<ul><li>204 sailors in Welisara, 32 in Boossa</li><li>Navy says sailors’ communication restricted</li></ul> The Ministry of Defence yesterday (7) rejected foreign media reports which claimed that the United States had pressured Sri Lanka not to return rescued Iranian sailors to Tehran following recent maritime incidents in the Indian Ocean.“There is no truth to the claims that the US Government or the US Embassy have applied pressure on Sri Lanka to refrain from returning the sailors to Iran and no such dialogue has taken place,” Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara said, adding that there had been no conversation regarding the matter thus far.He stated that no one had spoken on behalf of the US Government or the embassy regarding this matter, adding that it appeared that certain media outlets were spreading the news, but there had been no such information, dialogue, or conversation on the issue.Jayasekara also confirmed that the rescued sailors were currently being accommodated at secure locations under Sri Lankan custody while administrative and diplomatic processes continued.“The 32 Iranian sailors rescued from the first vessel have been relocated to a secure location in Galle at the Boossa cantonment, while the 204 sailors from the second vessel are being kept under Sri Lankan custody in Welisara,” Jayasekara said.He noted that Sri Lanka had to carefully balance its international relationships while addressing the situation.“Sri Lanka maintains long-standing relations with Iran, but we also need to maintain relations with the US and Israel, particularly because many Sri Lankan expatriate workers are employed in Israel,” he said.The comments come after reports suggested that Washington had sought to prevent the return of the sailors amid concerns that Iran could use the incident for political messaging.Sri Lanka, however, has maintained that its actions have been guided strictly by humanitarian obligations and international law.Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Thushara Rodrigo said that decisions relating to the sailors and related diplomatic matters would be handled in accordance with established international frameworks.“Respective international law and diplomatic norms will guide the enforcement,” Rodrigo said.He also cautioned against the political exploitation of those involved in the maritime incidents: “Using the victims for publicity or propaganda will only further complicate the situation. Our objective is to help de-escalate tensions, not inflame them.”Rodrigo reiterated Sri Lanka’s broader diplomatic position amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions, noting: “Sri Lanka is a neutral country in the international political landscape and we believe in diplomatic engagement for a peaceful resolution.”

Iranian sailors: No demands made by US, says MOD

<ul><li>CPC explores alternative supplies amid ME tensions</li><li>Long-term tenders arranged by Government</li></ul> Sri Lanka has secured fuel stocks until the end of August, ensuring continuity of supply despite growing tensions in the Middle East.According to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), orders have been placed to cover requirements through August, in addition to long-term tenders already arranged by the Government.CPC Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage said that the country currently had sufficient stocks of diesel, petrol, crude oil, and naphtha to last until the end of April under prevailing consumption patterns.&nbsp;“Fuel stocks are stable and adequate for the coming months,” he asserted.Amid concerns over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Dr. Neththikumarage noted that Sri Lanka had not faced any direct impacts on imports so far.However, to maintain energy security, the CPC has initiated alternative supply arrangements. The country is exploring fuel imports from Algeria, Nigeria, and the Russian market.These proactive steps are aimed at mitigating any potential disruptions in global fuel transport routes, which could affect the national fuel supply chain. Dr. Neththikumarage emphasised that the CPC and the Government were monitoring the situation closely to ensure the country’s energy needs were met without interruption.He said that all operational plans, including stock management and alternative import options, had been carefully aligned with consumption patterns and storage capacities, ensuring that there would be no immediate fuel shortages for domestic needs.Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured Parliament earlier in the week that Sri Lanka currently had sufficient fuel reserves, with diesel stocks expected to last 33 days and petrol 28 days under current consumption.&nbsp;Incoming shipments, including a 35,000 MT petrol tanker and confirmed cargoes from RM Parks, Sinopec, and Lanka IOC through March will ensure uninterrupted supply.The President highlighted that storage capacity was the main operational constraint. Combined storage in Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela is around 150,000 MT, while Trincomalee tanks under Government control total 210,000 MT.&nbsp;Plans are underway to expand storage and refine infrastructure, including new tanks, pipelines, and aviation fuel facilities, with an estimated Rs. 30 billion allocated. Refining capacity is also set to increase from 50,000–100,000 MT.The President emphasised that there was no immediate fuel crisis, but that the Government was preparing for potential escalation, including economic and financial assessments. He noted that Sri Lanka could not remain unaffected by the global conflict and that measures were in place to support overseas workers, tourism, exports, and foreign currency stability.&nbsp;

