UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has urgently called on the government to publicly outline its strategy to mitigate the economic fallout from impending U.S. tariffs, warning that Sri Lanka’s plan to resume international loan repayments by 2028 may need renegotiation.

Delivering a special statement yesterday, the former president underscored the looming crisis as a direct threat to jobs, livelihoods, and economic stability.

Wickremesinghe highlighted that while U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended tariffs for three months, their implementation appears inevitable.

“Even if tariffs are reduced to 25-30%, Sri Lanka faces severe repercussions,” he said. “We must use this window to collaborate with global partners, including China, to navigate this trade turbulence. Failure to act will cost thousands of jobs, weaken the rupee, and derail growth projections,” he said.

The UNP leader stressed that the tariffs could widen Sri Lanka’s earnings-payments gap, citing a $300 million debt obligation due this quarter.

“Resorting to Central Bank borrowing or fresh loans will further devalue the rupee,” he cautioned, referencing the currency’s recent depreciation. “Our 2028 debt repayment target and last year’s 5% growth are now at risk. The government must treat this as a ‘national emergency’ and disclose its action plan immediately,” Wickremesinghe emphasised.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) echoed concerns over Sri Lanka’s fragile recovery in an April 11, 2025, statement following a staff visit.

“Global shocks are compounding uncertainties for Sri Lanka’s economy,” said IMF Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou. “More time is needed to assess impacts and align solutions with the IMF-supported programme,” the international lender said.

In a related development, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, former health minister and Wickremesinghe ally, proposed leveraging the ex-president’s rapport with Elon Musk – a Trump confidant – to negotiate favorable tariff terms.

“Wickremesinghe’s ties with Musk could open diplomatic channels to ease this burden,” Senaratne remarked at a press briefing.

As pressure mounts, the government faces growing demands to address what analysts label a ‘make-or-break’ moment for Sri Lanka’s economic future.

by Sanath Nanayakkare

SriLankan Airlines has won the ‘Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier – South Asia’ award at the PAX Readership Awards 2025, held on 9 April 2025 in Germany, proving once again its culinary expertise in serving an inflight dining experience that truly stands out. The PAX Readership Awards, presented by PAX International and PAX Tech magazines, are exclusively determined by a popular vote from over 15,500 aviation professionals worldwide.

Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Commercial at SriLankan Airlines, shared his thoughts on the win, saying, “A big thank you to everyone who voted us. We take great care to ensure our onboard menus are a sensory treat, as food plays a crucial role in shaping the overall flying experience – whether you are a first-time traveller or frequent flyer. We continuously review passenger feedback across different sectors to craft our menus, while guaranteeing that meals are prepped with the freshest ingredients, cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs and feature regular updates. This recognition reaffirms that we’ve got the recipe right for our onboard food service.”

The SriLankan Airlines’ inflight menu offers an international flair, with a perfect blend of local cuisine from each market the airline operates in. In its South Asian service, SriLankan presents a choice of meals inspired by the localities within its widespread network spanning India, the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The airline’s customers from this region can look forward to the familiar tastes of home; from an assortment of biriyani and masala; to Idli, upma, samosas, paratha, chapathi; and traditional curries such as palak paneer, aloo gobi, gobi masala, butter chicken makhani; and more.

Wherever one is flying, a mainstay on every SriLankan Airlines’ flight is the Sri Lankan meal option, featured under its award-winning ‘SriLankan Flavours’ menu. Using heritage recipes and authentic, local ingredients, SriLankan Airlines serves delicious classics such as egg roti with paraw fish curry and crumb fried prawns; dhunthel rice with traditional curries; kuruluthuda heirloom rice with chicken pepper curry and local vegetables; and lamprais. SriLankan Flavours was the recipient of the 2024 IFSA Best Inflight Food or Beverage Innovation Award.

LAUGFS Lubricants, a proud subsidiary of the LAUGFS Group, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated motorsport icon, Dilantha Malagamuwa, as its official Brand Ambassador.

The appointment marks a strategic alignment of two powerful homegrown names, Dilantha Malagamuwa, who has carved a name for himself on the global motorsports stage, and LAUGFS Lubricants, Sri Lanka’s only homegrown lubricant brand that continues to grow in strength and innovation within the local industry, with plans to take its presence beyond borders.

Malagamuwa, an internationally acclaimed figure in motorsports, who will be competing in the upcoming European GT4 Championship, is a beacon of Sri Lankan excellence. His inspiring journey from humble beginnings to global recognition mirrors the remarkable ascent of the LAUGFS Group. From a small-scale enterprise to a diversified conglomerate comprising over 20 subsidiaries, including LAUGFS Lubricants.

Speaking at the official announcement, Kumar Rodrigo, CEO of LAUGFS Lubricants, remarked, “LAUGFS Lubricants is the only homegrown lubricant brand competing with over 30 international players in Sri Lanka. In that sense, Dilantha Malagamuwa is a true reflection of who we are Sri Lankan-born, internationally competitive, and proudly representing the nation on a global platform.”

Further elaborating on the brand’s global aspirations, Mithila Wegapitiya, Executive Director of LAUGFS Group, stated, we are now ready to take LAUGFS Lubricants to the next level and introduce our brand to the global arena. Dilantha’s international presence and reputation will be instrumental in helping us realise this vision.”

Expressing his pride in rejoining the LAUGFS family, Dilantha Malagamuwa shared,

“It’s a proud moment to return to the LAUGFS Family once again. As a Sri Lankan, it gives me immense pride to represent a local lubricant brand that’s committed to innovation and excellence. I look forward to working with LAUGFS Lubricants to elevate the brand globally.”