Aug 10 (TM) The fact that the JVP-led NPP Govt is centred on Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) continues to be evident, given the manner in which he has had to intervene in many key issues as well as respond to many questions and criticisms posed by the Opposition. This was witnessed in Prez AKD’s address to Parliament last Thursday. AKD’s sudden visit to Parliament last week and the speech delivered by him in the House came as a more..

Aug 10 (ST) If there is one industry that has developed over the last fifty years, it is the gaming industry. From the old slot machines known as one-armed bandits that were available in the odd boutique in the main towns to the introduction of Blackjack and Roulette tables with the opening of the economy in the post-1977 years, the growth of that segment, and the already prevalent Turf Clubs (an euphemism for betting on horse races in England & elsewhere), spread is evident. more..

Aug 10 (SO) Singapore, the tiny City State and Asian powerhouse, celebrated the 60th anniversary of its Independence (SG60) yesterday. Singapore’s (literally Sinha Pura or Lion City) success on the world stage – from the sleepy backwater it was when Sir Stamford Raffles took control in 1819 to the financial powerhouse it is today – can largely be attributed to the vision and perseverance of one legendary Statesman – Lee Kuan Yew. Incidentally, he was an ardent admirer of SL more..

Aug 9 (DM) In the wake of Sri Lanka waiving visa fees for nationals from 40 more countries, many other countries have sought the same facility for their nationals coming here as tourists. Previously, SL had granted the facility to seven countries. The govt has now taken a policy decision to add 40 countries to the list. The decision is currently pending with the Attorney General for clearance. The new visa regulation, upon approval by the AG, more..

Aug 9 (CT) The Retired Parliamentarians’ Association (RPA) has warned that if the Govt abolishes the pension payments of former MPs, around 500 retired MPs stand to lose their pensions. Former JVP MP and Secretary of the association, Pemasiri Manage, said that all retired MPs who have relied on their pensions for a livelihood will face a severe crisis. Except for a few, the majority struggle to meet daily expenses, including medical costs, and many are left helpless. more..

Aug 9 (ST) Although laws prohibit mobile phone use while driving, enforcement often relies on visual confirmation by police officers, which makes offences like mobile phone use or quick lane violations harder to detect unless there is camera footage. Collective responsibility and awareness are needed as laws such as the prohibition of mobile phone use while driving among other road rules continue to be neglected, contributing to the persistently high rate of road traffic accidents, more..

Aug 9 (EN) Sri Lanka’s private credit expanded by 221 billion rupees, the highest in history for a single month in June 2025, official data show, driven by recovering private investment, better budgets but also a late-cycle rate cut, where concerns have been raised. Private credit in June was the highest since 193 billion rupees reached in December 2024, which was also made up of import credit (working capital) which reversed. more..

Aug 9 (AD) Governor General of Australia Samantha Joy Mostyn, has paid a courtesy call on PM, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees in Colombo. The meeting on Thursday provided a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding and friendly relations between SL and Australia. The Prime Minister welcomed the Governor-General and highlighted the importance of building stronger cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of politics, the economy, and sports. more..

Aug 9 (DM) If Sri Lankan exports old vehicles to other countries at reasonable prices and uses the profits to reduce import taxes on new vehicles, the govt can effectively phase out old vehicles and bring in newer models, said Sajeev Rajaputhra, General Secretary of the Global Federation of SL Business Council (GFSLBC). He highlighted that a 300 percent tax is currently imposed on vehicle imports, while the local resale market inflates prices to three times the original purchase price. more..

Aug 9 (DM) A SJB member of the Kundasale PS and two others who attmpted to sell a gem for Rs. 500 million without a permit were arrested by the Nuwara Eliiya police. The three suspects staying at a lodge in the Labukele area had been planning to sell the gem which they claim would bring prosperity to the owner. However, the police, on a tip off sent a decoy posing as a prospective buyer who bargained and got the price of the gem reduced from Rs. 500 million to Rs. 01 million. more..

Aug 9 (AD) PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the objectives of the educational reforms include fostering moral values in children, guiding those who deviate from school education towards vocational training, and thereby ensuring their contribution to the country’s economic development. A special discussion to raise awareness about the educational reforms scheduled to be implemented from 2026 was held on July 07 at the Archbishop’s official residence in Colombo, more..

