<ul><li>Deputy Trade Minister assures rice, flour, sugar and dhal stocks secure; no immediate shortages</li><li>Imports flow from India, Pakistan, Australia, US and Middle East amid shipping concerns</li><li>Traders warn prices up 5–10% as freight costs rise and rupee weakens</li></ul> Sri Lanka has enough essential food stocks to last at least one and a half months despite mounting concerns over the escalating Middle East conflict, Deputy Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister R.M. Jayawardhana said yesterday (9).Rice, wheat flour, sugar and dhal are currently available in imported stocks already in the country, while onions, lentils, canned fish and spices sourced largely from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Canada and Australia continue to arrive through regular supply lines. A significant portion of sugar, fish and seafood is imported directly from the Middle East, while dairy products and processed foods are mainly brought in from the US. Industry sources note that these imports form the backbone of the country’s staple food supply.“For now, we have commodities in our imported stocks. So currently, there shouldn’t be a shortage or related problems,” Jayawardhana told The Daily Morning.He acknowledged, however, the situation would depend on how long the conflict continues and the timing of upcoming shipments. “We will have to see if the war drags on for another week or so to determine anything but for now, we have no issues,” he said. “We have upcoming shipments along with the previously arrived stocks in storage. Therefore, we should be good at least for around a month and a half.”On concerns about maritime disruptions, the Deputy Minister said there was no indication of a complete halt in shipments. “I am not aware of any delayed ships, but the President cautioned us recently that there would be delays of a day or two for some of our ordered products, given the situation,” he added.The assurances come as tensions in the Middle East intensify following the recent attack on Iran by US-backed Israel, prompting fears over the security of key naval trade routes. Any prolonged disruption in shipping lanes could directly affect Sri Lanka’s food imports, which rely heavily on international freight networks.Meanwhile, the Essential Food Commodities’ Importers and Traders Association has warned that prices in the local market have already risen by between five and 10 per cent. The increase has been attributed to higher freight charges and the recent depreciation of the rupee.While officials insist that stocks remain stable for now, traders say the real test will come if hostilities persist and freight costs continue to climb.

Despite ME conflict: Food stocks safe for six weeks 

<ul><li>SJB plans to move no-faith motion against Minister&nbsp;</li></ul> Following the filing of indictments by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, the ruling National People's Power yesterday (9) said it would wait for the conclusion of the legal process before deciding on any political action.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (9), NPP General Secretary and Government MP Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe said the Party would not interfere with the ongoing investigation and would decide on its course of action only after the legal process has run its course.“Let CIABOC handle it. They have a way of doing things and they will carry out their investigations. Once that process is concluded and the legal outcome is there, we can decide what we, as a Party, should do,” he said.CIABOC recently filed charges under Section 70(a) of the Anti-Corruption Act, alleging that Jayakody committed an offence of corruption during his tenure as Deputy Procurement Manager at the State-owned Lanka Fertiliser Company Limited in 2016.According to investigators, Jayakody is accused of facilitating an unlawful benefit to a private company in connection with a contract to supply carpets for warehouse premises belonging to the Company. The Commission claims that the procurement decision caused a financial loss to the Government exceeding Rs. 8.8 million.The case is now before the Colombo High Court.Meanwhile, the main Opposition, the SJB, has announced plans to move a no-confidence motion against the Minister. SJB MP and attorney Ajith P. Perera said last week that the Party intends to table the motion during the next Parliamentary week.Jayakody is also facing separate allegations of corruption and irregularities in relation to a multi-billion-Rupee coal procurement tender for the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai in 2026, further intensifying political pressure on the Energy Ministry.With both legal and political challenges mounting, the coming weeks are expected to test the Government’s stance on accountability as proceedings unfold in court and Parliament alike.

CIABOC indicts Energy Minister:  NPP to await court verdict before political action

Nearly 25 trade unions attached to the former Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) launched a 24-hour strike from 3 p.m. yesterday (9), withdrawing from all services in protest against what they described as the Government’s failure to respond positively to workers’ demands and to honour the existing collective agreement, even as the State power utility was formally dissolved at midnight on 8 March.The industrial action coincided with the coming into force of six newly established electricity sector companies under a sweeping restructuring process that legally abolished the CEB as a corporate entity.General Secretary of the CEB’s Sri Lanka Nidahas Sewaka Samgamaya, Prabath Priyantha, said the strike was prompted by several unresolved issues, including concerns over employee rights and the manner in which the restructuring was implemented.“We were left with no option,” he said, alleging that repeated requests for dialogue with the authorities had not resulted in satisfactory assurances. He claimed that workers’ concerns regarding job security, service conditions and the protection of benefits had not been adequately addressed.The strike began just hours before the CEB ceased to exist under law. With effect from midnight on 8 March, the CEB Act, No. 17 of 1969 was repealed, bringing an end to the Board’s decades-long existence as the country’s vertically integrated power utility.Under the new structure, responsibilities for electricity generation, transmission, distribution and system operations have been transferred to six successor companies, in terms of an extraordinary gazette notification issued recently by the Energy Minister.All operational activities previously handled by the CEB will now be managed by these newly incorporated entities.

