<ul><li>HR vetting of SL’s personnel almost complete</li><li>Over 900 soldiers, 189 policemen trained for deployment</li><li>India supports deployment with $ 5 m worth of kit</li><li>Plans underway to deploy IFVs, locally produced protected vehicles, surveillance drones</li></ul> The Government is poised to deploy over 900 armed forces personnel and nearly 200 policemen to the crime-ridden Caribbean nation of Haiti, according to the Ministry of Defence.It is learnt that the mission, once commenced, will see the first deployment of a platoon of Army women combat engineers, who will be tasked with disarming Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). This is a historic first for women sappers of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA).&nbsp;&nbsp;The mission, though not a traditional ‘peacekeeping’ mission, is to aid the United Nations (UN)-backed US-led Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to combat gang violence in the troubled nation in line with UN Resolution 2793.Ministry of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha told The Sunday Morning that the human rights vetting of the contributing contingent was almost complete and that the force was awaiting a formation and equipment inspection, which would be carried out in the coming weeks.“There will be a contingent equipment inspection by a UN team soon. This is to check if our unit is fit and equipped for the task.&nbsp;“Most of the HR vetting is complete. I met the Prime Minister of Haiti during a visit to New York and discussed our contribution to the mission. This is the first time we are undertaking this type of mission, which is to be part of a Gang Suppression Force to help keep law and order in Haiti and bring stability to the nation,” Thuyacontha said, adding that preparation to deploy the contingent was moving at a fast pace.UN Security Council Resolution 2793 calls for the multinational GSF mission to work in close cooperation with the Haitian Government, in compliance with international law, including international human rights law, as applicable, and the UN’s human rights policy.The UN-backed, US-led mission aims to help the Haitian authorities regain control of the nation, which is in a state of lawlessness and has not held elections for some time. Troops from Chad are reportedly already in Haiti to join the GSF, which is taking over from the previous mission – Multinational Security Support (MSS). It is reported that Haiti is planning to hold elections in August/September of this year and needs the lawlessness in the country to be addressed to conduct them.According to the Ministry of Defence, the Government of Sri Lanka had accepted an invitation received by Colombo from the Government of Haiti, supported by the US and Canada, seeking troops from Colombo to partake in the GSF mission.&nbsp;According to the ministry, the over 900-strong SLA contingent is supported by a 189-strong contingent from the Police Special Task Force, backed by Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) and locally produced mine-protected Unibuffel personnel carriers. It is learnt that two armoured vehicles, which were previously used at the Presidential Secretariat, have also been seconded to the contingent for the use of the Sri Lankan Blue Helmets.The ministry told The Sunday Morning that while training of the specially selected contingent was being carried out at the Institute of Peace Support Operations Training Sri Lanka (IPSOTSL) in Kukuleganga, the training programme had received support and assistance from several foreign nations.&nbsp;The ministry also acknowledged support from India and Pakistan in the form of military stores, ammunition, and equipment needed to complete the Sri Lankan contingent’s kit for the GSF mission.&nbsp;Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha last week handed over a consignment of stores worth $ 5 million to the SLA in support of the mission. The Sri Lankan contingent is expected to be ready for deployment by end-July.

