Jan 7 (WTC) Word has it that the first Arabica seeds planted on SL’s soil originated from Yemen and were brought to the island by Arabs via India in the early 1600s. The first ones to cultivate coffee were the Dutch who shipped plants from the Amsterdam botanical gardens. Crop was discovered as potentially profitable almost a century later by the Dutch East India Company, who controlled major coastal regions of SL at the time more..

Jan 7 (Island) When the NPP won elections in 2024, there was much hope that the country’s education sector could be made better. Besides the promise of good governance and system change that the NPP offered, this hope was fuelled in part by the appointment of an academic who was at the forefront of the struggle to strengthen free public education and actively involved in the campaign for 6% of GDP for education, as the Minister of Education. Reforms in the education sector more..

Jan 7 (GV) In the first quarter of 2026, CEB’s plan of increasing electricity tariffs by 11.57% has understandably sparked public anxiety around affordability. In a shaky economy, electricity prices are foremost on the minds of households, businesses and industry, and discussions about fairness are unavoidable. But tariffs are more than just prices. They are also signals. Yet, read side by side with the National Electricity Plan, the latest tariff proposal exposes something deeper than more..

Jan 7 (Island) Lessons of history often go unlearnt in SL politics, defined by policy contradictions and about-turns. NPP govt is planning to relaunch a risky mission that a powerful regime once had to abandon for fear of a backlash. Yesterday, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said that NPP govt had given thought to introducing a pension scheme for the private sector workers because the current lump-sum EPF payments did not help achieve the desired social security goals. more..

Jan 7 (CT) Deciding whether to plan or not has always been a complex question for urban and regional planners—yet after every natural disaster, it reemerges with renewed urgency. Planning is crucial to guide organised growth, protect lives, ensure access to services, safeguard the environment, and uphold quality of life. Without it, chaos ensues. However, disasters also expose the limitations of rigid, technocratic planning: plans that ignore lived realities, silence communities, more..

Jan 7 (CT) Looking back at 2025, it is clear that Sri Lanka’s 21 million citizens allowed the NPP–JVP alliance both time and political space to attempt a new model of governance. While translating rhetoric into results is never easy, the Govt entered the year’s final phase without having faced its most severe tests. That changed with a controversy surrounding a Grade 6 school textbook, which included links to external websites more..

Jan 7 (ST) SL’s tourism boom in 2025 ended not with fireworks, but with a tuk-tuk turmoil. While SL proudly celebrated over 2.3 million tourist arrivals during the year, the final weeks were overshadowed by ugly tuk-tuk chaos in several popular destinations. Organised groups of local tuk-tuk drivers were reported to have harassed tourists and clashed with drivers attached to ride-hailing platforms like PickMe and Uber. Protests against app-based transport services have steadily more..

Jan 7 (DM) Nature seems to beat war with a market-driven investment pattern, slowly decaying the means of survival for the masses. In many ways, this ecological pushback expressed through Cyclone Ditwah mirrors the 2022 people’s uprising, which sought to overthrow an entrenched political establishment. Just as that quest remains incomplete, nature is waging its own campaign against an economy dictated by self-interest. As the climate breaks, more decisive acts of more..

Jan 7 (TM) In the final two weeks of December, three-wheeler drivers at major tourist hubs such as Ella, Weligama, and Sigiriya renewed protests against app-based ride-hailing platforms, including PickMe and Uber, claiming that the rapid expansion of these services was steadily eroding their livelihoods. SL’s transportation sector has been lagging for decades, and with a large volume of three-wheelers in the island with little or more..

Jan 7 (CT) Sri Lanka’s record earnings of USD 7.8 billion from foreign employment last year have been presented as a moment of national achievement, and in purely numerical terms, they are. At a time when the economy remains fragile and recovery continues to feel uneven, remittances from overseas workers once again appear as a financial lifeline. Yet numbers, however impressive, rarely tell the full story. Behind this figure lies a reality that demands closer scrutiny, because more..

Jan 7 (TM) The recent military operation conducted by the US in Venezuela, resulting in Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro being taken into US custody and presented before the US legal system, has triggered serious int'l controversy. Beyond the immediate political shockwaves, the incident raises fundamental questions about int'l laws and legal order, the limits of state power, and the responsibilities of global actors, particularly those entrusted with upholding international peace more..

