Aug 18 (NW) SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has questioned how a govt minister could predict that he would be imprisoned before a court has delivered its verdict, raising concerns over the independence of the judiciary. “I really want to ask the minister one simple question. How does he know that I am going to prison in a few days when the court has not even given its verdict?” he said. Rajapaksa said he had confidence in the courts and would respect any decision reached after considering the case more..

Aug 18 (NW) Cabinet has granted policy approval to amend SL’s Foreign Exchange Act to make unauthorized transfers of funds out of the country a criminal offence. The proposal to amend the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of 2017 was presented by the Prez in his capacity as Minister of Finance. Under the proposed changes, specific provisions will be introduced to enable unauthorized overseas transfers to be treated as criminal offences under Foreign Exchange Act. more..

Aug 18 (EN) Sri Lanka telco SLT-Mobitel said it was accelerating its nationwide fiber expansion, data infrastructure upgrades, and artificial intelligence integration as it shifts from a traditional voice carrier into a broad-based digital technology enterprise. “Broadband is where we are really pushing hard and which will connect the whole country digitally,” SLT CEO Riyaaz Rasheed said. The company said it has laid more than more..

Aug 18 (NW) Cabinet has approved the publication and subsequent tabling in Parliament of the new bill aimed at addressing shortcomings in Sri Lanka’s existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. The proposed legislation, titled the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act, has been drafted to introduce a new legal framework addressing shortcomings identified in the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979. more..

Aug 18 (FT) The commencement of Vietjet’s operations between Colombo and Vietnam today, with three flights a week, marks an important new chapter in SL’s aviation, tourism, and trade connectivity with Vietnam and the wider Asian region. The new service is much more than another airline connection. It opens a new gateway for SL travellers to Vietnam and onward to key destinations across Asia, while creating greater opportunities for Vietnamese & Asian travellers to discover SL. more..

Aug 18 (NW) A total of Rs. 74 billion was allegedly transferred overseas through 10,151 transactions using 89 bank accounts, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa revealed, providing further details on an investigation that has already led to the arrest of four officials attached to private banks. Jayatissa said the investigation was launched following a complaint made to the FCID by the Additional Director General of SL Customs in Jan 2026. more..

Aug 18 (Island) Kandy and Gampola Range DIG Sudath Masinghe yesterday disclosed that a large number of vehicle passes had been requested from various institutions during the Kandy Esala Perahera season, and while several media institutions have also requested permits from the police for perahera duties, the police will not issue special permits to any of them. DIG said that there was no hindrance for journalists engaged in covering the perahera activities to carry out their media coverage more..

Aug 18 (DM) SL is making notable progress in publishing fiscal data, yet ordinary citizens remain almost entirely locked out of shaping how public money is spent. According to the Open Budget Survey 2025, the island scored an encouraging 43 out of 100 for transparency, but a dismal 9 out of 100 for public participation. As preparations for the 2027 budget gather momentum, govt faces a critical test: moving beyond internal ministerial consultations to grant civil society a meaningful voice. more..

Aug 18 (Island) The Court of Appeal has ordered a retrial of six former soldiers acquitted by the Anuradhapura High Court in connection with the 1996 massacre of Tamil civilians, at Kumarapuram, in Mullaitivu. The six had been indicted on 101 charges, including the murder of 24 civilians and causing injuries to 25 others. They were acquitted and released by the Anuradhapura High Court in 2016. A Bench comprising Court of Appeal Justices Amal Ranaraja & Sumudu Premachandra more..

Aug 18 (Island) PHU leader Udaya Gammanpila yesterday questioned President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent declaration that the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks case, heard before the High Court Trial-at-Bar, would be concluded within a month. Former MP and Attorney-at-Law questioned how the President could make such a prediction. Gammanpila pointed out that President Dissanayake had made that declaration during his meeting with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. more..

Aug 18 (CI) India are six wickets from winning the Galle Test after a fourth day on which they scored enough to leave SL needing a record chase, and their bowlers put together a relentlessly testing session for the hosts. On a pitch that continued its progression towards the typical brute it becomes towards the end in Galle, Rishabh Pant's maverick innings of 66 off 69 made sure India all but batted the hosts out of the Test. more..

