Business

Lebanon: MSF scales up response as displacement rises across the country

Published

3 hours ago

2026/03/11

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams across Lebanon have rapidly adapted their activities to respond to the growing humanitarian needs resulting from the escalation of violence and the mass displacement of people due to Israel’s relentless bombing. However, addressing such immense needs will require a comprehensive response.

“Our teams are responding, but needs are immense. Tens of thousands are in urgent need of protection, water, basic relief items, and access to healthcare now. A swift mobilisation of emergency and flexible funding must happen immediately to scale up responding to needs at a nationwide level,” says Jeremy Ristord, MSF’s Head of Programmes in Lebanon.

According to Lebanese authorities, more than 217 people have been killed since Monday 2 March and close to 800 have been injured as a result of Israel’s relentless bombing. Thousands of families have been displaced as sweeping evacuation orders covering large parts of southern Lebanon, southern Beirut and areas of the Bekaa Valley, force people to flee with nowhere safe to go, raising serious concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law.

“This escalation comes after 15 months of a ceasefire that never brought an end to Israeli attacks. Now families are being pushed into impossible choices: flee once again or remain at home under threat. In this environment of relentless bombing of densely populated areas, we call for the protection of civilians, healthcare workers and medical facilities,” adds Ristord.

Since 2 March, MSF teams have been assessing needs and responding in several collective shelters, towns and cities across Lebanon where tens of thousands of displaced people have gathered. Many people have already been displaced multiple times during previous escalations. Shelters are overcrowded, with some people sleeping in their cars or on the streets. Others have remained in their homes despite evacuation orders or returned due to a lack of space in shelters or lack of means to rent accommodation.

Across Lebanon, MSF has deployed several mobile clinics to reach displaced people. A newly established mobile clinic in Saida, Lebanon’s third city in the south, provided more than 70 consultations in one day together with psychological first aid. On 6 March, another mobile clinic was deployed in Barja, in the Chouf area of Mount Lebanon—where an estimated 10,000 people are sheltering—and, in just a few hours, delivered 72 general consultations, 11 sexual and reproductive health consultations, and 13 mental health support sessions. MSF deployed a third mobile clinic in Bebnine in Akkar in northern Lebanon, treating more than 50 displaced people from the south on its first day of activities. On 7 March MSF launched additional mobile clinics in Beirut and the Bekaa region to support internally displaced people, alongside preparing mental health helplines to provide psychological support to people who are on the road or unable to reach services.

In Beirut, Bekaa and Chouf, we have already distributed 350,000L of water and over 7tonnes of essential relief items like blankets and hygiene kits to thousands of displaced people, including children and elderly. While in Nabatiyeh and South governorates, MSF has had to suspend on-ground activities due to evacuation orders issued by Israel and the lack of security guarantees for staff, MSF teams continue to look into avenues of providing support in the area, as well as running our clinics in Bourj Hammoud in Beirut and in Arsal in the governorate of Baalbek-Hermel to ensure continuity of care for patients and continues to support primary healthcare centres in Tripoli.

The scale of the crisis demands urgent and comprehensive action. At a time when the 2026 Lebanon Response Plan is only 14% funded and contingency stocks remain critically low, MSF calls for the immediate mobilisation of emergency and flexible funding to rapidly scale up assistance for displaced people and the communities hosting them.

MSF remains in contact with Lebanese authorities and other actors and is ready to increase its support as needs grow.

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Business

Sri Lanka’s midnight fuel price hike sparks frustrations amidst claims of broken assurances

Published

3 hours ago

2026/03/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

The government’s decision to raise fuel prices at midnight on March 9 has drawn criticism from observers who say the move contradicts earlier assurances that prices would remain stable for at least a month due to sufficient reserves already imported.

The surprise revision in fuel prices has triggered public concern and renewed debate over the government’s fuel pricing policy, with critics accusing authorities of misleading the public about the stability of supply and prices.

Officials had earlier sought to calm fears of potential shortages or sudden price increases, insisting that the country had adequate fuel stocks secured through prior imports. However, the latest price hike has raised questions about the reliability of those assurances.

Economic analysts say the development reflects the continuing vulnerability of Sri Lanka’s fuel market to global price volatility and geopolitical tensions affecting energy supply chains.

Aminda Methsila Perera, an economics professor at Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, said the latest move raises broader questions about the transparency of the government’s pricing strategy.

