Sri Lanka News : InfoLanka News Room

May 28 (FT) Thema Collection made history this year at Sancharaka Udawa 2025, by unveiling Sri Lanka’s first-ever carbon-neutral exhibition stall—a bold step that reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. Driven by a vision to showcase not just its unique travel experiences but also its values, Thema Collection meticulously offset all carbon emissions related to the stall’s design, construction, and operation. more..

Arugam Bay bikini ban work of an organised group

May 28 (DM) Defence Ministry and IGP have been asked to urgently investigate into the false news claiming that bikinis have been banned in the Arugam Bay tourist area, Tourism Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe said. He suspects that an organised group is behind this, trying to embarrass the govt by spreading false news targeting the tourism industry. Steps have already been taken to inform the Deputy Minister of more..

Members must abide by party’s decisions: SJB seniors

May 28 (AD) Regardless of any issues that may have arisen, party members must agree with the decisions made by the party, according to a group of senior members of the SJB. SJB seniors are also of the view that it is the responsibility of all party members to act according to the party’s decisions. Several electoral organisers of the SJB resigned from their positions recently. The decision to resign comes as a result of the issues that arose during the appointment of representatives more..

EU considers Visa office in Sri Lanka to ease travel for locals

May 28 (NF) Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who also represents Poland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, has expressed agreement on the need to explore establishing a new visa facilitation office in SL, in response to the challenges faced by Sri Lankans when applying for visas to EU member states. The announcement came during a high-level meeting between Polish Foreign Minister and current President of the EU Council, Radosław Sikorski, and more..

Can the CEB’s attempt to curtail solar power generation be justified?

May 28 (DM) Startling revelations have come to the fore as to how the present administration of the CEB is attempting to promote thermal and coal power by curtailing renewable power generation. For the first time in the history the CEB, it has switched off all rooftop solar plantsa over 100kW and instructed all rooftop and ground mounted solar system owners to switch off their inverters voluntarily to ensure the reliable and more..

SC to hear petitions filed challenging Deshabandu’s appointment as IGP

May 28 (AD) The Supreme Court today ordered that the petitions filed, seeking a ruling that the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as the IGP allegedly without the formal approval of the Constitutional Council is unconstitutional, will be taken up for hearing on 8 September, Ada Derana reporter said. The petitions were taken up today before the Supreme Court bench consisting of Justices Janak De Silva, Sobitha Rajakaruna, and Sampath Wijeratne. During the proceedings, more..

Sri Lanka plans vigorous campaign to attract Thai tourists

May 28 (Island) SL’s Ambassador to Thailand Wijayanthi Edirisinghe said that promotion of SL as a destination for Thai holidaymakers would be a top priority for her. Ambassador Edirisinghe said that she would go flat out to achieve that objective. She said so during a meeting with a group of visiting SL journalists at the Embassy over the weekend. When asked that SL and Thailand being two predominantly Buddhist countries, what steps have been taken to attract Thai Buddhist tourists to SL, more..

දිනෙන් දින ඉහළ යන පාතාල...

Could SL become a disaster-resilient nation?

May 29 (DM) Following the 2004 tsunami, which swept away the lives of over 35,000 people, SL expedited its approaches in disaster risk reduction and disaster management. One of the main priority areas had been to upgrade existing infrastructure into disaster-resilient infrastructure to withstand natural disasters in the face of adverse climate change conditions. But 21 years later, people continue to be affected by heavy rains and winds. Prevailing adverse weather conditions more..

Cassandras and the upcoming crisis

May 29 (DM) Those like me who warned of the prospect of ending up like Lebanon were called Cassandras by govt apologists in 2021-22. Crisis came. Those then in govt who ignored the warnings paid the price. But the Sri Lankan public did not suffer as much as the citizens of Lebanon where the manifestations of the crisis such as unannounced load shedding continue. Those who replaced the politicians and officials who crashed the economy heeded the warnings. more..

The Next debacle: This isn’t a shutdown; it’s a layoff

May 29 (TM) Early this month, Next Manufacturing Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of the UK-based retailer Next, shut down its garment factory in the Katunayake FTZ. The closure was communicated to union representatives on 19 May, only after the factory had already been sealed earlier that morning. Nearly 2,000 employees – most of them women from rural areas – were notified of this, via WhatsApp, without any prior warning or more..

Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs launches FAME Project in Kandy

May 29 (FT) In a groundbreaking step towards advancing women’s entrepreneurship and strengthening international collaboration, the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE), in partnership with the Central Province Women’s Chamber of Small Industries and Commerce (CPWCIC), officially launched the FAME Project in Central Province on 23 May, at the Royal Kandyan Hotel, Kandy. This landmark initiative brought together a host of distinguished guests, more..

Recalibrating people friendly online safety with rights in mind

May 29 (CT) SL has announced its intention to revise the controversial Online Safety Act, pledging to make the legislation more people-friendly and reflective of public concerns. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa recently stated that the changes aim to shield citizens from online harm rather than serve political interests. While Govt’s willingness to revisit the law is commendable, the deeper question remains: Can legislation born of a flawed foundation be truly rehabilitated more..

