May 27 (NW) SL will proceed with the sale of shares in Canwill Holdings and continue to retain Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLP, India, as advisor for the transaction, the govt has announced. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that the Grand Hyatt project requires at least Rs. 36 billion for its completion. “About $120 million, or approximately 36 billion rupees, is needed to complete the Grand Hyatt project. The sale of shares was identified more..

May 27 (TM) Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed one of its highest single-day turnovers in recent years today, with total market turnover surging to Rs. 18.7 billion. This was primarily driven by a major transaction involving Hatton National Bank (HNB), as Browns Investments divested a 9.99% stake to Ceylon Steel Corporation. The deal marked the steel giant’s significant foray into the banking sector. A total of 45.3 million HNB shares were traded at Rs. 305 each via a crossing, more..

May 27 (CT) Defending women’s 400m gold medalist Nadeesha Ramanayaka and high jumper Lesandu Arthavidu advanced to the finals following the first round of competition at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, today. Ramanayaka finished third in her 400m heat with a time of 53.77 seconds, securing a spot in the finals, which will take place at 2:20 PM tomorrow (28th). Arthavidu comfortably cleared 2.10m on his first attempt to qualify for the finals, more..

May 27 (NW) The CIABOC has filed an indictment against former minister Mervyn Silva. The indictment has been filed over charges that he committed an offence under the Bribery Act, by the acquisition of assets, including properties and vehicles, and maintaining bank accounts exceeding his declared lawful income. The Bribery Commission states that former minister Mervyn Silva had committed this offence between Mar 31, 2010 more..

May 27 (NW) Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued a public warning after laboratory tests revealed dangerously high levels of heavy metals in several skin creams and lotions available in the SL market. The tested products exceeded the approved safety limits for heavy metals, posing serious health risks to consumers. The authority has published a list of the affected products and their respective brand names, along with a copy of the gazette that outlines permissible metal concentrations. more..

May 27 (FT) Repeal versus replace – the case for repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 48 of 1979 (PTA) is overwhelming. Some of the causes are its negative impact on human rights, constitutional governance and legal norms. Not to mention the bad reputation locally and internationally since it had been used as a tool of suppression than national security. To replace the PTA with a new Act will be perpetuating the same injustices – repackaging old wine in a new bottle. more..

May 27 (EN) Sri Lanka will establish a new state-owned company named GovTech (Pvt) Limited replacing the existing Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. It will be “an independent institution with the necessary powers to enable the smooth implementation of digital transformation projects that have already been initiated and those to be initiated in the future,” Jayatissa told reporters. more..

May 27 (FT) There is consternation about the recent MoUs concluded between the Sri Lankan and Indian Govts, making ripples of suspicion and criticism. The most critiqued is the Defence MoU (DMoU). Initially, troubleshooters demanded to know the contents of seven MoUs, counted 10 in the Indian media. An MoU is non-binding, outlining intentions and potential outcomes. Since the DMoU Article 9 provides for amendments and supplementing, its course correction is possible. more..

May 27 (DM) A rising number of foreign nationals, mainly from countries such as Israel, India, Russia and Ukraine,continue to be involved in business operations and jobs using visas issued in violation of guidelines stipulated by the SLTDA. An official of the Tourism Ministry said that the SLTDA had stipulated a stiff set of guidelines to be followed in issuance of visas for foreign nationals visiting SL for tourism, or investment and more..

May 27 (DM) The world's longest monkey tapeworm was discovered in the stomach of a 10-year-old boy from the Kurunegala District, Medical Research Institute (MRI) Director Dr. Suranga Dulamunna revealed. He said that details about the rare monkey tapeworm came to light a few months ago. The tapeworm was identified during tests conducted on several samples sent to the MRI. While analysing these samples, doctors found what turned out to be the longest known monkey tapeworm. more..

May 27 (DN) The final rites of legendary actress Malini Fonseka, fondly known as the Queen of Sri Lanka Cinema, were held with full state honours yesterday at Independence Square in Colombo, where a large crowd gathered to bid farewell to the iconic figure. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, govt officials, political leaders, fellow artistes, and members of the public. The veteran actress’s body was brought to Independence Square in the morning, more..

