Feb 12 (AD) Colombo High Court today ordered that further hearing of the case filed against former Minister Johnston Fernando and two others be postponed until March 6, 2026. The case was taken up today before Colombo HC Judge Mohamed Mihal. Former Minister Johnston Fernando and former Operational Director of Sathosa, Mohamed Shakir, who are currently in remand custody in connection with another case, were produced before court by prison officials. more..

Feb 12 (DM) SL continues to face a growing public health challenge as more than one-third of the country’s adult population is now classified as overweight or obese, according to a national nutrition and diet study conducted by Int'l Food Policy Research Institute and Dept of Applied Nutrition, Wayamba Uni. Report which was released in 2024 says that among adults, overweight and obesity are significantly more common in women, with prevalence rates roughly 10 percentage more..

Feb 12 (SLN) SL Navy has generated USD 598,250 in foreign exchange revenue within just four months by independently facilitating Onboard Security Team (OBST) operations. This total revenue has been credited to the Govt Consolidated Fund for the benefit of the national economy and public welfare. The shift to independent maritime security operations stems from a Cabinet decision approved on 7 Jul more..

Feb 12 (AD) The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection has approved the Bill seeking to abolish pension benefits for Members of Parliament. Committee Chair and MP Najith Indika stated that the Bill was unanimously approved during the committee meeting. Speaking on the matter, Committee Chair and MP Najith Indika said the proposal was in line with a key pledge made in the policy statement of the present govt. “Sectoral Oversight Committee more..

Feb 12 (EN) SL’s construction sector is yet to show strong recovery from the 2022 crisis in reality despite positive data by the authorities, an industry expert said. The construction sector contracted 20.8% in 2023 after a 20% collapse in 2022 amid the economic crisis and sharp currency deprecation spiked the cost of construction for customers. In 2024 the sector expanded 19.4% with the expansion of the economy from contraction while it showed a rise of 10.5% in the first nine months of 2025. more..

Feb 12 (CI) SL's powerful middle order blew Oman away in Pallekele, helping them sweep to a 105-run win. In perhaps the most one-sided game of the T20 World Cup so far, Dasun Shanaka struck SL's fastest ever T20I half-century, in 19 balls, while a 28-ball 60 from Pavan Rathnayake and 61 by Kusal Mendis propelled SL to 225, this World Cup's highest score and SL's second-highest in T20 World Cups. Oman did strike early when more..

Feb 12 (NW) Supreme Court has ordered notices to be issued to several former and current state officials in connection with a Fundamental Rights petition challenging govt programs and circulars that permit individuals to change their gender identity through medical procedures. Notices have been issued to former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe, Attorney General on behalf of incumbent Prez Dissanayake, and several other parties in connection with a petition. more..

Feb 12 (AD) Three 16-year-old students have sustained injuries when a boundary wall separating the C.W.W. Kannangara College in Borella and a Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) site collapsed earlier today, police stated. The incident occurred when a backhoe operated by CMC workers crashed into the boundary wall. The falling debris trapped three students who were in the vicinity at the time, police stated. The injured students were rescued and rushed to Colombo National Hospital more..

Feb 12 (FT) The recent cyclonic storm Ditwah disrupted micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) islandwide, caused by production disruptions, infrastructure damage (including roads and mobile networks), supply-chain interruptions, and reduced access to markets. Rapid responses were necessary for the MSME sector to restart business operations and reconnect to markets. In fact, the effects of Cyclone Ditwah might amplify preexisting vulnerabilities in MSME sector, more..

Feb 12 (FT) In SL, the phrase Balance Sheet restructuring is appearing more frequently in stock exchange announcements, annual reports, and business news. For many readers, it seems to be a warning sign—something only distressed firms do. In reality, restructuring can be either a responsible reset or a cosmetic exercise, depending on what is being restructured and whether the company has fixed its underlying operating problems. The key is to understand what restructuring can and more..