Aug 9 (AD) 18-year-old Yevan David has created another bit of history by becoming the first-ever SL driver to compete in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. He signed with AIX Racing for the 2026 season, marking a significant milestone in SL’s motorsport journey. The 18-year-old Sri Lankan is currently fighting for the Euroformula title, and has four victories, five other podiums and a pole so far this season in the F3-level series more..

Aug 9 (EN) Sri Lanka agents for BYD, John Keells CG Auto, says about 1,000 Atto 3 units detained by Customs over a dispute on its motor, has been released subject to a bank guarantee, after the firm went to the Court of Appeal. “Pursuant to the submissions made in the Court of Appeal on behalf of JKCG today, Sri Lanka Customs agreed to the immediate release of the vehicles, subject to the provision of security in the form of a Bank Guarantee,” the firm said in statement. more..

Aug 9 (DN) Record-breaking duo Minagi Rupesinghe and Ramudi Samarakoon powered Killer Whale Aquatics (KWA) to the top of both the women’s and men’s points tables at the end of the third day of the 49th National and Junior National Swimming C'ships, organised by the SL Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex yesterday. The defending women’s national champions, KWA, have piled up an impressive 465 points, far ahead of more..

Aug 9 (DN) Skipper Charith Asalanka (59) and Nuwanidu Fernando (70 not out) put on a superb 122-run fourth-wicket partnership, while paceman Eshan Malinga impressed with figures of 4 for 42 as Team Greys secured a 24-run win over Team Blues in their SLC T20 league cricket fixture played at the SSC Grounds yesterday. Invited to bat first, Team Greys posted a challenging total of 192 for 4 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Team Blues were 62 for 2 wickets after the powerplay, but more..

Aug 9 (ST) Long-distance bus drivers complained that they are unable to rest properly in between their journeys as there is insufficient space in the restrooms for drivers and conductors at the Bastian Mawatha bus stand. The bus stand, visited by some 1200 buses daily, only has two repurposed container-boxes functioning as a rest room. The bus drivers and conductors pointed out that as they have insufficient resting space they are forced to rest in the buses during intervals more..

Aug 9 (ST) SL’s upcoming digital identity system, funded and integrated under a grant from the Indian govt, has been defended by Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the Prez on Digital Economy, saying the implementation is now underway following multiple rounds of bilateral coordination. The comments came as concerns over the data security of SL citizens mounted. The new system, which is based on more..

Aug 9 (FT) SL Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction), as reflected by the Total Activity Index, registered a value of 58.6 in June 2025, slightly down from the 59.7 index value in May. Index compiler the Central Bank said most of the survey respondents reported a continuous expansion in construction activities, with many attributing this growth to favourable industry conditions, particularly exhibited by the steady increase in project work & stable price levels. more..

Aug 9 (DN) Reshan Algama and Kaya Daluwatte emerged as the top finishers at the SL Junior Match Play Championship 2025 for the Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy, organized by SL Golf which concluded at the Royal Colombo Golf Club yesterday. Algama produced a composed display to take the Boys’ Gold Division title, while Daluwatte sealed a memorable win in the Girls’ Gold Division, confirming her status as the finest female golfer in the country with no match from any other. more..

Aug 9 (ST) Despite the crushing impact on the lives of farmers, workers, and others who depend on the Lanka Sugar Company (Pvt) Ltd, the govt is reportedly asking them to endure another month before a solution is provided for their concerns. Lanka Sugar Company manages two key units: Pelwatte in Buttala, Monaragala, and Sevanagala. Both units engage in sugar manufacturing, ethanol production, more..

Aug 9 (CT) A 26-year-old man, who allegedly impersonated veteran film director Somaratne Dissanayake to solicit nude photographs from women, has been remanded until 21 August by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali. The suspect, identified as Isuru Madhumal from the Polgahawela area, was arrested by the CID’s Cyber Crimes Division following a complaint filed by Dissanayake himself. According to investigators, the suspect created a fake Facebook account more..

