Jul 30 (TM) Sri Lanka will introduce a very clear tax structure of investments which will be based on the investment value and the sector of investment, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said. He said that with the recent grant of tax holidays for four investments in Port City, there is an expectation these incentives will be given to other investments as well. He said the govt was able to point out to the IMF that incentives for investments more..

Jul 30 (FT) SL Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) hosted a high-level industry forum on 9 July at the Jetwing Hotel in Colombo 7, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore the growing relevance of the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Designed to strengthen awareness and preparedness, the session focused on the far-reaching implications of the directive for SL’s export economy — particularly in key sectors more..

Jul 30 (ST) The Ministry of Power has got Cabinet approval to set up 160 megawatt (MW) battery energy storage systems in 16 identified locations around the country. Ministry officials said that after completion, this system will be integrated with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). They also said that the ministry is now preparing the bidding documents for the storage system. The energy demand is projected to double by the end of this decade in the Asia Pacific region, analysts say. more..

Jul 30 (ST) The outgoing Chief Justice Murdhu Fernando on Friday said that through major decisions, the court has significantly strengthened our democratic underpinnings and adherence to the rule of law. Speaking at the ceremonial sitting conducted to bid farewell to the Chief Justice she said “I re-iterate that this Court is responsible for protecting the judicial system’s edifices. It has a significant impact on the constitutional history and progress of the country. more..

Jul 30 (FT) In a landmark moment for SL’s tyre industry, Global Rubber Industries (GRI) launched the ROADEX TR100 1000-20 20PR truck tyre—the first-of-its-kind in the country, at a grand ceremony held on 26 July in Kelaniya. Designed specifically for heavy-duty commercial use, the new ROADEX TR100 20PR tyre offers 30% higher load capacity and 20% more mileage compared to the conventional 18PR tyres currently in use. This breakthrough product is engineered to more..

Jul 30 (FT) The private sector slammed the Govt authorities for the delay in implementing promotions and strategic initiatives critical to achieving the targeted 3 million tourist arrivals this year. Frustrated industry stakeholders claimed that despite Sri Lanka being in the global spotlight as a trending destination, poor execution and lack of urgency from authorities are stifling momentum and costing the nation valuable opportunities. more..

Jul 30 (DN) The final of the Major Clubs limited over cricket tournament between CCC and Police SC will be played today at the CCC grounds under lights from 2.30pm. CCC the defending runners up led by all-rounder Sonal Dinusha will look to win the championship this time having well balanced and experienced side but Police SC led by Ashen Bandara is ready to give good challenge with his young side to win their maiden Major Cup limited over title. CCC had a comfortable 68 runs win more..

Jul 30 (DN) Nethagi Isuranjali stroked an unbeaten knock of 77 as Galle U- 19 made comfortable 90 runs win over Colombo U-19 in the under 19 SL Youth Girls League cricket final played at NCC grounds yesterday. Galle U–19 led by Rishmi Sanjana made 143 for 3 wickets in their 20 overs while Colombo U- 19 were reduced to 53 all out in 12 overs as Galle emerged champions with 8 overs to spare in this one sided final. Galle wicket keeper batter Nethagi Isuranjali was the Player of the more..

Jul 30 (CT) Sexuality education in SL schools is far too limited and must move beyond basic illustrations of reproductive organs to address broader social, health, and legal issues, said Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, President of Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA). Dr. Sanjeewa emphasised the urgent need to introduce a comprehensive sexuality education curriculum that includes not only biological more..

Jul 30 (Island) Reputed sprint coach and administrator Sunil Gunawardana, Mercantile Athletics Federation official K.A.Prasanna Indika and Upali Kumarasiri are the contestants for the post of president of Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) according the list of nominees announced by the election committee of the sport’s governing body. Gunawardana’s name has been proposed by eleven clubs for the post of president. The election committee of SLA has requested more..

Jul 30 (DM) A move by SL Customs to detain over 1,000 BYD Atto 3 electric vehicles over allegations of misdeclared motor capacity is being slammed by a top motor industry expert as a misguided action that sets a dangerous precedent for the rule of law and investor confidence in SL. The criticism comes from economist and Former Chairman of the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA), Sheran Fernando, who argued that the customs authority is unilaterally redefining globally accepted more..

