Feb 4 (FT) Pioneering business magazine LMD notes that the unique index that measures business confidence has soared for the fourth consecutive month as economic indicators strengthen. In January, the LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (BCI) soared by 24 basis points, marking its highest point since Jan 2015, LMD reports. “The BCI is now approaching its all-time high of 204, recorded in Sept 2015 – also in the aftermath of a General Election,” it observes. more..

Feb 4 (ST) Importing of coconut based products has become vital as the shortage of nuts has led to a steep rise in prices and through these imports they hope to gradually limit the importation of refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) palm oil. A discussion was held on Thursday to consider the import of coconut based products for the export market and also how the import of these could help to limit the import of RBD oils, Coconut Development Authority Chairman Shantha Ranatunga said. more..

Feb 4 (DM) Responding to large-scale rice supplier Dudley Sirisena's recent statement on rice supplies, Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne said the govt will not allow anyone to play with the rice supply in the country and assured to resolve the rice shortage. He said that the govt will announce the minimum guaranteed price for paddy in the next few days. Responding to a question about Sirisena's claim not to play with him, the Deputy Minister said no one is prepared to play with him more..

Feb 4 (FT) PHU Leader Udaya Gammanpila yesterday revealed a secret plot allegedly hatched by the NPP Govt to arrest former Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Chief Maj. Gen. Suresh Salley over the Easter Sunday attacks. He accused the Govt of writing a new script to create a mastermind behind the Easter attacks to fulfil its election promise given during elections. more..

Feb 4 (DN) Shafiullah Akram of Trinity College won his maiden men’s champion title while Bimandee Bandara of Hillwood College Kandy clinched her fifth women’s champion title at the 78th National Table Tennis Championships played at Bandaragama Indoor Stadium over the weekend. In fact Bimandee went onto win women’s doubles and mixed doubles to clincha triple crown at this tournament. Both Bimandee and Shafiullah Akram were adjudged best players of the tournament. more..

Feb 4 (ST) Chief Justice Murdu Fernando has forwarded the names of four senior high court judges to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake to fill four existing vacancies in the Court of Appeal. Accordingly, the names of Kandy High Court Judge Sumudu Premachandra, Colombo High Court Judge K. Priyantha Fernando, Trincomalee High Court Judge Prema Shankar and Colombo Civil High Court Judge Frank Gunawardena have been forwarded to Prez. Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, more..

Feb 4 (DM) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his Independence Day message invited all Sri Lankans to stand strong and united, to take part in shaping a modern vision of freedom, and to contribute to the collective beginning of this new era of revival. The President said despite countless obstacles and the deep-rooted flaws of the past corrupt political system, the people's govt, built by the collective will of the citizens, is steadily progressing forward. more..

Feb 4 (AD) 77th National Independence Day - themed Let’s join the national renaissance - is to be celebrated ceremoniously today (February 04) at the Independence Square in Colombo. The main ceremony will commence at 8 a.m. at the Independence Square under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake and PM Harini Amarasuriya. The festivities are organized to be held at a minimal cost this time, while the Independence Day Parade, main event of the celebrations, more..

Feb 4 (TM) In response to continuous statements made by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake and other Govt representatives directing former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa to vacate his official residence, the latter's Media Spokesperson Manoj Gamage reiterated that he (Rajapaksa) would not do so unless a legally valid, written notice is issued. Dissanayake said that the Govt would not allow Rajapaksa to remain in his current official more..

Feb 4 (DM) The 15-year-old from Monaragala, took wickets in all four matches she played for SL, including two three-wicket hauls - 3/5 against Malaysia and 3/16 against the West Indies. Four of the India team that won the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup have been named in the Team of the Tournament – along with two players from runners-up South Africa. Gongadi Trisha is at the top of the order, with the most runs and the highest score and team-mate G. Kamalini is also recognised more..

Feb 4 (DM) Food Commissioner's Dept is expecting a decision from the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Ministry to take further action on the stock of 1,623 metric tonnes of food items found rotting in a warehouse in Veyangoda, Food Commissioner Upul de Alwis said. He said a stock of 1,623 metric tonnes of food items such as rice, dhal and oil stored in a warehouse in Veyangoda since 2022 were found to be unfit more..

Feb 4 (Island) The CID yesterday recorded a statement from Additional Director General of Customs, Seevali Arukgoda, regarding the releasing of 323 containers on 18 Jan. Arukgoda has been overall in charge of the process that allowed the releasing of unchecked containers, in line with a decision taken by the top management of the Customs, to address worsening congestion at the port. CID questioned Arukgoda more..

