Feb 8 (Island) A presidential advisor, identified as D. Gamage, had asked a delegation representing the SME sector to surround the Central Bank instead of troubling officers at the Presidential Secretariat, Susantha Liyanaarachchi, Chairman of the National Construction Association of SL (NCASL) told the media. Liyanaarachchi said so following a meeting with Gamage, on Friday, during a protest staged by a group of small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs, affiliated with the MSME Joint Alliance, more..

Feb 8 (Island) A heated debate has emerged regarding the composition of the committee tasked with revising SL’s Electricity Act. Concerns have been raised over the dominance of electrical engineers in the committee, the presence of individuals with potential conflicts of interest, and the apparent lack of specialists in key areas such as finance, corporate governance, and law. Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe, a prominent voice in the energy sector, has highlighted significant issues more..

Feb 8 (AD) Senior DIG Attorney-at-Law Waruna Jayasundara, who served as the Commandant of the Police Special Task Force (STF), along with several other high-ranking police officers, have been transferred. The transfers include Senior DIGs and DIGs while they have been approved by the National Police Commission. These transfers are scheduled to be implemented from Feb 12. Meanwhile, it has been reported that several Officers-in-Charge (OICs) are also scheduled to be transferred. more..

Feb 8 (NW) President Anura Kumara Disanayake invited SL exporters to rebuild and thrive on a robust economic foundation. Prez emphasized that our country faces the challenge of capturing market share from a position of relative weakness. He pointed out that, to overcome this, external support had to be sought. In this regard, he highlighted that the govt is prepared to provide assistance for recovery based on the current. more..

Feb 8 (CI) Some batters have spectacular hand-eye coordination. Others have an extraordinary thirst for runs. Steven Smith has both, plus a personal electricity. He walks out to the middle in Galle on Friday, and long before he has the measure of this dusty pitch, or has his big shots humming, all the Smith fidgeting is there. There is the yanking of the pads. There is the twirling of the bat and switching from hand to hand. There is the self-chat. The bop of the knees as the spinner comes in. more..

Feb 8 (DM) Rare twin elephants, who were born at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka on August 31, 2021, have now become a major tourist attraction. Sajana and Disa, the twin elephants, have grown into healthy young calves and are often seen joyfully roaming with the herd. Their presence continues to draw both local and international visitors, highlighting the significance of Pinnawala in elephant conservation and boosting tourism in Sri Lanka. more..

Feb 8 (CT) SL Foreign Service Association (SLFSA) expressed its dismay on Friday over the NPP Govt’s decision to bypass career diplomats in favour of political appointees, which undermines institutional integrity and compromises SL’s diplomatic standing, contradicting their own 2024 election manifesto, which promised to appoint professional career diplomats, with a proven track record, to head Sri Lanka's missions. more..

Feb 9 (SO) Several previous Govts have talked about having an e-Govt service, but no holistic action was taken other than piecemeal solutions. The QR code system for issuing fuel, which was launched at the height of the economic crisis of 2022, was a successful initiative, but like most other Govt projects, it faded away. Until recently, it was not even possible to apply online for passports, although certain aspects of the process such as photo ID were digitised. more..

Feb 9 (TM) A full 16 years since the brutal, coldblooded murder of world-renowned journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, his ghosts continue to haunt the corridors of power and shake the foundations of even the most powerful of govts in this country. In his signature never-say-die attitude, it appears that even his ghosts appear to be hyperactive these days, giving both the powers that be – as well as those responsible for it – plenty of sleepless nights. more..

Feb 9 (TM) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his JVP-led NPP Govt received much public commendation over the manner in which the country’s 77th Independence Day was marked in a low-key, yet dignified manner last Tuesday, amidst the many challenges faced by them in the face of growing public dissension over matters related to the cost of living and the latest being the ensuring of justice in emblematic cases, more..

Feb 9 (CT) The NPP govt will be presenting its 2025 budget on February 17. It will clarify the country’s economic direction and what it proposes to do in tackling the harsh austerity program of the IMF. This has not stopped the attempts of the opposition to discredit, disempower and dismantle the government, mostly clutching onto conjecture, rumour and supposition that have been proven to be untrue. Currently the country appears to be slowly working its way out of bankruptcy; more..

Feb 9 (FT) Digital economy is often being spoken in various forums to improve the productivity and efficiency thus curbing inefficiencies and corruption, especially in the public sector organisations. The urgency of the Govt is to take progressive action to end paper-based systems that had been the centre for manipulation of records, misconduct and mismanagement. To date no Govt had the will to execute an integrated digitisation program despite promises. The plan should account for more..

