Business
Lime trees to crack HEC conundrum
A pioneering community-based conservation initiative aimed at reducing the devastating impact of Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) while strengthening rural livelihoods was launched on Sunday in the Anuradhapura District under the theme “Lime Trees for Peace Between Elephants and People.”
The project, spearheaded by the Elephant Human Coexistence Foundation, was officially launched in Maningamuwa Village in the Central Nuwaragam Palatha Divisional Secretariat area, marking what conservationists describe as a practical and environmentally sustainable approach to one of Sri Lanka’s gravest socio-economic and ecological crises.
As part of the inaugural phase, 1,200 lime plants were distributed among four farming families to establish bio fences around agricultural lands.
The initiative seeks to use citrus-based living barriers as a natural deterrent to elephants, reducing crop raids without harming wildlife.
Co-Founder and Director of the Foundation, Panchali Panapitiya, said the project was designed not only to protect crops, but also to transform vulnerable farming communities into active custodians of coexistence.
“Human-Elephant Conflict cannot be solved through fear, violence, or isolation,” Panapitiya told The Island Financial Review. “We believe coexistence becomes sustainable only when communities themselves are empowered as leaders and partners in conservation. This initiative combines environmental protection with livelihood security.”
She said the lime tree fences would create a “living shield” around farms while simultaneously generating long-term economic benefits for rural families.
“Coexistence grows as communities thrive. Peace takes root when livelihoods are strengthened,” she said.
Sri Lanka continues to record alarming levels of Human-Elephant Conflict annually, with both elephant and human fatalities increasing in recent years. Rural farmers in districts such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Moneragala frequently suffer severe crop losses, while conventional mitigation methods — including electric fencing — often remain costly, difficult to maintain, or ecologically disruptive.
Against this backdrop, conservationists say the use of lime-based bio fencing presents a low-cost and climate-friendly alternative.
The Foundation noted that similar citrus-based deterrent systems have already demonstrated success in parts of Africa and Thailand, where elephants naturally avoid strong citrus scents. The Sri Lankan initiative aims to scientifically assess the effectiveness of local lime species as protective barriers for small and medium-scale farms.
Importantly, lime tree bio fences have already been recognised in the official Anuradhapura District Plan for the Mitigation of Human-Elephant Conflict, giving the initiative institutional backing from the District Secretariat, Divisional Secretariats, and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Panapitiya stressed that the project also carries broader environmental and social goals beyond conflict mitigation.
“This is about restoring harmony between people, elephants, and landscapes,” she said. “At the same time, these trees contribute to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and economic resilience in farming communities.”
A notable component of the programme is its emphasis on women’s empowerment within the agriculture sector, traditionally dominated by men. The Foundation believes conservation-linked agriculture can create pathways towards financial independence for rural women while strengthening household resilience.
The project’s broader objectives include reducing fatalities linked to Human-Elephant Conflict, improving rural economic stability, increasing community participation in conservation efforts, and supporting the long-term preservation of Sri Lanka’s endangered elephant populations.
Environmentalists attending the launch described the initiative as an example of how conservation and rural development can work together rather than in opposition.
Those present at the event included Panapitiya, Co-Founder and Director Manoja Weerakkody, Co-Founder and Director Duminda Dissanayake, officials from the Central Nuwaragam Palatha Divisional Secretariat, and representatives of the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The Foundation expressed hope that the programme would eventually be expanded throughout the Anuradhapura District and potentially replicated in other Human-Elephant Conflict hotspots across Sri Lanka.
By Ifham Nizam
By Ifham Nizam
A Rs.160 million-plus diesel discrepancy at the Lakvijaya power plant in Norochcholai has triggered an internal investigation, raising questions over the handling of public funds and the controls governing fuel purchased for electricity generation.
The discrepancy surfaced during an internal audit of diesel supplied to the plant from the Kolonnawa and Sapugaskanda fuel terminals, according to senior officials familiar with the inquiry.
The audit has identified five transactions—two in December 2025 and three in January 2026—in which diesel recorded as delivered to the plant allegedly could not be fully accounted for in its physical stocks.
The investigation is now examining whether these were isolated discrepancies or part of a longer-running practice.
One transaction under scrutiny relates to January 16, when records reportedly showed that 10 diesel bowsers had arrived at the plant. Investigators subsequently found indications that the fuel stock corresponded to only nine bowsers.
A storekeeper responsible for the relevant fuel operation has reportedly been temporarily removed from those duties pending the investigation.
