Nov 23 (ST) With the main opposition, SJB, announcing well in advance that it would not be taking part, it posed a challenge for the collective of other opposition parties to gather a large enough crowd in Nugegoda for last Friday’s Maha Jana Handa (Voice of the People) anti-govt rally to make a political statement. Even several other parties, such as the National Freedom Front led by former Minister Wimal Weerawansa more..

Nov 23 (DM) A prominent Indian businessman, Mohan Suresh, has selected Sri Lanka as the destination for the wedding of his son, Jahraan Suresh, marking a significant boost to the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The lavish ceremony is scheduled to take place on 23 Nov 2025 at the Cinnamon Bentota Hotel, Bentota. Around 300 Indian guests are expected to attend the event, which is estimated to generate Rs. 350 million in revenue. The wedding presents a valuable more..

Nov 23 (NW) Emphasising that every citizen of the country must have the freedom to live while respecting all religious and cultural identities, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Govt will not allow SL to fall into any form of racist trap. He invited all parties to support the programme the Government is implementing towards this end. Prez made these remarks while attending a meeting held this afternoon (22) at the Prez Secretariat to brief representatives of Tamil & Muslim parties more..

Nov 23 (ST) Sri Lanka Customs, the most powerful revenue-generating agency and the country’s frontline guardian of imports and exports, is facing an escalating crisis of credibility despite recording its strongest fiscal performance in history. Customs revenue as of the first 10 months of 2025 topped Rs. 2 trillion. It has been reaching around Rs. 2,004 billion or 95% of the full-year target of Rs. 2,115 billion. more..

Nov 23 (AD) Another individual trapped in the Pahala Kadugannawa landslide has been found dead, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to six. According to hospital sources and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), a total of ten individuals were discovered under the rubble following the landslide. Four survivors are currently receiving treatment in hospital, while the remaining six have been confirmed dead. Rescue operations have now concluded, authorities said. more..

Nov 23 (TM) Although gold prices in the world market have been on a downward trend amidst dimming likelihood of a further rate cut by the US Federal Reserve, the depreciation of the SL Rupee against the US Dollar has prevented local prices from falling in parallel with international rates. The gold prices in the local market remained volatile during the preceding week, fluctuating daily in either direction. “Over the past seven days, the prices have been moving in either direction daily. more..

Nov 23 (SO) An international development expert, policy advisor and researcher Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja said following a remarkable recovery from a very deep crisis in 2022, Sri Lanka’s recent Budget consolidates economic stabilisation and introduces a few markers for further growth – notably in trade, digitalisation and the Port City development. However, more decisive action is needed to embed a sustainable growth strategy and transform the economy to avoid future austerity programs. more..

Nov 23 (SO) Sri Lanka has much to offer travellers besides the sun and sand, with a growing demand for cultural immersion, adventure tourism. But it is crucial to actively promote Sri Lanka in Belarus to develop the travel market and boost tourism, said Deputy Director General, Marketing and International Affairs, CCO BELAVIA – Belarusian Airlines, Uladzimir Barkun. Ellaborating on the potential for tourism growth and the launch of direct flights between Mattala and Minsk, he said, more..

Nov 23 (ST) There’s one thing that never seems to change in Sri Lanka cricket (SLC). It’s not progress. It’s not new ideas. It’s the same old stagnation. It has gone on for so long that it now feels normal. Whether it is, the governing body or the national team, both have failed to evolve in any meaningful way. The consequences, unsurprisingly, are damning and increasingly difficult to ignore. Six uninterrupted years under the current more..

Nov 23 (TM) Sri Lanka Customs plans to issue regulations governing e-commerce imports in the near future. SL Customs Director Chandana Punchihewa said: “We had a meeting with several e-commerce platforms on Monday, where we announced that we would issue new regulations governing e-commerce.” He further stated that the formulation of regulations to govern e-commerce was essential considering that there was increased adoption of e-commerce by consumers with more..

Nov 23 (SO) Opening batsman Rehan Peiris of Royal College, Colombo will lead the Sri Lanka U-17 Team for the tour of Bangladesh in November-December. The team is scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on Monday and the tour consists of two three-day games and three one-day games. The SL U-17 Squad: Rehan Peiris (Captain – Royal), Arosha Sithumina (Devapathiraja), Chanul Kodithuwakku (Kingswood), Hirun Matheesha (Royal), Puljith Wathsuka (Devapathiraja), more..

