Nov 15 (Island) Apropos The Island exclusive reports headlined NPP govt. urged to reconsider decision to abolish concession granted to military families (11 Nov) and Reverse move to abolish concession granted to military families: Ex-Chief of Defence Staff (14 Nov), Defence Ministry said that General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Uni (KDU) hadn’t decided to abolish the 50% concession granted to the children of service personnel. more..

Nov 15 (DM) Rasika Peiris, Special Grade Officer of the SL Administrative Service, has assumed duties as the new Commissioner General of Elections this morning. Election Commission said that his appointment follows the retirement of Saman Sri Ratnayake, who concluded his public service on 13 Nov 2025 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of sixty. Ratnayake had served as Commissioner General of Elections since 16 Oct 2019, marking the end of a long and more..

Nov 15 (FT) Colombo stock market fell sharply in early trading yesterday before gaining ground to close the week flat. The ASPI closed a marginal 0.01% lower, down 1.71 points to 23,459.75 and the S&P SL20 lost 22.22 points to close 0.34% lower at 6,435.93. Market turnover was over Rs. 5.6 billion on over 218.7 million traded. Foreigners were net sellers with a net outflow of over Rs. 5.9 million NDB Securities said during the week, ASPI and S&P SL20 gained 0.5% and 0.9% respectively, more..

Nov 15 (FT) Indo–Lanka Handicraft and Cultural Festival 2025 was inaugurated yesterday by India’s High Commissioner to SL Santosh Jha at the Havelock City Mall, Colombo. The festival is jointly organised by the National Crafts Council of SL and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), cultural arm of the High Commission of India. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Minister Sunil Handunnetti, and Deputy Minister Chaturanga Abeysinghe and National Crafts Council more..

Nov 15 (FT) Hayleys Group said it had sustained its strong growth trajectory during the first six months of the financial year ending 31 March 2026, generating a Profit Before Tax (PBT of Rs. 13.33 billion, a 5% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. Consolidated revenue grew by 13% to Rs. 138.89 billion during 2Q, supported by commendable growth in domestic businesses, which was complemented by the group’s resilient export businesses. more..

Nov 15 (FT) CoPF, chaired by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, has reviewed the draft report on the Appropriation Bill for the 2026 financial year, noting that it aligns with the IMF program commitments. Committee highlighted both improved fiscal space from higher 2025 revenue and fresh challenges ahead as vehicle import–driven revenue slows. The draft report prepared under Standing Order 121(5)(i) on the Appropriation Bill for more..

Nov 15 (FT) Dialog Axiata announced strong results for the nine months ended 30 September 2025, across its Mobile, Fixed Line and Digital Pay Television businesses, achieving positive revenue growth of 6% year-to-date (YTD) to reach Rs. 133.1 billion for the first nine months of 2025. This was despite the continued strategic scaling down of its low-margin international wholesale business. Core revenue for the period reached Rs. 128.9 billion up 18% YTD. On a quarter-on-quarter more..

Nov 15 (DM) Colombo High Court sentenced a father who pleaded guilty to raping his 14-year-old daughter to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment. As the accused admitted to the charge before court, sentence was imposed without any fine or compensation order. According to the facts revealed, during the December school holidays in 2018, the accused had raped his 14-year-old daughter when no one else was at home. He had also intimidated the victim and restrained her, warning her more..

Nov 15 (ST) This year’s budget for the estate workers being almost similar to last year’s budget proposal which went unimplemented has prompted trade unions and workers to express displeasure and mistrust about the proposal. The difference between last year’s budget proposal and this year’s is that there has been an increase of Rs 50. Unions have expressed their concerns regarding the proposal as the more..

Nov 15 (FT) In a move to strengthen the country’s fuel security, the Cabinet this week approved constructing new storage tanks and replace aging ones at the Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela terminals, enabling the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminal Company (CPSTL) to maintain a minimum petroleum stock sufficient for 45 days. It was approved to finance the project using CPSTL’s own funds, recognising the critical importance of ensuring a continuous and stable supply of more..

