Sep 18 (DM) The Illegal Assets Investigation Division of the Sri Lanka Police has imposed restraining orders on property and luxury assets worth more than Rs. 125 million, allegedly acquired through drug trafficking, in two separate investigations. In the first operation, police froze assets valued at over Rs. 90 million belonging to a suspect from the Wattala area. Acting under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, investigators imposed a 14-day restraining order from Sept 17, more..

Sep 18 (Island) A three-wheeler driver was shot dead in a brazen afternoon shooting beneath the Dematagoda Black Bridge yesterday, police said. The investigators suspected that killing may be linked to notorious underworld figure Najim Mohamed Imran, widely known as Kanjipani Imran operating from overseas. The victim, a 50-year-old resident of Udugama, Galle, was killed with a pistol, according to ASP F.U. Wootler. The victim was rushed to hospital following the incident. more..

Sep 18 (FT) Cabinet has approved the implementation of 39 new development projects aimed at upgrading infrastructure across Govt health service institutions, including hospitals, as part of a broader push to address long-standing infrastructure gaps and modernise health service facilities. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said earlier this week the projects stem from a review of 41 proposals submitted during 2025 and 2026, evaluated by the Dept of National Planning. more..

Sep 18 (DN) SL javelin champion Rumesh Tharanga has retained the No. 1 position in the latest world javelin rankings released on Wednesday. The 23-year-old continued his impressive run of form by winning the Diamond League Final in Brussels and the World Ultimate Athletics Championships in Budapest, further strengthening his grip on the top spot with 1,423 points. Grenada’s Anderson Peters occupies second place with 1,363 points, while Germany’s Julian Weber is third with 1,341 points. more..

Sep 18 (NW) Former SL captain Kumar Sangakkara has questioned the national team’s selection decisions, consistency and fitness following another comprehensive defeat to England, saying SL remain far from becoming the T20 side they aspire to be. Speaking during the post-match analysis, Sangakkara said England’s dominance had exposed significant differences between the two teams, particularly in batting, physical conditioning and tactical awareness. “They are miles apart,” Sangakkara said, more..

Sep 18 (TM) More than 78,000 people have lost their livelihoods due to the dry weather conditions caused by El Niño, but the Labour Ministry says it has no mechanism to intervene as most of those affected are engaged in agriculture and other informal-sector activities. Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said that there was currently no situation requiring intervention by the Labour Ministry, noting that its mandate allows it to intervene only in employment-related issues in the formal sector. more..

Sep 18 (FT) SAJ Associates Ltd., is expanding its product range through the growing network of Lakarcade, which currently holds a significant share of Sri Lanka’s souvenir and gift market. Lakarcade has recently strengthened its market presence with the opening of a new souvenir shop at a hotel in Colombo. Through its expanding network of showrooms across the country, the company is taking the skills and capabilities of Sri Lankan craftsmen directly to tourists. more..

Sep 18 (TM) Sri Lanka’s current wretched form in T20Is was laid bare in no uncertain terms as they were blown off the park by a rampant England team, in the first T20I at Utilita Bowl, Southampton to trail 1-0 in the three-match series on Tuesday (15). Placed ninth in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, Charith Asalanka’s team clearly resembled a deer in the headlights, as they were outplayed in all facets of the game while suffering a 13th loss on the bounce in the format to their hosts. more..

Sep 18 (TM) While SL’s private sector credit expanded by Rs 169.0 billion (b) in July 2026, State sector credit contracted by Rs 189.6 b during the same month, First Capital Research’s Monthly economic report for September said. “Private sector credit increased by Rs 169.0 b in Jul-26, while credit to the public sector decreased by Rs 189.6 b for the same period,” the report said, adding that the month-on-month expansion in the month within private credit was a 1.5% increase, more..

Sep 18 (FT) “Sri Lanka must move beyond academic qualifications and domestic recognition to build the skills, leadership, innovation and international exposure needed to compete in the global economy,” Women in Management Global (WIM) Founder and Chairperson Dr. Sulochana Segera said. She made the observation at the launch of WIM – The Business & Leadership Night 2026, which will bring together three flagship platforms focusing on women-led enterprise, next-generation leadership and more..

