Feb 7 (FT) Hemas Holdings yesterday reported consolidated earnings of Rs. 3 billion in the 3Q of FY25 reflecting a 36.3% year-on-year increase whilst turnover growth of 6.4% to Rs. 33.2 billion and operating profit increase of 25.7% to Rs. 4.9 billion was achieved. Acting CEO Ravi Jayasekera said revenue growth was evident across all sectors, as the Group’s businesses leveraged efficiency improvements and enhanced competitiveness amid a cautiously rising consumer confidence. more..

Feb 7 (Island) Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) is gearing up to host the 2025 version of the Hundred Series – the Hundred Sri Lanka International Challenge and the Hundred Sri Lanka International Series during February and March. Set to take place during the final week of February and first week of March, SL will host at least 550 shuttlers from 28 countries, promising 12 days of continuous excitement at the Sugathadasa Indoor Sports Complex in Colombo. The first of the two tournaments, more..

Feb 7 (TM) Health experts warned that rising air pollution has reached an alarming level with adverse impacts on not only people’s health but also economic activities. They cautioned that SL’s tourism sector may also experience the negative impacts of this development. Dr. Neranjan Dissanayake added that studies based on around 70,000 scientific research reports have shown that annually, around seven million people die, more..

Feb 7 (ST) Sri Lanka is targeting to introduce a series of digital payment solutions for digital nomads, a top official said. This came after the country slipped last year in the Best Place for Digital Nomad’s List from being the best paradise for digital nomads three years ago. Club Med ranked Sri Lanka as the second-best country for digital nomads in 2022, with over 50,000 residing on the island. As a city, Colombo ranks fourth, with a 30 million digital nomad population. more..

Feb 7 (DM) Sri Lanka’s improving economic stability and declining interest rates present a strong opportunity for market capitalisation growth, HNB Investment Bank CEO Ray Abeywardana said. He noted a growing trend in investments toward fintechs, back-office systems and technology, are predicting substantial growth in these sectors over the next two years. However, he flagged SL’s debt repayment burden in 2029 as a key risk, urging targeted measures to address the challenge. more..

Feb 7 (TM) Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) recognised the need to regulate garages in order to create a more efficient road system amidst reports of increasing road accidents. “Investigations need to be done on the quality of people employed at the garage as well as the equipment used in repairs,” DMT Chief Examiner of Motor Vehicles Sujeewa Tennakoon said. Tennakoon expressed this as a reaction to statements on increasing more..

Feb 7 (DN) PM Harini Amarasuriya presented the javelin, which was gifted by Subhashini Weerasinghe, a resident of France, to SL Military Police (SLCMP) Warrant Officer Samitha Dulan Kodithuwakku, who set a new World Record of 67.03 metres in the men’s F-44 javelin throw event at the 2024 World Paralympic Games. Subhashini Weerasinghe, who met Warrant Officer Samitha Dulan Kodithuwakku at the 2024 Paralympics in France, decided to present this special javelin more..

Feb 7 (DM) SriLankan Airlines plans to double its fleet to 50 aircraft within five years as SL targets US $10 billion in annual tourism revenue by the end of the decade. The National Carrier was in possession of 27 aircrafts in prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and currently has 22 aircrafts in its fleet. “Our goal is to double the capacity in five years,” SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall said speaking along the sidelines of the launch of SL Conference Ambassador Programme (SLCAP) more..

Feb 7 (EN) IMF Executive Director Krishnamurthy Subramanian met Prez Anura Kuara Disanayake, President’s office said, ahead of the new govt’s first full year budget scheduled to be presented on February 17. A comprehensive discussion regarding the progress of the EFF agreed with the IMF took place on Thursday between Prez Disanayaka and the IMF delegation. The current govt has already reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on the third review regarding extended arrangement more..

Feb 7 (DM) A sudden fire broke out this evening on the 35th floor of the infamous Ritz-Carlton Tower in Krish Square, Fort, spreading across six floors. More than 30 firefighters from the Colombo Fire Brigade are still battling the blaze, even two and a half hours after it was reported. The Colombo Fire Brigade has deployed eight fire engines and water bowsers to douse the fire, which had been reported around 7.42 pm today (6). The fire, which is said to have started from the 35th floor over a pile of hardboard more..

Feb 7 (TM) Minister Nalinda Jayatissa vowed that the Govt will continue USAID-funded projects in Sri Lanka with alternative sources of funding. On the first day of his second term in office, US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order freezing foreign aid, including USAID funds, for at least 90 days, saying that such overseas spending does not represent value for money for American taxpayers. more..

