Jul 7 (FT) The Home Lands Group has announced the successful conclusion of the acquisition of a nearly 1 acre land in Thummulla at a record Rs. 29 million per perch, the highest-ever amount paid per perch in the history of Colombo. “This record land purchase investment exceeding Rs. 4.5 billion is the largest land transaction in Colombo,” company said. Making yet another power move, Home Lands unveiled its latest Colombo City High-Rise Mega Project, Pentara Residencies, Thummulla more..

Jul 7 (MN) For SL cricket fans, the nickname Captain Cool is inseparably linked to Arjuna Ranatunga, the iconic captain who led Sri Lanka to victory in the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The term Captain Cool was first coined in the 1990s by veteran cricket commentator Tony Greig in reference to Ranatunga’s calm and composed leadership on the field. In later years, moniker was also used by some commentators and fans to describe former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, more..

Jul 7 (ST) The release of more than 300 high-risk red-labelled containers from the Colombo Port without subjecting them to mandatory physical inspection by Customs was the first major scandal to hit the NPP Govt. The release of the containers, which occurred in January as authorities struggled to clear a massive backlog of containers held up at the port, raised a number of serious questions, including what was actually more..

Jul 7 (FT) A total of 361 students from the Southern Province who excelled in the GCE A/L examinations in 2023 and 2024 were awarded an incentive of Rs. 100,000 each yesterday under a program launched by the Presidential Fund to recognise outstanding district-level performers. A ceremony was held yesterday at the Rabindranath Tagore Auditorium of the Uni of Ruhuna to acknowledge the students from the Southern Province who demonstrated excellence in GCE A/L exam, more..

Jul 7 (AD) PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that healthcare is not just a service but a social necessity, and that good regulation, like good governance, is ultimately about protecting and promoting that social necessity. PM made these remarks while addressing the Centenary Celebration of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) held on Saturday (5), at the BMICH in Colombo. In alignment with the 100-year celebration, a commemorative stamp was officially released during the ceremony, more..

Jul 7 (FT) The ICTA yesterday announced the temporary unavailability of the vehicle Revenue Licence system (eRL 2.0). In a statement, the ICTA said since 3 July, the system has experienced a critical technical infrastructure issue, rendering vehicle revenue licence issuance services unavailable. “We anticipate that these services will remain inaccessible until 9 July 2025,” it said. The ICTA said it sincerely regrets any inconvenience this disruption may cause to citizens and more..

Jul 7 (SO) A joint operation is under way to save Bhathiya, a wounded elephant who fell into an irrigation well in the Nikaweratiya Wildlife Zone, after suffering complications from a previous gunshot injury. Minister of Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabendi and Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody visited the site on Friday (4) to assess the situation and instructed officials to accelerate treatment efforts. The Ministers were accompanied by Dr. Tharaka Prasad, Director of Wildlife Health at more..

Jul 7 (ST) Treasury has warned the Central Bank that the enthusiasm shown in the import of vehicles after the ban was lifted could have a negative impact on foreign reserves and urged that precautionary measures be taken. A senior Treasury official said that in the five months after the restrictions on the import of vehicles were lifted, LCs to the value of US$ 742 million have been opened, against the proposed target of more..

Jul 7 (CT) Kumaraswamy Pushpakumar, also known as Iniya Bharathi, the Ampara District organiser of the TMVP and a former member of the Eastern Provincial Council, was arrested yesterday, along with another individual who is an associate of his. The arrests were made following new evidence uncovered during the questioning of former State Minister and TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillaiyan, who is currently detained under Prevention of Terrorism Act. more..

Jul 7 (DN) A ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith’s priestly ordination will be held at the official residence of the Archbishop of Colombo, under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, today (7). Religious leaders, PM Harini Amarasuriya and other Govt ministers, ambassadors, tri-service commanders and the IGP will participate in this event. The heavy vehicles will be restricted from entering several roads more..

Jul 7 (SO) The high-powered committee tasked with recommending a standardised admissions procedure for Medical Faculty of Kotelawala Defence Uni (KDU) has proposed that 100 civilian students be enrolled each year, out of a total batch of 150. Committee, headed by Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyakontha and comprising Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa and Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, has recommended that more..

Jul 7 (FT) The iconic banker Rienzie Wijetilleke has left us forever. Naturally, his departure leaves a lot of sorrowful feelings in our hearts. Yet his gentlemanly disposition and professionalism to the letter leaves us with awe and admiration. I have already penned his contribution to the banking industry in a previous article in this series.1 This appreciation draws heavily on that article. During my long attachment to the Central Bank, I had a close association with Rienzie. He had started his more..

