Feb 5 (ST) Counsel representing all 24 accused in the Trial-at-Bar into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks have decided to withdraw from cases due to difficulties they face in view of the expeditious nature of trial proceedings. On Jan 22, four lawyers – Attorneys K.S. Ratnavale, Ghazali Hussain, Rushdhie Habeeb and Niranjan Siriwardena, who collectively represent 24 indicted suspects – filed a motion informing the Bench that they would more..

Feb 5 (DM) Renting a house or an apartment in Colombo is now becoming next to impossible due to exorbitant rental fees. Around 10-15 years ago, the real estate value for annexes and rooms in areas such as Nugegoda, Maharagama, Kohuwala and surrounding areas remained below Rs. 50,000. Today, a room that is described as most suitable for working couples or students would cost around Rs. 30,000 indicating the shift in prices. But in most instances, such accommodation doesn’t even more..

Feb 5 (DM) US Prez Donald Trump has said multiple times that he wants Canada to be the 51st. State of the United States, and not an independent country as it has been all along. Trump’s aim is to bring the entire Western Hemisphere under US control, ostensibly to face a perceived threat from Russia and China or even a European power. In pursuit of his objective, Trump is exploiting separatist sentiments in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, sentiments rooted in a feeling of being more..

Feb 5 (Island) The argy-bargy is done, and the battle’s lost and won, one might say with apologies to the Bard. A prolonged tug of war between Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Constitutional Council (CC) has come to an end. The newly reconstituted CC has unanimously approved Prez’s nominee for the post of Auditor General (AG). The National Audit Office (NAO), which remained headless for months, now has a new head—Samudrika Jayaratne, who has served as more..

Feb 5 (TM) When the NPP Govt swept into office, it did so on a singular, compelling promise: system change. It pledged to dismantle corruption, end nepotism, and restore credibility to institutions hollowed out by decades of political interference. For a country battered by economic collapse and moral exhaustion, that promise was not merely attractive, it was essential. 16 months into governance, the delayed appointment of an Auditor General has become a defining moment for that pledge. more..

Feb 5 (SO) Water holds a unique place in our lives. Not only for fulfilling the daily needs such as drinking, washing, food production, energy generation, and transportation, but also taking pride of place in SL’s health, hygiene, and spiritual values.Water is not an unlimited resource. Even though 70% percent of the planet earth is covered in water, only three percent is freshwater. Two-thirds of the freshwater is unavailable for more..

Feb 5 (ST) On that fine and sunny February morn 78 years ago, Britain, still morosely sulking over the loss of India that crowned her vast empire on which the sun never set but always rose at dawn, performed one little chore, one small duty that remained to be done before leaving for old England. It involved the formal ritual of ceremoniously handing over, on a silver platter, the royal gift of independence granted by His Majesty the King of England to the people of Ceylon and more..

Feb 5 (CT) Few infrastructure projects in SL better illustrate the country’s uneasy relationship with long-term planning, foreign financing and political continuity than the Central Expressway. The first section of the E04, stretching from Kadawatha to Mirigama, is once again inching forward. Yet, it is doing so under a cloud of uncertainty that raises uncomfortable questions about governance, credibility and the real cost of delay. On the surface, there is reason for cautious optimism. more..

Feb 5 (TM) Sri Lanka’s economic stabilisation under the IMF-supported EFF has delivered tangible macroeconomic improvements, including sharply lower inflation, stronger revenue performance, and a recovery in output from crisis lows. However, remarks made last week by senior IMF officials suggest that while the stabilisation phase is largely on track, the country’s medium-term growth trajectory remains uncertain and more..

Feb 5 (GV) In regional politics yesterday’s adversaries often become today’s strategic partners. History repeatedly shows that geopolitical interests can override past hostilities. This reality now raises a deeply unsettling question for the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. If former adversaries of India can become its trusted partners does that also mean that long standing friends of the Tamil people risk becoming inconvenient voices when strategic interests demand silence? more..

