Jul 4 (NW) Bribery Commission has revealed that former minister S.M. Chandrasena was arrested today in connection with causing a loss to the govt by distributing maize seeds to his political associates to gain an advantage in the 2015 Prez Election. Bribery Commission stated that the former minister is accused of having distributed maize seeds that had been imported in 2014 at a cost of Rs. 25 million to be provided at a concessional price to poor and needy farmers in the A'pura District. more..

Jul 4 (DM) A judge and a clerk attached to the Kaduruwela Quazi Court were arrested today by officers from the CIABOC over a bribery incident. Two suspects were taken into custody while at the court premises for allegedly soliciting a bribe of Rs. 100,000. Bribe had reportedly been demanded in exchange for delivering a favorable ruling for a woman involved in an ongoing divorce case. Both suspects are expected to be produced before court, while further investigations are being carried more..

Jul 4 (EN) SL Customs is likely to exceed its revenue target of Rs.2,115 billion set by the govt for this year due to more imports and detections. SL Customs reached Rs.1,000 billion revenue target on Thursday, which is 47.3% of this year’s revenue target. “As of today, we have exceeded our target by 50 billion rupees,” Customs Spokesman said. “Last year, it took us nine months to achieve one trillion rupee target. more..

Jul 4 (EN) SL Customs has earned 225 million rupees from misclassified mandarin imports after officials detected some traders importing under wrong classification to evade duty, its Spokesman Seevali Arukgoda said. “We have earned 225 million from the detection of misclassification of Kinnow hybrid mandarin,” Arukgoda said. Kinnow is a hybrid variety of mandarin and imported by SL traders mainly from Pakistan for more than two decades under Pakistan-SL Free Trade Agreement more..

Jul 4 (OV) In a significant legal setback for actress Jacqueline Fernandez, the Delhi High Court has dismissed her plea to quash the First Information Report (FIR) and the supplementary chargesheet related to a high-profile Rs 200 crore money laundering case. The case centers around alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who reportedly lavished Fernandez with luxury gifts. The court’s decision allows the ongoing proceedings against her to continue in a Delhi trial court. more..

Jul 4 (CT) The waiting list for cardiac catheterisation has stretched to over eight months, with the cardiac catheterisation machine at Teaching Hospital (TH), Kalutara, being dysfunctional since May 2025. A concerned President of the Govt Radiological Technologists’ Association (GRTA), Chanaka Dharmawickrama, said yesterday that the cardiac catheterisation machine installed at the TH, Kalutara, had been non-functional since 20 May 2025 due to a fault in the air conditioning system. more..

Jul 4 (DM) The govt earlier said a joint statement was to be issued by SL and the US over the reciprocal tariffs but that turned out to be another tall story like most of the stories of the govt, SJB MP Dr. Harsha De Silva said. He said that the govt had rejected and laughed at the Opposition when they offered to help regarding the matter. "Prez Dissanayake and his govt promised the people that they knew what they were doing and not only that they will ensure the stability of the economy, more..

Jul 4 (CT) Paediatric Specialist at Colombo South Teaching Hospital (CSTH), Prof. Ruwanthi Perera, observed that although SL maintains high health indicators for a South Asian country, the rising number of child injuries caused by accidents was a growing concern. Giving a breakdown in the types of accidents, she noted that injuries sustained by falls and cuts, and those sustained by burns, were increasing. Burn injuries could be more..

Jul 4 (NW) City of Dreams Sri Lanka, the first integrated resort in South Asia, has announced that its official launch on 2nd August 2025 is strictly by invitation only. Issuing a statement, City of Dreams Sri Lanka said it has been notified of unauthorized tickets being circulated for the grand opening. “We would like to clarify that this event is strictly by invitation only, and no third parties are authorized to issue, distribute, or sell tickets. We strongly advise everyone to exercise caution more..

Jul 4 (FT) Under the sweltering midday heat at Colombo’s Pettah market, Dubai-based presenter and travel journalist Zahirah Marty, visiting Sri Lanka to film an episode of her show My Travel Diary, was in her element, discovering stories in every corner with Director Buddy Gaylard. Daily FT joined her as she explored the market, curating moments and capturing the spirit of the city in its vibrant chaos. As we wandered through the maze-like grids of the market, looking at more..

Jul 4 (AD) The Praja Shakthi national programme, aimed at eradicating rural poverty and uplifting local communities, was officially launched on Friday (4) in a ceremony at Temple Trees in Colombo, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Governor of the CB, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Ministers and ruling party MPs were also in attendance at the event. more..

