<ul><li>No centralised governance mechanism to oversee aged care</li><li>Only 148 elders’ homes registered and functioning in line with prescribed guidelines</li><li>Operators of unregistered facilities instructed to regularise institutions</li></ul>More than 300 elders’ homes currently operating across Sri Lanka remain unregistered despite legal requirements mandating registration, exposing significant gaps in the regulation of a rapidly expanding care sector, officials revealed last Friday (5).The disclosure comes in the aftermath of the deadly fire at a privately run elders’ home in Anguruwatota, Horana, which has claimed 13 lives and renewed concerns over oversight, safety standards, and accountability within residential care facilities.National Secretariat for Elders Director Chathura Mihidum said that the secretariat currently had records of 456 elders’ homes operating islandwide, but only 148 were registered and functioning in accordance with prescribed guidelines and standards.“We have information on 456 homes, but only 148 are properly registered and operating according to the required standards. The actual number of unregistered institutions may be even higher because we still do not have a complete database,” Mihidum said.He noted that operators of unregistered facilities had previously been instructed to regularise their institutions and comply with existing guidelines; however, many were yet to do so.Following instructions from Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment Dr. Upali Pannilage, the National Secretariat for Elders has decided to grant a specific period for operators to register their facilities before further action is considered.Mihidum acknowledged that while the Protection of the Rights of Elders Act No.9 of 2000 required all such facilities to be registered and provided for penalties, including fines and imprisonment of up to one year for non-compliance, enforcement remained weak.“The law clearly states that registration is mandatory. However, practical procedures for enforcement have never been properly established. There is uncertainty about which authority should initiate action against operators who fail to register,” he said.According to Mihidum, regulatory challenges have intensified as the sector has evolved beyond its original framework.“The existing regulations were drafted on the assumption that homes would be operated by social service organisations or individuals. Today, many are run as commercial enterprises. Some register as private companies or medical institutions, enabling them to bypass elder care regulations,” he explained.He further alleged that some operators avoided registration because they received private donations and preferred to avoid regulatory scrutiny and financial transparency.The Horana tragedy has also highlighted limitations faced by local authorities.The Divisional Secretary of Millaniya said that officials had identified concerns at the Anguruwatota facility well before the fire but lacked the legal authority to shut it down.“I visited the institution last year and observed unhygienic conditions and serious safety concerns. The owner was instructed to improve standards so the facility could eventually be registered, but our recommendations were not implemented. The owner was instructed on several occasions to comply with the required standards and safety protocols, but he failed to do so,” the official said.“The law requires registration, but it does not grant me specific powers to close an institution solely because it is unregistered. My responsibility was to report the matter to higher authorities.”The Divisional Secretary said a detailed report highlighting the concerns had been submitted on 16 February to relevant agencies, including the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities, the District Secretary, the Provincial Social Services Department, and National People’s Power MP Oshani Umanga.Meanwhile, Police on Friday (5) confirmed that another resident who had been receiving treatment following the fire succumbed to injuries, increasing the death toll to 13.Five others remain hospitalised with serious injuries.&nbsp;

