Oct 1 (FT) Asian Development Bank (ADB) said that growth in SL will be held back in 2026 by new US tariffs on key exports, even as momentum remains intact this year. “These developments will likely tamp down the impact on the economy this year from a 20% tariff imposed on SL exports to the US, mostly garments & rubber. But the tariffs will be more of a headwind, holding back external sector performance and consumption in 2026 more..

Oct 1 (FT) SL could face additional debt service payments of between $ 150 million and $ 270 million a year from 2028 if its economy grows faster than projected, according to the IMF. Payments would continue until 2038 and are capped at around $ 250 million annually. “In the case of SL, the one-time adjustment nature of the macro-linked bonds presents risks to SL as higher payments after 2028, once triggered, would persist even if economic performance were to deteriorate thereafter,” more..

Oct 1 (FT) Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake, during his official visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Govt, held discussions yesterday with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr. Tanaka Akihiko at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, marking a fresh chapter in bilateral cooperation. Prez Dissanayake expressed gratitude for Japan’s steadfast support, particularly through the resumption of concessional yen loans via JICA, which he noted was playing a vital role in more..

Oct 1 (FT) Ambewela, has taken its commitment to consumers beyond the breakfast table by introducing an exclusive consumer promotion that blends daily nourishment with extraordinary experiences. Ambewela, which is regarded as Sri Lanka’s No. 1 fresh milk brand, has long been a benchmark for dairy excellence in Sri Lanka, trusted by generations for its uncompromising commitment to quality, purity, and nutrition. Established as the most premium fresh milk brand in the country, more..

Oct 1 (FT) The 17th Annual General Meeting of the Indo Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ILCCI), affiliated to The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held on 26 September, at the Taj Samudra, Colombo. The proceedings were followed by a fireside chat moderated by ILCCI Immediate Past President Romesh David. The distinguished panel included Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, and Brandix Apparel Ltd. Managing Director Hasitha Premaratne. During the discussion, more..

Oct 1 (CI) In the end, India got everything they could have wanted out of the opening match of the Women's ODI World Cup 2025. While the result will no doubt be the most important factor - a comfortable 59-run, DLS-adjusted win - they will be pleased that every member of their batting unit was tested and that most of them were up for it. So a middle-order collapse of 4 for 4 became a footnote and questions about more..

Oct 1 (Island) It was a supreme irony that Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba, following a meeting with Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Tokyo, the other day, paid a passionate tribute to the late Prez J.R. Jayewardene (JRJ) and gratefully remembered his famous speech at the postwar San Francisco Peace Conference, where he called upon the world to treat Japan with compassion and help it achieve recovery. Prez Dissanayake and other JVP stalwarts accompanying him must have felt a moral more..

Oct 1 (CT) The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) based on the mandate it received established OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL). As a part of this, on 21 July 2025, there was a 15-page report on enforced disappearances in SL released. The relevant Mandates werebreceived by 1) The Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence; 2) The Working Group on Enforced or more..

Oct 1 (Island) The 2024 general elections saw many academics on election stages and a visibly larger number in Parliament. Some of them now hold ministerial positions. Others have been appointed to various other institutions. It is unsurprising then that we academics as a class, have been looking at familiar faces in the news. Is this a new turn to a politicised university? In 2012-2014 when I interviewed academics for my doctoral research, they referred to the politicication of our sector more..

Oct 1 (TM) Cryptocurrencies are the talk of the town today, following revelations that a Cabinet Minister has significantly declared crypto savings in an asset declaration. This comes in the wake of legal ambiguity about if cryptocurrencies are legal in Sri Lanka. Also, with Sri Lanka moving to expand local casino operations, concerns about the use of cryptocurrencies, and misuse are increasing. In March 2023, The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued a statement which stated: more..

