Jan 5 (SO) Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) calls on the Govt to halt the import of new vehicles and permit only quality used-vehicles into the country for the next couple of years as this would assist in the foreign currency and State revenue issue, “We have presented a proposal to the Govt to curtail the import of new vehicles and promote the import of high quality used- vehicles which will limit the outflow of US dollars, enable more middle-income earners to purchase more..

Jan 5 (TM) A special meeting is scheduled for tomorrow between Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Attorney General (AG) Parinda Ranasinghe, PC at the Presidential Secretariat. This meeting comes amid ongoing speculation that the President’s Office has requested AG Ranasinghe to resign from his post. However, sources within the AG’s Department have confirmed that no official communication has been made in this regard. more..

Jan 5 (AD) FACETS Sri Lanka - 2025 Int'l Gem and Jewellery Exhibition was inaugurated under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo today (4). Prez also visited and inspected the gem and jewellery stalls featured at the exhibition. Organized by SL Gem & Jewellery Association (SLGJA) in collaboration with National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and Export Development Board (EDB), this year marks the 31st edition of Asia’s leading gem and more..

Jan 5 (EN) Sri Lanka’s average coconut prices were up 18.32%, recording the highest price for a coconut in the weekly auction, data from the Coconut Development Authority showed. The weekly auction was not held in a month due to a lack of nuts. Average coconut prices were up to 129,699.00 for 1,000 nuts at the auction held on Jan 2, from 109,615.80 at the auction in November last year. The highest price was 130,000 for 1,000 nuts while the lowest was 120,000 for 1,000 nuts. more..

Jan 5 (DM) Around 150 elephants, including tuskers and calves, are reportedly trapped and starving in the Oyamaduwa area following a failed attempt to relocate them from regions such as Sravastipura, Thambuttegama, Vilachchiya, Moragoda and Thanthirimale in the Anuradhapura district to Wilpattu National Park. This was revealed by the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Populations. more..

Jan 5 (AD) SL is poised to make a significant leap in its tourism industry, aiming for 3 million tourist arrivals in 2025. This ambitious target comes on the heels of a projected 2.1 million visitors in 2024 as the nation steadily recovers from the economic challenges it faced in recent years. SLTDA, under the leadership of its newly appointed chairman, Buddhika Hewawasam, is spearheading several reforms and initiatives to strengthen the sector and attract more international visitors. more..

Jan 5 (ST) Sri Lanka is moving forward by introducing nuclear power into its energy mix in order to meet the growing electricity demand, combat climate change, and to secure energy supplies. Preparatory work for the country’s first nuclear power plant has already begun. The govt is working on legislation governing the generation of nuclear power and shortly will start inviting expressions of interest from potential investors. Prof. S.R.D. Rosa, Chairman, SLAEB said more..

Jan 5 (SO) Cyber security which is posing a huge threat should be prioritised by policy makers, a top CERT official (Computer Emergency Readiness Team) said. CERT, Lead Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola said once the Information and Cyber Security Policy for State institutions is enacted and the Cyber Security Strategy for 2024-2028 is implemented, the growing threat of cyber security could be minimised to a great extent. more..

Jan 5 (AD) SL Police have confirmed that an audio clip currently circulating on social media, claiming to be a special announcement in line with the govt’s Clean Sri Lanka – 2025 program, is a fake. The audio clip, allegedly citing a section of the Police Ordinance, instructs the public to maintain cleanliness in front of their residences and warns of legal action against non-compliance after Jan 15, 2025. Police emphasized that no such announcement has been released by dept. more..

Jan 5 (ST) With no orders still placed for a fresh consignment of passports beyond the 750,000 now being issued to the people, SLBFE has warned that the continuing crisis threatens to cripple labour migration. An influx of applications is expected in the coming weeks as candidates wishing to take the Korean language proficiency test must furnish passport numbers to qualify to sit. Around 30,000 travel documents are usually required to more..

Jan 5 (CT) SL-Thailand Business Council elected their office-bearers for the year 2024-2025 at the AGM held recently at Ramada Hotel Colombo. The keynote address, titled Opportunities in Business Interactions between Thailand and SL, was delivered by the Chief Guest of the occasion, new Ambassador of Thailand in SL, Paitoon Mahapannaporn. Following is the keynote address: Good evening, at the outset, I wish to express my appreciation for inviting me to attend AGM more..

Jan 5 (SO) Just hours after the New Year fireworks stopped and the smoke cleared, an elite cast of Sri Lankans that also included high-ranking clergymen came together on one platform as part of the enough-is-enough campaign to rid the country of corruption in sport and the Society at large, lock stock and barrel. Among the anti-corruption activists was Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, former World Cup winning cricketers Aravinda de Silva, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena along more..

