Sri Lanka

Ownership Options Remain Open as Mattala Airport Awaits Revival

Asian TribuneFebruary 22, 2026

Sri Lanka’s Government says all ownership and management options remain open for the underutilized Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) as efforts continue to revive operations at the country’s second international airport. Deputy Minister of Transport Ruwan Ranasinghe stated that the immediate priority is to make the airport fully operational before deciding on a long-term ownership...

No National Gas Shortage, Government and Supplier Say; Distribution Issues Identified

Asian TribuneFebruary 21, 2026

Amid growing public concern over empty gas cylinders and long queues at retail outlets, the Sri Lankan government and state‑owned supplier Litro Gas Lanka Ltd. have disputed claims of a nationwide gas shortage, saying that current challenges are due to temporary supply and distribution issues rather than an actual shortfall. Government Statement: ‘No National Gas...

Sri Lanka Parliament Reveals Irregularities in Coal Tendering Process

Asian TribuneFebruary 21, 2026

Following the current government’s assumption of power, Parliament heard allegations of irregularities and non-compliance in coal procurement for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant. Opposition MP S.M. Marikkar tabled a motion urging the government to take appropriate action against all responsible parties, highlighting that coal shipments did not meet required specifications and raised concerns of mismanagement....

Sri Lanka Plans House Arrest System to Ease Prison Overcrowding

Asian TribuneFebruary 21, 2026

The Sri Lankan government is preparing to introduce new legislation to allow suspects to be placed under house arrest instead of being remanded in prison, in a bid to address severe overcrowding in the country’s prison system. Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara announced on February 19 that draft legislation is being formulated in consultation with...

Sri Lanka Court of Appeal Orders Compliance with Approved Plan in Trincomalee Temple Dispute

Asian TribuneFebruary 21, 2026

Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka on February 20 ruled that the dispute surrounding alleged unauthorized construction at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya in Trincomalee should be resolved in accordance with the temple’s originally approved building plan. The ruling was delivered when a writ petition filed by the Chief Incumbent, Ven. Kalyana...

CID Officer Expresses Regret Over Arrest of Natasha Edirisuriya

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Sri Lanka to introduce new guidelines under ICCPR Act A former officer of Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has expressed regret before the Supreme Court over the arrest of comedian Natasha Edirisuriya. The apology was conveyed through a letter submitted by the State Counsel during court proceedings. ⚖️ Background Natasha Edirisuriya was arrested in...

Pathum Nissanka Breaks Record as Sri Lanka’s Leading T20 Run Scorer

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Surpasses Kusal Mendis while shining in T20 World Cup Sri Lankan batsman Pathum Nissanka has set a new national record, becoming the highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in T20 internationals. He achieved the milestone during Sri Lanka’s match against Zimbabwe in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, scoring 62 runs. 📊 Record milestone Nissanka surpassed...

Only One MP Declines Salary as Sri Lanka Reveals Parliamentary Allowances

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Debate intensifies over MPs’ benefits after new disclosures in Parliament Details of salaries and allowances paid to Members of Parliament in Sri Lanka have come under renewed scrutiny following disclosures made in Parliament on February 19. Responding to a question raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Chaminda Wijesiri, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya outlined the...

Law, Power, and Public Trust: Where Is Sri Lanka Heading?

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Sri Lanka’s past week has been marked by two significant developments that have reignited public debate — the expression of regret in a Supreme Court case related to an arrest under the ICCPR Act, and renewed scrutiny over the salaries and allowances of Members of Parliament. Taken together, these developments raise a fundamental question: Is...

Former Deputy Secretary General Challenges Suspension in Court

Asian TribuneFebruary 19, 2026

A former Deputy Secretary General of Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Chaminda Kularatne, has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal challenging his suspension from duty. In his petition, he argues that the decision to suspend him was taken without a fair inquiry, rendering it unlawful. The respondents named in the petition include the Speaker...