Feb 7 (TM) Energy Ministry stressed that the process of amending the SL Electricity Act will focus on not only ensuring the affordable and uninterrupted provision of electricity, but also the reforms necessary to protect the sector, consumers, and stakeholders. These remarks were made during a press briefing held at the ministry, where the proposed amendments to the Act were discussed. According to the Ministry Secretary Udayanga Hemapala, Govt’s energy policy focuses on more..

Feb 7 (FT) The critical role of diaspora engagement in fostering economic development, driving foreign direct investment (FDI), and influencing policy was highlighted at a thought leadership forum organised by the Public Relations Association of SL (PRASL) on 23 January. Delivering his presentation on Unlocking the Power of Diaspora PR, Dr. Ved Sarvotham, a globally reputed expert and distinguished member of the Public Relations Society of India, more..

Feb 7 (FT) The Cabinet has granted approval to award Hayleys Fentons Ltd., the contract for developing a 50 MW wind power facility in Mannar. This decision is after a thorough and transparent appeal process overseen by the Procurement Appeal Board (PAB). Initially, the Hayleys Fentons bid was not considered by the project committee due to additional content mentioned in the bid security. However, on 6 August 2024, upon consideration of their appeal, PAB recommended to Cabinet more..

Feb 7 (FT) Transparency International SL (TISL) has filed a Fundamental Rights Petition (SCFR/22/2025) in the Supreme Court, challenging the Procurement Guidelines and Procurement Manual (2024) issued by the National Procurement Commission (NPC). It said this public interest petition raises concerns about the lack of transparency in the new guidelines, which do not adequately promote openness in procurement processes. It also highlights the unregulated nature of unsolicited proposals, more..

Feb 7 (FT) Taking a significant step towards transforming the country into a digital society, three new digital initiatives will be introduced today at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The initiatives include the launch of the GovPay platform for the digitalisation of all Govt payments, expanding the services of the President’s Fund from the main office in Colombo to Divisional Secretariat level, more..

Feb 7 (CT) Attorney Shiral Lakthilaka, who served as a Presidential Adviser from 2015 to 2020, was summoned to the CID yesterday to provide a statement regarding the alleged misplacement of items purchased for the Presidential Media Division during his tenure. Upon arriving at the CID, Lakthilaka addressed the media, stating, “The responsibility for the misplacement of items lies with the State officials, not with me. As a Prez Adviser, I was not entrusted with those responsibilities.” more..

Feb 7 (Island) USAID has spent $7.9 million to teach Sri Lankan journalists how to avoid binary-gendered language, Elon Musk who heads the Dept of Govt Efficiency (DOGE) said in a post on X on Thursday. Musk called it a Crazy waste of your tax money! Musk’s criticism came with a detailed breakdown of USAID’s spending across various countries, which he argued reflects misguided priorities. According to a document Musk shared, USAID has funded a range of projects globally, more..

Feb 7 (TM) In the wake of the controversial decision made by the Attorney General (AG) Parinda Ranasinghe to discharge three suspects implicated in the case involving the murder of editor Lasantha Wickrematunge and the alleged subsequent cover-up, AG’s Dept sources stated that the decision made by the AG can only be overturned through obtaining a writ appealing against the said decision. more..

Feb 7 (FT) It was nearly two years ago my son asked me whether I knew about Open AI movement, when I returned home from the uni. He showed me how the beta version of Chat GPT could do coding with explanations in all popular languages almost instantly instead of hours to be spent by a developer to do the same. We all witnessed how different brands of generative AI solutions were making strides in every industry offering convenience as well as challenges in the recent past. more..

Feb 7 (FT) SL Govt’s Treasury is currently facing a significant burden due to the lack of adequate revenue, which is severely constraining the fiscal space available for critical social protection programs, boost industries, restore development infrastructure, and elevate skills and technology. There is a valuable opportunity to alleviate this pressure by implementing progressive tax policies in forthcoming Budgets despite the fiscal squeeze and constraints imposed by the IMF program more..

Feb 7 (AD) One person is reported dead following a shooting incident in the Japalawatte area of Minuwangoda police division, today. Two gunmen on a motorcycle have opened fire on a 35-year-old man, who was also riding a motorcycle, and subsequently fled the scene. The victim, a resident of Galloluwa, had succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the Minuwangoda Hospital. The motive behind the shooting is yet to be ascertained, and Minuwangoda Police are conducting more..

Feb 7 (DM) CEAT Kelani Holdings has been granted Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Tier I status by SL Customs in recognition of high levels of legal and operational compliance and strong supply chain security. The AEO certification is internationally recognised and provides the company, a significant exporter of rubber tyres from Sri Lanka, enhanced trade facilitation with partners and authorities globally. The upgrade of CEAT Kelani’s Green Channel/Fast Track status more..

