Jan 29 (AD) A total of 10,455 complaints related to children have been lodged with National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) in 2025. Of these, 8,514 complaints fell under the NCPA Act, while 1,941 complaints were outside its direct mandate. Among the reported cases, 545 complaints involved sexual harassment while 231 involved grave sexual abuse. The Authority also recorded 79 teenage pregnancies and three abortions last year. The NCPA added nine child marriages, 38 cases of rape, more..

Jan 29 (JT) SL detainee Wishma Sandamali’s life could have been saved at three junctures before she died at an immigration facility in Japan in 2021, a doctor said at a court hearing on Wednesday. Wishma’s death at the facility in Nagoya, resulted from a combination of factors including dehydration and starvation, Dr. Masamune Shimo said during the Nagoya District Court hearing on a lawsuit filed by her bereaved family more..

Jan 29 (AD) Six police officers attached to the Gampaha Divisional Crime Detection Bureau (DCDB), who were arrested in connection with the alleged assault on a Catholic priest, have been granted bail. The order was made when the case was taken up today before the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court. Magistrate ordered that each suspect was released on a Rs. 500,000 surety bail. Court also imposed a foreign travel ban on the suspects. During an earlier identification more..

Jan 29 (Island) Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) has entered into a three-year partnership (2025–2028) with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) under the Turtle and Coastal Health United Programme (TACHUP) to protect sea turtles and restore coastal ecosystems along the Colombo Port City–Mount Lavinia coastline. Sri Lanka is home to five of the world’s seven sea turtle species, all of which nest along this highly urbanised stretch of coastline. more..

Jan 30 (DM) Minister K.D. Lal Kantha’s recent remarks on state capture have struck a chord in the country. Govt is unable to perform at the desired pace because the country’s institutional mechanism is not fully cooperative with it. In fact, the State has, over decades, been captured by narrow political and business interests, hollowing out public institutions and eroding public trust. People’s verdict during the 2022 uprising and subsequent elections was, in many ways, indictment of this very capture. more..

Jan 30 (DM) We have already seen how Constantino de Sa, perhaps the ablest Portuguese captain general to arrive here, worked hard to stabilise the Portuguese position in the coastal and low-country areas under their control before finally setting off to invade Kandy. Conquest of the troublesome kingdom in the hills would have pleased the viceroy of Goa as well as the king of Portugal, and consolidated his position as Jaffna was already under his control. After putting down a plot to hand over more..

Jan 30 (DM) Air pollution is increasingly becoming a national health issue, with the 2025 WHO Health and Environment Scorecard for SL stating that air pollution is a primary driver of cardiovascular mortality. “If we are otherwise healthy, when we breathe bad air, we don’t feel it immediately unless the pollution is severe,” said Consultant Pulmonologist Dr. Neranjan Dissanayake. “But unfortunately, these health more..

Jan 30 (CT) The current Govt seemingly had everything: an unprecedented majority in Parliament for a single political party, the faith of the people, and, most importantly, a weak Opposition which thus far has failed to pose a serious threat to the Govt or bring forward relevant debate to enhance its good work. However, it now appears that the sensible, down-to-earth and realistic govt is quite capable of doing the Opposition’s work itself. Although the overall conduct has been satisfactory thus far, more..

Jan 30 (ST) I learned these details from the person I met that day. But what struck me most was his remark: “This restaurant is built on reservation land. Residents complained, but authorities told them to go to court instead of taking action.” He continued: “The other problem is if it was an illegal construction on reservation land, how was it possible that the restaurant owner got telephone connection, water supply, electricity, an official address and Pradeshiya Sabha approval?” more..

Jan 30 (ST) For the 6th consecutive month to Dec 2025, year-on-year increases in a household’s monthly education and health expenditure remained above Rs 100 each, exposing the widening gap between the State’s promise of free education and health services and the rising out-of-pocket costs borne by families. At the same time, the year-on-year increase in a household’s total monthly expenditure, covering both food, non-food more..

Jan 30 (TM) Police brutality is not at all new to SL, and it is one of the key reasons, if not the most predominant one, that has created a rift between the Police and the public. Numerous acts ranging from using excessive force during arrests or even regular checks to custodial torture and deaths have been reported, prompting the public to question how public-friendly the Police actually is. These long-standing concerns have resurfaced yet again with several troubling incidents reported this more..

Jan 30 (CT) “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where—” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. Although Lewis Carroll claimed that his Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland were for children it offers eminently logical commonsense for politicians and specifically for Executive Presidents brazenly brave in utopian pursuits of making lives beautiful for all in a more..

