable energy sources, why did they recommend these options in the first place? Moreover, it is unclear why the country’s power grid is unable to accommodate the variability of renewable energy production when other countries seem to be able to do so without major disruptions.
Another issue that has been highlighted is the CEB’s reluctance to allow owners of rooftop solar installations to have their own energy storage devices. This has led to speculation that the real reason for the outage may be more complex and nuanced than initially reported.
The recent brain drain of qualified personnel from the country’s energy sector has also been cited as a possible contributing factor to the outage. The lack of expertise and resources may have hindered the CEB’s ability to monitor and control the grid effectively.
The citizens of this country deserve answers and assurance that the power grid is secure and reliable. The government should conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, and the panel should comprise of real experts in the field, rather than individuals with dubious credentials.
Ultimately, the incident highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the country’s energy infrastructure and policies. The integration of renewable energy sources into the grid is a positive step towards reducing the country’s carbon footprint, but it requires careful planning, monitoring, and management to ensure a reliable and secure power supply.
The government and the CEB must work together to address the concerns raised by the recent power outage and take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future. This includes investing in grid modernization, enhancing energy storage capabilities, and developing strategies to mitigate the variability of renewable energy production.
By taking a proactive and transparent approach to addressing these issues, the government can restore public confidence in the power grid and ensure a reliable and secure energy supply for the country’s citizens.
The Legal Officer’s Association of the Attorney General’s Department firmly asserted that the Attorney General and officials involved in the relevant decision-making process have exercised their independent professional judgment in line with the esteemed traditions of the Attorney General’s Department regarding recent recommendations to discharge the three suspects in a case.
The Association unequivocally declares that it will not hesitate to defend the Attorney General against any attempts to remove him from office. Acting Secretary of the Legal Officers’ Association Tashya Gajanayake issuing a statement also stated: The Legal Officers’ Association of the Attorney General’s Department expressed its deep concern over certain recent factually incorrect and misleading statements circulating in the media relating to the advice dated 27th January 2025 issued by the Hon. Attorney General. The Association notes that the relevant procedures and practices in the Attorney General’s Department have been strictly complied with in the matters relating to the said advice. The relevant officers concerned had considered all the material facts and the law and had duly made their recommendations to discharge the three suspects who were the subject matter of the said advice. The Hon. Attorney General, after considering the same had agreed with the recommendations and thereafter proceeded to issue the relevant advice. Taking decisions to forward indictments and discharge suspects, based on the material available, with dispassionate disregard to the political repercussions or public approval or disapproval of such decisions, is the hallmark of an independent Attorney General’s Department. The Association expresses its utmost confidence in the Hon. Attorney General, his decisions and in the officers involved in the relevant decision making process, and notes that they have done so exercising their independent professional judgment in accordance with the highest traditions of the Attorney General’s Department. The Legal Officer’s Association emphatically wishes to state that they would not be hesitant to stand up and defeat any attempt to remove the Hon. Attorney General from his office.”
All of Sri Lanka’s miseries and problems boil down to its multiethnic nature which has led to conflicting policy priorities. One avenue of approach which may benefit one group, is not very beneficial to the other two groups. As a result, Sri Lanka is stuck in this trijunction unable to move. This is why the NPP regime despite 159 seats in parliament and the executive president is unable to make any real change. It is safe to just sit in the middle of the trijunction than move in any single direction and hurt the aspirations or sentiments of one or more tribe.
Don’t be misled by transactional issues and basic human needs like food, gas, fuel and the like. A nation that truly develops has far better things to consider and accomplish than daily living needs. Though daily struggles unify people of all ethnic groups, national issues and the direction the nation should take that divides them.
In the past there were five (5) instances when the ruling party had 2/3 majority to make radical changes. Some regimes with 2/3 parliamentary power did make far reaching changes that benefitted the country at that time. These include SWRD, Sirima (1970-77), JR, Mahinda and Gota. However, almost the entirety of their 2/3 was made up of Sinhala MPs and very few minority MPs who were either appointed to parliament by the national list or who had no other avenue of survival.
It was easy to make radical changes and follow a determined pathway. Though it had challenges, the nation mostly benefited, faced war and won and remained financially afloat (except the one headed by Gota).