Feb 9 (ST) Even though there are more than 3,000 Sri Lankans awaiting deportation by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has not yet been contacted regarding any deportations. However, more than 100 Indian citizens were deported from the United States on Tuesday in a military aircraft under President Donald Trump’s mass deportation programme for illegal immigrants. more..

Feb 9 (ST) Prez A.K. Dissanayake travels to the UAE for the annual World Govts Summit 2025, where he will meet some of the big guns in the world of governance and commerce, and on the sidelines have talks with the UAE on investing in energy cooperation in SL. There have already been advanced discussions during the Ranil Wickremesinghe presidency on the possibility of SL tapping into the India-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) initiative to have a multi-product more..

Feb 9 (ST) My dear Lasantha, It is rarely that we write to our own tribe. Having written to the departed Victor only a fortnight ago, it is even rarer to do so again within such a short time. However, I feel I must because you are now making headlines in Paradise though it has been 16 years since you left us suddenly. This is after Junior told us the charges against three people allegedly involved in your murder will not be proceeded and that they could be released. That has taken everyone by more..

Feb 9 (Island) One of the best kept secrets following the 2022 Aragalaya which saw the end of the Mahinda/Gotabaya regime was revealed in parliament on Thursday when Minister Nalinda Jayatissa let the cat out of the bag stating that 43 former ministers had together collected over Rs. 1.2 billion compensation from the government for property lost and damaged during the tail-end of the rioting when gasoline carrying mobs torched the homes and offices of govt politicians. more..

Feb 9 (Island) With runs drying up like a parched wicket under the blazing sun, the writing had been on the wall for Dimuth Karunaratne. Before the selectors could raise the finger, he walked, announcing his retirement – a decision so typical of a man known for his pragmatism. Once again, he put the team ahead of himself, just as he always had. It was the kind of selflessness you’d expect from someone who, two years ago, voiced his dismay when the selectors failed to name more..

Feb 9 (CI) SL's hopes of setting a tricky chase faded late on day three as Beau Webster provided key contributions with the ball and in the field to inch Australia close to a series victory. Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis had breathed life into the second Test with an outstanding 70-run partnership as SL's lead grew to 41 runs. But less than 30 minutes before stumps, Mathews lost his concentration on 76 and swept Nathan Lyon more..

Feb 9 (TM) Former Council Member of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Roshan Deen on Friday filed a petition before the Court of Appeal charging SLR Competent Authority Shemal Fernando with contempt of court. This is over Fernando’s failure to hold the AGM of SLR before the end of January this year as promised in an undertaking to the court. Fernando is also the Director General (DG) of the Sports Ministry. These details were conveyed to the press by TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran, who represented Deen. more..

Feb 9 (Island) Both the observance of Independence Day and its erstwhile detractors would seem to have come of age at last, after 77 years. Tongue in cheek commentators have been harping too much on the irony of a JVP-led govt celebrating independence. But the JVP was not the first political organization to question the authenticity of SL’s independence in 1948. That honour goes to the LSSP, rather the BLPI, the LSSP’s more doctrinaire variant at that time and led by a formidable triumvirate more..

Feb 9 (FT) Visa, the global leader in digital payments, announced it saw a marked uptick in spending by both tourists and domestic consumers in SL during the holiday season at the end of 2024. Visa Consulting and Analytics (VCA), Visa’s advisory arm, highlighted key findings of consumer spend patterns during this period that saw an increase in commerce across payment options and channels. An analysis of end-of-year spends of 2023 and 2024 showcased 40% increase in cross-border more..

Feb 9 (ST) Air Force SC secured a historic place in the Super Round of the SLR-Mastercard Club Rugby League after 13 long years, overcoming Army SC by 27-19 in a fiercely contested battle at the Army grounds in Panagoda yesterday. The Airmen, holding a narrow 15-12 lead at halftime, capitalised on their attacking momentum to clinch the all-important victory, scoring four tries, two conversions and a penalty. The Soldiers fought bravely, responding with 3 tries and 2 conversions, more..

Feb 9 (CI) Dimuth Karunaratne had begun his final trek to the pavilion when his batting partner Dinesh Chandimal called out to him. They've shared dressing rooms, team buses, and hotels for a decade-and-a-half for various SL teams, and at this moment knew they would never again bat together in internationals. Chandimal wanted one more moment with his friend. As soon as Karunaratne turned around, more..

