Cyclone Ditwa rapidly intensified over unusually warm Bay of Bengal waters, bringing record rainfall, floods, and landslides across Sri Lanka. Weak drainage systems, unplanned land use, and gaps in emergency preparedness greatly worsened the impact. The disaster highlights Sri Lanka’s urgent need for stronger climate-resilient infrastructure, early-warning systems, and sustainable land management.

Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports remained nearly unchanged in October 2025, reflecting a marginal 0.02% rise despite declines in major industries like apparel and tea. Strong growth in coconut-based products was not enough to offset reduced export earnings from petroleum, rubber, boats, and spices. The slowdown in key markets such as the United States and India further highlights the challenges facing the country’s export sector.

Sri Lanka’s CEB is selling power below its generation cost to about 70% of consumers, shifting the burden to higher-use households. Middle-income families using more than 180 units are charged up to 317% of the cost, effectively paying a hidden cross-subsidy. Critics say this amounts to an unrecorded tax and disproportionately penalizes households that cannot afford solar power.

The Sampur Power Plant: A Geopolitical Crossroad for Sri Lanka