Nov 5 (DN) Opposition political parties took centre stage last week as they grappled with their own internal issues but also challenged the govt, both regarding proposed crucial legislation and a motion of no confidence against Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, although with very limited success. The motion of No Confidence against Speaker was submitted to Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadheera on Oct 9. However, the govt had noted that many of the claims made in the motion more..

Nov 5 (ST) For centuries, Viharamahadevi has lived in chronicles and classrooms as a figure of duty, so brave she seems almost unreal. In The Ballet School of Colombo’s production of Devi: The Golden Voyage which will be staged at the Bishop’s College Auditorium from Nov 12 to 15 Nov, the dancers will portray the courageous girl who became the legendary Queen. The dancers chosen to carry her story have had to find that girl for themselves. Along the way, often to their own surprise, more..

Nov 5 (DN) A mid Colombo’s imposing buildings, glittering glass facades, luxury homes and people dressed in fine clothes, another world exists, largely out of sight. Near filthy drains and inside cramped homes, a community of workers labours by hand to keep those very clothes clean and presentable. They remove the stains from other people’s garments, while the stains of poverty remain deeply etched into their own lives. Turn off Sangharaja Mawatha and more..

Nov 5 (TM) This week, letters of appointment were handed to new directors at five major hospitals: the teaching hospitals in Kalubowila, Ragama, Batticaloa & Peradeniya, and the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children. The news deserves a welcome. However, it also invites a question that those in authority have yet to answer convincingly. Why did it take so long? These are not minor postings. Lady Ridgeway is the national referral centre for sick children, while Kalubowila and Ragama carry much of more..

Nov 5 (TM) On Tuesday, the chamber that is meant to be the country’s foremost forum for reasoned argument descended into shouting, protest and, at one point, an attempt by Opposition MPs to seize the ceremonial Mace. Such scenes do no credit to anyone, and the Opposition must answer for its own conduct. Yet the more troubling question raised by Tuesday’s disorder is not who reached for the Mace. It is why a motion signed by 44 MPs, carrying 50 charges against the presiding officer of the legislature, more..

Nov 5 (TM) SL’s intensifying crackdown on narcotics, including the arrest and repatriation of alleged drug kingpins from Middle East, India, Indonesia, and other locations, spells out the growing challenge of dismantling transnational trafficking networks that exploit maritime routes, international ports, and gaps in law enforcement cooperation. Despite major drug seizures and enforcement operations, the flow of narcotics continues across more..

Nov 5 (DM) SL has spent decades building a garment industry that is now one of its biggest economic strengths. It has earned the confidence of leading clothing brands, created hundreds of thousands of jobs and brought in billions in foreign exchange. Yet manufacturers are finding it increasingly difficult to operate here. High operating costs, taxes, electricity bills and labour shortages are making SL a less attractive manufacturing destination. Neighbouring countries are competing for investment. more..

Nov 5 (DM) This article is not meant to be yet another run-of-the-mill civil society protest over two bills: Protection of the State from Terrorism (PST), submitted to Parliament on Oct 6, and Prevention of Organised Crimes (POC), submitted on Oct 20. PST is intended to replace the existing draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and POC is presented as an Act to give effect to the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. There is no gainsaying that SL needs special criminal laws more..

Nov 4 (DM) More than 10 illegal electric traps allegedly connected to the main electricity supply have been set up in the Welgala area of Ibbagamuwa, posing a serious threat to wild elephants, including the well-known elephant Rattha, Society for Conservation of Wild Elephants in SL (SCWESL) has warned. In a letter to Director General of Dept of Wildlife Conservation, organisation urged authorities to conduct immediate raids and take legal action against those responsible. more..

Nov 4 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says more than 30 tuskers are currently at risk in SL, disputing the Environment Minister’s claim that only 17 tuskers are facing threats. Speaking in Parliament today, Premadasa said the recent killing of tusker Kawanthissa, followed by another tusker in Kahatagasdigiliya, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen protection measures for the country’s remaining tuskers. He pointed out that only around 5–10% of male elephants in SL have tusks, more..

