May 23 (JG) Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced an exciting home series for the West Indies Academy team against SL’s Emerging Players, set to take place from June 7-26, in Antigua. The tour will include two four-day first-class matches and three 50-over fixtures, providing vital exposure for the region’s rising stars. The four-day matches will be held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS) and the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG), while the 50-over contests will alternate more..

May 23 (DM) 16-year-old Sashane Dassanayake has brought global recognition to SL by winning the 2025 International Public Speaking Competition, held at the English-Speaking Union (ESU) International Headquarters, Dartmouth House, London, from May 12 to 16. Competing against students aged 16–20 from over 50 countries—including the USA, UK, Canada & Australia, Sashane impressed judges with a powerful and reflective speech that balanced emotional more..

May 21 (SCMP) SL’s long-standing policy of non-alignment is facing renewed scrutiny, as deepening ties with India strain its neutrality amid rising tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. Analysts say Colombo’s recent tilt towards India in the security realm – most notably through a formal defence pact – risks unsettling its delicate balancing act, particularly as it continues to rely heavily on Chinese investment. India and SL signed more..

May 23 (AM) Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremerathna has announced the appointment of a three-member committee to investigate the conduct and behaviour of MP Dayasiri Jayasekara during a parliamentary session on 20 May. The committee will be chaired by Deputy Chairperson of Committees, MP Hemali Weerasekara, with Minister Vijitha Herath and Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunatilake serving as members. A complaint has been submitted to the Speaker of Parliament against MP more..

May 23 (DN) An emergency inspection of public and private transport vehicles departing from Nuwara Eliya was conducted under the leadership of Nuwara Eliya District Chief Motor Vehicle Inspector, Mr. Jaliya Bandara, in coordination with the Traffic Division of the Nuwara Eliya Police. The operation targeted SLTB buses, private buses, and other vehicles, focusing on their suitability for passenger transport. As a result, 10 SLTB buses, 8 private buses, and 4 lorries were found to be unfit more..

May 23 (NW) SL, an island nation fringed by over 1,300 kilometres of coastline, should theoretically be self-sufficient in salt. The country’s salterns—from Hambantota to Puttalam to Paranthan—produce around 200,000 metric tons annually, exceeding the national requirement of 180,000 metric tons. Yet, in 2025, SL is importing salt, for a second time, a move that has puzzled many and sparked public criticism, more..

May 23 (CT) National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has signalled that a rise in electricity tariffs could lead to a corresponding increase in water tariffs. A senior official from the Board confirmed that initial discussions on a possible revision have already begun. If deemed necessary, the proposed adjustment will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. This development comes as the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) prepares to more..

May 23 (CT) A racket of selling ammonia instead of urea fertiliser, going door to door to farmers in Matale, has been revealed, said Chandana Ranasinghe, Assistant Director of the Matale District of the National Fertiliser Secretariat. Ranasinghe made this revelation at the Matale District Agriculture Committee meeting held on Wednesday under the patronage of Matale District Secretary Thejani Thilakaratne. He said that he had received information that several people are engaged more..

May 23 (PMD) SL’s largest tourism exhibition, Tourism Renaissance 2025 (Sancharaka Udawa 2025), was inaugurated today (23) at the BMICH in Colombo under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Disanayake. Organized jointly by the SL Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the SL Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), this event brings together key stakeholders across the tourism industry. It offers a valuable platform for small and medium-scale enterprises, more..

May 21 (AD) PM Harini Amarasuriya, held a meeting on Thursday at the Parliament with US Ambassador to SL Julie Chung and Acting Mission Director and Programme Office Director for USAID SL Maureen Hsia. The courtesy call focused on the evolving framework of U.S. foreign assistance to SL and potential avenues for sustained cooperation. The delegation briefed the PM on the recent three-month moratorium imposed on n all foreign assistance by the US, pending a comprehensive review by more..

May 23 (DM) The child hero seven year old Madduma Bandara who was beheaded mercilessly as part of revenge taking against his father Ehelepola Maha Adikaram 211 years ago is to be commemorated on May 17 at Ehelepola Raja Maha Viharaya in Matale. The seven year old Madduma Bandara was beheaded on May 17, 1814 at the location known as Devasanhitha near Welbodiya in the Natha Devalaya grounds. more..

May 23 (DM) A group of opposition MPs is set to request Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne to conduct a probe into Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake, whom they accuse of acting in an undemocratic manner during parliamentary sessions. "The current Leader of the House has failed to uphold the standard of conduct maintained by his predecessors," states a written request signed by MPs Hector Appuhamy, Kavinda Jayawardene, Rohini Kaviratne, and Chitral Fernando. more..