Feb 12 (FT) Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma yesterday told International Sovereign Bond (ISB) holders that the Govt would adhere strictly to the 17th IMF program targets and structural reform commitments, during a scheduled investor call focused on macro-linked and governance-linked Bonds issued under the restructuring. He said fiscal consolidation remains anchored to agreed primary surplus targets, more..

Feb 12 (Island) Action was taken on Monday to drain rainwater from the Chemmani mass graves as preparations continued for the next phase of excavation. During the first and second phases of excavation at Chemmani, a total of 240 sets of human skeletal remains were identified. Of these, 239 sets have so far been exhumed under court supervision. Although funds had already been allocated and preliminary arrangements were in place to begin the third phase of excavation, more..

Feb 12 (AD) New data from the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows a major shift in international student trends. While the number of overseas students studying inside the UK has declined, enrolments in UK education programs delivered abroad are rising strongly. UK hosted 685,565 int'l students in 2024/25, a 6% decline compared to 2023/24. UK Home Office data shows that in the year ending Sept 2025, there were 439,924 sponsored study visa grants, more..

Feb 12 (Island) SL’s small and medium enterprise (SME) sector—responsible for 52% of GDP and employing nearly half the national workforce—has become the next decisive test of the country’s fragile economic recovery. A proposal to establish a Rs. 300 billion Bad Bank to absorb distressed SME loans now places policymakers at a crossroads: act boldly to revive credit and growth, or risk entrenching stagnation in real economy. more..

Feb 12 (ANI) The revered Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha has return to India after a ceremonial departure from BIA, marking a significant moment in India-SL civilisational ties. The sacred relics were on display at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo from Feb 4 to Feb 11, for the first-ever international exposition. The delegation returning the Holy Relics to India was led by Mangubhai C Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, and Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. more..

Feb 12 (AD) Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni has proposed the conduct of monthly drug review meetings in every hospital to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines. He made these remarks during an inspection visit to the Matara District General Hospital. Deputy Minister emphasized that such review meetings are crucial for identifying potential drug shortages in advance and implementing timely solutions. He noted that the meetings would also help maintain more..

Feb 12 (FT) SL is ready to catalyse the next wave of impact investment by aligning gender inclusion with climate resilience, said Singapore-based Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) Chief Operating Officer Angela Ng. Addressing stakeholders at the first-ever Lanka Impact Investment Summit (LIIS) 2026 in Colombo, she said the two-day discussions signalled a turning point in the country’s sustainable finance journey. “Summit sends a very strong signal that SL is ready to shape its economic future with the right intention,” she said, more..

Feb 12 (TM) SL students of Nalanda University, Rajgir, India, celebrated the 78th Independence Day of SL on 4 February at the university premises. The event was held under the guidance and patronage of the Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University, Dr. Sachin Chaturvedi. The celebration took place in the evening and highlighted SL’s rich cultural heritage. Students presented traditional cultural performances, music, and displays that reflected SL’s history, diversity & national identity. more..

Feb 12 (TM) With the threat of a strike by engineers of the CEB looming, signifying possible blackouts on the horizon, informed sources of the Energy Ministry vouched the country will not be faced with such a situation. Informed Ministry sources waived off possibilities of any strikes within the CEB, noting there was a backlash of some employees against the trade union (TU) leaders. “Over 2,000 people have been given option more..

Feb 12 (DN) Sri Lanka marks the one hundredth anniversary of first-class Cricket today (F12). Sri Lanka played their first ever first-class match on the 12th and 13th of Feb 1926, exactly one hundred years ago. A Bombay XI led by all rounder W.E. Lucas fitted against Dr John Rockwood’s Ceylon XI Ied by wicket keeper batsman Major F.R.R. Brooke in a two day match at the Nondescript Cricket Club ground on 12th and 13th Feb, 1926 which was regarded as first ever first-class match in SL. more..

Feb 12 (Island) Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign has hit another pothole on a road already full of bumps after champion leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out of the tournament with a torn hamstring. The injury, sustained during Sunday’s opener against Ireland, leaves the former champions nursing a second casualty following young quick Eshan Malinga’s shoulder setback earlier this month. Fellow leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha has been drafted in as replacement. more..

