Arundathie Abeysinghe

The accumulation of waste has reached a height of 15 meters and is located near houses, schools, restaurants and shops. It is the only storage site for non-degradable waste in the capital. Fears of an accident similar to the Meethotamulla landslide in 2017, which caused 32 deaths.

Overcrowded carriages and delays are the order of the day. The country's infrastructure is not adequate to support modern rail traffic. 72% of locomotives are over 40 years old: concerns about safety and efficiency. The new Chinese carriages, which cost 22 million dollars, are unusable. Experts: ‘Urgent action to avoid effects on the economy and commuters’.

Hansen's disease mainly affects the eastern and western provinces. Although with multi-drug therapy (MDT) Sri Lanka has reduced cases, it remains a ‘high incidence country’. Twelve per cent of patients are under 15 years of age, most between 25 and 45. Leprosy remains associated with strong social stigmas. Health authorities emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and raising awareness.

Police recently uncovered a highly profitable but environmentally damaging operation that used heavy machinery. Local activists note that the activity had been reported in the past, but brushed aside because of heavy political protection.

Delays are leading many cargo ships to bypass the port, causing economic losses for the country and higher costs for importers. Maritime authorities have reported two to three days delays in berthing due to low terminal capacity and obstacles in slow clearance operations.

About 13 people have been killed in armed clashes between gangs and criminal groups in the past three months alone. In 2023, 61 people were killed and 47 wounded. Experts believe the phenomenon is facilitated by political connections.

The government in Colombo has run for cover by buying 35,000 tonnes from India, but in many areas of the country prices have skyrocketed and bad quality salt is being sold. The producers justify themselves with the floods, but workers and nutritionists recall that not even the tsunami 20 years ago led to such a crisis.

Utilities have been suspended for non-payment of bills, yet another consequence of the economic crisis that has gripped Sri Lanka for three years. To cope with the situation, demand for solar panels has also increased, but the authorities have been forced to issue a warning to prevent fraud by unauthorised companies.

According to the WHO, around 3,000 people in the country take their own lives every year. A large proportion are young students between the ages of 12 and 25, suffering from stress, anxiety and isolation. The social stigma towards mental health care and the absence of professionals and safe listening spaces in schools take their toll. Psychologists: ‘Awareness programmes involving the entire community are needed’.

Plans to build a large marina with a 150-metre berth for cruise ships are causing concern over the possible impact on the Buona Vista coral reef, which has the highest recorded biodiversity in a marine habitat in Sri Lanka.

In most cases, they die electrocuted, blown up or shot at in an increasingly difficult relationship with humans. A 2020 protection plan has remained unimplemented due to the country’s economic crisis.

Ramisha Dinithi Thamel had returned late to class and, according to her teachers, had given inconsistent explanations. The teachers beat her and called for help only after an hour, even though she was unconscious. Even though the Ministry of Education condemns the practice, corporal punishment in schools is still widespread in Sri Lanka.