Oct 1 (CT) Amid the ongoing tussle between the NPP-led Govt and CEB workers over the proposed historic CEB reforms, tensions continue to rise. More than 40 trade unions have warned of mass protests and strikes if the matter is not resolved. Isuru Kasthurirathne, a CEB engineer and executive committee member of the CEB Engineers’ Union (CEBEU), spoke to Ceylon Today regarding the issue. more..

Oct 1 (DM) Since 1991, the International Day of Older People has been observed on Oct 1 each year, worldwide. The 2025 UN International Day of Older Persons is observed under the theme Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights. Therefore, the retirement age is an ideal topic to discuss in this context. By the introduction of the Minimum Retirement Age of Workers Act No. 28 of 2021, which came into law on Nov 17, 2021, more..

Oct 1 (DM) In his maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Dissanayaka touched on topics including global poverty, the debt burden of developing nations, the drug menace and organised crime. He also expressed concern over the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. Prez also demanded the release of hostages by all parties to the conflict. more..

Oct 1 (DM) Captain Elmo Jayawardena, one of the most experienced airline pilots and flight instructors in Sri Lanka, joined Air Ceylon as far back as 1969 starting from an extremely humble position and rose to be a internationally reputed pilot and pilot instructor. Having finished with Sri Lankan Airlines, Captain Elmo went to Singapore to train pilots; and now, with his huge experience, teaches Sri Lankan pilots as a service. more..

Oct 1 (ST) It seemed that the UN and its secretary-general had turned out a special annual gathering of its 193 members in honour of our own president, Anura Kumar Dissanayake. Such was the esteem it had for the president in his first year in office as Big Chief that he was allowed to lecture—or was it hector?—the world as though the UNGA met at that house of wonders across Diyawanna Oya. Such was the importance of this occasion for our nation that one thought the prestigious President’s more..

Oct 1 (CT) SL Tourism’s recent endorsement of a project by rights organisation EQUAL GROUND to promote LGBTIQ tourism has been hailed as a forward-looking step, signalling the country’s intent to position itself as a safe and inclusive destination for all travellers. On paper, it is a commendable move. With global tourism markets increasingly valuing diversity and inclusivity, this initiative has the potential to diversify Sri Lanka’s appeal, inject fresh dynamism into the industry, and more..

Sep 30 (CT) More than 800 dengue cases have been recorded across SL within the first 11 days of September, according to data from the National Dengue Control Unit’s (NDCU) NaDSys surveillance system. The NDCU reported yesterday, that by midnight on 27 September, the total number of cases recorded this month had risen to 2,148. From January to 27 Sept 2025, 38,764 dengue cases have been reported nationwide, with 21 dengue-related deaths during the same period. more..

Sep 30 (DM) Sri Lanka informed the International Atomic Energy Authority at its General Conference in Vienna that the country is currently exploring nuclear power as a reliable, low-carbon energy source to diversify its energy mix and address the dual challenges of climate change and energy security, according to a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Delivering the national statement of Sri Lanka at this key event of the IAEA calendar, Permanent Representative of SL more..

Sep 30 (NW) Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, has reiterated SL’s commitment to safeguarding and protecting the human rights of all citizens. He further reiterated commitment to the steadfast ongoing work of the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), Office for Reparations (OR), and Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), and the robust actions being taken by the national authorities in this regard. more..

Sep 30 (AD) SL Police says that it has been confirmed that Anura Vidanagamage, also known as Kajja, who was recently shot dead along with his two children in Middeniya, was in the vehicle that had followed slain former Sri Lankan rugby player Wasim Thajudeen’s vehicle moments before the latter was murdered. ASP Minura Senarath stated that this information was uncovered following the interrogation of underworld figure Backhoe Saman, who was recently arrested in Indonesia and more..

Sep 30 (CT) A case filed by environmentalists to compel the Govt to formulate and implement solutions to the Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) was recalled before the Court of Appeal yesterday, and the hearing was adjourned after the Dept of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) failed to make its scheduled submissions on the matter. The case was originally filed by the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) and its directors following elephant deaths in Habarana in recent times, citing more..

