Jan 9 (DM) Sri Lanka is grappling with a rising trend of tobacco addiction among schoolchildren, highlighting the urgent need to address this growing issue to protect the well-being of the country's future leaders. Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Rumi Ruben expressed concern over the increasing incidence of schoolchildren using tobacco products. He stated that it is the responsibility of parents, teachers & tutors more..

Jan 9 (DM) In a thrilling pursuit, a police sniffer dog named Johnny followed a scent trail for nearly 4 km through Wariyapola to track down a suspect who had stolen batteries from vehicles parked as case evidence materials at the Wariyapola District Court. The Wariyapola Police arrested the suspect and recovered five stolen batteries. Several vehicles, including a luxury bus, had been parked as case evidence at the Wariyapola Magistrate's Court when the batteries were stolen. more..

Jan 9 (DN) Rs. 4,089.54 has been spent on the Gin-Nilwala Diversion Project under the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Ministry during the past eight years with no contribution to the country’s national economy, a Special Audit Report on the project issued by the National Audit Report reveals. Notwithstanding the fact that the initial geological researches and surveying activities had been initiated in 2015 the respective project has been stopped in 2015. more..

Jan 10 (DM) When we see the sunny beaches in Sri Lanka, lush green tea bushes and the tourism hotspots oozing with potential, there is hope on the horizon for Sri Lankans. There is President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also in the equation in terms of ensuring that Sri Lankans have hope for the future. The difference between the natural assets a country possesses and a man who is a leader and made of bone, muscle and skin is that the latter has a lifespan which is shorter than the former. more..

Jan 10 (DM) January 8 marked a dark and somber day in SL’s history, as our thoughts went back to Lasantha Wickrematunge, the fearless journalist and an indefatigable champion of human rights, who fell victim to a brutal assassination. Sixteen years have passed since his untimely demise, but Wickrematunge’s adherence to justice and human rights cemented his status as a national hero that continues to inspire generations. Wickrematunge’s remarkable career as a trailblazing journalist more..

Jan 10 (TM) The Covid-19 pandemic, conflict in Ukraine, or the Chinese debt trap: most initial media reports incorrectly attributed SL’s economic woes to these contemporary issues, glossing over the serious, long-standing issues that brought it to a head. These include years of structural inefficiencies, unsustainable policies, and financial mismanagement which left the country vulnerable to both domestic and external shocks. more..

Jan 10 (ST) How to keep people poor and malnourished? SL too provides a classic example to give one of the best answers to this question. As I had to revisit this issue many times in the recent past, I thought of taking it for our discussions in this column. Therefore, I am going to carry out a discussion series on the issue for a couple of weeks. However, does any responsible govt want to keep the country’s people poor and malnourished? Even though govts may not do it intentionally, more..

Jan 10 (TM) The recent circular PS/BS/Circular/1/2025 issued by the Prez’s Secretariat on interactions between State agencies and foreign missions in Colombo has raised concerns in both the diplomatic quarter and within the community of senior public officials about the Govt's intentions behind the move. The circular came from left field, and was neither a requirement raised on the political stage in the lead up to both key elections last year which brought more..

Jan 10 (CT) General Manager of Investment Promotion and Marketing at CHEC Port City Colombo Pvt Ltd, Tian Zheng, provides insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Colombo Port City. Despite navigating through various ups and downs, Zheng remains optimistic about attracting significant investments to the man-made island starting in 2025, backed by a five-year financial strategic plan. more..

Jan 10 (CT) This article serves as an annexure to Dr. W.A. Wijewardena’s Clean SL, offering a practical perspective. Initiative by the Govt is a commendable step toward addressing a broad range of issues—from mitigating pollution to promoting good governance and ethical practices. It is a long-overdue response to SL’s pressing environmental and social challenges, and the Govt deserves praise for its bold vision. However, the success of this program lies in its implementation. more..

Jan 10 (Island) JVP-led NPP govt has announced that its ongoing programme to rid private buses and trishaws of unauthorised accessories and enforce road discipline will go on despite protests. However, following a discussion with the private bus owners, the police have reportedly announced a grace for compliance. It is hoped that noncompliance will be severely dealt with thereafter. Nobody must be allowed to trifle with the law. Some Opposition politicians are shedding copious tears more..

Jan 10 (CT) The alarming rise in tobacco and e-cigarette use among schoolchildren in SL has reached a point where it can no longer be ignored. What was once a concern limited to older generations has now found its way into the classrooms, playgrounds, and canteens of our schools. A warning that should have been heeded long ago is now glaring in front of us – schoolchildren — some as young as 12 — are becoming ensnared in the trap of tobacco more..