Jul 30 (FT) Seylan Bank said it recorded a robust performance with Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 8,444 million for 1H 2025, against Rs. 7,331 million in 1H2024 demonstrating a growth of 15.18%. For the six months ended 30 June 2025, Profit After Tax (PAT) recorded by Seylan Bank was Rs. 5,489 million a growth of 20.41% against Rs. 4,558 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. Net interest income decreased from Rs. 18,590 million to Rs. 17,762 million, a decrease of 4.45% more..

Jul 30 (CT) SL Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA) has officially been declared non-compliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) following months of unresolved issues with its national legal framework, an official communique from WADA stated on Monday. This cast uncertainty over the country’s international sports hosting privileges and governance participation. The decision came after review by WADA’s independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC), which flagged SLADA’s more..

Jul 30 (Island) Sri Lanka has won a historic legal battle. In a long-awaited judgment, the Supreme Court has ordered the owners of the X-Press Pearl container ship to pay USD 1 billion in initial compensation for the catastrophic marine disaster caused when the ship caught fire and sank off the coast of Colombo in 2021. But even as environmentalists and legal advocates celebrate the ruling, a pressing question looms: more..

Jul 30 (CT) In a bid to revitalise entrepreneurship across Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development has introduced a new cadre of Relationship Officers under the Small Enterprise Development Division (SEDD). This marks a strategic transformation of existing Development Officers (DOs) and Enterprise Development Training Officers (EDTOs) into internationally-aligned business advisors capable of providing hands-on support to small & medium enterprises more..

Jul 30 (Island) Kayts Magistrate has remanded eight persons, including the chief organiser of the ruling NPP for Kayts until 11 August, over damages inflicted on a local Catholic Church. Kayts Police produced the suspects before the Magistrate on 28 July. They were arrested after the parish priest lodged a complaint with police regarding the damages caused on 26 July. According to police, a group of persons, led by the NPP organiser, attacked the Church after priests, based at the Church, more..

Jul 30 (DM) A Fundamental Rights petition has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking an order directing the President to appoint an acting Chairperson to the Right to Information (RTI) Commission. Journalist Mithun Jayawardena along with the Deyata Saviya organisation filed the petition, naming President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Secretary to the President, the Speaker and the members of the Constitutional Council as respondents. more..

Jul 30 (EN) Investors resident in SL had bought restructured sovereign bonds from foreign investors in the first quarter of 2025. In Dec 2024 Sri Lanka restructured defaulted sovereign bonds of US$ 12,550 million in an exercise which left US$ 10,585 million of so-called macro-linked bonds, as well as some other bonds including governance linked bonds. By end Dec 2024, US$ 9,315 million of sovereign bonds were owned by foreigners and 1,270 million owned by residents, more..

Jul 30 (TM) Out of the Rs. 311 million received into the Easter Attack Victim Fund established by the Office for Reparations (OR), a total of Rs. 310.2 million has been disbursed among 663 individuals affected by the terror attacks on Easter Sunday of 2019, and their families, under several categories of support. The remaining balance as of 21 May of this year stands at Rs. 581,413.80. more..

Jul 30 (DM) All intelligence reports about the next presidential election have already confirmed that Namal Rajapaksa will be the next President of SL, former Minister Johnston Fernando said. He said even people in the villages are talking about Namal becoming the next leader. “There’s talk in the village that Namal will be the next President. All reports have already been given,” Fernando said. He challenged the government to hold any kind of test or investigation regarding the reports. more..

Jul 30 (CT) Colombo Additional Magistrate M.N. Rizwan ordered the remanding of a crane truck driver involved in a fatal accident near the Borella Cemetery roundabout until 7 Aug, while releasing the truck owner on bail. The driver, Nimantha Senadeera, was placed in remand custody, while the truck’s owner, Malan Sri Fernando, was released on a cash bail of Rs 500,000. The two were arrested by the Borella Police Traffic Division following the tragic crash which occurred on 28 July. more..

Jul 30 (EN) Sri Lanka’s authorized distributor of BYD vehicles John Keells CG Auto (Pvt) Ltd (JKCG) is actively engaged in discussions with the relevant govt authorities to clarify an issue with regard motor power, the company said. Sri Lanka Customs has detained around 1,000 Chinese-made BYD electric vehicles that arrived in the island this month over a motor capacity issue which is used to calculate taxes, official sources have said. more..

Jul 30 (FT) In October 2024 the President had requested Governors to improve the living conditions of the people. President Anura Kumara Disanayake instructed the Governors to prepare and submit a new proposal aimed at rationalising the Provincial Council mechanism. The President also stated that, given the current Government’s transitional period, the provincial councils must strive to deliver the best possible services to improve the living conditions of the people. more..