Sep 30 (DM) Institutional corruption persists, particularly within sectors protected by entrenched vested interests, even under the current govt, though high-level political bribery solicitation appears to have diminished, according to the U.S. statement on SL’s investment climate. The report, released recently, said endemic corruption and a lack of transparency in public procurement have historically inflicted significant economic losses on SL, more..

Sep 30 (NW) Construction of the second rest area along the Southern Expressway has commenced in the Udukawa area of Matara, aimed at providing rest and amenities to drivers and passengers travelling between Kottawa and Mattala. The project was officially launched on Monday (29) under the aegis of Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Highways, Professor Kapila Perera. Located near the 119th kilometre mark between Matara Godagama and Kokmaduwa, the rest area is being built with more..

Sep 30 (DM) Police clearance certificates are issued for both domestic and overseas purposes. For domestic purposes, applicants can obtain certificates from local police stations by submitting an application letter along with a copy of their National Identity Card, a valid driver’s license, or a valid passport. Police stations provide a sample application form to assist applicants. Govt-approved fees for domestic certificates are as follows: certificates issued by local police stations more..

Sep 30 (DM) A schoolboy, under the age of 18, who had merged a schoolgirl’s photo with a nude image and had circulated it online, was produced before Galle Additional Magistrate Maheshika Wijetunga and released on personal bail of Rs. 200,000. He was handed over to his father. The magistrate issued a stern warning, instructing him not to harass or influence the victim. Police said the incident came to light when the schoolgirl’s friend informed her elder brother that her image more..

Sep 30 (AD) The one-day strike launched by the FUTA is currently underway at all state universities across the country. As a result, lectures and all academic activities at universities have been suspended for the day. The strike has been launched based on several key concerns, including, the shortage of academic staff due to the brain drain and failure to recruit qualified personnel, salary-related issues, the lack of improvements in university infrastructure and insufficient allocation more..

Sep 30 (AD) The Court of Appeal today ordered SL Customs to investigate and report to court by Oct 10, whether the vehicles currently being detained by Customs can be released on a corporate or personal bond. This directive was issued during the hearing of approximately 15 writ petitions filed by vehicle importers seeking an order to release vehicles currently held by SL Customs. The petitions were heard before a bench more..

Sep 30 (NW) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is on an official visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Govt, met with Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Founding Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo this morning. The discussion focused on further strengthening the long-standing friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka. Mr. Sasakawa reiterated his commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of every community in SL and and outlined future plans for the renovation and more..

Sep 30 (DM) Claiming that it was a mistake to have mentioned the Nobel Prize instead of the Guinness record, Minister Sunil Hadunnetti today expressed his regret if his statment had caused any inconvenice to any party. In a video posted on his facebook account, he said he mistakenly mentioned the Nobel Prize instead of the Guinness record. "It was a mistake. I did not do it intentioanlly. If any party was inconvenienced due to my statement, I express my regrets to them," he said. more..

Sep 30 (ST) The govt is speeding ahead with carving up the CEB into separate companies, having this week circulated a draft preliminary transfer plan (PTP) which details how the utility’s various activities, assets and liabilities will be distributed among successor entities. A draft corporate governance structure, recruitment and selection policy and employee handbook for those joining the successor companies are also in circulation. more..

Sep 30 (AD) Former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera, who was in remand custody over allegations of preparing forged documents to sell state-owned land, has been granted bail by the Gampaha High Court. The order was issued by Gampaha High Court Judge Nayana Seneviratne. During the hearing today, counsels representing former State Minister Ranaweera made submissions in support of granting him bail. After considering the submissions presented, more..

Sep 30 (EN) SL’s Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe has met India’s Minister of Food Processing Industries Shri Chirag Paswan and Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Murlidhar Moholvisited, a govt statement said. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of food security, cooperative development, and capacity building, while also reviewing avenues for enhanced collaboration across other sectors of mutual interest. more..