Apr 12 (CT) Many countries in the world have different cultures, including their own folk cultures. Their forms vary from country to country. However, it is clear that today many cultural elements unique to the eastern countries of the world are undergoing profound changes due to global influence. Such impacts on countries like Sri Lanka are also great. Heritage of a country belongs to the people of that country. more..

Apr 12 (CT) The centerpiece of Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Prez Election campaign and that of the General Election campaign of his NPP was to combat corruption and hold wrongdoers accountable through credible investigative and judicial processes. It is now more than 6 and 4 months respectively after the Prez and General Elections. This time period is more than sufficient to demonstrate whether he is sincere in combating corruption. AKD and his NPP have dismally failed in this task. more..

Apr 12 (TM) As SL prepares to celebrate yet another traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year – the first under the NPP Govt – the country does so while heaving a sigh of relief following the Trump administration’s 11th-hour decision to suspend its steeply revised import tariffs for a period of 90 days. Prior to this announcement, thousands of workers serving in export industries, primarily in the apparel trade, were unsure of their employment once they returned to work from the holiday break. more..

Apr 11 (DM) There will be no special queues or tickets for elite individuals during the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is open to the public, Deputy Chief Prelate of Asgiri Chapter Ven. Narampanawa Ananda Thera said. Thera said that all visitors must use the regular queues. Facilities will only be extended to the Maha Sangha, foreign ambassadors, special guests and persons with special needs. Unlike previous years, no special tickets will be issued. more..

Apr 11 (NW) A Colombo-based think tank Verité Research has called on the SL govt and the international community to pursue a multilateral response to the recent tariff hike imposed by the US, warning that failure to do so could further undermine the rules-based global trade system. Verité Research said the U.S. tariff hike — linked to trade deficits — represents a severe break from the rules-based order established under the World Trade Organization (WTO), more..

Apr 11 (AD) The IMF says that the SL govt remains committed to program objectives and implementation is strong and commendable, but more time is needed to assess the implications for Sri Lanka of the external shock as global uncertainty remains elevated and is contributing to financial market volatility. After concluding the discussions with the SL authorities on economic performance and policies more..

Apr 11 (NW) SL has held two rounds of virtual discussions with the Office of the US Trade Representative as part of efforts to address reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US, Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha said. Talks were conducted by a committee appointed by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake to formulate proposals to reduce the trade deficit between the two countries. Minister said a second letter outlining SL’s position had also been sent to the US Prez through SL mission more..

Apr 11 (EN) SL has made remarkable progress in reducing maternal mortality to 25 per 100,000 live births in 2023, the WHO said, but attention has to be given to a rise in low birth weight babies, with an urgent need to examine the underlying causes and the role of maternal nutrition. “This achievement stems from a robust healthcare system that offers free and equitable maternal health services,” the WHO said commending the country’s low mortality rate in a statement marking World Health Day more..

Apr 11 (TM) Ministry of Health has accused certain pharmaceutical companies of launching personal smear campaigns against govt officials involved in key decision-making processes including those relating to pharmaceutical drug price reductions in the recent past. Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni claimed that around five companies are behind coordinated efforts to discredit officials of institutions such as more..

Apr 11 (SLN) In coordinated efforts, the Sri Lanka Navy, along with the Negombo Excise Department and the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB), carried out separate raids in Kochchikade and Mawanella areas on 10 Apr 25. The operations led to the confiscation of around 2,554 kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, along with 02 lorries and 01 van used to transport those smuggled items. The Navy also apprehended five individuals in connection to these incidents. In a joint search operation on the night of 10 Apr, more..

Apr 11 (TM) Police have launched a comprehensive security operation ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, aimed at ensuring public safety during the festive season. SSP Buddhika Manathunga stated that over 35,000 Police officers have been deployed across the country as part of the special security programme. Additionally, intelligence officers in civilian attire have been stationed in densely populated urban areas to monitor and deter any potential threats, according to the Police. more..