Jan 5 (TM) Authorities have reported no formal complaints regarding online prostitution in Sri Lanka this year, despite allegations from some NGOs that it is on the rise. According to DIG Renuka Jayasundara of the Child and Women Abuse Investigation and Prevention Division, the division’s actions remain complaint-driven due to limited resources and the current legal framework. Jayasundara clarified that the authorities could only act on online prostitution advertisements if a more..

Jan 5 (ST) SL has no cause for concern regarding the current outbreak of the virus causing flu-like symptoms in China, health authorities have said, assuring that they are vigilant and continuously monitoring global health developments to ensure public safety. “The increase in respiratory illnesses in China is due to known viruses, and no new or unusual pathogens have been identified. The current situation does not warrant action and it does not have a significant impact on more..

Jan 5 (TM) Allegations have surfaced regarding the suspension of a power project in Badulla, which was set to provide electricity to over 200 families in the Sinhalayagama, Unakanda, and Annasigala regions. Despite being over 85% complete, the project has been halted, reportedly on the orders of Badulla District MP and Minister Samantha Vidyarathna. However, Ministry of Energy Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala denied more..

Jan 5 (SO) About 150 elephants, including tuskers and calves, have been trapped for more than a week in the Oyamaduwa area in the Anuradhapura district. The elephants are confined to the National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) farm and are not moving away despite efforts by wildlife officers and local residents, according to Wildlife Dept sources in A'pura. The crisis has brought renewed attention to the challenges of human-wildlife conflict in the region, as the Environment Ministry faces more..

Jan 5 (DM) While denying reports that death row inmate Duminda Silva is receiving special facilities at the Prison Hospital, Prisons Department released photographs of the ward where Silva is being treated. Prisons Spokesman Gamini B. Dissanayake clarified that Silva is receiving residential treatment at Ward No. 3 of the Prison Hospital, alongside more than 50 other inmates who are also undergoing treatment. Dissanayake also said that the Director of the Sri J'pura Hospital had recommended that more..

Jan 5 (ST) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake is making significant changes to Sri Lanka’s national security portfolio. His efforts aim to adapt existing mechanisms to the unique environment, meet present-day needs, and depoliticize the system. The shift in threat perceptions underscores a significant evolution in national security priorities. With the defeat of Tiger guerrillas, it is logical for state intelligence more..

Jan 1 (CT) The revelation by the Auditor General’s Dept that 35 academics owe Rs 1.6 billion to the Uni of Colombo exposes a profound systemic failure. These individuals, having breached their bond agreements, have left debts unresolved for as long as 34 years. Thirty-four years of inaction—what does this say about the university’s management? Is this incompetence, lack of accountability, or deliberate neglect? Despite recommendations from the Auditor General to recover these funds, more..

Jan 1 (DM) Sri Lanka over the last three years has been hit by tremendous price hikes and shortages of essential services and goods. What does the New Year hold for the working people, pummelled by the rising cost of living and stagnant incomes, whose lives have become unbearable? Even as the public awaits the national budget next month, to address the ongoing economic crisis, the Govt should announce a firm New Year resolution to address people’s suffering. more..

Jan 1 (SO) Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando shared his views on the outcome of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visit to India, Fitch Ratings upgrading SL’s foreign currency rating and the Govt’s ongoing negotiations with the IMF. He said that before the NPP Govt was set up, the Opposition said that it would be a real calamity and country would be in a chaotic situation. more..

Jan 1 (DM) Why do politicians make grandiose promises they cannot possibly keep? After all making and keeping promises should be a matter of self-esteem. So why do our politicians -whether they be self-styled socialists or outright crony capitalists- promise the long-suffering electorate the sun, moon and stars? Our newly elected rulers promised us A thriving nation, a beautiful life. Last month we spoke of some of the positive moves of the govt since it was elected to office. more..

Jan 1 (TM) China is currently struggling with a surge in infections of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus causing widespread concern globally. Foreign media reports indicate that the surge has led to overcrowded hospitals, emergency measures, and growing public anxiety in China and also in the world about a potential outbreak. While Chinese authorities have downplayed the situation calling it a typical seasonal occurrence and global experts have assured that HMPV is not as more..

Jan 1 (TM) Despite Govt attempts at imposing price controls on the market with the ostensible goal of providing relief to consumers, it has often led to supply and demand issues, with consumers bearing the brunt of the impact. When price controls are imposed, price signals are distorted and no longer valid for that good or service, causing the market to imbalance as excess demand or supply occurs. more..

Jan 6 (Island) The dawn of the New Year 2025 last week, with a new president and a new govt enjoying what is being called a super majority in parliament raises the inevitable question of whether the country can be made to take a new direction ensuring the promised better life for all its people. System change has been the buzzword since the aragalaya in 2022 compelled first the resignation of then PM Mahinda Rajapaksa followed by that of his brother, Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa more..

