Sep 16 (FT) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) recently said its Business Outlook Survey (BOS) Business Condition Index rose to 130 in 2Q 2025, the highest since falling to a low 28 in the 2Q 2022, which would extend further to 138 in 3Q 2025. CBSL on Friday said the Business Condition Index indicates a notable improvement in business confidence in Q3 2025, extending the upward momentum observed in Q2 2025. This suggests a continuation of positive momentum in the overall business climate. more..

Sep 16 (FT) Prof. Mick Moore said SL’s tax administration is two decades behind many African countries and must shift its focus to large-scale evaders if it is to close the revenue gap, at the Debt and Tax Dialogue forum recently. “Customs in SL, in terms of its organisation and its work methods, is about 20 years behind many African countries. It’s not very nice to hear, but to be honest, the Inland Revenue Dept (IRD) is pretty much in that same ballpark. It’s not that far away,” more..

Sep 16 (CI) A Pathum Nissanka fifty at the top of the innings, and a Wanindu Hasaranga cameo at the end saw Sri Lanka survive a scare from the group's lowest-ranked team, Hong Kong. In two disciplines, Hong Kong were valiant. Anshy Rath batted with determination to score 48, and Nizakat Khan with verve to make 52 not out off 38, the pair driving Hong Kong to a total of 149 for 4. Bowlers then created chances right through the innings. more..

Sep 16 (Island) Sri Lanka has reason to be satisfied with the response it is receiving from the international community. Three different international monitoring bodies have chosen to give the govt good reports. The first was the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) based in Sweden. Its Global State of Democracy Index for 2025 saw Sri Lanka jump 15 places since last year to 58th out of 173 countries. Last year SL was in the 73rd place. more..

Sep 16 (Island) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa may be blamed for many things, but his political resilience is remarkable. His biggest achievement is generally thought to be providing political leadership for defeating the LTTE, but it is something else—frustrating Prez Chandrika Kumaratunga’s efforts to prevent him from running for President in 2005 as the candidate of the SLFP-led UPFA. He made a stunning comeback after his defeat in the 2015 presidential race. more..

Sep 16 (ST) It must have been with relish that the JVP ate their dish of revenge, served cold after being in cold storage for years. For years on end, they have watched with festering hate and anger special privileges granted to former presidents for no earthly reason at all, except to ensure their retirement nests are comfortably feathered for life at public expense. And what are these special privileges that presidents inherit upon leaving the presidency? They comprise a suitable house that befits more..

Sep 16 (CT) Following the recent tragedies caused by motor accidents involving passenger buses, it is welcome that the administration is taking a conscious effort to ensuring that public transportation is safe and is of a reasonable uniform quality. Many passengers would agree that many privately operated passenger buses are found outfitted with impractical modifications to the interior and exterior that could prove dangerous during a traffic collision or other accident. more..

Sep 16 (CT) The morning of Thursday (11), brought alarming news for wildlife conservationists across SL. The lifeless body of Mahasilu, a magnificent and widely recognised tusker, was discovered in a paddy field in Ilukpitiya, Okkampitiya. Mahasilu was not merely any elephant; he was a familiar figure in the Buttala and Okkampitiya regions, renowned for his impressive, well-developed tusks — a rare trait among SL male elephants, present in only an estimated 7% of the population. more..

Sep 16 (TM) A few days ago, a forest fire broke out in the Nonpareil Reserve in Balangoda, with reports that the flames have torched over 1,000 acres of reserve as of yesterday(15). Its impact on the environment and the ecosystems which it supports is massive. Climate change is increasing the risk of forest fires globally. While climate change does not directly affect human-caused ignitions of fires, it does increase the amount and size of natural areas that are fire-prone. more..

Sep 16 (DM) The uprisings in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka reveal a generational impatience with deep-rooted elites who treat the state as personal property. Across South Asia, young people—digitally savvy, economically pressured, and politically aware—have found common cause in demanding accountability from leaders they view as corrupt and unresponsive. The Nepal protests described above, which began with a social-media ban and ended in the resignation of PM K.P. Sharma Oli, more..