Jan 6 (DM) Bids have been invited under the National Competitive Procurement Procedure for the printing and supply of vehicle number plates for the Department of Motor Traffic. A total of four bids were submitted in response to the tender. Following an evaluation process, the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee and the Procurement Appeal Board recommended awarding the contract to M/s South Asian Technologies. Accordingly, Cabinet Ministers has approved a proposal more..

Jan 6 (NW) Chief Inspector Niyomal Fernando of the Cinnamon Garden Police Station has formally apologized to journalist Kalpa Gunaratne, following allegations that his fundamental rights were violated during an unlawful arrest and torture, a case that was brought before the SL Human Rights Commission. It is reported that on Oct 3, 2024, during the International Book Fair at the BMICH, Gunaratne was arrested while intervening in and recording an incident in which a customer more..

Jan 6 (NW) SL Police say it is suspected that illness linked to illicit liquor consumption is the cause of the death of five individuals in the Thambaravila area of the Wennappuwa Police Division today. According to the Police, the incident came to light this morning (6), following information relayed to the 119 Police emergency hotline. Investigations revealed that a group had consumed illicit liquor at their workplace on Sunday more..

Jan 6 (AD) The low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, to the southeast of Sri Lanka is likely to intensify into a depression during the next 24 hours, Dept of Meteorology has warned. The system is expected to move towards the east coast of the island in the next few hours, the Met. Department added. Accordingly, showery conditions over the island, particularly in the Northern, Northcentral, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces are expected to increase from Thursday (8). more..

Jan 6 (Hindu) The family of a fisherman, who is currently held in Jaffna prison by the SL Navy for allegedly crossing the Int'l Maritime Border Line, has submitted a petition with the District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon requesting the govt to take immediate action for his release. They highlighted that the fisherman suffers from mental health issues and requires regular medication. On Dec 30, three fishermen—Prabhu, 49, Nagaraj, 47, and Ruben, 45—who set out for fishing more..

Jan 6 (TS) For months after his father was beaten to near death by a group of armed assailants while visiting his home village in SL, Ganesh Subramaniam was left asking himself: who would do such a thing, and why? It took more than a year for SL authorities to offer a shocking theory: the attack on Ganesh’s father — who founded the Sri Ayyappan Hindu Temple in Scarborough more than 40 years ago — was allegedly ordered on more..

Jan 6 (TM) The death toll from the tragic house fire in Galenbindunuwewa has risen to three following the passing of the suspect’s wife while undergoing treatment. The incident occurred at around 2 a.m. today in the Padikaramaduwa area of Nuwaragam Colony. A 43-year-old man set fire to his own residence using petrol following a domestic dispute. The man and his 13-year-old daughter died at the scene. Police confirmed that the suspect’s 36-year-old wife, who had been hospitalized with more..

Jan 6 (DM) The Cabinet has approved the purchase of 350 housing units at the Harbour View Residencies project in Colombo 13 for officers serving in the SL Police. The housing project, located on Cyril C. Perera Mawatha, Colombo 13, comprises 452 units across 14 floors and was developed to provide accommodation for officers in govt and semi-govt institutions. Under the approved plan, UDA will also construct sufficient vehicle parking facilities for the units. more..

Jan 6 (DM) Cabinet has approved a resolution submitted by the President to promptly finalize the draft bill for the National Lotteries Board, incorporating proposed amendments. Established under the Finance Act No. 11 of 1963, National Lotteries Board (NLB) is set to undergo legal updates to meet the current demands of the lottery market, nearly 62 years after the original law was enacted. Recognizing the need to modernize the legislation, the Cabinet had approved more..

Jan 6 (CT) Election Commissioner General H.R.P. Peiris said that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that the 2026 voter registration process was carried out without causing disadvantage to any eligible voter. He stated that the Election Commission would take steps to safeguard the voting rights of individuals who had lost their homes due to the Ditwah disaster or other reasons. Accordingly, Peiris said that instructions were currently being issued to Grama Niladharis more..

