Nov 16 (ST) The key focus of the visit undertaken by a delegation of a 12-member cross-party delegation of MPs to Switzerland recently was Swiss federalism and the interaction between different political levels in Switzerland, according to Swiss media. A report on the visit published in swissinfo.ch, the international online service of the SBC, has brought to light some of the secret discussions held in the past on touchy topic more..

Nov 16 (Island) The exam format to enter Royal changed with an exception to the rule in 1959 to favour the powerful. SWRD Bandaranaike, the Prime Minister was assassinated in Sept 1959. It was stated that Anura, his son, was too stressed to sit the Entrance Exam two months later. The test was still held, and they took in carte- blanche all 140 from RPS. 35 were taken from outside RPS tosatisfy the 80:20 ratio. Thus there were five forms of 35 each in 1960 as compared to the norm of four forms. more..

Nov 16 (CI) A new global tournament, the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, involving eight teams from four continents, will be played from Nov 20 to 30 in Bangkok. Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Netherlands, UAE, Scotland, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda will take part in the inaugural edition. The trigger for the tournament, an ICC statement said, was the success of the recent ODI World Cup in India and SL, where more than 500 million viewers in India were recorded and there was also more..

Nov 16 (ST) My dear Ramith, I thought of writing to you because everyone is talking about how you gave the finger as you left court this week. We know ‘giving the finger’ is an obscene way of showing contempt and saying I don’t care. Still, I can’t understand why there is such a fuss about your actions. Let me explain. You had just been charged in court with failing to show how you acquired assets worth over 290 million rupees in less than two years when you were your Papa Keheliya’s more..

Nov 16 (TM) It increasingly appears that the NPP Govt, emboldened by the spoils of power and the illusion of permanence that power often brings, is engaged in a calculated attempt to fortify its political base by reaching into constituencies traditionally loyal to the Opposition. This effort is neither subtle nor accidental. It is an unmistakable acknowledgement that the NPP’s electoral success was not a triumph of ideology or leadership charisma; rather it was a rebellion vote – more..

Nov 16 (TM) The 2026 Budget presented by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his JVP-led NPP saw its second reading being passed in Parliament by an unprecedented majority of 118 votes, with 160 votes in favour, 42 votes against, and eight abstentions on Friday. Several Opposition members also voted in favour of the Govt’s Budget. Opposition MPs Jeevan Thondaman (CWC) as well as Mano Ganesan, P. Digambaram, and more..

Nov 16 (GV) The 2026 budget proposal to uplift plantation workers through higher daily wages is a positive step. Yet the decision to grant attendance incentives directly from the govt raises deeper questions about governance, equality and the autonomy of private enterprise. This article argues that fair wages must be ensured through law and tripartite consultation, not political intervention, to protect both workers’ dignity and private sector independence. more..

Nov 16 (CT) When we reflect on the JVP’s journey from its formative years in the late 1960s to its current role as a leading force in govt — alongside its NPP partners — one striking shift becomes clear. In its early decades, the party openly championed class conflict. It emphasised the struggle between workers and peasants on one side, and the ruling classes on the other. Class collaboration was denounced, even despised, within its ranks. Today, however, the picture is very different. more..

Nov 16 (CT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s presence at the 36th Il Maha Viru Samaruma this week carried a symbolism that reached beyond ritual commemoration. It was the first time a Head of State attended the November Heroes’ remembrance — a memorial rooted in the trauma, sacrifice, and unresolved moral questions of the 88/89 insurgency. For Dissanayake, now in the seat of executive authority, it marked a personal & political more..

Nov 16 (ST) Entering into its second year, the NPP Govt is showing a habit of rolling back its pre-election promises—and making no bones about it. Its second budget last week made it clear that this administration will follow the IMF script to the letter, notwithstanding impassioned pledges that it would amend it once in power. On the contrary, the Govt is veering full speed in a direction opposite to what it promised in its manifesto, which is not necessarily a bad move. more..

Nov 16 (SO) SL marked the 36th November Heroes Commemoration on Nov 13. The JVP that once stood outside the State, and even in violent confrontation with it, is now the central pillar of the Govt. The party, long associated with rebellion, idealism and sacrifice, is today responsible for policy, governance and the reconstruction of a country emerging from bankruptcy. November Heroes Commemoration reminds the country of the thousands of young people who more..

