Sep 3 (NW) Dept of Wildlife Conservation has confirmed that investigations are underway into allegations of poaching inside Yala National Park’s Block V, following a video handed over to park officials earlier this month. Incident occurred on the afternoon of Aug 10 in the Veheragala area. A safari jeep driver who recorded the video submitted it to the Block V park warden the same day. Warden subsequently carried out inspections on Aug 11 and 12, but the suspect could not be located. more..

Sep 3 (NW) SL on Wednesday launched the Ceylon King Coconut Village national program, a major initiative aimed at transforming the country into a global hub for coconut exports. The launch took place at the Mahayaya Estate of the Coconut Cultivation Board in Kurunegala District under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure. The program’s core objective is to establish 250 coconut villages across SL within three years, 75 villages in 2026, 80 in 2027, and 95 in 2028. more..

Sep 3 (IANS) Sri Lanka are reportedly set to suffer an estimated loss of at least USD 20 million after the ICC formally stripped the country of hosting rights for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy, with India confirmed as the new venue for the six-team tournament in Feb 2027. The ICC Board ratified the relocation on Tuesday, bringing an end to SL’s hopes of staging the event and delivering a significant economic setback more..

Sep 3 (DM) Petrol cars with engine capacities below 1,000cc accounted for the highest customs revenue among vehicle imports in 2026, generating Rs. 137.4 billion, officials informed the Committee on Ways and Means. SL imported 316,000 vehicles as of June 30, 2026, generating Rs. 512.547 billion in tax revenue, according to information presented to the Committee. Motor vehicle imports accounted for Rs. 386.726 billion of the total tax revenue collected during the period. more..

Sep 3 (NW) Colombo High Court today ordered that the case filed against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa by the CIABOC be taken up again for further hearing on September 22. The case, which alleges that Weerawansa unlawfully acquired assets exceeding Rs. 75 million beyond his lawful income while serving as a minister, was called before High Court Judge Mohomad Mihail. After reviewing submissions, the Judge directed that the matter be recalled on the 22nd and ordered that more..

Sep 3 (DM) SL and India have taken steps to expedite the finalisation of a MoU for the development of the Kankesanthurai Port with Indian Govt support. A special discussion on the MoU was held this morning at the Ministry of Energy, Ports and Civil Aviation under the leadership of Minister Anura Karunathilaka. A delegation representing the Indian Govt, including Deputy HC of India Maitrey Kulkarni, participated in the discussions. more..

Sep 3 (NF) Former State Minister Arundika Fernando was questioned for approximately two and a half hours by officers attached to the Colombo Central Crimes Investigation Bureau today as part of an ongoing investigation. Police said Fernando arrived at the Bureau at 9 a.m. and departed at around 11.30 a.m. after providing a statement to investigators. The former State Minister had been summoned in connection with an investigation into his alleged associations with Shiran Basick, more..

Sep 3 (DM) Veteran artist and film technician Givantha Arthasad, who created Sri Lanka’s first animated cartoon film, has passed away at the age of 73. Arthasad died while receiving treatment at the Panadura Base Hospital. The brother of veteran film director Dinesh Priyasad, Arthasad is regarded as a pioneer in animation and special effects in Sri Lanka cinema and television. He created Dutugemunu, considered SL’s first animated cartoon film, which was released in 1979. more..

Sep 3 (NW) Police have questioned 10 employees of the Panadura Magistrate’s Court over the disappearance of two case files linked to organised crime and drug trafficking suspect Salindu Gunaratne, alias Kudu Salindu. Panadura Division Senior Superintendent of Police Nishan de Silva said investigators seek to determine how the files went missing from the court. The investigation follows a complaint made by the court registrar to Panadura South Headquarters Police on Sept. 1. more..

Sep 3 (FT) Sri Lanka’s export sector could face additional pressure in the coming months from dry weather conditions due to El Niño, particularly across agriculture-linked exports, Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe warned. He said the tea, fruits, and vegetables, as well as any other crops sectors, could experience downward pressure as weather conditions deteriorate, with the potential impact compounded by the effects of El Niño. more..