Sep 16 (TM) In August, Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) conducted a fact-finding mission at the Chemmani mass gravesite in Jaffna, which has thus far contained over 200 human remains, alongside significant systemic challenges in the investigation process. The investigation unearths not only remains but also entrenched obstacles to delivering justice for alleged extrajudicial killings, highlighting the urgent need for institutional reforms and int'l collaboration. more..

Sep 16 (DM) Education occupies a special place in the minds of the public in SL, thanks to the free education system which benefits the people from all walks of life. No other singular reform agenda evokes such animated interest and vociferous debate as the subject of education. Proposing drastic changes to the education system without extensive consultation and substantial consensus from interested parties is akin to stirring the hornet’s nest. Predictably, the announcement of the education reforms more..

Sep 16 (DM) Irrespective of the merits or demerits of the possible fallouts of regime change in Nepal last week following mass protests and violence, it provides a window of opportunity for every country, especially in the global south, to reinitiate the discourse on regulation of social media platforms. As the 13-hour power cut triggered SL’s Aragalaya of 2022 which led to the toppling of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa govt on a subsequent anti-corruption campaign, more..

Sep 15 (AD) Attorney General informed the Court of Appeal today that the report of the expert committee appointed to determine the motor capacity of BYD vehicles—which were previously detained by SL Customs and later released on bank guarantees—is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks. This statement was made by Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena, who appeared on behalf of SL Customs during the hearing of a writ petition filed by the John Keells CG Auto (PVT) Ltd, more..

Sep 15 (TM) Ministry of Environment stated that illegal constructions along the country’s coastline are being systematically removed, and no new unauthorised structures are being built. Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody said that although it is not possible to remove all illegal constructions at once, the ministry is taking the necessary steps to address the issue. “The existing structures are being systematically removed. We are doing the required work to ensure compliance more..

Sep 15 (AI) As States begin deliberations at the 60th session of the UNHRC on a new resolution promoting human rights and accountability in Sri Lanka, INGOs call on delegations to support a strong resolution which renews the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)’s SL Accountability Project (OSLAP) for a minimum of two years. This is essential for it to carry out its work in more..

Sep 15 (DM) The govt aims to establish at least 50 multimodal transport centres across the country by 2029, Minister Bimal Rathnayake announced today. Speaking at the launch of the Colombo Central Bus Stand renovation project in Pettah, held under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Minister said 15 such centres are expected to be set up in Colombo by 2026. He explained that the new centres will be designed to provide bus, train and taxi services from one location, easing more..

Sep 15 (AD) A gazette notification has been issued banning the import and sale of four invasive ornamental fish species by the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources, and Ocean Resources. Accordingly, the ban applies to Piranha, Knife Fish, Alligator Gar and Redline Snakehead. According to the notification, breeding, releasing the fish species into water systems, transporting, purchasing, selling or displaying for sale, possessing, importing and exporting are banned. more..

Sep 15 (AD) Another house believed to have been used by underworld figures Kehelbaddara Padme and Kudu Nilanga for manufacturing the drug Ice has been uncovered in Mayurapura, Hambantota by the Kalutara District Crimes Division. The house in question has been discovered following a revelation made by Embilipitiya Suranga, a close associate of Kudu Nilanga, after he was arrested by Kalutara District Crime Division more..

Sep 15 (DM) ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has expressed concern over the continuing farmers’ protest in Mylathamadu, Batticaloa, which entered its second year today. Rasamanickam highlighted that Tamil farmers in the area have traditionally grazed their cattle on these lands for generations. He noted that in 2022, state authorities, including the Mahaweli and Forest Departments, attempted to seize the land under the guise of development, sparking the ongoing protest. more..

Sep 15 (DM) A Housing Development Authority (HDA) technical officer was arrested by the CIABOC for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000 in Pitigala. He was arrested following a complaint from a resident who applied for Rs. 1 million in housing loan. The officer had allegedly demanded Rs. 50,000 to provide the necessary technical support and approval for the grant. On Aug 19, when the complainant received the first installment of Rs. 146,000, the officer allegedly obtained more..