SL to deploy 1,000+ personnel to Haiti

<ul><li>Ministry claims it has secured sufficient stockpiles until Sept.</li></ul> The Ministry of Energy has confirmed the rejection of the fifth emergency coal shipment from the Taranjot contract after it failed its load port evaluation.Despite this setback, the ministry is confident that it has secured its minimum required coal stockpile to sustain national power generation through the current season, eliminating the need for any emergency power purchases before September.Addressing the contractual complications surrounding the rejected emergency supply vessel, Ministry of Energy Secretary G.M.R.D. Aponsu stated: “The fifth emergency shipment from the Taranjot contract encountered an issue because its load port report was not successful, which represents the first such failure out of our total shipments.&nbsp;“According to the contract, we cannot permit the unloading of a vessel unless the load port evaluation is successful, as a successful report legally entitles the suppliers to receive an 80% advance payment of the cargo cost.”Aponsu added: “The suppliers requested that we unload the cargo without immediate payment, but we refused because doing so would directly violate our active agreement and we maintained that we could not violate the terms of the contract.&nbsp;“While we discussed the possibility of creating a formal legal addendum to resolve the issue, such a process cannot be completed in just one or two days because it requires obtaining official approvals from the Attorney General, which left us in a prolonged discussion while the vessel remained outside the inner port.”The Ministry Secretary said that during the discussions, Taranjot had been informed that the failed cargo could not be unloaded at the port and was therefore offered a window of time to provide an alternative vessel to fulfil its obligations.&nbsp;“The suppliers ultimately accepted this decision, agreeing to take the failed shipment back and replace it with another vessel that complied with our contract, although changing weather conditions means the sea will become rougher and the replacement vessel will likely arrive here during the first week of September.”When asked about the coal supply situation, Aponsu stated that the total coal procurement initially planned was for 25 shipments, but when certain disruptions occurred with the Trident contract, it was decided to stop a few shipments and proceed with an emergency procurement of five additional shipments.&nbsp;“We subsequently calculated that the minimum requirement to maintain operations is 23 shipments, which means we definitely have to take 18 shipments from the first procurement alongside the five emergency shipments to create a secure operational balance,” he said.Detailing the logistical distribution of the vessels, Aponsu noted: “With time, all the shipments experienced some delays, including the emergency ones, leaving no room to cancel or terminate the contracts through standard legal mechanisms because issuing a termination letter requires formal decisions and approvals. However, the initial suppliers continued loading on their own frequency, and by the time we reached this critical juncture, they had already loaded 20 shipments, bringing us to a more secure total situation of 25 shipments, even though they are currently scattered across different locations such as the loading port, out at sea, or awaiting offloading.”When asked about the coal stock, Aponsu stated that 22 shipments had already been successfully processed and unloaded for this season, with the 23rd shipment – which successfully fulfils the minimum required baseline – scheduled to be unloaded either on the evening of 19 June or morning of 20 June.“The 19th shipment from Trident is currently being cleared and we expect that this addition will ensure our power generation capabilities remain entirely secure until the next major procurement cycle begins during the second week of September.”Outlining the progress of the upcoming long-term tender, Aponsu said that the procurement process for the next major supply cycle was moving forward within the established timeline, as the submission and technical evaluation phases had already been completed successfully.&nbsp;“We are currently conducting the price evaluations and we expect to issue the official order to open the competitive price bids in the coming week, ensuring the first shipment under this new tender remains perfectly on schedule to begin unloading by the middle of September.”Following intense parliamentary and public scrutiny in relation to substandard coal supply over several months, the Government launched a committee to investigate the issue, with the Energy Minister and Secretary to the ministry at the time stepping down earlier this year in the face of strong opposition in relation to the procurement process and supply integrity.

Coal supply saga: Sri Lanka rejects fifth Taranjot coal shipment

<ul><li>Both lithotripsy machines out of order</li></ul> More than 1,000 kidney stone patients awaiting surgery at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) are facing delays due to the unavailability of two specialised machines required for minimally invasive procedures, hospital sources said.Informed hospital sources told The Sunday Morning on Thursday (18) that surgeries for kidney stones had been postponed because the hospital did not have access to functioning intracorporeal pneumatic lithotripsy machines, which are essential for treating patients with large kidney stones.They noted that surgeons required the equipment to perform Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), a minimally invasive procedure used to remove large kidney stones. However, the lack of the required machines has resulted in surgeries being repeatedly postponed.“Requests for the equipment have been made for a considerable period, but the machines have still not been provided. Consultants have repeatedly raised the issue, but it remains unresolved,” sources noted.According to hospital sources, patients who are given surgery dates are often admitted to the hospital only to be informed that their procedures must be postponed because the required equipment is unavailable.“Patients are admitted expecting surgery, but once they arrive, they are informed that the procedure cannot go ahead. New dates are then issued, and in some cases, the surgeries are postponed again,” sources explained.They further stated that procurement requests had already been submitted for the machines, but the purchasing process had not been completed yet.They warned that prolonged delays could increase the risk of complications among patients with large kidney stones, many of whom require timely surgical intervention.The NHSL, which serves as the country’s main referral centre for complex kidney stone surgeries, receives patients from across the country, including Galle, Matara, and other regional hospitals where similar specialised equipment is unavailable, according to them.Hospital sources added that four consultant specialists currently handled such cases at the NHSL, with surgeries typically carried out throughout the working week. However, the shortage of essential equipment has significantly affected the hospital’s ability to perform the procedures.The new Deputy Director General of the NHSL could not be contacted for comment at the time.&nbsp;

