Feb 3 (DM) SL industrialist and businessman Don Harold Stassen Jayawardena, popularly known as Harry Jayawardena, has passed away at the age of 82. Jayawardena was the chairman of Melstacorp and also served as the Honorary Consul General for Denmark in SL. Recognized as one of the richest individuals in Sri Lanka by Forbes, he was a key figure in the country's corporate landscape. He also held the position of chairman at both the Distilleries Company of SL and Aitken Spence— more..

Feb 3 (TM) College of Community Physicians of SL has raised concerns over a rise in HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among SL’s youth, attributing the trend largely to improper social media use. Specialist Dr. Vindya Kumarappelli emphasised that individuals aged 15 to 24 are particularly at risk. “Young people are the most affected when it comes to sexually-transmitted diseases including HIV. The 15 to 24 age group faces the highest risk,” he stated. more..

Feb 3 (TM) With a 4-day expedited container clearance programme to clear up the backlog of import containers at the Colombo Port underway, SL Customs stresses that there will be no impact on local food prices as a result of this delay. “There is no possibility of prices increasing; food items and other essentials are given priority,” Customs Media Spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda said. He reiterated that general cargo was more..

Feb 3 (AD) President of the Coconut Milk Manufacturers’ Association, Randeewa Malalasooriya says that the nation’s coconut industry has the potential to bring in USD 2.5 billion as revenue up from the current industry average of USD 850 million. Malalasooriya further stated that the country must improve the annual coconut production to 4.5 billion nuts in the long term while also focusing on the import of low value coconut products to produce value added coconut more..

Feb 3 (TM) State Trading Corporation (STC) has dismissed allegations that salt imports intended for Puttalam Salt Ltd. have been diverted to private entities. When contacted, STC Chairman Ravindra Fernando said: “We have followed proper procedures and we will be issuing a statement on the matter in the coming week.” The comment was in response to media reports in which former MP of the SLPP Chinthaka Mayadunne has alleged that a portion of these imports, originally intended more..

Feb 3 (TM) Expert committee appointed to investigate the controversial passport issue has recommended procuring 1.1 million new machine-readable passports to sustain the issuance process and restore normalcy. Minister Ananda Wijepala has signalled a more cautious approach, stating that the ministry may not place the full order immediately, instead opting to reassess passport needs in anticipation of a court more..

Feb 3 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa acknowledged Australia’s support for Sri Lanka during the revival meeting of the SL-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Association at the SL Parliament. He expressed gratitude for Australia’s assistance during key moments, including the 2004 tsunami, Easter Sunday attacks, and the recent economic crisis. Highlighting Australia’s role in Sri Lanka’s development and the potential for future collaboration, Premadasa pointed to more..

Feb 3 (Island) Environmentalists have warned that low lands and abandoned paddy fields in the Western Province are under threat of being encroached upon by the invasive plant Yoda Nidikumba soon. Aggressive invasive plant known as the Giant Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) has been identified as a significant threat, with the potential to spread across low-lying areas, including paddy fields in the Western Province over the next few years. This plant causes severe impact on more..

Feb 3 (AD) Former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa is willing to vacate his official residence if the government officially informs him to do so, says the General Secretary of the SLPP, Sagara Kariyawasam. He explained that since the Yahapalana Govt officially allocated this residence to Mahinda Rajapaksa, he has to be officially notified to vacate it. Kariyawasam further emphasized that if informed in that manner, Mahinda Rajapaksa would leave the residence immediately, and more..

Feb 3 (Island) Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith says that the masterminds and the dark forces behind the Easter Sunday terror attacks would come to light very soon. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a Daham Pasala building at St. Anne’s Church in Kurana, Negombo, last week, the Cardinal expressed confidence that the ongoing investigations led by the new authorities would yield results. He emphasized that the Church believes the new probe is free from political influence more..

Feb 3 (TM) Rice producers are demanding that the Govt sets a certified price for rice to address the ongoing challenges in the market. Marandagahamula Rice Traders’ Association President B.K. Ranjith said that the lack of a Govt-certified price had become an issue. He noted that they had been releasing rice to the market at a lower price since Thursday (30). “Due to the wet condition of the paddy caused by continuous rain, more..

Feb 3 (CT) Madushan Chandrajith, Convener of the IUSF, stated that the current Govt-provided monthly allowance of Rs 7,500 is inadequate in light of the escalating cost of living. He called for the allowance to be increased to Rs 10,000 to better support students’ financial needs. The IUSF has expressed concern over the non-payment of Mahapola and scholarship allowances to university students for the past four months, highlighting the financial difficulties faced by many students. more..

