Generation – Z Sri Lankans may not remember purchasing inverters, generators, rechargeable lamps & even sleeping in vehicles with air conditioners running during power cuts in the early 2000s. Power shortages were due to increased demand, insufficient hydro power, unfair trade union actions & petty political blockages etc. Requesting tech savvy Gen – Z to use AI to learn history may be seen as taking coal to ‘Newcastle’ but they should update to prevent them being used to de-establish the country.

Marooned Maroons

At a time when power cuts were used to de-establish governments, Sri Lankans with help from Chinese engineers started constructing their largest power plant in Norochcholai in 2006 during Mahinda Rajapaksa rule. AKA ‘Lakvijaya’, the final phase of Norochcholai coal power plant was commissioned by Presidents Xi Jinping of China & Mahinda on 16th September 2014 (Ref. Media). At the ceremony President Mahinda announced a reduction of electricity tariffs lighting hope for those conflict with cost of living. ‘Lakvijaya’ which resolved many conflicts, recently provoked a conflict which might have marooned the Maroons with the resignations of a minister & a secretary.

Greener coal resolves conflicts.

As mentioned, petty political obstructions shall remain. Learning from past mistakes Sri Lankans of all colours should unite to resolve power & energy issues. With the ‘Lakvijaya’ asset in hand, they may study how coal can be made more efficient. China’s greener coal technology is believed to have a positive impact on global power needs.

Chinese researchers have developed a strategy to reduce energy consumption when converting ‘syngas’ to light olefins. This method which operates comparatively at lower temperatures & pressure offers cleaner & more efficient paths for coal utilization. This technology which can mobilize coal as an alternative to oil & gas during a crisis is important for energy security. Coal dependent small nations may adapt similar technologies to face energy related challenges as countries such as Germany also still depend on coal for approx. 20% of its power supply (Ref. Media). China has also advanced coal technology by testing world’s first 630 C thermal power unit achieving more than 50% thermal efficiency enabling large scale application of advanced materials (Ref. Chinese Media). China sees coal as a ‘ballast stone’ for energy security. Sri Lankans should stop throwing stones, listen to critiques (Vimarsha – in Telegu) & resolve conflicts. Economic opportunities coming with China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) should be grabbed to energize the fragile economy.

The first human who hurled an insult instead of a stone was the founder of civilization – Sigmund Freud.

Views expressed are personal. Photo source: www.

By Prof. Samitha Hettige

District 82 Toastmasters International is gearing up for Ovation 2026, its flagship annual conference themed Tides of Transformation, scheduled for 16 and 17 May at Shangri-La Colombo, powered by Home Lands, Sri Lanka’s No. 1, most trusted, and most innovative developer; joining hands with Toastmasters as the Title Partner for Ovation 2026 not only elevates the status of this prestigious event but also signifies its support for empowering and stimulating the growth of communities in Sri Lanka.

Ahead of the event, the District hosted a media briefing on the evening of 29 April 2026 at the Emerald Hall, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, for a closer look at the organization, its four-decade journey in Sri Lanka, and what to expect at this year’s conference.

Toastmasters International, founded in 1924, is a global nonprofit that helps individuals develop communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Sri Lanka has been part of this movement since 1983, when the Colombo Toastmasters Club became the first Toastmasters club in South Asia. Today, District 82 is home to over 168 clubs, and over 4,000 members across 65 cities in the country; its reach extends across Sri Lanka through Corporate, Institutional and Community clubs.

“What sets Sri Lanka apart is not just participation, but passion. Toastmasters here is not an extracurricular activity. It is a platform for personal transformation, leadership grooming, and national representation on a global stage,” said DTM Niroshan Nadarajah, District Director, District 82

That standing is well earned. District 82 was recognized as the Number 1 District in the Toastmasters International circuit in 2024/2025. Sri Lanka also produced Dananjaya Hettiarachchi, the first Sri Lankan to win the World Championship of Public Speaking in 2014, and DTM Arunasalam Balraj, who served as Toastmasters International President in 2017/2018, two milestones that reflect the depth of the district’s global footprint.

Speaking to the organization’s enduring philosophy, DTM Sudash Liyanage, Past Region Advisor for Toastmasters International, reflected on what has kept the movement relevant for over a century.

CSE trading activities indicated strong buying interest yesterday as institutional investors were very active in the market, market analysts said.

Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The All Share Price Index went up by 160.82 points while the S and P SL20 rose by 37.12 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 4.81 billion with seven crossings. Those crossings were; CTC 1.3 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 2.39 billion and its shares traded at Rs 1780, Commercial Bank 1.25 million shares crossed for Rs 252.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 210, Sierra Cables 1 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 31.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 31.50.

Laugfs Gas 480,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 30.7 million; its shares traded at Rs 64, Asiri Hospital 600,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 25.8 million; its shares sold at Rs 43, Lanka IOC 150,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 21.3 million; its shares sold at Rs 141.75 and JKH 1 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 20.5 million; its shares sold at Rs 20.50.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Commercial Bank Rs 218.5 million (one million shares traded), Asiri Hospitals Rs 159.5 million (3.8 million shares traded), HDFC Rs 149 million (1.9 million shares traded), Janashakthi Rs 94.3 million (6.98 million shares traded), NDB Rs 78.9 million (683,000 shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 69.5 million (520,000 shares traded) Renuka Agri Rs 59 million (4.3 million shares traded). During the day 90.2 million share volumes changed hands in 24885 transactions.

It is said that CTC contributed more than half the day’s turnover. Further banking sector counters, especially Commercial Bank, performed well. The manufacturing sector, especially JKH, performed well.

The transfer of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation’s (HSBC) Retail Banking business into NTB has officially been completed effective May 1, Nations Trust Bank said. Nations Trust Bank has integrated HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking customers into its operations and absorbed HSBC Sri Lanka staff.

The stock was up 1.27 percent at Rs.318.75 during midday trading.

Beruwala Resorts PLC said it would temporarily close its hotel operations from May 1 to August 30 for a planned refurbishment and operational improvements.

The hotel is expected to resume its operations on September 1, the company said in a market filing, adding that it will keep the market informed of any further material developments.

Lanka Walltiles said shareholders had agreed to amend the articles of association. The stock was down 40 cents at Rs 48.50.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 319.20/320.00 to the US dollar in the spot market, after trades at 319.75/320.00 in the spot next last Thursday, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly steady across the yield curve.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2028 was quoted at 9.75/85 percent, up from 9.75/83 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.95/10.05 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2030 was quoted at 10.15/20 percent, down from 10.17/20 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 10.80/90 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.11.2033 was quoted at 10.95/11.05 percent, up from 10.95/11.00 percent.

By Hiran H Senewiratne