Feb 5 (SO) When Cyclone Ditwah hit Sri Lanka, the military did most of the heavy lifting. They carried out search-and-rescue operations, moved supplies, and restored access. The military was the first to respond whenever the Govt wanted to do something fast, technical, and coordinated. For critics, this is proof that Sri Lanka is sliding deeper into militarisation- the so-called militarisation of Sri Lankan society. However, this is the result not so much of the military creeping into civilian functions more..

Feb 4 (Island) Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday raised concerns over the recent suspension of Parliament’s Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff, Chaminda Kularatne, alleging that the process appeared to be mala fide. Addressing Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament, Premadasa said that the existence of a personal disagreement between the Speaker and the suspended official had more..

Feb 4 (CT) Govt has assured that it will soon address the pending issues faced by CEB employees who have opted for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. He acknowledged growing concerns among employees whose travel plans, visa arrangements, and personal commitments have been disrupted due to delays in their official release from the CEB. “We are aware that several employees who opted for VRS are in a more..

Feb 4 (FT) Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday that over 24,000 passengers have used the newly introduced electronic gates at the BIA since the soft launch on 23 Dec 2025. Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing, he said that, on average, around 4% of total arriving passengers have opted to use the e-gates to enter the country. He noted that while uptake is still relatively modest, the figures indicate growing public acceptance of the system during its initial phase. more..

Feb 4 (Island) Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament that the CIABOC has commenced an investigation into the 2020 sugar scam. He said the probe had been initially handled by the CID, which sought the AG's instructions on further proceedings. Acting on those instructions, CID referred the matter to CIABOC for further investigation. The findings so far have been handed over to CIABOC, for further investigation. more..

Feb 4 (CT) In line with the 78th National Independence Day, SL Army announced that promotions will be granted today to 9,158 non-commissioned officers. Accordingly, the promotions have been awarded with effect from 4 Feb. Under the promotions, 260 senior non-commissioned officers holding the rank of Warrant Officer II have been promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer I, while 1,211 senior non-commissioned officers holding the rank of Staff Sergeant have been promoted to more..

Feb 4 (TM) A cousin of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Bandara Rambukwella, was arrested on allegations of money laundering by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. He was taken into custody yesterday at his residence, the Police said. The court later ordered that Bandara Rambukwella be remanded until 10 February. Meanwhile, an individual was arrested at the BIA while attempting to smuggle a large quantity of foreign currency into SL. more..

Feb 4 (CI) Chasing a modest target of 129, Sri Lanka once again found themselves in the throws of a middle-order trough, but on a third-use wicket, one where turn was far from infrequent, their plan to employ seven specialist batters was seemingly on the verge of finally paying off. On paper, this was the perfect use case. A batting collapse, but in a low-scoring thriller, so that the extra batter would not be burdened by scoreboard pressure, and therefore, presumably, able to shepherd home more..

Feb 4 (Island) Hemas Hospitals has strengthened its regional healthcare positioning with the launch of Adora Cosmetic Centre at Hemas Hospital Wattala, introducing a hospital-backed, clinically governed model of aesthetic medicine at a time when South Asia’s cosmetic sector is expanding faster than regulation. Unlike standalone cosmetic clinics, Adora is fully integrated into the Hemas Hospital ecosystem, embedding aesthetic services within hospital-grade infrastructure, multidisciplinary more..

Feb 4 (FT) Prez Anura Kumara convened a high-level meeting to review SL’s preparedness for its Third Mutual Evaluation on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), signalling direct presidential oversight of a process critical to safeguarding the country’s standing in the global financial system. The meeting comes as SL prepares to demonstrate technical compliance more..

Feb 4 (AD) Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the Renewable Energy Resources Development Plan 2025-2030, with the objectives of fulfilling 70% of the national electricity demand from renewable energy resources by the year 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2050, in accordance with the National Policy on Renewable Energy. SL Sustainable Energy Authority Act No. 35 of 2007 mandates the preparation of the aforementioned plan as well, more..

