May 20 (Island) May is the month when SL’s ruling party politicians and their rivals fall over themselves to extol the military as the saviour of the nation, and gain political mileage in the process. We have govt leaders and their political opponents wrapping themselves in the flag and accusing each other of having betrayed the military. NPP govt buckled under pressure from the Opposition and made another about-turn. It announced last week that the National War Heroes Day commemoration more..

May 20 (TM) Sri Lanka, an island nation surrounded by the seas that should provide its salt, is facing an unprecedented shortage of this essential commodity. The shortage has sparked public frustration, panic buying, and mounting concerns over the Govt's ability to ensure a stable supply of salt to its people. For a country historically reliant on its coastal salt production, this situation is alarming. The Govt’s assurance that it will import salt to meet the immediate demand provides more..

May 20 (ST) The ongoing struggle to wrest control of the disputed Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) game of thrones took a dramatic turn on Wednesday after Prez Anura Kumara delivered a stunning warning to the Opposition not to steal the mandate given by the people to the JVP at this month’s local elections. But if the Prez was not too happy with the final results of the PS polls, which showed that, though the game and set had come to the JVP camp, the match had gone to the collective opposition fold, more..

May 20 (Island) The dates May 18-19 highlight a continuing divide in the country with few willing to look at the losses on the other side though they were all Sri Lankans. These two days in particular surface the uncomfortable truth that the country’s people have different memories, including the manner in which the three-decade long war ended. The Tamil people have commemorated May 18 as the day on which many of them, including LTTE members, were killed and the war was lost. more..

May 20 (DM) Oluvil Port, another loan project implemented in the Eastern Province, has now turned out to be another white elephant remaining idle for a dozen years, and the current govt is now at a loss to determine ways to make it economically viable somehow. The loan agreement for the Oluvil Port Project was signed between Nordea Bank, Denmark and Ministry of Finance and Planning of Sri Lanka on May 23, 2008. more..

May 20 (Island) SL batter Kusal Mendis took to social media to acknowledge an act of generosity that ensured he made it to the IPL crease fully kitted. His gratitude was directed at a Sri Lankan living in Pakistan who went above and beyond to deliver Mendis’ cricket gear to Colombo just in time. While Mendis mentioned the name – Mr. Wayne Jansz – what he left out was the man’s cricketing pedigree. Wayne Jansz isn’t just another good Samaritan; he’s a former cricketer who turned out for more..

May 20 (FT) Hayleys Group said yesterday it delivered a year of exceptional growth and profitability, recording a 40% year-on-year (YoY) increase in Profit Before Tax (PBT) to Rs. 35.37 billion during the financial year ending 31 March 2025. Consolidated revenue grew by 13% to an unprecedented Rs. 492.20 billion, marking the highest-ever revenue achievement in the Group’s operating history. In a statement, Hayleys said the FY25 performance represents the Group’s more..

May 20 (FT) SL giftware and lifestyle sector blends traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, producing unique items such as batiks, handloom textiles, wooden products, and ceramic products, bamboo and rattan products with annual export revenue over $ 60 million. Most of the potential exporters can be categorised under SME category which provide direct employment for over 200,000 people including Artisans. Given the importance of exploring opportunities in the int'l market more..

May 20 (SO) SL’s construction industry, a pivotal cog in the economy, will need at least five years to recover from the 30% decline it recorded in 2022 with the onset of the global pandemic which had a devastating blow to the industry, said a senior official of the construction industry. “The Easter Sunday attacks that dampen investor appetite followed by the Covid-19 lockdown and the domestic economic crisis brought the construction industry to standstill and since then the revival of more..

May 20 (ST) At least 120 SL ex-military who left for Russia as mercenaries in 2024 have not communicated with their families for many months, while 60 are now for well over one year. Having borrowed heavily to send their menfolk to Russia, their households are heavily indebted. Their wives no longer receive their husbands’ pensions as there is no proof of life. And without death certificates, let alone remains, they also more..

May 20 (DN) Pelwatte Dairy Industries Ltd, is set to introduce a diverse range of new SKUs, catering to evolving consumer demands. This expansion will be driven by a Rs. 3.1 billion investment in a state-of-the-art Greenfield dairy processing facility in Ibbagamuwa at Kurunegala district. The new factory is being developed as a environmentally sustainable project featuring modern infrastructure that integrates the latest advancements in dairy processing technology. more..

