Sep 21 (DM) State-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) clarified that it had no guaranteed obligation to purchase refined products from Chinese energy giant Sinopec, which is set to construct a $ 3.7 billion refinery in Hambantota. CPC Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage said that the Govt was considering allowing Sinopec to sell up to 40% of its production domestically. “However, this is not part of any more..

Sep 21 (AD) A large consignment of narcotics estimated to be worth approximately Rs. 16.84 million was discovered today (20) in the men’s bathroom of the arrivals terminal at BIA. The haul included 422 grams of Kush cannabis and 1.262 kg of Hashish with an estimated street value of around Rs. 16,840,000, said Ada Derana reporter. The discovery was initially made by a cleaning staff member, who noticed the suspicious parcels and promptly alerted officers of Airport Customs’ more..

Sep 21 (NDTV) In a move that is likely to stoke controversy, TVK chief Vijay on Saturday racked up the SL Tamil issue and praised LTTE late chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, who was the mastermind behind former PM Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, and stressed the need to give a voice to the SL Tamils living in the country. SL Tamils, several are refugees who fled the neighbouring country to India during the civil war. The LTTE, which was banned in India isince 1990s was an armed force that ruled more..

Sep 21 (Island) Executive Director of the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) Manas Makeen has once again urged the government to reveal whether it will conduct the long overdue Provincial Council (PC) elections or abolish the PC system. Makeen said that CaFFE had only received an acknowledgement of a letter sent to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, suggesting that the govt either conduct the PC elections or abolish the PC system as current govt had a 2/3 majority more..

Sep 21 (AD) Minister Bimal Rathnayake has stated that it is mandatory to all drivers engaged in passenger transport to obtain a PT License (Public Transport License) before Dec 31. He emphasized that the preparations for the license are underway and will be enforced by the end of this year. Minister noted that seat belts have now been made compulsory. He acknowledged that some buses were originally manufactured without seat belts but stressed that buses are being modified. more..

Sep 21 (ST) Colombo’s stock market, after nearly 14 years, is seeing the kind of vibrancy it has not had since 2011, with many companies’ stakes changing hands and immense wealth being created. Stock market analysts noted that many high-net-worth individuals are looking at the market positively, making purchases of company stakes with upside potential. Businessman Dhammika Perera, early this month, more..

Sep 21 (DM) Former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe today called for the organisation of 1,000 joint opposition rallies, satyagrahas and protests, claiming that the incumbent govt is attempting to establish a constitutional dictatorship in Sri Lanka. “We have heard calls from various opposition politicians for a united struggle. Today’s convention marks the beginning of that collective effort,” Wickremesinghe said. “Let us organise 1,000 joint rallies. Let us also hold satyagrahas. more..

Sep 21 (EN) New active credit cards in Sri Lanka increased by 12,325 in July this year, amid the country’s economic recovery and falling interest rates. The number of active credit cards recorded 2,088,069 by end July, compared to 2,075,744 by end June, showing an increase of 0.59% in the month. The active credit cards have risen by 3.8% or 79,613 in the first seven months of this year, the data showed. Active credit cards in Sri Lanka rose by 4.8% or 91,371 in 2024, more..

Sep 21 (ST) Prez Anura Kumara Dissnayake will address the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, where he will reiterate Sri Lanka’s unwavering support for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to statehood. Prez Dissanayake, accompanied by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, will leave for New York on Monday to attend the UNGA’s 80th session, which is expected to be dominated by the Israel-Palestine conflict. SL joined several countries on Friday in co-sponsoring more..

Sep 21 (TM) SL authorities have confiscated illicit assets worth over Rs. 3 billion in a major nationwide operation spanning from the start of 2024 to 16 Sep this year. The seized property is believed to be primarily the proceeds of narcotics trafficking, large-scale fraud, and financial misappropriation. As per the statistics, Police has secured 354 pounds of gold, estimated to be worth Rs. 60,249,100 and impounded 72 luxury and utility vehicles with a combined value of Rs. 620,750,000. more..

Sep 21 (ST) Sri Lanka’s loss-making state power utility, CEB, is seeking an overall 6.8% tariff increase from October to December, citing a laundry list of multi-billion rupee cost increases, including energy and financing costs in the billions and Mahinda Rajapaksa-era debt for the Uma Oya project. In a detailed submission to the regulator, CEB has asked for a third tariff revision for more than 7.2 million users. more..

Sep 21 (ST) A Cabinet minister, several governors, state ministers, ambassadors, senior diplomatic staff, and judges are among the 41 high-ranking officials who failed to submit their asset and liability declarations for last year, CIABOC said. According to the amended list of non-declarants of assets and liabilities, former Cabinet Minister Douglas Devananda and six former State Ministers—Tharaka Balasooriya, Shantha Bandara, Kader Masthan, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, Surendra more..

