Jul 16 (PMD) A discussion on the preliminary budget framework and development direction related to the submission of proposals for the 2026 Budget was held this afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat between Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake and officials of the Ministry of Finance. Accordingly, Prez inquired from the Ministry of Finance officials about the current progress in preparing the upcoming budget. The officials informed the President that the circular inviting budget proposals more..

Jul 16 (SLN) The Sri Lanka Navy intercepted 03 dinghies for smuggling 1,349,640 prescription drugs, during a search operation conducted in the Wellamundalama sea area, Kalpitiya on 14 Jul 25. The operation also led to the apprehension of 05 suspects involved in the smuggling racket. The Sri Lanka Navy maintains constant vigilance, carrying out patrols and search operations along the island's coastline to curb the smuggling of a wide range of items into the island. more..

Jul 16 (NF) The USbus, a mobile American space designed to bring knowledge, opportunity, and inspiration to youth across Sri Lanka, made its third stop at the University of Colombo, marking a key moment in the U.S. Embassy’s America 250 campaign. Speaking to students, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung described the initiative as a celebration of creativity, freedom, and future potential. “This is the best time of your lives. You can be free, you can think, you can be creative and more..

Jul 16 (AM) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has expressed disappointment over the silence of SJB MPs in the face of allegations levelled against him regarding the misuse of funds at the Central Cultural Fund. Speaking at Management Committee held yesterday (15), Sajith Premadasa reportedly stated that if no one within the party is willing to defend him, he will be compelled to stand up for himself, according to a SJB source more..

Jul 16 (NF) The Embilipitiya High Court sentenced a former local govt official to death for his involvement in a murder that took place in 2012. The convicted individual, Kodithuwakku Arachchilage Wasantha, also known as Ali Baby, was a former member of the UPFA representing the Weligepola Pradeshiya Sabha. Delivering the verdict after a lengthy trial, High Court Judge Buddhika Sri Ragala found Wasantha guilty of the murder, which was investigated by the Godakawela Police. more..

Jul 16 (CT) President of the Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF), and Deputy Director of the National Hospital, Colombo (NHSL), Dr. Rukshan Bellana urged authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for the reagent fraud that was uncovered by the Auditor General’s Department last week, stating that he was prepared to come forward as the complainant in this regard. Dr. Bellana said yesterday, referring to the recent reagent scams that had been unravelled by more..

Jul 16 (AN) The Wayamba University township, financed by the Saudi Fund for Development, was opened to the public on Monday, marking the latest development initiative completed in SL with Saudi assistance. The $28 million project in SL’s North Western Province covers new buildings, renovation of existing classrooms, and new equipment. Ceremonial opening was attended by SFD CEO Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, more..

Jul 16 (AM) A newly upgraded beauty salon at the Police Field Force Headquarters was officially declared open on 15 July 2025 under the patronage of the Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya. The initiative was led by the Police Seva Vanitha Unit with the aim of enhancing the welfare facilities available to police personnel and their families. Previously functioning as a basic hair-cutting facility primarily for male officers, the premises have now been transformed into more..

Jul 16 (TS) A 24-member delegation of young political leaders from SL met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri here on Wednesday to discuss the deepening partnership with India. The delegation, including 24 leaders from across 14 political parties of SL, began their two-week visit to India today. During the meeting, the foreign secretary highlighted the significant role of the young leaders in enhancing the ties between the two nations and shaping the future roadmap as key stakeholders. more..

Jul 17 (ST) Sometime ago in these columns I suggested that a govt should resort to a two-track approach of managing the country: one track to deal with mid-to-long-term issues and a second track to cover immediate needs and fire-fighting on all current issues. This model, it appears, would be something the current administration needs to look at closely, given the current battle and hurdles it has to overcome in meeting the growing expectations of the people. more..

Jul 17 (CT) When 21-year-old aviation student Mohamed Suhail was finally granted bail this week, it marked the end of a long and unjust nine-month detention under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). But in truth, Suhail’s release is no cause for celebration — it is a glaring reminder of how this draconian law continues to strip away the rights of citizens in a country that still calls itself a democracy. Suhail was first arrested in Oct 2024 near the Israeli Consular premises in Dehiwala. more..

Jul 17 (DM) Pushpi Weerakoon, a specialist in Peacebuilding, Transitional Justice, Migration Management, Development & Diplomacy, recently made history as the first Sri Lankan to win the Rotary Alumni Global Service Award. This award recognises one outstanding Rotary alumnus from around the world and is presented to individuals whose service activities and professional achievements exemplify Rotary’s ideal of more..