May 20 (DN) Two girls and Olympian Kyle Abeysinghe, have been confirmed for the World Aquatics C'ship to be held in Singapore from July 11 to Aug 3. The selection follows a three-day trial concluded on Sunday, conducted by SLASU. Final names are subject to the approval of the SLASU Selection Committee. The second male spot is still up for grabs, with three swimmers vying for it. This selection trial served as a key event for selecting swimmers for the World Aquatics C'ship more..

May 20 (HRW) Last weekend, Tamils in Sri Lanka gathered to commemorate those who died or went missing in the country’s civil war, which lasted from 1983 to 2009. As they have for the last 16 years, they also called for justice. Despite overwhelming evidence gathered by the United Nations and human rights groups of war crimes and human rights abuses by state security forces, successive govts have failed to launch more..

May 20 (DM) A 10-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister in the Kosgoda Police area have been subject to grave sexual abuse by three men. The three suspects of 22, 73 & 63 years of age have been arrested by the Kosgoda Police. 22-year-old young man is one of the closest relatives of the victims and a welcome visitor to the house, and the other two men are residents of the area. Investigations revealed that the suspects had visited the house when the children’s mother, employed as a more..

May 20 (DN) 80th General Assembly and Congress of the Int'l Military Sports Council (CISM) commenced yesterday at the Grand Maitland Hotel in Colombo. Recognised as the world’s second-largest sporting body after the Int'l Olympic Committee, CISM brings together military athletes and officials under the banner of Friendship through Sport. This Global event is hosted by SL for the first time and high ranking military officials from across the globe will participate in the five day event. more..

May 20 (FT) In a move to elevate and safeguard the global standing of one of Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable exports, the Govt has accepted standardisation for Ceylon Tea with strategic support from global conglomerate Unilever. Unilever, a key stakeholder in the global beverage market, has stepped forward to sponsor the standardisation and awareness programs, solidifying its commitment through a MoU signed with Agriculture Ministry a year ago. Against this backdrop, more..

May 20 (FT) The Advocata Institute has urged the Govt to reassess the recent price controls imposed on bottled water. Effective 1 April 2025, the CAA, through an Extraordinary Gazette notification, imposed price controls on bottled drinking water manufactured and sold in the country. The maximum price ranged from Rs. 70 per small bottle and Rs. 350 for larger bottle. Advocata said it has previously raised concerns about the market distortions caused by price controls. more..

May 20 (NW) The NPP has gained support from several independent councillors in the Colombo Municipal Council but remains short of the 59-seat majority needed to form an administration. The NPP won 48 out of 117 seats in the May 6 local govt elections, emerging as the largest single party. Although the opposition bloc—led by the SJB—initially claimed a numerical edge with the backing of multiple parties, more..

May 20 (ST) The CEB has sought approval from the PUCSL to increase electricity tariffs by 18.3%, with an assurance from the CPC that it would provide fuel at a lower cost than the market price to the CEB for electricity generation. The CEB, after considering proposals to raise tariffs between 25 to 35%, had eventually settled on a lower rate following a govt decision to seek and obtain the support of the CPC to provide fuel at a reduced rate for power generation. more..

May 20 (FT) CB Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe last Friday stated that the imposition of a 44% reciprocal tariff on SL exports to the US is unlikely, citing ongoing diplomatic engagement and recent developments in global trade policy. He made these remarks at a public lecture organised by the CBSL titled State of the Economy as Reflected in the Annual Economic Review 2024 last Friday. Responding to concerns over the 90-day tariff pause currently granted to SL by the US, more..

May 20 (EN) SL’s newly appointed heads of mission to key global destinations have met with the local business community to discuss how to better represent and support them overseas. The networking session was hosted by the CCC to foster practical collaboration and ensure that SL’s economic interests are well-articulated on the global stage, the chamber said. Ambassadors designated to Cuba, India, Japan, Pakistan, UAE, UK and UN, met private sector representatives, more..

May 20 (CP) Following a preliminary investigation into several complaints made by the Registrar of the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court and other officials, the Judicial Service Commission suspended the service of Chanima Wijayabandara, who was acting as the Magistrate of the said court. Internal sources in the Judicial Service Commission say that a detailed announcement will be issued in the near future regarding the decision and the allegations leveled against the Magistrate. more..

May 20 (CP) After long-standing discussions, UNP, led by former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, and SJB, led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, have reached an agreement to form a political alliance, putting aside personal differences in consideration of the country’s future. The agreement was reached during a meeting held yesterday in Colombo, chaired by Opposition Leader Premadasa. The meeting was attended by more..