Foreign research vessels: Committee still at sea over SOPs

May 29 (TM) In a conversation that underscores SL’s precarious balancing act in the Indian Ocean, Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra confirmed that the multisectoral committee tasked with operationalising the country’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for foreign research vessels remained undecided on the matter. “There is still no final consensus on the SOPs,” he stated. “SOPs of the former Govt were circulated, more..

KAS and the IMF

May 29 (ST) Here is an interesting thought sent to FB readers by Nimal Dias -Jayasinha, a vociferous FB user, on the economy: “The stock market isn’t the economy. Billionaire profits aren’t the economy. The economy is whether you can afford rent, groceries and medical care without living paycheck-to-paycheck. And by that measure, it’s failing most people.” I came across this as I was collecting material on the IMF and felt this was a good way to start the conversation. more..

Strains on the nat’l arteries - **two deck

May 29 (TM) The Railways, a national asset, used by hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans on a daily basis links key cities and districts of the island like a network of public transport arteries. From a public mobility and economy perspective the Railway network and the department is critical infrastructure for Sri Lanka. The once celebrated colonial project, the Railways Department is today groaning under the weight of ageing infrastructure, inefficiency, financial constraints, and more..

හල්ලොලුවට වෙඩි තැබීම ලක්ෂ දෙකකට

Algama, Weerasinghe battle hard at Asia-Pacific Championship

May 29 (DN) SL’s golfing duo, Reshan Algama and Adhithya Weerasinghe, played on a challenging second day at the Asia-Pacific Golf Championship (APGC), held at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling yesterday. Reshan Algama, who lit up the opening day with a stunning round that included six birdies, faced tougher conditions in round two. Though he couldn’t repeat his red-hot start, the 16-year-old kept his composure and fought hard to post a total score of 146. Despite a difficult round that saw more..

NSB achieves robust growth in 1Q

May 29 (FT) National Savings Bank (NSB) said yesterday it has begun the financial year 2025 on a resounding note, showcasing impressive profitability and operational resilience for the quarter ended 31 March 2025. In a strong affirmation of its strategic focus and disciplined financial stewardship, the bank reported a 124% year-on-year (YoY) increase in Profit After Tax (PAT), surging to Rs. 7.59 billion, up from Rs. 3.39 billion in the corresponding period of 2024. more..

Colombo’s WCT eyes cash-positive first year

May 29 (TM) Colombo’s Adani-John Keells-owned West Container Terminal (WCT) is expected to achieve a cash-positive position within the first year of operations due to the rapid growth in regional container volumes and demand, John Keells Holdings (JKH) said. In their 2024/25 annual report, JKH said that the first phase of the WCT, which is Colombo’s first automated deep-water terminal, commenced its commercial more..

Stamping tribute to world’s teamaker

May 29 (FT) Two commemorative stamps were issued to honour Dilmah Tea Founder Merrill J. Fernando, a pioneer who changed the global tea industry. The first day covers were issued on the birth anniversary of the late Fernando, and on what would have been his 95th birthday. The stamps were unveiled under the aegis of SL Post officials at a special evening in Colombo, which brought together not only the second and third generations of the founding Fernando family, but also members more..

Editorial: The cup that tears

May 29 (Island) Trouble is said to come in threes. Close on the heels of an apparel factory closure in Katunayake and the resultant loss of over 1,400 jobs came the disturbing news that a French company had sold its tyre factory in Midigama to another foreign firm, leaving about 1,500 workers high and dry. The irate employees have been up in arms for days, demanding adequate compensation and asking the government to intervene on their behalf to ensure that justice is done. more..

මහජන ආරක්ෂාව ෆොන්සේකාට?

National Water Sports Centre to boost Athlete development

May 29 (DN) A key discussion was recently held at the Sports Ministry between Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage and representatives from four major aquatic sports federations—Canoeing and Kayaking, Rowing, Sailing, and Surfing—to lay the groundwork for the establishment of a National Water Sports Centre. The federations emphasised the importance of this proposed facility in enhancing training, athlete development, and raise Sri Lanka’s profile in international competitions. more..

BYD EV demand in Sri Lanka exceeds expectations: JKH

May 29 (DM) SL appetite for electric mobility is accelerating faster than anticipated, with over 5,000 BYD vehicles reserved since the brand’s entry into the market earlier this year, John Keells Holdings (JKH) said. The group, which launched its new energy vehicles (NEV) arm under John Keells CG Auto (JKCG), said bookings for BYD’s electric and plug-in hybrid models have significantly outpaced the forecasts. “The total orders received to date have exceeded expectations, more..

Asian Athletics Championships: Kumarage claims Bronze breakthrough in 400m

May 29 (DN) Kalinga Kumarage delivered his seasonal best time of 45.55 seconds to claim the bronze medal in the 400m on Day 2 of the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, yesterday. After years of consistent performances, including multiple relay medals and final appearances, this marked Kumarage’s first individual medal at Asian level—a long-awaited achievement for the 32-year-old. more..

