Sep 16 (DM) Irrespective of the merits or demerits of the possible fallouts of regime change in Nepal last week following mass protests and violence, it provides a window of opportunity for every country, especially in the global south, to reinitiate the discourse on regulation of social media platforms. As the 13-hour power cut triggered SL’s Aragalaya of 2022 which led to the toppling of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa govt on a subsequent anti-corruption campaign, , it was the ban on 26 social media more..

Sep 16 (DM) Education occupies a special place in the minds of the public in Sri Lanka, thanks to the free education system which benefits the people from all walks of life. No other singular reform agenda evokes such animated interest and vociferous debate as the subject of education. Proposing drastic changes to the education system without extensive consultation and substantial consensus from interested parties is akin to stirring the hornet’s nest. more..

Sep 16 (TM) In August, Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) conducted a fact-finding mission at the Chemmani mass gravesite in Jaffna, which has thus far contained over 200 human remains, alongside significant systemic challenges in the investigation process. The investigation unearths not only remains but also entrenched obstacles to delivering justice for alleged extrajudicial killings, highlighting the urgent need for institutional more..

Sep 16 (DM) The uprisings in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka reveal a generational impatience with deep-rooted elites who treat the state as personal property. Across South Asia, young people—digitally savvy, economically pressured, and politically aware—have found common cause in demanding accountability from leaders they view as corrupt and unresponsive. The Nepal protests described above, which began with a social-media ban and ended in the resignation of PM K.P. Sharma Oli, more..

Sep 16 (CT) Following the recent tragedies caused by motor accidents involving passenger buses, it is welcome that the administration is taking a conscious effort to ensuring that public transportation is safe and is of a reasonable uniform quality. Many passengers would agree that many privately operated passenger buses are found outfitted with impractical modifications to the interior and exterior that could prove dangerous during a traffic collision or other accident. more..

Sep 16 (CT) The morning of Thursday (11), brought alarming news for wildlife conservationists across Sri Lanka. The lifeless body of Mahasilu, a magnificent and widely recognised tusker, was discovered in a paddy field in Ilukpitiya, Okkampitiya. Mahasilu was not merely any elephant; he was a familiar figure in the Buttala and Okkampitiya regions, renowned for his impressive, well-developed tusks — a rare trait more..

Sep 16 (TM) A few days ago, a forest fire broke out in the Nonpareil Reserve in Balangoda, with reports that the flames have torched over 1,000 acres of reserve as of yesterday(15). Its impact on the environment and the ecosystems which it supports is massive. Climate change is increasing the risk of forest fires globally. While climate change does not directly affect human-caused ignitions of fires, it does increase the amount and size of natural areas that are fire-prone. more..

Sep 16 (Island) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa may be blamed for many things, but his political resilience is remarkable. His biggest achievement is generally thought to be providing political leadership for defeating the LTTE, but it is something else—frustrating Prez Chandrika Kumaratunga’s efforts to prevent him from running for President in 2005 as the candidate of the SLFP-led UPFA. He made a stunning comeback after his defeat in the 2015 presidential race. more..

Sep 16 (ST) It must have been with relish that the JVP ate their dish of revenge, served cold after being in cold storage for years. For years on end, they have watched with festering hate and anger special privileges granted to former presidents for no earthly reason at all, except to ensure their retirement nests are comfortably feathered for life at public expense. And what are these special privileges that presidents inherit upon leaving the presidency? They comprise a suitable house more..

Sep 16 (Island) Sri Lanka has reason to be satisfied with the response it is receiving from the international community. Three different international monitoring bodies have chosen to give the govt good reports. The first was the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) based in Sweden. Its Global State of Democracy Index for 2025 saw Sri Lanka jump 15 places since last year to 58th out of 173 countries. Last year Sri Lanka was in the 73rd place. more..

Sep 16 (CI) A Pathum Nissanka fifty at the top of the innings, and a Wanindu Hasaranga cameo at the end saw SL survive a scare from the group's lowest-ranked team, Hong Kong. In two disciplines, HK were valiant. Anshy Rath batted with determination to score 48, and Nizakat Khan with verve to make 52 not out off 38, the pair driving Hong Kong to a total of 149 for 4. Bowlers then created chances right through the innings. more..

Sep 16 (FT) HelpAge SL (HASL), is establishing its second Elders’ Day Care Centre in Laxapathiya, Moratuwa to improving the lives of underprivileged senior citizens. The centre will provide structured day care services for underprivileged elders, offering daily activities, meals, health monitoring, and social engagement. The total project cost is Rs. 16 million, reflecting the scale of support needed to bring this vision to life. SL has the highest ageing population in Southeast Asia, and by 2038, more..