Sep 21 (DM) The Border Control Computer System at the arrival and departure terminals of the Dept of Immigration and Emigration at BIA, which was inactive for two and a half hours, was restored at 4.15 p.m. today (20). The system went down around 1.45 p.m., causing major disruptions to immigration operations until it was reactivated in the evening. Meanwhile, reports have surfaced of cyberattacks targeting immigration computer systems in several European and other countries. more..

Sep 21 (ST) As Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake prepares to celebrate his first year in office next week, he is facing some serious challenges from different fronts. First among these challenges seems to be a renewed push by opposition parties to form a unified front to oppose his NPP govt. A demonstration of this unity was seen prominently yesterday during the 79th anniversary celebration of the UNP held at the Monarch Imperial Hotel more..

Sep 22 (DM) Every society has elites who wield the most power, wealth and influence, but their dominance isn’t permanent. SL has witnessed this exact pattern over decades - a continuous cycle where elites rise and fall, with weakening groups replaced by emerging ones. SL’s political leaders have followed this historical pattern throughout. Power constantly shifts between different factions -- some lose control while others seize it. The successful ones are typically clever and more..

Sep 22 (DM) In our country, we see them here, we see then there, we see them nearly everywhere -- old people at street corners, bus stops, hanging around eating houses and at every traffic light in the city. Begging for money to buy a morsel of food. Somebody’s mother or father Destitute, homeless, with nowhere to go. But we hurry along, too busy to notice these forgotten people. Many of them were once productive workers who kept our economy ticking and turning over. more..

Sep 22 (SO) Deputy Minister of Plantations, Sundaralingam Pradeep, has accused previous administrations of widespread corruption and fraud in the single-house schemes introduced upcountry, alleging that millions in public funds were wasted. He said investigations are already under way and pledged that the present Govt will take stern action against those responsible. Deputy Minister also addressed more..

Sep 22 (ST) It is a pity that former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa did not abide by his own injunction that, a politician who is not bound by feelings for the people can never become a peoples’ leader, when SL was led by the nose down the ruinous path of racism, majoritarianism and finally bankruptcy under the leadership of the kurahan coloured shawl wearing Rajapaksas of Giruwapattuwa. The former President was voicing anger following a dramatically choreographed departure from his more..

Sep 22 (TM) With the landmark victory of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a year in the rear-view mirror, many Sri Lankans would be keeping tally on the much-hyped election promises which changed SL’s political landscape in 2024. While there have been some dramatic changes, especially in relation to changing the culture of impunity which had taken root over decades, there are many election promises which were made by the NPP leader and his party, which the Govt has failed to act on, thus far, more..

Sep 22 (CT) Another significant step forward in SL’s space technology journey took place on 19 September. It was truly a historic moment. The third nanosatellite created with the technical contributions of SL engineers, BIRDS-X DRAGONFLY, is now on an experimental space mission. We will be able to see the results of this in the near future. The launch of the BIRDS-X DRAGONFLY nanosatellite into space more..

Sep 22 (CT) SL’s handloom tradition is a living thread that runs through centuries of history. From the exquisite fabrics recorded in ancient texts to the artistry preserved in temple murals, textiles have long been more than mere cloth. They have been a reflection of our culture, our skills, and our pride. This rich legacy, however, is now under threat. The handloom industry, once a vital part of the economy and identity, has been pushed to margins in favour of mass-produced, synthetic alternatives. more..

Sep 22 (GV) The Civicus Monitor, a civil society platform tracking civic space around the world, has documented various violations of civic freedoms in SL, including the targeting of human rights defenders, activists and journalists, efforts to control civil society, protests restrictions and the failure to support efforts to ensure accountability for violations during SL’s 1983-2009 civil war, a media release from the organization said. It called on the govt to halt the continued harassment of activists more..

Sep 22 (Island) When SL talks of tourism, the conversation too often begins and ends with sun, sand, and surf. Yet, beyond its golden beaches and ancient ruins, this small island packs a natural punch that rivals entire continents. For years, conservationists and tour operators alike have argued that SL’s richest yet most underutilised tourism asset is its biodiversity. Now, a new publication promises to help change that conversation — & potentially the industry itself. more..

Sep 22 (Island) NPP govt finds itself in an unenviable position, having to perform some formidable tasks its predecessors left undone due to lack of political will. Roads have become chaotic over the decades, with the number of lives lost in accidents thereon averaging seven a day. About 1,960 lives have been lost in road accidents so far this year. One of the primary contributors to road fatalities has been identified as reckless driving, which has defied half-hearted attempts to more..

