Jul 9 (CI) Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz rued the lack of big partnerships that could have sustained the visitors in their 286-run chase after they went down by 99 runs in the third ODI against SL in Pallekele. With the loss, Bangladesh squandered the ODI series 2-1 after having lost the preceding Test series as well. Mehidy said that while SL banked on a 124-run fourth-wicket stand between Kusal Mendis and captain Charith Asalanka after they were in a spot of bother, more..

Jul 9 (ST) The cricketing world mourns the passing of Rienzie T. Wijetilleke, who died on the morning of Friday, July 4, at the age of 85. His death marks the end of an era in SL cricket administration, as he was the visionary leader who rescued the sport from one of its darkest chapters and restored its credibility on the global stage. In 1999, SL cricket was engulfed in turmoil. Board of Control for Cricket in SL (BCCSL) had been plagued by corruption allegations that had lingered since SL’s WC triumph in 1996. more..

Jul 9 (DM) When Richard Murcott, 42, moved to Germany, he believed his days on the rugby sidelines were behind him. Having previously coached in SL and Dubai, the veteran coach was ready to step away from the game and settle into a quieter life — tending to his dogs and leaving the whistle behind. But fate had other plans. A casual conversation with Jan Ludeke, president of Stusta Rugby Club in Munich, opened an unexpected door. Ludeke invited Murcott to come on board more..

Jul 9 (FT) Business leader Dhammika Perera yesterday returned to the market buying control of East-West Properties PLC-founded by tycoon turned philanthropist Nahil Wijesuriya for Rs. 3.2 billion. Buying under his name as he once used to, Dhammika picked up 77.4% stake or 107 million shares of East West at Rs. 30.20 each via four crossings. The acquisition by Dhammika saw the share price of East West jump by 22.3% or Rs. 5.80 to close at Rs. 31.80. more..

Jul 9 (CI) Kusal Mendis crashed 124 off 114, SL's seamers took three wickets apiece, and Sri Lanka surged to a series win, defeating Bangladesh by 99 runs in the deciding ODI. The centrepiece of SL's batting was the 124-run partnership between Kusal and Charith Asalanka, who made 58 off 68. Bangladesh's bowlers did well either side of that partnership, particularly at the death, conceding only 62 off last 10 overs. more..

Jul 9 (FT) It is a privilege to be elected as Chairman of the SL Institute of Directors (SLID) for the year 2025/26. While I have had the opportunity to serve in leadership roles across both the public and private sectors, SLID holds a special place—given its vital role in shaping SL’s corporate leadership and governance landscape. This year’s Annual Members’ Meeting marks a significant milestone—25 years of SLID’s journey. On this occasion, I wish to pay tribute to our past Chairpersons and more..

Jul 9 (DM) Commercial Bank of Ceylon has partnered with Hayleys Agriculture to offer customised leasing and loan facilities to farmers investing in high-quality agricultural machinery supplied by Hayleys Agriculture, in a move designed to strengthen SL’s vital agriculture sector through affordable access to modern equipment. Under this partnership, farmers purchasing tractors, harvesters and other agricultural equipment from Hayleys Agriculture will be eligible for special Agri more..

Jul 9 (FT) The Colombo Rubber Traders’ Association (CRTA) Chairman Harin de Silva said the country’s once proud natural rubber industry is now at a crossroad and teetering on the edge of irrelevance unless urgent, collective action is taken. Speaking at the 106th AGM, he warned that the country’s rubber sector, despite its global reputation for quality and sustainability, is slowly being eroded from within. more..

Jul 9 (DN) A squad of 41 young shuttlers will represent Sri Lanka at the Yonex Sunrise Pembangunan Jaya Raya Junior International Grand Prix 2025 which commenced yesterday at the Pembangunan Jaya Raya Badminton Training Centre in Bintaro, Jakarta, Indonesia. The tournament will continue until July 13. Lankan contingent included 21 girls and 20 boys, who are expected to compete under different categories during the six-day competition conducted more..

Jul 9 (ST) New constructions will not be allowed in the restricted area surrounding Sigiriya, while unauthorised structures will also be removed. This follows a decision taken by relevant stakeholders, including the Archaeology Dept, Central Cultural Fund, and other state institutions. The restricted area includes a 200-yard zone where any type of business is not allowed to ensure a hassle-free environment for visitors to the Sigiriya rock, while another 200 yards has been marked as more..