Nov 15 (FT) A major milestone in Colombo’s, transformation into a regional hub is set to unfold with the development of the 34-storey Colombo Gateway Tower One at Port City Colombo, a state-of-the-art office infrastructure by a Singapore-led investor consortium spearheaded by Canary Wharf Holdings Ltd. Slated to break ground in May 2026, with an anticipated completion in June 2029, Canary Wharf is the development arm of Investment Advisory firm Platinum Advisors Ltd,. more..

Nov 15 (Island) Recently, an elephant drive was launched in the Hambantota District with the aim of mitigating the human–elephant conflict (HEC). However, the real question is whether HEC can truly be mitigated through elephant drives. Decades of scientific research in SL have consistently shown that such drives are not only ineffective but also waste public funds and severely disrupt elephant social structures. Some authorities assert that they are conducting this particular drive more..

Nov 15 (FT) If you were looking to assess the quality and condition of governance in Sri Lanka of late, how well would you set about it? An analytical survey of the relevant (and sometimes irrelevant) stats as essayed by Verité or Advocata, et al.? Or a finger on the popular (or often unpopular) pulse as enterprised by LMD’s biz confidence index? There are times when the good sense of the usual metrics – managing key macroeconomic indicators, boosting public or investor confidence and more..

Nov 15 (CI) Babar Azam hit his first international century in more than two years, as Pakistan's senior batters made light work of chasing down the target of 289. SL's middle order had dragged the total to 288 for 8 after they'd lost early wickets. But on a flat Rawalpindi track, they never looked like defending their score, particularly after their opening bowlers were wayward. Pakistan got home with 10 balls to spare, and 8 wickets more..

Nov 15 (FT) Sri Lanka has officially welcomed DENZA, the premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand from the BYD Group marking its first foray into South Asia, in an exclusive event at Waters Edge on Wednesday. Introduced through a strategic partnership with John Keells CG Auto (JKCG Auto), the launch positions DENZA as the country’s latest contender in the luxury electric mobility space, blending European-inspired design with cutting-edge NEV technology. more..

Nov 15 (CT) In New Delhi recently, SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, committed his party to the full implementation of the India-inspired 13th Amendment, which guarantees a Provincial Council (PC) form of intermediary administration between the federal govt and the Local Councils. Around the same time back home, ruling JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva was telling his audiences how they would be dumping the PC system under their promised new Constitution, more..

Nov 15 (Island) SL lawmakers, more often than not, are in the news for the wrong reasons. Most of them do not seem to take their legislative duties and functions seriously if their flippant attitude as well as misconduct is any indication. Their theatrics and facetious remarks that pass for witticism make their parliamentary speeches assume the characteristics of low comedies. Worse, debates are replete with unparliamentary language, which has apparently become the norm. more..

Nov 15 (CT) Prez cum Financed Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s 2026 budget has won kudos from several independent observers. Since he and NPP took over the reins of govt pragmatism had been the guiding philosophy of the rulers and as a result the economy has speedily moved over from crisis to stability. Although the budget’s expected growth rate target of 7% by the end of 2026 borders on exaggerated optimism in the context of IMF’s reduced growth rate of only 3.1% and more..

Nov 15 (TM) After 3 years of upheaval, an unprecedented default, gruelling IMF negotiations, and the painful climb back through fiscal tightening, Sri Lankans appear to have stopped expecting miracles from their budgets. What people look for now are smaller mercies such as proposals that ease the cost of living, incentives that give them a bit of breathing space, and, if fortune allows, a lighter tax burden in a year when both direct more..

Nov 15 (CT) The Govt’s proposal in the 2026 Budget to channel public funds towards an attendance allowance for plantation workers has stirred a lively debate. On the surface, it appears a humane intervention: a vulnerable workforce receives an immediate income boost, helping families who have long struggled on wages that barely meet subsistence levels. Yet beneath that compassion lies a more complex and uncomfortable question; should taxpayers shoulder a portion of wages more..

Nov 15 (DM) Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne on Monday has said that an investigation will be conducted by the office of the Secretary General of Parliament regarding the use of unparliamentary language used by some MPs during the previous day’s sessions. It is not clear as to why the Speaker wants to investigate the usage of unparliamentary language of certain members on a particular day while it has been a common occurrence in the House for a long time. more..