Energy security: Sri Lanka secures fuel stocks until August

<ul><li>Over a million Sri Lankans remain across 14 West Asian countries</li></ul> Contingency plans are in place to evacuate Sri Lankans in West Asia if the ongoing regional conflict escalates, according to the Government.&nbsp;More than one million Sri Lankan nationals are currently residing across the Middle East.Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Chairman Koshala Wickremasinghe told The Sunday Morning that local authorities were prepared to implement an emergency evacuation if the situation were to deteriorate.“If there is a serious situation, we have an evacuation plan,” he said, noting that Sri Lanka had previously conducted similar operations during crises in the region, including during the conflict in Lebanon.Wickremasinghe explained that evacuation operations would be coordinated through a joint mechanism involving the Ministry of Defence and security forces.&nbsp;He would not elaborate if the plans were to airlift the Sri Lankans using commercial aircraft or to extract them using commercial or naval vessels.“There is a mechanism within the Ministry of Defence where all forces are combined for such evacuations. Funds have also been allocated for these requirements,” he said, adding that while emergency protocols had not been activated yet, they remained ready if conditions worsened.According to SLBFE data as of 28 February, approximately 1,007,855 Sri Lankan nationals are currently residing across 14 Middle Eastern countries.The largest Sri Lankan migrant population is in the United Arab Emirates, with approximately 350,000 nationals. Saudi Arabia hosts 246,139 Sri Lankans, while Kuwait accounts for around 175,000 and Qatar about 140,000.An estimated 32,000 Sri Lankans are currently living in Oman, while around 30,000 are employed in Israel. Jordan hosts approximately 14,500 Sri Lankan nationals and Bahrain around 13,130.Smaller Sri Lankan communities are also present in Lebanon with about 7,000 nationals, Iran with 35, Yemen with 27, Syria with 20, and Palestine with four.Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath recently informed Parliament that 109 Sri Lankans had been stranded at an airport in Saudi Arabia due to disruptions linked to the regional conflict, while another 22 had been stranded in Oman. Some of those in Oman may have already returned to Sri Lanka on an Oman Air flight earlier this week.Responding to the situation, Wickremasinghe said that the SLBFE was working with airlines to facilitate their return.“For those at the airports, we have already spoken and locked flights to bring them back. It is not a massive issue now,” he said, noting that travel delays had occurred primarily due to temporary airspace closures for security reasons.The escalating tensions have also affected foreign employment departures. Wickremasinghe said that under normal circumstances, around 800 Sri Lankans departed daily for overseas employment, but the number had recently dropped to about 200.He added that recruitment for specialised employment programmes, including placements in Israel, had not been halted, although some departures had been rescheduled.“We haven’t stopped the process. We are just rescheduling those who were supposed to leave. About 200 workers a month, or roughly 5,000 to 6,000 a year, usually go to Israel,” he said.Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Herath told Parliament that the Government had received 10 requests from families seeking assistance to bring relatives back from the Middle East, while four Sri Lankans in the region were currently out of contact with their families.Herath said the situation was being closely monitored in coordination with diplomatic missions in the region, with further action dependent on the evolving security situation and international aviation restrictions.Multiple attempts to contact Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra and Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku were unsuccessful.&nbsp; <blockquote> </blockquote>

