Feb 4 (Island) Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday raised concerns over the recent suspension of Parliament’s Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff, Chaminda Kularatne, alleging that the process appeared to be mala fide. Addressing Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament, Premadasa said that the existence of a personal disagreement between the Speaker and the suspended official had more..

Feb 4 (CT) Govt has assured that it will soon address the pending issues faced by CEB employees who have opted for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. He acknowledged growing concerns among employees whose travel plans, visa arrangements, and personal commitments have been disrupted due to delays in their official release from the CEB. “We are aware that several employees who opted for VRS are in a more..

Feb 4 (FT) Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday that over 24,000 passengers have used the newly introduced electronic gates at the BIA since the soft launch on 23 Dec 2025. Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing, he said that, on average, around 4% of total arriving passengers have opted to use the e-gates to enter the country. He noted that while uptake is still relatively modest, the figures indicate growing public acceptance of the system during its initial phase. more..

Feb 4 (Island) Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament that the CIABOC has commenced an investigation into the 2020 sugar scam. He said the probe had been initially handled by the CID, which sought the AG's instructions on further proceedings. Acting on those instructions, CID referred the matter to CIABOC for further investigation. The findings so far have been handed over to CIABOC, for further investigation. more..

Feb 4 (CT) In line with the 78th National Independence Day, SL Army announced that promotions will be granted today to 9,158 non-commissioned officers. Accordingly, the promotions have been awarded with effect from 4 Feb. Under the promotions, 260 senior non-commissioned officers holding the rank of Warrant Officer II have been promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer I, while 1,211 senior non-commissioned officers holding the rank of Staff Sergeant have been promoted to more..

Feb 4 (TM) A cousin of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Bandara Rambukwella, was arrested on allegations of money laundering by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. He was taken into custody yesterday at his residence, the Police said. The court later ordered that Bandara Rambukwella be remanded until 10 February. Meanwhile, an individual was arrested at the BIA while attempting to smuggle a large quantity of foreign currency into SL. more..

Feb 4 (CI) Chasing a modest target of 129, Sri Lanka once again found themselves in the throws of a middle-order trough, but on a third-use wicket, one where turn was far from infrequent, their plan to employ seven specialist batters was seemingly on the verge of finally paying off. On paper, this was the perfect use case. A batting collapse, but in a low-scoring thriller, so that the extra batter would not be burdened by scoreboard pressure, and therefore, presumably, able to shepherd home more..

Feb 4 (Island) Hemas Hospitals has strengthened its regional healthcare positioning with the launch of Adora Cosmetic Centre at Hemas Hospital Wattala, introducing a hospital-backed, clinically governed model of aesthetic medicine at a time when South Asia’s cosmetic sector is expanding faster than regulation. Unlike standalone cosmetic clinics, Adora is fully integrated into the Hemas Hospital ecosystem, embedding aesthetic services within hospital-grade infrastructure, multidisciplinary more..

Feb 4 (FT) Prez Anura Kumara convened a high-level meeting to review SL’s preparedness for its Third Mutual Evaluation on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), signalling direct presidential oversight of a process critical to safeguarding the country’s standing in the global financial system. The meeting comes as SL prepares to demonstrate technical compliance more..

Feb 4 (AD) Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the Renewable Energy Resources Development Plan 2025-2030, with the objectives of fulfilling 70% of the national electricity demand from renewable energy resources by the year 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2050, in accordance with the National Policy on Renewable Energy. SL Sustainable Energy Authority Act No. 35 of 2007 mandates the preparation of the aforementioned plan as well, more..

Feb 4 (DM) National carrier SriLankan Airlines has received around 200 applications for the post of CEO, Deputy Minister Janitha Kodithuwakku told Parliament. He said 75 applicants have been shortlisted. MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who raised the question on the national carrier said the application sent by former CEO of Papua New Guinea national airline has been rejected by the govt. The national carrier has been gearing up for a leadership change from February last year, more..