NHSL services: Over 1,000 patients await surgery to remove stones

Iran is set to release the Sri Lankan seafarers who have been detained following the arrest of their merchant vessel in foreign waters. The impending release comes after weeks of diplomatic negotiations between the State authorities of Sri Lanka and Iran, it is learnt.Merchant Shipping Secretariat Director General Asanga Deshapriya confirmed the impending release and detailed the sequence of events that had led to the diplomatic breakthrough. He noted that the State apparatus had been mobilised immediately upon receiving the news of the vessel being detained.“We were informed about only one vessel that had Sri Lankan seafarers on board. There were three Sri Lankan seafarers on that particular vessel. That vessel was subsequently arrested by the authorities in Iran,” Deshapriya stated, outlining the initial reports received by the Merchant Shipping Secretariat.The official notification regarding the arrest of the merchant vessel reached the relevant authorities on 22 April. The Merchant Shipping Secretariat initiated its established protocols for dealing with seafarers detained in foreign jurisdictions.“Upon receiving the information, we immediately informed the Foreign Ministry. We conducted all the necessary diplomatic work required to facilitate their release,” Deshapriya explained, emphasising the inter-agency coordination that was vital to ensuring the welfare of the Sri Lankan citizens involved.The diplomatic channels remained active over the ensuing weeks, with the Foreign Ministry leading the negotiations with its Iranian counterparts. These continuous efforts eventually yielded a positive outcome, securing the freedom of the detained Sri Lankan crew members.“I received an official letter from the Foreign Ministry on Friday (19) confirming that two of the seafarers are going to be sent back to Sri Lanka,” Deshapriya said, providing the latest update on the matter.Accordingly, two of the three seafarers will arrive in Sri Lanka on Sunday and the other will arrive next week.While the announcement of the release is a significant relief for the families and the maritime community, strict confidentiality protocols are being maintained regarding the personal identities of the crew members. The local shipping agent responsible for the seafarers has requested absolute privacy to protect the individuals involved. He nevertheless confirmed that all three arrested Sri Lankans were males.The authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safe repatriation of the released individuals once the final administrative procedures are completed.&nbsp;

West Asia conflict: Iran to release Lankan seafarers

<ul><li>Climate-resilient repairs being undertaken</li></ul> The Nanu Oya to Ambewela railway line is set to resume operations following extensive repairs necessitated by the severe weather conditions brought about by Cyclone Ditwah, according to National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) Director General Dr. Asiri Karunawardena.Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Dr. Karunawardena said that the repaired railway track was designed to be disaster resilient.&nbsp;“We have designed the railway track in such a way as to withstand future rainfall events and potential landslides. It is a permanent solution,” he said.“The newly-laid tracks have been engineered in a highly climate-resilient manner. We have completed all necessary investigations and subsequently carried out the appropriate structural design.&nbsp;“Based on these precise designs, the restoration work has been executed by a qualified contractor strictly under our direct supervision. As a result of this comprehensive effort, Sri Lanka Railways is now able to lay the track again, and train services from Badulla to Nanu Oya will effectively continue,” he added.While the Ambewela section is complete, several other railway locations remain under construction.&nbsp;“Areas spanning from Kotagala to Talawakelle, Rambukkana to Kandy, Kadugannawa, Nawalapitiya, and Gampola were severely affected and washed out by the recent cyclone. We have already completed the required designing for these unstable locations, and the construction process is currently ongoing,” Dr. Karunawardena added.Sri Lanka Railways Superintendent of Train Operations and Spokesperson Asanka Samarasinghe, confirming the resumption of train services and the department’s close coordination with geological experts, said: “We are operating entirely based on the official reports provided by the NBRO. While it is scientifically impossible to provide an absolute guarantee that natural disasters will never occur again, the experts have assured us that the track is currently safe and stable. Following their clearance, our civil engineers have also evaluated the conditions and given the final approval for trains to run.”The recently repaired sections have seen significant structural improvements compared to their previous state. “The authorities have implemented major remedial measures and repaired the vulnerable areas to a much higher standard than before. The track is perfectly fine for the current environmental situation and can easily withstand standard rainfall. Essentially, the location has been secured against further sliding under foreseeable weather conditions,” Samarasinghe noted.Despite the progress made on the Nanu Oya line, Sri Lanka Railways faces significant logistical hurdles in completing the remaining restorations, particularly the stretch between Kotagala and Talawakelle.&nbsp;“There are about two major locations in that section that require extensive repairs. The primary challenge we face is the complete lack of a dedicated supply route. We are forced to transport all heavy machinery, construction materials, and personnel via the main public road. Due to these logistical difficulties, we cannot provide a strict timeline for completion, but our ultimate target is to finish the work within this year,” he explained.Train services from Nawalapitiya to Kotagala are currently operational, and the department aims to finish the remaining track to Badulla soon. “Passengers travelling beyond Nanu Oya will have to proceed by bus on their own accord. Sri Lanka Railways does not provide any substitute transport facilities or additional assistance for this leg of the journey,” Samarasinghe stated.“Even before the recent storms hit, an official project was actively underway under the supervision of the NBRO to identify and fortify vulnerable areas along the upcountry railway line, and to set up early warning systems. It was exactly during this preventative phase that the severe weather occurred. That project is also now complete, so our immediate focus has shifted to completing the repairs between Talawakelle and Kotagala,” Samarasinghe said.The total financial damage caused by the adverse weather to the railway network is yet to be publicly quantified, with officials still consolidating the final figures, according to Samarasinghe.&nbsp;