Nov 23 (Island) Coca-Cola Beverages SL (CCBSL) has introduced its universal returnable glass bottles to SPAR SL, expanding their availability to consumers and offering greater choice in packaging in an environmentally friendly measure. The launch event took place on Oct 10 at the SPAR Supermarket in Thalawathugoda, where Pradip Pandey, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Beverages SL, and Kumar De Silva, CEO of SPAR Sri Lanka, jointly unveiled the returnable glass bottles. more..

Nov 23 (ST) Title holders Kandy Sports Club produced a powerful display to defeat Navy Sports Club by 44-14 in their SLR- Maliban Inter-Club Rugby League Tournament match played in Welisara yesterday. Kandy SC controlled every key area of the game and built their victory on fast wing attacks, steady scrummaging, and strong discipline, after leading 15-0 at halftime. Kandy SC collected 44 points from four tries, three conversions and a penalty, while the Sailors managed only more..

Nov 23 (TM) Negotiations are now underway between the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) over a multi-billion-rupee compensation claim related to delays in the East Container Terminal (ECT) project, even as the long-delayed terminal moves closer to full operational readiness, according to SLPA Managing Director Ganaka Hemachandra. He confirmed that more..

Nov 23 (EN) CEB is selling power to 5 million, or 70% of customers, at a loss, compared to generation cost, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said indicating that other customers are taxed to run the utility at break-even cost. The average cost at point of generation has been brought down to 19.20 rupees, he said. “The selling price for households that use 30 units or less was 4.50 rupees (down from 8 rupees in 2024 July),” Minister told parliament during the budget debate on his ministry. more..

Nov 23 (EN) For a country that prides itself on self-sufficiency, SL’s struggle to keep rice both affordable and available has become a recurring national drama. Long seen as the backbone of food security, the rice industry has weathered turbulent seasons — from erratic weather and disrupted harvests to sudden policy shifts and market shocks. In the latest Maha season, 701,453 hectares were cultivated, producing 2.7 million metric tonnes of paddy. Yet despite paddy dominating country’s farmland, more..

Nov 23 (TM) Managed by David Pieris Racing and Leisure Ltd., the motorsports arm of the David Pieris Group of Companies, SpeedBay is redefining motorsports in SL. As the first international karting track in South Asia built to International Karting Commission (CIK-FIA) standards, SpeedBay stands as the beating heart of the island’s fast-growing motorsports and leisure entertainment industry. Nestled in Bandaragama, this 1,217-metre state-of-the-art circuit has become more..

Nov 23 (Island) Sri Lankan motorists can expect a new benchmark in road performance and design with the official launch of globally acclaimed Vredestein Tyres in the country. Manufactured in Europe and recognised for advanced engineering and striking aesthetics, Vredestein enters the market with a full range of Passenger Car Radials, Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres, and SUV tyres, offering options for daily drivers, premium vehicle owners, and sports car enthusiasts. more..

Nov 23 (TM) Online scams are surging across SL at an alarming pace, pushing the Govt to roll out a controversial new malware and threat hunting unit in a bid to curb the growing wave of digital fraud. As many fall victim to increasingly sophisticated schemes, authorities say the unit will serve as a proactive defence system. However, industry experts warn it could also open the door to expanded State monitoring under the guise of more..

Nov 23 (Island) All the signs are that there will be no Provincial Council (PC) elections next year. The govt’s decision to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to inquire into matters pertaining to the delayed PC polls is an indication that the ruling NPP is afraid of facing an election any time soon and therefore all out to prevent its popularity and electoral strength from being put to test. It is using the same modus operandi as the previous govts to postpone the PC polls more..

Nov 23 (Island) Former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa celebrated his eightieth birthday on Nov. 18th. Whether we admire or despise his politics, there is no denying that he decisively shaped the destiny of this island for decades, and his imprint will linger for generations. Understanding Mahinda Rajapaksa is crucial not merely as a study of one man, but as a lens through which to examine the interplay of society, religion, and charisma—the forces that both elevated him and ultimately constrained him. more..