Caregiving: 300 unregistered elders’ homes under scrutiny

<ul><li>No statutory Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund exists</li><li>Govt. plans to channel funds through existing public finance mechanisms</li></ul> Despite receiving more than Rs. 6 billion in donations for Cyclone Ditwah recovery efforts, no disbursements have been made from the Government’s Rebuilding Sri Lanka initiative to date, officials from the National Audit Office (NAO) informed the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) last week.&nbsp;The officials further revealed that no statutory fund existed under the name Rebuilding Sri Lanka, raising questions over the legal status, transparency, and oversight of the recovery programme.The issue came under scrutiny at last week’s meeting of the COPF, which reviewed the NAO 2026 Annual Programme.&nbsp;During the discussions, NAO officials informed the committee that no statutory fund currently existed under the name Rebuilding Sri Lanka, despite a Cabinet decision taken in 2025 to establish one under the new Public Financial Management Act.&nbsp;Instead, officials said donor contributions had been deposited into accounts maintained under the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury and certain Central Bank accounts. Officials attributed the situation to procedural delays. Committee discussions revealed that while a Cabinet paper had been submitted to formally establish the fund, the process had not been completed.&nbsp;The Rebuilding Sri Lanka initiative was launched following Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in November 2025 and caused widespread destruction across several districts.&nbsp;According to figures published on the initiative’s website, the programme had received Rs. 6.16 billion and $ 11.34 million in donations as of 9 April. However, the website does not disclose how the money has been allocated or identify projects funded through the initiative.&nbsp;Officials further informed the committee that despite the significant inflow of donations, no money had been disbursed from the account to date.Because the money is being held in Treasury-controlled accounts rather than a dedicated statutory fund, questions were raised regarding the applicable audit framework and whether standard safeguards relating to Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements had been adequately addressed.&nbsp;“Who are the donors? How can we know whether AML or CFT requirements have been complied with?” COPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva asked, stressing that the account should be subject to rigorous examination by the Auditor General.&nbsp;De Silva noted that past controversies surrounding funds such as Helping Hambantota had resulted in stricter requirements for the establishment of public funds, making parliamentary approval and statutory recognition necessary to ensure proper accountability.&nbsp;Responding to the concerns, Additional Secretary to the President and Ministry of Energy Secretary G.M.R.D. Aponsu, who also serves as Convenor of Rebuilding Sri Lanka, defended the current arrangement, arguing that a separate legal entity had been ultimately deemed unnecessary.&nbsp;Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Aponsu said the initiative was never intended to function as a conventional statutory fund once the Government reassessed the anticipated level of contributions.&nbsp;“The fund has not been established through a separate act, but it is neither legal nor illegal. We are using Deputy Secretary to the Treasury accounts specifically to collect funds for recovery activities,” he said.&nbsp;“If the fund were to operate under a specific law, Parliament would have to approve an act. During the process we realised there was no practical need for a separate fund. Initially, we wanted a separate entity because it would allow different procurement procedures, but the expected level of direct contributions did not justify such a structure.”&nbsp;Aponsu explained that the Government had anticipated receiving assistance from international donor agencies, foreign governments, Sri Lankan expatriates, and private contributors. However, major donor funding was expected to flow directly into the Treasury’s consolidated funding mechanisms rather than through a dedicated disaster recovery fund.&nbsp;He noted that estimated recovery needs following Cyclone Ditwah exceeded $ 4 billion, while direct contributions expected through the Rebuilding Sri Lanka initiative represented only a fraction of that amount.&nbsp;“When we looked at international experience, voluntary donations generally amounted to only 5–10% of total recovery requirements. While the money collected is significant, it did not justify creating a separate statutory institution. We currently have approximately Rs. 11–12 billion available. We are linking those funds to projects ranging from Rs. 2 million to Rs. 100 million each. We expect to implement around 300–400 small reconstruction projects using these funds,” he said.&nbsp;He also rejected suggestions that the initiative lacked oversight, noting that the accounts remained specifically earmarked for disaster recovery activities and continued to be monitored through existing public finance mechanisms.&nbsp;

Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund: No disbursements made to date: NAO