Govt. ready to evacuate ME expats if necessary

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday (7) said Sri Lanka was handling the recent incident involving the rescued sailors from the Iranian vessels IRIS Dena and IRIS Bushehr near its waters strictly in accordance with international maritime law, emphasising that the country would act under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).Responding to questions during the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi about a reported United States operation against an Iranian vessel near Sri Lankan waters and whether Iranian personnel would be repatriated to Iran, Herath did not provide a direct answer but stressed Sri Lanka’s commitment to international legal frameworks.“I think we have to follow UNCLOS. Therefore, if we can reinstate international laws then we can face any challenge,” Herath said, noting that adherence to international law was essential in addressing maritime security issues.He added that Sri Lanka had faced numerous challenges and that countries must rely on established international legal mechanisms to manage disputes and ensure stability.When pressed again by moderator Palki Sharma to clarify whether Sri Lanka would repatriate the Iranian personnel or whether the country was under pressure from the US to hand them over, Herath reiterated that Sri Lanka was acting in accordance with international law and humanitarian considerations.“We are following international laws. We are taking steps regarding that incident also using those international laws, and we have taken all steps according to them,” he said.The Foreign Minister further stated that Sri Lanka did not intend to support any party in the matter. “We need not support any party; we take steps in a humanitarian way. Therefore, we will act according to international laws,” Herath said.Speaking during the session titled ‘Heart of the Seas: The Future of the Indian Ocean,’ Herath highlighted the growing geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean and called for stronger regional cooperation to maintain stability and security in the region.He noted that maritime security and economic cooperation remained key priorities for countries in the region and pointed to the role of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in fostering collaboration among member states and strengthening regional engagement.&nbsp;

Iranian sailors: SL to act under UNCLOS: FM

<ul><li>Regulator notes financial impact of sub-standard coal</li><li>Energy Ministry denies reports of possible power cuts</li></ul> The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has in a recent report warned that if the supply of coal by the current supplier to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) experiences delays similar to those faced by previous shipments, there is a likelihood that several shipments may not be able to be unloaded before rough seas in April-May shut the supply chain till December.The regulator has raised concerns that if several shipments are not unloaded, the stock of coal for the Norochcholai power plant may only be adequate for power generation until the end of August or early September this year.&nbsp;The regulator has also pointed out that as per CEB data, one or two of the power generation units (from a total of three) at the Lakvijaya Power Plant will be down for over three weeks for scheduled maintenance as well, pointing to reduction in power generation.However, the Ministry of Energy has denied reports circulating in some media outlets claiming that problems with coal supplies to the Lakvijaya Power Plant could lead to power cuts in the coming months.In a statement issued yesterday (7), the ministry said it had observed misleading and inaccurate news suggesting that several issues had arisen regarding the coal supply to the Lakvijaya Power Plant and that power outages may occur by April.The ministry clarified that the power plant was currently operating normally and that coal supplies remained stable.According to the statement, 22 out of the 36 coal ships ordered for the Norochcholai power plant have already been unloaded. The coal supplier has also assured authorities that the remaining shipments will be delivered without interruption, ensuring a continuous supply for power generation.The ministry further stated that preliminary arrangements had already been made to secure emergency coal supplies if required, and that sufficient fuel oil stocks were available for electricity generation until the end of April.Given these measures, the Energy Ministry emphasised that there was no risk of power cuts as reported and urged the public and media organisations not to be misled by false or inaccurate information regarding the country’s electricity supply.The PUCSL’s warning of a potential power shortage in the country is based on operational issues caused by coal supplied by Trident Chemphar Ltd. to the Lakvijaya Power Plant.The report on generator performance and financial impact due to use of coal supplied by Trident Chemphar at the Lakvijaya Power Plant has analysed the performance of coal supplied between December 2025 and February this year and its impact on power generation and financial costs.According to the report, the Lakvijaya Power Plant has been unable to operate at its full generation capacity while using the coal supplied by the current supplier. Previously, each unit of the plant generated about 300 MW, but with the recent coal shipments the average output has dropped to around 257–292 MW, the report states.The report also states that the coal consumption rate has increased compared to coal used from the previous supplier, rising from about 109 MT per hour to around 114–117 MT per hour, indicating reduced efficiency in power generation.Laboratory tests conducted at the Lakvijaya Power Plant further show that the calorific value of the coal is lower than expected. As a result, more coal must be burnt to produce electricity, increasing operational costs. The report also notes that fly ash discharge has doubled when using the current supplier’s coal, rising from about 0.046 kg/kWh to around 0.093 kg/kWh.The PUCSL report estimates that the first nine shipments of coal from the current supplier have caused an estimated financial loss of about Rs. 8.5 billion due to higher coal consumption and the need to purchase additional electricity to compensate for the reduced generation capacity.The report’s analysis also indicates that Sri Lanka may face a risk of power shortages during peak demand periods in April, June, and July, especially if a major power plant becomes unavailable due to maintenance or technical failures.The report also highlights the need for close monitoring of coal quality, shipment schedules, and plant operations to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in the country.

