To curb corruption and deliver more efficient, transparent public services, the National People’s Power-led government of Sri Lanka unveiled an ambitious digitalization plan earlier this year. Spearheaded by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the program introduced three key digital services GovPay for government payments, extending the Presidential Fund to divisional secretariats, and issuing birth, marriage, and death certificates through diplomatic offices as part of its roadmap toward a digitally empowered society.

The Company Registrar’s Department was celebrated as a pioneer of this initiative, having launched its digital platform back in April 2018 in partnership with KPMG’s IT division. The system allowed companies to be registered entirely online, streamlined issuing of certificates, and facilitated import clearances through Customs — even helping Sri Lanka climb in ease-of-doing-business rankings. During the COVID-19 era, the digital platform enabled over a thousand companies to register seamlessly.

However, the system came to a grinding halt on Saturday (12th), leaving critical operations paralyzed. The department reportedly has been unable to restore functionality since, and the lack of a disaster recovery mechanism has exacerbated the situation.

According to reports, the digital infrastructure has been operating without maintenance since the end of May this year, after the government failed to renew its agreement with KPMG. The system, despite being crucial for the economy, was left in the hands of officials who lacked adequate technical knowledge or a clear strategy for sustainability.

Sources allege that senior officials may have intentionally let the system collapse to revert to manual, paper-based processes, which would enable corrupt practices. Others suggest a motive to award the maintenance contract to a different company.

The Company Registrar’s Department, which falls under the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, handles company incorporations, issuing of vital records, director changes, and tender registrations functions vital to business and government operations. Its daily losses from the outage are estimated at LKR 7–8 million.

What began as a model of transparency and efficiency is now facing accusations of gross mismanagement and sabotage. Observers point out that while technical failures and human errors are inevitable, the failure to maintain such a mission-critical system and the lack of preparedness to recover raises serious questions about accountability.

At a time when the government is promoting its vision of a digitally transformed Sri Lanka, the collapse of one of its flagship digital services threatens not just the credibility of the Company Registrar’s Department but also casts doubt on the broader digitalization agenda.

As of now, the department remains inoperative, and stakeholders are left wondering: where is the digital transformation headed, and who will take responsibility for ensuring its success, or its failure?

The post Digital Transformation Hits a Wall: Company Registrar System Collapse Sparks Concerns Over Government’s Vision appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.

In a significant move to strengthen its capabilities in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, Sri Lanka’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-Sri Lanka) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Center for Financial Information in the Sultanate of Oman (NCFI-Oman). The agreement was formalized on July 9, 2025, during the 31st Plenary of the Egmont Group held in Luxembourg, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing network of international intelligence cooperation.

The MoU facilitates the exchange of financial intelligence on money laundering (ML), associated predicate offences, and terrorist financing (TF) between the two countries, under the legal framework of Sri Lanka’s Financial Transactions Reporting Act No. 6 of 2006. This move reflects Sri Lanka’s ongoing commitment to aligning with global standards in Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT).

The agreement was signed by Dr. Subhani Keerthiratne, Director of FIU-Sri Lanka, and Colonel Abdul Rahman Amur Al-Kiyumi, Executive President of NCFI-Oman. The NCFI is Oman’s central body for gathering, analyzing, and exchanging data related to criminal proceeds, money laundering, and terrorist financing activities.

With the addition of Oman, FIU-Sri Lanka now maintains MoUs with 46 foreign counterpart agencies, enabling it to share critical intelligence and strengthen cross-border surveillance. These agreements are particularly vital in disrupting complex international financial crime networks, which often exploit gaps in inter-jurisdictional cooperation.

FIU-Sri Lanka plays a central role in the country’s AML/CFT framework. It functions under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and is tasked with receiving, analyzing, and disseminating information on suspicious financial activities. Its mission includes ensuring financial system integrity by working closely with regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and international partners.

The Central Bank, through the FIU, has also been intensifying its cooperation with global organizations such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), and the Egmont Group—an international network of over 170 FIUs. These partnerships help Sri Lanka meet global compliance requirements and bolster efforts to exit grey-list monitoring, if applicable.

Recent initiatives include enhanced digital surveillance tools, risk-based supervision of reporting institutions, training programs, and legislative reforms. The Central Bank is also working to close regulatory loopholes and improve enforcement in areas such as virtual asset transactions and non-financial business sectors.

As financial crime evolves in complexity and scale, the Central Bank and its intelligence arm continue to invest in cross-border cooperation, technology, and legal infrastructure, demonstrating Sri Lanka’s firm resolve to safeguard its financial ecosystem.

