Jul 17 (TM) The Central Bank is likely to cut policy rate by 25bps in the third quarter of 2025 to counter the slow growth in the economy whilst ensuring that inflation returns to the envisaged target of 5%, First Capital said. In their mid-year outlook, First Capital said that the central bank will go for another rate cut of 25bps in the third quarter to boost the economy which is slowing down due to limited government spending and weak consumer demand. “We expect CBSL to support accelerated growth more..

Jul 17 (DN) With a more peaceful environment emerging in Israel following the recent end to hostilities with Iran, the country has begun recruiting groups of Sri Lankans for employment, SL’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara said. He noted that the easing of tensions in Israel has created favourable conditions for resuming employment programmes that had been temporarily suspended due to the conflict. He confirmed that SL workers are now being brought in as groups more..

Jul 17 (EN) SL will change the governing law of the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) to make it more accountable for the finances of the CEB, IMF documents show. “We will improve the transparency of electricity tariff revisions and strengthen accountability of the regulator towards CEB’s finances,” a memorandum on economic policies said. “We will amend the PUCSL Act to mandate PUCSL to submit to parliament more..

Jul 17 (Island) The owner of the Hambantota-based Bird Park, Ajith Gallage, has gone missing amid a major police investigation into the concealment of a stock of illegally imported high-end motorcycles worth over Rs. 250 million. Police said a court warrant has been issued for Gallage’s arrest, but the suspect is believed to have fled his residence and gone into hiding. A special operation has been launched by the Police Central Investigation Division to track him down. more..

Jul 17 (Island) The first ever wax museum of SL, housed in the Ehelepola Walawwa, on Raja Veediya, Kandy, will be opened today by President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. The home of Ehelepola Adikaram, whose family was brutally killed by the last King of Kandy, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, was used for several purposes during the British rule, and by the SL govt, before it was handed over to the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The Wax Museum is the brain-child of the Diyawadana Nilame of more..

Jul 17 (TM) Govt has denied allegations that it is preparing to privatise the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port, following criticism by Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) over the recent formation of a limited liability company to manage the terminal. Deputy Minister Janitha Kodithuwakku said that the newly-formed company, Colombo Eastern Container Terminal (Pvt) Ltd is a 100% Port-owned entity and more..

Jul 17 (FT) Gambling in Sri Lanka has long been governed by a patchwork of laws and casinos have operated for decades under various licensing regimes. So why is the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill creating such a buzz? Is it the potential for stronger governance and investor confidence? Or is it excitement driven by the big names behind the scenes, like Melco Resorts & Entertainment, a global casino giant now entering the SL market? Or perhaps is it the rumours of Bollywood more..

Jul 17 (FT) The US is making revisions to its reciprocal tariff regime, which was initially presented in early April this year, and subsequently deferred for a 3-month period to be ended on 9 July 2025. The US President has since then revised the tariffs applicable to certain countries after negotiation with the counterparts. SL also engaged with US trade officials (USTR) expecting a revision to the tariff applicable to SL; which was initially one of the highest rates in the world at 44%. more..

Jul 17 (CT) Between 2017 and 2022, a staggering Rs 127.4 million was spent from the Customs Officers’ Management and Compensation Fund (MCF) on postgraduate courses for SL Customs officers. However, as of 31 Dec 2022, only 149 out of 323 officers had completed their courses and submitted their certificates, according to official records. The status of the remaining 174 officers remains unclear. Dept of Customs has no information on whether they dropped out, failed, or are still continuing their studies. more..

Jul 17 (DM) Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga today rescheduled the trial of former Minister Diana Gamage, who faces seven charges including providing false information to the Controller of Immigration and Emigration to obtain a passport, and remaining in SL without a valid visa in violation of the Immigration and Emigration Act. The trial, initially set to commence on July 31, has now been postponed to Aug 21. Although the court had earlier fixed July 31 more..

Jul 17 (AD) Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan who was scheduled to arrive in SL on 2 August, will not visit the country as planned, according to organisers. He will not visit SL due to unavoidable personal reasons, said the organisers who were planning to bring the Bollywood star for an event in Colombo. Popularly known as King Khan, Shah Rukh Khan was scheduled to arrive in Colombo for the opening ceremony of City of Dreams SL more..

Jul 17 (NW) A woman has been arrested in Moratuwa for possession of counterfeit currency notes, according to police. The suspect, a 52-year-old resident of Rawathawatta in Moratuwa, was taken into custody yesterday evening (14), after officers recovered ten fake Rs. 5,000 notes from her possession. Following further questioning, police searched her residence and discovered a printing machine believed to have been used to produce the counterfeit notes. more..