Nov 23 (CI) Pakistan's attack squeezed SL's batters: their seamers bossed the powerplay, before Mohammad Nawaz claimed three wickets through the middle. SL could muster no more than 128 for 7, and Pakistan strode to the target in 15.3 overs, with seven wickets to spare. Sahibzada Farhan led the chase from the top of the order, with 80 not out off 45 balls. His knock, in fact, was the only real fluent innings in this game. more..

Nov 23 (Island) Javelin national record holder Rumesh Tharanga is the country’s top contender for World Athletics’ Ultimate Championships as SL Athletics included the new global event as one of the 19 international competitions scheduled for athletes in the 2026 calender announced on Wednesday. ‎Newest event introduced by World Athletics will be held in Budapest where only the World Champions, Olympic Champions and the highest ranked athletes in the Road to the Ultimate rankings more..

Nov 23 (Island) The half-hour that Bhanuka Rajapaksa spent at the crease in Rawalpindi on Thursday was enough to make even the most patient Sri Lankan fan wonder whether they were watching international cricket or a Tennyson Cooray stage play. Bhanuka looked a fish out of water, a rabbit caught in the headlights — pick any wildlife metaphor you like — and you’d still struggle to capture just how out of place he seemed. While everyone else played professional sport, more..

Nov 23 (ST) Next week in the North, mainstream politicians whose elders were sidelined for years by the AK-47-toting LTTE cadres taking on the role of sole representatives of the Tamils will be commemorating those who were taken to their deaths by the fascist terrorist organisation not so long ago. In doing so, they will be castigating the very armed forces that paved the way for these politicians to return to public life with the restoration of democracy. Historically, there is a lot in more..

Nov 23 (ST) My dear Mahinda maama, I am writing to send you belated birthday wishes as you celebrate your 80th birthday. I thought I would see you at Nugegoda because you said in Kandy that you would attend, but you weren’t there. Here’s hoping many more years of health and happiness because, at your age, that is what really matters! Honestly, Mahinda maama, I was surprised when you said in Kandy, while attending a pooja at Dalada Maligawa, that you will definitely be there more..

Nov 23 (ST) Northern Province administration had been taken to task by residents and civil society members in the past for being inefficient and lethargic for obvious reasons. It was a damning moment when Northern Province Governor N. Vedhanayahan publicly criticised senior officials in the higher rungs of the provincial officialdom, saying they were clinging to their seats without delivering progress at the grassroots level while more..

Nov 23 (CT) SL’s Right to Information Commission (RTIC) issued a tough Public Statement on Thursday (20) correcting irresponsible media reporting and cautioning against amendments that may dilute the information right used by thousands of citizens and cited internationally as a crucial tool in the country’s anti-corruption struggles. Statement came amidst public alarm over a response by the Ministry of Mass Media (the nodal agency responsible for implementing the Act), more..

Nov 23 (SO) On Nov 14, the geopolitical fault lines of the Middle East trembled once again as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intercepted and seized the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker Talara in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, operated by Cyprus-based Columbia Ship Management and owned by Pasha Finance, a company with alleged ties to Azerbaijani Prez Ilham Aliyev’s family, was en route from Ajman in the UAE to Singapore, laden with approximately more..

Nov 23 (TM) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) is continuing as the driving force of the JVP-led NPP Govt, with brand AKD having to come to the rescue at every misstep of Govt members. This was yet again witnessed last week over the controversy surrounding the Buddha statue in Trincomalee. While senior Govt ministers and in some instances senior Govt officials continue to push the Govt into tight spots through their more..

Nov 23 (SO) Inland Revenue Dept (IRD) proudly announced last week that it had collected over Rs. 2 trillion as of 17 Nov, notably the highest annual revenue in its history. The milestone surpasses the total tax revenue for 2024 with six weeks of the year still remaining, a fact the Govt has trumpeted as a sign of fiscal discipline, economic recovery, and improved efficiency. Govt has been quick to market it as a badge of honour and a celebratory moment that affirms its governance narrative. more..

Nov 23 (SO) The events in Trincomalee over the past few weeks should trouble every Sri Lankan who believes coexistence among communities is important for future prosperity and security. Sections of politicians, religious leaders and the media came together to turn an administrative dispute over land and a partially rebuilt Dhamma school at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Vihara into a national controversy. The NPP Govt, elected with significant support from Sinhala, Tamil & more..