Ditwah damages: Upcountry railway line resumes operations 

Despite the State-provided subsidy for fuel coming to an end next month, no discussion has taken place yet regarding the renewal of the fuel subsidy for fishermen beyond the current three-month relief period ending in July, according to Deputy Minister of Fisheries Rathna Gamage.In April, the Government announced a comprehensive relief package to ease the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on several affected sectors. As part of this initiative, an energy relief package was introduced to provide on-budget fuel subsidies for fishermen.&nbsp;The broader scheme included a subsidy of Rs. 100 per litre for diesel and Rs. 20 per litre for petrol, effective for three months starting in May. However, super diesel and super petrol continue to be priced according to market rates.&nbsp;Kerosene, which is heavily subsidised, is used by a large number of coastal fishermen who use one-day boats (with outboard motors). For the fisheries sector specifically, one-day fishing vessels received an additional subsidy of Rs. 50 rupees per litre of fuel.&nbsp;According to the Department of Fisheries, 37,500 one-day fishing vessels operating across the country are eligible for this allowance. Each eligible vessel is entitled to the Rs. 50 per litre concession for up to 25 litres per day, for a maximum of 25 days per month.Accordingly, a boat owner can receive up to Rs. 31,250 per month for a period of three months, with the payment being directly credited to a registered bank account. Additionally, the Government provided a one-time allowance of Rs. 150,000 for multi-day fishing vessels, benefiting 5,500 registered vessels.Addressing concerns surrounding the impending conclusion of this specific financial relief mechanism, Gamage clarified that the Government had systematically allocated the required funds to guarantee the structural execution of the programme for its intended duration.&nbsp;The clarification comes amidst rising anxieties within the local fishing community over the potential impact of removing the subsidies on artisanal fisheries, particularly those reliant on small-scale vessels.The temporary relief framework was confirmed to run for a duration of three months, having commenced implementation on 20 May. According to the ministry, the fully financed scheme was structured to encompass the full months of May, June, and July, countering prevailing reports that suggested the framework would hit an abrupt ceiling by the end of June.“We have not explicitly stated that the subsidy will be removed as of yet. Given the current volatility of global market prices for oil and crude oil, we are unable to make any accurate predictions at this stage. We cannot make a firm decision right now on whether oil prices will decrease or increase in the coming month. What we currently have in place is a temporary relief measure designed to last for three months. Following this period, we will carefully review the situation and decide on our future course of action based on prevailing oil prices,” Gamage stated.