May 23 (CT) The Supreme Court, yesterday, ruled that the Fundamental Rights of former Solicitor General and former Director General of the CIABOC, Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe, were violated by the recommendations made against her by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on political victimisation, appointed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Delivering a decision on a fundamental rights petition filed by Wickramasinghe, the Supreme Court declared that more..

May 23 (DM) Rights groups and trade union representatives have expressed their disappointment regarding the abrupt closure of apparel giant NEXT Manufacturing, at the Katunayake Free Trade Zone, which employed over 1300 workers. The company is being blamed for its failure to give prior notice to its employees while taking steps to inform the labour commissioner regarding their decision. more..

May 23 (TM) The Police announced a series of immediate transfers and appointments of senior officers following the approval of the National Police Commission (NPC). Accordingly, SSP L.M.S. Bandara, was transferred from Director of Welfare Division as an OIC of the Kurunegala Division. SSP A.G.U.C. Herath was transferred to the post of Director of Police HQ Administration, while SSP S.P.K. Gallage was transferred to the Director of the Welfare Division. more..

May 23 (DN) Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekhar, has urged Canadian High Commissioner to SL, Eric Walsh, to refrain from supporting any actions that could deepen ethnic divisions in the country. Emphasizing SL’s ongoing efforts toward reconciliation and unity, the Minister made this appeal during a high-level meeting held on May 21 in Colombo. The discussion focused on the challenges faced by the Northern Province, particularly those affecting fishing community more..

May 24 (DM) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has caused a controversy with his apparently reluctant participation in the National War Heroes Commemoration held at the National War Heroes commemoration cenotaph near Parliament in Sri J'pura Kotte on May 19. The controversy erupted once the announcement was made by the government that the event would be held under the aegis of Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, a few days before the event. more..

May 24 (DM) Two days ago, the British tabloid Daily Mail highlighted a story of a young British woman who was apprehended at the Katunayake airport with 46 kg of Kush—a potent strain of cannabis—in her possession. We will refer to the young woman as Ms X, as she has not been found guilty of any crime as yet. The market value of the drug the young lady carried is estimated to be approximately 1.2 million sterling pounds! The carrier or mule claims she was not aware of the 46 kg which more..

May 24 (DM) The JVP led NPP recorded a landslide victory at the Parliamentary elections held in Nov 2024. The personal popularity of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake embodied in the form of an electoral wave described as the Anura Ralla was deemed responsible for the JVP-led NPP winning 159 seats in a 225 member Parliament. Island wide LG elections held on May 6th was perceived as a twin test to gauge whether more..

May 24 (CT) Repeal versus replace – the case for repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 48 of 1979 (PTA) is overwhelming. Some of the causes are its negative impact on human rights, constitutional governance and legal norms. Not to mention the bad reputation locally and internationally since it had been used as a tool of suppression than national security. To replace the PTA with a new Act will be perpetuating the same injustices – repackaging old wine in a new bottle. more..

May 24 (GV) The tragic loss of a young girl called Amshi in recent weeks has caused a great deal of grief and anger in the community. But will this lead to changes in law enforcement and community awareness regarding the need to support rather than shame the victims of sexual abuse and predatory behaviour? SL as a country tends to shame victims of sexual violence. Sexuality is a taboo subject and traditional norms and customs surrounding sexual behaviour are seen today by many as more..

May 24 (CT) While public scrutiny often focuses on corruption in pharmaceutical procurement—particularly the role of Technical Evaluation Committees (TECs) awarding tenders to the highest bidder—there is an equally pressing need to expose a lesser-known but deeply damaging malpractice: the procurement of technical equipment for hospital laboratories. Medical consultants in State-run hospitals have, at times, more..

May 24 (FT) NPP govt’s Clean SL initiative has much to commend it. It’s visionary, programmatic, a sea change for a country steeped in waste, delinquency and corruption. For a nation wracked by ruinous politicking over the years, it comes as a breath of fresh air. But the new brooms have left more than merely dust motes lambent in the room with their tendency to pontificate, yet – the truth be told – deliver little by way of practical results. Yet. PTA? Still there. Exec. Presidency? In situ. more..

May 24 (ST) When Sri Lanka joined the rest of the full members of the ICC in 2020 with its own version of franchise cricket, with the launch of the now-popular Lanka Premier League (LPL), the island nation filled in the long overdue vacuum of sports entertainment. Embraced by many Sri Lankans for its popularity of franchise cricket, the LPL offered a swift, yet entertaining format of Twenty20, many were of the view that it was just double-header games providing all the thrills and frills with more..