Nov 4 (DM) SL's leading universities slid to their lowest positions in four years in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027, with Uni of Colombo dropping 46 places to 364th, as regional rivals moved ahead while its own score barely changed. Colombo nonetheless remained SL's highest-ranked university for a fifth consecutive year, followed by the Uni of Peradeniya at 389th and the Uni of Sri J'pura at 398th. more..

Nov 4 (NW) Sri Lanka’s November fuel price revision has narrowed the gap between the market price and the cost-recovery formula price of auto diesel, while widening the gap for Petrol 92, according to PublicFinance.lk. The public finance information platform, operated by independent think tank Verité Research, revealed that despite the latest price increases, both fuel categories continue to be sold below their respective cost-recovery formula prices. According to its Fuel Price Tracker, more..

Nov 4 (EN) SL’s Export Development Board (EDB) and the software industry body SLASSCOM have engaged with senior police officials to expedite the issuance of police clearance reports for ICT professionals, amid concerns that delays are affecting access to int'l business opportunities. The discussions focused on employees of information and communication technology companies who require police clearance reports to satisfy overseas client requirements, take part in int'l tenders more..

Nov 4 (NW) UN human rights experts have raised concerns over provisions in SL’s proposed Prevention of Organized Crimes Bill that would allow senior police officers to obtain telephone records and mobile device location information without prior court approval. In a 31-page communication dated Oct 30, the UN experts warned that the proposed powers could threaten privacy rights & expose confidential sources more..

Nov 4 (DM) The govt is considering whether to permit high-powered motorcycles with engine capacities exceeding 1,000cc for special purposes, including sports activities, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena informed Parliament today. He said a committee has been appointed to examine the matter and that a final decision will be made based on its recommendations. He made these remarks while responding to a question raised by SJB MP Suranga Rathnayaka, more..

Nov 4 (TM) Kaduwela Magistrate's Court yesterday (2) continued hearing a case filed against the Mayor of Kaduwela Ranjan Jayalal and Parliamentarian Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana over the alleged forcible acquisition of a 100-perch land plot near the Millennium City housing complex in Athurugiriya. During the proceedings before Kaduwela Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa, the Court granted permission for the Metro Bus Company and its Board of Directors to withdraw from the case. more..

Nov 4 (AD) A total of 208 police officers have been arrested in connection with various offences, including drug-related crimes, ASP F.U. Wootler has revealed. Police Spokesperson noted that nearly 1,500 police officers have also been suspended from service over various offences. Acknowledging the presence of corrupt and unsuitable officers within the Police Dept, he said measures were being taken to identify and remove them while ensuring strict legal action. more..

Nov 4 (NF) Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva has ordered the Cinnamon Gardens Police to immediately arrest suspects who allegedly used sound amplification equipment without a lawful permit during a protest held at the Viharamahadevi Park premises demanding the release of BBS General Secretary Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, who is currently serving a prison sentence. Officers of the Cinnamon Gardens Police, appearing before court on behalf of more..

Nov 4 (TM) Small- and medium-scale mill owners have urged the Govt to maintain transparency regarding its rice import plans, claiming that the country's rice supply requirements for the upcoming festive season have already been secured and that there is no immediate need for further imports. They said that the adequate cultivation of Keeri Samba, which faced shortages last year (2025), had taken place this year, more..

Nov 4 (NW) Sri Lankan Professor Sudath Shirley Warnakulasuriya has been awarded the Princess Srinagarindra Award 2026, one of the world’s highest international honours in nursing, in recognition of his contributions to nursing education and the global healthcare sector. According to the Ministry of Health, the prestigious award is presented annually to only one individual or group of nursing professionals worldwide for outstanding contributions to the field. more..

Nov 4 (PMD) A discussion on securing support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for SL during the 2028–2030 period was held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. The discussion focused on priority areas for agricultural and rural development in SL, including increasing the incomes of small-scale farmers, improving agricultural productivity, strengthening the livelihoods more..