No decision yet on extending fuel subsidy for fishermen

<ul><li>Aimed at strengthening emergency response coordination</li></ul> Disaster management officials from the United States and Sri Lanka came together in Galle from 16 to 18 June for a three-day workshop focused on strengthening preparedness for natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.Organised by the US Embassy in Sri Lanka in partnership with the US Pacific Command’s Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DM), the Montana National Guard, the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services (MT DES), and Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre, the workshop builds on the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence and the Montana National Guard.&nbsp;The expert-led workshop culminated in a tabletop exercise designed to test coordination during a realistic emergency scenario.The exercise challenged participants to respond to evolving disaster conditions, coordinate resources, manage public communications, and make critical decisions under pressure. Drawing on lessons learnt from recent disasters, including Cyclone Ditwah, the workshop provided an opportunity for Sri Lankan agencies to exchange practical approaches to the development of coordinated crisis response plans, interagency coordination, and disaster preparedness.&nbsp;The Montana National Guard and MT DES bring extensive real-world experience from their roles as emergency response organisations across the US State of Montana. Montana National Guard personnel and MT DES emergency management specialists play a leading role in disaster response, mobilising to help their communities affected by wildfires, floods, severe winter storms, and other disasters, providing planning, logistics, communications, aviation support, and emergency coordination.&nbsp;Through its partnership with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence, the Montana National Guard and MT DES share these lessons and best practices to help strengthen preparedness and response capabilities before disasters strike.&nbsp;Participants included representatives from the Sri Lanka Army; Sri Lanka Navy; Sri Lanka Air Force; Sri Lanka Coast Guard; Sri Lanka Police; Department of Civil Security; Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation; Ministry of Energy; Ministry of Environment; and Ministry of Local Government.&nbsp;Through hands-on planning and scenario-based exercises, participants strengthened coordination, sharpened response procedures, and improved preparedness for future emergencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US, SL conduct disaster preparedness exercise

An inter-university debate organised to mark the 75th anniversary of the Colombo Plan is set to take place next week in Colombo, bringing together university students to discuss the future of regional cooperation and human capital development.The event, themed ‘Colombo Plan and Human Capital Development: Reviving South-South Cooperation in a Changing Global Landscape,’ will be held on Wednesday (24) at the auditorium of the University Grants Commission (UGC), located on Ward Place, Colombo 7.The debate is being organised by the Colombo Plan in collaboration with the UGC and is expected to attract participation from universities across the country.Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya will attend as the Chief Guest.Organisers say the debate aims to encourage critical discussion among young scholars on the evolving role of South-South cooperation in a rapidly changing global environment, with a particular focus on strengthening human capital development.Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m., with participants requested to be seated by 8.15 a.m. Attendees are expected to adhere to a smart casual dress code.&nbsp;

Colombo Plan inter-uni debate on Wednesday

Thousands of students, teachers, old boys, parents, and well-wishers participated in the Richmond Walk 2026 in Galle on Friday (19), marking the 150th anniversary of Richmond College. The procession, led by Principal Prabath Withanage, featured a mobile replica of the historic Darrell Hall and attracted an estimated 6,000 participants

SL to deploy 1,000+ personnel to Haiti

Coal supply saga: Sri Lanka rejects fifth Taranjot coal shipment

Coal supply saga: Sri Lanka re ...

NHSL services: Over 1,000 patients await surgery to remove stones

NHSL services: Over 1,000 pati ...

West Asia conflict: Iran to release Lankan seafarers

West Asia conflict: Iran to re ...

Ditwah damages: Upcountry railway line resumes operations

Ditwah damages: Upcountry rail ...

No decision yet on extending fuel subsidy for fishermen

No decision yet on extending f ...

US, SL conduct disaster preparedness exercise

US, SL conduct disaster prepar ...

Colombo Plan inter-uni debate on Wednesday

Colombo Plan inter-uni debate ...

Richmond celebrates 150 years

Richmond celebrates 150 years

Coal supply saga: Sri Lanka rejects fifth Taranjot coal shipment

Coal supply saga: Sri Lanka re ...

NHSL services: Over 1,000 patients await surgery to remove stones

NHSL services: Over 1,000 pati ...

West Asia conflict: Iran to release Lankan seafarers

West Asia conflict: Iran to re ...

Ditwah damages: Upcountry railway line resumes operations

Ditwah damages: Upcountry rail ...

No decision yet on extending fuel subsidy for fishermen

No decision yet on extending f ...

US, SL conduct disaster preparedness exercise

US, SL conduct disaster prepar ...

Colombo Plan inter-uni debate on Wednesday

Colombo Plan inter-uni debate ...

Richmond celebrates 150 years

Richmond celebrates 150 years

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Coal supply saga: Sri Lanka rejects fifth Taranjot coal shipment

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West Asia conflict: Iran to release Lankan seafarers

West Asia conflict: Iran to re ...

Ditwah damages: Upcountry railway line resumes operations

Ditwah damages: Upcountry rail ...

No decision yet on extending fuel subsidy for fishermen

No decision yet on extending f ...

US, SL conduct disaster preparedness exercise

US, SL conduct disaster prepar ...