Sep 14 (EN) SL and Philippines concluded the third round of political consultations in Colombo, with both countries pledging to expand cooperation across a wide range of sectors ahead of the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026. Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja during the meeting concluded on Friday expressed hope that Manila would consider reopening its resident mission in Colombo. She also noted that SL looks forward to working with the Philippines as more..

Sep 14 (DM) A former army soldier suspected of involvement in four murders, including the killing of a former prison officer in Bandaragama and the shooting of two youths in Borella, has been arrested by the STF. Police said that the suspect is believed to have committed four murders in August alone. STF tracked him down following information that the gunman responsible for the Borella Sirisara Uyana double murder on Aug 7 was hiding in Siyambalanduwa, Ampara. more..

Sep 14 (ST) In early 2022, Sri Lankans faced power cuts and dire shortages of essentials. Daily life was a struggle, and protests broke out as the nation endured some of its harshest days. Yet, by September that year, the streets rang with a very different kind of noise. Drums, horns, fireworks, and songs of celebration filled the air. For once, the chants were not against politicians but in respect of an improbable sporting triumph: Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup victory. more..

Sep 14 (ST) Several senior lawyers from the unofficial bar have declined an invitation to take up an existing vacancy in the Supreme Court. There are currently two vacancies in the Supreme Court. Court of Appeal Justice Ratnapriya Gurusinghe’s name has been recommended to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake to fill one of the vacancies. AG Parinda Ranasinghe has not been requested to recommend nominees from more..

Sep 14 (NW) Ministry of Foreign Affairs says information has emerged that another group of Sri Lankans are being forcibly employed in cybercrime operations in Myanmar. The group had travelled on tourist visas in search of jobs but were instead coerced into cybercrime activities. The area in question, located near the Thai–Myanmar border, is marked on Google Maps as a Cyber Criminal Area. It is situated about 25 km from the city of Myawaddy and is under the control of an armed group. more..

Sep 14 (NW) Former chairman of the Wattegama Urban Council Ravindra Bandara and businessman Lakshitha Manoj Weerabahu have been arrested in connection with an alleged illegal vehicle import and registration scheme, police said Saturday. Authorities said two Jeep vehicles, suspected to have been illegally imported and registered with falsified details at the Dept of Motor Vehicles, were also taken into custody. Bandara, who also previously served as chairman of the Wattegama UC, more..

Sep 14 (ST) The gem industry is divided on the recently introduced gazette allowing for the export of rough gems that some academics believe results in the reduction in the quality of Sri Lankan products. Colombo and Moratuwa Senior Visiting Lecturer Gemmologist Dr. S.D. Buthpitiya said that for the first time the authorities have agreed to export rough stones from Sri Lanka and this clearly shows the immaturity of the govt. He pointed out that while some stones are clean and more..

Sep 14 (TM) Within just one year, SL Police has requested the issuance of 200 Interpol Red Notices, according to SL Police Spokesperson, ASP F.U. Wootler. Following these requests, the Police has successfully extradited 17 suspects to SL. ASP Wootler confirmed that all the Red Notices had been issued after the new Govt took office. While the 17 individuals have been brought back to the country, he emphasised that their convictions were still pending as the legal process continues. more..

Sep 14 (ST) Maga Neguma Road Construction Equipment Company – incorporated under RDA in 2004 – has spent nearly Rs 100mn in legal fees to private counsel, largely fighting cases filed by building contractors claiming unsettled dues, documents show. Evidence is supported by a recent NAO report revealing that 12 ongoing cases filed by the company’s employees and officers, as well as other parties, had cost Maga Neguma over more..

Sep 14 (ST) The CID is to record a statement from Lalith Weeratunga, who served as presidential secretary during the Mahinda Rajapaksa presidency, over allegations that a bus imported on a duty-free basis for the Sports Ministry was given to Carlton Preschool, the Sunday Times learns. CID’s Financial Crimes Investigation Unit, which is probing the allegation, has begun investigations. Also to be questioned is a then-additional secretary of the Presidential Secretariat. more..

Sep 14 (SO) Commissioner General of Motor Traffic announced yesterday the cancellation of a circular issued on June 2, 2023, which had permitted the fitting of decorations and accessories on passenger buses. The cancellation, effective from Sept 9, requires all bus operators to immediately comply with updated regulations. Modifications to vehicles are not permitted under the Motor Traffic Act. However, the 2023 circular had permitted such modifications as long as prior permission more..

Sep 14 (ST) The adoring crowd of supporters, journalists eager for a quote, and TV crews and photographers looking for that perfect shot surged around the car carrying former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa and his wife Shiranthi as they left their official residence on Wijerama Road, Col 7, on Thursday. “What is there to say? They asked us to leave, so we are leaving,” said Mr Rajapaksa in reply to a question from a journalist as to more..