Jul 17 (DM) It was so lovely to witness the concluding of the Pada Yathra (trek) pilgrimage for 2025 on July the fourth sans major issues. Why even talk about major issues during a religious event? We need to do that because SL is one of those countries which has used religion as a tool to cause divisions within a community. It’s very healthy to know that certain religious events are devoid of political interference. Another prominent religious event which has remained untouched by more..

Jul 17 (TM) The death of another tusker, Bhathiya, following injuries suspected to form multiple gunshots has once again returned to the tragic situation of Sri Lanka’s Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC), under the gaze of public scrutiny. With casualties mounting amongst both humans and elephants, it is evident that the majestic four-legged creatures are suffering disproportionately from the conflict due to the use of firearms and explosive devices by certain citizens. more..

Jul 17 (SO) In 2022, Sri Lanka experienced a rupture few believed possible in their lifetime: the forced resignation of a sitting President, not through elections, parliamentary mechanisms, or military intervention, but through the sustained, collective pressure of ordinary citizens. The Aragalaya struggle in Sinhala, Poorattam in Tamil, was not simply an outburst of economic frustration. It marked a radical transformation in more..

Jul 17 (DM) All govts of our country have initiated steps to sending more of its citizens to foreign countries to bring in much needed foreign exchange since Lanka declared bankruptcy in 2022. Official remittances rose 22.3% to US$ 635.7 million in June 2025. SLBFE anticipates remittances from migrant workers to reach over US$ 7 billion by the end of this year. CB data showed remittances reached US$ 3.74 billion in the first half of this year, rising 18.9% from a year ago. more..

Jul 17 (SO) As Sri Lanka’s Elections Commission turns its focus to the future, the foundations of its 2026–2029 strategic plan are being laid on four core pillars: raising awareness, law reforms, institutional development, and integrating new technologies into its work. This framework aims to move the country close to the Commission’s vision of a nation where universal franchise is not merely an aspiration but a practical reality, Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake said. more..

Jul 17 (Island) The Court of Appeal (CA) has dismissed a petition, in limine, which sought an injunction to prevent Western Province Local Government Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara from conducting elections by secret ballot to the posts of chairman and vice chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha. CA decision is based on the existing election laws that provide for the Local Govt Commissioners’ discretion in conducting elections to the posts of more..

Jul 17 (GV) As part of a travelling series, Women’s Histories of Sex Work: Narratives of Conflict, Courage and Survival amplifies the voices of 35 women as survivors, workers, mothers, daughters and storytellers. It is an archive of memory, resistance and dignity, telling the stories of women engaged in sex work during and after the civil war. The project challenges collective attitudes and biases in how we understand violence, labour and womanhood. more..

Jul 17 (FT) Sri Lanka yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional solar energy collaboration and sustainable energy goals at the seventh meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Asia and the Pacific. Delivering the inaugural speech, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya affirmed SL’s commitment to strengthening regional solar cooperation and achieving energy security more..

Jul 17 (FT) International Solar Alliance (ISA) Director General Ashish Khanna yesterday unveiled a comprehensive plan to accelerate solar energy deployment across Asia and small island nations, positioning the ISA as a central driver of the Global South’s clean energy transition. Addressing the media after a high-level ministerial dialogue involving representatives from across the Asia Pacific, he asserted the urgency of translating widespread electricity access into deep solar adoption, more..

Jul 17 (FT) The sale of Ishara Nanayakkara’s non-voting shares of Hatton National Bank (HNB) boosted turnover at the Colombo stock market to over Rs. 17 billion, though indices were down due to profit-taking. HNB saw 39.3 million of its Non-Voting (X) shares traded yesterday for Rs. 10.78 billion, accounting for 63% of turnover. This included 207 crossings of 38.5 million shares at Rs. 280 each. Buyers of HNB.X were widespread. Ishara via Browns Investments (BIL) held 53.14 mil more..

Jul 17 (DM) Health authorities in the Hambantota district have expressed concerns regarding the shortage of drugs in hospitals and hardship created as a result. District Director of Health Services Dr. Deepika Patabendi told the District coordinating committee recently that the doctors were facing death treats due to the shortage of drugs. They maintained that the drug shortage had a negative impact on their careers in the medical profession. “All hospitals in the district are facing a more..

