Business

Monaragala wilting under the scorching impact of climate change

Published

12 months ago

2025/05/2

The CEJ team ascertaining Monaragala’s ordeals at first hand

Sri Lanka’s agricultural backbone, the Monaragala District, is buckling under the weight of climate change, according to the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ). Executive Director, Dilena Pathragoda, speaking to The Island Financial Review said that their study outlines a stark warning that the district’s economic survival is in grave danger unless urgent action is taken.

Speaking on the findings of a new study, he stated, “The impacts of climate change are no longer distant predictions. They are happening here and now; devastating crops, livelihoods and the economic lifeblood of Monaragala.”

The report paints a worrying picture. Monaragala, traditionally a region reliant on rice, sugarcane and seasonal crops, is seeing shifts in temperature and rainfall that severely disrupt agricultural activities. The district’s average temperature has already risen by one degree Celsius over the past four decades, a trend that is expected to accelerate. Future climate projections suggest that, without substantial mitigation efforts, the region could experience temperature increases that make traditional farming almost impossible during key growing seasons.

Rainfall, once predictable and sufficient to sustain farming cycles, is becoming increasingly erratic. Extended dry spells and unseasonal rains are throwing planting schedules into chaos. The report notes that the first inter-monsoon and Northeast monsoon periods, critical to both paddy and seasonal crop cultivation, are seeing decreased rainfall in key areas. This reduction is contributing to an alarming depletion of groundwater and reservoir levels, threatening both crop irrigation and drinking water supplies.

Pathragoda emphasized that the economic consequences of these changes are already being felt. Farmers, particularly in areas like Siyambalanduwa and Buttala, are struggling to maintain their livelihoods. Loss of crops not only reduces household incomes but also increases food insecurity and triggers wider economic instability. With agriculture employing a significant majority of Monaragala’s working population, the ripple effects of climate failures are profound, reaching into every sector from local markets to transportation and small industries.

Compounding the issue is the poor state of local irrigation systems. According to the study, many of the district’s small and medium-scale tanks, once critical sources of irrigation, have been abandoned or fallen into disrepair. Water shortages have led to fierce competition among farmers and the need to adopt costly alternatives, such as deep-well pumping systems, is pushing many into debt. Meanwhile, the lack of access to drought-resistant crop varieties and modern water conservation technologies is leaving the majority of smallholder farmers dangerously exposed.

The Centre for Environmental Justice is calling for an immediate, coordinated response. Pathragoda insists that restoration of water storage infrastructure, adoption of climate-resilient agriculture techniques and the empowerment of local farming communities must become national priorities. He pointed out that the survival of Monaragala’s economy, and indeed its social stability, depends on whether these adaptation measures are rolled out quickly and effectively.

“The time for abstract discussions is over,” Pathragoda said. “We must bring national policies down to the village level, equipping farmers with real tools to adapt and survive. Otherwise, we risk witnessing an irreversible collapse not only of livelihoods but of entire communities.”

The situation in Monaragala serves as a grim warning for other districts in Sri Lanka. Without decisive action, the economic heart of rural Sri Lanka could wither under the harsh new realities of a changing climate, leaving devastation in its wake.

By Ifham Nizam

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Business

Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

Business

Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

Business

Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”