Sep 16 (FT) Janani, the initiative conducted across 15 districts in 2023 and 2024 (prior to the local authorities poll) by the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) to enhance the digital literacy of female councillors of local authorities and help them stay safe online was well accepted and a tremendous success. With a large number of first-time female councillors having been elected to local authorities at the last local authorities poll, CaFFE has heeded the many requests received more..

Sep 16 (ST) A virtual hijack by a handful of individuals has left both the Wushu Federation of SL (WFSL) and its Schools Section, one of 54 affiliates, reeling in disbelief while a crucial junior wushu tournament is underway this weekend in Colombo. According to WFSL officials, the confusion is due to an abrupt and autocratic decision by a Ministry of Education (MoE) official, backed by a representative of the Schools Wushu Association, to bypass the duly recommended panel of judges more..

Sep 16 (Island) The much-hyped India–Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup promised fireworks but turned out to be a damp squib, a one-sided affair that underlined India’s firepower in the shortest format. Yet the headlines weren’t only about bat and ball. What stole the thunder was India’s players refusing to shake hands with their rivals, followed by skipper Suryakumar Yadav dragging politics into the mix. Many Sri Lankan fans were quick to brand it not in the spirit of cricket. Really? more..

Sep 16 (DM) The interim circular on the admission of children was issued late because the Ministry was working to resolve multiple issues while formulating the new policy, with the aim of minimising pressure on the children, Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said. Minister made these remarks during a discussion with a group of protesters outside the Education Ministry. She said the draft circular had been referred for more..

Sep 16 (ST) Sri Lanka is banking on public private partnerships (PPPs) to rebuild run down infrastructure and draw in foreign investment. But under the celebratory hype, there lies a bleak reality concealing hidden liabilities, weak regulation, and a history of failed projects that can drag the economy further into financial peril. Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 admits PPPs carry significant fiscal risks, especially when govts offer debt or revenue guarantees or more..

Sep 16 (FT) Visa has reinforced its continued commitment to strengthening SL’s digital ecosystem by joining as a strategic partner for the 11th Annual Cyber Security Summit 2025. This marks the seventh consecutive year Visa has supported the landmark event, which is set for 18 Sept at Cinnamon Grand. In an era of rapid digital transformation and the rise of AI-driven threats, the need for robust cybersecurity is paramount. As a global payments technology company more..

Sep 16 (FT) National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) said it has submitted proposals for 2026 Budget seeking reforms to strengthen exports, attract investment & boost competitiveness. It said the measures would streamline trade, strengthen SL brands, cut compliance costs, promote value addition and innovation, expand SME financing, and address labour shortages by building a skilled workforce. more..

Sep 16 (FT) Prof. Mick Moore said Sri Lanka’s tax administration is two decades behind many African countries and must shift its focus to large-scale evaders if it is to close the revenue gap, at the Debt and Tax Dialogue forum recently. “Customs in SL, in terms of its organisation and its work methods, is about 20 years behind many African countries. It’s not very nice to hear, but to be honest, the Inland Revenue Dept (IRD) is pretty much in that same ballpark. It’s not that far away,” more..

Sep 16 (ST) SL will remain under the oversight of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for the next two years, with a draft resolution to extend the mandate of the OHCHR due for passage within the next two weeks at the UNHRC in Geneva. However, Govt will have a breather till Sept 2027, when the next comprehensive report on the progress on reconciliation, accountability and human rights is due before the UNHRC. The main sponsors of the resolution are the UK, Canada, more..

Sep 16 (DM) Global investment flows are shifting, and emerging markets are under pressure to prove their competitiveness. For Sri Lanka, securing stronger investor confidence and translating reforms into tangible opportunities will be decisive in the years ahead. On Day Two (December 3rd) of the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2025, the session “Where Sri Lanka Stands and What Comes Next?” will deliver a frank assessment of the investment climate and the road forward. more..

Sep 16 (DN) Three SL shuttlers Niluka Karunaratne, Chandrika de Silva and Nadeesha Gayanthi clinched silver medals at the BWF World Senior Championships 2025 concluded on Sept 14 at the Eastern National Sports Training Centre in Pattaya, Thailand. Olympian Niluka Karunaratne reached another milestone in his remarkable career, reaching the Over-35 Men’s Singles final. Niluka the former National champion and three time Olympian showcased his resilience but fell short against more..