Sep 15 (DM) The month of September has been momentous in our country’s history. PM S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike was shot on Sept 25, 1959, and died from his wounds the following day, Sept 26. On Sept 22, 2024, Prez AKD Dissanayaka was elected Executive Prez of SL. The similarities ended there. While Bandaranaike brought to the fore divisive elements in our country, Prez Dissanayaka was voted into power on a mandate to eliminate widely reported large-scale corruption, nepotism and more..

Sep 15 (CT) Sri Lanka is known for its lush biodiversity: its forests, rivers and wetlands home to unique creatures. Yet recently we have seen disturbing signs; our nation is fast becoming a conduit, if not a hub, for the illegal and ugly trade in wildlife. From pangolins to agamid lizards to exotic snakes, trafficking is no longer a distant threat but a growing, insidious reality. A case in point: a woman in her early forties was arrested this week at the BIA. Hidden in her checked luggage more..

Sep 15 (CT) At UNHRC sessions, which commenced on 8 Sept 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, the divide between SL Govt and Tamil community remains stark. Govt has consistently rejected international mechanisms to investigate alleged war crimes, while Tamils continue to call for int'l intervention, citing a lack of trust in domestic institutions — particularly since the State itself is accused of these crimes. more..

Sep 15 (DM) Last week, the World Bank released two documents on SL: A report titled, SL Public Finance Review addressing SL’s painful fiscal adjustment over the last few years, and an appraisal document for a USD 100 million loan for its new Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project. These two documents highlight the failed vision of the World Bank for the development of our country, and a wake-up call for a different people-centred economic trajectory. more..

Sep 15 (DM) M.H.M. Ashraff was one of the brightest stars to shine in the SL political firmament. Ashraff’s charisma, political acumen, dedication and sterling qualities of leadership enabled the Eastern province lawyer to be the legendary leader of the SLMC. Sadly Ashraff’s life ended tragically when he along with 14 others, was killed in an air crash on 16 Sept 2000. He was the Cabinet Minister in charge of Shipping, Ports, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation in the Govt of Prez Chandrika Kumaratunga more..

Sep 15 (SO) SL is at a political crossroads following the arrest of former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, a move that has drawn praise and criticism at home and abroad. Minister Bimal Rathnayake discusses the significance of the arrest, its implications for accountability, and the broader fight against corruption. He outlines steps being taken to reform State institutions, accelerate digitisation, and drive rural development and industrial growth. more..

Sep 15 (TM) With the Govt inching closer to the symbolic one year in office, the NPP Govt is full steam ahead to show results to their voters. Last week’s governance deliverables of curating executive privileges were picking low-hanging fruit, with the Govt controlling a significant majority in the Parliament. The action was clearly to appease the segment of the population who are easily satisfied with theatrics, rather than serious policy changes. The Govt played to more..

Sep 15 (Island) Inter Uni Students’ Federation (IUSF) has renewed its call for the govt to allocate more state funds for education—at least 6% of GDP; this is a demand PM Harini Amarasuriya herself made when she was a prominent member of the Federation of Uni Teachers’ Associations (FUTA). Dismissing the proposed educational reforms as ill-conceived and retrogressive, the ISUF has condemned what it describes as a govt move to close down low-enrolment schools. more..

Sep 15 (ST) What precisely is the position of the NPP Govt in regard to bringing closure for victims of mass graves in SL beyond pious promises in Geneva and solemn affirmations by politicians in Colombo that, though we are not responsible, we will assure justice? Many are familiar with the Chemmani mass graves (where the count of the dead has now reached 240 human remains many including children) but less so with the mass grave site at Kurukkalmadam, Batticaloa, more..

Sep 15 (SO) The Govt is expediting the drafting of new legislation to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in line with United Nations (UN) guidelines on strong safeguards against arbitrary detention, guaranteed access to legal counsel, and independent judicial oversight of all detentions. A high-powered committee appointed by the Ministry of Justice is expeditiously drafting the new counter-terrorism legislation, Deputy Minister Mohomad Muneer Mulaffer said. more..

Sep 15 (FT) Confidence in Sri Lanka’s financial system improved in the short term but slipped slightly in the medium term, according to the Central Bank of SL’s (CBSL) latest Systemic Risk Survey (SRS) for the second half of 2025. The survey found that respondents were more confident about stability over the next 12 months compared to the previous round, while medium-term confidence over the next 3 years saw a marginal decline. more..

Sep 15 (FT) Minister Sunil Handunneththi last Friday asserted that the Govt’s primary role is to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, rather than directly managing enterprises. Speaking at the 35th AGM of the Sri Lanka Tea Factory Owners’ Association, he outlined plans to liquidate 33 State-owned enterprises (SOEs) deemed non-functional, underscoring the administration’s focus on reducing the financial burden on taxpayers, while encouraging private sector growth. more..