The Ministry of Energy on Friday (5) rejected allegations that a recently unloaded coal shipment had failed to meet required quality standards.Responding to claims that a consignment of nearly 60,000 MT contained excessive ash, Ministry of Energy Secretary G.M.R.D. Aponsu maintained that the coal remained within acceptable limits and that contractual safeguards were in place to penalise the supplier if any quality parameters were breached.The Government has been using the terminology of ‘acceptable limits’ of deviation from the expected value when responding to the substandard coal imports scandal, which saw the former Energy Minister and Secretary to the Ministry step down, pending the outcome of an inquiry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Defending the ongoing emergency coal unloading operations at the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai, Aponsu claimed there was no significant issue with the shipment’s ash content.“There is no significant issue with the ash content because the coal is within the acceptable margin. Regarding the shipment that arrived on 28 May, once we receive the load port report and it is accepted, we proceed with unloading. If the ash content is higher than the required level, the supplier is penalised. That is the formula,” Aponsu stressed.The ministry’s response follows a warning issued by the Free Lawyers organisation regarding the vessel MV Josco Yongzhou, which arrived at the Puttalam anchorage on 28 May carrying 59,766 MT of coal supplied by Taranjot Resources.The organisation alleged that the consignment was being unloaded despite an official load port report issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions South Africa on 30 April indicating an ash content of 16.8%. According to the group, this exceeded the 16% maximum reject threshold stipulated in the Lanka Coal Company (LCC) tender conditions.Addressing the report cited by the legal group, Aponsu said that the Bureau Veritas report was not the primary enforcement mechanism under the procurement contract.“The Bureau Veritas report is an additional report we obtain, but it holds no legal validity for enforcement. It is strictly for checking purposes. Sometimes the load port report is favourable, but the discharge port report is not. That is why we initiated another check. However, it does not provide the legal basis to take action.&nbsp;“We operate strictly according to the agreement. Under that agreement, if the ash content is higher than the required level, the supplier is penalised. That is the equation,” Aponsu said.He acknowledged the findings contained in the supplementary report but reiterated that any formal action would be based solely on the contractual terms agreed upon with the supplier.“The required level is 16%, and I am aware that the recent figure was slightly above 16%. However, that figure is based on the Bureau Veritas report, which is additional information obtained for verification purposes. It is not part of the formal agreement,” he noted.Despite these assurances, the Free Lawyers organisation has questioned the legal and financial implications of accepting the shipment. The organisation argued that there was no legal basis for the Government to accept or pay for a consignment that failed to meet mandatory quality requirements.“The coal does not qualify for purchase under the tender conditions. There is no legal basis for the LCC or the Government of Sri Lanka to accept or pay for this shipment,” the organisation said.Attorneys-at-Law Athula de Silva and Piyal Darshana Guruge further warned that authorising payment for allegedly substandard coal could expose officials to legal liability. They argued that such action could amount to a breach of financial regulations and administrative procedures, potentially causing a loss to the State under the Anti-Corruption Act No.9 of 2023.The organisation has called for an independent investigation by the Auditor General, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), and other relevant technical authorities.The controversy comes as the Government races to complete an emergency procurement of 300,000 MT of coal before rough seas associated with the southwest monsoon disrupt unloading operations.Maintaining uninterrupted coal supplies is considered critical to preventing power generation shortfalls in the coming months.Providing an update on the remaining emergency deliveries, Aponsu said unloading operations were continuing at the anchorage.“Only three ships are there now. These are the last three vessels under the Taranjot tender. They are currently in our waters and waiting to be unloaded,” Aponsu said.&nbsp;

Emergency coal procurement: Ash content within ‘acceptable limits’

<ul><li>Growing concern about sanctioned tankers in Indian Ocean</li></ul>The United States Navy has boarded a stateless and sanctioned oil tanker, the MT Davina, in international waters off the southern coast of Sri Lanka on Friday (5) morning, according to reports from the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).A senior Government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to The Sunday Morning that the US had boarded the vessel outside Sri Lankan waters in the south of Sri Lanka.It is learnt that the MT Davina (IMO 9259367), which had been operating under the name Lenore at the time of boarding, is a stateless crude oil tanker sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for facilitating the illicit transport of Iranian oil. The vessel is reported to have been loitering in international waters south of Sri Lanka.“Overnight, US forces carried out a maritime interdiction and right-of-visit boarding of the sanctioned stateless vessel MT Davina located in the Indian Ocean within the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. We will continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran, wherever they operate. International waters cannot be used as a shield by sanctioned actors. The Department of War will continue to deny illicit actors and their vessels freedom of manoeuvre in the maritime domain,” the US Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement issued on Friday evening.It is reliably learnt that the vessel, which had ‘gone dark’ frequently (switched off its Automatic Identification System [AIS] system – in violation of international maritime law), had commenced transmitting its AIS signal following the boarding operation.&nbsp;Meanwhile, it is learnt that there is growing concern within the establishment in Colombo about such sanctioned vessels loitering in the Indian Ocean, as they occasionally come within proximity of Sri Lanka, but remain outside the island’s jurisdiction.&nbsp;