Jul 7 (FT) In the cool mist of the central highlands, the legacy of Ceylon tea still stands proud—a story steeped in flavour, heritage, and a quality that commands global respect. For generations, the emerald slopes of this island nation have produced some of the world’s finest tea. But that legacy is now increasingly fragile. Beneath the beauty of the rolling tea gardens, a crisis is unfolding in the very soil that sustains them. As that soil depletes, production costs rise, and international markets more..

Jul 7 (NW) Ministry of Energy has announced a public tender for the sale of 14 luxury and decommissioned vehicles currently owned by the ministry. The list includes high-end SUVs such as Toyota Land Cruisers, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz E200 CGI, and several other utility vehicles. According to the tender notice, bids are being accepted for vehicles including a BMW X530D (2016), multiple Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser models, a Nissan Patrol Y62, more..

Jul 7 (AD) A total of 120 persons have been arrested on charges of various offenses during a special operation conducted in the Ratnapura, Embilipitiya, Seethawakapura and Kegalle Police Divisions in the Sabaragamuwa Province yesterday. The raid was conducted between 6 pm and 10 pm Around 900 Police, STF, SL Army, SL Air Force and SL Navy personnel were part of the joint operation. During the operation, a total of 23 persons with outstanding warrants were apprehended. more..

Jul 7 (EN) Sri Lanka’s govt revenues grew 20% to 1,940 billion rupees in the five months to May 2025, and the overall deficit fell from last year and the primary surplus went up, Director General Fiscal Policy, Kapila Senanayake said. Tax revenues were 1,804 billion rupees, up 21%. Current spending was up 17% to 1,024 billion rupees, almost keeping pace with revenue growth with a higher salary bill taking effect. While state workers have to be more..

Jul 7 (NW) Australia’s Foreign Ministry has announced the appointment of Matthew Duckworth as Australia’s next High Commissioner to SL. Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, said that SL is a key partner for Australia in the Northeast Indian Ocean. “Our relationship is based on strong community links, our longstanding development partnership, growing trade and investment ties, and our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian more..

Jul 7 (NF) The daughter of Dr. Maheshi Wijerathna, who was arrested in connection with issuing threats to officials of the CIABOC,was remanded until July 9 by court order. She arrested by authorities earlier today. Her mother, Dr. Maheshi Wijerathna, a neurosurgeon at Sri J'pura General Hospital, was arrested in June over serious corruption allegations. Investigators allege that Dr. Wijerathna sold neurosurgical equipment, including External Ventricular Drains (EVDs) and VP Shunts, more..

Jul 7 (FT) On 29 June 2025, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith celebrated 50 years in the priesthood—a significant milestone in a life dedicated to faith, service, justice, and the pursuit of peace. During a special sermon marking this anniversary, Rev. Fr. Ivan Perera, former Director of Catholic Education, described him as a principled advocate of justice and reconciliation. In a world often fractured by religious intolerance and violent extremism, more..

Jul 7 (FT) Former senior civil servant Bradman Weerakoon has passed away at the age of 94, according to family sources. He had served as a senior staff member to nine former presidents and prime ministers. Bradman Weerakoon studied at Holy Cross College, Kalutara, and was later one of the first boarding students at S. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with second-class honours (upper division) in Economics & Sociology from Uni of Ceylon, more..

Jul 7 (CI) The come-from-behind win fashioned by contributions from several key players in the second ODI will give Bangladesh confidence going into the series decider, as they eye their first ODI series win in Sri Lanka. The hosts, meanwhile, would be ruing the missed opportunity to clinch the series, especially with their inability to chase down 249 despite coming close. Bangladesh had several positives in the second ODI. Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy contributed gritty more..

Jul 7 (Island) The New People’s Front (NPF) over the week lodged a complaint with the CIABOC, that Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne was using three state-owned vehicles and two official residences beyond his official entitlement. NPF leader Sugeeswara Bandara has alleged in his complaint that the Speaker and his personal staff are misusing public funds. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne’s Office yesterday said that the Speaker was entitled for 900 litres of petrol a month. more..

Jul 7 (DM) Sri Lanka Cricket has named a 17-member squad for the upcoming T20 International series against Bangladesh, marking the return of former captain Dasun Shanaka and all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne to the national T20 setup. The three-match series will begin on July 10 at the Pallekele Int'l Cricket Stadium. The second game will be played in Dambulla on July 13, while the final T20I is set for July 16 at the R. Premadasa Int'l Cricket Stadium (RPICS) in Colombo. more..

Jul 7 (AD) The govt will introduce an 18% VAT on digital services provided by non-resident companies to local consumers, effective Oct 1, 2025. Accordingly, foreign service providers are required to register for VAT in SL and collect the tax on their services. VAT law was updated through the VAT (Amd) Act No. 4 of 2025, which implemented VAT on digital services. IRD has also published detailed guidelines through Gazette Notification more..

