Jan 1 (AM) SLMC Colombo Municipal Council member Zohara Buhary has said that, as a woman, she had the courage to stand firm and defeat the opposition by voting in favour of the budget. Speaking about her decision to vote in support of the second reading of the Colombo Municipal Council budget on 31 Dec, Buhari said she backed the budget unconditionally as it contained no flaws. She maintained that she was not subjected to any pressure to cast her vote in favour of budget more..

Jan 1 (FT) THE main Opposition party, SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva criticised the recent comments by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa that broadcasting licences can be revoked if media houses publish news detrimental to public health. Taking to X, Dr. de Silva said: “Is Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa threatening that their NPP Govt which came to office promising to repeal the draconian Online Safety Act will now use the same draconian law to revoke the broadcasting licences of more..

Jan 1 (Island) Highlighting the spirit of global and regional cooperation, SL Navy acknowledged the invaluable support by foreign warships, which had arrived to take part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025, extending much-needed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, during the recent weather disaster in SL. The IFR 2025 was held off the Galle Face seas, marking the milestone 75th more..

Jan 1 (CT) The Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha resolved not to grant approval for meat-based restaurants within the vicinity of the historic Nallur Temple area, including the Chemmani locality in Jaffna, citing the religious and cultural sensitivity of the zone. The decision was taken at the Pradeshiya Sabha meeting held on Tuesday, chaired by Chairman P. Mayuran. Members observed that the main entrance to Jaffna, marked by the prominent arch, lies within this area and encompasses several sites more..

Jan 1 (NW) Recalled all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva struck a blistering unbeaten 95 to steer Team B to a six-wicket win over Team A in a practice T20 match organized by Sri Lanka Cricket, as selectors stepped up preparations ahead of the upcoming Pakistan tour and the ICC T20 World Cup. The match was played at the R. Premadasa Stadium. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Team A posted a competitive 206 for 4, powered by captain Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 73 off 33 balls more..

Jan 1 (PMD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy this morning, where he paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic and received blessings for the New Year. Thereafter, Prez called on the Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters and received their blessings. Prez also participated in religious observances held at the Temple of the more..

Jan 1 (EN) SL’s construction sector increased in November, registering a value of 66.2, up from the previous month’s 64.3, on a Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the central bank. “Most firms reported improved construction activity during the month, despite the weather-related disruptions towards the end of the period,” central bank said. The New Orders sub index expanded at a slower rate, registering 64.7 in Nov from 67.1 in Oct. The Employment sub index rose at a higher rate, more..

Jan 1 (AD) An officer attached to the Ambalantota Police who was on duty on New Year’s Eve has died after being run over by a car driven by an individual who was under the influence, police stated. The fatal accident occurred at around 2.30 a.m. today (01) at a roadblock near the bridge over the Walawe Ganga in Ambalantota. Police said the vehicle, which was heading towards Ambalantota, failed to stop despite being ordered to do so and collide with the police officer on duty. more..

Jan 1 (FT) A refreshing 31,557,600 seconds in 2026 are with us. The sparkling spirit of a new year invites us not only to have brand new thoughts but to convert them into grand actions. As usual, people tend to have New Year resolutions. My suggestion is to go beyond scant resolutions, to have specific reinforcements. As an appetiser for a productive new year, I would like to share twenty-six thoughts for 2026 as essentials for excellence, especially with the SL managers in mind. more..

Jan 1 (FT) In a good part of the island, violent winds and gushing waters left a scene of utter destruction. Bridges were blown away, roads damaged, buildings brought down, rail lines swept aside, houses destroyed and much of the farmland left in ruins. Many a family have lost a dear one while many more are left destitute. A poor nation sees its hopes and aspirations receding further into the horizon. We are inclined to see the earth as bountiful, custom-made for human needs. more..

Jan 1 (NW) As we step into the New Year 2026, we do so as a nation that has shouldered the greatest reform programme and reconstruction effort in our modern history. Despite numerous challenges, the year 2025 laid the foundation for sustainable development rooted in our national aspirations. Among the significant economic achievements of the past year were the recording of the lowest budget deficit since 1977, the highest govt revenue more..