Aug 18 (FT) Dialog Axiata PLC said it has posted a Group Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) of Rs. 19.3 billion for the first half of 2026, increasing by over 100% year-on-year (YoY), supported by strong EBITDA growth, lower net finance costs, and foreign exchange gains, primarily arising from the timely execution of forward contracts against future USD-denominated liabilities. On a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis, Group NPAT increased 10% to Rs. 10.1 billion for 2Q 2026. more..

Aug 18 (AD) Commander of the SL Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando has commended 14 civilians from Angulana for their assistance in rescuing 11 naval personnel following an emergency involving Navy Fast Attack Craft P 4447 off the western coast on Aug 15. Navy Chief presented letters of appreciation to the 14 civilians at the Western Naval Command Headquarters in Colombo today (18), recognising their contribution to the rescue operation. more..

Aug 18 (AD) Two more petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court today, challenging the constitutionality of the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and seeking a determination that it must receive approval at a referendum if Parliament proceeds with the legislation. Free Lawyers Organization filed one of the petitions, with its President, Maithri Gunaratne, seeking a determination that proposed amendment more..

Aug 18 (NW) The govt has rejected social media claims that an LTTE training camp was being maintained in Kilinochchi, with Minister Nalinda Jayatissa saying action would be initiated against those responsible for spreading false information. Providing details during the post-Cabinet media briefing, Jayatissa said the site in question is located at Kannagipuram, Mukkanpam area of the Kilinochchi District, on land that had been gazetted as a forest reserve in 1919. more..

Aug 18 (AD) Veteran Buddhist monk, award-winning lyricist and author Ven. Rambukana Siddhartha Thero has passed away at the age of 76. Siddhartha Thero passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital after being admitted due to an illness. Ven. Rambukana Siddhartha Thero made a significant contribution to SL music and song literature, penning numerous popular songs that earned widespread appreciation among music lovers. His repertoire included Buddhist devotional songs more..

Aug 18 (FT) Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Group reported a powerful first half for 2026, with consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) rising 54.4% to Rs 6.6 billion for 1H 2026 compared to Rs. 4.3 billion in 1H 2025, as strong demand for broadband and enterprise services offset escalating cost pressures from currency depreciation and higher fuel and utility prices. Doubledigit revenue growth and a sharp improvement in profitability at SLT and Mobitel extended the momentum established in more..

Aug 18 (CI) SL's Dinesh Chandimal has been replaced by Pasindu Sooriyabandara as a concussion substitute after injuring his shoulder and neck while diving in the deep on the fourth morning of the first Test against India in Galle. Chandimal was taken to hospital for a precautionary scan which was clear, with no signs of internal injury, SLC later said. Concussion replacement was announced towards the end of the second session which makes it a Test debut for Sooriyabandara. more..

Aug 18 (FT) Former JVP General Secretary Dr. Lionel Bopage has backed the Govt’s anti-corruption drive but cautioned against turning arrests and investigations into political spectacles, while calling for stronger institutions, administrative reform, and better coordination within the Govt. “I don’t agree that the Govt is taking political revenge by arresting people,” Bopage said, stressing that those responsible for more..

Aug 18 (NW) The Cabinet has approved the commencement of regulated tourism activities at Nil Diya Pokuna under the supervision of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, recognizing the site as a rare natural resource that requires protection. Nil Diya Pokuna, located within an underground cave complex in the Ravana Ella Sanctuary in the Karandagolla Grama Niladhari Division of the Ella DS in Badulla District, is considered a rare natural water source. more..

Aug 18 (FT) Hemas Holdings PLC announced its first international acquisition, investing $ 16.2 million for a 75% majority stake in Kenyan stationery manufacturer Twiga Stationers and Printers Ltd., as the diversified group moves to build businesses beyond SL. Hemas said the move represents a significant milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy to build scalable businesses beyond Sri Lanka. It also positions Hemas with a strong operating platform in Kenya, more..

