May 26 (DM) The Cabinet has approved a proposal to sell part of the paddy stocks currently held by the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) in order to create storage space and generate funds for upcoming paddy purchases during the Yala season. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the Board has stored nearly 115,000 metric tons of paddy purchased from farmers in warehouses across the country. Authorities said a sufficient quantity of paddy will be retained as a safety stock, while more..

May 26 (Journal) The island’s rapid ascension in the technical education sector reflects a strategic pivot towards high-value automation and artificial intelligence. By fusing rigorous theoretical foundations with an aggressive practical application, these programmes have successfully redefined regional standards for engineering. As of 2026, SL has become a focal point for international students and tech firms alike, proving that a nation’s size is no barrier to its digital ambitions. more..

May 26 (Reuters) SL's central bank stunned markets by raising its policy rate by an outsized 100 basis points on Tuesday, the biggest hike in three years, and signaled more tightening as surging energy costs whip up inflation and batter its currency. Economic growth in the South Asian nation, only just recovering from a devastating 2022 financial crisis that left businesses and households deeply scarred, is expected to take a hit more..

May 26 (TS) The Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force deployed advanced technologies such as heavy-payload drones, remote-controlled boats and laser range finders for the first time in an overseas humanitarian mission during Operation Sagar Bandhu in SL, significantly enhancing the speed and precision of relief efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. “We inducted new-generation equipment for the first time overseas. Heavy-payload drones, remote-controlled boats and laser range finders more..

May 26 (DM) The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the implementation of the Surakimu Lanka National Energy Security Mission aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s energy security and promoting efficient electricity consumption. Govt said Sri Lanka’s energy security has been affected by several factors, including heavy dependence on fossil fuels, drought conditions, disruptions in fuel supply due to geopolitical instability, and fluctuations in global fuel prices. more..

May 26 (Island) Recent rumours circulating on social media regarding a potential move to lift the ban on cattle slaughter, within the Kandy municipal limits, have been categorically denied by both the Kandy Mayor and representatives of the Muslim community. Allegations suggested that there were attempts to bypass the long-standing ban implemented 14 years ago during the tenure of former Mayor Mahendra Ratwatte, to more..

May 26 (NW) PM Harini Amarasuriya declared open a newly-equipped High Definition (HD) television studio at the Uni of Vocational Technology (UoVT) in Ratmalana, aimed at enhancing practical training opportunities for students. The new studio, fitted with modern technical equipment, was established as part of the university’s media complex to support hands-on learning for students pursuing media and technology-related studies. Several new affiliated centres were also opened during the event, more..

May 26 (DM) Confirming the forecast made by some metrological authorities in a few countries in the region including India and Myanmar, the Department of Meteorology here yesterday said dry weather could be expected next month as the Southwest Monsoon is expected to lose its vigour. Met. Dept Climatologist Malith Fernando said Sri Lanka could also expect a dry spell because of the El Nino effect experienced in the country. The dryness is a result of weakening winds. more..

May 26 (Island) British citizen Kayleigh Fraser, who has been in hiding here since late 2022 following a deportation order issued by the then government over her reportage of the UPFA goons attack on Galle Face protesters, on social media platforms, wants the govt to rescind that order, enabling her to leave the county. Fraser’s counsel Nagananda Kodituwakku quoted her as having said that she doesn’t want to be deported under any circumstances. Govt wanted her to surrender more..

May 26 (NW) National Nephrology Specialized Hospital, also known as the China-SL Friendship Kidney Hospital in Polonnaruwa, says it is prepared to continue pediatric kidney transplant surgeries following the success of its first such operation performed earlier this month. Hospital officials said the first pediatric kidney transplant at the institution was successfully carried out on May 7 on a 16-year-old boy. The kidney was donated by the child’s father, and both the donor and recipient more..

May 26 (DM) SL produces only around 50 metric tonnes of bees honey annually, far short of the national requirement of nearly 200 metric tonnes, according to P. Sisira Kumara, Director of Extension and Training at Dept of Agriculture. Shortfall is being met through imports from India, Australia & China. Unless urgent measures are taken to modernise and expand the country’s fragmented beekeeping sector, more..