Jan 1 (CT) Minister K.D. Lalkantha accused media institutions in Sri Lanka of focusing excessively on negative developments while overlooking what he described as positive progress made by the govt. Addressing an event, the Minister claimed that media organisations which frequently report on setbacks and shortcomings in the country are themselves flawed institutions. “The media outlets that speak of upsets in the country are themselves upset institutions.” more..

Jan 1 (TM) T Environment Ministry is teaming up with the private sector to promote cloth bags as a sustainable alternative to polythene bags for the Sri Pada pilgrimage, as part of the Govt's plan to make Adam's Peak a polythene-free zone. Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody said that private sector sponsors have offered to provide cloth bags to replace polythene bags used by pilgrims. The Ministry has also enlisted media help to raise awareness about environmental precautions during pilgrimage, more..

Jan 1 (AD) A Gazette notification has been issued by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, establishing a Rebuilding SL Presidential Task Force. The 25-member task force has been formed to provide strategic leadership, coordination, a unified approach towards and oversight of all post–disaster rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction matters following Cyclone Ditwah. PM Harini Amarasuriya has been appointed as the Chairman of more..

Jan 1 (DN) SL’s top-ranked squash star Ravindu Laksiri once again proved his class by winning his 13th consecutive Men’s Open title, while national women’s number one Chanithma Sinaly secured her second straight Women’s Open crown at the 45th Sri Lanka Senior National Squash Championship 2025 – PSA Satellite Event, organised by Sri Lanka Squash and concluded at the Air Force Squash Complex on Tuesday night. In the Men’s Open final, the undisputed national champion more..

Jan 1 (TM) Right to Information (RTI) Commission stated that although the RTI Act, No. 12 of 2016 provides it with a degree of independence to make staff recruitments, this has not been possible in practice due to limitations imposed by the Treasury, which controls funding. RTI Commission’s Director General (DG) K.D.S. Ruwanchandra said that public sector recruitments have been restricted by the Government, and that this has affected the Commission. He added that the issue is not more..

Jan 1 (Island) Bar Association of SL (BASL) has protested against the way the NPP/JVP govt promoted judicial officers (magistrates, district judges), judges of the High Court and the Court of Appeal. The BASL, in a letter dated 29 Dec, 2025, to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with copies to the Chairman and members of the Constitutional Council, Chief Justice, Justice Minister and Secretary Judicial Service Commission, has emphasised that promotions must continue to more..

Jan 1 (EN) SL’s inflation was 2.1% in the 12 months to Dec 2025, with prices rising 1.2% in the month. Colombo Consumer Price Index rose 1.2% in Dec to 195.8 points from 193.4 points in Nov. Consumer prices have risen 3.4% over 39-months from Sept 2022, when CB’s deflationary policy stated to show up in the balance of payments. In 2025 prices fell absolutely from 192.6 points in January to 191.2 to April and the index started to climb slightly as the rupee depreciated. more..

Jan 1 (FT) Indian has announced a doubling of financial commitment to three housing projects in the Northern and Southern Provinces. Diplomatic Letters to effect the revised assistance were exchanged by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Housing Construction and Water Supply Ministry Secretary, L.B. Kumudu Lal at a ceremony held at the High Commission of India on 30 Dec 2025. Over 1,550 families will benefit more..

Jan 1 (FT) The country’s aviation sector has recorded a marked recovery and expansion during the first 11 months of 2025, with international passenger traffic, aircraft movements, and tourist arrivals all posting double-digit growth compared to the same period last year, according to the Ports & Civil Aviation Ministry. The Ministry said that from Jan to Nov 2025, international passenger movements reached 9.23 million, reflecting a 15.20% increase over the corresponding more..

Jan 1 (FT) Business Promoters & Partners Engineering Ltd., (BPPE) has issued the following Right of Reply to the article headlined ‘RTI exposes irregularities in SL water contracts involving Chinese SOEs – PMAC calls for accountability and urgent probe into unsolicited bids and inflated costs’ published in the Daily FT on 29 November 2025: We write on behalf of BPPE with reference to the above-titled article published on 29 November 2025, which makes reference to BPPE’s participation in more..

