Jul 6 (CT) US Embassy in SL marked America’s 250th Independence Day anniversary—celebrated as Freedom 250—with a cinematic-themed commemoration held Thursday evening on its premises in Colombo, highlighting the role of American cinema in reflecting and shaping the ideals of liberty, creativity, and expression. US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell said the celebration was a tribute not only to American independence but also to one of the country’s more..

Jul 6 (Island) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent attempt in Parliament to defuse the ongoing controversy over his govt’s plan to extend the retirement ages of the judges of the Supreme Court (SC) and the Court of Appeal (CA) has been in vain. He spoke at length, offering excuses for his failure to initiate action to fill judicial vacancies, but they did not sound convincing. They have only prompted the Bar Association of SL (BASL) and other lawyers’ associations to reiterate more..

Jul 6 (ST) The anti-corruption drive of the JVP led NPP Govt has cannily targeted two political birds with one stone as the old adage goes. Piece by piece, the Opposition is being ruthlessly tackled through a rash of cases filed by the country’s anti-corruption watchdog and the CID working at a glorious speed seldom seen before. Opposition MPs whimper that the swiftness of those steps is markedly absent in processing complaints of corruption lodged against ruling politicians. more..

Jul 6 (SO) When Dr. Nihal Jayawickrama became Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Justice at just 33, he was handed an extraordinary mandate to modernise SL’s legal system. More than five decades later, many of the reforms he introduced have been dismantled, while the delays and inefficiencies he sought to eliminate continue to plague the Courts. In this interview, he looks back at the battles over justice reform, the political resistance they provoked, and the lessons for SL today. more..

Jul 6 (TM) Independent SL has seen three Constitutions: the Soulbury Constitution (1948–1972), the first Republican Constitution (1972–1978), and the second Republican Constitution (1978 onwards). Among these, the second Republican Constitution, introduced by the UNP Govt led by Prez J.R. Jayewardene, has been in effect for the longest period (48 years). Before it crosses the half-century mark (within the next two years), will the NPP Govt be able to bring in a new constitution? more..

Jul 6 (GV) In the coming months, a climatic shift in the distant Pacific Ocean will deliver a blow to SL’s fields, reservoirs and kitchens. An El Niño event, forecast to intensify through the latter half of 2026, historically suppresses the life giving Northeast monsoon. While govt agencies prepare their internal protocols, a crucial truth remains: the state apparatus, however well-intentioned, cannot reach every village tank, every malnourished child or every indebted farmer with the speed and trust that you can. more..

Jul 5 (ST) Amid increasing signs that the NPP govt is seriously considering introducing a constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of judges of the superior courts, opposition to the move is also gaining momentum. Bar Association of SL (BASL), which had earlier written to Prez urging him to scrap such plans, yesterday held a public forum on the position of the legal fraternity in relation to amending more..

Jul 5 (TM) Sri Lanka’s fertiliser supply chain is ramping up procurement efforts as both State agencies and private importers secure stocks ahead of the upcoming Maha cultivation season. Cabinet approved the proposal to call for tenders to procure 20,000 MT of urea for the upcoming Maha cultivation season, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said. The procurement comprises 10,000 MT of granular urea and 10,000 MT of prilled urea. The tender is scheduled to close on 7 July. more..

Jul 5 (ST) Sri Lanka is looking to amend the taxation structure for second-hand imported vehicles after the US lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO), stating that the taxation and valuation methods applied to imported vehicles are contrary to international trade agreements that Sri Lanka is a signatory to. Senior Finance Ministry and Customs officials said the US complaint is being taken seriously and that discussions are underway on how to address the concerns. more..

Jul 5 (TM) The Govt expects the gradual reduction of Aswesuma beneficiaries to continue beyond this year, with another 400,000 families set to be removed from the welfare programme in 2027. The move is part of a phased plan linked to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and commitments under the IMF programme. Economists, however, warn that many vulnerable households are yet to recover from the economic crisis. more..

Jul 5 (DM) The govt is planning to introduce drug testing kits through pharmacies, allowing parents to privately check whether their children have become involved in drug use as part of a broader national strategy to combat narcotics. The proposal was discussed at the meeting of the A Nation United National Steering Council for the eradication of the drug menace, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. During the meeting, President stressed that more..