Feb 5 (DM) As we celebrated 77 years of independence yesterday, a line by the late famous US General MacArthur came to mind in slightly different context. In recognition of his status as one of the greatest living military leaders in US, Congress asked MacArthur to address a joint session on 19 April 1951. His speech, is best known for its final lines in which he quoted an old army ballad: Old soldiers never die -they just fade away. MacArthur spoke of the reality faced more..

Feb 5 (DM) Symbolism matters! The celebration of the 77th anniversary of independence was a display of our rich heritage and diversity. It was also a refreshing departure from the obsession in the past to flaunt antiquated Main Battle Tanks and a large contingent of military forces as if we were a predominant military power or one that faced an existential military threat whose people needed regular reassurances. Such displays in the past were meant to foster parochial nationalism, more..

Feb 5 (TM) Sri Lanka, a country still grappling with foreign exchange for its day-to-day needs, has largely depended on its tourism industry for decades. SL’s tourist destinations, known for their scenic beauty and affordability, have attracted millions of visitors to the island, making the tourism sector one of its main revenue-generating industries. Although many factors contribute to the growth of this crucial sector, certain laws, regulations, more..

Feb 5 (TM) E-Cigarettes or vape cigarettes have been around for some time and are today a growing trend amongst youth including teenagers. It has become fashionable and is pushed by their marketers as a chic alternative to what modern generations consider are dirty conventional cigarettes. Yesterday, officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) at BIA arrested a woman who was in the possession of a large consignment of smuggled electronic cigarettes, valued at over Rs 3.9 m. more..

Feb 5 (CT) 77 years have passed since Sri Lanka was granted independence and self-rule by the British Empire, and today, the people of this island nation have more than one reason to celebrate. The first, of course, is the fact that despite the devastating incidents the country has faced, from insurrections, civil wars, political crises and financial crises, to terrorism, corruption, mismanagement and international pressures, Sri Lanka has remained a democracy. more..

Feb 5 (SO) A thick grey haze hung over several parts of the island last week. Iconic buildings in Colombo’s skyline were partly blanketed in smog. Air Quality Index (AQI) levels exceeded 150 (Unhealthy) in several areas in the beginning of this week. However, by Jan 31, these values dropped to below 50 (Good) in many parts of the country. Director of the NBRO Sarath Premasiri, said that many South Asian countries are more..

Feb 5 (CT) Sri Lanka seems to have yet another thriving industry, albeit an illegal one – fraudulent foreign employment schemes. The latest arrest of a man from Muttur for operating an unregistered agency in Batticaloa and swindling job seekers out of Rs 19.2 million is, in fact, nothing new. It is just another episode in a never-ending saga of deception. This time, it was an agency and last December, it was through WhatsApp scams misusing photographs of officials of SLBFE. more..

Feb 5 (Island) Rice is more than a food item for Sri Lankans; it is a kind of politico-cultural staple. Hence its ability to make or break govts. One of the key factors that led to the 1953 Hartal was a steep rise in the price of rice under a UNP govt. The then PM Dudley Senanayake had to resign when protests went out of control. SLFP-led United Front govt came to power in 1970, promising to make rice freely available at affordable prices even if it were to be brought from the moon, of all places! more..

Feb 5 (CT) Ceylon has been enduring unbelievably treacherous times. Time and time again, she has fallen and failed to rise again. That time has not been glamorous; its leaders have not been exemplary and the ordinary have not arisen from being utterly ordinary. Since she gained Independence in 1948, her plight has been rather bleak and distressing. Having been subjected to unforgivable and unforgiving political deceit and repeatedly exploited by politicians, more..

Feb 5 (Island) Over 17 years after the decimation of the terrorist group, the LTTE, with a conventional fighting might militarily by our security forces, Canada and the UK are still seeking to punish Sri Lanka for pulling off that most unlikely victory against their deadly pet that they nurtured covertly. Both the British and Canadian govts alike play politics at Sri Lanka’s expense. Canadian Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre recently stated that he would lead the world in seeking prosecutions more..

Feb 5 (CI) Dimuth Karunaratne is set to retire from Test cricket after playing his 100th game this week, against Australia in Galle. Three factors have played into the decision. With SL set to play only two further Tests until May 2026, there is barely any cricket for a long-format specialist such as Karunaratne to focus on. Karunaratne, 36, has also struggled for runs over the past 14 months, averaging 27.05 since the start of 2024. more..