A senior official said investigators were reviewing historical records amid indications that similar discrepancies may have occurred over a longer period. If established, the financial exposure could therefore exceed the Rs.160 million currently identified.
The investigation is comparing fuel-terminal dispatch records, tanker movements, plant-entry records, receiving documents and physical stocks to establish exactly how much fuel was dispatched, received and accounted for.
That audit trail will also be critical in determining who authorised, received and certified the disputed consignments, and whether established controls were followed.
Relevant documents were reportedly transferred from Norochcholai to the company’s Colombo head office on September 26 for further examination, with electricity-sector security personnel assisting in the transfer.
The internal audit has also reportedly uncovered expired chemical stocks worth several hundred thousand rupees in the plant’s stores. Investigators are examining whether further inventory-management irregularities occurred.
The matter was also reportedly taken to the Puttalam Police Special Crimes Investigation Unit on September 26.
When contacted by Puttalam-based journalist Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe for The Island Financial Review, Lakvijaya Power Plant Manager Nalaka Kumara confirmed that an investigation was under way but declined to provide further details.
The financial issue is direct: if the plant paid for diesel it did not receive, public-sector funds were spent without the electricity sector receiving the corresponding fuel.
The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) successfully convened its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 23, 2026, at the Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla. Bringing together key industry stakeholders and member organizations, the event served as a platform to review milestone achievements from the 2025/2026 term and outline strategic priorities for the nation’s food and beverage processing sector.
At the AGM, the new Executive Committee for 2027/2028 was appointed, comprising: Honorary President Aruna Senanayake C.W. Mackie PLC Imme. Past President Thusith Wijesinghe Trans Continental Packaging & Commodities (Pvt) Ltd.
President Elect Nadishan Guruge Meadlee Trading Co. (Pvt) Ltd.
1st Vice President Damitha Perera Forbes & Walkers Commodity Brockers (Pvt) Ltd.
2nd Vice President Rasika Seneviratne Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC 3rd Vice President Deepal De Alwis Neochem International (Pvt) Ltd.
Honorary Secretary Amila Weerasinghe Nestle Lanka Limited.
Asst. SecretaryDineth Alahakoon Country Style Foods (Pvt) Ltd.
Honorary Treasurer Sameera Jayathilaka Westmann Engineering Company (Pvt) Ltd.
Asst. Treasurer Niroshan Dalpethado C D De Fonseka & Sons (Pvt) Limited. In addition to the above office bearers, the following ten Executive Committee Members were appointed:
Sanjeewa De Silva Unilever Sri Lanka Limited Sheran De Alwis MA’S Tropical Food Processing (Pvt) Limited
Thusitha Ekanayake Anods Cocoa (Pvt) Ltd.
Vijitha Govinna Plenty Foods (Pvt) Limited Ms. Praharshi Wickramasekara International Commodity Exports (Pvt) Ltd.
Sanjeewa Niroshan SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Kushan Amarasinghe Finagle Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
Rangajeewa Hettiarrachchi Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
Harindra Abeyrathna Vision Technologies International (Pvt) Ltd. Thilina Weerasekara Ceylon Cold Stores PLC
The event was proudly supported by key industry partners, with SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd serving as the Platinum Sponsor. Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. and Nestlé Lanka Ltd. joined as Gold Sponsors, Ceylon Agro Industries – Prima as the Silver Sponsor, while Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (LECS) and Hero Nature Products (Pvt) Ltd., supported as Bronze Sponsors.
The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Hony. Secretary Deepal De Alwis, followed by cocktails and a fellowship networking session, providing an opportunity for members to connect and strengthen industry ties.
New premium ride option expands Uber’s portfolio from affordable Moto and Tuk rides to premium on-demand travel
Uber announced the launch of Uber Black in Sri Lanka, bringing its premium ride experience to the country for the first time. Designed as the “business class of back seats,” Uber Black combines premium vehicles and highly-rated drivers for riders looking for greater comfort, quality and a more elevated travel experience.
The launch comes as demand for premium products and experiences grows across Sri Lanka, with consumers seeking greater choice and quality in their everyday experiences. Uber Black brings this choice to on-demand mobility, whether for an airport journey, an important business meeting, a special occasion or simply when riders want to travel in greater comfort.
Gold winner Tharanga gets brand-new Honda Vezel from SLAAJ
Showers above 50 mm are likely at some places inthe Uva, Eastern and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Mullaittivu districts after 1.00 p.m.
Civil society activist accuses govt. of favouring Ven. Gnanasara
More cops than cones
Sajith accuses govt. of using data selectively in crucial report
75 new inmates sent to Bogambara re-establishing it as a correctional facility
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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