Jul 9 (DN) A high-level delegation from the Federal Parliament of Nepal visited Hambantota International Port (HIP) recently to explore potential business opportunities and gain first-hand insight into the port’s infrastructure, strategic operations, and investment prospects. The visit was part of a broader initiative to strengthen regional cooperation and promote cross-border commercial partnerships. The delegation consisted of Secretary General, Federal Parliament, Padma Prasad Pandey; more..

Jul 9 (CT) The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board (AAIB) has announced that all necessary steps have been taken to resume the payment of monthly pensions to eligible farmers who previously lost their entitlement under the Farmers’ Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme. According to the Board, the decision comes in response to numerous appeals from affected farmers who faced hardships following the suspension of the pension scheme during the 2012/2013 period. more..

Jul 9 (TM) The report of the committee appointed to investigate the allegations related to the controversial release of shipping containers will be presented to the Parliament in the near future, the Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando has said. The much-anticipated report, prepared by a five-member committee appointed by the Ministry of Finance was recently submitted to Prez more..

Jul 9 (Island) At a recent press conference in Colombo announcing Hotel Asia Exhibition & Int'l Culinary Challenge 2025, Maldives’ HC, Masood Imad, delivered a poignant message: SL must rekindle its historic bond with the Maldives, one rooted in mutual trust, economic partnership, and cultural kinship. His remarks struck a chord, urging policymakers and business leaders to reflect on why the once-flourishing relationship has frayed and how it can be restored. more..

Jul 9 (DM) The Inland Revenue Staff Officers' Association (IRSOA) urged the govt to grant tax concessions for importing vehicles with engine capacities below 1,500cc instead of prioritising the import of higher-capacity vehicles that drain more foreign exchange. Addressing the media, IRSOA Secretary J.T. Chandana said a significant number of high engine capacity vehicles are currently being imported, placing added pressure on the country's foreign reserves. more..

Jul 9 (ST) Editors’ Guild of SL (TEGOSL) has withdrawn from a committee appointed by the Ministry of Mass Media to draft a National Media Policy, citing contradictory statements from ministry officials and a lack of clarity surrounding the initiative. In a press release issued by TEGOSL Secretary Mohanlal Piyadasa on July 3, the Guild said it had informed the Ministry of its decision to step away from the committee’s deliberations. The move comes after what the Guild described more..

Jul 9 (DN) The Ambassador of Japan to SL Akio Isomata recently inspected the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Colombo Hotel Project, which is currently under construction and nearing completion. The project, which aims to establish and strengthen strong bilateral relations between Japan and Sri Lanka has been implemented by utilizing the international experience of a renowned SL innovator Dr. Ruwan Perera. Dr. Perera has played a key role in strengthening Japan-SL relations, more..

Jul 9 (TM) Govt of SL is confident that SL will not face a steep blanket tariff rate, since it has not been listed among the 14-countries that were addressed in letters sent by the US Govt on Monday, due to its negotiation talks, Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando told parliament yesterday. Referring to the Trump administration’s upcoming deadline for trade negotiations on 1 Aug, Fernando said that the US Govt will today reveal what more..

Jul 9 (Island) CID has summoned NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa to its Headquarters today to record a statement on the ongoing investigations into the release of over 300 containers from the Colombo port last January without Customs inspection. A spokesman for the NFF said that CID had informed Weerawansa that it needed to record a statement from him regarding views expressed by him on the release of containers. Spokesman asked whether the CID intended to question all those who more..

Jul 9 (EN) SL has a shortage of 28,000 police personnel, and is in the process of recruiting 5,000, Minister Ananda Wijepala told parliament. “We are already receiving applications for the sub-inspector and constable posts,” he said. A recruitment advertisement promised a salary of 91,630 rupees for a sub inspector. Applicants need to be between 18 to 26 years of age and have passed the GCE O/L exam. Promotions which have been on hold for five years will be expedited, Wijepala said. more..

Jul 9 (CT) Due to the implementation of a new taxation method based on HS codes for goods imported through online shopping platforms, approximately 40 MT of parcels have accumulated in warehouses, according to the Vice President of the Courier Express Parcel Association of SL, Sanjay Samarasinghe. He explained that the complexity of the new tax collection process has caused the parcels to pile up at warehouses in Seeduwa more..

Jul 9 (FT) The Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), as the sole regulator of medical professionals in Sri Lanka, has played a vital role in shaping the nature, quality, and character of medical professionals and the medical profession for a century. The speech made by a Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, His Lordship Justice Yasantha Kodagoda on 5 July 2025 at the Centenary Celebrations of the SLMC, deserves praise and our sincere thanks for its forthrightness. more..