Jan 30 (Island) Time was when govts inveighed against the JVP for instigating strikes in vital sectors to further its political interests. Today, a JVP-led govt is accusing its political rivals of manipulating trade unions to advance their political agendas on the pretext of championing workers’ rights. Following the 2024 regime change, it was widely thought that the country would at last be free from strikes as the JVP, the main instigator of strikes, had gained state power. more..

Jan 30 (Island) In the quiet woods of West Bengal and the lush countryside of Kerala, a lethal pathogen is once again testing the limits of modern biosafety. The Nipah virus (NiV), a shadow that has flickered across South and South-East Asia for decades, is currently the subject of heightened international surveillance. With a case fatality rate that can soar up to 75%, this virus Nipah is not just a regional concern; it is a priority pathogen on the WHO Research and Development Blueprint, more..

Jan 30 (FT) Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) Chairman Krishan Balendra said the economic impact of the recent cyclone has been moderate, with most key sectors recovering faster than initially feared. Speaking at the Asia Securities Investor Conference, Balendra said assessments conducted around two weeks after the cyclone showed that total damage to cultivated agricultural land was lower than expected, more..

Jan 30 (FT) The Export Development Board (EDB) has launched its flagship annual publication Export Performance Indicators 2024. The latest edition provides statistical information related to SL’s external trade and its contribution to major economic indicators such as trade balance. GDP and individual sectorial involvement for the year 2024 and five preceding years. This volume is the 38th Volume of this publication, and its previous editions have been constantly used as a comprehensive and more..

Jan 30 (FT) Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has launched a street-level survey across Colombo to identify taxpayers and improve compliance, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen revenue collection. The survey, which commenced on Tuesday, is being carried out in Colombo Municipal Council areas 1 to 15. Special field teams from the IRD are conducting visits to commercial establishments in these areas. During the exercise, IRD officials were observed inspecting business premises and more..

Jan 30 (ST) While SL Customs and importers of salt continue to lock horns over the fate of around 1,700 containers held at the Colombo Port for more than six months, the govt is yet to offer a solution to either party. Customs Media Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa admitted the dilemma and noted that much of the stock may have expired. “They could be mixed and used as coconut fertiliser, but even that would need approeading local and international corporates, marking a key milestone for the development. This demand reflects the appeal of City of Dreams as a fully integrated urban destination, offering a seamless blend of work, lifestyle, and city living. more..

Jan 30 (FT) The 13th session of the SL-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was successfully held yesterday in Colombo, reaffirming the strong and longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. SL delegation was led by Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, while the Pakistani delegation was headed by Pakistani PM’s Special Assistant for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan. At the conclusion of the JEC, the agreed minutes were signed by both more..

Jan 30 (ST) While SL Customs and importers of salt continue to lock horns over the fate of around 1,700 containers held at the Colombo Port for more than six months, the govt is yet to offer a solution to either party. Customs Media Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa admitted the dilemma and noted that much of the stock may have expired. “They could be mixed and used as coconut fertiliser, but even that would need approval from more..

Jan 30 (ST) An organic fertiliser plant near the Ella town has become an eyesore for tourists, who have to put up with the stench as well, while hoteliers and eateries struggle with fly infestations. Tourist guides said that the organic fertiliser plant is located at the junction towards the entry point to the city on the Kithal Ella Road. Visitors approaching from Ella-Wellawaya and Millagama roads are hit by the stench of garbage. World-renowned Ella, SL’s most famous hotspot for scenic views, more..

Jan 30 (FT) SL Institute of Directors (SLID), in partnership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), on Wednesday hosted the inaugural National Corporate Director Awards 2025. British HC Andrew Patrick was the Chief Guest. Guest of Honour was Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Professor D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, whilst International Finance Corporation (IFC) Principal Country Officer Victor Antonypillai was Special Guest. more..

Jan 30 (CI) SL's selection process is in the spotlight ahead of the start of their T20I series against England. Less than two weeks out from the T20 World Cup, certain decisions taken by the new selection committee, headed by Pramodya Wickramasinghe, have raised eyebrows. One of them is the return of Kusal Perera, who had been dropped for the Pakistan series earlier this month, with Kamindu Mendis making way for him. more..