However, the NPP regime has elected MPs from every district and a sizable number of minority MPs. Excluding minority MPs, the NPP regime has less than 140 seats.
Given parliamentary hostility and fragmentation, other party MPs are not going to support their moves.
This is the fate of the party that won the north and the south, the east and the west and the centre of the country and unified it for the first time in election history. It is not the fault of the NPP. It is the very nature of multiethnic Sri Lanka which will be stuck in this multiethnic rut forever.
When other Asian nations like Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Maldives, Vietnam and other mono-ethnic nations advance rapidly, Sri Lanka and multi-ethnic nations are stuck in a rut. Singapore is a rare exception and without compulsory military service imposed on every 18-year-old, no country can become the next Singapore though some Sri Lankans dream of Singapore’s riches without suffering the pain it goes through to achieve those riches. India is a divided nation from what was once a larger nation which included Pakistan and Bangladesh. Had British India remained one large and far more diverse nation with Pakistan and Bangladesh post-Independence, it too would have been bogged down in the same rut Sri Lanka is in.
Asanga Abeyagoonasekera Executive Director, South Asia Foresight Network (SAFN)
Bangkok, Thailand (February 11th, 2025) – The South Asia Foresight Network (SAFN), based in Washington, DC, and the Nation-Building International Institute (NBII) in Thailand have entered into a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster research collaboration and academic exchange on 7thFebruary 2025 in Thailand. This landmark partnership will drive joint research initiatives across Thailand and Southeast Asia, with SAFN focusing on foreign policy, security, and futures research in the region.
Thailand, as ASEAN’s second-largest economy, stands at a crucial geopolitical crossroads. This partnership will create new opportunities to develop high-impact research that strengthens regional cooperation between South and Southeast Asia.”
Speaking on the significance of this collaboration, Prof. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, Chairman of NBII, stated: Thailand, as ASEAN’s second-largest economy, stands at a crucial geopolitical crossroads. This partnership will create new opportunities to develop high-impact research that strengthens regional cooperation between South and Southeast Asia.” The agreement comes at a pivotal moment, as the region faces rising geopolitical competition among major powers. The collaboration will provide a platform for scholars, policymakers, and researchers to engage in cutting-edge studies on economic development, security and foreign policy dynamics, contributing to informed decision-making in the region.
Thailand’s civilizational ties, rooted in its rich Buddhist heritage, naturally connect it with nations such as Sri Lanka. This MOU opens new pathways for researchers to foster synergies between South Asia and Southeast Asia, deepening regional cooperation.”
Asanga Abeyagoonasekera, Executive Director of SAFN, underscored Thailand’s evolving diplomatic role, referencing Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s ongoing visit to China as an example of pragmatic foreign policy. He noted similarities with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent engagement in China, emphasizing Thailand’s growing importance in shaping regional diplomacy. Thailand’s civilizational ties, rooted in its rich Buddhist heritage, naturally connect it with nations such as Sri Lanka. This MOU opens new pathways for researchers to foster synergies between South Asia and Southeast Asia, deepening regional cooperation.”
During the signing ceremony, Asanga Abeyagoonasekera was honored for his contributions to geopolitics and international relations. He was appointed as a Fellow at NBII and an Expert Committee Member of the International Relations Institute (IRI) in Thailand. Additionally, he was invited to serve on the Editorial Board of several prestigious academic journals, including: Journal of Social Science Research and Innovation (SSRI); Journal of Future Studies for Development (JFSD); Journal of Nation-Building Research (JNBR)
This collaboration marks a new chapter in regional research excellence, strengthening policy engagement and fostering deeper academic exchange between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
The Cabinet Media Spokesperson, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, says that the Attorney General’s Department will not be abolished when the Independent Prosecutor’s Office is established.
He made these comments during a press briefing held today (11) to announce the Cabinet decisions.
Minister Jayatissa further clarified that the new institution is planned to be implemented with the goal of delivering services more efficiently than the Attorney General’s Department in the administration of justice.
Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa also stated that the Attorney General, the Attorney Ge
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Even animals in the area are affected by flooding 