Nov 15 (CT) As Pakistan reels from a fresh wave of terror attacks — and New Delhi grapples with its own blast — cricket has once again found itself on the frontlines of regional insecurity. The Sri Lankan team, touring Pakistan during the explosions, for the One Day International and T20 Triangular series, initially wanted to return home but ultimately chose to stay, determined to finish the match for the spirit of the game. more..

Nov 15 (DM) In the countries of South Asia, cricket is looked on as a cultural phenomenon, far more than just another sport. It transcends class and party politics. It evokes images of cricketing giants of the past, and draws comparisons with cricketing maestros in other parts of the world. Cricket is deeply intertwined with the region’s identity, and has brought us together as South Asians –India’s unexpected victory against the mighty West Indies at the World Cup 1983 was a milestone and more..

Nov 15 (DM) Sri Lanka’s fifth executive president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, will celebrate his 80th birth anniversary this week. Mahinda, born on Nov 18, 1945, served two terms as president from Nov 2005 to Jan 2010 and from Jan 2010 to Jan 2015. He was also sworn in as PM on four occasions: April 2004, Oct 2018, November 2019 and August 2020. This is the second of a two-part article commemorating the 80th birthday of Mahinda, whose full name is Mahendra Percy Rajapaksa. more..

Nov 14 (AD) SriLankan Airlines’ Airport and Ground Services, the sole ground handling provider at BIA, has expanded its self-check-in service for passengers of commercial airlines ahead of the upcoming winter travel season. More than 300,000 tourists are expected to visit Sri Lanka in December. The move follows the installation of 20 new self-check-in kiosks at the BIA departure terminal last month, bringing the total to 28. Developed by the airline’s in-house IT team, more..

Nov 14 (DM) Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB) has asked the Defense Ministry to provide security for its officers who are cutting down 5,000 diseased coconut trees in the Matara District. CCB Chairman Dr. Sunimal Jayakody said some coconut growers have threatened to kill or attack the officers and have even used dogs to scare them. Because of these threats, officers are finding it difficult to carry out their work. He said that although legal action could be taken against those who block the officers, more..

Nov 14 (AD) The second reading of the 2026 Appropriation Bill has been passed with a majority of 118 votes in Parliament. 160 MPs voted in favour of the 2026 Budget while 42 MPs voted against it. Eight MPs abstained from voting. SJB MPs Mano Ganesan, V Radhakrishnan and P Thigambaram also voted in favour of the 2026 Budget. Voting for the second reading of the 2026 Budget got underway at around 6:10 p.m. more..

Nov 14 (NW) The Elite Cricket Centre (ECC), a state-of-the-art cricket facility, was inaugurated in Melbourne, Australia, recently (08), offering a world-class indoor facility designed for players of all levels. The cricket facility was co-founded by former SL international fast bowler and an ICC-approved high-performance coach, Prabath Nissanka, and a Cricket Victoria Premier Umpire, Ashan Hewawasam. According to the ECC, the centre features eight long run-up, more..

Nov 14 (CT) The Government has saved money which will be utilised for the development of the economy, said Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti in Parliament yesterday (13). He added that it would not be utilised according to whims and fancies, as was done by previous governments. He made these observations during the debate on the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the financial year 2026, on its fifth allotted day. more..

Nov 14 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for a Rs. 400 wage increase for plantation workers and the transfer of uncultivated lands to empower them as small-scale tea estate owners. MP Premadasa said that the govt has proposed to increase the current daily wage of plantation workers from Rs. 1,350 by Rs. 400, split equally between plantation companies and the govt. While welcoming the increase, more..

Nov 14 (AD) Former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board (NLB), Thusitha Halloluwa has appeared before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court this morning after a warrant was issued for his arrest yesterday. He has reportedly arrived to surrender to the court with regard to the warrant. Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva yesterday issued a warrant for the arrest of Halloluwa for failure to appear before the court over an incident involving a false complaint. more..

Nov 14 (TM) Chairperson of the committee appointed to review and make recommendations on the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as amended (PTA), President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne has officially handed over the committee’s report and recommendations to the Justice Minister, Harshana Nanayakkara. The Justice and National Integration Ministry announced on 13 April of this year (2025) that the committee had been established to study the repeal of more..