Jul 4 (TM) An awareness program on SL’s Draft National Research and Development Policy successfully concluded in Colombo this week, drawing participation from policymakers, academics, and industry professionals. Held at Temple Trees, the event was jointly organized by the Presidential Secretariat and the Ministry of Science and Technology to highlight the policy’s role in promoting a knowledge-driven economy. Over 650 participants took part in the forum, which focused on more..

Jul 4 (AM) Journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama today offered an unconditional apology before the Supreme Court in a contempt of court case filed against him by President’s Counsel and former Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe. The case, heard before Justices S. Thurairaja, Priyantha Fernando, and Sobitha Rajakaruna, relates to statements made during an interview broadcast on Samarawickrama’s popular YouTube channel Truth with Chamuditha, which petitioner claimed more..

Jul 4 (ZD) Rienzie T. Wijetilleke, one of SL’s most respected figures in banking, passed away this morning at the age of 86, according to family sources . Mr. Wijetilleke served as Managing Director and later Chairman of Hatton National Bank PLC. He also held the prestigious roles of Chairman of both the Sri Lanka Banks Association and the Chartered Institute of Bankers. Throughout his career, he was widely praised for his leadership, dedication to modernising rural banking, and more..

Jul 4 (FT) People’s Bank, has embarked on a landmark digital transformation journey. As part of its mission to redefine customer convenience and spearhead innovation in the local banking sector, the bank has introduced a revolutionary product in collaboration with global payment technology leader Mastercard. In a significant stride toward advancing financial technology, People’s Bank has partnered with Mastercard to launch a cutting-edge Mastercard virtual debit card. more..

Jul 4 (BP) A SL man was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi airport for attempting to smuggle wildlife out of the country after three ball pythons were found hidden in his underwear. Officials received intelligence on Tuesday that a SL suspect, identified only as Sheehan, arrived in Bangkok on Thai Airways flight TG308 at 12.06am. Background checks showed that Mr Seehan had a record of trafficking various wildlife species, more..

Jul 4 (DN) In a vibrant celebration of cultural friendship and a shared love for tea, SL Embassy in Japan has launched a special event in Tokyo to promote Ceylon tea in its iced form—perfectly timed for Japan’s hot summer season. The two-day promotional event, held in Chiyoda, aims to showcase the unique qualities of SL’s internationally acclaimed Ceylon tea to Japanese audiences, with a refreshing twist to suit local tastes. Organized in collaboration with the SL Tea Board more..

Jul 4 (TM) A civil society organisation (CSO) has sought Buddhist monks’ intervention against the efforts to decriminalise same-sex relationships in SL. This is in a context where the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Volker Türk, following his visit to Sri Lanka, said that he welcomes efforts to decriminalise same-sex relationships through legislation tabled before the last Parliament. However, recent media reports said that in response to Türk’s statement, more..

Jul 4 (WB) In recent years, SL has faced multiple crises that have eroded development gains and increased poverty, job, and food insecurity. Despite these challenges, local authorities have been at the forefront of empowering communities and driving development from the ground up. Their leadership and vision have transformed diverse efforts into a powerful, collective force for positive change, reaching a quarter more..

Jul 4 (TG) Donald Trump has said the US will start sending letters to trading partners setting out tariff rates that countries will have to pay from the beginning of next month. US president told the media that about 10 or 12 letters would be sent out on Friday, with further letters sent out over the next few days. His administration is expected to write to all of its trading partners without a deal in place before 9 July, the end of a 90-day pause on Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. more..

Jul 4 (NW) The National Transport Commission has temporarily suspended the driver and conductor of a bus after a student fell off the footboard in Kurunegala. The incident had been caught on the dashcam of the vehicle of the child’s father, who had dropped off the child at the bus stop moments ago. However, the child had not sustained any serious injuries in the incident. Transport Ministry said the bus was used as a school transport service and had been authorised by more..

Jul 5 (DM) The original Proportional Representation (PR) system of 1978, is despised by sections of the general public and academia due to the notion created by its political critics that it was brought in to sustain the then govt. in power which has since been proved wrong. In fact, by default, it aimed to abide by the tenet of recognising the maximum number of valid votes for the allocation of seats among parties, to a greater and more equitable extent than the old Westminster style First –Past the Post more..

Jul 5 (DM) The visit by the current UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, to Sri Lanka last week failed to evoke as much enthusiasm or interest as the visits by his predecessors, Navanethem Pillay and Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein had done. Even the media showed a weaker interest in the current UN human rights chief’s visit. The nationalists in the south, who made huge headlines especially during Navy Pillay’s tour in 2013, also seemed to have ignored Türk. more..