Feb 4 (FT) Ocean Lanka’s commitment to developing a future-ready workforce continues through the OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel, which recently marked the successful completion of its second training batch, with 33 employees graduating from the program. The OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel was established in 2023 with the goal of methodically improving industrial knowledge, practical proficiency, and technical expertise in the textile and apparel sector. more..

Feb 4 (FT) Event Management Association (EMA) of SL marked a historic milestone during its 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 27 Jan, at the Burgher Recreation Club (BRC). Evening was defined by a celebration of past achievements and a transformative announcement for the future of the events landscape in SL. Outgoing President Nisal Caldera addressed the assembly, reflecting on a highly successful tenure characterised by community engagement and professional development. more..

Feb 4 (FT) PM Harini Amarasuriya expressed confidence that the Govt is on course to build an economy that delivers benefits to all citizens, describing it as the foundation for a transformative new era. She made these remarks on Sunday while attending MILCO National Dairy Farmers’ Profit Sharing, Introducing Farm/Farm Family Insurance and Appreciation Program held at Temple Trees. The event, organised under the theme more..

Feb 4 (PMD) We commemorate the 78th National Independence Day at a historic moment when, despite numerous challenges, our country is moving steadily forward while regaining economic stability. As Sri Lankans, through our collective struggle, we have within a short period of approximately eighteen months succeeded in achieving tangible economic progress. Amidst adversity, acting collectively and with determination, we have been able to position Sri Lanka on the international stage as more..

Feb 4 (AD) The 78th National Independence Day is marked with renewed hope for freedom. We have now entered a new chapter with a people’s govt formed through the collective will and effort of all citizens. Govt has begun the task of building a nation for future generations, grounded in human values, strengthened by skills, and enriched by intellectual capacity. The time has come for every citizen to fulfil their responsibility to the motherland by contributing meaningfully to the building of a nation more..

Feb 4 (FT) In a continuation of the vision articulated by the PM of India during his visit to SL in April 2025, India is set to undertake a profound gesture of spiritual outreach and cultural diplomacy through the exposition of the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in SL. Holy Relics, presently enshrined at The Maharaja Sayajirao Uni of Baroda, Vadodara, will travel to Colombo for a public exposition 4 to 10 Feb, more..

Feb 4 (AD) As we mark 78 years since gaining independence on February 4, 1948, it is vital to reflect on our history while firmly focusing on the future. When we objectively examine the country’s journey over the past 78 years without extremism, we can identify both significant achievements and serious setbacks. It is essential that we understand these realities, critically assess them, and act decisively in the present to lay a strong foundation for a better future. more..

Feb 4 (NW) Authorities have recovered more than 90 million rupees in losses from individuals and groups found to use electricity fraudulently following raids carried out in 2025, CEB reported. The CEB said in a statement that 90,242,561.21 rupees was recovered as compensation for losses incurred by the utility, while a further 2,527,500 rupees was collected as court fees. Investigations by the CEB’s Special Investigation Unit uncovered 1,259 cases of electricity meter tampering and more..

Feb 4 (DN) Two Sri Lanka umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Ravindra Wimalasiri are among the T-20 Umpires list while former Sri Lanka captain Ranjan Madugalle heads the six-member match referees panel for the T-20 World Cup. Dharmasena the former Sri Lanka off spinner and New Zealand’s Wayne Knights will be the on-field umpires for the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and the Netherlands to be played at the SSC ground on February 7. more..

Feb 4 (Island) Another Independence Day has dawned. Elaborate arrangements have been made to celebrate it on a grand scale. The national flag will flutter at full mast majestically to the roll of drums and the blare of trumpets. A colourful parade and a fly-past will be among the day’s many attractions. A ceremony with such pomp and circumstance is an occasion for reflection. Sri Lanka is celebrating the 78th year of Independence while emerging from its worst-ever economic crisis. more..

Feb 4 (CI) Will Jacks led the way before Jacob Bethell sealed the deal with a career-best haul of 4 for 11, as England closed out a 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka with a remarkable spin strangle on a turning track at Pallekele. Their defence of a sub-par target of 129 was their lowest in T20I history, and in the end they did it with room to spare, as Bethell rounded up the tail with all four of his wickets coming from his final eight balls, more..

