Jan 17 (AD) Thisara Nanayakkara, the brother of former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, has been granted bail after being produced before the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court. Accordingly, he was ordered to be released on four surety bails of Rs. 10 million each. The ex-minister’s brother, Thisara Iroshana Nanayakkara, was arrested by the CID on Dec 28, 2024 in connection with a complaint related to alleged financial fraud. The arrest was made in the Bibile area, according to police. more..

Jan 17 (DM) Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived at the CID a short while ago to record a statement. He reportedly arrived at the back gate of the CID. It was reported, he was summoned to the CID to record a statement concerning a land issue in Kataragama. Earlier this month, the CID summoned Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to provide a statement concerning ownership of a govt-owned plot of land in Kataragama. more..

Jan 17 (AD) Former SL Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, has been granted bail, after being produced before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court. Accordingly, Nugegoda Magistrate has ordered Weeratunga to be released on two surety bails and a cash bail of Rs. 10,000. The former diplomat was arrested by the Mirihana Police on January 10, for allegedly assaulting his neighbour. The incident had reportedly occurred on January 9 during an argument between them over more..

Jan 17 (CT) A high-level delegation from the Institute for Security Governance (ISG), USA, led by the Regional Programme Leader Michael Rembold accompanied by representatives from the US Embassy, met with the Acting Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara at his office in Colombo on Wednesday to gain valuable insights into SL’s defence priorities and decision-making processes, thereby laying a strong foundation for the development of more substantial partnerships more..

Jan 17 (USE) Today, U.S. Embassy in SL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Central Cultural Fund, launched a new conservation project to protect the ancient Thuparama Image House, a key site within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City. This initiative, funded by a $109,000 grant (Rs. 32 mil) from U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), reflects more..

Jan 17 (Island) Secretary General of the Constitutional Council, Dhammika Dassanayake alleged that attempts were being made to tarnish his reputation. Former Secretary General of Parliament said so when The Island sought his response to an allegation that he had moved into a room designated for ministers. Parliamentary sources said Dassanayake, who took over the room during his tenure as Secretary General, had turned down a request for allocating an office room for AG, more..

Jan 17 (TM) An agreement was signed yesterday (16) for the construction of 60 smart classrooms for estate schools. The agreement was signed between Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary of the Ministry of Irrigation and Rural Infrastructure, and High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in estate communities in Sri Lanka and focuses on building smart classrooms for estate schools in the districts of Nuwara Eliya, Nuwara, and Badulla. more..

Jan 17 (HRW) The govt of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which took office on Sept 23, 2024, has promised to address longstanding human rights issues that have plunged Sri Lanka into repeated crises, Human Rights Watch said in its World Report 2025. Dissanayake has pledged to introduce more equitable economic policies and to repeal the notoriously abusive Prevention of Terrorism Act, but he has not backed more..

Jan 17 (DM) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Ministry of Defence to take steps to develop necessary infrastructure facilities and provide technical assistance and labour support from the Tri-Forces to repair warehouses belonging to the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) and Sathosa to facilitate the purchasing of paddy in the upcoming Maha season. Accordingly, a coordinating conference in this regard was held at Hector Kobbekaduwa Agricultural Research and more..

Jan 17 (DM) A bus carrying a group of Russian tourists collided with a cement truck travelling in the same direction near the 138-mile post on the Southern Expressway towards Tangalle early this morning. The driver of the bus, who was injured in the accident, succumbed to his injuries, while the foreign nationals on board were admitted to the Tangalle Base Hospital with various injuries. It is reported that approximately 30 foreign nationals were travelling in the bus at the time more..

Jan 18 (DM) Many political alignments are being planned in the North as well as South these days in view of the forthcoming local govt and provincial council elections. However, the only proposed plan that might have a significant bearing on the political map of the country would be the one to unite SJB and UNP. The idea was mooted subsequent to obvious signs at the tail end of 2022 that NPP led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is also the leader of the JVP was going to win the Prez election. more..

Jan 18 (DM) We may die in our thousands; you may destroy our dwellings, hospitals, and infrastructure; and you may deny us access to food, water, and electricity, but never shall we let injustice triumph. With such feelings of victory, Pyrrhic or otherwise, the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip celebrated Wednesday night’s announcement of a ceasefire that will come into force from Sunday. When the ceasefire announcement was declared, the death toll had topped 46,000. more..