Sep 3 (NW) The SL Foreign Employment Agency has announced a series of overseas job opportunities under a concession scheme, offering positions in Japan and the Middle East in addition to those already available in South Korea and Israel. Agency Chairman Ananda Lal Hettiarachchi said that 2,000 jobs are currently available in airport construction projects in Dubai, with applicants able to secure employment more..

Sep 3 (AD) Sri Lanka is emerging as an increasingly important destination for India’s growing tanker exports, underscoring the deepening maritime and industrial links between the two neighbouring countries. India’s tanker exports rose more than six-fold to about US$1.36 billion in the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year, as Indian shipyards expanded deliveries of high-value maritime assets to markets across Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean region. more..

Sep 3 (DM) High Commission of SL in Pretoria held a tourism promotion event at the Rosebank Sunday Market in Johannesburg, showcasing Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions and travel experiences to an international audience. The event provided an opportunity to promote Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, wildlife, cuisine and range of tourism experiences to visitors from South Africa and other countries. Tourism promotional materials were distributed among visitors, more..

Sep 3 (TM) A complaint has been lodged with the CIABOC against a former Head of the FCID, alleging that a luxury apartment worth more than Rs 52 million was obtained as a bribe to suppress a money laundering case involving nearly Rs 7.2 billion. Complaint was filed by the Citizens’ Power Against Bribery, Corruption & Waste organisation, which has called for an investigation into the conduct of the former FCID Chief more..

Sep 3 (DM) SL’s women’s national cricket team has secured automatic qualification for the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027. SLC said the qualification was secured based on the team’s standing in the current qualification process for the tournament. The announcement comes after the ICC confirmed the arrangements for hosting the 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy. SL had been considered in connection with hosting the tournament but will not host the competition. more..

Sep 3 (AD) Engineering Council of SL (ECSL) has gazetted new regulations to formally regulate the Solar Power Systems Technicians profession, introducing mandatory vocational qualifications for those engaged in the sector. Under the new regulations, a minimum NVQ Level 3 qualification in the relevant field will be required for individuals working as solar energy technicians from Jan 1, 2028, to Dec 31, 2029. From Jan 1, 2030, technicians will be required to possess more..

Sep 3 (NW) The underground drainage system at the UNESCO‑listed Dutch Fort in Galle, regarded as one of the finest sewage and rainwater management systems built during the 17th‑century Dutch rule, is currently undergoing cleaning and restoration. The system, designed to automatically flush itself twice daily by harnessing the tidal and wave movements of the sea, was constructed in a strong arch shape using black stone and bricks. Officials note that it stands as a clear testament to more..

Sep 3 (NF) After three days of relentless racing, tactical battles and high-speed sprints across hundreds of kilometres of SL roads, it was SL Army cyclist Pathum Sampath who emerged victorious, claiming the overall championship of the inaugural Police Cycling Tour organized to mark the 160th Anniversary of the SL Police. The event, held for the first time, concluded successfully today after attracting some of the country's leading cyclists in a showcase of endurance, teamwork and more..

Sep 3 (NF) The wewas (irrigation tanks) have disappeared. The paddy fields have turned brown. The cattle wander in search of water. And in some villages, residents say even finding enough to prepare a simple meal has become a daily struggle. Across SL's dry zone, the prolonged dry weather is leaving behind a trail of devastation, damaging more than 8,000 acres of paddy cultivation in the districts of Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, more..

Sep 3 (Island) President of the Bar Association of SL (BASL) Rajeev Amarasuriya, at the farewell to Justice Rathanapriya Gurusinghe of the Court of Appeal, on 1 Sept, said that BASL was aware that the former Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, PC, had recommended Justice Gurusinghe for elevation to the Supreme Court. As far as the BASL was aware, that recommendation was still pending at the Office of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Amarasuriya said the BASL had reminded the Prez, more..

Sep 3 (FT) Sri Lanka has strengthened national tax collection after the economic crisis. But Municipal Councils, Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas remain financially weak. Budget 2027 provides an opportunity to begin a long-delayed reform of local-govt finance. SL is approaching the preparation of Budget 2027 at an important stage of its economic recovery. Much attention will understandably be given to govt revenue, expenditure control, debt sustainability, investment & economic growth. more..