Apr 11 (AD) SL Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has refuted a claim circulated through a YouTube channel operating from a foreign country, that migrant workers will be given Rs. 10,000 each for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. The video allegedly advises migrant workers to send a copy of their travel documents to any branch office of the SLBFE. The bureau stressed that no such announcement has been issued by SLBFE, and it urges the public not to fall victim to such more..

Apr 11 (DM) Despite the allocation of a massive Rs.450 billion by the govt in 2024 for banks to close potential capital shortfalls, funds were not required as the banks submitted recapitalisation plans instead to show that they were capable of raising capital by themselves, Central Bank said. In the lead up to the allocation of the Rs.450 billion from the 2024 budget for the licensed banks, Central Bank along with the Finance Ministry developed what they call a bank recapitalisation strategy. more..

Apr 11 (AD) Police will be able to issue more than one charge sheet for traffic violators with the introduction of the online instant payment method to pay fines through the GovPay application, Harsha Purasinghe, a board member of the ICTA said. Harsha Purasinghe said based on a request by SL Police, the new system has been introduced. He said the new system will enable those who receive charge sheets to instantly pay the fines by more..

Apr 11 (NW) A new hotspot has arrived in the heart of Colombo 01 with the opening of Level 4 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, located directly in front of the World Trade Centre. The venue opened its doors on April 5th with a lively evening of cocktails and refreshments, drawing guests to its stylish setting and rooftop views. Blending local charm with a modern vibe, Level 4 offers the perfect spot to relax with friends or enjoy live music under the stars. Level 4 is situated at 4/1 Canal Row, Col 1. more..

Apr 11 (EN) Former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe said Trump’s reciprocal tariff will pave the way for public support moving towards China while the rest of the world will have to decide the United State’s position in the world order. Trump’s stubborn tariff hike on Chinese products has compelled Beijing to retaliate amid the world financial markets taking the toll due to sudden policy changes. He said the high reciprocal tariff seeks to destroy the manufacturing capacity of Asia from East Asia to South Asiff-says-sri-lankas-ex-leader-215456/more..

Apr 11 (MoD) A specially deployed SL Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Team, consisting of personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force, continues to support on-going disaster recovery operations in Myanmar following the recent powerful earthquake that caused significant damage and displacement. Upon their arrival in Myanmar last week, the team was immediately dispatched to Nay Pyi Taw province, one of the regions more..

Apr 11 (Island) School administration had been severely affected by the irregular appointment of acting principals under previous govts, Parliament was told. Responding to questions raised by the Opposition during the Ask the PM session, PM Harini Amarasuriya said current govt had decided to implement a standardised policy and procedure for appointing principals across all schools. PM said previous govt had made the process of appointing school principals chaotic. more..

Apr 11 (CT) Sri Lanka’s electricity consumption, supplied by the CEB, for the first time exceeded the 50 GigaWatt hour (GWh) mark, reaching 50.29 GWh on Tuesday (8), according to CEB data. Furthermore, cheap and clean green electricity – also known as renewable energy (RE) – dominated the country’s electricity sector by providing over 50% of national electricity needs for the fourth consecutive day up to Tuesday, aided by rainfall after a 53-day dry spell, data also showed. more..

Apr 11 (SLN) In a groundbreaking celebration, the Malima Diving Club of the SL Navy Malima Hospitality Services (MHS), in collaboration with the Navy Diving Unit, marked the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with a unique underwater festival at the Trincomalee sea area. This first-of-its-kind event saw divers performing traditional cultural rituals and engaging in folk games beneath the waves, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The celebration aimed not only to celebrate the rich heritage of more..

Apr 11 (AD) Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has signed the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the 350 MW Sahasdhanavi Combined Cycle Power Plant, which will be built, owned, and operated by Sahasdhanavi Limited. Issuing a statement, the CEB said that the ownership of the power plant will be transferred to the CEB after 25 years. This marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s pursuit of reliable and affordable electricity for families and businesses, the CEB said in the statement. more..