Feb 4 (Island) Volt Charge, Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing electric vehicle (EV) charging network, has announced a strategic partnership with Jetwing Hotels to deploy EV charging infrastructure across a selection of Jetwing’s key hotels islandwide. Under the agreement, nine EV charging stations will be installed at Jetwing Sea, Jetwing Beach, Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, Jetwing Saman Villas, Jetwing Kaduruketha, Jetwing Surf & Safari, Hotel J Unawatuna, and Mask & Tide. more..

Feb 4 (DM) SL’s road to independence was neither swift nor simple. The island, once known as Ceylon, endured colonial domination stretching back to the 16th century, first under the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and finally, for over 130 years, under British rule. By the early 20th century, however, the winds of change were stirring. A broad-based independence movement, driven largely by SL’s educated elite and middle class, began to challenge the structures of foreign governance through petitions, more..

Feb 4 (Island) The Constitutional Council stands out as one of Sri Lanka’s most important governance mechanisms particularly at a time when even long‑established democracies are struggling with the dangers of executive overreach. Sri Lanka’s attempt to balance democratic mandate with independent oversight places it within a small but important group of constitutional arrangements that seek to protect the integrity of key state institutions without paralysing elected governments. more..

Feb 4 (TM) 78 years after the declaration of Independence, SL needs to confront an uncomfortable but necessary question. What does independence really mean today? For decades, Independence Day has been marked with parades, speeches, and familiar rhetoric about freedom from colonial rule. That history matters and should never be dismissed. Struggle against colonial domination shaped the modern SL State & restored a sense of dignity to a people long governed by others. more..

Feb 4 (CT) The Govt has launched one of the most ambitious education reform programmes in decades. The new system, starting from Grade I, promises student-centred learning, lighter school bags, digital support, creativity, vocational awareness, and reduced exam pressure. Officials describe it as a historic turning point — a move away from rote memorisation towards practical and joyful learning. Children are expected to learn more..

Feb 4 (CT) Every year, Independence Day arrives with flags, speeches, and carefully rehearsed performances of patriotism, inviting us to celebrate freedom as if it were a settled fact. The familiar story of a nation that shook off colonial rule, reclaimed its destiny, and stood tall among the free is heard. Yet, beneath the pageantry, an uncomfortable question continues to linger, refusing to be silenced. How free are we, really? Political independence, won in 1948, was an important rupture, more..

Feb 4 (DM) As SL marks its 78th Independence Day today, the extraordinary story of Herbert Rayner Freeman demonstrates how genuine leadership can transcend race, religion, and nationality. The year was 1931. In Ceylon’s North-Central Province, where 94% of the population was Sinhala-Buddhist, an extraordinary political drama unfolded. When results for the first State Council elections were announced on June 15, 1931: The British citizen defeated the prominent Sinhala Buddhist more..

Feb 4 (DN) 78 years after SL formally ended British colonial rule, Independence Day remains a marker of sovereignty—but not necessarily of consensus. For some, 4 Feb represents progress, political renewal, and the promise of stability. For others, it is a reminder of unfulfilled guarantees: equality, dignity, and genuine self-determination. To mark Independence Day this year, we spoke to five Sri Lankans from different walks of life about more..

Feb 4 (DM) As SL celebrates the 78th anniversary of independence today, you might already have read a full complement of post-mortem reports on what has happened since then. In general, they might fit into one of the following categories. The first school of thought would critique SL’s failure, economically, socially and politically. By ‘failure,’ they mean the outright, near-universal failure, not the challenges and setbacks that every new state would have confronted in its ascent. more..

Feb 4 (DM) SL marks 78 years of independence today. On February 4, 1948, the country stepped out of nearly four and a half centuries of colonial rule under the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. For generations that followed, Independence Day has been celebrated with parades, speeches, and patriotic pride. Yet, as we stand nearly eight decades later, a difficult question continues to linger - are we truly independent today? Political independence was achieved in 1948, but more..