Aug 17 (NW) Sri Lankans working overseas do not need to fear additional taxes when sending their legally earned income to SL through the banking system, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has said. Senior Deputy Commissioner of the IRD Hiran Meneripitiya said no separate tax is imposed through the banking system when money earned overseas is remitted to SL. He explained that the tax treatment of foreign income depends on whether an individual is considered a resident of SL for more..

Aug 17 (Island) SL’s escalating human-elephant conflict has reached a tragic stage, with more than 400 elephants and nearly 200 people dying each year, environmental activist Ananda Dissanayake said last week. Addressing a press conference at SL Foundation in Colombo to mark World Elephant Day, Dissanayake said the govt and relevant authorities were implementing various measures to address the conflict, but elephants and their offspring continued to die on a daily basis. more..

Aug 17 (EN) SL’s economic growth could slow down between 4-5% in the second half of this year due to tight monetary policy and higher prices, CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said. CB raised the key monetary policy rate by 100 basis points in May after inflation started to rise from around 2%. It jumped to 7.3% in July. “There could be some slowdown in the second half, but still, it could be around within 4-5%. more..

Aug 17 (NW) The Irrigation Dept has urged the public and all water users to use water sparingly as water levels in the 74 major reservoirs under its control have fallen to around 37% of total capacity. An Irrigation Dept official said the available water is expected to be sufficient for the remainder of the Yala cultivation season and for drinking water requirements in areas supplied by the major reservoirs until the expected monsoon rainfall in November and December. more..

Aug 17 (EN) Anton James, founder of The Tree House International, Sri Lanka’s school for children with special needs, has been elected a Fellow of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). “This recognition belongs to the educators, therapists and families in Sri Lanka who strive every day for better neurodevelopmental care, and strengthens my resolve to ensure that every child with special needs has access to world class, evidence-based intervention,” said Anton. more..

Aug 17 (TM) The GMOA has called for the disturbance availability and transport allowance paid to medical professionals to be revised from the current Rs 70,000, noting that the allowance approved in 2018 was up to Rs 120,000. GMOA Secretary Dr Ubaya Warakagoda said the revision was among several proposals submitted by the GMOA ahead of the 2027 Budget to improve the retention of medical professionals in SL. more..

Aug 17 (NW) The 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill, which seeks to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges, has been included in the Parliament Order Book ahead of its scheduled presentation to Parliament on Tuesday (18). The Bill is due to be presented by Minister Harshana Nanayakkara. The Bill seeks to amend the Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978 in relation to the retirement age of judges. Under the proposed amendment, retirement age of SC judges more..

Aug 17 (AD) The govt of Japan has provided a JPY 282 million (Rs. 591 million) grant to Sri Lanka for the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) programme. The programme will enable 15 promising Sri Lankan public sector officials to pursue two-year Master’s degree programmes at universities in Japan from 2027. The officials will specialise in areas including Public Policy, Int'l Relations, International Development, Macroeconomics, Public Finance and more..

Aug 17 (AD) The prevailing El Niño conditions could have an impact on electricity generation in SL in late March and during the first two weeks of April next year, Minister Anura Karunathilaka said. Hw said the govt is preparing measures to reduce the potential impact on the power supply by increasing the use of battery energy storage systems. First phase of the battery storage programme is expected to add 160 MW to the national electricity system before December this year. more..

Aug 17 (NW) Trade union action launched by Grama Niladhari officers has been called off following discussions with the Ministry of Public Administration. Decision was reached after talks today between representatives of Grama Niladhari associations, Minister of Public Administration Chandana Abeyratne & Ministry Secretary. Association representatives said that during the meeting, Prez joined via telephone and assured that steps would be taken to address more..

Aug 17 (CI) Manav Suthar landed in Sri Lanka with big promise, delivered with a wicket first ball, and took three more to help India bowl SL out for 284, which gave them a formidable first-innings lead of 178. With three wickets, Ravindra Jadeja provided a good helping hand, as did the other three bowlers with a wicket each. India might have entertained thoughts of enforcing a follow-on in this rain-curtailed Test when they had the hosts down at 90/5. more..

