Oct 5 (CI) Sri Lanka will probably be the happier team to get a point out of their washout against world champions Australia in Colombo on Saturday. The conditions didn't look as bad a day before the game and even on Saturday when the two teams had walked out before toss time to assess the ground. But the rain picked up quickly, and even though the entire ground was covered, the match had to be abandoned about two and a half hours after the scheduled start time. more..

Oct 5 (ST) Some batters arrive with a bang, others like the slow unfurling of dawn. Pathum Nissanka, the 28-year-old SL opener, has done both. Since his int'l debut in 2021, he has quietly become the bedrock of the national side across formats. His rise has not been a flash in the pan but a steady progression, insistent, measured, and impossible to ignore. The loudest statement of his career so far came at Pallekele in February last year when he smashed SL’s first-ever double century in more..

Oct 5 (Island) Cricket, they say, is a gentleman’s game. Yet last Sunday, the Asia Cup final descended into a farce that brought the sport into disrepute. The contest itself was riveting, with India grinding out a hard-fought win over Pakistan, but what followed was anything but cricket. You see such antics only in street corner scraps, not in international showpieces. Both sides should hang their heads in shame. Sri Lanka’s late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, himself a cricketer, once said: more..

Oct 5 (CT) Sri Lanka’s export sector is crippled by poor execution and weak accountability rather than bad strategy, Deputy Minister of Enterprises Chathuranga Abeysinghe has warned, calling for a bold national export ambition. Speaking on 2 October at the inaugural consultation for the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2025–2029 at the Export Development Board in Colombo, Abeysinghe said decades of strategic planning had failed to deliver results. more..

Oct 5 (CT) It has now been 13 years since Wasim Thajudeen, an exceptionally-skilled rugby player produced by S. Thomas’ College, was murdered. However, to this day, it has not been revealed who killed Thajudeen or whose orders were behind it. At one time, he served as the vice-captain of the national rugby team and, for several years, was one of the most -popular players in the sport. Representing Havelock more..

Oct 5 (Island) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayaka’s recent speech at the UNGA, while outwardly progressive in tone, reveals a troubling lack of structural analysis. His framing of global crises, identifying poverty, narcotics, corruption, war, and technological ethics, leans heavily on moral condemnation and humanitarian concern, but avoids any deeper systemic critique. This omission is not incidental; it reflects a political orientation that sidesteps the material roots more..

Oct 5 (Island) The Opposition and some civil society organisations are demanding that the long-delayed Provincial Council (PC) polls be held in 2025 itself. Their representatives met at a conference held by the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ), the other day, to discuss the issue at length and pressure the government to hold the PC elections without further delay. Among those who attended the NMSJ event were former Chairman of the Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya, more..

Oct 5 (ST) Prez A.K. Dissanayake’s visit to Japan this week came against the background of a continuing public debate triggered by his own govt on the distinction between what is an official visit and what is a private visit of a Head of State and Govt. It has generated further discussion on what its critics argue is a distinction without a difference. There was much confusion regarding the Japan visit, which oscillated between being publicly referred to in Sri Lanka as a State visit and more..

Oct 5 (ST) My dear Sagara, I thought of writing to you as you are frequently being called upon to present the view point of the pohottuwa party despite the many controversies surrounding it. I don’t envy your job. Most of the issues you are being asked to deal with are challenging and you sometimes make a mess of it. A few weeks ago, the pohottuwa was invited to the Green party convention. It was understandable that Mahinda maama didn’t attend. After all, he would have to travel more..

Oct 5 (ST) It was Minister Sunil Handunnetti who made a humble apology that he made a mistake by mentioning the Nobel Prize instead of the Guinness World Record, but the Leader of the House and Minister of Transport, Bimal Rathnayake, claims it’s being done deliberately. Industries Minister Sunil Handunnetti’s slip in describing SL’s Guinness World Record achievement for the most expensive tea ever sold as a Nobel Prize more..

Oct 5 (SO) Sri Lanka’s foreign policy has long been notable for its roots in Non-Aligned Movement thinking, its post-colonial solidarity with other developing countries, and historically vocal support for Palestinian rights. In 2024–25, however, observers and Colombo-based pro-Palestine diplomats along with some domestic activists have increasingly said that Colombo’s diplomatic posture has become cautious, hedging, or even inconsistent, especially on three flashpoints: more..