PUCSL flags power shortage concerns

<ul><li>Plans to discuss move with Opp. parties before next P’ment session</li></ul>Following the decision by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to file indictments against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is preparing to move a No-Confidence Motion (NCM) against him.SJB MP Ajith P. Perera made this revelation yesterday (7), saying that the party intended to bring the motion before Parliament during the next parliamentary week.“Indictments have been filed against Kumara Jayakody in the Colombo High Court (HCB 481/2026) on corruption charges by the Bribery Commission. In such a backdrop, it is unsuitable, unethical, and inappropriate for a Minister who has been charged with corruption to hold such a serious and sensitive ministerial portfolio,” Perera said.He further said that allowing the Minister to remain in office despite the charges was a serious mistake.“The Energy Minister has also completely failed to manage the recent coal procurement process involving a value of $ 147 million. Therefore, based on these two matters, the SJB is working to bring an NCM against him during the next parliamentary week,” he said.Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunatilleka told The Sunday Morning that further discussions regarding the proposed motion, including whether to seek the support of other Opposition parties, would be held on 16 March, a day before the commencement of the next parliamentary week on 17 March.“Further details about the NCM will be announced after those discussions,” Karunatilleka said.Meanwhile, the CIABOC has filed indictments in the Colombo High Court against Jayakody over an alleged act of corruption linked to his previous role at the State Fertiliser Company.According to the indictments, the charges relate to a period in 2016 when Jayakody served as Deputy Procurement Manager of the State-owned company.The commission alleges that he facilitated an unlawful benefit to a private company in connection with a contract to supply carpets for the warehouse premises of the State Fertiliser Company. Investigators claim that the procurement decision resulted in a financial loss to the Government exceeding Rs. 8.8 million.The case has been filed under Section 70(a) of the Anti-Corruption Act, alleging that the actions constituted an offence of corruption. The indictments have been presented before the Colombo High Court for further proceedings.Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Chanaka Madugoda told The Sunday Morning that the SLPP had not officially discussed the matter with other parties so far. However, he said that the party would support collective decisions taken by the Opposition.New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake said that in previous instances of this nature, the Opposition had acted collectively. “I believe the same precedent will happen this time too,” Karunanayake added.Multiple attempts to contact Minister Jayakody and Cabinet Spokesperson and Chief Government Whip, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa were unsuccessful.Energy Minister Jayakody is also facing serious allegations of corruption and procedural irregularities related to a multi-billion-rupee coal procurement tender for the Lakvijaya Power Plant in 2026.