The post Sri Lanka Steps Up Anti-Money Laundering Fight with Oman Pact and Global Collaborations appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.

In a major digital upgrade to its consular services, the Sri Lankan government has approved a project to facilitate faster, secure passport issuance for Sri Lankans living abroad through the use of biometric technology.

The initiative will be implemented across 20 diplomatic missions worldwide, significantly easing the passport application process for the diaspora.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal jointly submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.

Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the system will allow Sri Lankans residing overseas to apply for passports digitally via Sri Lankan missions, eliminating the need to travel back home for renewals or new documents.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has agreed to provide financial assistance, technical expertise, and equipment to support the project.

This includes setting up biometric data capture stations, supplying necessary hardware, and establishing secure digital connectivity between overseas missions and Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration.

“This project will improve service delivery for our expatriates and reduce administrative delays by enabling digital passport processing at foreign missions,” Dr. Jayatissa told reporters at the post-Cabinet media briefing on July 15.

 He highlighted the significance of the diaspora’s contribution to the economy through remittances and noted that enhancing such services could further incentivize visits to Sri Lanka, boosting foreign exchange inflows.

Under Cabinet Paper 22/2025, biometric stations at selected missions will enable Sri Lankan citizens to submit applications and provide biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs on-site.

The system will be integrated with the Department’s online passport application platform, forming part of a broader digital transformation of government services.

While the specific locations of the 20 diplomatic missions have not been publicly revealed, government sources indicated that missions in countries with large Sri Lankan expatriate communities will be prioritized.

 This move is aligned with global trends where countries are adopting biometric systems to improve the efficiency and security of citizen services and border control. Nations like Switzerland have already implemented similar systems.

The biometric passport initiative is the latest in a series of digital modernization efforts by Sri Lanka. Earlier in 2025, the government began issuing 700,000 biometric national identity cards and participated in the Digital Public Infrastructure Summit, demonstrating its commitment to building a secure, technology-driven public service infrastructure.

The Cabinet communiqué described the project as a step toward delivering faster, safer, and more reliable consular services to overseas Sri Lankans. It also ensures that the biometric data collection adheres to international privacy and security standards, as guided by IOM.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration will manage the technical infrastructure and operational processes, overseeing data capture, verification, and secure document issuance.

This move is expected to streamline bureaucratic processes, bolster digital identity management, and reinforce Sri Lanka’s global shift toward smarter, tech-enabled governance.

ReplyReply allForwardAdd reaction

The post Sri Lanka to Launch Biometric Passport Services at Overseas Missions appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) has announced the resumption of eight previously stalled housing projects, with a renewed focus on transparency and accountability following widespread allegations of corruption in past developments.

According to UDA Director M.H.V.R. Kumara, construction will recommence immediately on two key apartment complexes in Narahenpita and Torrington, designed to provide 750 housing units for low-income families. These developments were halted midway due to funding and administrative issues but are now being revived under new oversight.

Additionally, the UDA has secured fresh investors to restart four middle-income housing projects—two in Peliyagoda, two in Orugodawatta—and another in Stadiumgama. A housing project in Anuradhapura, initially intended for middle-income earners and long neglected, is also set to resume construction.

While these projects are being brought back to life, the government is simultaneously conducting investigations into irregularities and suspected corruption within the urban development and housing sectors. Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, T.B. Sarath, emphasized that legal action will be taken against all those found guilty, including public officials.

“If the President, the Cabinet, and Members of Parliament are expected to serve the people with integrity, then so should every public servant. Everyone must work in the best interest of the citizens,” he said.

He confirmed that multiple investigations are ongoing into fraudulent practices and misappropriation of public funds, and anyone implicated will face legal consequences regardless of their status.

Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held on July 15, criticized the former United National Front-led Yahapalana Government for mismanaging funds during its 2015–2019 term. He claimed that although billions of rupees were allocated for housing development, only a fraction of the promised homes under the ‘Semata Sewana’ project had materialized.

“Out of 2,562 planned houses, only 367 were completed and handed over. Meanwhile, Rs. 523.6 million was spent solely on promotional campaigns,” Dr. Jayatissa said. He also disclosed that 25,543 people were granted housing loans, and 26,833 individuals received assistance to purchase homes under the scheme.

Ongoing audits and investigations are being carried out by the National Housing Development Authority and the National Audit Office to further probe these discrepancies.

The current administration, elected on a platform of good governance, has made tackling corruption a central priority. In recent months, several former ministers and government officials have been arrested or placed under investigation for financial misconduct and abuse of power, particularly in the housing and construction sectors.