Feb 12 (DM) Control Union Sri Lanka has officially opened its new analytical laboratory, marking a significant milestone as the 28th laboratory within the global Control Union network and the first PCR-based food testing laboratory in the country. The facility launch held on February 5 reinforces the company’s century-long commitment to delivering trusted testing, inspection and certification services across international supply chains. The event invited delegates from more..

Feb 12 (CI) Crishan Kalugamage can make a mean pizza. But when he's not busy hand-tossing dough at the pizzeria he works at in Lucca, in the heart of Tuscany, he's giving the ball a rip on an astroturf ground in Rome, fine-tuning his legspin with the same precision. Cricket, for Kalugamage, has never been a casual pursuit. It's been a sustained commitment alongside his day job, fuelled by little more than love for the game and a stubborn belief that it could take him somewhere someday. more..

Feb 12 (ST) Sri Lanka’s inefficient public transport services are well reflected in the state-run bus service, which for decades had accumulated billions in financial losses in the hands of corrupt politicians and their incompetent appointees. And turning around the state bus service along with filling up staff gaps now is a daunting undertaking. According to reports, 55 of the Sri Lanka Transport Board’s (SLTB) depots are running at a loss. more..

Feb 12 (FT) Indian Hotels Company Ltd, (IHCL) has signed an agreement to develop a 220-key Taj-branded hotel in Weligama, expanding its presence in SL’s southern coastal belt. The greenfield project will comprise 220 keys, including 80 luxury apartments. IHCL CEO Puneet Chhatwal said Weligama was emerging as a prominent coastal destination, supported by growth in surfing, wellness, and nature-led tourism. He said the development would reinforce the Taj brand’s more..

Feb 12 (FT) The Cargills Group has reported a strong financial performance for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, demonstrating resilience despite severe weather disruptions experienced across Sri Lanka during the period. Group revenue for the quarter reached Rs. 70.8 billion, reflecting a 14.5% year-on-year (YoY) increase, while Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) grew 29% to Rs. 7.3 billion. Profit After Tax (PAT) rose 79.3% to Rs. 2.9 bi more..

Feb 12 (CI) As Sri Lanka prepare for their crucial encounter against Oman in Pallekele, senior quick Dushmantha Chameera has made it clear that the team cannot afford to dwell on the absence of star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. Speaking ahead of the match, Chameera acknowledged the void left by the allrounder's absence but sought to focus on a unified team response. A limping Hasaranga picked up more..

Feb 12 (FT) Stakeholder engagement on proposed tariff reforms under the 2026 Budget has commenced, with the Govt initiating consultations aimed at supporting domestic industries while aligning trade policy with broader economic growth objectives. The initiative is being jointly carried out by the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry, the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry, the World Bank, and other relevant agencies. more..

Feb 12 (TM) Sri Lanka claimed two medals, a silver and a bronze, at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026, being held from 2-14 Feb in New Delhi, India. SL claimed the silver medal in an Individual Event, while the bronze medal came from a Team Event. Umaya Kumarasiri, a senior student of Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya, won the silver medal of the 10m Air Rifle Women Youth event, finishing her event on 247.4 points. She became the only SL shooter among three to reach the Top 8 more..

Feb 12 (FT) Siddhalepa, SL’s most trusted Ayurvedic healthcare brand, has been awarded Superbrands Sri Lanka status, reaffirming its long-standing position as one of the nation’s most respected heritage brands with deep roots in Ayurveda. The recognition celebrates Siddhalepa’s enduring commitment to authenticity, holistic wellbeing, and consistent brand excellence spanning over nine decades. Founded in 1934, Siddhalepa has become synonymous with natural healing in SL, more..

Feb 12 (TM) Sri Lanka’s rise from 121 to 107 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index is welcome news. After years of economic collapse, political upheaval and institutional distrust, any signal of improvement in governance carries weight. A 14-place climb is not insignificant. It suggests that something has shifted. But what, exactly, has changed, and how deep does that change run? To understand this moment, we must return to 2022. more..