May 27 (PMD) A meeting between Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Winston Peters and Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake took place this afternoon (26) at the Presidential Secretariat during Mr. Peters’ official visit to Sri Lanka. Conveying greetings on behalf of the Govt and the people of New Zealand, Mr. Peters congratulated President Disanayake on his victory in both the Prez and General Elections. more..

May 27 (TM) The relevant Divisional Development Committee (DDC) will have to look into the alleged encroachment of land belonging to the Nuwara Wewa reserve in Anuradhapura by various individuals, including politicians, and decide on the appropriate course of action, according to the Ministry of Land & Irrigation. Deputy Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe told the Parliament that land grabbing in and around the Nuwara Wewa reserve had turned into a political game in the past, more..

May 27 (AD) The officials of the medical laboratory services and physiotherapists, who are affiliated with the Supplementary Medical Service, have decided to commence a strike action from 8 a.m. today, based on five demands. These include concerns over the injustices faced by fellow health sciences graduates and issues related to promotions. General Secretary of the Joint Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (JCPSM), Chanaka Dharmawickrama, stated that strike will continue indefinitely if more..

May 27 (DN) Newly appointed SL Ambassador to Japan Prof. Janak Kumarasinghe said that the long-standing strong relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan can be used effectively for the economic progress of SL. He pointed out that the strong relationship between SL and Japan will help SL to move towards a productive economy. He made these observations last Sunday while participating in a series of ceremonies centered around the Vesak festival at Savara Lankaji Temple in Japan. more..

May 27 (FT) The UK PM’s Trade Envoy for SL, Lord Hannett of Everton, is visiting Colombo from 25 to 28 May. This is his first visit to SL since he was appointed in January 2025. Lord Hannett will meet with Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Deputy Minister for Industry and Entrepreneurship Chathuranga Abeysinghe, and representatives from SL’s EDB to discuss Sri Lanka’s trade & investment landscape, more..

May 27 (FT) Sri Lanka’s export sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and steady progress during the first four months of 2025, with total exports reaching $ 5.583 billion, marking a robust 6.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. SL EDB said this upward trend reflects renewed momentum across key industries and underscores the sector’s adaptability in an evolving global trade landscape. more..

May 27 (FT) Commercial Bank of Ceylon and its CEO Sanath Manatunge have been named the Best Managed Bank and the Best Bank CEO in Sri Lanka respectively by The Asian Banker (TAB) magazine, bestowing on them two prestigious accolades that are presented once in every three years. These awards, in respect of the 2022-2024 period, were presented at the TAB Global Leadership Achievement Awards ceremony and gala dinner in Jakarta, Indonesia, in conjunction with more..

May 27 (FT) International film star and proud Sri Lankan, Jacqueline Fernandez, has officially partnered with Home Lands Group, SL’s number one and most trusted brand in real estate. This exciting collaboration brings together a global icon and a visionary SL brand, signalling a new era of growth, innovation, and style in SL’s property landscape. The announcement has generated widespread buzz, as Jacqueline—who has captivated audiences across the world with her talent, charm, more..

May 27 (EN) A team from China-based Alibaba.com will teach small and medium enterprises in SL how to export to dozens of countries using its online platform, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said. CCC will host a session on May 29 featuring Business Development Manager at Alibaba.com Ma Haobo to help SL SMEs tap into new overseas markets. “With experience guiding thousands of businesses across 30+ countries, Ma will walk you through how to use e-commerce solutions to reach int'l buyers” more..

May 27 (ST) A land inventory is being developed by the Ministry of Industries in a bid to release vacant slots belonging to the ministry, to potential public-private partnership investments, top officials said. “These lands will be released to key areas such as tourism, automobile component development, agriculture etc. After the end of the inventory, the Ministry of Industries will call for expressions of interest to potential investors on these lands,” an official said. more..

May 27 (TM) In the wake of a student at the Wayamba National College of Education (NCOE) taking her own life allegedly due to harassment by several lecturers, Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) claimed that the Ministries of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education does not pay sufficient attention to serious administrative and welfare-related issues at NCOEs. CTU President Priyantha Fernando said that although more..