Sep 15 (DM) The Rs. 2,000 commemorative currency note, issued recently, will be gradually released into circulation through licensed commercial banks, Central Bank of SL said. The note, released on Aug 29, 2025, marks the 75th Anniversary of the CBSL. To ensure the smooth integration into the financial system, licensed commercial banks are currently in the process of calibrating their cash-handling machines. As this process continues, the note will be more..

Sep 15 (TM) Reflecting on a remarkable three-decade journey of pioneering steps, benchmark achievements, and trailblazing initiatives in Sri Lanka’s Non-Banking Finance Industry (NBFI), Citizens Development Business Finance (CDB) marked its 30th anniversary with a series of meaningful celebrations. Commencing on Sept 4th with a Sarwa Rathrika Pirith ceremony and Heel Danaya the following morning, the events embraced both tradition and unity. more..

Sep 15 (EN) Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product expanded 4.9% in the second quarter of 2025, led by the industries sector followed by services and helped by restriction of vehicle imports and lower interest rates. The island nation grew at 4.1% in the same quarter last year. The economy recorded its eighth consecutive positive growth in the April-June quarter, signaling the continuous recovery. Industry grew 5.8% with more..

Sep 15 (NW) Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has demanded the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft after a controversy erupted over players from India and Pakistan not shaking hands during their Asia Cup clash in Dubai. Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council, lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, alleging Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, at the toss. more..

Sep 15 (DM) The Magampura Port Management Company has failed to settle US dollars 18.82 million (Rs. 6,836 million) out of the US$ 24 million loan obtained from a private bank under a Corporate Guarantee of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), a Parliamentary Committee reveals. The company had obtained the loan from a private bank in 2014 and had settled around USD 6 million as of Dec 2023 but is yet to settle the outstanding amount of USD 18.82 million, it was revealed during more..

Sep 15 (Island) SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem, MP, has lambasted the NPP govt’s stand on the US-backed Israel military campaign against the Palestinians. Attorney-at-Law Hakeem declared that the recent statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, on behalf of the NPP, on the Israeli attack aimed at Hamas political leadership, was nothing but a disgrace. Israel carried out the attack on Hamas leadership last Tuesday. more..

Sep 15 (AM) HNB General Insurance (HNBGI) has officially launched its new flagship CSR initiative, HNBGI Better Tomorrow, with a successful community clean-up event. This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and deeper community engagement. The clean-up targeted a neglected alley adjacent to Nawam Mawatha, a shortcut used daily by hundreds of commuters heading to the Slave Island more..

Sep 15 (FT) The Simplified VAT (SVAT) system is set to be discontinued effective 1 October. This decision will significantly impact many businesses, particularly exporters who rely on this system for upfront VAT refunds. EY Sri Lanka and Maldives Partner – Head of Tax Sulaiman Nishtar commented, “The discontinuation of the SVAT system by the Inland Revenue Dept represents a significant change that businesses will need to prepare for. This transition may lead to some uncertainty, more..

Sep 15 (NW) Governor of Uva Province, Kapila Jayasekara, has expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Muslim community following the tragic bus accident on the Ella–Wellawaya road that claimed the lives of fifteen individuals. Following the accident, Muslim religious leaders and community members from areas including Diyatalawa, Bandarawela, Welimada, Bakinigahawela, and Badulla had offered free funeral transport services to carry remains more..

Sep 15 (AD) A youth, who was arrested for allegedly defacing the World Heritage Site of the Sigiriya Mirror Wall (Kedapath Pavura) by the Sigiriya Police yesterday, has been remanded. The 21-year-old girl has been remanded until September 26 by the Dambulla District Judge Nilantha Wimalaratne. The suspect, a resident of Avissawella, is reported to have scribbled on the historic Mirror Wall using a hairpin while visiting Sigiriya with a group of others, said police. more..