Feb 3 (CT) The highly anticipated opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka this year is set to revolutionise SL’s entertainment and tourism landscape. In gearing up for a grand opening in mid-2025, landmark development announces its recruitment campaign to fill key positions across hospitality and gaming. With a promise to set a new standard in luxury and entertainment, the newest resort in the city will feature the premium luxury hotel brand Nuwa, and state-of-the art gaming facilities. more..

Feb 3 (TM) The 2025 annual doctor transfer list has been delayed by at least two months, with the application process yet to begin due to extensive procedures. Typically published by 1 November and effective from 1 January, the delay has affected over 5,000 doctors and rural hospitals, according to the GMOA. The GMOA attributes the delay to alleged attempts by some Health Ministry officials to bypass regulations. more..

Feb 3 (UCAN) Sri Lanka’s decision to sign media agreements with China has raised concerns among media workers over the likelihood of further undermining of the country's already fragile media freedom. A media agreement was among several pacts signed with China in the past fortnight by the left-leaning new govt. Still, its details have not been disclosed to the public, said Dharmasiri Lankapeli, prominent rights activist, addressing media workers in Colombo on Jan. 30. more..

Feb 3 (NW) Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath had a telephone conversation with the Deputy PM of Myanmar, U Than Swe, today to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and addressing key concerns related to the rescue of Sri Lankan nationals. Minister requested for the urgent assistance of the Myanmar Govt to facilitate the early rescue and safe repatriation of 18 SL nationals who have been trafficked to the Myawaddy area in Myanmar to work in Cybercrime centres. more..

Feb 4 (DM) SL acquired its dominion status exactly 77 years ago from the British. Today, SL is commemorating this occasion as its Independence Day. During the administration of Ms. Sirima Bandaranaike between 1972 and 1977 we commemorated the Republican Day on May 22 instead of Independence Day, while Feb 4 just passed as an ordinary day. In fact, the so-called Independence the United Kingdom of Great Britain awarded to SL on Feb 4, 1948 was not more..

Feb 4 (Island) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake is showing the change for the better that a single individual can bring by challenging old ways of doing things by those who have traditionally governed the country. According to the news media and first person accounts by reliable commentators contacted in Jaffna, the president’s visit to the Jaffna peninsula last week was a resounding success that is good for the unity of the country. It seems that the prez timed his visit to the north in the context of more..

Feb 4 (DN) Freedom, Liberty and Independence. Three words that seemingly have the same meaning, but differ slightly in their interpretation. SL gained independence from the British rulers on Feb 4, 1948, exactly 77 years ago. This was a turning point for freedom in the history of our nation. Independence is not just a facility that we gain from someone. It is also a state of mind. We must really feel free and independent as a more..

Feb 4 (DM) The Kandyan Convention, an agreement between the British Colonial rulers and Kandyan chiefs, was signed in 1815. It annexed the Kingdom of Kandy to the British Empire, giving Britain full control over Ceylon. The Kandyan king was arrested and deposed. While the convention upheld local rights, rituals, and governance, it ensured that Kandyan laws and customs remained under native authorities. A unique feature was Article 5, which declared Buddhism inviolable, ensuring more..

Feb 4 (CT) The intersection of literature and real-world events provides a fertile ground for understanding complex socio-political dynamics in a given context. German playwright Bertolt Brecht’s 1944 play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, had its world premiere in the U.S. in 1948, the year of SL’s independence from colonial British rule (1802-1948). Today, as SL—which, at the time of its first independence, was known as Ceylon—celebrates its 77th day of sovereignty as an independent more..

Feb 4 (SO) It has been 15 years and nine days since Sandya Ekneligoda last saw her husband, Prageeth Ekneligoda. On the day, 50-year-old Prageeth, a cartoonist and columnist for the news website Lanka e News, was at his home in Pannipitiya preparing to attend a Bodhi pooja for a friend. “He realised that none of his white shirts had been washed. I told him there was a newly stitched white shirt meant for our eldest son, who was more..

Feb 4 (TM) As SL celebrates its 77th Independence day today, the Govt has planned the release or to issue pardons for over 280 inmates from a number of prisons islandwide. A total of 285 prisoners including 6 female inmates are scheduled to receive a special State pardon. The move, which is part of a long-standing practice, happens annually, while prisoners are also released on Vesak Poya Day and on some occasions, on Poson Poya Day and on Christmas Day as well. more..

Feb 4 (Island) All arrangements have been made for SL’s 77th anniversary of Independence to be celebrated on a grand scale today. Interestingly, Independence is being celebrated under a govt that is experiencing an inner conflict over when the British colonial rule actually ended in this country. Prior to its ascent to power, the JVP insisted that SL had not ceased to be a British colony in 1948; the transfer of the reins of govt from the British to a group of Brown Sahibs could not be more..