Jul 5 (CT) In the scarred soil of Chemmani, on the outskirts of Jaffna, SL’s violent past continues to resurface. The renewed excavations at the Chemmani Siththupathi burial site are uncovering far more than skeletal remains—they are exposing the long-buried trauma of a nation and the enduring anguish of families still searching for answers. As calls for truth, justice, and accountability grow louder, the second phase of this forensic more..

Jul 5 (FT) In a letter addressed to the Health Minister, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) pointed out that medical staff are increasingly being forced to request patients to obtain medicines, consumables, and laboratory investigations from external sources, an act that, in the absence of official guidance, has subjected them to public criticism and professional risk. The AMS questioned whether it is permissible for doctors to issue prescriptions for medical items more..

Jul 5 (CT) In a significant move towards strengthening the rule of law and safeguarding individual rights, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued a detailed directive mandating all Police officers to adhere strictly to legal procedures when summoning individuals for investigations. This decision, while prompted by Supreme Court Fundamental Rights case, represents more than just a reaction to legal scrutiny; it marks an important step forward in restoring more..

Jul 5 (CT) The promise of relief for SL commuters has turned into a tale of unfulfilled expectations, as the much-anticipated bus fare reduction has fallen dramatically short of initial commitments. What began as a pledge for a 2.5% fare cut has culminated in a mere 0.55% reduction — a figure that has left passengers, operators, and policymakers grappling with questions about fairness, economic reality, and more..

Jul 5 (CT) Someone asked me; Do you think Evidence collection should be handled under int'l supervision in the Chemmani mass grave exhumation? My answer was; Yes, the exhumation of a mass grave in Chemmani has shocked the conscience of those who care about human rights and the plight of innocent Tamil people during the war. In July, 1998, Lance Corporal Somaratne Rajapaksa was tried and sentenced for his involvement in the rape and murder of more..

Jul 5 (DM) Lanka is at a disastrous crossroads. The ruling NPP govt promised big while in the Opposition. But now caught up in the reality of ruling a country, has had to come to grips with the realities of our stressed-out economy. We have not as yet paid back our international debts. Former President Wickremesinghe initiated an agreement with the IMF to provide the country with an EFF arrangement. Of course, the agreement came with obligations. In Opposition, NPP condemned the agreement more..

Jul 5 (Island) CIABOC arrested former Minister S.M. Chandrasena yesterday over alleged irregularities in the distribution of maize seeds, under his watch, in the run-up to the 2015 prez election. Produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, he was remanded until 18 July. He is said to have caused a loss of Rs 25 million to the state. His wife and brother, S.M. Ranjith, who is a former Chief Minister of the NCP, have been jailed for misappropriating state funds. more..

Jul 5 (Island) Sri Lankan military and an invading army conducted two separate mock media briefings at the Defence Services and Staff College (DSSC), Batalanda, recently. They dealt with a fictitious but developing situation, following a major confrontation in the general area of Dambulla. The briefings were held at the end of an exercise, called Shadow Dance, conducted at the DSSC, where a group of journalists, representing the print and electronic media, participated. more..

Jul 5 (CI) Yes it's an infrequently played format these days, and sure, the rankings have never meant much. But for SL coach Sanath Jayasuriya, ODI men's team's climb up the ladder from No. 9 around the middle of last year, to fourth now, is indication that they are on the rebound. And for Jayasuriya, they couldn't have done it without the leadership of Charith Asalanka. "Asalanka has played a key role alongside me" more..

Jul 5 (FT) Sampath Bank PLC has introduced Appointment Banking, a premium service that empowers the bank’s most valued clients to take control of how and when they wish to be served, offering personalised attention, complete privacy, and a seamless, queue-free experience. This service is exclusively available to Priority Reserve (Mass Affluent) and Private Banking members, and reflects Sampath Bank’s commitment to redefining high-value banking. more..

Jul 5 (FT) In a landmark celebration for SL’s hospitality sector, Cinnamon Colombo Hotels has showcased its culinary excellence at the prestigious Culinary Art Food Expo (CAFE) 2025 , held recently at the BMICH and organised by the Chef’s Guild of SL. Highlighting their exceptional success, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo hosted a vibrant press conference yesterday to honour the outstanding achievements of the entire Cinnamon Colombo Hotels group, reinforcing their position as more..

Jul 5 (CB) Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons is leaving Sri Lanka on Friday to meet physicians in London. There were speculations that the head coach was being summoned by the BCB president Aminul Islam for a performance review of the coaches but that's not the case with Simmons, who had a scheduled appointment with doctors in the UK. Simmons is expected to be available for the third ODI of the series as the former West Indian opener is scheduled to return to Sri Lanka on July 7. more..