Nov 15 (FT) Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said that the Budget 2026 was formulated on the principles of clean politics, inclusivity, and sustainable growth, aiming to strengthen investor confidence while ensuring no citizen is left behind in economic recovery. He said the Govt has maintained clean politics as a core principle in preparing the Budget 2026, which he described as essential to creating a conducive environment more..

Nov 15 (NW) SL’s tourism and worker remittance inflows posted strong growth in Oct 2025, reflecting continued recovery in both sectors. Tourist arrivals rose to 165,193 in Oct 2025, up from 135,907 in the same month last year — a year-on-year increase of 16.7%. Arrivals for the Jan–Oct period climbed to 1.89 million, compared to 1.62 million in 2024. Tourism earnings also improved, reaching USD 186.1 million in Oct 2025, slightly higher than USD 185.6 million recorded in Oct 2024. more..

Nov 15 (FT) Cabinet recently approved directing the Legal Draftsmen to prepare a draft bill to establish SL National Film Council, repealing the SL National Film Corporation Act No. 47 of 1971, to modernise cinema regulation and promote film culture in the country. Nearly five decades after the establishment of the SL National Film Corporation, Cabinet recognised the need to update the institutional framework to reflect significant changes in technology, society, politics and the economy. more..

Nov 15 (CT) ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam told Parliament on Friday that the party will abstain from voting on the 2026 Budget, describing the decision as a serious political message both locally and internationally. He said the move is a gesture of goodwill and trust in Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, expressing confidence that the Prez will address long-standing Tamil concerns, including a new Constitution reflecting more..

Nov 15 (NW) Passengers will soon have the option of paying bus fares using bank-issued credit and debit cards, with the new system set to take effect from Nov 24, Minister Bimal Rathnayake announced in Parliament. The facility will be available on buses equipped with electronic ticket-issuing machines, allowing passengers to swipe their cards instead of using cash. Minister said the move is part of ongoing efforts to modernise public transport and improve convenience for daily commuters. more..

Nov 15 (CT) The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel has confirmed that a Sri Lankan national was murdered by a foreign national in Tel Aviv. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara said that Israeli authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity. He visited the Salameh Police Station in the Tel Aviv District on Thursday (13) morning to meet the investigation team. Two Sri Lankans who were with the victim at the time of the incident have also been questioned. more..

Nov 15 (CT) Minister Chandana Abayarathna, said that a Parliamentary Select Committee will be appointed to resolve the delimitation of wards (electorates) in order to hold the PC Elections. Minister stated that proposal to appoint the Select Committee will be presented to Parliament next week. Minister emphasised that the Govt intends to resolve any issues regarding the time frame for delimitation after the committee is appointed, and to subsequently hold election promptly. more..

Nov 15 (DM) A video showing a foreign female tourist being sexually harassed by a SL man has gone viral on social media. The tourist, who had been driving a tuk-tuk reportedly encountered the man after she stopped the vehicle. In the video, the man is seen exposing his genitals and attempting to sexually harass her. The tourist is heard expressing fear and shock over the incident. She had been recording her surroundings during her travels and captured the incident on camera. more..

Nov 15 (Island) Apropos The Island exclusive reports headlined NPP govt. urged to reconsider decision to abolish concession granted to military families (11 Nov) and Reverse move to abolish concession granted to military families: Ex-Chief of Defence Staff (14 Nov), Defence Ministry said that General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Uni (KDU) hadn’t decided to abolish the 50% concession granted to the children of service personnel. more..

Nov 15 (DM) Rasika Peiris, Special Grade Officer of the SL Administrative Service, has assumed duties as the new Commissioner General of Elections this morning. Election Commission said that his appointment follows the retirement of Saman Sri Ratnayake, who concluded his public service on 13 Nov 2025 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of sixty. Ratnayake had served as Commissioner General of Elections since 16 Oct 2019, marking the end of a long and more..

Nov 15 (FT) Colombo stock market fell sharply in early trading yesterday before gaining ground to close the week flat. The ASPI closed a marginal 0.01% lower, down 1.71 points to 23,459.75 and the S&P SL20 lost 22.22 points to close 0.34% lower at 6,435.93. Market turnover was over Rs. 5.6 billion on over 218.7 million traded. Foreigners were net sellers with a net outflow of over Rs. 5.9 million NDB Securities said during the week, ASPI and S&P SL20 gained 0.5% and 0.9% respectively, more..