US Navy boards sanctioned tanker off Sri Lanka’s coast

Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara has rejected claims that the Government is seeking to extend the retirement age of superior court judges in Sri Lanka.“I have no knowledge of any such matter, and I do not believe there is any active proposal or discussion taking place regarding an extension of the retirement age of judges at this time,” Nanayakkara told The Sunday Morning.His remarks came amid concerns raised by several parties, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), over an alleged proposal to extend the retirement age of superior court judges.When asked about the Government’s position or any ongoing discussions on extending the service period of sitting judges, the Minister dismissed the suggestion outright, stating that no such policy shift was currently under consideration.However, he said that efforts were underway to recruit additional judges to address the growing backlog of cases within the judicial system, adding that increasing judicial capacity remained a priority despite financial and administrative constraints.“More judges are currently being recruited. Reaching the globally accepted judge-to-population ratio is unlikely given our current financial situation and the recruitment process itself takes time. However, these ratios could change with the implementation of the new digitisation programme, which is designed to make the system faster and more efficient. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has yet to reach a final consensus on the matter, but recruitment is ongoing, although the exact upper and lower limits remain undetermined,” he said.The debate over a possible revision of the retirement age has intensified amid concerns over the country’s mounting case backlog. According to statistics presented during parliamentary proceedings, 1,131,818 cases remain pending across the judicial system. The shortage of judges has been identified as a key factor contributing to delays throughout the court structure.The alleged proposal has drawn criticism from professional bodies, including the Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association, which wrote to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday (3) expressing concern over the reported move.In the letter, signed by association President Wasantha Pitigala and Secretary Tenny Fernando, the association urged the Government to abandon any proposal to alter the constitutionally established retirement ages of superior court judges.The association noted that under Articles 107 and 108 of the Constitution, Court of Appeal judges retire at the age of 63, while Supreme Court judges retire at 65. It argued that these limits ensured a regular infusion of new judicial talent into the superior courts and that altering them without a compelling justification would be constitutionally inappropriate.The association further warned that extending the tenure of sitting judges would adversely affect the career progression of younger judicial officers.“The career trajectory of an entire generation of judicial officers is stalled, their legitimate promotions denied, and the institutional morale of the judicial service irreparably undermined. To permit the continuation of sitting judges beyond their constitutionally mandated retirement age is, in effect, to sacrifice the professional advancement of the meritorious many upon the altar of the continued tenure of the few,” the letter stated.The lawyers also expressed concern about the potential impact on public confidence in the independence of the Judiciary, arguing that an extension could create the perception of Executive influence over the courts.&nbsp;– By Faizer Shaheid

Judiciary: No offer to extend SC judges’ retirement age: Minister

With the forecast pointing towards El Niño conditions later this year, State authorities in charge of water, agriculture, and irrigation are assessing potential impacts and implementing strategies to manage resources, anticipating reduced rainfall leading to drought conditions.National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Chairman Chandana Bandara stated that the board had already conducted discussions on necessary measures and begun several programmes to mitigate the effects of the expected weather conditions later this year.He noted that while July and August were typically dry months, authorities were optimistic that ongoing monsoon rains would assist in maintaining water levels in the major reservoirs in the Western Province – Labugama and Kalatuwawa.However, according to Bandara, the NWSDB intends to increase groundwater extraction and explore new groundwater sources across the country as a preventative measure.“We expect to improve some groundwater extraction methodologies. We are also arranging to improve more wells, both in the Western Province and other areas. Altogether, with the Department of National Community Water as well as the Water Board’s groundwater and rural water sections, we are trying to develop groundwater sources significantly,” he said.Bandara further said that the NWSDB intended to reduce its reliance on surface water sources such as rivers by boosting the utilisation of groundwater resources, noting that increasing groundwater extraction would be an alternative strategy to maintain water supplies.He also noted that the NWSDB had launched awareness programmes to encourage water conservation among the public.“With our Environmental and Social Division, we have started some awareness programmes to utilise water. These programmes are being carried out in schools, universities, hospitals, Government institutions, religious places, and other public locations where we have identified the most water-wasting points,” he said.Bandara noted that the board anticipated the most difficult phase to occur between late July and early September and was currently preparing for this possibility.However, he emphasised that there was no intention of imposing water restrictions or revising water tariffs.“We are not planning on imposing water cuts or revising water tariffs at the moment. Without resorting to tariff increases or water cuts, we are trying to develop other methodologies to face this situation,” he said.Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture Director General Dr. Thushara Wickramaarachchi said that a detailed assessment of El Niño’s probable agricultural implications was currently being prepared.He added that the department’s Natural Resources Management Centre was analysing the forecast weather conditions and their potential impact on agricultural production. A complete report is to be submitted within the following days.“The Natural Resources Management Centre is preparing a detailed report on this matter, including how El Niño and its weather parameters will impact agricultural production,” Dr. Wickramaarachchi said.The Department of Irrigation, however, claimed that no major concerns had arisen at present regarding water supply for the ongoing Yala cultivation season.“Currently, there is no major issue with water regarding the activities for the Yala season. After that, we plan for the Maha season based on the upcoming rains. It is planned based on the December rainfall,” Irrigation Department Director – Water Management Eng. P.S.D. Herath said.According to the Department of Meteorology, El Niño conditions are expected to emerge between June and August and last until early 2027. The department has warned that the phenomenon might drastically restrict rainfall in July and August, raising the risk of drought conditions throughout the country.It was said that El Niño typically lasts between nine and 12 months, meaning its effects could persist in Sri Lanka until February 2027 if it develops this year, with a 40% probability of it developing into strong El Niño in November, December, and January.