Jan 30 (CI) Viran Chamuditha's 94-ball 110 helped SL Under-19 chase 262 and keep their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals of the Men's Under-19 World Cup 2026 alive. SL will now have to hope Afghanistan lose to Ireland; otherwise, Afghanistan will go through. South Africa, on the other hand, have lost all four of their games and are placed fifth in the six-team group. The day began well for South Africa Under-19, who won the toss, chose to bat and added 96 for the first wicket. more..

Jan 30 (DN) Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, are set to kick off their three-match T20 series against England today at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, with the first match scheduled for 7 pm. Both teams are expected to put on a tight contest, aiming to start the series on a winning note. This T20 series holds added significance as both sides gear up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and SL, which begins on Feb 7. Pallekele is one of the SL venues for the tournament, more..

Jan 30 (NW) A businessman has been arrested by investigators of the CIABOC for allegedly aiding and abetting a money laundering offence, officials said. The suspect is accused of knowingly possessing Rs. 30 million believed to be part of funds laundered in connection with former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who is alleged to have directly or indirectly acquired Rs. 748 million through unlawful activities. The businessman was charged under Prevention of Money Laundering Act of 2006, more..

Jan 30 (NW) A report claiming that actor Rajitha Hiran, popularly known as Ping Pong, has been appointed as the SLPP organiser for the Kesbewa electorate is false, SLPP Kesbewa chief organiser Ajith Naragala said. Naragala said the news circulating on social media regarding Hiran’s appointment was completely untrue and misleading. He explained that a photograph of Hiran signing the visitors’ book at the opening of the SLPP Kesbewa office on Jan 29, held under the patronage more..

Jan 30 (TM) Election Commission (EC) has written to the Presidential Secretariat on several occasions regarding the long-delayed Provincial Council (PC) Elections, but has yet to receive a response, EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said. He said the EC had sent around four letters to Prez Secretariat seeking clarity and action on the legal impasse surrounding the PC Elections. However, he said the EC remains more..

Jan 30 (DM) Chinese Ambassador to SL Qi Zhenhong has called for a galloping momentum in economic cooperation between China and SL, likening the nations’ development potential to the strength and vitality of the upcoming Year of the Horse. Speaking at the Chinese Cultural Night held at the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone this week, the Ambassador emphasised that the flagship project has evolved into a vibrant city of the future & a symbol of enduring mutual benefit. more..

Jan 30 (AD) SL Police said a special traffic plan will be implemented in view of the 78th National Independence Day celebrations, which are scheduled to take place under the theme Rebuilding Sri Lanka, and the preceding rehearsals for the event. The 78th National Independence Day celebration is scheduled to be held in a grand manner on 04 February 2026 at the Independence Square premises and pre-rehearsal programs will take place on Jan 30 & 31, Feb 1 & 2, more..

Jan 30 (FT) IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva is expected to visit Sri Lanka in February as part of a planned Asia tour, a spokesperson for the IMF said. Exact dates will be announced in due course. The President’s Media Division released a video of a brief statement by IMF Asia and Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan during the visiting IMF team’s meeting with Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. “Our Managing Director will be coming to Colombo next month. more..

Jan 30 (Island) Hunger strike launched by a group of Development Officers demanding their absorption into the teacher service entered its fourth day yesterday outside the Prez Secretariat Colombo.The protesters, members of the Ceylon School Development Officers’ Union (CSDOU), began their satyagraha on Jan 26. One of the four officers participating in the fast-unto-death fell seriously ill on the fourth day and was rushed to hospital for treatment, while the remaining 3 continued more..

Jan 30 (TM) SJB MP S.M. Marikkar said the losses caused by the import of substandard coal for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai must be fully calculated, including the damage to machinery, additional electricity generation costs, and environmental harm. He said the Party had taken steps to expose the issue both in Parliament & outside, accusing Govt of attempting to cover up large-scale irregularities more..

Jan 30 (AD) National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection (NMCRP) has warned that due to the budget proposal submitted by the govt to remove the Special Commodity Levy on coconut oil and palm oil, it could lead to serious market and health-related consequences. NMCRP chairman Ranjith Vithanage stated that the proposed decision carries a high risk of coconut oil being mixed with harmful oils before entering the local market. A potential increase in the price of locally produced more..

Jan 30 (CT) As fears grow across Asia following India’s confirmation of two Nipah virus cases, SL’s Ministry of Health said it is closely monitoring the situation in the region. Airport and Aviation Services (SL) (Private) Ltd Spokesman Aruna Rajapaksha said that the Health Ministry has formally informed airport authorities that the situation is under close observation. He noted that airports would be advised by the Health Ministry to implement necessary measures, including health-related screening more..