Jan 18 (CT) Chinese President Xi Jinping extended a grand welcome to SL Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday and the two leaders held comprehensive discussions, culminating in the signing of 15 MoUs in Beijing. The agreements span education, media, cultural heritage and other areas, towards deepening bilateral ties. Prez Xi assured continued support for SL’s future endeavours, while Prez Dissanayake emphasised more..

Jan 18 (CT) There has been substantial discussion in recent weeks on what follows next after a convincing victory by the JVP/NPP. Informed and analytical articles have appeared in the country’s main media outlets outlining the varied tasks at hand for the new govt to fulfil its mandate to the people. This Paper is intended to highlight a few priority areas for initiating development guided by the principles of good governance. Good Governance has been singled out as the most important more..

Jan 18 (FT) If you’ve spent time in Sri Lanka’s beach towns recently, you’ve probably noticed something interesting: a boom in foreign-run businesses. That trendy café with perfect flat whites, the popular surf school, the Instagram-worthy yoga retreat – many of these spots, while adding character to our tourism landscape, are operating without proper licence or approvals. From Arugam Bay to Mirissa, unauthorised foreign-operated businesses have become part of the scenery. more..

Jan 18 (CT) Sri Lanka envisions becoming the hub of South Asia’s port trade, with a clear mission to provide world-class port facilities and logistics services to all stakeholders while contributing to national economic development. However, ongoing challenges such as container backlogs and frequent ship diversions from the Colombo Port continue to impede progress. The most alarming development is, according to more..

Jan 18 (CT) At the inauguration of a mobile exhibition series titled, Buddham Sharanam Gachchami organised by the Indian High Commission the other day, High Commissioner Santosh Jha declared that no one can break the relationship between the two nations and that both of them would continue to remain together even in the future. ‘We must work together like all brothers and sisters, to work for a shared future,’ he said. Of course, the rest of the speech andy more..

Jan 18 (ST) Choon-paan karaya, Aldonis, came merrily down the lane on this Thursday morning with his tuk-tuk blaring the popular baila hit Sumihiri Pane, quite popular amongst the trio too. Stopping at the gate where the trio had gathered, he beamed and asked: “Madam, ada monawada mata denna puluwan (Madam, what shall I sell you today)?” “Apita maalu paan denna (We need maalu paan),” said Kussi Amma Sera, speaking on behalf of her two friends. “Ei ada oya bohoma santhosen more..

Jan 18 (FT) Planters’ Association(PA) commended the Govt for its decision to postpone the abolition of the Simplified VAT (SVAT) system to 1 April 2025. This decision, initially planned for 1 Jan 2024, followed strong opposition from a broad coalition of exporters and business chambers. While the postponement provides some relief, the PA called on the Govt to further ensure that the SVAT system would be retained until a proper and effective alternative can be implemented more..

Jan 18 (FT) Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) has given a special approval to Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) to roll out a prepaid tariff scheme for retail users towards the end of the first quarter of the year. PUCSL Director Communications Jayanath Herath said the prepaid scheme offers flexibility for electricity users from Negombo to Galle to have greater control over usage. “The move aligns with the Commission’s broader agenda to enhance electricity user more..

Jan 18 (ST) Is it possible for a govt that won an election with overwhelming popularity—especially one that captivated the younger generation—to become so unpopular that it loses power just two years after securing a landslide victory? The answer is yes, and there are political lessons to be learned in recent history. Despite promising wealth redistribution, the nationalisation of key industries, a staunch opposition to austerity, more..

Jan 18 (ST) I had a very good driving trainer from whom I received my training to drive motor vehicles. Those days, the most common motor car used by driving trainers was the Morris Minor from England. As there were no AC components fitted in the older cars, it was not unusual that during daytime we were sweating inside the car. The shutters were always kept opened for ventilation. “Let’s switch on AC”, my driving trainer sometimes said, while adjusting the triangular shape small shutters on either side. more..

Jan 18 (Island) The JVP-led NPP asked for a working majority in Parliament to carry out what it called a clean-up campaign on the cards. Believing in its rhetoric, the people gave it a two-thirds majority instead. Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake asked for mops and brooms for the grand clean-up, but the people gave him a bulldozer, so to speak. They did so because they wanted to strengthen his hands to overcome challenges and obstacles, upend the existing systems and serve their interests, more..

Jan 18 (CT) As the ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup 2025 approaches in Malaysia, one team that has quietly garnered attention is Manudi Nanayakkara-led SL. Often overshadowed by cricketing powerhouses, SL U-19 women’s team is emerging as a dark horse in the tournament, with a growing sense of determination, talent, and a desire to make a significant impact on the global stage. Team has been building momentum over the past few years, with strong performances in regional more..