Weather: Contingency plans activated ahead of anticipated El Niño

A Fundamental Rights (FR) petition challenging the arrest and detention of Tamil artiste Sangeethan Ganeshkumar under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) is expected to be filed before the Supreme Court on Monday (8), MP and President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran told The Sunday Morning.The move comes days after the 24-year-old rapper was arrested and remanded over allegations that videos he uploaded to social media promoted the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a proscribed organisation in Sri Lanka.Ganeshkumar, a resident of Uthayanagar in Kilinochchi, was arrested on Tuesday (2) following an investigation by the Jaffna Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau.&nbsp;According to Police, the artiste had performed at a musical event held in Navatkuli, Chavakachcheri on 31 May and subsequently edited and uploaded videos of four songs from the performance to his TikTok account.The Police alleged that the edited videos, which included additional voice recordings, portrayed messages supportive of or glorifying the LTTE.He was later arrested by officers attached to the District Crime Prevention Division and handed over to the Chavakachcheri Police Station.Police produced Ganeshkumar before the Chavakachcheri Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (3) and filed charges under Section 3(1)(g) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act No.48 of 1979. The court ordered that he be remanded until 17 June while investigations continue.Appearing on behalf of the artiste before the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court, the defence counsel challenged the allegation that his client had attempted to revive or promote the LTTE through his music.According to the lawyer who spoke to the media after the court proceedings, neither the lyrics nor the visual content of the songs contained references to the organisation, its symbols, or its leadership.“The song he performed does not contain the words ‘Liberation Tigers’. It does not praise the Liberation Tigers, nor does it contain the symbols or emblems of the organisation, or the name of its leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran,” counsel submitted before court.The lawyer also addressed references in the song to animals often associated with ethnic identities, arguing that these were intended as cultural metaphors rather than political messaging.Questioning the legal basis for the charges, the lawyer further submitted that it was difficult to understand how the artiste could be accused of reviving the LTTE when the organisation itself was never mentioned in the song.The case has once again drawn attention to Sri Lanka’s draconian PTA, which has faced sustained criticism from the United Nations, international human rights organisations, and local civil society groups for decades.Critics have long argued that the law permits prolonged detention without adequate judicial oversight and has been disproportionately used against minority communities, activists, and political dissidents. Successive governments including the National People’s Power (NPP) have pledged reforms to the legislation, but the act still remains in force.&nbsp;

PTA: FR petition to challenge Tamil singer’s detention

<ul><li>PNS Hangor calls at Colombo during maiden voyage home</li><li>Pakistan plans to build 8 hulls for Hangor-class attack submarines</li><li>The Pakistan Navy expects to have a presence in the Bay of Bengal with the induction of its latest submarine, the PNS Hangor, a senior Pakistani Navy officer said in Colombo last week.</li></ul> Commodore Omer Farooq, mission commander of the flotilla which was escorting the PNS Hangor to home port, addressing a gathering of Sri Lankan officials and diplomats aboard the Pakistani frigate PNS Taimur at the Colombo Port said the induction of the new technologically advanced submarine would give Pakistan the reach to maintain a presence in the Bay of Bengal.His comments come in the wake of growing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, including military-to-military engagements. It also comes at a time when multiple navies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) are expanding their capacities, and with India strengthening its security posture in the Bay of Bengal.Farooq, the Commander of the 18th Destroyer Squadron of the Pakistan Navy, told the gathering that the Hangor was a gamechanger for the Pakistani fleet and that they had planned to acquire eight submarines in the class.&nbsp;The PNS Hangor was built in China and is equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP), which allows non-nuclear submarines to operate underwater for weeks without needing to surface, thereby increasing their survivability by making them difficult to detect.Pakistani High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Maj. Gen. (Retd) Dr. Nayyar Naseer, addressing the gathering, thanked Colombo for its hospitality and the close bonds between the nations, and stated: “Pakistan takes immense pride in this close association, viewing Sri Lanka as a vibrant nation blessed with great potential, remarkable resources, and significant geostrategic location.” He added that naval diplomacy and defence cooperation were cornerstones of the enduring partnership.&nbsp;Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne told the gathering aboard the PNS Taimur that Sri Lanka was grateful for the assistance and long-standing relations between the nations and thanked Pakistan for extending training opportunities to the Sri Lankan armed forces.