Feb 7 (FT) Former Jaffna district MP and ex-ITAK President Somasundaram Senathirajah known widely as Maavai Senathirajah passed away in the Intensive Care Unit of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital on 29 Jan. The veteran Tamil political leader’s funeral was held at his residence in Maaviddapuram on 2 Feb 2025. Cremation was at the Thanchankaadu Hindu cemetery in Maaviddapuram on the same day. more..

Feb 7 (EN) At least 554 Sri Lankans have been recruited to serve in the Russian military based on data collected up to Jan 20, Minister Vijitha Herath said. From data collected by SL’s embassy in Russia 59 Sri Lankans have died. Names will be tabled in parliament. “We have no information that they were recruited by force,” he said. The mercenaries, most of whom were ex-soldiers were recruited at high salaries, but some returnees have complained that they were told that would serve in logistics. more..

Feb 7 (DM) An US lady who was admitted to Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital when she developed a heart ailment and recovered after treatment donated a set of beds for use of the Intensive Care Unit. Lady, known as Jabe Japsen appreciated the services of the hospital and expressed her gratitude to the medical staff of the hospital for saving her life, at the function held to make the donation. Deputy Director of the hospital Dr Pubudu Ranaweera and more..

Feb 7 (AD) PM Harini Amarasuriya reaffirmed the govt’s commitment to ensuring justice for the family of slain journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, emphasizing the need to reassess legal procedures that hinder justice. Speaking in Parliament, she acknowledged the letter sent by Ms. Ahimsa Wickrematunge, the daughter of the former Sunday Leader Editor, describing it as measured given the immense suffering the family has endured more..

Feb 7 (DM) A meeting between Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, Yōhei Sasakawa, was held today at the Presidential Secretariat. Mr. Sasakawa emphasized that his organization is particularly focused on supporting the educational development of students in Jaffna. He further stated that the Nippon Foundation is committed to contributing to the improvement of public health, education, and the welfare of differently-abled community in SL. more..

Feb 7 (AD) New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake has tabled a Private Members’ Motion in Parliament today (7), seeking the abolition of the pension scheme for Members of Parliament. Addressing Parliament, MP Karunanayake stated that a certain political party had manipulated public opinion on this issue, portraying it as a betrayal of society, which in turn has damaged public trust in MPs. Therefore, he brought this motion to restore public confidence, he said. more..

Feb 7 (DN) PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that collective teamwork between the govt and private sector can help overcome challenges and drive the country forward. She made these remarks at a program aimed at providing school supplies to children from low-income families. The initiative, jointly organized by the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Millennium IT, Dialog Axiata, and other institutions, provides financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per child. more..

Feb 7 (NW) MP Sujeewa Senasinghe reiterating that he has no involvement in the Bond Scam, said that he intends to use the compensation he is due to receive to help the needy. Senasinghe said that he intends to use the funds to place fixed deposits to benefit two hospitals. “I plan to donate Rs. 150 million to the Cancer Hospital and provide additional support to the with Rs. 100 million to the Peradeniya Hospital, where the Head of Surgery is a friend of mine,” Senasinghe said. more..

Feb 7 (CI) Seemingly having a ball experimenting with the reverse sweep, Steven Smith's mastery in Asia continued and he combined with a dashing Alex Carey to defy a sharp-turning, deteriorating Galle surface as Australia grabbed firm control of the second Test. The game was in the balance when Australia were 91 for 3 just after lunch on day two in reply to SL's first-innings of 257. But stand-in skipper Smith and Carey produced more..

Feb 7 (PTI) Opposition MPs on Friday held a protest in the Parliament complex against SL continuing to arrest Indian fisherfolk, and demanded that the govt find a permanent solution to the issue. The protest was led by DMK, Congress and Left party MPs from Tamil Nadu and joined by parliamentarians from several other opposition parties, including Derek O'Brien of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Sudama Prasad of CPI(ML) Liberation. The protesting MPs held up placards with slogans more..

Feb 7 (DM) Vehicular Emission Test Trust Fund of the Dept of Motor Traffic (DMT) has issued a warning regarding the deterioration of air quality to a slightly unhealthy level. They have advised the public to wear face masks whenever possible. Additionally, they have urged individuals, especially those who are sensitive to air pollution, to seek immediate medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties. The decline in air quality is attributed to polluted wind flow more..

Feb 7 (AD) Aimed at accelerating SL’s digital transformation, three key digital initiatives were officially launched today under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. These initiatives include the establishment of the GovPay govt digital payment platform, the expansion of the President’s Fund services to the Divisional Secretariat level, and the introduction of the eBMD system for obtaining birth, marriage, and more..