With the recommencement of stalled housing projects and a parallel commitment to rooting out corruption, the government aims to restore public trust and ensure more equitable access to housing for Sri Lankans across income levels.

The post UDA Resumes Stalled Housing Projects amid Anti-Corruption Drive appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.

Amid rising discontent from consumers and small-scale importers, Sri Lanka’s e-commerce sector has come under increasing strain due to a mix of stringent tax policies, customs delays, and the absence of a supportive regulatory framework.

The boom in cross-border online purchases has been met with government-imposed restrictions and burdensome clearance procedures, creating bottlenecks in the supply chain.

These issues have stifled growth in a sector that once held promise as a post-pandemic economic driver, especially for entrepreneurs and SMEs relying on global platforms like Amazon, AliExpress, and eBay.

In response to the growing crisis, the Cabinet of Ministers this week approved the formation of a Special Committee tasked with offering temporary operational relief and designing a comprehensive regulatory framework for cross-border e-commerce in Sri Lanka.

The decision was announced at the post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday by Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

He said the new committee would be made up of officials from key government institutions and would focus on two core responsibilities: short-term facilitation of e-commerce import clearance and long-term regulatory planning to ensure smoother operations and better revenue collection.

“There is an urgent need to regulate and support the rising volume of goods entering the country through cross-border online platforms,” Dr. Jayatissa stated. “We must ensure the Government’s ability to collect taxes without stifling this growing digital economy.”

The surge in cross-border e-commerce has overwhelmed the existing customs infrastructure. Recent amendments to clearance procedures by Sri Lanka Customs, intended to reduce loopholes and inefficiencies, have inadvertently worsened the situation.

These new processes have resulted in long delays, higher transaction costs, and less transparency, disproportionately affecting individual buyers and small-scale importers.

The issue is further compounded by mounting complaints about erratic taxation and inconsistent handling of packages, eroding public trust in the system. Entrepreneurs who built businesses around imported goods now face declining revenues and operational uncertainty, while everyday consumers are discouraged by hidden charges and unpredictable customs experiences.

The committee’s formation was initiated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Minister. It aims to strike a critical balance—supporting innovation and online commerce while securing state revenue and regulatory oversight.

With digital trade poised to become a significant component of Sri Lanka’s economic future, experts stress that policy coherence, technological upgrading of customs systems, and private sector consultations will be vital to resolving the current impasse and unlocking the sector’s full potential.

The post E-Commerce in Crisis: Sri Lanka Moves to Ease Online Import Woes amid Tax, Clearance Hurdles appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.

July 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is engaged in high-level negotiations with the United States over a potential trade arrangement that could see a substantial majority of its exports entering the American market duty-free.

According to Deputy Minister of Economic Development Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, the United States has extended a preliminary offer to waive import tariffs on approximately 70 to 80 per cent of goods currently exported from Sri Lanka.

The offer forms part of ongoing bilateral discussions aimed at recalibrating trade relations in the wake of shifting U.S. trade policy, particularly following Washington’s move to reassess trade balances with various countries under a more protectionist framework introduced earlier this year.

Speaking during a televised policy segment aired on today (17), Professor Fernando revealed that a provisional list comprising over 1,100 product lines—ranging from garments, which are one of Sri Lanka’s main exports, to 42 agricultural items—has been identified for potential duty exemption.

He noted, however, that the finer details of the proposed agreement remain confidential, given the sensitive nature of diplomatic and technical negotiations. “These matters involve not just economics, but diplomacy and strategic planning. Until a formal understanding is reached, we must maintain discretion,” the Deputy Minister said.

Professor Fernando also indicated that the Sri Lankan side is exploring the possibility of reciprocal benefits, including tariff reductions or even complete exemptions for goods imported from the United States. He pointed out that Sri Lanka currently imports roughly US$ 300 million worth of goods annually from the U.S., most of which fall within a tariff range of 0 per cent to 20 per cent.

“Even modest adjustments on certain import duties would have minimal fiscal impact, given the relatively low volume,” he added.

A delegation of Sri Lankan trade and economic officials is expected to depart for Washington on tomorrow (18) to continue the next phase of the negotiations. These talks are seen as critical in cushioning Sri Lankan exporters from the potential effects of a proposed 30 per cent tariff on certain goods bound for the U.S. market, which the White House has indicated could come into effect from 1 August.

The post Sri Lanka in advanced talks with U.S. on sweeping tariff relief for key exports appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.