May 26 (NW) Govt expects to submit to Parliament a draft Bill seeking to cancel the parliamentary seats of MPs elected by the public who later defect to another political party, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. Jayatissa said the proposed legislation is intended to address party crossovers by elected representatives. Minister made these remarks when he was questioned if the govt is currently seeking the support of the opposition, especially in managing the current economic challenges. more..

May 26 (AD) Dept of Meteorology has issued an amber advisory warning of high waves and strong winds affecting sea areas around SL. The advisory covers sea areas extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota, and will be in effect from 4:30 p.m. today to 4:30 p.m. tomorrow. Met. Dept said sea areas from Kankesanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar, and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota, are expected to be rough at times with strong gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph. more..

May 26 (DM) A dramatic shift is underway in Sri Lanka’s real estate sector as investors and homebuyers increasingly opt to purchase lands with existing structures for renovation, stepping away from ground-up developments. This pivot comes as escalating construction and material prices continue to place heavy financial burdens on new buildings, fundamentally reshaping traditional approaches to property investment in 2026. more..

May 26 (DM) Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers based in the Australian High Commission are currently assisting the SL Police in their investigations into the cyber theft of US $ 2.5 million meant for payment to the Australian Govt as part of debt servicing, an official said. Sri Lanka lost US $ 2.5 million to cyber criminals who breached the computer system of the Finance Ministry. Asked about the current status of AFP assistance in this regard, Australian High Commissioner more..

May 26 (DM) Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks to meet demand until the end of July, Managing Director of the CPC, Mayura Nettikumarage, said. He said two additional crude oil shipments are scheduled to arrive in the country on May 28 and 31, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies in the coming months. Addressing reports of a possible fuel price increase and shortage, Nettikumarage said no decision has been taken to raise fuel prices and dismissed claims of a fuel shortage as false. more..

May 26 (EN) The SL–German Business Forum 2026 to be held in Colombo will bring together German public and private sector representatives and SL stakeholders to explore collaboration, with a focus on the maritime and logistics sectors, AHK Sri Lanka said. “This year’s forum will welcome key decision-makers from both the German public and private sectors, who will travel to Sri Lanka to explore new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and knowledge exchange.” more..

May 26 (Island) Sri Lanka has sought Somali help to ascertain the whereabouts of a SL sailor, abducted on 21 April this year. He was among a 17-member crew of the oil tanker Honour 25, hijacked near the Somali coast. The crew consisted of 10 Pakistanis, four Indonesians, one Indian, one Sri Lankan and one from Myanmar. The Ambassador-designate of SL, Nirmala Paranavitana, recently met the Ambassador of Somalia in Addis Ababa, Abdullahi Mohamed Warfa, to discuss more..

May 26 (ST) SL’s vehicle import sector has raised concerns over the Govt’s recently imposed 50% surcharge on the Customs Import Duty (CID), warning that while the move is aimed at curbing imports and stabilising the rupee, loopholes in the system may undermine the intended outcome. President of the Vehicle Importers Association of SL Madhushan Mannapperuma said the surcharge was introduced primarily as a management more..

May 26 (NW) Sri Lanka has approved a new international cooperation project aimed at strengthening the country’s sugarcane sector through technical collaboration with Brazil, one of the world’s leading sugar producers. The project will be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sugarcane Research Institute and the National Science Foundation together with the Brazilian Cooperation Agency and the Federal Uni of São Carlos. more..

May 26 (EN) Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved appointing a committee to submit recommendations on reforming the hiring of manpower employees in state-owned enterprises, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. “There has been a gradual increase in the number of state-owned enterprises in Sri Lanka employing workers on a temporary basis through external manpower agencies, rather than directly recruiting employees for their core operations,” Jayatissa told reporters. more..

May 26 (EN) Gaps in Sri Lanka’s sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxation and traffic light labelling (TLL) policy instruments is limiting their full potential, an Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) study has found. “The study provides strong evidence that demand for SSBs in Sri Lanka is price-responsive, with consumers continuing to purchase unhealthy beverages due to their lower cost, despite having adequate knowledge of TLL signals” more..