Jul 5 (ST) Sri Lanka and China are set to finalise an amended agreement to fund the Central Expressway’s Kadawatha–Mirigama stretch, with work expected to resume within weeks, a senior govt official said. A high-level China Export-Import Bank (China EXIM Bank) delegation led by Vice President Yang Dongning was in SL this week to discuss the new agreement and met with senior govt figures, including Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando and Minister Vijitha Herath. more..

Jul 5 (EN) SL’s iconic Lotus Tower will light up tonight in red, white and blue to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the US Embassy in Colombo said. “Look to the Lotus Tower tonight as it shines in red, white & blue to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and #Freedom250!” The embassy building was lit up too. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on “Allies and embassies around the world to join us in celebrating the American principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” more..

Jul 5 (NW) A 23-year-old alleged organized crime suspect wanted over the fatal shooting of an attorney-at-law and his wife has been brought back to SL from the Maldives, Police said. The suspect was arrested upon arrival at the BIA on Friday by officers of the CID and has been handed over to the Western Province South Crimes Division for further investigations. Police said the suspect, a resident of Ethkandura, was wanted in connection with the shooting of a lawyer & his wife in Akuregoda, more..

Jul 5 (CT) Individuals who fail to submit their tax returns could face a fine of up to Rs 400,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both under the newly amended Inland Revenue Act, a spokesperson for the IRD said. The spokesperson stated that under the new law, magistrates have the authority to impose imprisonment with or without rigorous labour, in addition to or instead of financial penalty, more..

Jul 5 (NW) China’s Ambassador to SL, Qi Zhenhong, says President Xi Jinping’s latest governance book offers valuable guidance for SL’s development and opens new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. Addressing the China-SL Readers Forum on Xi Jinping: Governance of China (Volume V) in Colombo, Ambassador Qi said the publication presents China’s latest governance philosophy and provides practical insights on modernization, high-quality development, reform and opening up. more..

Jul 5 (DM) The construction of the new Faculty Complex at the Sabaragamuwa University has been made possible through a major joint financial commitment from the Govt of SL and international development partners, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s medical education infrastructure. The project was formally highlighted by PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who participated in the inauguration of the newly constructed facility on 04 July 2026. more..

Jul 5 (ST) If not for the wrist injury suffered by opener Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara might well have spent another Test match carrying drinks and watching events unfold from the sidelines. Instead, destiny handed the 32-year-old opener an opportunity, and he grabbed it with both hands. After SL’s humiliating innings and 217-run defeat in the first Test against the West Indies, the tourists needed someone to stand tall in Antigua. Udara, playing only his third Test, answered that call in emphatic more..

Jul 5 (NW) The President of the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association, Steven Thiru, has warned that SL risks repeating Zimbabwe’s controversial judicial crisis if it proceeds with plans to extend the retirement age of sitting superior court judges without broad public consultation. Addressing a public forum organised by the BASL on Saturday, Thiru said the issue was not the proposed retirement age itself, but the timing, manner and application of the constitutional amendment. more..

Jul 5 (TM) As per the latest rankings of international athletes released by World Athletics (WA), SL’s javelin sensation Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage needs only a solitary point more to scale the summit of global athletics. Tharanga has shaken the global athletics firmament in no uncertain terms through the sheer volume of spectacular throws in his chosen discipline during the past three-month period. He now finds himself in 67th position more..

Jul 5 (ST) A complete revision of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Listing Rules has been done to align it with the new Securities and Exchange Commission of SL Act No. 19 of 2021. “A comprehensive revision of the Listing Rules was undertaken, streamlining the Listing Rules of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) with the new Securities and Exchange Commission of SL Act No 19 of 2021 to ensure full compliance with the provisions of SEC Act and to enhance more..

Jul 5 (CI) B Sai Sudharsan strengthened his case to retain the No.3 spot for the upcoming Test series in SL, with his 168 for India A against Sri Lanka A in Galle. Sudharsan converted his overnight 104 not out into his career-best score for India A, helping his side stretch their lead to 175 by the end of the third day's play. India A closed out the day on 541 for 8 in response to SL A's 366. Devdutt Padikkal failed to add to his overnight 94 and Ruturaj Gaikwad retired hurt on 13, but India A zoomed ahead more..