Nov 4 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that the govt is preparing to increase electricity tariffs following the recent fuel price hikes, despite its earlier promise to reduce electricity bills by 33%. Addressing Parliament today, Premadasa accused the govt of failing to fulfil its election promises, claiming that the public is facing increasing financial difficulties due to rising fuel prices, taxes and other living expenses. more..

Nov 4 (NW) New directors have been appointed to five major hospitals in SL, including the Kalubowila, Ragama, Batticaloa & Peradeniya Teaching Hospitals and the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo. The appointments were made with the approval of the Health Services Committee of the Public Service Commission, with the official appointment letters presented by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa at the Ministry of Health on Monday. Accordingly, W.M.U.S. Wijemanna has been more..

Nov 4 (Island) Jana Aragala Movement, led by the JVP-splinter Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), is to march on Parliament today (4), demanding the withdrawal of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTB) and the Prevention of Organised Crime Bill (POCB), as well as the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Jana Aragala Movement National Executive Council member Wasantha Mudalige urged trade unions, political activists and others who value more..

Nov 4 (DM) Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena today ordered that the decision on the request to lift the overseas travel ban imposed on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in connection with the investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks be delivered on Nov 25. Making submissions before court, the CID stated that there were concerns as to whether former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would return to SL after travelling overseas. However, CID informed court that more..

Nov 4 (PMD) A discussion on the progress and future plans of the project to develop the historic Ridi Viharaya in Kurunegala as an international tourist destination was held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of Deputy Minister Namal Sudarshana and Secretary to the Prez Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. The project aims to develop Ridi Viharaya, a popular tourist attraction in the Kurunegala District, into an international Buddhist and spiritual wellness destination more..

Nov 4 (Island) Former Chief Justice Sarath Nanda Silva warned that the Protection of State from Terrorism Bill (PSTB) could be utilised against those opposed to the govt. They could be branded as terrorists, the ex-CJ said, endorsing former Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris’s declaration that the proposed law would violate both political and civil rights. Addressing the media, they accused the govt of seeking to suppress political dissent. more..

Nov 4 (FT) Following is the speech by TWC Holdings Chairman Thilan Wijesinghe on the subject Tourism Uncensored at the THINC Tourism Conference on 15 Oct, 2026. Drawing on 20 years in small luxury tourism, starting with Ceylon Tea Trails, Wijesinghe, who is also a Director of Ventive Hospitality (India), Resplendent Ceylon and Tea Trails, sets out what Sri Lanka got right and wrong in tourism. He faults successive governments for arrival targets without strategy, more..

Nov 4 (NW) SL batter Pavan Rathnayake has made a significant leap in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, climbing 20 places to reach 16th position following a series of impressive performances. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Rathnayake’s rise follows his knock of 77 against Pakistan in the ODI Tri-Series final in Lahore, after scoring 118 against England in an earlier match. The latest rankings place Rathnayake among the world’s top 20 ODI batters. more..

Nov 4 (NW) Ministry of Finance has clarified that individuals can open new bank accounts and renew motor vehicle revenue licences even without a TIN certificate, under special arrangements introduced to prevent delays in accessing these services. In a public notice issued jointly with the Inland Revenue Dept and Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Ministry said individuals who already have a TIN but do not possess the certificate can more..

Nov 4 (NF) The criminal case filed against former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka over the controversial 2016 road accident in Rajagiriya and the alleged attempt to conceal evidence related to the incident was taken up before the Colombo High Court today. At the hearing, HC Judge Rashmi Singappuli ordered that pre-trial conferences in the case will be held on Nov 10. The accused, Patali Champika Ranawaka, appeared before court today. President’s Counsel Sarath Jayamanne more..

Nov 4 (NW) Manula Chamal Perera, Director of Administration and Human Resources at the National Youth Services Council (NYSC), has been released on bail following his arrest by the CIABOC. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered his release on two surety bails of Rs. 1 million each and imposed an overseas travel ban, according to reports. Perera was arrested today over allegations of causing a financial loss of Rs. 5.1 million to the govt through irregularities more..