Oct 5 (CT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visits to India and Japan have received considerable attention both at home and abroad. They mark a new phase in SL’s foreign policy positioning, coming at a time when the country continues to grapple with economic recovery, governance reforms, and the long-standing grievances of minority communities. While his administration has been keen to project an image of reform and renewal, doubts remain as to whether these promises can translate into more..

Oct 5 (TM) The weekly occurrences in the JVP-led NPP Govt seem to have resulted in Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) assuming the role of troubleshooter in addition to his role as Head of State. This was evident last week when Prez AKD returned to the country after successfully completing his 10-day overseas tour. By the time AKD returned to the country, there were several messes facing the Govt, with two of the main issues being more..

Oct 5 (TM) For all its outward appearances of recovery – a stabilised currency, moderated inflation, and a steady stream of optimistic rhetoric from the Govt – SL’s economic revival remains fragile at best. At least that is the opinion of the US Department of State, whose country analysis serves as a key reference for global investors. Its Country Report on Sri Lanka, released late last month, delivers the sobering verdict that the country’s investment climate is plagued by uncertainty, more..

Oct 5 (SO) Some years ago, the education authorities in the UK designed a poster to drive up recruitment to the Teachers’ Service. It had just four words – Those who can, teach. Indeed, the advertisement, which called on those willing to become teachers to apply, contained a powerful message – not everyone can teach. It takes something special to become a teacher – a person who guides the destinies of thousands of children over several decades of service. more..

Oct 4 (CT) Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has announced the boards of directors for four of the six successor companies of the CEB, but the appointments have already triggered controversy. Analysts argued that several directors do not meet the 15-year minimum expertise requirement in procurement, finance, or power system operations mandated by Electricity (Amd) Act, No. 14 of 2025. more..

Oct 4 (FT) President Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday called on the Maha Sangha to play a greater role in guiding the society through a period of deep moral and social crisis, stressing that the Govt is committed to restoring values and dismantling what he described as a parallel dark regime of crime, drugs and illicit power. He made these remarks at the historic Magul Maduwa in Kandy, during the presentation of the Śrī Sannas Pathra (Scroll of Appointment) to more..

Oct 4 (CT) The All Ceylon Probation Officers’ Association has expressed concern that the number of children being institutionalised has increased to an unbearable level for the institutions following the amendment to the Children and Young Persons Ordinance. The increase is largely attributed to the former age limit of considering a person a child being raised from 16 to 18 years, according to A.H.M. Jayasinghe, Media Spokesperson for the All Ceylon Probation Officers’ Association. more..

Oct 4 (DN) Govt aims to stimulate the tourism industry by enhancing domestic air services, offering support and facilities to companies willing to start new operations to regional airports in SL in compliance with all safety regulations,” Minister Bimal Rathnayake said. Minister said this while participating in the launch of flight services between Katunayake and Colombo yesterday using Beira Lake as a water aerodrome. more..

Oct 4 (DM) COPF which said that EXIM Bank of China had increased the interest rate from the initially agreed 2.5% to 3.5% for the loan extended to finance the Kadawatha -Mirigama stretch of Central Express Way, requested the govt to re-negotiate it. Expressing his views on the development, COPF Chairman, MP Harsha de Silva, questioned the officials as to why they had agreed to an interest rate range increase up to 3.5%, despite the initially proposed fixed rate being 2.5%. more..

Oct 4 (DM) The mother of alleged notorious organised criminal Mandinu Padmasiri, alias Kehelbaddara Padme has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal seeking an order by way of Habeas Corpus and Writ Jurisdiction declaring that the detention order issued against her son is unlawful. In her petition, the petitioner has further sought interim relief to prevent the authorities from transferring the detainee to any location outside the CID until the final determination of the case. more..

Oct 4 (ST) Public health officers are grappling with archaic laws, shortages of staff and lack of laboratories as they continue to check food outlets and restaurants that break the law. The Sunday Times observed that canteens, eateries, restaurants and even kiosks were charging high prices for food, yet the hygienic conditions of food storage as well as the ingredients used to prepare meals are of poor quality. Improper storage of food items, use of expired ingredients, more..