Apr 11 (AD) Former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has indicated that he is prepared to appear before the CIABOC to record a statement about the bribery case filed against NDF MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake. This is in response to the letter directed by CIABOC earlier today. Communiqué issued by the Office of the former Prez states it is baffling and surprising about the quick reaction by Bribery Commission more..

Apr 11 (NW) The SL Tourism Promotion Bureau, in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan and the SL Business Community in Japan, is proud to announce Sri Lanka’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, which will take place from 13th April to 13th Oct 2025 in Osaka, Japan. This global event will serve as a significant platform for Sri Lanka to present its unique cultural heritage, innovation, and commitment to sustainability to an international audience. more..

Apr 11 (Island) The Communist Party (CP) of Sri Lanka yesterday expressed grave concern over the NPP govt’s unilateral decision to enter into a defence MOU with Quad-member India. The CPSL urged All democratic and progressive forces to pressure the government to reveal the contents of the defence agreement with India. It also asked the NPP govt to revive the Indian Ocean Peace Zone proposal at the UN and mobilise global opposition to militarisation in the region. more..

Apr 11 (AD) Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been requested to be present before the CIABOC in relation to a statement he had made about the bribery case filed against NDF MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake. In a letter directed to former Prez Wickremesinghe, the Assistant Director General of the CIABOC, Asitha Anthony has requested him to be present before the Commission at 09.30 a.m. on Thursday (17). more..

Apr 11 (TM) The public will be given an opportunity to witness the upcoming women’s ODI tri-nations series to be played between Sri Lanka, India, and South Africa free of charge, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a media release on Tuesday (8). The tournament will be played at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo from 27 April, SLC has announced. Accordingly, each team will play four games, and the top two teams will qualify to play in the finals to be played on 11 May. more..

Apr 11 (FT) Let it be clear that the shocking Detention Order (DO) signed by Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake (AKD) to incarcerate Mohammed Rushdi (now released), a youth in his twenties under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, is purely an administrative act. Such actions are subject to the principle of proportionality thus ensuring that legal standards are complied with before intruding into the rights of a person. Administrative powers are conferred with discretion to enable more..

Apr 11 (Island) Public Security Minister Ananda Wijayapala told Parliament yesterday that the govt would expedite the recruitment of an additional 2,500 officers to the Police Department. Responding to a question raised by SJB Anuradhapura District MP Rohana Bandara, the Minister stated that approval had already been granted for the immediate recruitment of police personnel. Minister Wijayapala said that the relevant Gazette notification would be published soon. more..

Apr 11 (FT) Is the NPP govt really trying to keep its campaign-trail opposition-mode promises? Or has the NPP given up the ghost of manifestoes past in the face of the more nuanced reality it has encountered as a govt? Today, we suggest a three-body problem type of lens through which to observe the incumbent administration. Three bodies are notoriously harder to predict in terms of speed and position in space compared to simply two, which interact arithmetically; but more..

Apr 11 (DM) India has proposed a land connectivity project with Sri Lanka once again during the visit of Indian PM Narendra Modi, but the SL govt has not committed yet. In 2002, the then SL govt proposed a land bridge between Rameswaram in TN, India, and Talaimannar in SL. That was based on the ancient land link called Ram Setu or Adam’s Bridge. According to the plan, road and rail bridge links were proposed to be developed. more..

Apr 11 (NW) SL Police HQ has announced the implementation of a new digital system to issue instant traffic fines through the GovPay app, under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative. This online mechanism enables traffic officers to immediately issue fines for violations and allows motorists to make payments via the GovPay platform without delay. Once the payment is confirmed, the traffic officer will be able to release the detained driver’s license on the spot, eliminating need for visits to police stations more..

Apr 11 (FT) The cost of preparing a traditional kevili table for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has increased by 7% in 2025 compared to 2024, and stands more than twice as high as it was in 2019. This was revealed in the annual New Year Kevili Table analysis conducted by Verité Research. The analysis found a 7% increase in the cost of ingredients between March 2024 and March 2025, primarily due to a rise in coconut prices and coconut oil prices by 80% and 40%, respectively. more..