Jan 1 (ST) Quite apart from chuckling over quaintly outdated British titles of Esquire suffixed to names of various individuals and officials appointed to a Task Force to Clean Sri Lanka by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in a gazette notification of December 19th 2024, several aspects of this exercise perturbingly echo Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s widely derided rule by Task Force era (2019-2022). Those who are veritably cursed to possess long memories among us may recall more..

Jan 1 (DM) Readers of a certain vintage may recall the iconic sketch that adorned the cover of the Upper Kindergarten Sinhala textbook Kumarodaya—a vivid depiction of five elephants fused into a chaotic, tangled block of confusion labelled, Eth-Poraya, [engaged in a frenzied wrestling match]. Today, the imagery of the Eth-Poraya feels almost prophetic as a modern-day tragedy unfolds—scripted and performed by five key players: wildlife enthusiasts, politicians, state authorities, more..

Jan 6 (Island) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s ambitious, catch-all project, Clean Sri Lanka, is in the same perilous situation as pedestrians in this country—it runs the risk of being knocked down by private buses and trishaws, in a manner of speaking. As part of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, the police have been in overdrive during the past few days to nab errant private bus and trishaw drivers and strip their contraptions of unauthorised accessories, deafening horns, blinding lights and more..

Jan 6 (CI) NZ's fast bowlers tore through SL's top order to set up a big win, before their own top three clinched it, Will Young hitting 90 not out off 86 balls in a nine-wicket victory. On a grassy Basin Reserve pitch, on a cold day beset by biting southerlies, NZ had had SL 23 for 4 by the end of the powerplay. There were resurgent innings from the likes of Avishka Fernando especially, but SL never seemed headed to a healthy total. more..

Jan 6 (FT) Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development says it is at the forefront of driving industrialisation and fostering entrepreneurship in the country and has updated some of the measures taken thus far and announced future plans. Following is the notice issued by Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe listing its objectives, spanning key areas to support and grow industries and businesses. Core objectives: Policy Development; Industrial Support; more..

Jan 6 (FT) The Port City, Colombo on Friday will break ground for its Marina development, which is tipped to be a key value proposition boosting business and attractiveness. The Marina, Port City Colombo is a joint initiative between China Harbour and Engineering Corporation/CHEC Port City Colombo Ltd., Browns Investments PLC, and LOLC Holdings PLC. Minister Vijitha Herath will be the Chief Guest at the groundbreaking ceremony. The Marina is set to create a state-of-the-art more..

Jan 6 (DN) The Boxing Association of SL (BASL) will conduct the 97th National Boxing Championship for men and women, at the Galle Face Green from January 23 to 26, 2025. This championship will make history as the first-ever Nationals to take place outdoors, a bold move by BASL to bring the sport closer to the public. After the success of past outdoor events in Negombo Beach and Sahas Uyana Kandy, this year’s venue promises to offer a thrilling experience for both fighters & fans. more..

Jan 6 (CT) Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s Team dominated Bangladesh by 5 wickets in the first T20I of their four-match series, taking a 1-0 lead. Opting to bat first in Thurstan College Ground, Bangladesh’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure, with the team bowled out for just 109 runs. Despite a strong fifth-wicket partnership of 62 runs between Jannatul Maoua (34) and skipper Sumaiya Akter (29), Bangladesh’s other batters struggled to make any significant contribution. more..

Jan 6 (FT) The key stakeholders in the vehicle industry expressed cautious optimism on the decision to lift the country’s five-year ban on imports next month, whilst highlighting challenges and opportunities. Convening a media briefing recently, the Automobile Exporters and Importers Joint Committee, comprising representation from major industry groups, including the SL Business Council of Japan (SLBCJ), more..

Jan 6 (TM) SL is confident that it can drive the debt-to-GDP ratio well below 95% by 2032 with GDP and currency overperformance, as the debt has already fallen below the required level. Finance Ministry said that various critiques have been made of the IMF debt sustainability analysis (DSA) target, with the view that the debt-to-GDP target of 95% by 2032 is too high. “However, 95% is just the target, there is nothing to prevent the govt from achieving a debt to GDP well below that target,” more..

Jan 6 (FT) University of Sri Jayewardenepura Immunology, Allergy and Molecular Medicine Department Director Prof. Chandima Jeewandara confirmed that the new wave of respiratory infection – human metapneumovirus (HMPV) – spreading in China is not a cause for alarm. While foreign media warning of another health crisis with China facing a rapid spread of HMPV and hospitals overwhelmed with patients, Prof. Jeewandara claimed it as a winter occurrence. more..