July 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has joined a broad coalition of countries spanning multiple regions in voicing serious concern over punitive measures taken against Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur tasked with monitoring human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a letter addressed to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, the group collectively criticised what they described as unilateral sanctions and coordinated smear campaigns—particularly via social media—targeting Albanese and other independent experts operating under the UN’s Special Procedures framework.

The letter, co-signed by a diverse alliance including Brazil, China, South Africa, Spain, Namibia, Iceland, and Sri Lanka, as well as several members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), denounced what it called “unjust and discrediting attacks” aimed at silencing those who bring attention to violations of international law.

The signatories expressed deep alarm over what they characterised as a broader trend of politically motivated intimidation directed at UN-mandated experts. These actions, they warned, pose a serious threat to the integrity and effectiveness of the global human rights system.

Referring to previous statements issued by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the letter underscored concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of online abuse directed at independent UN officials and human rights bodies. The co-signatories firmly rejected such tactics, asserting that they erode public trust in UN institutions and impede efforts to hold violators accountable.

The statement further highlighted the need to uphold the independence and impartiality of UN mandate holders, warning that punitive responses to their work risk undermining the very credibility of the Human Rights Council itself.

In support of their position, the signatories invoked the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which grants protections to officials acting in their UN capacities. They also urged member states to engage in good faith with the Special Procedures system, as stipulated by General Assembly resolution 60/251.

The post Sri Lanka among nations condemning unilateral measures targeting UN rights expert on Palestine appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.

July 17, Colombo (LNW): In an effort to enhance public accessibility and streamline communication, a new telephone line has been introduced for citizens seeking information or assistance from the President’s Fund.

The announcement was made by the Department of Government Information earlier this week.

The newly established contact number, 011-4354250, is now operational and is intended to serve as a direct point of communication for those wishing to inquire about the Fund’s services, application procedures, or eligibility criteria.

The post Public given new hotline to access President’s Fund services appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.

July 17, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has firmly refuted claims that core subjects such as History and Aesthetics have been removed from the national curriculum, calling for an end to the deliberate spread of misinformation and the politicisation of children’s education.

Speaking at a special awareness programme held at the Western Provincial Council Auditorium today (17), Dr Amarasuriya addressed education officials from across the Western Province. The event aimed to clarify key aspects of the newly introduced educational reforms and to dispel widely circulated misconceptions.

The Prime Minister, who also oversees the portfolios of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training, stated that the reforms were not only misunderstood but in some cases deliberately misrepresented for political purposes.

She stressed that rather than eliminating essential subjects, the reforms have placed greater emphasis on a holistic education model in which History, Aesthetics, and Vocational Studies are compulsory components.

“These reforms are the outcome of careful consultation with educationists and specialists in the field,” she said. “Our goal is to cultivate students who are not just academically equipped but are also grounded in values, culture, and creativity. History and Aesthetics play a central role in that vision.”

Dr Amarasuriya criticised certain factions for manipulating the reforms to provoke public outrage. “We have seen some parties intentionally misleading the public for political leverage. While political discourse is a part of any democracy, dragging the education of children into political battles is not just irresponsible—it’s unethical,” she said.

She went on to highlight the structured approach taken in developing the reforms, which aim to create a more adaptable and forward-thinking student body. The new curriculum encourages interdisciplinary learning and the development of practical and emotional intelligence, alongside traditional academic achievement.

In urging public cooperation, the Prime Minister called on educators, administrators, and citizens alike to engage with the reforms in good faith and to actively communicate the facts. “If you understand the new education framework, take the responsibility to share the truth. Counter the rumours with facts—this is about the future of our children,” she added.

The post Prime Minister defends education reforms amid misinformation concerns appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.

July 17, Colombo (LNW): Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and several members of his immediate family are at the centre of a significant legal case involving allegations of amassing wealth through unlawful means.

The High Court in Colombo has formally charged the former Health Minister, along with his spouse, three daughters, and a son-in-law, with illicit acquisition of assets totalling tens of millions of rupees.

The indictments, laid out across 43 separate counts, were presented by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) before High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne. The charges pertain to serious violations linked to Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption and money laundering laws.

Following the hearing, each of the accused was granted bail, consisting of a cash component of Rs. 50,000 and two sureties valued at Rs. 1 million apiece. In addition, the Court issued a strict overseas travel prohibition on all six individuals and ordered them to surrender their passports immediately to the judicial authorities.

The allegations centre on claims that Rambukwella and his family members illicitly acquired assets valued at more than Rs. 97 million. This figure, officials suggest, reflects a pattern of financial misconduct and possible misuse of public office, extending beyond the minister’s tenure in health-related portfolios.

The post Indictments served on ex-Health Minister and family over illicit asset accumulation appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.