Feb 4 (DM) National carrier SriLankan Airlines has received around 200 applications for the post of CEO, Deputy Minister Janitha Kodithuwakku told Parliament. He said 75 applicants have been shortlisted. MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who raised the question on the national carrier said the application sent by former CEO of Papua New Guinea national airline has been rejected by the govt. The national carrier has been gearing up for a leadership change from February last year, more..

Feb 4 (FT) Ocean Lanka’s commitment to developing a future-ready workforce continues through the OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel, which recently marked the successful completion of its second training batch, with 33 employees graduating from the program. The OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel was established in 2023 with the goal of methodically improving industrial knowledge, practical proficiency, and technical expertise in the textile and apparel sector. more..

Feb 4 (FT) Event Management Association (EMA) of SL marked a historic milestone during its 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 27 Jan, at the Burgher Recreation Club (BRC). Evening was defined by a celebration of past achievements and a transformative announcement for the future of the events landscape in SL. Outgoing President Nisal Caldera addressed the assembly, reflecting on a highly successful tenure characterised by community engagement and professional development. more..

Feb 4 (FT) PM Harini Amarasuriya expressed confidence that the Govt is on course to build an economy that delivers benefits to all citizens, describing it as the foundation for a transformative new era. She made these remarks on Sunday while attending MILCO National Dairy Farmers’ Profit Sharing, Introducing Farm/Farm Family Insurance and Appreciation Program held at Temple Trees. The event, organised under the theme more..

Feb 4 (PMD) We commemorate the 78th National Independence Day at a historic moment when, despite numerous challenges, our country is moving steadily forward while regaining economic stability. As Sri Lankans, through our collective struggle, we have within a short period of approximately eighteen months succeeded in achieving tangible economic progress. Amidst adversity, acting collectively and with determination, we have been able to position Sri Lanka on the international stage as more..

Feb 4 (AD) The 78th National Independence Day is marked with renewed hope for freedom. We have now entered a new chapter with a people’s govt formed through the collective will and effort of all citizens. Govt has begun the task of building a nation for future generations, grounded in human values, strengthened by skills, and enriched by intellectual capacity. The time has come for every citizen to fulfil their responsibility to the motherland by contributing meaningfully to the building of a nation more..

Feb 4 (FT) In a continuation of the vision articulated by the PM of India during his visit to SL in April 2025, India is set to undertake a profound gesture of spiritual outreach and cultural diplomacy through the exposition of the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in SL. Holy Relics, presently enshrined at The Maharaja Sayajirao Uni of Baroda, Vadodara, will travel to Colombo for a public exposition 4 to 10 Feb, more..

Feb 4 (AD) As we mark 78 years since gaining independence on February 4, 1948, it is vital to reflect on our history while firmly focusing on the future. When we objectively examine the country’s journey over the past 78 years without extremism, we can identify both significant achievements and serious setbacks. It is essential that we understand these realities, critically assess them, and act decisively in the present to lay a strong foundation for a better future. more..

Feb 4 (NW) Authorities have recovered more than 90 million rupees in losses from individuals and groups found to use electricity fraudulently following raids carried out in 2025, CEB reported. The CEB said in a statement that 90,242,561.21 rupees was recovered as compensation for losses incurred by the utility, while a further 2,527,500 rupees was collected as court fees. Investigations by the CEB’s Special Investigation Unit uncovered 1,259 cases of electricity meter tampering and more..

Feb 4 (DN) Two Sri Lanka umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Ravindra Wimalasiri are among the T-20 Umpires list while former Sri Lanka captain Ranjan Madugalle heads the six-member match referees panel for the T-20 World Cup. Dharmasena the former Sri Lanka off spinner and New Zealand’s Wayne Knights will be the on-field umpires for the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and the Netherlands to be played at the SSC ground on February 7. more..

Feb 4 (Island) Another Independence Day has dawned. Elaborate arrangements have been made to celebrate it on a grand scale. The national flag will flutter at full mast majestically to the roll of drums and the blare of trumpets. A colourful parade and a fly-past will be among the day’s many attractions. A ceremony with such pomp and circumstance is an occasion for reflection. Sri Lanka is celebrating the 78th year of Independence while emerging from its worst-ever economic crisis. more..