Oct 4 (DM) Refuting allegations by former MP Wimal Weerawansa, the NPP said that the NPP has no political connection with recently arrested Puwakdandawe Sana as claimed by Weerawansa. Deputy Minister Ruwan Senarath told the media that Weerawansa claimed the President had meals at the so called person's house when the President visited the South recently. He said the President or any NPP leader had not visited that persons house or had meals as claimed by Weerawansa and more..

Oct 4 (NF) SL's comprehensive economic reform program is showing remarkable progress, signaling a strong post-crisis rebound and improved fiscal health, according to the IMF. The momentum continues as the IMF team is currently conducting the fifth review of SL's EFF arrangement, a critical step for the country's ongoing stabilization efforts. Since the IMF Executive Board completed the fourth review on July 1, 2025, more..

Oct 4 (NW) Police introduced several new telephone hotlines for the public to directly provide information on narcotics activities across the island. The move enables people to report details on heroin, crystal methamphetamine (ice), cocaine, cannabis, and other illicit substances through dedicated contact numbers. Police said that starting today, information can be conveyed to the phones of Senior Deputy Inspectors General (SDIGs) in charge of police ranges, as well as more..

Oct 4 (DN) SL womens team led by Chamari Athapaththu should bounce back in their second world cup game against defending champions Australia which will be played today at the R. Premadasa cricket stadium , commencing at 3pm. SL team couldn’t get a good start in their opening India game at Guwahati but with the home advantage Chamari and the team plan to make a good challenge against strong Australia team led by wicket keeper and opener Alyssa Healy. more..

Oct 4 (FT) Colombo stock market extended its rally into 14th session and closed the week yesterday with ASPI crossing the 22,000-point barrier for the first time and turnover hitting more than Rs. 9 billion. ASPI had gained 495.9 points during the week, up 2.24% and the S&P SL20 gained 75.94 points, up 0.12%. Foreigners were net sellers during the week with a net outflow of Rs. 389.65 million compared a net inflow of Rs. 236.6 million the previous week. Yesterday, ASPI closed up 0.65%, more..

Oct 4 (CI) India first, Australia second. No, that wasn't an early prediction for the finals, just simply Sri Lanka's first two matches at this World Cup. It should only get easier from here but for a Sri Lankan outfit that, despite having played 31 ODIs between the 2022 World Cup and this one, has been crying out for consistent, high-level competition, this upcoming game will lay the most accurate marker yet on their upward trajectory over the past couple of years. more..

Oct 4 (FT) Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath on Thursday clarified that the Govt has no plans to promote LGBTQ tourism as part of its strategy, stressing that SL’s focus is on building a quality over quantity tourism industry rooted in the country’s culture, heritage, and hospitality. Speaking at the Int'l Tourism Leaders’ Summit (ITLS) held at BMICH under the patronage of the Prez, he said the sector’s recent growth proves the country more..

Oct 4 (DM) ZeroPlastic Movement is calling on the govt to impose a minimum price of at least Rs.10 on all plastic shopping bags, warning that a new gazette set to take effect on November 1, 2025 may fail to reduce plastic pollution, due to a significant loophole. The recently issued gazette extraordinary mandates that the retailers can no longer distribute plastic shopping bags for free. From November 1, any bag provided at the point of sale must be itemised with a price on the customer’s bill. more..

Oct 4 (ST) The continuous ringing of the dong at the Na-Uyana forest monastery on the Dummiya mountain range, alarmed the villages. Villagers started rushing towards the monastery, knowing that something was amiss. “My house is located close by, and usually the dong is rung at the time of the almsgiving, but it was unusual to hear that sound around 9.30 p.m.,” said Asanaka Ganarathana, a resident. “When we reached the monastery, we saw several monks running frantically, looking for more..

Oct 4 (ST) SL’s marine conservation organisation, Oceanswell, led by Dr. Asha de Vos, recently joined hands with Natural History Museum in Colombo to host a one-of-a-kind programme dedicated to exploring the country’s oceans. The event invited schoolchildren, families, and curious visitors to experience the depths of the marine world without leaving the city, offering a rare glimpse into both the beauty and vulnerability of SL’s seas. more..