Sep 18 (CI) Consecutive thrashings in three days saw England take the T20I series against SL with a game to spare. Thursday's victory was just as one-sided as the opener at the Utilita Bowl, which they took by 119 runs; in Cardiff, Harry Brook's side reached a lacklustre target of 146 with 47 balls to spare, with Tom Banton unbeaten on 52 off 24 for the conclusion as England took an unassailable 2-0 lead. Brook was able to give his team their usual chasing privileges at Sophia Gardens. more..

Sep 18 (FT) SL Institute of Directors (SLID) Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody has called for stronger corporate governance and greater director competence as SL businesses navigate a rapidly changing economic and operating environment. Speaking at the SLID’s 25th anniversary celebrations, Weerakkody reflected on the transformation of SL’s corporate sector over the past quarter century, noting that the country had around 240 listed companies and a market capitalisation of more..

Sep 18 (FT) Global NPO Coalition on FATF Co-Chair Sangeeta Goswami yesterday said Sri Lanka, like most countries undergoing a Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) standards, is prone to over-compliance, adopting restrictions well beyond what the FATF standard actually requires out of desperation of being placed on its grey list. Goswami said the FATF’s Mutual Evaluation process carries more..

Sep 18 (ST) One day a postgraduate student asked me an interesting question: “What’s the most important single economic indicator?” I was surprised and asked: “The most important single economic indicator? Indicator of what?” She replied: “Indicator of economic status of a country or economic progress!” I had never come across a question framed in quite this way. At first glance, it may seem deceptively simple or even somewhat absurd. more..

Sep 18 (TM) While the SLPP held a largely attended rally at the ancient capital of A'pura on 12 Sept, ruling JVP-led NPP held a similar one on the same day in another ancient capital, Polonnaruwa. Not to be outdone, the SJB, is also planning a massive rally this week. SL’s political landscape is once again filling with stages, loudspeakers, party flags, buses and large gatherings. Ruling Party holds rallies to demonstrate public confidence on the promises fulfilled and successes achieved in the last two years. more..

Sep 18 (DN) A veteran politician who has been at the centre of both the formation and the fall of govts, S.B. Dissanayake has also, in later years, stepped away from active politics. Now a former minister, he remains a keen observer of the country’s political and economic trajectory. In this interview, he reflects on the current political climate, Govt’s economic programme, agricultural production, the Opposition and the challenges facing the public service. more..

Sep 18 (GV) The Bill to amend the Constitution for the 22nd time, together with the proposed amendment to the Judicature Act, is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court. The immediate constitutional question is whether the proposed increase in the retirement age of judges can be enacted by a two-thirds majority in parliament alone or whether, in addition, it requires approval at a referendum. SC is therefore placed in the unusual position of determining the constitutional question more..

Sep 18 (TM) Ragging remains one of the most degrading and inhuman practices to which young Sri Lankans are routinely subjected, and it is a national disgrace that we still speak of it in 2026 as though it were an unsolved mystery rather than a plainly documented crime. Students have died. Others have lost limbs, or been left with injuries and trauma that will follow them for the rest of their lives. Many more, unable to bear what is dressed up as tradition, have simply walked away from more..

Sep 18 (TM) Eviction notices, hotel closures and demolitions along parts of SL’s coastline have displaced workers and left investors uncertain about businesses built over many years. Beyond the legality of individual buildings, these actions raise questions about environmental protection, livelihoods and Govt accountability. Two public responsibilities underpin this controversy: protecting beaches, dunes, mangroves and public access, and safeguarding people from more..

Sep 18 (DM) The human–elephant conflict (HEC) in SL is becoming increasingly severe and geographically widespread. The outdated mitigation approaches proposed as solutions to this crisis amount to wasting state funds. In the view wildlife experts, the Horowpothana Elephant Holding Ground, founded on the myth of elephant rehabilitation, is yet another white elephant. Wildlife experts and animal lovers would call it an “open-air elephant prison camp. more..