Feb 9 (TM) Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has requested the Central Bank of SL (CBSL) to consider relaxing the current restrictions imposed on the repatriation of foreign currency-denominated funds raised by listing shares on the Multi-Currency Board (MCB). CSE Chairman Dilshan Wirasekara revealed that interest in the MCB, launched by the CSE in 2018, continued to be poor due to the restriction imposed by the CBSL’s foreign exchange control regulations. These regulations limit more..

Feb 9 (ST) Following the suspension of Maxwell de Silva, the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), over allegations of financial irregularities and procedural deficiencies, the NOC Executive Committee has taken the step to order a forensic audit into the handling of Olympic Solidarity funds. This decision marks a significant effort to unearth long-standing financial misconduct and establish much-needed transparency within the organisation. more..

Feb 9 (TM) With the unveiling of three digital projects on Friday, questions have arisen about whether SL is ready to embrace the challenges of digitised infrastructure, particularly regarding the consistency of high-speed internet. At present, internet coverage across SL remains inconsistent, with many rural areas still experiencing limited or no connectivity. Even in Colombo, where infrastructure is more developed, internet more..

Feb 9 (NW) Fire Dept has launched a preliminary investigation into two fires at the Krrish building, the tallest structure in Colombo, attributing the incidents to the unsafe use of gas cutters. According to initial findings, fires were likely caused by gas cutters being used to remove iron structures within the building. Authorities have since advised against this practice to prevent further incidents. A forensic examination report has been requested as part of the investigation. more..

Feb 9 (AD) The High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha has commended the digital initiatives recently launched by the Sri Lankan govt, including the GovPay platform for digitization of all govt payments, and the introduction of the Electronic Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates facility for Sri Lankans abroad. He stated that these initiatives form part of the special emphasis laid on digital transformation by the SL Govt led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. more..

Feb 9 (DM) Five Senior DIGs, including Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara, who served as the Commanding Officer of the Police STF, and Senior DIG Ajith Rohana, have been transferred. Police said these transfers are scheduled to take effect from Feb 12th, with the approval of the National Police Commission. STF Commandant Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara will be transferred to the position of Senior DIG in charge of the Eastern Province, while Senior DIG Ajith Rohana more..

Feb 9 (NW) Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is set to undergo a significant redesign of its Arrival Lobby to improve the passenger experience, particularly for the growing number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka. Key changes include: Relocation and increase in the number of ATM machines to reduce congestion. Expansion of the Arrival Lobby area to create a more spacious and welcoming environment. Establishment of a central travel information counter to assist arriving tourists. more..

Feb 9 (TM) Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has taken over the operational control of 64 fuel stations previously operated by the Australia-based United Petroleum (UP). This follows UP’s decision to cease its Sri Lanka operations last December, despite having commenced operations in the country in August last year. As part of the previous Govt’s initiative to bring international fuel retailers into the country, more..

Feb 9 (EN) SL’s exemption of a luxury tax from cabs was not linked to attempts to give vehicles to MPs, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. “Cabs are not only vehicles used by MPs,” he said. “They are used for economic activities as land vehicles. We use it for personal work but others use it for commercial activities.” “We have had to put some limits because it may affect foreign reserves.” The luxury tax exemption of so-called double cabs (two rows of seats) is a puzzle to some observers more..

Feb 9 (DM) The first shipment of vehicles will arrive between Feb 25 and 27 following the relaxation of import restrictions on Feb 2, president of the VIASL Prasad Manage said. He said that importers have successfully opened new Letters of Credit (LCs) for all categories of vehicles. The second and third shipments are expected to arrive by March, covering all vehicle categories. He assured consumers that there is no need to panic, as this marks the beginning of a long-term import process. more..

Feb 9 (DM) A couple, including a teacher, has been arrested for abducting and assaulting a deputy principal of a school in Biyagama. Suspects forced the victim into a jeep near a temple in Siyambalape, Biyagama on Feb 4. They then took the victim to a house where he was assaulted. An investigation has been launched, and the couple, aged 37 and 32, both residents of Siyambalape, have been arrested. Victim is a deputy principal and one of the suspects is a teacher at the same school. more..

Feb 9 (AD) The govt has decided to establish a new Immigration and Emigration Office in the Jaffna District, says Minister Ananda Wijepala. Participating in an event held today (8), he said that the new Immigration and Emigration Office to be established in the Jaffna District will also be open 24 hours a day. Meanwhile, Minister said that the Cabinet has also approved the recruitment of employees for the new Immigration and Emigration Office to be established in the Jaffna District. more..