“The question arises whether the government is following a grey-market policy in this regard,” Prof. Perera said, suggesting that the manner in which prices are adjusted may not fully reflect a transparent or predictable formula.

Meanwhile, directors of the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) defended the decision, saying the increase was a pre-emptive measure aimed at cushioning the country from steeper price shocks in the near future.

A CPC director argued yesterday that implementing a moderate price revision now would allow authorities to manage potential increases more effectively should the international situation deteriorate further.

Meanwhile, an analyst said that the move was intended to preserve the financial stability of the CPC and its bottom line although President AKD had said in parliament that the Treasury had enough funds to mitigate global shocks.

However, they say the abrupt nature of the midnight announcement risks undermining public confidence, particularly after repeated assurances that prices would remain unchanged in the short term.

With global energy markets remaining volatile, analysts warn that further price adjustments cannot be ruled out if international crude prices continue to climb or if regional supply disruptions intensify.

Meanwhile, an economist said that with the unfolding scenario, many Sri Lankans already grappling with the rising cost of living, have been tossed to the fire from the frying pan.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

Business

Women-only screening of “Gahanu Lamai” for International Women’s Day 2026

Published

3 hours ago

2026/03/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, Havelock City Mall (HCM) hosted what is believed to be one of Sri Lanka’s first women-only cinema screenings, presenting a culturally significant and deeply meaningful tribute to womanhood.

Held at Scope Cinemas, Havelock City Mall, the exclusive event featured a complimentary screening of the iconic Sri Lankan film Gahanu Lamai, and welcomed an audience comprising corporate invitees, celebrities, female staff of Havelock City Mall, and winners of a special social media contest.

The occasion was further distinguished by the presence of Dr. Ranee Jayamaha, Chairperson of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, who graced the event and added significance to this special celebration.

Guests arrived dressed in purple, the internationally recognised symbol of dignity, solidarity, and justice, reinforcing the spirit and symbolism of the occasion. Through the screening of Gahanu Lamai—the acclaimed work of the late Dr. Sumitra Peiris, Sri Lanka’s first female film director—Havelock City Mall created a platform for reflection on the enduring cultural and contemporary relevance of women’s stories.

Commenting on the initiative, Mrs. Avanthie De Zoysa, Assistant General Manager of Havelock City Mall, stated:

“As a female manager of this organization, I am incredibly proud of this initiative. It is a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for the women who contribute so tirelessly to their families, to our society, and to the country at large. We wanted to provide a space that wasn’t just about celebration, but about acknowledging the profound impact women have in every sphere of life.”

Business

Novus Technologies joins LankaPay Technovation Awards 2026 as Platinum Sponsor

Published

3 hours ago

2026/03/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

Novus Technologies has announced its partnership as the Platinum Sponsor for the LankaPay Technovation Awards 2026, reaffirming its commitment to driving innovation, financial inclusion, and the future of fintech in Sri Lanka.

Organised by LankaPay (Private) Limited, the LankaPay Technovation Awards has emerged as a premier industry platform recognising institutions that are spearheading digital transformation across the country.

The initiative celebrates banks, financial institutions, and technology providers that are enhancing customer experience through secure, efficient, and inclusive digital payment solutions.

Industry analysts note that the awards have played a pivotal role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s fintech ecosystem by encouraging competition, innovation, and collaboration among stakeholders.

Over the years, the platform has highlighted advancements in real-time payments, mobile banking, and integrated digital financial services, supporting the broader national agenda of building a digitally empowered economy.

Novus Technologies, a leading technology solutions provider to the banking and financial services sector, said its sponsorship reflects its long-standing dedication to accelerating the adoption of digital financial services and enhancing technological capabilities across the industry.

“As Sri Lanka continues its digital transformation journey, it is vital that we collectively foster innovation while ensuring security and inclusivity within the financial ecosystem,” a spokesperson for Novus Technologies said.

“Supporting initiatives such as the LankaPay Technovation Awards aligns with our mission to enable next-generation fintech solutions that empower institutions and customers alike.”

The awards ceremony is expected to bring together senior banking executives, fintech leaders, policymakers, and technology innovators, offering a platform to recognise excellence and share insights on emerging trends shaping the future of digital finance in Sri Lanka.

Novus Technologies is a forward-thinking technology solutions provider specialising in delivering innovative, secure, and scalable solutions to the banking and financial services industry.

With a strong focus on digital transformation, system integration, and next-generation fintech solutions, the company continues to play a key role in shaping Sri Lanka’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

By Ifham Nizam