CEB dissolved into 6 companies: 25 TUs strike for 24-hrs 

A discussion was scheduled to be held yesterday (9) between the Government authorities and officials of the Iranian Embassy in Sri Lanka regarding the next steps to be taken concerning the Iranian sailors currently in Sri Lankan custody.Deputy Defence Minister, (Retired) Major General Aruna Jayasekara stated that a decision on how to proceed with the Iranian sailors will be made after the discussion with Embassy officials.A total of 32 sailors rescued from IRIS Dena vessel, which was attacked by the United States in the seas off Galle and 204 sailors from the IRIS Bushehr vessel are currently under Sri Lanka’s custody.Amid the conflict that has arisen between Israel, US and Iran, significant attention has been focused on the decisions that the Sri Lankan authorities will take regarding the Iranian sailors.However, commenting on the matter on 8 March, the Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that the Government will grant one-month free visas to the Iranian sailors and provide them with necessary facilities on humanitarian grounds.Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni also expressed similar views regarding the measures to be followed concerning the Iranian sailors currently in Sri Lanka’s custody as well as the bodies of the deceased Iranian sailors.

Fate of rescued Iranians: GoSL, Iran Embassy hold talks 

The Health Ministry is at present discussing the possibilities of establishing a stronger mechanism to ensure food safety, Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said.&nbsp;Fielding questions from The Daily Morning when contacted yesterday (9), he noted that although there are several Ministries and institutions set up to ensure food security in the Island, the available establishments and authorities to ensure food safety are almost negligible, and therefore, the technical knowledge and rules and regulations that are available to ensure food safety are also minimal.&nbsp;“Although there is some awareness about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity, awareness about certain harmful substances such as aflatoxins, chemicals found in fertilisers, heavy metals and microplastics remains limited. The public either overlooks them or are largely unaware of the harmful impact of these substances on health. Therefore, there should be a proper system to monitor the use and presence of such substances”.&nbsp;He noted that there is a pressing need for a proper data system to monitor and increase the traceability of such chemicals till the end user. In order to achieve this, the Ministry is looking at the possibility of establishing an authority like the National Medicines Regulatory Authority to regulate and ensure the safety of the food that is available in the market.&nbsp;Responding to further questions, he said that several promotional programmes are ongoing to encourage healthy food habits and healthy lifestyles. Measures have been taken to introduce programmes in school canteens and even by encouraging students to bring nutritious and healthy food to school.&nbsp;Already, there are mechanisms in places to monitor the sugar content in food such as the traffic light system, increased taxes on sugar, etc. But, those alone are inadequate as the large amount of carbohydrates consumed by Sri Lankans also paves the way for NCDs. Therefore, what needs to be promoted is a well balanced diet which is also safe for consumption, he noted.

Food safety authority mooted 

<ul><li>Awaits CPC revision or Govt. directive&nbsp;</li></ul> As global oil markets convulsed with one of the sharpest single-day price jumps on record, Lanka Indian Oil Corporation PLC yesterday (9) made it clear that it will not move on local fuel prices unless the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation or the Government takes the lead.Brent crude surged by around 25 per cent in a single day, climbing to levels last seen in mid-2022, as tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran rattled global energy markets. The spike followed escalating military action in the Middle East, fuelling fears of supply disruptions across key shipping routes.Against this volatile backdrop, LIOC Managing Director K. Raghu told The Daily Morning that the company would hold its current prices for now.“We will not make any changes until the CPC takes an initiative or the Government issues an official directive,” he said, when asked whether LIOC was considering a price revision.Asked whether discussions were underway with authorities on a possible adjustment, Raghu responded: “There is no such thing as of yet.”Multiple attempts to contact the CPC for comment proved unsuccessful.The developments come as former US President Donald Trump, commenting on the escalating crisis, warned that Iran would face “severe consequences” and signalled that Washington would not hesitate to act if its interests were threatened. His remarks added to already heightened market anxiety, with traders reacting sharply to the prospect of a widening regional conflict that could disrupt oil flows.Despite the global turbulence, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe recently sought to reassure the public that Sri Lanka is better prepared to withstand external shocks than during the 2022 economic crisis.Speaking to international media, he said Sri Lanka has rebuilt its financial buffers, with foreign reserves rising from near-zero levels at the height of the crisis to more than US Dollars seven billion at present. He described this as a critical safeguard against rising oil prices and potential supply chain disruptions.Weerasinghe stressed that the fuel shortages experienced during the previous crisis were primarily due to a severe foreign exchange crunch. In contrast, he noted that current risks stem more from global supply logistics and price volatility rather than a lack of domestic funding capacity.For now, motorists will not see an immediate revision at the pump. However, with global oil markets on edge and geopolitical tensions far from easing, pressure on local fuel pricing mechanisms could intensify in the days ahead.