Feb 4 (ST) On Jan 12th, two days before Prez Anura Kumara is due to leave on his China trip, he summons senior Customs figures of the Colombo port to the presidential office and issues the presidential command: Clear the port’s delay within 4 days. On the same day, a govt press release states, ‘To expedite the clearance process, SL Customs officers agreed to operate continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.' Two days later, Minister Bimal Rathnayake tells reporters, more..

Feb 4 (DM) The educational revival in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was influenced by Theosophists like Colonel Henry Steel Olcott and Hilda Muriel Westbrook. They worked to revitalize Buddhism, establishing schools that combined religious and secular education. Prominent schools founded through these efforts included Ananda College in Colombo, Dharmaraja in Kandy, Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, Mahinda College, Galle, and Musaeus College, Colombo, more..

Feb 4 (FT) Two icons in SL’s private sector, widely considered self-made corporate legends, Ken Balendra (85) and Harry Jayawardena (82), passed away separately yesterday after brief illnesses. The demise of two business doyens on the same day sent shockwaves with thousands praising the respective roles they played in enhancing the economy via their businesses. Many were saddened as both were role models and two of more..

Feb 4 (PMD) A meeting was held today (31st) at the Presidential Secretariat between the Secretary to the Prez, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and the representatives of the Bauddhaloka Vesak Committee. The discussion focused on State sponsorship for the 24th consecutive Bauddaloka Vesak Zone, which is being organized in conjunction with the Vesak festival. Preparations for the event were also reviewed. The Secretary to the President emphasized the importance of the more..

Feb 4 (FT) Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Arjuna Herath last week revealed that it targets to attract $ 2 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) this year. “Our aspiration is to secure $ 2 billion in FDI, with at least $ 1 billion confirmed within the first half of the year,” he stated at the Sri Lanka Economic Summit. Noting that the country’s economic growth target for 2025 is set at 5% with investment playing a key role, Herath outlined the investment strategy, more..

Feb 4 (ST) Matale High Court has completed the trial against match-fixing accused Akash Patel, also known as Yogi Patel, the Manager of Kandy Samp Army, in absentia. The judgment is expected to be delivered on March 10. High Court Judge Ravindra Premaratne also directed the CID to conduct a thorough investigation into how the accused left the country despite being under a court-imposed travel ban. Patel was charged with match-fixing after SL’s chief cricket selector, Upul Tharanga, more..

Feb 4 (Island) Sri Lanka is probably running the risk of becoming a pawn or whatever, between China’s assertive politics and India’s, a German economic policy leader said in Colombo recently. Tobias Pierlings, Director and Head of Division for External Economic Policy South and Southeast Asia, Australia, NZ, and Oceania at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), made this remark during his speech at a reception where the Delegation of more..

Feb 4 (ST) SL will continue to hold the Rohingya refugees who arrived in December in its care until they can be relocated to a country willing to grant them at least temporary citizenship. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath’s office said that this decision was reached following discussions between local authorities and the UN. “This has been Sri Lanka’s approach in previous instances when Rohingya refugees arrived. more..

Feb 4 (FT) Top blue chip John Keells Holdings (JKH) announced it has achieved Group EBITDA of Rs. 14.28 billion in the third quarter of the financial year 2024/25, reflecting a 4% year-on-year (YoY) increase. Group EBITDA includes substantial costs pertaining to the pre-opening and operations of the Cinnamon Life hotel. Group EBITDA for the quarter under review includes fair value gains on investment property, while Group EBITDA in the third quarter of the previous year more..

Feb 4 (Island) Traveling to New Zealand feels like a journey to the ends of the earth. First, there’s the four-hour flight to Singapore, and from there, another ten hours to Auckland or Christchurch. But once you land, the long haul feels worth its weight in gold – New Zealand is an absolute gem, especially during Christmas. The moment you step out of the airport and take that first breath, the air hits you like a tonic – fresh, crisp, and rejuvenating. The landscape is a symphony of green, more..

Feb 4 (TM) A German woman, one of the three foreigners hospitalised due to a sudden illness while staying at a hostel on R.A. de Mel Mawatha in Kollupitiya, has passed away in hospital. Earlier, a British woman from the same hostel had died after being admitted to the hospital along with a German couple from the same room. Meanwhile, the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has ordered the closure of the Miracle Colombo City Hostel, more..

Feb 4 (NW) Govt of Japan has extended a grant of 300 million Japanese Yen (approximately LKR 565 million) to SL to enhance waste management infrastructure facilities under the Clean Sri Lanka Program. A MoU for the grant was signed today (3) at the Presidential Secretariat in the presence of Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake. The agreement was signed by Ms. SAYAMA (IKUINA) Akiko, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Japan and Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, more..