Jan 6 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that at a time when people are already struggling due to disasters, fuel prices have been increased, and now there are proposals to raise electricity tariffs as well. Premadasa stated that although the current govt came to power promising to reduce electricity bills by 30% within three years by shifting from fuel‑based power generation to cheaper renewable more..

Jan 6 (FT) Hatch Fund Singapore has announced the completion of its first investment backing Cultive8, a fast-growing agri-technology startup with SL roots and a rapidly expanding regional footprint. Hatch is the centre of gravity for SL’s startup and innovation ecosystem, combining co-working, incubation, mentorship, acceleration, partnerships, and venture funding to startups. This milestone investment reflects Hatch’s commitment to supporting high-potential early winners more..

Jan 6 (DM) A person who attempted to save his companion from a crocodile attack in the Gal Oya River in Periyapallakadu, Akkaraipattu, had fallen victim to it himself. He had been swimming with another to the bank across the river to retrieve a canoe when a crocodile that had emerged from the water sprang at one of them and dragged him underwater. The other person who beat the crocodile with a club and saved his friend. Moments later, the crocodile turned towards the rescuer and more..

Jan 6 (DM) SL has set a target of securing 350,000 foreign employment opportunities in 2026, aiming to build on a record-breaking financial performance in 2025, where workers’ remittances reached an estimated US$ 7.8 billion. Minister Vijitha Herath revealed that 2025 marked a historic high for remittance inflows, surpassing the previous peak of US$ 7.4billion recorded in 2016. “By Nov 2025, remittance income stood at more..

Jan 6 (NW) SL Railways has announced the resumption of the Pulathisi Intercity Express Train and the Ella Odyssey tourist train, as well as special trains for school students. According to the Railway Dept, Pulathisi Intercity train service will resume operations from Jan 9, 2026. It will run every Friday from Colombo Fort to Batticaloa, and every Sunday from Batticaloa to Colombo Fort. Plans are in place to increase the number of train compartments in response to passenger demand. more..

Jan 6 (EN) Cabinet has decided to award a Murban crude deal for four shipment to Singapore-based Vitol Asia, the govt said. Out of the five bids received from the registered suppliers of CPC for procurement of 2,800,000 + 5% barrels of Murban crude oil for a period of four months from 15.04.2026 to 14.08.2026, Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd. of Singapore has been chosen. The decision was taken based on the recommendation of the higher level standing procurement committee with regard to bids, more..

Jan 6 (AD) The Cabinet has approved a proposal to expand dialysis services at govt hospitals through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mechanism, in view of the growing demand for renal care services across the country. Although dialysis facilities are currently available in around 80 govt hospitals, it has been observed that existing resources are insufficient to meet the increasing clinical demand. As a result, kidney patients continue to face significant difficulties in accessing more..

Jan 6 (NW) Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra, says that in 2026, SL entered into several beneficial agreements with foreign countries, strengthened consular services, and implemented a number of welfare measures for migrant workers. He noted that the decades‑old Foreign Service Appointments Act contains many shortcomings, and announced that this year it will be amended and presented as a new Foreign Employment Act. Speaking further, he said several measures will be taken more..

Jan 6 (AD) SL Police have launched special traffic monitoring strategies for 2026 to curb the rising number of road accidents and to improve public safety in the country, ASP F.U. Wootler said. He stated that traffic accidents have become a serious challenge for the SL Police, affecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. Under directives from the IGP, enhanced enforcement and monitoring measures have been more..

Jan 6 (TM) NOLIMIT, SL’s leading Fashion Retail Brand, is proud to announce the grand opening of its 28th store in the heart of Jaffna, a city celebrated for its distinct Northern identity, deep-rooted traditions, and a culture shaped by heritage, learning, and close-knit community life. From its vibrant marketplaces and cuisine to its arts, crafts, and enduring spirit of enterprise, Jaffna stands apart as one of SL’s most culturally significant and fast-evolving urban centers. more..

Jan 6 (CT) The General Secretary of the Graded Principals’ Association, Nimal Mudunkotuwa, said that although schools commenced the 2026 academic year yesterday, the govt had yet to introduce a formal educational plan for Grade 6 students. Mudunkotuwa noted that while authorities had scheduled the official start of the Grade 6 curriculum for 21 January, the absence of academic activities until that date had placed teachers and principals in a difficult position. more..