Sep 18 (DM) On Tuesday (15), Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts warning of a potential danger in Jeddah, Mecca and Taif, urging people to seek shelter and follow official safety instructions. Even though the nature of the potential danger was initially not revealed, it was later reported that a Saudi-led coalition intercepted a drone launched by the Houthis headed towards the holy city of Mecca. On the same day, an Italian fighter jet flying for NATO had brought down more..

Sep 17 (NW) Two newly constructed post office buildings will be vested in the public this month as part of the govt’s ongoing programme to modernise SL’s postal service. Mullaitivu Post Office, built at a cost of nearly Rs. 56 million, will open on Sept 18, while the Kaithady Post Office in Jaffna will be vested in the public on Sept 19. In addition, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, who is spearheading the modernisation programme, will lay the foundation stone for a new post office in more..

Sep 17 (AD) The Colombo High Court has ordered that the corruption case filed by the CIABOC against former Navy Commander, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda and Yoshitha Rajapaksa be called for a pre-trial conference on Oct 13. The case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Ravindra Premaratne today, with both accused, who are currently out on bail, appearing before the court. Appearing for Karannagoda, President's Counsel Shavindra Fernando informed the court that more..

Sep 17 (NF) The family of former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa is not prepared to disclose her current location, according to Manoj Gamage, spokesman for former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa. Gamage said he had been informed that Shiranthi Rajapaksa would return to SL as soon as possible in order to continue providing care and support to former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa. The development comes after Shiranthi more..

Sep 17 (DM) The Govt is considering increasing the salaries and allowances of prison officers in the upcoming Budget, Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said. Minister made these remarks during a discussion on issues faced by officers at the Dumbara Prison, held following the establishment of a joint mechanism covering the Dumbara-Bogambara Prison and the Pallekele Open Prison. Nanayakkara also inspected the prison premises and spoke with inmates about the challenges more..

Sep 17 (AD) The Bar Association of SL (BASL) and the Law Council of Australia has entered into a MOU in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on the sidelines of the 39th LAWASIA Conference. The Memorandum was signed by President of the Law Council of Australia, Tania Wolff, and President of the BASL, Rajeev Amarasuriya, BASL said in a statement. The Law Council of Australia, established in 1933 and based in Canberra, is the apex national body representing the legal profession of Australia. more..

Sep 17 (CI) In moments of extreme stress or trauma, it's not uncommon for individuals to disassociate, to mentally check out from thoughts, feelings or even physical discomfort. It's a coping mechanism meant to protect and shield the psyche from an unbearable reality. On Tuesday night, a rarer, sport-induced variation of this phenomenon took hold. For thousands of Sri Lankans watching on, both on the field and across television more..

Sep 17 (DN) SriLankan Airlines can no longer be sustained as a loss-making entity, Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said. He made the remarks during a special meeting held at the SriLankan Airlines premises on Sept 15 with newly appointed Acting CEO Vipul Misra. Secretary to the Ministry W.W.S. Mangala also participated in the discussions. The meeting focused on restructuring SriLankan Airlines, improving operational efficiency and restoring public trust in national carrier. more..

Sep 17 (NW) Actor Vishwa Kodikara was fined Rs. 5,000 by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to possessing cocaine. Mount Lavinia Magistrate Kanchana Neranjala Silva imposed the fine after Kodikara admitted to the offence. According to reports, Kodikara was arrested by Wellawatta Police on Wednesday night during a raid at a popular restaurant located in the coastal area of Wellawatta. He was among five people arrested with more..

Sep 17 (TM) Claiming that only around 9 per cent of Sri Lanka’s workforce are members of trade unions (TUs), National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) member and trade unionist Anton Marcus said the Govt should focus on protecting the workers’ right to join unions instead of concentrating on changes such as the proposed reforms to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF). Marcus, who is also the General Secretary of the Free Trade Zones and more..

Sep 17 (DM) One wonders whether the public rally organised by the SLPP with massive publicity in A'pura last Saturday — intended to create a favorable political wave across the country — has instead turned into a political disaster for the party itself. The meeting appeared to be a chaotic blend of political contradictions, conducted without a clear realisation of who is a friend and who is an enemy. At a time when the party needed to demonstrate that they are engaged in meaningful, more..