Jul 17 (CI) Australia A and Sri Lanka A ground out a tame draw at Marrara Stadium in Darwin as Nuwanidu Fernando hit an unbeaten century. In reply to Australia A's 486 after making 272 in their first innings, the Sri Lankans dug in to finish on 280 for 3 when the match was called on Wednesday afternoon. Fernando made a superb unbeaten 104, including seven fours and three sixes, ably supported by Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Pavan Rathnayake. more..

Jul 17 (CI) Career-best contributions from Mahedi Hasan and Tanzid Hasan powered Bangladesh to a series-winning 8-wicket win against SL. The home side had blown away Bangladesh in the first game in Pallekele, but the visitors fought back in the second game in Dambulla, before this win in Colombo. Bangladesh have previously only once turned around from 1-0 down to win a three-match T20I series, against WI 7 years ago. more..

Jul 17 (DN) A promising squad of 20 young badminton players from Sri Lanka is all set to take on Asia’s best at the 2025 WONDR Badminton Asia Junior Championship, running from July 18 to 27 in Indonesia. Featuring an even mix of 10 boys and 10 girls, the team is ready to face strong competition from 19 other countries. The team departed yesterday for the nine-day tournament, which is being organised by Badminton Indonesia with the support of Badminton Asia. more..

Jul 17 (FT) The SL-India Media Friendship Association (SLIMFA) held its General Meeting on 14 July at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Colombo. The Patron of the SLIMFA, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha graced the occasion. The Indian High Commissioner highlighted the role of the SLIMFA in promoting deeper engagement and collaboration between the media fraternity in SL and India. He also congratulated the Association for conducting some impactful more..

Jul 17 (FT) The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI) issued an urgent appeal to the Govt in response to the US’ decision to impose a 30% import tariff on coconut-based products from SL, effective 1 August. The move threatens to upend one of SL’s most valuable export sectors, which currently generates over $ 857 million in annual revenue, and risks pushing thousands of rural livelihoods into uncertainty. more..

Jul 17 (DM) Sri Lanka, a global leader in solid tyre manufacturing, faces a critical challenge to its market leadership as a 30 percent US import tariff on Sri Lankan rubber goods is set to take effect on August 1, 2025. The Colombo Rubber Traders’ Association (CRTA) has issued a dire warning of industry-wide fallout, emphasising the severe threat to the nation’s US $ 1 billion rubber export revenue and the livelihoods of over 150,000 rural families. While the tariff has been reduced from more..

Jul 17 (ST) For eight years, the Lunawa District Hospital morgue has been non-operational, forcing Moratuwa residents to spend a significant amount of money transporting bodies to the Kalubowila Hospital or Panadura Base Hospital. The residents explained they have to bear the cost of funeral parlour vehicles to transport bodies to other hospital morgues and despite repeated pleas to authorities no action has been taken all these years, residents complain. more..

Jul 17 (Island) A representative team of TikTok platform in SL visited the secretary to the PM on Wednesday (16) at the PM’s office focusing on how TikTok as a digital platform can be used in creating opportunities in economic platforms and digital education going beyond entertainment. The representatives pointed out the importance of the Inclusion of Legislation, Research and amendments into the curriculum on the knowledge of digital education and addressing Digital hygiene, more..

Jul 17 (DN) The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) initiates a constructive dialogue with the National Initiative for R&D Commercialization (NIRDC) to explore avenues of support for strengthening the Sri Lankan pharmaceutical sector through Research and Development. The meeting took place on July 7, 2025 at the EDB premises, with the participation of private sector representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, NIRDC and EDB. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the EDB, more..

Jul 17 (DM) Be it asweddumized fields or mallung in a rice and curry meal, kiribath for a special occasion, sizzling kottu, scrumptious watalappam or a happening baila song – each one of these examples provides a glimpse of Sri Lanka in a nutshell. The aforementioned words have been used in our vocabulary for decades, highlighting the unique cultural, social and culinary diversity of Sri Lanka. more..

Jul 17 (AD) The Attorney General’s Department informed the Colombo High Court that the incumbent Director of the CID, Shani Abeysekara, has been named as a witness in the case concerning the alleged abduction and forced disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda. The case was taken up before a three-member High Court bench comprising Justices Dr. Namal Balalle, Mahesh Weeraman, and Sujeewa Nissanka. President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma, more..

Jul 17 (CT) A senior Health Ministry spokesperson said that, given the current shortage of nurses in the Northern Province, discussions will be held with the Public Service Commission (PSC) to explore the possibility of increasing male recruitment into the nursing service. According to SL’s nursing constitution, only 5% of nursing recruits can be male. It was noted that around 190 male candidates are currently awaiting entry into the profession. more..