Jan 10 (DN) SL spinner Maheesh Theekshaana’s created history by taking a hat-trick in the second ODI against NZ at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Theekshana became the first player to take an ODI hat-trick in New Zealand in 30 years. Theekshana is the seventh SL player to achieve this feat. Theekshana’s feat came across two overs during the second ODI of the three-match series at Seddon Park. In the 35th over, he struck twice in consecutive deliveries, removing NZ captain Mitchell more..

Jan 10 (Island) Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party, Pubudu Jagoda, has expressed skepticism about the govt’s ability to overcome the country’s pressing economic challenges. In an interview, Jagoda highlights the inherent divisions within the JVP/NPP coalition, which, he believes, are bound to hinder its ability to provide meaningful relief to the public. “The govt is a patchwork of ideological contradictions,” Jagoda says. more..

Jan 10 (ST) Coconut growers are in a quandary as to why the authorities have suspended the coconut auction. Growers opined that the auction was used as a benchmark in order to determine the prices at the retail market and suspending it will not get anyone anywhere. Concerns were raised on the suspension of the auction since the price fluctuation and subsequent increase would be impacted due to this. Small growers owning plots of about 10-15 acres of coconut land were able to earn more..

Jan 10 (DM) More than 100 turtles had been found dead in the sea off the North, much to the anxiety of the fisherfolk and environmentalists. The fishermen attribute it to the use of prohibited fishing gear by the Indian poachers who enter SL waters. They pointed out that carcasses of hundreds of turtles had been found on the shore in Kashurina, Kowalan and Karainagar beaches in Jaffna. They said they noticed several injured turtles among them. Meanwhile the live turtles found on the beach more..

Jan 10 (FT) Ferentino Tyres on Wednesday announced plans to triple exports to $ 300 million this year and an expanded range with big discounts to local buyers of a world class product to mark its third anniversary. The mega push to up its exports from $ 100 million at present is powered by the fact that Ferentino has now become the only SL brand with four stringent global certifications – US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), more..

Jan 10 (DN) Several chambers have brought to the notice of the Ministry of Finance that the Single Window concept that was started for a long time was not progressing. The five chambers are Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, National Chamber of Commerce, National Chamber of Exporters, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industries and International Chamber of Commerce who are currently engaged in the single window initiative. more..

Jan 10 (FT) SL’s tourism industry has made an impressive recovery in 2024, generating over $ 3.2 billion in revenue, registering a substantial 52.38% YoY increase achieving its revised target. December also proved to be a stand out month with the industry raking in over $ 362 million, recording the highest monthly earnings for the year. This reflected a robust 34.46% YoY increase and a notable 33% improvement over Nov 2024. more..

Jan 10 (ST) Adheesha Disanayake of Gateway College, Colombo was crowned the national champion for 2024, securing first place in the prestigious tournament organised by the Scrabble Federation of SL. The event, held from December 6 to 8, was supported by Cloud Solutions International. Over 50 of the country’s top scrabble players gathered to compete in 24 intense rounds. Adheesha dominated the competition, winning 20 out of his 24 games. His performance more..

Jan 10 (FT) Daily FT, ACCA and the International Chamber of Commerce SL together with WIM, Cornucopia, CIMA, AGXA, and Global Greenwich Colombo will be conducting a webinar titled IMF agenda: Opportunities and challenges for SL post 2025. The webinar will be aired on Saturday (11) from 4 p.m. onwards. This webinar will be broadcasted live via Facebook platforms of ICCSL, Daily FT, CIMA and ACCA. It will host several eminent foreign as well as SL experts more..

Jan 10 (TM) Prisons Dept is looking into ways to reduce the use of shackles on inmates while also ensuring that there is no room for inmates to escape. Prisons Commissioner Gamini B. Dissanayake made these remarks with regard to the recent directive issued to prison officials by Colombo Additional Magistrate to treat suspects with dignity. As per media reports, the directive in question had been issued upon observing that more..

Jan 10 (FT) LOLC Finance has taken a pioneering step towards financial inclusivity by introducing SL’s first Braille-enabled Mastercard credit card. Specifically designed for visually impaired individuals, this innovative card features tactile Braille elements and a distinctive blind notch, enabling ease of use and greater accessibility. By addressing the unique needs of diverse communities, this initiative sets a new benchmark in SL’s financial services sector, blending more..