Feb 5 (DM) In an effort to address issues faced by local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the Ministry of Finance announced this week the establishment of a national advisory committee. This advisory committee is expected to provide guidelines for formulating policies necessary to develop the SME sector, the Ministry said. Accordingly, all stakeholders operating under different institutions will be coordinated as a single group, and the sector will be formally organised. more..

Feb 5 (CI) Since the start of 2015, no Test opener has scored as many runs as Dimuth Karunaratne. He has 15 hundreds, which is the equal highest among openers. He has struck 34 fifties, easily the best - that tally in some senses making him the most consistent opener to be continuously active through the last ten years. Over the course of this, he has also made the ICC Test XI three times, which no other opener has managed. This week, as he plays his 100th Test, there is reason to give more..

Feb 5 (DN) Sri Lanka will host the 2025 ASBC Asian U22 & Youth Boxing Championships in Colombo from May 10-24, marking a historic return after 56 years. The announcement was made by the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC), confirming Sri Lanka as the venue for this mega event, which will showcase Asia’s best youth boxers. The last time Sri Lanka hosted the Asian Elite Championship was in 1969 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, which has since been upgraded for the upcoming event. more..

Feb 5 (DM) Sri Lanka and UAE are on track to sign a bilateral Agreement on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments (ARPPI), aimed at strengthening economic ties and internationalisation efforts for businesses in both countries. Delegations from both SL and UAE engaged in discussions in Colombo last week to resume talks on the agreement that will likely improve investor confidence in both markets. SL delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, more..

Feb 5 (FT) United Petroleum Lanka, the local subsidiary of the Australian energy giant, is making headlines for all the wrong reasons as it prepares to exit the market in less than a year after a high-profile debut. The dramatic retreat comes amid its latest move to terminate employee contracts, pointing towards an imminent and unceremonious withdrawal from its first international venture. The company has already informed its employees more..

Feb 5 (DN) Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka who missed the first test due to injury is fit and took part in a practice session yesterday in Galle. Nissanka will replace Oshada Fernando and will open the batting with Dimuth Karunaratne in this second test. Nissanka’s presence is going to strengthen SL top order which was struggling in both innings of the first test against Australia which Sri Lanka lost by innings and 242 runs. Nissanka has played 15 tests with 2 centuries and 7 fifties more..

Feb 5 (TM) Sri Lanka’s banking sector reported an increase by about Rs. 2 trillion in deposits in 2024, closing the year with Rs. 12.3 trillion, a growth in line with the private sector credit flows, Central Bank said. According to the Market Operation Report by the CB, rupee deposit liabilities of licensed commercial banks (LCBs) stood at Rs. 12.3 trillion by the end of 2024, after recording Rs. 10.4 trillion in 2023. CB said that a slight increase in the rupee deposit liabilities of LCBs more..

Feb 5 (TM) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is awaiting an official communication from the United States (US) regarding the reported plans to deport over 1.4 million illegal migrants including 3,065 Sri Lankans, The Daily Morning learns. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently revealed that 3,065 Sri Lankans are among the over 1.4 million illegal immigrants slated for deportation under the new administration more..

Feb 5 (YN) Canadians are looking to travel to South Asia in February, with Sri Lanka's capital Colombo being particularly popular, according to Skyscanner. Information revealed that Skyscanner has seen a 59% month-over-month increase in flight bookings from Canadian cities to Colombo. According to the 2025 Skyscanner Travel Trends report, Canadians are looking for travel destinations that provide unique cultural experiences, but are also more budget-friendly. more..

Feb 5 (DN) Chief Advisor to the Prez on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya announced ambitious plans to expand its digital workforce to 200,000 by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to grow the nation’s digital economy to a staggering $15 billion, representing about 12% of the GDP. Announcement came during a detailed presentation by Dr. Wijayasuriya at the Chamber Summit 2025, where he outlined the govt’s roadmap for transforming SL into a digitally empowered more..

Feb 5 (EADT) Kingsley Healthcare co-founders Daya and Sumi Thayan opened the centre, which was funded entirely by their charity, The Lotus Foundation. The facility offers 30 residential placements with full boarding and 20-day school places. The centre aims to address the needs of the community by helping children and young people with learning disabilities. Daya and Sumi participated in the opening ceremony alongside Suranga Dissanayake, CFO of The Lotus Foundation, more..

Feb 5 (DM) SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has urged the govt to launch an investigation into projects and grants operated under USAID in SL. He called for a detailed report to be presented in Parliament, including an account of the NGOs that benefited from these funds. Rajapaksa highlighted concerns raised by western media regarding USAID’s involvement in global projects. He noted allegations that USAID funds have been used to create instability in other countries under more..