Jul 18 (CT) Govt is considering increasing male recruitment into the nursing service to address the ongoing nurse shortage in the health sector, particularly in the North. Discussions are planned with Public Service Commission (PSC) to explore this possibility. Around 190 eligible male candidates are currently awaiting entry into the profession, but their recruitment is blocked by outdated restrictions —specifically, the nursing constitution’s provision that limits male recruits to just 5%. more..

Jul 18 (TM) Many Sri Lankans often lament that even though the nation is an island with vast oceans surrounding it, the availability of sea food and its cost makes adding it to their diet difficult. Despite being an island, many in SL, especially in the policymaking community fail to grasp the complexities and dynamics of the oceans around us. The lack of affinity and understanding of the oceans has placed Sri Lankans, and their food security at risk. The long-felt gaps in SL’s Ocean more..

Jul 18 (TM) The controversy surrounding the release of over 300 containers without subjecting them to any checks continues with Opposition legislators calling on Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is also the Finance Minister, to assume responsibility for the mishaps surrounding SL Customs. The department is under intense scrutiny following revelations that more than 300 shipping containers flagged for inspection more..

Jul 18 (FT) I was born in 1961, which happened to be in SL. Suppose my birth happened in China in that year. In that case, it is quite unlikely that my trajectory would have been to be a vegetarian. In 1961, China was suffering from one of the worst famines a country has ever suffered – three years of great famine. In such an environment, you do not have the luxury of exercising choices. As I leave after a three-month stay, I have experienced a China that to me is seen as plentiful, productive, more..

Jul 18 (Island) Never a dull day in Sri Lanka! Hardly a day passes without some controversy or another making headlines and even leading to protests. Issues crop up at such a rapid pace that it is not possible to keep track of them, much less understand them. The latest controversy is about the education sector, which is no stranger to protests and strikes. A government decision to introduce education reforms has caused quite a stir, with school teachers, their trade unions and university dons letting out howls of protests. more..

Jul 18 (ST) 15-day Kataragama Esala festival is a deeply sacred time in Kataragama, a place sanctified by centuries of belief in Skanda also known as Kataragama Deviyo – the island’s warrior deity and divine guardian. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims of many faiths, particularly Hindus and Buddhists, gather here to seek the divine intervention of God Murugan, God Skanda or Kataragama Deviyo. There is an air of exultation, with streets beautifully lit-up and decorated more..

Jul 18 (FT) The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE), in collaboration with the Embassy of SL in Japan, has announced the SL Export Brands Forum, taking place on 25 Sept, at the prestigious World Expo in Osaka, Japan. This event is part of NCE’s broader effort to open new trade gateways and is a significant market access initiative aimed at helping SL exporters enter or expand in the Japanese market — one of the most sophisticated and high-value economies in Asia. more..

Jul 18 (FT) Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) Director General Vajira Ellepola recently called for bold and comprehensive labour reforms, warning that without decisive changes, SL risks remaining stuck in economic stagnation and missing out on critical foreign direct investment (FDI) needed for long-term growth. Sharing insights against the backdrop of fluctuating investment flows and the regional labour market, Ellepola warned that more..

Jul 18 (ST) South Asia’s biggest K-1 fight league, Karma Fight League, will host its fifth event on July 25 at Cinnamon Life, South Asia’s largest entertainment hub. The event will take place at the Lumina Ballroom, featuring fighters from Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, and Australia, with both male and female bouts on the card. KFL will also introduce the KFL Extreme Championship, featuring the best young fighters in Sri Lanka. Cinnamon Life will serve as both the venue and more..

Jul 18 (DM) LTL Holdings Ltd has withdrawn its Rs.20 billion initial public offering (IPO), the largest ever attempted on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), due to delays in the subscription process, the company disclosed this week. In a filing to the CSE, LTL said its board resolved at a meeting held on 26 June, to withdraw the IPO application and return all subscription monies to investors by 30 July. “The said decision has been taken after considering the prolonged time taken in opening more..

Jul 18 (DM) The Companies (Amd) Bill, scheduled to be taken up for second reading debate in Parliament on July 23, received the approval of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability following its consideration. This was taken up for consideration when the said Committee, chaired by MP Hector Appuhamy, met on July 11 at the Parliament premises. A group of officials representing the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security more..

Jul 18 (CT) The Nalanda Walk, organised in line with the centenary celebrations of Nalanda College, Colombo, will be on Sunday, 20 July. A large number of distinguished Nalanda alumni are expected to participate in the walk, and the school has extended invitations to PM and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya, as well as the Mayor of Colombo, Vraîe Cally Balthazaar. The event is jointly organised by the Nalanda Old Boys’ Association, the Junior Old Boys’ Association, more..