Jul 9 (FT) In 2022, SL became the first Asian country in 20 years to default on its sovereign debt. Since then, the IMF has supported the country’s economic recovery through a multi-billion-dollar EFF agreement. However, as debt restructuring continues and the economy hovers between fragile recovery and renewed crisis, a national debate has emerged: Can SL reform on its own without IMF conditionality? This question involves not just economic viability but also deeper issues of more..

Jul 9 (NW) A 21-year-old student, Rifai Mohamed Suhail, has been detained for nearly nine months under SL’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) after posting a video on Instagram showing the Israeli flag being trampled, according to a report by BBC Sinhala. Suhail, an aviation student from Mawanella, was first detained by Dehiwala Police in October 2024 near the Israeli consular premises for not carrying his national ID. He was later released by court after his ID was produced. more..

Jul 9 (AD) Due to the prevailing dry weather conditions, National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has requested consumers to use drinking water sparingly. As the supply of drinking water is limited due to the prevailing dry weather conditions across the island, NWSDB has requested consumers to use drinking water sparingly and only for essential purposes. NWSDB states that the ongoing extreme dry weather conditions across various parts of the island is causing a rapid more..

Jul 9 (AD) A 15-year-old schoolboy from Mahiyanganaya has been confirmed to have contracted AIDS, according to ASP of the Badulla Division G.W.B.S. Palipana. He revealed this while addressing a program held at the Badulla Teaching Hospital. ASP Palipana expressed concern over the behavior of some schoolchildren, noting that many no longer attend school or tuition classes and instead go to unsupervised locations without more..

Jul 9 (NF) The Ministry of Environment has announced plans to designate a number of forested government lands across the country as protected reserves. Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody stated that forest patches of five hectares or more have been identified in every district, and special attention will be given to those located on mountain tops and elevated terrain due to their ecological significance. As part of the first phase, 20 forest areas have been selected for protection, more..

Jul 9 (NW) The Parliamentary delegation, led by Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, which visited China to attend the Workshop for MPs of SL, has concluded its visit. The workshop, organized by the International Cooperation Centre of the National Development and Reform Commission of China and sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of China, was held from June 20 to July 6. The delegation comprised both govt and opposition members who serve as office bearers and executive more..

Jul 9 (TM) Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has called on the Ministry of Health to investigate and submit an expert report as soon as possible on recent incidents that have led to non-experts publicly criticising complex surgical and medical procedures. In a letter addressed to Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the AMS raised concerns about open comments made by individuals with no medical background – without consulting more..

Jul 9 (AD) A police officer has been arrested for soliciting a bribe of Rs. 200,000 from an individual near the Ragama Hospital. Bribery Commission said that the suspect was arrested while accepting the bribe near the second gate of the Ragama Hospital. Two suspects, both police officers, had reportedly been present to accept the bribe, however, one of them had managed to flee during the raid by officers of the Bribery Commission. It is reported that the two police officers had demanded a bribe of more..

Jul 9 (Island) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has said that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, during discussions with the SL govt, stressed the importance of releasing the remaining lands still occupied and used economically by the military. OHCHR has included updated information provided by the govt on land releases in its reports to the UNHRC, the OHCHR said. OHCHR team member Jeremy Laurence said so in response to more..

Jul 9 (DM) More than 100 schoolchildren from Kandakuliya Mune Sinhala Vidyalaya, along with a group of teachers and staff members led by school’s Principal C.P. Silva, selected Maradana Railway Station as one of the sightseeing spots during their annual school tour. The visit took place today under the instructions and guidance of the Maradana Railway Station Superintendent, with the aim of educating the students about the historical importance of the station and more..

Jul 9 (NW) Representing the NPP, Nishantha Jayaweera was sworn in today as a Member of the Tenth Parliament before the Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne. Following the swearing-in before the Speaker, Nishantha Jayaweera signed the Member Roll in the presence of the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera. Mr. Nishantha Jayaweera was appointed as a National List MP representing the National People’s Power to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of more..

Jul 9 (DN) Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne stated that the official residence of the Speaker will be transformed into a knowledge center providing information to all Members representing all layers of governance in the country. He further expressed that this center is planned to impart essential knowledge to Members of Local Authorities, Provincial Councils, and Parliament on subjects such as international relations, more..

Jul 9 (DM) Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today that the Taj Samudra Hotel had alerted the State Intelligence Service (SIS) via email just minutes after Easter Sunday bomber Abdul Latheef Mohamed Jameel had checked in to the hotel on April 20, 2019, a day before the attacks. Despite the alert and the fact that Jameel was on a security watch list, the SIS reportedly failed to act on the information, Minister said. Jameel, one of the suicide bombers involved more..