Jul 5 (ST) SL’s racing sensation Yevan David created history at the iconic Silverstone Circuit, maintaining a start-to-end finish to complete second of the Sprint Race of the British Grand Prix. David maintained his composure from start to finish, only failing against Silverstone Sprint Race winner Ugo Ugochukwu of the USA, who became the first repeat winner of the 2026 FIA Formula 3 season. AIX Racing’s Yevan David became the first more..

Jul 5 (SO) Sri Lanka Boxing has moved to clean up and strengthen the sport by introducing a strict Code of Conduct for all referees, judges, technical officials, timekeepers and scoring system operators for 2026. The new Code of Conduct, issued by the Boxing Association of SL (BASL), will be valid for one calendar year and must be signed annually by every official who wishes to serve at boxing events. Under the new rules, officials must sign the document during the first quarter of each year more..

Jul 5 (CI) Sri Lanka batted a touch over two sessions on day two before eventually declaring on 549 for 9, while West Indies in their response ended the day on 58 for 1, trailing by 491 runs, with Brandon King the only batter to fall. John Campbell was at the crease on 31 off 77 with Kavem Hodge (6 off 41) alongside him, as they sought to blunt the Lankan attack towards the close of play. Even so Sri Lanka will rue some missed opportunities, two off Hodge and one off Campbell. more..

Jul 5 (CT) Cricket has a unique way of rewarding those who refuse to give up. Lahiru Udara’s remarkable performance in the second Test against the West Indies is a perfect example of that truth. At 30, when many believe a player’s best years are behind him, the SL opener produced the innings of his life, scoring a magnificent 188 and announcing himself on the world stage. The innings came at a crucial time for Sri Lanka. Reeling from defeat in the opening Test, the visitors desperately more..

Jul 5 (TM) SL’s veteran shuttlers dominated the Ceylon Masters International Badminton Championships 2026, claiming an impressive 35 gold medals as they emerged as the most successful nation at the four-day tournament held at the Air Sports Complex in Rajagiriya recently. The championships, which attracted masters players from 15 countries, showcased high-quality competition across singles and doubles events in various age groups. SL players topped more..

Jul 5 (CT) The anti-govt street protests that are attempting to gather the momentum that ousted a powerfully voted-in govt had not achieved the desired traction as the week ended. With increasing pressure mounting on the Opposition with a series of arrests and a clear and deliberate action taken by the Govt on the underworld and the connected political hierarchy, the coming weeks are likely to witness greater protests and moves to more..

Jul 5 (Island) This article deals with the subject of centralizing and decentralizing universities in Sri Lanka and discusses the advantages of one against the other. What are the appropriate conditions and the factors governing the choice? Who decides – politicians or academics? The SL experience seems to suggest neither. The two most important landmarks in the history of university education in SL, other than the setting up of the Uni of Ceylon in 1942, were the amalgamation of the then more..

Jul 5 (Island) The World Bank’s annual income reclassification, which takes effect every July 1, has placed SL, Vietnam, the Philippines, Jordan and the Pacific state of Micronesia in the uppermiddle income bracket. SL’s elevation to the upper-middle income status has gladdened many a heart. It is no mean achievement for a country emerging from a crippling economic crisis that led to foreign currency reserves woes, shortages, queues, prolonged power cuts, a steep rise in inflation, more..

Jul 5 (ST) My dear Suresh Sallay, I wanted to write to you when I heard that you had called off your protest fast suddenly. Now that you will hopefully be able to return to good health quickly, you will have time to think clearly about some of the events that happened recently and clarify some issues that have been puzzling to all of us. The reason for the fast itself was baffling. You had said you were fasting, demanding for the PTA to be repealed. Yet those who were supporting you on the outside more..

Jul 5 (SO) The wheels of justice move ever so slowly, but they move nonetheless. But justice should not be inordinately delayed. As the saying goes, Justice delayed is justice denied. We pen these words in the context of Supreme Court Justice Yasantha Kodagoda’s recent revelation that some criminal cases take ten or more years before a verdict is delivered. But this is not limited to criminal cases – even civil cases such as land disputes can take years to be resolved. more..