Jul 18 (TM) Ministry of Public Security stated that the relevant authorities, including the Police, are working to apprehend and take action against all individuals engaged in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, regardless of whether they are Sri Lankans or foreign nationals. Minister Ananda Wijepala said that there will be no special treatment for anyone involved in such activities. “If someone is caught engaging in more..

Jul 18 (NF) The Ministry of Transport and Highways has decided to issue temporary driver’s licenses to foreign visitors directly at the airport upon arrival. Accordingly, a dedicated counter is set to be established at the BIA in Katunayake to facilitate this process. Currently, tourists arriving in Sri Lanka must travel to the Motor Traffic Department office in Werahera to obtain a temporary driver’s license. Highlighting the time and financial burden this causes, the Ministry stated that more..

Jul 18 (PMD) President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that he will never hesitate to take necessary action for the advancement of national, religious and social development and that he expects the guidance of the Maha Sangha in the governance process. Prez made these remarks during a discussion held this afternoon (17) at the President’s House in Kandy with the Anunayake Theros of the Malwatu and Asgiri Chapters and other senior members of Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha. more..

Jul 18 (TM) Committee on Public Finance (COPF) approved the Regulations under the Tea (Tax & control of export) Act, No. 16 of 1959. This approval was given at the COPF meeting held recently (15) in Parliament under the chairmanship of MP Harsha de Silva. Accordingly, officials stated that a license fee of Rs. 3 per kg of tea is expected to be charged, and that this license fee is intended to be utilised for the development and promotion more..

Jul 18 (CT) Four suspects linked to a large-scale pyramid financial fraud operating under the names Era Miracle (Pvt) Ltd and Genesis Business School in Kurunegala have been further remanded until 31 July by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga. The suspects — Dhammika Ranasinghe, a company director residing in Kurunegala; his wife, Samudra Surangani Hemachandra from Galle; and two promoters of the scheme, Nishantha Nimal and K.H. Priyantha more..

Jul 18 (TM) The Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House, Bimal Rathnayake expressed Sri Lanka’s interest in entering into a MoU with Singapore on green, digital shipping corridor collaboration, focusing on decarbonisation and digitalisation in the maritime sector. Rathnayake undertook an official visit to Singapore from 13 July to Tuesday (15) to attend the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium and a series of high-level engagements. more..

Jul 18 (EN) Ventive Hospitality Ltd, an India based company which owns and manages hotels and retail properties in South Asia, is exploring resort development in SL, Director Thilan Wijesinghe was quoted as saying in a statement. Ventive Hospitality is backed by US-based Blackstone group and Panchshil group, also based in India. Wijesinghe’s TW Holdings had recently advised on a Blackstone acquisition of in Indian property group which promoted SL’s Altair Holdings. more..

Jul 18 (FT) The Export Agriculture Division of the SL Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with its Central Province Regional Office, successfully conducted an awareness workshop on the topic Development of Ayurvedic and Herbal Cosmetic Products for Export Markets at The Royal Mall Hotel – Kandy. This targeted initiative was aimed at empowering small and medium-scale Sri Lankan manufacturers and exporters in the ayurvedic, herbal, and cosmetic sectors. more..

Jul 18 (EN) The US is breaching the Official Creditor Committee agreements by making it difficult to repay creditors by imposing sudden tariffs on the country, ex-Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has argued. “US is a member of the OCC,” he told a forum organized by Advocata Institute to introduce Policy Challenges of Globalisation in SL, a book written by Sarath Rajapatirana, former World Bank official who been a Presidential advisor. more..

Jul 18 (FT) In its 13th consecutive year of championing exceptional workplace culture, Great Place To Work SL has officially unveiled its eagerly awaited list of the 40 Best Workplaces™ in SL for 2025. The announcement follows a rigorous, year-long study conducted from April 2024 to March 2025, surveying over 78,000 employees across 170 organisations through 130 assessments, representing 20+ industries. With an impressive average response rate of 89%, the study more..

Jul 18 (DM) Minister Bimal Ratnayake witnessed a minor explosion during an inspection tour of the Ratmalana railway yard, drawing attention to serious safety concerns faced by workers. The incident occurred while maintenance work was underway in a train compartment, resulting in a small fire. Workers on site acted swiftly to extinguish the flames before they could spread further. Following the incident, Minister spoke directly with the workers and raised immediate concerns about their safety. more..

