The 13th edition of the multilateral naval exercise MILAN hosted by the Indian Navy, is being held from 18 to 26 Feb 26, at Visakhapatnam and in the waters of the Bay of Bengal.

SLNS Sagara and Nandimithra represented the Sri Lanka Navy by participating in the International Fleet Review (IFR), a major component of this multilateral naval exercise, held on 18 Feb.

The event was attended by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, at the invitation of the Chief of the Naval Staff of India, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The President of India reviewed the IFR, participated by the warships representing regional and global navies.

Held under the theme “United Through Oceans and the spirit of Camaraderie Cohesion Collaboration,” IFR and MILAN-26 provide a vital platform for participating nations. The participation of the Sri Lanka Navy in the MILAN-26 multilateral naval exercise highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing its maritime interests and addressing shared challenges through enhanced cooperation with other nations and institutions, grounded in mutual understanding.

Furthermore, participation in endeavours of this nature will strengthen mutual cooperation and interoperability with other maritime stakeholders. It will also provide the Sri Lanka Navy with valuable opportunities to gain new knowledge, strategic acumen, and operational experience, key elements in fostering a collective approach to maritime security.

During this visit, the Navy Commander engaged in bilateral discussions with regional and extra-regional diplomatic representatives and these strategic-level talks focused on matters of mutual interest pertaining to Sri Lanka’s maritime security and stability.

[Navy Media]

The 169th birth anniversary celebration of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the World Scouting Movement, and World Scout Thinking Day, was held on 22 February at the National Scout Headquarters, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Scouting Movement is not merely about holding positions, but a noble form of training that nurtures readiness to help others and to serve society while “being prepared.”

She further highlighted the importance of serving society as a disciplined and intelligent “smart” Scout who respects others while effectively using modern technology. The Prime Minister also called upon Scouts to contribute responsibly to safeguarding the nation’s future through environmentally friendly initiatives such as tree planting and the protection of water resources.

During the event, laptops were symbolically distributed to several districts under the Scout Digitalization Project, along with the provision of first-aid kits. Additionally, Chief Scout Commissioner Attorney-at-Law Manoj Nanayakkara presented the Prime Minister with a special Scout stamp collection and a commemorative cover.

The occasion was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, and a large number of Scouts from across the island.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Environmental groups have raised fresh concerns over increasing levels of coal ash generated at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant, warning of serious environmental and public health risks if proper disposal mechanisms are not urgently implemented.

 Environmental scientist and Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Chairman Hemantha Withanage, in a strongly-worded comment yesterday, said the growing volume of ash was being treated as a “blessing” by authorities, while, in reality, it posed a major ecological threat.

 He told The Island: “More coal and more ash are being celebrated as a blessing. People around Norochcholai should get ready to apply it on their foreheads — and this will affect everyone, regardless of political affiliation.”

 Norochcholai, Sri Lanka’s largest coal-fired power station, produces thousands of tonnes of fly ash and bottom ash annually. Environmentalists say a significant portion of this waste is either inadequately stored or disposed of without proper environmental safeguards.

 Withanage said coal ash contains toxic heavy metals, such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead, which can contaminate soil, groundwater and nearby marine ecosystems.

 “Coal ash is not ordinary waste. It is a hazardous industrial material. If it leaks into the environment, it can enter food chains and drinking water sources,” he said.

 He warned that communities living around Norochcholai were already exposed to air pollution from ash particles, especially during windy conditions, leading to respiratory problems and long-term health risks.

 CEJ has repeatedly called for a transparent national policy on coal ash management, including safe storage facilities, independent monitoring, and exploring environmentally responsible reuse options under strict regulation.

 Withanage stressed that while some countries recycle coal ash in construction materials, Sri Lanka lacks the regulatory framework and technical safeguards to do so safely.

“Without proper standards, recycling can become another pathway for toxic exposure,” he cautioned.

 Environmentalists are also urging the government to accelerate the transition away from coal towards renewable energy, arguing that continued dependence on coal will only multiply waste and health burdens in the coming years.

 Norochcholai supplies nearly one-third of the country’s base-load electricity, but has remained controversial, since its commissioning, due to repeated technical failures, marine pollution concerns and its long-term environmental footprint.

 “With climate change and public health risks, coal is a problem we should be reducing, not normalising,” Withanage said. “Otherwise, the ash will eventually come back to all of us.”

by Ifham Nizam