May 20 (DN) A total of 46 shootings have been recorded across the country from Jan 1 to date, this year, Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said. He said that 31 of the 46 shootings had been orchestrated by organised criminal gangs. Police Spokesman said that investigations have been launched into all these shootings and steps are being taken to arrest those involved. He said that more than 100 suspects have been arrested so far in connection with the 31 shootings. more..

May 20 (FT) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) Assistant Governor Dr. C. Amarasekara recently said that the recent spell of deflation in Sri Lanka is expected to be short-lived, lasting no more than two to three months. Speaking at the Q&A session following the CBSL’s public lecture on State of the Economy as Reflected in the Annual Economic Review 2024 last Friday, he acknowledged the unusual deflationary trend in recent months, attributing it primarily to supply-side factors. more..

May 20 (FT) Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake made a powerful call for national unity, justice, and lasting peace during the 16th War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony held at the War Heroes’ Memorial in Battaramulla. Addressing the solemn gathering, Prez asserted that remembrance must transcend tribute—it must serve as a pledge to never allow conflict to rise again in SL. “This memorial is not just a place of remembrance. more..

May 20 (FT) John Maynard Keynes once described the ideal economist as someone who was a mathematician, historian, statesman and philosopher. in equal measure. Keynes isn’t fashionable anymore. Economics, which is about human behaviour, has become a mathematical science. So much so, Larry Summers as chief economist of the World Bank wrote in 1991 the laws of economics are like the laws of engineering. One set of laws works everywhere. more..

May 20 (FT) Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the latest buzzword. Every industry and profession seems to be concerned about how AI is impacting their work. Discussions are unfolding not only about integrating AI tools to enhance efficiency, but also whether some advanced AI systems could replace certain human held jobs. The media industry and media profession are also beginning to have such conversations. It is clear that AI is becoming an invaluable tool in journalistic processes. more..

May 20 (EN) SL’s largest state-held Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) has suspended some services, including paying funds to its members, for three days from May 21 due to essential maintenance services on its computer network, Dept of Labour said. The urgent and essential maintenance service on its computer network has pushed all Labour Dept offices across the country to suspend service from May 21-23. Services like payment of EPF for its members and dead, 30% payment, more..

May 20 (DM) The U.S. Embassy in SL has issued a warning to the public about a recent surge in fake social media accounts impersonating embassy officials. In an official statement, Embassy urged social media users to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any account claiming to represent the U.S. Embassy or its staff. The warning comes amid growing concerns about misinformation and fraudulent online activity targeting individuals seeking information related to the United States. more..

May 20 (NW) The COPE has been informed that the Airports and Aviation Services (SL) (Pvt) Ltd (AASL) has paid Rs. 37 billion to Taisei Corporation for the Passenger Terminal Building & Associated Works construction contract, Package A, for an actual progress of about 5.44%, compared to the expected physical progress of 30%. The matter was revealed when the COPE Committee met in Parliament recently to examine the current performance of the AASL. more..

May 20 (AD) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters will visit Sri Lanka, Nepal, India and Australia later this week, the New Zealand government has announced. Foreign Minister Peters is travelling first to Adelaide, Australia to undertake six-monthly Australia-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Consultations with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong. He will then travel to South Asia, with programmes in Sri Lanka, Nepal and India. more..

May 20 (PMD) In a gesture to bolster care for war-disabled soldiers, the Presidential Secretariat today handed over five vehicles to the Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA) for use in treatment and rehabilitation efforts. The handover ceremony, held at the President Secretariat Vehicle Yard, followed a request from the RSA to address logistical shortages at its nationwide facilities. Under the directives of Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake, Secretary to the Prez Nandika Kumanayake more..

May 20 (AD) The value of the vehicle is not the determining factor when imposing taxes, Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma said in Parliament. He said the type of vehicle and the cubic centimeter (cc) capacity are factored in when imposing excise duty. Accordingly, diesel vehicles are taxed the most followed by petrol vehicles while the lowest duty is imposed on electric vehicles. Meanwhile, duty imposed on hybrid vehicles is higher than the amount imposed on electric vehicles more..

May 20 (AD) CIABOC has filed an indictment before the Colombo High Court against former Minister Chandrani Bandara, alleging abuse of power and corruption during her tenure as Minister of Women and Child Affairs and Dry Zone Development. According to the indictment, former minister is accused of unlawfully appointing H.M. Chandrawansa as the Project Director of Ministry of Dry Zone Development without following the proper procedures. She is also alleged to have influenced the appointment of more..