Jul 30 (FT) This article explores the legal and policy mechanisms the United States employs to counter foreign trade practices, with a particular emphasis on Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) and how they differ from Value Added Taxes (VAT). It also analyses the Trump administration’s strategic use of these tools—especially trade threats and Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 investigations to challenge DSTs, which are often seen as discriminatory toward US tech companies. more..

Jul 30 (DM) The CID has issued an urgent warning to the public about fraudulent schemes targeting WhatsApp users through fake calls and messages aimed at stealing One-Time Passwords (OTPs). Police said cyber criminals are using unauthorised WhatsApp communications, including voice calls and deceptive text messages, to trick individuals into sharing their OTPs. Once obtained, fraudsters gain full access to the victim’s WhatsApp account, allowing them to impersonate the user and more..

Jul 30 (AD) Commander of the SL Army, Lt General Lasantha Rodrigo, has been granted one-year service extension by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The extension, effective from Aug 1, was granted by Prez Dissanayake. Lt General Lasantha Rodrigo officially assumed duties as the 25th Commander of the SL Army at the Army Headquarters on Dec 31, 2024. Before assuming the duties of Army Commander, he previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of SL Army, more..

Jun 30 (IE) "I make these items for sports kits so that one day, I can send my kids abroad to university.” Those are the words of 54-year-old Renuka, based in Piliyandala in the Colombo district of SL. She is one of thousands of SL women who have taken on the role of family’s breadwinner through skills that they have repurposed over several years. Women in SL have resorted to setting up businesses in their own homes to support more..

Jul 30 (DM) Responding to a question as to whether SL's Opposition in Parliament is pro Palestine while the govt is pro Israel, Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman said that what the Opposition intends doing is maintaining SL's traditional non-aligned foreign policy, while the JVP led NPP govt seems to have changed its stance. "The action by the govt to grant visa free entry for Israeli tourists makes one think that its policy has changed," MP said, recalling that the JVP has traditionally been pro Palestine. more..

Jul 30 (AD) The owner of a bird park in Nagarawewa, Hambantota, where several luxury motorcycles imported illegally were found recently, has been released on bail. The order was issued by the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court today. He was released on two surety bails of Rs. 200,000 each. On July 25, the bird park owner and two other suspects were remanded until today by the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court for allegedly concealing illegally imported motorcycles more..

Jun 30 (EN) SL Customs is waiting to test the motor of a BYD vehicle to check the actual wattage, an official told a parliament panel, in the latest development after around 1,000 vehicles were detained over a disputed power of a motor. The agents for BYD have yet not delivered a motor which Customs wanted to test at SL’s Moratuwa University, Customs spokesman Seevali Arukgoda told the Committee of Public Finance of the p'ment. more..

Jun 30 (FT) SriLankan Airlines has been named the ‘Best Airline for South Asia’ at the recently held International Tourism Conclave and Travel Awards in Delhi, India, cementing its position at the pinnacle of the region’s aviation landscape. The award honours SriLankan’s expansive, next-level network connecting South Asia to the world, its signature Sri Lankan hospitality and the meaningful connections it fosters with travellers across the region, as recognised by more..

Jul 30 (FT) The Deputy Speaker of the Maldivian Parliament and five Cabinet Ministers from the Maldivian Govt visited the Kurumba Maldives resort yesterday to hold discussions with President Anura Kumara Disanayake. Those who met with the President included: Maldivian Parliament Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed, Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, more..

Jul 30 (AD) Dr. Tamara Kalubowila has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Sri J'pura General Hospital. The Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, officially handed over the letter of appointment to Dr. Kalubowila at the Ministry premises on July 29. Dr. Kalubowila completed his A/L studies at Royal College, Colombo, and entered the medical profession in 1986 after obtaining his MBBS degree from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. more..

Jul 30 (PMD) In conjunction with the state visit of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the Maldives, Govt of the Maldives has announced that Sri Lankan citizens traveling to the Maldives for tourism purposes will be granted a free 90-day on-arrival tourist visa. This visa facility will take effect from 29th July 2025, and to obtain the visa, travellers must possess a valid passport and proof of sufficient financial means to cover their expenses during their stay in the Maldives. more..

Jul 30 (AD) Former Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa has informed the Supreme Court today, through his legal representatives, that he is prepared to provide evidence in relation to the habeas corpus case filed by the relatives of activists Lalith Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan, who went missing in 2011. The statement was made by President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva, who appeared on behalf of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, when the relevant more..