Aug 17 (Island) Dialog Axiata and apparel manufacturer MAS Holdings have concluded the fourth Dialog MAS Enabler Programme, aimed at expanding workplace opportunities and inclusion for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The programme brought together 10 undergraduates and young professionals from leading public and private higher education institutions across SL, providing them with practical exposure to corporate, manufacturing and customer service environments at both more..

Aug 17 (DM) CERT has warned the public about a sophisticated fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate officials of the Central Bank of SL and FCID to steal victims’ bank deposits. Complaints have been received about individuals contacting victims through mobile phones and social media, claiming to have information about their savings and fixed deposits. The scammers allegedly tell victims that complaints have been lodged claiming their deposits were obtained through more..

Aug 17 (FT) Sri Lanka is better positioned than during its 2022 economic crisis to absorb a fresh energy price shock from the Middle East conflict, although high oil prices continue to pose risks to inflation, reserves, and growth, Moody’s Ratings said. Moody’s said SL, along with Bangladesh and Pakistan, remained among Asia’s most vulnerable economies to higher oil prices due to heavy reliance on imported energy. more..

Aug 17 (NW) A Colombo court has ordered a 17-year-old school cricketer arrested over an alleged assault involving a Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club employee to remain in probation custody until Aug 24. Order was issued after the case was taken up before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Aug 17. The teenager was arrested by Cinnamon Gardens Police following an incident at the Bloomfield grounds in Colombo on August 8. Club employee, identified as 62-year-old more..

Aug 17 (DM) Colombo has the port. India has the cargo. With nearly, Sri Lanka’s record-breaking port performance hides a strategic vulnerability it can no longer ignore. 45% of Colombo’s transshipment business linked to Indian cargo and half of Colombo’s transshipment business is linked to India. This is both Colombo’s greatest opportunity—and its greatest strategic vulnerability. In 2025, the Port of Colombo handled a record 8.29 million TEUs, its highest-ever annual throughput. more..

Aug 17 (Island) Five women were arrested for allegedly stealing gold chains from devotees attending the annual feast of the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu, in Mannar, on Saturday. The suspects, all from Bulathsinhala, had allegedly mingled with devotees while posing as affluent women, dressed in expensive-looking attire and wearing large quantities of imitation jewellery. They are alleged to have used the crowds and confusion during the religious celebrations to snatch gold chains from more..

Aug 17 (AD) The first Kumbal Perahera of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera will take to the streets tomorrow night, with SL Police implementing a special security and traffic management plan for the event. 2026 Kandy Esala Perahera is scheduled to take place from Aug 18 to Aug 28. Special arrangements have been made to deploy roadblocks and security personnel, conduct vehicle and personal checks, provide guidance to tourists and manage vehicle parking throughout more..

Aug 17 (DM) Four managers of four leading private banks have been arrested in connection with a racket where an estimated US$1 billion has been illegally transferred out of Sri Lanka to foreign countries. The arrests were made by the FCID. The four bank managers were reportedly arrested at their respective private banks. Police said this is the first time that bank managers have been arrested in Sri Lanka in connection with such a case. more..

Aug 17 (Island) National Shoora Council (NSC) has called for an immediate inquiry into an alleged incident at the Kalmunai North Base Hospital in which several newly appointed female public officers were reportedly prevented from entering the hospital to assume duties. In a letter to Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya dated August 15, the NSC said the incident had occurred on August 10 and urged the PM to direct the Health Ministry to investigate the matter. more..

Aug 17 (NF) Minister Vijitha Herath has assured that the temporary tax restrictions imposed on vehicle imports will be removed once the ongoing conflict situation in the Middle East comes to an end. He made these remarks while attending the Motor Rally 2026 vehicle exhibition organized by Vehicle Importers' Association of SL in Colombo yesterday. The event was organized with the primary objective of promoting a responsible motoring culture and disciplined driving practices within SL society. more..

Aug 17 (NW) A new Pew Research Centre survey across 36 countries shows that India continues to receive a more positive than negative global perception, with Sri Lanka emerging as the country with the most positive perception of India. The survey, conducted between February and May this year, covered more than 42,000 people. Across the countries surveyed, a median of 45% expressed a favourable view of India, more..