Sep 15 (FT) Dept of Immigration and Emigration has seen a significant increase in monthly revenue, now ranging between Rs. 3 billion and Rs. 5 billion, thanks to enhanced passport services. Deputy Controller General Mahesh Karunadasa attributed the growth to the department’s efficiency in issuing passports. “Within four hours, we now provide one-day service passports, issuing around 1,500-2,000 daily. Through the normal service, around 1,000 passports are issued each day,” he explained. more..

Sep 15 (FT) Prime Lands Residencies PLC on Friday acquired over 1 acre of land on Station Road, Bambalapitiya, Colombo 4, for Rs. 3.5 billion. In a disclosure to the Colombo Stock Exchange, Prime said the acquisition was via a public auction by Sampath Bank on the Lot Nos. 2, 3, and 4 in Survey Plan No. 4196 dated 8 January 2014 prepared by Licenced Surveyor T.D.K.R.P. Pathegama, bearing Assessment No. 25/3, (Part), containing in extent of 1A-0R-20.1P (180.IP). more..

Sep 15 (Island) When Marvan Atapattu was piling up mountains of runs for Ananda in school cricket, everyone knew he was destined for the big league. Much the same can be said of Kamil Mishara. To compare Marvan and Kamil may be chalk and cheese to some, but the common thread is that both were head and shoulders above their peers at school level. Off-field distractions stalled Mishara’s rise, but having learnt his lessons the hard way, he now looks cut out for the long haul. more..

Sep 15 (FT) Trade Unions (TUs) affiliated to the CEB warned that they may escalate their industrial action to Stage 2 later this week – a move that could disrupt power supply as repairs would take longer due to the ongoing work-to-rule campaign. Union representatives also cautioned that, in the event of a system collapse similar to earlier this year, restoring operations would take longer because employees would strictly more..

Sep 15 (Island) Even just about a couple of decades ago, it was quite common to see our children fall victim to certain serious infectious diseases, over which we had very little control. Illnesses such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and typhoid were rampant and seemed to rule the roost. There were regular mass epidemics of some of these nasty diseases, which occurred with disconcerting regularity. more..

Sep 15 (DM) Sri Lanka’s aggressive VAT reforms in 2024, a key component of its post-crisis fiscal stabilisation, single-handedly contributed to a 2.2% point increase in the nation’s poverty rate, a stark new report from the World Bank reveals. The report criticizes the country’s heavy and regressive reliance on indirect taxes and tables urgent proposals for a fundamental shift towards a more equitable system of direct taxation to ensure a sustainable and fair economic recovery. more..

Sep 15 (Island) The NPP has asked the SLPP why the latter did not vote against the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal Bill), which they lambasted, last week. NPP MP Dewananda Suraweera said that the 3-member SLPP parliamentary group should have opposed the Bill if the former governing party had genuinely believed that it was targeting their leader, former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa. Both the SLPP and SJB walked out of the Chamber more..

Sep 15 (EN) Sri Lanka’s central bank bought US$ 142.5 mil from commercial banks in Aug 2025, taking the total so far this year to US$ 1,238.6 mil so far this year. In 2024, CB bought US$ 2020.4 mil in the same period with stronger deflationary policy and lower private credit. In late 2024 the central bank re-started inflationary policy through aggressive open market operations to mis-target the interbank rate, as private credit picked up, leading to sharply reduced collections in Nov and Dec. more..

Sep 15 (FT) Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratna last Friday announced that the Govt has set an ambitious target of generating $ 6.5 billion in export earnings from four key agriculture crops—tea, coconut, rubber, and cinnamon by 2030. Addressing the 35th AGM of the SL Tea Factory Owners’ Association, Vidyaratna outlined govt’s long-term strategy to strengthen export agriculture despite recent economic & structural challenges. more..

Sep 15 (FT) Exporters are yet again faced with challenges as operational delays in the Port of Colombo have resulted in vessels omitting the Port of Colombo and going on to ports in India where their cargo is unloaded with minimal delay. These last-minute omissions by lines at Colombo leave exporters with no options, as the cargo destined for Colombo could be as late as two weeks from the original date. Last week, the vessel operator ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd, more..

Sep 15 (AD) The renovation of the Pettah Central Bus Stand is scheduled to commence this morning (15) under the patronage of Prez Dissanayake. Constructed in 1964, the Pettah Central Bus Stand is set to undergo a complete renovation after six decades. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 424 million. The renovation plan includes the installation of new restrooms, information and communication centers, upgraded security systems, and several other modern facilities. more..