Aug 9 (FT) Daraz SL is launching its 8.8 Brand Prix Sale this month, a week-long shopping festival, “packed with unbeatable discounts, massive voucher giveaways, and exclusive brand deals. Running from 8 to 15 Aug, this sale promises to be one of the most exciting events of the year for value-driven S consumers,” the company said. Brand Prix campaign is offering over 18,000 deals across top categories. “Whether you are looking for a new mobile phone, kitchen appliances, more..

Aug 9 (DM) Just over a dozen years ago, we had the whole country laughing due to claims that an infamous son of a well-known father had a hand in putting a satellite into space via a company –Supreme SAT. Sadly, this satellite went missing, quite like various items of expenditure during that era. Opposition parties in parliament, including the present governing political party claimed this little-known son had used state funds to the tune of over US $320 million for this purpose. more..

Aug 9 (ST) At the Barefoot Gallery that languid Wednesday afternoon, there is a distinct shift from the usual vibes of canvases with layered paint or abstract art. The café is alive with the clatter of cutlery and the hum of conversation and laughter, while within the gallery ten creatives are setting up their work. By the door, is Dilsiri Welikala’s Plastic Monster, that looks like a hippy-happy gara-yaka made of plastic waste from the sea. Within, on the walls, are Munira Mutaher’s haunting photos more..

Aug 9 (TM) New patient registrations at cancer treatment centres have risen during the past 10 years. While cancer detection has increased due to the wide spread of information, doctors warn that modern lifestyles are also significantly contributing to this increase. The rise in cancer is not unique to SL, explained National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) strategic information unit head Dr. Suraj Perera. more..

Aug 9 (CT) It was in 2023 during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Presidency that SL signed a deal with Israel to export 10,000 agricultural workers to that country after Netanyahu Govt banned 20,000 Palestinian agricultural workers immediately after Hamas fired those deadly rockets on 7 Oct that year. Faced with a financially bankrupt treasury and a mismanaged economy RW had no choice but to export skilled and unskilled Sri Lankans to reduce the rising rate of unemployment and more..

Aug 9 (Island) Newly elected govts in SL embark on various ambitious projects but do not care to follow through on most of them. The incumbent NPP administration has undertaken to introduce educational reforms while struggling to put the economy back on an even keel. Its Clean Sri Lanka programme is already underway, but not much is heard about it these days. Another govt project is reportedly on the cards. Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekera has said the govt is planning to more..

Aug 9 (FT) Time is a funny thing that way. To a sad and lonely old man, sitting on a park bench next to a pretty energetic girl is but a few achingly fleeting moments. But to the lass it may seem like an unbearable lifetime. No less a savant than lateral thinker and theoretical physicist Albert Einstein discovered the truth about this for himself. One doesn’t have to be a genius such as the genial giant of quantum physics to figure out the chemistry of such attraction and attrition. more..

Aug 9 (ST) If you’re over 60 years old today, you likely belong to Sri Lanka’s baby boom generation—born between the mid-1940s and 1960s. During this period, the country experienced a striking population growth rate of approximately 2.6% per year, driven primarily by a consistent surplus of births over deaths. Demographers often attribute this surge to what they call a “primitive birth rate paired with a modern death rate”. In pre-industrial societies, birth rates tend to be high, more..

Aug 9 (CT) Esala festival in SL is a festival that has attracted the attention of many people of the world. The Kandy Esala Perahera especially is its grand occasion. More and more foreign tourists from all over the world come here to witness this unique cultural festival. So far, the number of foreign tourists who have come to this country exceeds more than 12 lakhs. It is also significant that many people are interested more..

Aug 9 (Island) I write in response to the article of the above title that appeared in the Sunday Island on 3rd Aug 2025. The article appears to be a statement by the ICJ (International Committee of Jurists). The article calls on the SL govt to ensure that the exhumations at the Chemmani site be carried out according to international standards so that there are no questions over the veracity of the findings later. The article also argues that because incidents such as Chemmani raise suspicions regarding more..

Aug 9 (FT) Former SL Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was killed on 12 Aug 2005 by a sniper of the LTTE concealed in the house of an unsuspecting neighbour. Kadirgamar had just completed his customary 1,000 metre swim at the pool in his residence, when the assassin struck. Two decades have passed since that fateful day but the memory of Kadirgamar lingers still in the hearts and minds of the nation. This column focuses on the man regarded by many as SL’s finest foreign more..