Jan 10 (DM) Central Bank of SL conducted its first T-Bond auction for the year, expecting to raise Rs. 190.0bn. However, the auction saw a partial acceptance rate of 94.0% for the total amount offered. Specifically, only Rs. 39.3bn was accepted from the 01.11.2033 bond, where Rs. 50.0bn was initially expected to be raised. In contrast, the 15.10.2028 and 15.10.2030 bonds saw full acceptance, with the total offered amounts of Rs. 60.0bn and Rs. 80.0bn respectively, more..

Jan 10 (NW) The Bar Association of SL (BASL) has issued a letter to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, outlining its concerns and recommendations regarding the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court. BASL emphasized the importance of transparency, merit, and adherence to legal and ethical standards in such appointments. In the letter dated January 8, 2025, the BASL highlighted the vital role of the judiciary in upholding the rights of citizens and ensuring the rule of law. more..

Jan 10 (Vogue) As dawn unfurls, golden rays pierce through the coastal mist, revealing a path of broken branches and impossibly large footprints winding past the door of my luxurious tented shelter. As I step outside, I scan the morning shadows, hopeful for a glimpse of last night’s elephant visitor rambling through the foliage. I tread cautiously, recalling yesterday’s guided nature walk along the beach, where we stumbled upon an eight-foot-long spectacled cobra—a highly venomous snake. more..

Jan 10 (TM) SL’s govt revenue has increased by 32.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) to Rs. 3,650 billion in the first eleven months of 2024, while expenditure has increased by 1.9% to Rs. 4,881.9 billion, the Ministry of Finance said. According to the Presentation made by the Dept of Fiscal Policy, govt has collected Rs. 3,650.9 billion in revenue, which is a 32.2% y-o-y increase and 88.9% achievement of the annual target of Rs. 4,107 billion. more..

Jan 10 (CT) All the exams that were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and socio-economic issues that followed would be resolved by 2026, assured PM Harini Amarasuriya. She said that all the exams at the national level would be held on time with the usual timetable. She added that the delay of the school academic year also would be fixed within this year. This year, the number of school days would be 181 and the school academic year in 2025 would be completed within the calendar year as well. more..

Jan 10 (DN) The answer script evaluation of the Grade 5 scholarship exam 2024 began last Wednesday after taking a firm decision on the issue of examination paper leak. The evaluation of Grade Five Scholarship Exam began on Wednesday. The evaluation process will continue till January 12 and the results will be released within 40 days. There was a controversy over the claim that three questions in the first question paper of the Grade 5 Scholarship Exam held on Sept 15, 2024, more..

Jan 10 (TM) Govt stated that it aims to restore and strengthen public trust in mechanisms for national unity and reconciliation, such as the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), which it claims were undermined during previous administrations. Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer said that institutions like the OMP had been used by previous govts for political appointments. Under the current Govt, he said that these institutions would become genuinely focused on achieving national unity and more..

Jan 10 (FT) In a bid to stabilise paddy prices and support farmers, the Govt introduced a concessionary pledge loan scheme for Small and Medium Scale (SME) paddy millers and cooperative societies during the Maha cultivation season 2024/25. The initiative, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on 30 December 2024, aims to facilitate paddy purchases at reasonable prices. The loan scheme targets SME paddy millers and cooperative societies with a maximum daily milling more..

Jan 10 (DN) Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament that E-09 and E-07 are the only two valid categories of visas issued for Sri Lankans to work in Korea stating that the E-09 visa is available through the MoU signed between Korea and SL for Sri Lankans to work in Korea while the E-07 visa is specially assigned for SL businessmen to engage in business activities in Korea. Herath said the SLFEB has not been informed nor have mediated more..

Jan 10 (DM) The National Audit Office has revealed that the total expenditure of USD 247.7 million (equivalent to Rs. 36,564 million), including price increases and variances, for the construction of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) has not been utilised effectively. In its 2023 Annual Report, the National Audit Office noted that the airport incurred an operating cost of Rs. 2,412.9 million against an operating income of Rs. 288 million for the year 2023. more..

Jan 10 (DN) Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa assured Parliament that no recent cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been detected in SL, contrary to reports circulating in certain media outlets. Dr. Jayatissa emphasised that the Ministry of Health remains vigilant and has implemented comprehensive measures to monitor and address the situation. He stated that 20 testing centers have been designated to conduct HMPV screenings and that the Epidemiology Unit is continuously more..

Jan 10 (DM) Clean Sri Lanka campaign launched by govt is hitting headlines especially in the electronic media, with videos of buses and three wheel drivers being stopped by police, advising them to remove the additional accessories on their vehicles. Despite a grace period extended by the police to remove such accessories, bus drivers associations and three wheel drivers are not happy. In fact a video circulating on social media, more..