NCM: SJB to move against Energy Minister

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and Sri Lanka Customs say they are not aware of any unusual requests from foreign vessels seeking to dock at Sri Lankan ports despite growing concerns that instability in the Middle East could redirect global maritime traffic towards the island.The clarification comes as heightened tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States have disrupted shipping routes across key waterways such as the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, forcing some vessels to divert through alternative routes across the Indian Ocean.SLPA Managing Director Ganaka Hemachandra said he was not aware of any extraordinary requests from foreign ships seeking access to Sri Lankan ports.Sri Lanka Customs Spokesperson Chandana Punchihewa also said that the department had not received any such requests within its operational framework.“Most of the matters you are referring to are not within the direct purview of Customs. Our involvement begins when ships actually arrive,” Punchihewa said.He explained that Customs did not play a role in deciding whether vessels were permitted to enter Sri Lankan ports.“We do not have the authority to request ships to come, prevent them from coming, or formally welcome them. That responsibility does not fall within the mandate of Customs,” Punchihewa said.Punchihewa added that Customs procedures began only once a vessel had already been allowed to enter port by the relevant maritime authorities.“When a ship arrives at a port, it must report to Customs. Officers will then board the vessel, carry out the required inspections, and grant clearance if cargo needs to be unloaded. That is the standard procedure,” Punchihewa said.Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara also downplayed suggestions that large numbers of foreign vessels were seeking refuge in Sri Lankan waters due to the Middle East crisis.“I am not aware of multiple countries, but I know there was a Japanese ship that requested to dock in order to bring a patient ashore for medical treatment,” Jayasekara said.His comments indicate that some requests for port access may be linked to specific humanitarian or operational circumstances rather than a broader influx of ships attempting to avoid conflict zones.The evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East has raised concerns within the global maritime industry, particularly as increased risks of drone strikes, missile attacks, and naval interceptions have been reported in some regional waterways.Shipping companies and naval vessels have begun reassessing navigation routes in response to these threats, with some vessels choosing longer routes across the Indian Ocean to avoid areas considered high risk.

ME shipping disruptions: No unusual docking requests at SL ports

Parliamentary watchdog, the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA), has decided to refer an investigation into corruption and irregularities at the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) to the Attorney General (AG) for observation and further legal action.The decision marks the first time COPA has utilised powers granted through amendments to the parliamentary Standing Orders to escalate a departmental investigation directly to the State’s Chief Legal Officer following parliamentary approval.COPA Chairman Kabir Hashim told The Sunday Morning that the amendments had significantly expanded the committee’s authority. Under Standing Order 119(4), introduced through amendments to the parliamentary Standing Orders in 2022, COPA was empowered to refer matters uncovered during its proceedings to the Attorney General for review and necessary action, he said.“COPA was granted the power to present our investigations to Parliament and, with parliamentary approval, refer them directly to the Attorney General,” Hashim said, noting that this authority had not previously existed. He described the move as a historic step towards strengthening accountability in the public sector.Hashim said that following COPA’s decision, parliamentary approval had been obtained on Friday (6), after which the report would be forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department.The referral follows a progress review on the implementation of directives issued during COPA meetings held on 10 March and 21 March 2025 concerning the DMT.During the meeting in 2025, the Auditor General had presented 25 observations relating to illegal vehicle registrations that had taken place prior to the integration of the department’s system with the Customs computer system.Officials from the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development and the DMT had been summoned before the committee during the inquiry held on 4 March. Those present had included Ministry Secretary Kapila Perera and Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Kamal Amarasinghe.The committee had noted that further action was expected in relation to 25 matters involving allegations of fraud, corruption, and irregularities identified within the department.Addressing the committee, Amarasinghe had informed COPA that the department would work with the Police to pursue legal action against officers suspected of involvement in fraudulent activities. He had added that monthly meetings would be held to review the progress of investigations and ensure that the necessary information and support were provided for legal proceedings.Amarasinghe had also stated that the department’s system had now been integrated with the Customs system and that measures had been introduced to prevent previously identified irregular practices from recurring.He had further noted that the department’s updated data system now enabled authorities to clearly identify officers accessing the system, making it more difficult to alter records or manipulate data.Meanwhile, Ministry Secretary Perera had said that plans were underway to establish a new integrated data system linking several State institutions, including the Inland Revenue Department in addition to Customs. He had said that the proposed system would improve efficiency in services such as vehicle registration, transfer of ownership, issuance of number plates, and the granting of driving licences.During the meeting, the committee had also raised concerns over delays in certain investigations caused by the disappearance of original files related to earlier recommendations. Officials had informed the committee that alternative sources of information would be used to support ongoing inquiries.Committee members had observed that public confidence in the department remained low and stressed the need to take steps to restore trust.Hashim emphasised the importance of transforming the department into an institution capable of delivering efficient, reliable, and corruption-free services. He noted that improvements to data systems and the expansion of online services could reduce opportunities for intermediaries and malpractice.Despite the high-profile referral, Hashim noted that most investigations into administrative misconduct were still handled within existing Government mechanisms. He said that line ministry secretaries retained significant authority under financial and administrative regulations to conduct internal audits and disciplinary inquiries, impose administrative penalties, and file complaints with the Criminal Investigation Department or initiate legal proceedings.“We will only refer matters to the AG if we believe they go beyond those mechanisms,” Hashim said, adding that COPA did not intend to forward every case to the Attorney General’s Department.