May 27 (SO) Those who are against tariff hikes on electricity will have to compensate losses of the CEB by way of taxes, said CB Governor Dr. Nandala Weerasinghe. He was addressing the third monetary policy stance media briefing for the year on Thursday at the Central Bank. He said one will have to decide which option is best whether to pay taxes to the Govt or pay the cost of utility. “Paying the cost of the utility will be better rather than having to pay taxes to meet the cost of production,” more..

May 27 (Island) SL has a tough ask matching the impressive performances they showcased at the last edition when they take the field at the Asian Athletics C'ship starting in Gumi, South Korea today. Seven out of the country’s 20 athletes in Gumi are scheduled to take part in their respective disciplines on day one. High jumper Lesandu Arthavidu, sprinters Aruna Dharshana, Kalinga Kumarage, Nishendra Fernando, Nadeesha Ramanayake and Chamod Yodasinghe and javelin thrower more..

May 27 (Island) Former Auditor General Gamini Wijesinghe said yesterday that there was absolutely no basis for Opposition claims that the AG had to be a person serving in the Department. In terms of the Constitution, the President could appoint a public servant qualified to hold that vital post, Wijesinghe said. President’s choice is subject to approval by the Constitutional Council, chaired by the Speaker. more..

May 27 (FT) SL’s Kusal Perera played a match-winning knock of 62* off 31 balls (5 fours, 4 sixes) to steer Lahore Qalandars to win the Pakistan Super League (PSL) against Quetta Gladiators by six wickets with a ball to spare providing an electrifying finish to the final played at Lahore. There were a number of performances that might have deserved to be on the winning side in this final, but in the end, it was Perera and Sikandar Raza that earned the honour of being swarmed by their more..

May 27 (Island) While Sri Lanka slowly recovers from its largest economic crisis so far, social protection programmes are central to the country’s growth. The crisis has put a large set of households in or near poverty, with households reeling from losses in income and price hikes. Social protection is not a new topic for SL; however, existing social protection programmes at the onset of the economic crisis in 2022, were unable to provide the necessary relief for many low-income families. more..

May 27 (Island) A team of international and local scientists has unveiled the most comprehensive map yet of conservation hotspots for threatened agamid lizards in Sri Lanka, shedding light on overlooked habitats and underscoring the urgency to rethink conservation priorities on the island. Led by scientist Iresha L. Wijerathne and colleagues, they combine cutting-edge ecological niche modeling with decades of field data to pinpoint critical habitats. It’s a scientific milestone that, more..

May 27 (FT) JAT Holdings, a leading conglomerate in SL’s manufacturing and coatings industry, announced its financial results for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2025, underscoring its long-standing stability and strategic foresight despite challenging external conditions. The company recorded a revenue of Rs. 11.6 billion, reflecting marginal year-on-year growth. This was primarily impacted by a 26% decline in export revenues from Bangladesh, driven by prevailing political and more..

May 27 (DN) SL is ready to step into the international spotlight once again, as officials confirmed plans to host a World Boxing Championships in 2026. The announcement was made on the final day of the ASBC Asian U22 & Youth Boxing Championships in Colombo. While the exact age category and gender for the event are yet to be finalized, SL’s boxing authorities are determined to bring a World C'ship to Colombo more..

May 27 (FT) Ameena Mohin assumed duties on 23 May, as the Director General of Commerce (Actg.) of the Department of Commerce. This appointment marks a significant milestone of the Department of Commerce for its ongoing efforts to strengthen the foreign trade policies, enhance economic growth, and foster international commerce relations. With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in trade policy, overseas trade representation, and trade negotiations, Mohin brings a wealth of more..

May 27 (ST) Hey, folks. It’s okay. No need any longer to tell friends travelling abroad to smuggle for you through customs a packet or two of common salt on their return. An Indian ship, carrying this time not fuel, medicine or food, but tonnes and tonnes of salt, will soon sail into port. But first, a word of thanks and gratitude to India’s munificence in throwing the lifeline to Lanka as she did three years ago with oil, drilled deep from desert wells found in Arabia. That, indeed, was a magnificent deed. more..