May 26 (AD) A suspected major drug trafficker identified as Shiran Basik has been arrested in Dubai. Police said the arrest was carried out by Dubai security forces. Reports indicate that Basik has alleged links to an Iranian drug trafficking network and is also wanted by the United States. Authorities further said he had been living in Dubai while posing as a wealthy businessman. He is believed to be one of five major traffickers involved in supplying narcotics to Sri Lanka. more..

May 26 (FT) Pelwatte Dairy Industries Limited has announced a significant new investment through its fully owned subsidiary, Pelwatte Foods Ltd., to establish a Greenfield Liquid Milk Manufacturing Facility (Phase 01) at its Kurunegala plant. The investment, valued at around Rs. 1.86 billion, was formalised through an agreement signed with the Board of Investment of SL (BOI) on 21 May. The signing ceremony was attended by Pelwatte Dairy Chairman Ariyaseela Wickremanayake, more..

May 26 (FT) The rupee is at 331 to the dollar. After the panic of hitting 342 at the peak of the Middle East oil shock, markets are reading this as a recovery. CBSL held OPR steady. Inflation is printing at 5.4% — right on target. Reserves are at $ 7.3 billion. The IMF program is on track. On the surface, it looks like the story has a good second chapter. I want to break that narrative down — not with opinion, but with the CBSL’s own data, including the weekly liquidity figures more..

May 26 (FT) After years of economic turmoil, SL’s construction industry was finally showing signs of stability. The CIOB Construction Cost Report 2024/2025 indicated that construction costs had largely stabilised, giving contractors, developers, financiers, and homeowners renewed confidence. That confidence is now being tested. No one disputes that a stronger US dollar increases construction costs. SL remains dependent on imported materials and inputs, making more..

May 26 (TM) In the wake of recent remarks by JVP General Secretary, Tilvin Silva, that PC Elections cannot be held this year, Election Commission (EC) stated that statements made by various individuals, including politicians, do not matter to the Commission and the Elections would be held once the relevant legal issues are cleared. When contacted, EC Chairperson R M A L Rathnayake said they do not take such more..

May 26 (FT) The rupee strengthened against the US dollar for the second consecutive session yesterday. The buy/sell LKR/USD interbank spot contracts closed at Rs. 325.50/Rs. 327.00 as against Friday’s closing of Rs. 329.00/Rs. 335.00. The spot market buy/sell rate eased on Friday from Thursday’s Rs. 331/Rs. 348 level, which marked the currency’s weakest level against the dollar last week, after the Central Bank of SL (CBSL) used moral suasion to calm a panicking market. more..

May 26 (DM) In a bid for economic risk mitigation over the falling dollar rate and surging import bills, the govt mulls the reintroduction of work from home for the public and private sector employees as done during the pandemic, an official said. The official who wished to remain anonymous said that the plan would be announced either today or tomorrow. He said the govt urgently needed to save on fuel usage, particularly diesel at the time. In recent days, the rupee value has crumbled. more..

May 26 (FT) SL’s export sector posted its highest-ever April performance, with total earnings surpassing $ 1.38 billion and reflecting a 6% year-on-year (YoY) growth driven by strong merchandise exports, despite a decline in services income. The merchandise exports shipped in April were up 9.87% YoY to over $ 1.06 billion, though estimated service earnings in the month decreased by 6.13% YoY to $ 317.16 million. more..

May 26 (AD) Governor of the Northern Province, Nagalingam Vethanayahan has dismissed social media reports claiming that dansals and Vesak decorations have been banned in the Northern Province during this year’s Vesak season. Governor’s Office said the claims circulating online are entirely false and without any basis. Statement emphasized that no such decision had been taken by the Governor’s Secretariat and that no discussions had been held regarding more..

May 26 (FT) Ceylon United Business Alliance (CUBA), a collective of small and medium businesses (SMEs), has written to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake calling for a temporary ban on non-essential imports to protect dollar reserves and local industries from escalating pressures from global supply shocks caused by the Middle East crisis. CUBA said: “SL is again facing a severe USD shortage. Before it is too late, we respectfully request the Govt to immediately impose more..