Jan 18 (DN) Kusal Mendis returned to domestic cricket after the New Zealand tour, scoring 123 for SSC against CCC, while Colts CC all-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan hit 104 against Panadura SC on the first day of the Major-Club Three-Day Cricket Tournament played yesterday. Mendis, coming in at number 6, scored 123 off 158 balls with 11 fours, guiding SSC to a formidable total of 304/7 at the close of play at SSC grounds. Meanwhile, Colts CC were struggling at 66/4 at one stage, more..

Jan 18 (CT) Domestic tourism in SL is facing challenges, as several small-category aircraft (four-seaters) remain grounded, reportedly due to negligence and unqualified inspectors. Concerns about this issue have been repeatedly raised with Civil Aviation Authority of SL (CAASL) over the past few years, urging improvements in facilities and oversight. President of the Aircraft Owners’ & Operators’ Association (AOAOA), more..

Jan 18 (FT) A session on Driving Growth in Value-Added Export Manufacturing at the SL Economic Summit (SLES) will address key challenges to enhancing SL’s value-added export manufacturing, and examine how the country can strengthen its integration into global and regional value chains. Conducted under the theme Shaping SL’s Future: Transformational Growth Rooted in Sound Economic Policies, the SLES will be held on 28 and 29 January at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. more..

Jan 18 (DN) Union Assurance has taken a significant step in empowering the nation’s future business leaders by signing a MoU with the Faculty of Management Studies at the Uni of Sabaragamuwa. This partnership builds on its collaborations with leading academic institutions, including the Uni of Wayamba, Uni of Sri J'pura and the Uni of Kelaniya, reaffirming Union Assurance’s commitment to nurturing Sri Lanka’s youth and preparing them for the evolving business landscape. more..

Jan 18 (FT) SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna yesterday while commending Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake for seeking assistance from foreign countries to develop Sri Lanka urged him to revisit his own statements which highly criticised China for making the country a Chinese colony by putting it in a debt trap. “As a political party in the Opposition SJB, we are happy about his new stance and we are supporting the Govt,” more..

Jan 18 (Island) Unilever SL has unveiled a state-of-the-art rooftop solar power system at its food factory and Distribution Center in Sapugaskanda. This project represents another step towards Unilever’s aim to convert to 100% renewable energy sources across its sites globally. Project combines 1,672 solar panels from the two facilities to produce a total of 970kW, with an 810Kva inverter to support it. This system is anticipated to generate an outstanding 1.25 million kWh of electricity annually, more..

Jan 18 (SO) Officials of the SL Customs said that 60 percent of the containers subjected to random checks under the new clearance process in the Colombo harbour were found to have been imported in violation of Customs laws and regulations. Customs processes around 2,000 containers daily for clearance. As part of the enhanced procedure, nearly 600 containers are now subjected to rigorous checks daily. While the new system has led to some delays, Customs officials have assured that more..

Jan 18 (FT) Colombo stock market yesterday sustained its upward momentum closing the week positively. ASPI gained by 0.26% and the S&P SL20 by 0.28% boosting the improvement for the week by 2.1% and 2.6% respectively. Turnover yesterday was Rs. 5.4 billion higher than the week’s average of Rs. 4.96 billion and involved 199 million shares. The bourse experienced a day of positive sentiment and increased momentum, contrasting with the volatile sentiment experienced during the day. more..

Jan 18 (AD) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has arrived in the island, a short while ago, following the conclusion of his four-day state visit to China. On the final day of his visit, Prez Disanayake held a meeting this morning with Wang Xiaohui, the Secretary of the Communist Party of China for the Sichuan Province. Subsequently, the President toured the Dongfang Electric Corporation located in the Chengdu City, the capital city of the province of Sichuan. more..

Jan 18 (ST) Amutha, her husband, and two teenage daughters lived in a tiny studio in Narahenpita until 2021, when the city informed them their home would be demolished due to illegal settlement. Facing the unknown of when the bulldozer might show up and already struggling to raise a family in such cramped quarters, Amutha decided to move. Now in Mount Lavinia, she pays Rs. 20,000 for a two-bedroom house. more..

Jan 18 (FT) Second edition of the HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival commenced yesterday at the Colombo Public Library with a vibrant cultural dance performance by the senior dance troupe of Bishop’s College, Colombo. The event continued with a brief 5-minute opening address by the newly appointed Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof. In his speech, Governor praised the organisers for hosting such events in the province, emphasising their significant role in enhancing more..