Jul 17 (DM) The CIABOC filed an indictment before the Colombo High Court against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and four of his family members, over the alleged acquisition of illicit assets amounting to Rs. 97 million. The indictment was formally handed over before Colombo High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne. Also the accused were released on a cash bail of Rs. 50,000 and two sureties of Rs. 1 million each. The court also imposed a foreign travel ban on the accused. more..

Jul 17 (NW) A legal controversy has emerged following the sentencing of a Thai tourist in Arugam Bay, after a journalist questioned how a Sri Lankan court interpreted gender in a topless incident involving a foreign national. The 26-year-old Thai tourist was handed a suspended five-year prison sentence by the Pottuvil Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to charges of indecent behaviour and causing public disturbance. more..

Jul 17 (AD) A Danish national woman has been arrested at the BIA in Katunayake for attempting to smuggle a consignment of Kush cannabis, estimated to be worth over Rs. 50 million, into the country. According to the Airport Unit of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), a total of 5 kilograms and 356 grams of Kush cannabis was found carefully concealed inside 25 food packets in her luggage. The 23-year-old passenger, a citizen of Denmark, had arrived at BIA from Chennai last night more..

Jul 17 (NW) Three officers attached to Police Stations in the Matara Division have been suspended from duty over misconduct at a spa in Matara. The suspension order was issued by the Acting Superintendent of Police (ASP) for the Matara Division. The three officers had reportedly visited a spa located in the Walgama area of Matara, where they engaged in a heated verbal exchange with the manager. They then allegedly attempted to obtain services from establishment free of charge. more..

Jul 17 (CT) Minister Chandana Abayarathna said that providing separate special security to individual Ministers or officials is not a viable solution to control organised shootings. Instead, he emphasised that ensuring the security of the entire country is the key to addressing such threats. Minister stressed that the Govt has no plans to grant special security arrangements to Ministers on an individual basis. He said the Govt is committed to maximum intervention to prevent incidents more..

Jul 17 (Island) A commemorative event was held in Bondy, a suburb of Paris, on 12 July 2025 to mark the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a statue of Dr. Anton Balasingham, the former political advisor of the LTTE and a central figure in the Tamil Eelam liberation struggle, Tamil Guardian reported on July 15. report said: “The Mayor of Bondy, Stephen Hervé, participated in the ceremony and lit the public flame in remembrance. Members of the Bondy City Council also took part in the proceedings. more..

Jul 17 (DM) Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is facing mounting scrutiny after Global News revealed he had written letters supporting the immigration application of a man deemed by federal officials to be a former member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a group listed as a terrorist organization in Canada. The letters, dated 2016 and 2023—before Anandasangaree joined the federal cabinet more..

Jul 17 (EN) Sri Lanka's TWC Holdings said it provided advisory services to Blackstone, a private equity group in its acquisition of Altair Colombo via its take over of South City Mall in India. TWC Development Management (Pvt) Ltd, the real estate advisory arm of TWC Holdings, had provided technical due diligence, market analysis, regulatory review, and long-term asset strategy for the Colombo property. “As the new shareholders assume responsibility for Altair, more..

Jul 17 (AD) Sri Dalada Esala Perahera of the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is scheduled to commence on July 25. The annual Kandy Perahera will commence with the ‘Kap planting’ ritual at the four main devalayas which will be followed by the five-day process of Ethul Perahera, , Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela said. Accordingly, the Kumbal Perahera and Randoli Perahera are scheduled to parade the streets for 10 days, starting from July 30. more..

Jul 17 (AD) US has offered to accept 70 to 80% of products exported from SL without imposing any tariffs, Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando stated. The offer has been made during on-going discussions between SL and the US following the decision by US Prez Donald Trump earlier this year to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries based on existing trade deficits. He confirmed that the US has offered SL a list of 1,161 products for more..

Jul 17 (EN) The sectoral oversight committee on infrastructure and strategic development of the Parliament has suggested changes to an amendment to SL’s Electricity Act, a statement said. The changes will be incorporated to the bill and presented to the committee on July 17. “Several proposals and recommendations submitted by the Public Utilities Commission regarding the amendment of this Bill were discussed and agreement was reached on several matters" more..

Jul 17 (PMD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially opened the Wax Museum this morning at the historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy. The Ehelepola Walawwa, which was renovated by the UDA, has been handed over to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The museum was then established, ensuring the preservation of its archaeological and cultural significance. The museum features wax recreations depicting the architecture, customs and arts and crafts more..