Jul 7 (AM) Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the previous procedure for student admissions to the Faculty of Medicine at the Kotelawala Defence Uni (KDU) will resume, following a suspension to re-evaluate the process. “We had a discussion with the Chancellor of the university and the Prime Minister regarding this matter. For several years now, KDU has been admitting students to its medical faculty—this includes cadets, foreign students, and local students as well,” the Minister explained. more..

Jul 7 (NW) Kandy Police have arrested an Army Officer on active duty over a chain snatching incident reported at the Kandy Lake Round. Army Officer is said to have snatched a woman’s chain at the Kandy Lake Round and fled on a motorcycle. CCTV footage inspected by the Police has found that the suspect was a resident of Thalathuoya. A secret investigation conducted by the Police had found that the suspect had served in the Army for nearly 20 years and was currently attached to more..

Jul 7 (EN) SL is planning to discontinue a senior citizen interest subsidy schemes after abuse, after massive cost overruns and hidden arrears were discovered, especially in the run up to a sovereign default, IMF program documents show. SL was now looking for others ways to be better give benefits to the most in need of help and making sure that the existing scheme was not mis-used. “Reforms to the new senior citizen subsidy more..

Jul 7 (Reuters) The US is close to finalizing several trade agreements in the coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates scheduled to take effect on Aug 1. Trump and other top officials had flagged the Aug 1 date earlier, but it was unclear if all tariffs would increase then. Asked to clarify, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters the higher tariffs would take effect on Aug 1, more..

Jul 7 (CT) Former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has received multiple death threats via phone calls allegedly made by an underworld leader currently based in Dubai. The threats were issued on Saturday, 5 July, prompting immediate concern among law enforcement authorities. The Acting Inspector General of Police has been informed of the matter and has since alerted all relevant police special units. A formal investigation into the incident has been launched. more..

Jul 7 (DM) It has been decided to reduce the fuel allowance granted to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne to 900 liters and to make it in line with the fuel allowance given to a cabinet minister, Parliament Secretary General’s office said. A statement from the Secretary General’s office said the decision was made by the House keeping committee following request made by speaker himself. The two vehicles issued to speaker by Prez’s Secretary are being used by Speaker more..

Jul 7 (EN) SL’s Gem & Jewellery Authority hopes for higher revenue from tourists buying precious stones and metals from the island nation after the IRD resumed VAT refunding last week. The IRD resumed VAT refunding on July 4 at BIA with an aim to allow tourists to claim VAT paid for the goods they bought to take with them out of the country. Under a number of regulations including visitor visa, non-dual citizen, and minimum spending of 59,000 rupees, VAT could be reclaimed by foreign visitors. more..

Jul 7 (EN) Indian companies who have expanded and become competitive under Free Trade Agreements are now looking to expand abroad and SL had a good chance due to proximity, Sanjiv Puri, chief executive of ITC group said. Over the past 10 years, India has rapidly opened up, under PM Narendra Modi. “India is in the process of, and has signed FTAs. Many more FTAs are coming,” Puri said in Colombo at an event more..

Jul 7 (OWD) In the late 1990s, SL had one of the highest suicide rates in the world: three times the global average and four times the rate in countries like US or UK. The most frequent method of suicide was self-poisoning, particularly from pesticides. But since then, suicide rates have fallen by almost two-thirds. You can see this in the chart. The biggest driver of this improvement was the banning of particularly toxic pesticides. Two highly hazardous pesticides were initially banned in 1984, more..

Jul 7 (DTN) Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday inaugurated 729 newly built houses, constructed at a cost of Rs 38.76 crore, in SL Tamils’ rehabilitation camps across ve districts of the state, via video conference from the Secretariat. Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management K K S S R Ramachandran and Chief Secretary N Muruganandam were present on the occasion. As per the announcement made in the State Assembly under Rule 110 in August 2021 more..

Jul 7 (DM) Opposition MP Jagath Vithana has published his pay sheet on Facebook and has thus become the only MP to do so. Accordingly he has revealed all the perks which a MP is entitled for. An MP’s monthly allowance comes to Rs 54,285, entertainment allowance Rs 1000, telephone allowance Rs 50,000, sitting allowance Rs 5000, office allowance Rs. 100,000, fuel allowance Rs 97,428.92 & transport allowance Rs 15,000. more..

Jul 7 (AD) When developing school infrastructure under the new education reforms, it is necessary to allocate higher financial support to schools in underprivileged areas in order to ensure their improvement, PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has noted. PM who is also the Minister of Education, Higher Education & Vocational Education said the ultimate goal of the education reforms is to enhance the quality of education and therefore every decision made by authorities should be done with more..