Sep 3 (NW) Polonnaruwa Railway Station has been renovated at a cost of approximately Rs. 35 million with financial support from businessman Dudley Sirisena’s Araliya Group. The upgraded railway station was handed over for public use today under the Dream Destination national programme, which aims to renovate and improve facilities at 100 railway stations across SL. The programme is being implemented under the guidance of more..

Sep 3 (NW) The Gem City Ratnapura International Gem and Jewellery Exhibition 2026, held from Aug 31 to Sept 2, concluded on a high note, drawing strong international participation and renewed confidence in SL’s gem industry. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the increased turnout compared to last year reflects a revival of the sector. He emphasized that the Govt’s priority is to transform Ratnapura into a major int'l hub for gems, more..

Sep 3 (AD) DIG of Traffic Control and Road Safety, W. P. J. Senadheera, has stated that causing inconveniences to vehicle drivers by violating the instructions and guidelines issued by the IGP regarding the inspection of Digital Insurance Cards, constitutes a serious dereliction of duty. DIG said several police officers attached to the Padukka and Gampaha Police Stations had reportedly caused inconveniences to the public by refusing to accept Digital Insurance Cards. more..

Sep 3 (FT) SL went into its 17th IMF program in 2022, not an easy decision for the Gotabaya Govt. Many said then that we should be like India in the 1990s. India was compelled to the IMF by a massive Balance of Payments crisis, did structural reforms, got on a higher growth trajectory, and never went into intensive care again. As the 3-year Extended Fund Facility comes to an end in 2027, the question of what next is salient. There are different views on whether SL can repay its debts. more..

Sep 3 (DM) Independent trade unions and multi-society organisations staged a leaflet distribution campaign on Sept 2 at 5 p.m. to raise concerns over a proposal to remove the EPF and ETF from the control of the Central Bank and place them under the management of a 3-member committee. The organisers said the proposed committee would include a representative of employers, raising concerns about the involvement of employers in the management of funds that they described as more..

Sep 3 (FT) Supreme Court yesterday concluded the oral hearing of petitions challenging the proposed 22nd Amendment, with its determination on the constitutionality of the Bill to be communicated confidentially to the Speaker of Parliament. Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena announced at the conclusion of submissions that the Court’s determination would be sent to the Speaker in due course, while directing petitioners to file their more..

Sep 3 (AD) According to the results of the 2026 Grade 5 Scholarship Exam, the highest marks in Sinhala medium was obtained by a student from the Kurunegala District with 193 marks. Commissioner General of Examinations Indika Kumari Liyanage revealed this while speaking at a special media briefing held at the Dept of Examinations this afternoon (02). Meanwhile, the highest score in Tamil medium, which stands at 188 marks, has been obtained by a student from the Jaffna District. more..

Sep 3 (Island) SL has formally requested assistance from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyakontha has discussed defence cooperation with NATO, with discussions focusing on military modernisation, advanced technology, cyber capabilities and disaster response. This was during talks between AVM Thuyakontha and NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone on the sidelines of Chiefs of Defence Conference more..

Sep 3 (TM) Environmental activist Dr Ajantha Perera, one of the petitioners who secured the Supreme Court (SC) ruling on compensation for the MV X-Press Pearl disaster, has lodged a complaint with the CIABOC, seeking an investigation into the conduct of several State institutions and alleging that Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake met representatives of the insurer of the ill-fated vessel. Dr Perera said that more..

Sep 3 (FT) The World Bank is backing the creation of a Tourism Entrepreneurship Fund to channel investment into the businesses, events and creative experiences needed to turn Colombo into a higher-value tourism destination and persuade visitors to stay longer and spend more. The proposed fund will target the software of Colombo’s tourism ecosystem, complementing investments in physical infrastructure by supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), more..

Sep 3 (NW) Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals who physically punish or psychologically abuse children based on their Grade 5 Scholarship Examination results. The warning follows the release of the 2026 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination results. The ministry urged parents and guardians to refrain from punishing children or subjecting them to psychological abuse because of their examination performance. more..