Jul 17 (NF) The owner of the Hambantota Bird Park was arrested in connection with the illegal importation of luxury motorcycles into SL. Police stated that the suspect had been evading authorities for several days. He was arrested today in Colombo and is currently being held at the Maradana Police Station. The suspect is scheduled to be presented before court today. Earlier, police seized 21 illegally imported motorcycles — including 8 luxury bikes and 4 tricycle-type motorcycles more..

Jul 17 (NW) Supreme Court has summoned a hearing on Nov 13 to verify facts in a fundamental rights petition requesting recovery of compensation paid unlawfully to former ministers whose homes and property were damaged after the attack on the Gota Go Gama protest site at Galle Face on May 9, 2022. Petition was filed by Dr. Ravindranath Dabare, a social activist and lawyer, seeking an order to reclaim compensation funds that were allegedly obtained illegally by former govt ministers. more..

Jul 17 (DM) PM and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has firmly rejected claims that History and Aesthetics have been removed from the school curriculum, stating that these subjects, along with Vocational Studies, have been made mandatory under the new education reforms. Dr. Amarasuriya said that misinformation was being spread by certain groups without a proper understanding of the national education plan. more..

Jul 17 (SM) Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday heard charges against 2 outlets of 2 popular eateries – Mr. Koththu Grand and Big Bite Biryani for violating sanitary regulations in food preparation. Mr. Koththu Grand outlet located at 1128, Kotte Road, Rajagiriya, is run by Mr. Dinesh Priyakantha, while the Big Bite Biryani outlet at 111, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, is operated by Mr. Yoganathan Prasan. The cases were filed separately by the PHI of the Public Health Department more..

Jul 17 (TM) The Department of Wildlife Conservation is planning to launch a special mission targeting snares and trap guns. This was revealed during a press briefing yesterday where the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) Director – Operations Ranjan Marasinghe said that when it comes to annual elephant deaths, about 20% of them are caused by gunshots, 14% due to electrocution, and about 10% due to ‘hakka patas’ (locally made explosive device that explodes when bit). more..

Jul 17 (DM) Alarming reports have surfaced that tickets for viewing the Kandy Esala Perahera are being sold at exorbitant prices ranging between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 65,000, prompting concerns from local authorities. Kandy Mayor Chandrasiri Wijenayake warned that unless a proper regulatory mechanism is introduced, the price for a single seat at the final Randoli Perahera could skyrocket to Rs. 100,000. more..

Jul 17 (AD) A newborn has been found abandoned in a paddy field in Paragahadeniya, Mawathagama earlier today, police stated. A local resident passing through the paddy field had noticed the newborn lying under a tree in the field. He subsequently informed the Mawathagama Police about the incident and police personnel arrived at the scene. Police personnel and area residents then took the baby from the location and admitted to the Mawathagama Divisional Hospital. more..

Jul 17 (DM) The Court of Appeal today reserved its order until September 1 on a writ petition seeking the removal of STF personnel from Boossa Prison. The petition was filed by J.A. Ruwan Kumara, alias Midigama Ruwan, an alleged underworld figure. The case was heard before a two-judge bench comprising Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando. Counsel for the petitioner argued that Boossa Prison is a designated high-security more..

Jul 18 (DM) SL Police are so close to the public in terms of dispensing their duties. For some unexplainable reason, people fear the men in khaki. This could be one reason why the SL Police have decided to use some humour in sending a message to errant drivers. The police website has a recent post to attract the attention of drivers who wouldn’t care much about being obedient drivers. The post shows the drawing of a horse. First half of the animal from the tail to the body is drawn to precision. more..

Jul 18 (DM) For middle-class parents, small businesses, teachers, and other professionals, education is not just a right, but a lifeline to a better future for their children. They work tirelessly to save for college degrees that promise good jobs and social mobility. However, access is severely limited; only 17% of students who pass A/Ls gain admission to state universities, leaving many reliant on private institutions like KDU, ACBT, or SLIIT. Recent govt policies pose unprecedented threats to this more..

Jul 18 (CT) Colombo Chief Magistrate has further remanded—until 15 July 2025—a specialist neurosurgeon from the Sri J'pura General Hospital over allegations of pharmaceutical fraud. While the neurosurgeon’s bail application was rejected, the court granted bail to the other two suspects implicated in the case. The neurosurgeon stands accused of selling surgical consumables worth Rs. 50,000 to patients for Rs. 175,000 through more..