Aug 18 (AD) Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was released on bail today (18) after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court over allegations that he abused his power to protect his son from allegations relating to the theft of the historic Sandagala artefact. Rambukwella, who was arrested by the CIABOC, was produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama this afternoon. more..

Aug 18 (FT) Aitken Spence said that it began the financial year 2026/27 with strong earnings momentum, recording a 74% increase in Group Profit Before Tax (PBT) to Rs. 1.7 billion for the quarter ended 20 June 2026. With a portfolio spanning diverse industries and geographies, the Group posted a Profit After Tax (PAT) increase of by 158% to Rs. 1 billion, while Group EBITDA increased by 23% to Rs. 5.3 billion compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, more..

Aug 18 (FT) Hayleys PLC has become the first SL corporate to receive a foreign currency issuer credit rating from S&P Global Ratings, securing a ‘B+’ with a Stable Outlook — above SL’s ‘CCC+’ sovereign rating — underpinned by its export earnings, diversified operations, and ability to withstand periods of sovereign stress. Commenting on the outlook assigned to Hayleys, the ratings agency said: “The stable rating outlook reflects our expectation that the SL-based conglomerate more..

Aug 18 (FT) In an article published in the Daily FT on 14 July 2026, I argued that Sri Lanka should not reduce its inflation target from 5% to 2% at the present juncture. The argument was based on the view that the economy remains vulnerable to exchange-rate fluctuations, energy price shocks, supply-side disruptions, elevated debt levels, fragile balance sheets, and external uncertainties. While acknowledging the long-term benefits of low and stable inflation, the article emphasised that more..

Aug 18 (FT) When Harry Jayawardena passed away and on the first birthday afterwards, I wrote that not a day passed without me thinking of him. I wrote that I half-expected his almost daily phone call and the inevitably stimulating and hilarious conversation that would follow with each of us addressing the other as Lokka or, to those who are not conversant in Sinhala, Big Guy. It’s been more than a year and a half and the statement still stands true. Harry is unforgettable. more..

Aug 18 (NW) Further details have emerged in the CID’s probe into an alleged scheme to illegally transfer around US$1 billion overseas under the guise of importing goods into Sri Lanka, with investigators alleging that private bank officials received regular payments to facilitate transactions. Four officials attached to four leading private banks were arrested by the FCID at their respective workplaces and later produced before more..

Aug 18 (AD) The Chairman of the SL Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Buddhika Hewawasam has tendered his resignation, citing personal and professional reasons. Hewawasam submitted his resignation in a letter addressed to the Minister of Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, through the Secretary to the Ministry. In his letter, he said it had been a privilege to serve as SLTDA Chairman following an invitation from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, more..

Aug 18 (DM) The Fort Magistrate’s Court has imposed a travel ban on the chief priest of the Slave Island Lord Murugan Kovil over the alleged theft of temple jewelry valued at approximately Rs. 26.7 million. The suspect, identified as Satheeswaran Kurukkal, has not yet been arrested and is reportedly evading authorities, according to police. Police allege that the priest pawned the temple’s jewelry and used the money to purchase a property on New Chetty Street in Kotahena. more..

Aug 18 (NW) SL Police has marked the completion of one year in office by IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya, outlining a wide range of achievements in crime prevention, institutional reforms, infrastructure development, and welfare initiatives for officers. Weerasooriya, a seasoned law enforcement officer and Attorney‑at‑Law, was appointed as the 37th IGP of SL on 14 Aug 2025. Over the past year, his leadership has been more..

Aug 18 (PMD) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pointed out that the expected objectives could be achieved more efficiently and effectively by integrating all research and development centres currently operated by the Army, Air Force and Navy and establishing a single national centre. The President made these remarks while participating in a 2027 pre-budget discussion relating to the Ministry of Defence at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (17). more..

Aug 18 (AD) Sri Lanka Police have launched a special real-time information management system to assist the general public and devotees attending the historic Kandy Esala Perahera, which begins tomorrow (18). The system has been introduced to provide visitors with easy access to important information throughout the Perahera period, including traffic restrictions, roadblocks, security arrangements, vehicle and pedestrian checks, parking facilities and guidance for visitors. more..