Aug 17 (NF) A new tourism attraction aimed at showcasing Sri Lanka's natural beauty to both local and foreign visitors has been launched in Polonnaruwa, offering a unique kayaking experience along the scenic Elahera Yoda Ela. Renowned for its picturesque surroundings and tranquil waters, the historic canal is now open to adventure seekers and nature lovers who wish to explore one of the region's most beautiful waterways from a completely new perspective. more..

Aug 17 (NW) Sri Lanka has moved to strengthen its commercial ties with Switzerland, as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Sumith Dassanayake, met with Vincent Subilia, Director General of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIG), recently (12). According to the Permanent Mission of SL in Geneva , during the meeting, Ambassador Dassanayake briefed the Chamber on SL’s recent economic developments and emphasized more..

Aug 17 (FT) Four short years ago, Sri Lanka suspended debt repayments. The people experienced a dramatic fall in their living standards. Small businesses died. Fuel supplies could not be unloaded from ships in harbor without full payment because we were not seen as credit worthy. Worth a reminder. Things may look normal on the surface now, but the businesses that went bust have not come back. The effects of malnourishment driven by the crisis will take years to remedy. more..

Aug 17 (FT) Of late, the Central Bank of SL (CBSL) has been at the receiving end from both MPs and the public. This has not been due to its failure towards the nation. Rather, it reveals the failure of its communication policy in explaining what it does in a language people can understand. When people in the social media age learn from posts circulating there, central bankers trying to educate the public through lengthy technical papers will not serve any purpose. more..

Aug 17 (Island) Police have launched multiple investigations into the local assets and criminal connections of drug kingpin Shiran Basik following his deportation from Dubai to SL. SSP F.U. Wootler, said several police stations, and specialised units, were investigating different allegations against the 48-year-old Dehiwela resident while investigators were also examining his alleged drug-trafficking network and more..

Aug 17 (AD) SL Navy today (16) successfully recovered a Fast Attack Craft that was involved in an accident at sea near Angulana, Moratuwa, while returning from a patrol. Vessel was recovered following a several-hour operation carried out with the assistance of specialist diving teams attached to SL Navy. Meanwhile, search operations for the naval personnel who remains missing continued throughout the day. Recovery operation proved challenging due to rough seas, strong winds. more..

Aug 17 (HN) Marking a fresh medical record, doctors at Trincomalee General Hospital successfully removed a giant kidney stone weighing 3 kilograms and 100 grams from a patient. This surgery was conducted at the Trincomalee Hospital on August 14, led by Kidney Surgeon Prahalahan Balakrishnan. The surgery was performed by members of a medical team including Doctor Prahalahan Balakrishnan, Doctor Rishli Maheel, Doctor J.M. Ihsan, Doctor C. Prahalahan, and more..

Aug 17 (FT) In the latest July 2026 round of the Gallup-style Mood of the Nation poll conducted by Verité Research, Govt’s approval rating moderated to 50%, following a post-election high of 65% in the previous Feb 2026 round. The polling partner was Vanguard Survey Ltd Perceptions of the economic outlook reduced sharply. Those who think the economy is getting better declined to 42% from 64% in the previous round. more..

Aug 17 (EN) SL’s foreign currency reserves gained 2.1% to US$ 6.59 billion by end July from US$ 6.45 billion as month ago, amid dollar buying by the Central Bank. The Central Bank has resumed its aggressive dollar buying to boost the reserves and net bought US$348.6 million in July. It has bought US$ 905 million in the first seven months of 2026 following a net purchase of US$2 billion last year. The rupee was under high downward pressure in May as the imports bill for fuel went up more..

Aug 17 (NW) ​ PM Harini Amarasuriya said that religious and cultural festivals such as the Bellanwila Esala Perahera play a significant role in preserving SL’s religious and cultural heritage from generation to generation and keeping it alive for future generations. The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the 76th annual Bellanwila Esala Perahera, held yesterday (15) at the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya. PM noted that the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya holds more..