Nov 15 (FT) Indo–Lanka Handicraft and Cultural Festival 2025 was inaugurated yesterday by India’s High Commissioner to SL Santosh Jha at the Havelock City Mall, Colombo. The festival is jointly organised by the National Crafts Council of SL and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), cultural arm of the High Commission of India. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Minister Sunil Handunnetti, and Deputy Minister Chaturanga Abeysinghe and National Crafts Council more..

Nov 15 (FT) Hayleys Group said it had sustained its strong growth trajectory during the first six months of the financial year ending 31 March 2026, generating a Profit Before Tax (PBT of Rs. 13.33 billion, a 5% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. Consolidated revenue grew by 13% to Rs. 138.89 billion during 2Q, supported by commendable growth in domestic businesses, which was complemented by the group’s resilient export businesses. more..

Nov 15 (FT) CoPF, chaired by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, has reviewed the draft report on the Appropriation Bill for the 2026 financial year, noting that it aligns with the IMF program commitments. Committee highlighted both improved fiscal space from higher 2025 revenue and fresh challenges ahead as vehicle import–driven revenue slows. The draft report prepared under Standing Order 121(5)(i) on the Appropriation Bill for more..

Nov 15 (FT) Dialog Axiata announced strong results for the nine months ended 30 September 2025, across its Mobile, Fixed Line and Digital Pay Television businesses, achieving positive revenue growth of 6% year-to-date (YTD) to reach Rs. 133.1 billion for the first nine months of 2025. This was despite the continued strategic scaling down of its low-margin international wholesale business. Core revenue for the period reached Rs. 128.9 billion up 18% YTD. On a quarter-on-quarter more..

Nov 15 (DM) Colombo High Court sentenced a father who pleaded guilty to raping his 14-year-old daughter to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment. As the accused admitted to the charge before court, sentence was imposed without any fine or compensation order. According to the facts revealed, during the December school holidays in 2018, the accused had raped his 14-year-old daughter when no one else was at home. He had also intimidated the victim and restrained her, warning her more..

Nov 15 (ST) This year’s budget for the estate workers being almost similar to last year’s budget proposal which went unimplemented has prompted trade unions and workers to express displeasure and mistrust about the proposal. The difference between last year’s budget proposal and this year’s is that there has been an increase of Rs 50. Unions have expressed their concerns regarding the proposal as the more..

Nov 15 (FT) In a move to strengthen the country’s fuel security, the Cabinet this week approved constructing new storage tanks and replace aging ones at the Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela terminals, enabling the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminal Company (CPSTL) to maintain a minimum petroleum stock sufficient for 45 days. It was approved to finance the project using CPSTL’s own funds, recognising the critical importance of ensuring a continuous and stable supply of more..

Nov 15 (FT) A major milestone in Colombo’s, transformation into a regional hub is set to unfold with the development of the 34-storey Colombo Gateway Tower One at Port City Colombo, a state-of-the-art office infrastructure by a Singapore-led investor consortium spearheaded by Canary Wharf Holdings Ltd. Slated to break ground in May 2026, with an anticipated completion in June 2029, Canary Wharf is the development arm of Investment Advisory firm Platinum Advisors Ltd,. more..

Nov 15 (Island) Recently, an elephant drive was launched in the Hambantota District with the aim of mitigating the human–elephant conflict (HEC). However, the real question is whether HEC can truly be mitigated through elephant drives. Decades of scientific research in SL have consistently shown that such drives are not only ineffective but also waste public funds and severely disrupt elephant social structures. Some authorities assert that they are conducting this particular drive more..

Nov 15 (FT) If you were looking to assess the quality and condition of governance in Sri Lanka of late, how well would you set about it? An analytical survey of the relevant (and sometimes irrelevant) stats as essayed by Verité or Advocata, et al.? Or a finger on the popular (or often unpopular) pulse as enterprised by LMD’s biz confidence index? There are times when the good sense of the usual metrics – managing key macroeconomic indicators, boosting public or investor confidence and more..