Jan 1 (FT) Pioneering business magazine LMD has announced that its Sri Lankan Of The Year (SLOTY) for 2025 is racing prodigy Yevan David. David is the youngest since LMD’s annual award was presented to the late Lakshman Kadirgamar back in 1994. “At the ripe young age of 18, when most teenagers are discovering the outlines of their aspirations, David has already carved his name into the international motorsport arena,” said LMD. “Yevan David’s trajectory is a signal of a new generation more..

Jan 1 (FT) During the year 2025, SL Coast Guard (SLCG), with the assistance of other stakeholders, has taken into custody illegal narcotics worth over Rs. 370 million along with 71 suspects. The SLCG has been collaborating closely with the SL Navy, Police, Police Narcotics Bureau, State Intelligence Service, and the STF, sharing information during anti-drug operations. As a result, significant quantities of illegal narcotics were seized, including over 5 kilograms of ICE more..

Jan 1 (EN) In 2025, Sri Lanka navigated a turbulent path under the new NPP govt, balancing economic stabilization post-2022 crisis with reforms, only to be derailed by the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah in late November. Drawing from EconomyNext’s extensive reporting—focused on economy, business, and policy — the year saw optimism in tourism and growth forecasts, IMF-backed progress, and fiscal gains, but more..

Jan 1 (NW) As we move forward to the New Year of 2026, it is timely to reflect on the year 2025 that has passed. The year 2025 can be granted as a year having made a number of decisive and progressive steps with a people oriented govt. I am confident that, within a new political culture, we were able to strengthen transparency in state governance and lay the foundation for an efficient and corruption free public service. We can be satisfied with the progress achieved in several key areas during 2025, more..

Jan 1 (Island) CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd., the master developer of Port City Colombo, reaffirms its commitment to attracting Foreign Direct Investments into SL, and delivering further infrastructure milestones, as the project enters a new era of commercial operations and vertical development. “Since its commencement in 2014, Port City Colombo’s strategic vision has always been centred on the betterment of the SL community and the advancement of the country’s economy,” more..

Jan 1 (EN) Sri Lanka Customs has earned 870 billion rupees from vehicle imports, with year end collections expected to be around 2,545 billion rupees by the last week of December, Customs spokesman Chandana Punchihewa said. SL customs was initially given a target of 2,115 billion rupees, which was revised up to 2,231 billion rupees, he said. “The target also incorporated the expected revenues from vehicles,” more..

Jan 1 (NW) Let us face challenges and wisely overcome them ! There is no doubt that the New Year 2026 will be a challenging year for our motherland. From today onward, we must all resolve to recognize this reality clearly and to act by giving precedence to intellect over emotion. The economic, social, and political challenges we have faced in the aftermath of an unexpected and catastrophic situation have now expanded to a new dimension. It is evident that these challenges cannot be more..

Jan 1 (FT) Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne said compensation amounting to Rs. 4,983 million has been paid to 67,460 paddy farmers whose cultivations were damaged by Cyclone Ditwah. A total of 148,464 paddy farmers have submitted claims for crop losses, covering an affected extent of 71,110 hectares. Of these, 10,801 farmers who had also cultivated additional crops received their compensation last Friday. Rs. 3,381.4 million of the total compensation has been paid in cash more..

Jan 1 (FT) Macksons Tiles Lanka Ltd, (Macktiles) has achieved a significant milestone with its first export of tiles to Australia, marking an important step in the company’s international expansion and Sri Lanka’s growing presence in value-added manufacturing. Manufactured using premium Sri Lankan raw materials and produced with advanced Italian technology, Macktiles products reflect a commitment to precision engineering, durability, and global quality standards. more..

Jan 1 (FT) Evergreen Group situated in Horangalla, Thalgaswala in Galle district has produced and sold the highest quantity of tea for a group in Sri Lanka in 2025 selling 10,379,568.00 kilos thus establishing it as the largest tea producing private group for the eighth consecutive year. Aruna de Silva is the Chairman of Evergreen Group of Companies. The overall operations are spearheaded by Deputy Chairman Senal de Silva, Director Minul de Silva, Director Rekadahena Plantations more..