COPA makes first-ever AG referral on DMT fraud

<ul><li>Charge Govt. yet to commence talks on compensation&nbsp;</li></ul> The withdrawal of several Trade Unions (TUs) attached to Cyclone Ditwah-related relief services is to continue until the Government responds to the demands made by them and adopts a proper mechanism for distribution compensation and allowance for their services.Due to the continually unresolved administrative and financial issues surrounding relief services in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, TUs comprising Grama Niladhari (GN) officers, Disaster Relief Officers (DRO), and Technical Officers (TOs) halted operations on 27 February.&nbsp;As the halt enters its third week, neither the President nor the Ministry of Defence has extended a discussion on the matter yet.Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Sri Lanka United Grama Niladhari Association (SLUGNA) Secretary Jagath Chandralal stated that during the declared disaster period from 21 November to 15 December 2025, ground-level officers had carried out their duties to provide food and other necessary facilities to those who were affected by the cyclone, although most of the work done by them had not been “visible” due to the involvement of State machinery at the time.“That is a duty we have been doing, so we do not intend to talk about that. The post-disaster time period commenced on 15 February; this stage involves resetting civilians who were affected, rebuilding what was destroyed, and more. The officers who have taken TU action are the ones who handle pre-disaster and post-disaster tasks,” he said.According to him, such post-disaster tasks were performed in the interim, yet no allowance or appreciation had been extended towards the involved officers. Previously, GNs, DROs, and TOs had been provided with a daily allowance of Rs. 500 for a maximum of 10 days per month under a circular issued in 2019.&nbsp;Chandralal said: “We received only Rs. 5,000 for that entire overall task. Those payments were made until 15 December 2025, when the disaster situation was officially declared over. For the post-disaster tasks, not even a cent has been received to date.”Following the strike action taken on 27 February, Chandralal noted that despite the rates in the 2019 circular being increased for the entire public service, no mechanism on an allowance for officers performing post-disaster work had been provided.&nbsp;On Friday (6), the National Disaster Relief Services Centre had assured that such a mechanism would be established, although no written documentation on such an initiative had been provided as of yet.“The goal of this professional action is to seek justice for the injustice caused to us, not to take revenge on people who come to us. The main demand here is the request to provide a fair allowance for the duty we performed,” he said. “Another main point is the lack of a guideline with regard to the compensation circular. According to the Government circular, even a person with two or three broken tiles is eligible for Rs. 500,000.”Chandralal expressed concerns of unfair criticism being placed on GN and DRO operations according to the circular, calling for a comprehensive guideline to be established and gazetted in accordance with Government policy.Speaking on the matter, Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara stated that the Budget circular issued in November 2025, outlining the immediate relief following Cyclone Ditwah’s adverse weather conditions, had been designed for the specific situation, therefore serving as a guideline in distributing compensation according to the damage sustained.Additionally, he stated that the Ministry of Defence had issued a circular outlining special daily allowances for Government officials who actively contributed to managing disaster situations across the country.“This was submitted under certain conditions, not in the sense that it is a strict rule, but rather that there should be proper administration. The divisional secretary has to certify that this particular grama niladhari has visited these sectors and done this operation, and that the service is satisfactory,” he explained.According to the circular, the scheme has been in effect since 21 November 2025. It states that officials engaged in disaster relief operations will receive daily allowances depending on their respective service levels, with the values set at Rs. 2,500, Rs. 2,000, Rs. 1,600, Rs. 1,400, and Rs. 800. Additionally, GN officials directly working in disaster-affected areas will receive Rs. 1,500 per day, while those deployed from non-disaster areas to assist relief efforts will receive Rs. 1,000 per day.Jayasekara noted that he was not able to comment on the matter of the relevant officers allegedly not being paid for their post-disaster efforts.

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