LIOC holds prices as global oil soars 25% 

Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes, has been chosen as his successor.Unlike his father, the 56-year-old has largely kept a low profile. He has never held government office, nor given public speeches or interviews, and only a limited number of photos and videos of him have ever been published.But for years there have been rumours that he held considerable influence behind the scenes in Iran.US diplomatic cables, which were published by WikiLeaks in the late 2000s, described him as "the power behind the robes" who was widely regarded as a "capable and forceful" figure within the regime, according to news agency AP.US President Donald Trump said last week that Khamenei’s appointment as his father’s successor would be “unacceptable” to him.Agencies&nbsp;

Day 9 of Middle East conflict: Mojtaba Khamenei named Supreme Leader

The Supreme Court has decided to postpone the examination of the appeals filed by former Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando against their prison sentences until today (10).&nbsp;The appeals were taken up yesterday before a five-Judge Bench headed by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena. The Bench also comprised Justices Shiran Gunaratne, Achala Wengappuli, Arjuna Obeyesekere and Sampath Abeykoon.During the proceedings, President’s Counsel M.U.M. Ali Sabry, appearing on behalf of Fernando, commenced his submissions. Further arguments by President’s Counsel Sabry are scheduled to be presented today, following which a team of lawyers including President’s Counsel Ramesh de Silva is expected to make submissions on behalf of Aluthgamage. Accordingly, the hearing of the appeals will continue today before the same five-Judge Bench.Fernando and Aluthgamage were convicted by the Colombo Permanent Trial-at-Bar on charges that, during the 2015 Presidential Election period, 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draught boards were imported through the Sathosa institution and distributed, causing a loss of over Rs. 53 million to the Government. Aluthgamage was sentenced to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment, while Fernando was sentenced to 25 years’ rigorous imprisonment.Making submissions before the Supreme Court yesterday, President’s Counsel Sabry contended that Fernando had not been involved in the decision to import the sports goods or in the related procurement process. He further alleged that the investigation forming the basis of the case lacked independence and was entirely political in nature.He submitted that none of the charges against his client had been proved beyond reasonable doubt. The President’s Counsel told the court there was a separate three-member procurement division within Sathosa responsible for the purchase of goods and that Fernando, as Chairman, was not a member of that division.He stated the letter of credit for the importation of the goods had been opened on the instructions of the Deputy General Manager of the procurement division, and that Fernando had only placed the second signature on the document in his capacity as Chairman. According to the submissions, three suppliers had submitted bids and the Indian supplier who offered the lowest bid had been selected by the procurement committee.President’s Counsel Sabry further told court that no evidence had been led to establish that Fernando had been involved in the distribution of the goods to sports clubs or schools. He alleged that officers connected to the procurement process and officials of the Sports Ministry had not been investigated, and that the investigations had focused solely on the two accused.The court thereafter ordered the hearing of the appeals be continued today (10).

SC defers Mahindananda, Nalin appeals to today

Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resource Development Ministry Secretary, Dr. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa said all fisheries boats and multiday trawlers had to be insured.&nbsp;Responding to questions from The Daily Morning regarding measures taken by the Ministry to prevent boat accidents, Dr. Jinadasa noted yesterday (9) that in addition, all fishermen had to wear life jackets while at sea. Also, the skipper of the boat or the multiday trawler has to be licensed.&nbsp;“Unfortunately, although the Ministry has implemented life jacket regulations, we can only ensure the crew aboard multiday trawlers has their life jackets on when setting out to sea. This is done by the Coast Guard. Whereas, fishermen aboard small boats setting sail from around the country may or may not have their lifejackets on as there is no one to ensure that this safety measure is adopted,” Dr. Jinadasa lamented.&nbsp;He noted that all boats and vessels are examined for their seaworthiness by a Naval engineer annually before being given the license. Also, all seamen have to undergo a health examination. Further, training is given by the Navy on international maritime laws while the Ministry, in collaboration with the Health Ministry, carries out training in first aid in case a health emergency arises during the voyage.&nbsp;“However, from the nature of the accidents that have been witnessed in the past, there are questions as to whether fishermen in multiday fishing trawlers and even those in small boats abide by the regulations and wear the life jackets”.&nbsp;Further, there is also the possibility that persons without any training could join the crew of small boats that set off to sea from around the country.&nbsp;He noted the Fisheries Ministry had collaborated with the Fisheries Department to conduct a similar training programme with the support of the Navy, the Coast Guard, the Police Narcotic Unit and the Health Department in the Districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota recently in the hope of creating awareness on the safety measures that need to be taken while at sea.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite ME conflict: Food stocks safe for six weeks

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LIOC holds prices as global oi ...

Day 9 of Middle East conflict: Mojtaba Khamenei named Supreme Leader

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SC defers Mahindananda, Nalin appeals to today

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