Pakistan Navy plans Bay of Bengal presence

<ul><li>Claims deadlines extended due to industry requests</li></ul> The Board of Investment (BOI) has extended the submission deadline for the Request for Information (RFI) regarding the development of green hydrogen and green ammonia projects, despite a global context where nations are expediting capacity to weather global disruptions.Initially set to close on 5 June, the new deadline is now 19 June, 3 p.m. Sri Lanka Time. The changes in the goalposts for the RFI send mixed signals about the Government’s urgency to induct more renewable energy sources to improve energy sovereignty.When asked about the reasons behind the sudden deadline extension, BOI Director General Renuka Weerakone claimed that the decision was driven by the industry itself rather than a lack of interest.&nbsp;“The extension is primarily a result of direct requests from prospective companies. They required additional time to prepare and submit comprehensive requests for information, which is the primary reason the deadline has been pushed back,” Weerakone noted.The RFI is a joint initiative with the Ministry of Energy designed to attract qualified local and international investors, developers, and operators.&nbsp;The Government is seeking comprehensive project concepts for green hydrogen and ammonia manufacturing, export terminals, storage facilities, and green hydrogen component manufacturing.&nbsp;The extension comes at a critical time as Sri Lanka attempts to pivot towards sustainable energy and achieve ambitious environmental targets set by previous administrations.Sri Lanka has established a clear national target to generate 70% of its electricity through renewable sources by 2030, alongside a long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality in power generation by 2050.Further clarifying the nature of the submissions, Weerakone added: “This process is solely an RFI and not a formal request for proposals. We identified no issues in granting an extension, as it allows us to gather more extensive data to better understand the market and ensure the correct policy frameworks are established.”When asked if the extension was due to a lower-than-expected volume of initial submissions, she responded: “On the contrary, we have received a highly encouraging and substantial response from interested parties.”Large-scale energy infrastructure projects frequently encounter delays due to overlapping governmental jurisdictions and complex bureaucratic procedures. To mitigate these issues, the current information gathering process is structured as a collaborative effort between the BOI and the Ministry of Energy.&nbsp;Weerakone said that the two entities would divide their responsibilities to streamline the evaluation process. “This initiative is being conducted as a joint RFI. The technical aspects are being evaluated by the Ministry of Energy, as it falls entirely within its purview, while the BOI will be assessing investment viability. The overarching objective of this exercise is for our respective institutions to collaborate, understand the requirements, and subsequently ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to successfully launch the project,” she explained.When questioned about the specific regulatory safeguards the BOI was offering to protect these investments, Weerakone said: “The fundamental purpose of this ongoing exercise is to establish all necessary regulatory and operational frameworks in a proper and structured manner. At this current juncture, it would be premature for me to provide specific comments regarding exact regulatory safeguards.”The extension of the deadline naturally raises questions regarding the broader timeline for actual project implementation and whether these delays will hinder the national goal of 70% renewable electricity by 2030.Addressing these concerns, Weerakone provided a broader perspective on the country’s energy transition: “Green hydrogen is a vital component of our renewable energy strategy, functioning alongside parallel developments in the solar, wind, and biofuel sectors. At present, Sri Lanka is over 59% compliant with renewable energy targets, and we are working to integrate the remaining capacity.&nbsp;“While we have sufficient time before the 2030 deadline, it is imperative that we establish accurate policies and foundational infrastructure to propel this initiative forward, which is the exact purpose of this current exercise.”Commenting on the timeline for this transition, Weerakone said: “The subsequent timeline will depend entirely on the discussions conducted by the Ministry of Energy once the submissions are opened and technical evaluations regarding project requirements are completed. While I cannot provide a definitive timeline at this moment, it is certainly our intention to expedite the process and transition to the next phase as swiftly as possible.”

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