Sep 22 (DM) The govt has introduced a significantly revised and less generous incentive framework for investors in the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (SEZ), slashing lengthy tax holidays and raising investment thresholds. The new regulations, gazetted on Sept 20, 2025, signal a major policy shift aimed at balancing investment promotions with SL’s fiscal consolidation goals under its IMF programme. more..

Sep 22 (FT) Moose Clothing Company has opened its first-ever retail store at the iconic One Galle Face Mall in Colombo. The opening welcomed the entire Moose team, board of directors, and well-wishers to celebrate this significant milestone. Designed with care and intention, the store represents more than a retail space—it’s a full brand experience brought to life. Customers can now explore the complete Moose collection under one roof, including men’s, women’s, and unisex clothing. more..

Sep 22 (FT) The Siddhalepa family gathered in grand style at the Monarch Imperial, Sri J'pura Kotte, for the Siddhalepa Golden Night – team get-together 2025. Hosted by the popular actor and presenter Vishwa Lanka, with music by the renowned band Freeze and performances by Kanchana Anuradhi and Lahiru Perera, the evening was filled with joy, glamour, and togetherness. The program began with a heartfelt tribute to the late Chairman, followed by an inspiring address from present Chairman, more..

Sep 22 (TM) The Govt is still assessing the requirement for 700 Power Distribution Units (PDUs) under the SL Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) project, months after an initial tender was floated and later cancelled. According to Ministry of Digital Economy Acting Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala, an expert committee has now reviewed the power distribution needs and a fresh tender will be called only if the equipment is more..

Sep 22 (DN) Sri Lanka had to settle for fourth place at the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Sevens Series Round 1 in China yesterday after losing their third-place playoff to the hosts in a thrilling encounter that ended 22-17. The game was locked at 17-all in the dying moments, but China’s fullback scored a decisive late try to secure victory for the home side. China dominated the opening half, going ahead 7-5 in the fourth minute before stretching the margin to 12-5 by the sixth minute. more..

Sep 22 (FT) First Capital Research (FCR) said SL’s fragile external balances, with reserves rising only slightly to $ 6.2 billion in August from $ 6.1 billion in July and with projected outflows of $ 513 million in August and $ 611 million over the next three months, are likely to keep the Central Bank of SL (CBSL) cautious at its Policy Review on Wednesday (24), ahead of the 2026 Budget in November. FCR placed a 50% probability on rates being left unchanged, while assigning a 40% chance of more..

Sep 22 (FT) All three global ratings agencies have lifted Sri Lanka’s sovereign ratings out of default, confirming the country’s recovery phase and placing the ratings in the speculative grade. S&P Global Ratings on Friday raised Sri Lanka’s long- and short-term foreign currency ratings to ‘CCC+/C’ from ‘SD/SD’. Fitch Ratings had upgraded the sovereign to ‘CCC+’ from ‘RD’ on 20 Dec 2024, while Moody’s raised its rating to Caa1 from Ca on 23 Dec 2024. Despite the upgrades, more..

Sep 22 (FT) Vidullanka PLC announced the commissioning of the 3 MW solar plant, constructed by its subsidiary Vidul Matara Solar Power Ltd. on Friday. The new plant holds an installed capacity of 3 MW with the ability to export approximately 5.5 GWh of clean energy annually to the national grid. This milestone brings Vidullanka’s total portfolio to 24 operational power plants with a combined installed capacity of 66 MW, further contributing to the achievement of renewable energy targets. more..

Sep 22 (DM) SL’s fisheries sector, crop cultivation and animal husbandry see an unstable path with some sectors seeing a shift in production for the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year due to adverse weather and market conditions, according to DCS. SL’s marine fishing and marine aquaculture sector has seen a drop in growth rate of -5.2% of the GDP, and the freshwater sector has seen a decline in more..

Sep 22 (Island) Cricket, as ever, has a wicked sense of humour. SL had rolled over Bangladesh with ease in the group stage of the Asia Cup and Bangladesh were banking on them to topple Afghanistan too, to sneak into the second round. That wish was granted, but in the cruel twist that sport so often delivers, it was Bangladesh who then turned the tables in the Super Four, leaving the former champions playing catch-up in the race for the final. The pre-tournament chatter had been all about SL’s batting: more..

Sep 22 (AD) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to leave for the United States today. During this visit, President Dissanayake is expected to attend the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The President will address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday (24) at 3:15 p.m. During the visit, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is also scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with the Secretary-General of the United Nations and several world leaders. more..