May 24 (Island) SL is never short of issues, ranging from frivolous to serious, so much so that one cannot keep track of them. The govt insists that salt has been imported in sufficient quantities, and the claims of a persistent salt shortage are false. It is apparently far removed from reality. Yesterday, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe proudly announced the arrival of a ship carrying salt, at the Colombo Port. Nothing could be more absurd in an island state than its govt’s boastful claim that more..

May 24 (Island) In this article, I introduce an idea which is simple to implement but is powerful and helps with building technical skills, strengthening the country brand and creating int'l opportunities for Sri Lankans. Furthermore, it can diversify and extend the country’s tourism revenue streams. The simple idea is to introduce a hassle-free visa for Internships, Volunteering, Expert Exchange Programs and Short-term Studies. For brevity, let me call it a Knowledge Transfer Visa or KTV. more..

May 24 (CT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake came close to becoming the first sitting Head of State to forgo the National War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony, traditionally held on 19 May to honour the memory of those who laid down their lives in SL’s protracted civil conflict. Initially, Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, was slated to represent the President, marking a potential departure more..

May 24 (CT) Can SL become, for energy supply to an extended region in the coming years, and keep it, like Japan became an industrialised nation in the last century, without the required raw material? This question should be uppermost in the minds of energy experts and economists in the country, even as the policy planners are attempting to achieve precisely as much. The latter seems driven, and driven also by unfailing and unfading memories of the fuel crisis that rocked the nation more..

May 24 (CT) In a nation that once held the promise of prosperity, Sri Lanka today finds itself gasping for economic survival, crippled by a depth of corruption so endemic, so entrenched, that it has corroded every level of governance. From the dusty corridors of local Municipal Councils to the air-conditioned offices of national Ministries, corruption has not merely taken root — it has flourished, unchecked, and largely unpunished. We are not strangers to the idea of political dishonesty. more..

May 24 (ST) After making a spectacular start to his Euroformula Open 2025 campaign at the Autódromo Int'l do Algarve in Portugal four weeks ago, SL driver Yevan Ranasinghe David will surely carry forward his fiery form at the famous Spa-Francorchamps in the Round 2 this weekend. Already leading the Driver’s C'ship with 65 points, after his epic run with a second place debut, and two wins that followed Yevan has made his intentions clear of becoming SL’s first entry to Formula 1. more..

May 24 (ST) Release of funds to SL’s local govt bodies, while constitutionally envisioned, remains subject to the discretionary powers of the central govt—raising questions about the legal status of such financial flows and whether the Finance Ministry can lawfully withhold them. Under SL’s system of devolution, the 13th Amendment offers devolution of power to Provincial Councils and to local institutions like Municipal Councils, Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas. more..

May 24 (DN) SL’s young boxers showed courage and skill at the ASBC Asian Under-22 and Youth Boxing Championship, winning five silver medals and 18 bronze medals as the 11-day tournament came to a close at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday. The final day saw Yazmin Usaith, SL’s promising male boxer, and three determined women fighters; Hansini Nayakarathna, Narasinghe and Nethmi Tharushika more..

May 24 (ST) Failure to follow advice of villagers and lifesavers as well as bathing in unknown locations have been the main causes for the increase in drowning cases in the Vesak season, police said. On Tuesday alone 10 cases of drowning were reported. In most the victims had bathed in unknown locations or in rough seas where villagers usually do not bathe. Most of the victims were children and youngsters. On Tuesday, two girls from Ratnapura and Meerigama aged 12 and 17 drowned more..

May 24 (DM) Veteran hotelier Hiran Cooray called on SL’s tourism industry to raise its standards, urging a shift from what he described as a three-star mentality to one that reflects the country’s five-star potential. Cooray asserted that SL remained a five-star island with a three-star image and stressed the need for the sector to better align with the nation’s underlying value proposition. He shared these remarks at the Gala Dinner of British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW) Media Convention, more..

May 24 (FT) SL Tourism is set to welcome its one millionth tourist today, making a major milestone. This achievement comes one month ahead of last year’s timeline, when the same milestone was reached only at the end of June 2024. SL has attracted 91,785 visitors in the first 21 days of May, bringing the year-to-date total to 988,669; just shy of over 4,370 arrivals, officials are confident that milestone will be crossed today. more..

May 24 (FT) Colombo stock market yesterday finished a healthy week with indices and turnover up whilst enjoying high net foreign inflow. ASPI yesterday gained by 0.1% finishing the week higher by 0.6%. The active S&P SL20 closed almost flat yesterday but ended the week with 0.1%. Turnover was Rs. 3.74 billion involving 182.5 million shares. For the week, turnover averaged Rs. 2.97 billion. The CSE continued its upward trajectory, with ASPI advancing 21 points to end week at 16,494. more..