Sep 16 (TM) Ministry of Transport and Highways stated that priority is being given to road safety and that separate Budgetary provisions will be allocated from next year (2026) for the Road Safety Development Programme. Secretary to the Ministry, Prof. Kapila Perera, said that the initiative, which has now been broadened from road safety to transport safety development will cover all aspects of passenger, vehicle, and road safety. more..

Sep 16 (AD) A woman has died and seven others have been injured in an accident that occurred between the Galenigama and Kahathuduwa interchanges on the Southern Expressway. The accident took place in the early hours of today, when a van traveling from Galle to Colombo collided with the rear of a lorry. Among the injured were the driver of the van, a male passenger, and two women. They were admitted to the Homagama Hospital, while three children were taken to the Kalubowila more..

Sep 16 (DM) SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa condemned reports regarding two containers of raw materials allegedly intended for the production of ICE, which had left the port after being detected by the security forces. Rajapaksa said he would reveal to the country both the reasons behind the allegations and those profiting from them until the accusations are proven false. “We are ready to face the allegations concerning these 2 containers of raw materials. more..

Sep 16 (TM) The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education stated that it is not appropriate to draw premature conclusions about the proposed Education Council, in the wake of criticism from the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU). Ministry Secretary, Nalaka Kaluwewa said: “The Education Council has not been established yet. We have only appointed a committee to study the matter, and it is still taking the necessary steps to set up the council. more..

Sep 16 (FT) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) recently said its Business Outlook Survey (BOS) Business Condition Index rose to 130 in 2Q 2025, the highest since falling to a low 28 in the 2Q 2022, which would extend further to 138 in 3Q 2025. CBSL on Friday said the Business Condition Index indicates a notable improvement in business confidence in Q3 2025, extending the upward momentum observed in Q2 2025. This suggests a continuation of positive momentum in the overall business climate. more..

Sep 16 (DM) Police have intensified attention to address the rapid rise of online prostitution platforms, amid growing concerns over cyber fraud, exploitation, and the involvement of vulnerable individuals, including minors. It was revealed that several tourists on tourist visas are engaging in such activities, further raising alarm. It is learnt that dozens of websites and mobile applications now openly display hundreds of advertisements more..

Sep 16 (EN) Net foreign reserves of Sri Lanka’s banking system have started to go on reverse gear after April 2025, amid rate cuts and a pick-up in private credit, while central bank net reserves are also struggling to grow. Net foreign assets of the banking system peaked at around US$ 3.3 billion in April 2025, just before a rate cut, central bank data show, amid a strong pick up in credit. In May bank NFA fell to US$ 3.15 billion, in June to US$ 2.96 billion and in July to US$ 2.90 billion. more..

Sep 16 (CT) The administration of the National Hospital of SL (NHSL) is allegedly under pressure from a top official of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media to resume local purchasing of reagents without investigating a scandal involving expired laboratory stocks worth over Rs 13 million, health sources claimed. In July, Acting Deputy Director General of the NHSL formally wrote to the ministry seeking guidance after a startling audit report revealed that reagents purchased locally more..

Sep 16 (FT) Sri Lanka’s economy in the second quarter of 2025 has inched upwards after losing momentum in the previous two quarters. The DCS yesterday confirmed that the country’s GDP grew by 4.9% in 2Q 2025, slightly up in comparison to 4.7% achieved a year ago. The economy declined since peaking at 5.5% in 3Q 2024 to 5.4% in 4Q 2024, and 4.8% in 1Q 2025. However, the encouraging development is that more..

Sep 16 (FT) When the NPP Govt assumed office in Sept 2024, it inherited more than a fragile economy and the hopes of a disillusioned citizenry. It also assumed responsibility for steering SL through arguably the most significant moment of international recalibration since the end of the Cold War. The global order is shifting once again, with China and Russia presenting themselves as alternatives to Western dominance, and smaller states forced to reposition themselves in ways that are both more..

Sep 16 (FT) Housing is a fundamental human need. Yet, for many Sri Lankans, the dream of owning a home remains elusive due to rising property prices, volatility of interest rates, and limited access to affordable financing. In this context, it is both timely and necessary for the Govt of Sri Lanka to reintroduce housing loan interest as a qualifying payment relief under personal income tax—reviving a policy that once existed in the Sri Lankan income tax Law. more..

Sep 16 (NW) Cabinet has approved the appointment of a committee to study particulars relevant to amending and formulating laws to enable Sri Lankans living overseas to vote in elections. As per the Constitution of SL, the right to vote is reserved only for citizens living within SL and who have registered their names in the electoral register as per the elections law. According to the current election law, there is no provision to secure any method to allow citizens living overseas to vote, more..