New IPS publication puts spotlight on estimating Aswesuma effectiveness

May 29 (FT) Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) has launched its latest study titled Estimating the effectiveness of Aswesuma: Targeting and welfare outcomes in post-crisis SL. Done by IPS Research Fellow Dr. Pulasthi Amarasinghe, the study examines the Aswesuma scheme and its eligibility criteria in identifying poor households and in having an impact on key household welfare impacts. Moreover, suggestions on improving selection criteria are considered following simulations more..

Alles Cup to start new chapter in School Rugby

May 29 (DN) The inaugural Alles Cup Rugby Encounter between St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota and D.S.Senanayake College, Colombo will turn a new chapter in Sri Lankan school rugby when the two teams face off each other on June 6 at Nittawela grounds in Kandy. The trophy has been named after renowned educationist R.I.T. Alles, a distinguished old boy of St. Anthony’s College and the founder principal of the D.S. Senanayake College. more..

BASL Files Landmark FR Petition Against Ragging

May 29 (CT) The Bar Association of SL (BASL) has filed a Fundamental Rights Petition regarding the tragic case of 23-year-old Charith Dayananda, a second-year student at Sabaragamuwa Uni, who died by suicide following alleged inhumane ragging. The petition, filed under case number SC/FR/101/2025, was submitted to the Supreme Court by the BASL through its President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena. more..

NPP attempts to secure LG bodies: SJB to lodge complaint to CIABOC

May 29 (TM) SJB is preparing to lodge a complaint with the CIABOC, calling for an investigation into alleged attempts by the ruling NPP to secure support in Local Govt (LG) bodies – where it lacks a majority – by offering financial provisions to elected councilors and members. SJB MP Mujibur Rahman said that discussions are ongoing with legal advisors, and that the related complaint will be filed as soon as the legal consultations are complete. "Govt is making moves to win over more..

ITAK, TNPF to discuss LG body formation on Friday

May 29 (CT) A discussion is scheduled for this Friday between ITAK Spokesman M.A. Sumanthiran and TNPF Leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam regarding the formation of local govt bodies. Former Northern Provincial Council member M.K. Shivajilingam stated during a media briefing in Jaffna yesterday that this dialogue should go beyond verbal communication and be formalised in writing, aiming for broader Tamil political unity. Although over three weeks have passed since the LG Elections, more..

Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Lalkantha says Balthazaar nominated for Colombo Mayor post

May 29 (FT) Minister K.D. Lalkantha has announced that the NPP has officially secured control of the Colombo Municipal Council. Minister confirmed that the NPP has not only won the highest number of seats—48 in total—but has also secured the backing of 11 additional Council members from United Peace Alliance, Democratic National Alliance, and independent groups. This brings the NPP’s total to 59 seats, the exact number required to form a majority in the 117-member Council. more..

Canada assures support in implementing official language policy here

May 29 (Island) Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Eric Walsh said that the Govt of Canada paid special attention to the implementation of the official language policy in Sri Lanka and was committed to entering into agreements with the Govt of Sri Lanka with the aim of assisting it whenever necessary. HC Walsh said so when he paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Govt, Dr. A.H.M.H. Abayaratne. A press release issued by more..

4,500 global corona deaths a month, Sri Lanka assures low risk

May 29 (ST) In more than 20 countries 4,500 more people have died from coronavirus in a month, while the infectious virus has resurfaced claiming dozens of lives in some Southeast Asian cities, which are work, business, and holiday destinations for Sri Lankans. Health Ministry Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe has dismissed concerns of risks from the coronavirus disease. Preparations have intensified and all precautions taken, more..

Health Ministry scales up PCR testing amid COVID threat

May 29 (DM) In light of the global threat posed by the new COVID-19 variant, the Health Ministry has increased PCR testing in certain hospitals. According to the Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, hospitals equipped with PCR testing facilities are now on high alert to detect any COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, the Secretary stated that the Ministry has also advised hospitals to enhance surveillance of patients being admitted or seeking treatment for fever. more..

SLPA irregularities probes: Prez Secretariat receives findings

May 29 (TM) The Ministry of Ports and Shipping stated that findings from investigations into various past irregularities at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) have been referred to the Presidential Secretariat. It was recently reported that the SLPA, under the current NPP Govt, has begun investigating various irregularities that took place in the past. When questioned about the current status of these investigations, the Deputy Minister of Ports and Shipping Janith Kodithuwakku said more..

පත්තරේ විස්තරේ

Deshabandu links cops to drug mafia

May 29 (DM) The ongoing investigation into the Weligama incident is primarily based on evidence submitted by supporters of the NPP party, according to Sanjeewa Weerawickrama, legal counsel for IGP Deshabandu Tennekoon. He conveyed this during proceedings before the special commission probing allegations against the IGP. Weerawickrama noted that future developments in the case may similarly rely on evidence from political affiliates. In response, Commission Chairman SC Justice more..

Dengue cases surge to 22,627

May 29 (CT) The number of dengue cases in the country is on the rise with the intermittent rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon, according to National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU). As of midnight on Monday (26), total number of reported dengue cases had risen to 22,627, with 5,081 cases recorded between 1 and 26 May 2025. The dengue death toll has increased to 11. According to NDCU’s NaDSys surveillance system, 5,175 dengue cases were reported in April 2025. more..