Jul 18 (DN) 49th National Sports Festival (NSF) began yesterday, the 17th, and will run until the 20th in Galle and Matara. Sports Ministry and the Sports Development Dept aim to provide more opportunities for local athletes to compete at higher levels. This year’s festival features 33 sporting events held at six venues across Galle, Matara, and Colombo. Athletes from nine provinces—Western, Central, Uva, North, Eastern, Southern, North Western, North Central, and Sabaragamuwa—are participating. more..

Jul 18 (TM) National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) organisation has urged the Govt to reconsider the proposed law to ban the sale of unpackaged or loose coconut oil. A Cabinet paper had been submitted recently to halt the sale of unpackaged coconut oil in the market. In a statement, which was shared with The Daily Morning, NMSJ General Secretary, Sunil Jayasekara said that food-related laws and policies must align with social and cultural realities of SL life. more..

Jul 18 (AD) Supreme Court ordered that a fundamental rights petition filed requesting an order be issued to recover the compensation money that had been paid to former Ministers and MPs by the govt after their houses and properties were damaged by fire, be taken up for clarification of facts on Nov 13. Property damage occurred as a result of the violent incidents that spread across the country following the attack on the Gota Go Gama more..

Jul 18 (DN) In a significant step towards inclusive rural development, the Govt has launched a Rs. 48 million development initiative in Muruththanai village, located in the Koralaipattu South Divisional Secretariat of the Batticaloa District, as part of the nationwide Praja Shakthi Grama Sanwardhana (Village Empowerment) programme. The project was officially launched on July 15, under the leadership of Rural Development and Community Empowerment Minister Upali Pannilage. more..

Jul 18 (CT) A protest calling for justice and accountability for mass graves across SL—including the recently spotlighted Chemmani site—was held yesterday in front of the Fort Railway Station in Colombo, yesterday. The demonstration drew civil society activists and members of various political groups. Protesters highlighted that numerous mass graves have been uncovered across the country since the 1990s, both in the North and the South. They accused successive govts of failing to more..

Jul 18 (AD) Supreme Court today invalidated the interim injunction previously issued by the Court of Appeal preventing the enforcement of the former govt’s decision to compulsorily retire nurses in four grades at the age of 60. Meanwhile, SC also issued another order to the Court of Appeal to re-examine the petition filed before the court regarding this matter. SC issued this order when an appeal filed by the Attorney General, more..

Jul 18 (FT) Chemmani, a sparsely populated area in the northern peninsula of Jaffna has in recent times acquired a somewhat dubious image. Just as Nallur in Jaffna is associated positively in public perception with the famous Kandasamy temple, Chemmani is associated negatively with mass graves. The long war between the Sri Lankan armed forces and the LTTE has resulted in innumerable instances of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The mass graves uncovered in Chemmani more..

Jul 18 (FT) I write this with deep sadness and outrage. As of 15 June, 236 elephants have been killed this year alone, that’s more than one elephant every single day. And many of these deaths are not natural. They are brutal, painful, and preventable. This is not just a tragedy. This is a crime against our nation. We are losing one of our greatest treasures, our elephants, due to short-sighted decisions, political greed, and sheer negligence. Majority are Buddhist in this country. more..

Jul 18 (AM) On 17 July, the Pottuvil Divisional Development Committee (DDC) decided to shut down Arugam Bay Chabad House, citing the absence of any legal approval for its functioning. The centre, a Jewish community space, had reportedly been operating without proper authorisation. In separate development, Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations has questioned the policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more..

Jul 18 (DM) The Court of Appeal has set aside the conviction and death sentence imposed by the Hambantota High Court on an 80-year-old woman for a murder committed in 1993. Attorney General had filed indictments against Sirima Edirisuriya, accusing her of causing the death of Meegahalandadurage Jayasena on or about Jan 18, 1993, at Modarapiliwela in Ambalanthota—an offence punishable under Section 296 of the Penal Code. A 2-judge bench of Court of Appeal, more..

Jul 18 (AD) In a decisive move to strengthen macroprudential policy and mitigate systemic financial risks, Central Bank of SL (CBSL), acting as the Macroprudential Authority, has issued new Directions to licensed financial institutions to impose maximum caps on loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for vehicle-related credit facilities. The directive, which takes effect from 18 July 2025, applies to all Licensed Commercial Banks, more..

Jul 18 (NW) Former Minister Harin Fernando appeared before the CIABOC on Thursday in connection with an ongoing probe into an alleged land deal. According to Bribery Commission, Fernando spent nearly three hours providing evidence related to the investigation. Speaking to reporters after the session, Fernando said, “They asked me about my knowledge over a land deal that initiated before my tenure as Land Minister. I told them what I know about it.” more..