Feb 8 (Island) Many post-disaster rebuilding projects have got underway, and the govt is grappling with uphill task of relocating survivors of landslides and ensuring the safety of others living in unstable mountainous areas. Experts have warned that if another spell of torrential rains occurs soon, it may trigger a fresh wave of landslides. While efforts are being made to relocate the disaster victims to safe locations, hundreds of apartment dwellers in C'mbo are expressing concern about their safety. more..

Feb 8 (ST) It was refreshing to hear Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Rebuilding SL Independence Day address to the nation acknowledge the freedom fighters who braved 450 years of colonial rule to usher in freedom in 1948. Equally, no one would fault the President for focusing on other key priorities in making Independence more meaningful, such as the economy, advanced human capital, economic progress, the rule of law, ecologically sustainable development and national unity. more..

Feb 8 (ST) My dear Namal baby, It has been a while since I wrote to you last, but I thought I must do so again after seeing you being summoned to the CID last week, along with your mother who was asked to report to the FCID. Cousin Shamindra was also issued a Red Notice. It was not a great week for the ‘R’ family, was it? Your visits to the CID are not new. They have happened before during the yahapalanaya era, when you casually dropped in to their offices wearing a pair of shorts. more..

Feb 8 (ST) A South Korean regional politician was in hot water this week after suggesting that his country import young brides from Sri Lanka or Vietnam to marry rural bachelors to deal with the declining population there. Kim Hee-Soo, the head of Jindo County, who made the controversial remark and later apologised, stating that his remarks were not made with the intention to disparage any specific country or individual, more..

Feb 8 (CT) Nations that emerged from colonial rule commemorate their Independence Day in different ways. Some mark it quietly as a national holiday, while others celebrate it with grandeur. Countries such as Sri Lanka, India, and Singapore have consistently chosen the latter path—upholding unbroken traditions since gaining independence from the British Empire. At the heart of these celebrations lies a shared purpose: affirming sovereignty, national pride & independence. more..

Feb 8 (SO) When the tickets for the India vs Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup game scheduled for Feb 15 at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo was opened for sale, within one hour more than 90 percent of the tickets were sold out. Cricket spectators have such an interest and enthusiasm over the game of South Asia’s arch rivals. However, surprisingly the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) declared it will not play the game against India. The move comes after Bangladesh faced exit more..

Feb 8 (TM) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his JVP-led NPP Govt made sober, simple celebrations centre stage at this year’s Independence Day celebrations. Arriving in a vehicle convoy led by three motorbikes without the usual horsemen and a series of motorbikes, AKD got down from the front passenger side of the vehicle upon arrival at the event. Even the cameramen covering the event were not prepared to see more..

Feb 8 (TM) At 78 years of independence, Sri Lanka stands as a nation rich in potential yet chronically poor in direction. Sri Lanka’s is not a story of innate failure; it is, rather, a story of squandered opportunity. Few post-colonial societies inherited a population as educated, healthy, and administratively capable as Sri Lanka did in 1948, second only to Japan in the whole of Asia. Fewer still possessed such strategic geography, fertile land, and human capital. more..

Feb 8 (SO) A panel of eminent environmentalists, scientists, economists and journalists discussed a sustainability roadmap for the tourism industry and the economy in general at a recent forum held in Dambulla, the epicentre of SL’s cultural heritage and also its agricultural heartbeat. The panellists agreed that SL has a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) – a combination of culture, heritage, natural beauty, adventure destinations and a welcoming people, perhaps its greatest asset. more..

Feb 7 (FT) The 10th edition of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will kick off today in SL boosting cricket and tourism during a month-long engagement. Co-hosted by India and SL, this year’s edition is billed to be one of the best tournaments world cricket has ever seen. Sri Lanka will host over 20 matches in Colombo (R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium and Sinhalese Sports Club) and in Kandy (Pallekele Cricket Stadium). more..

Feb 7 (AD) The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has issued a notification calling applications from graduates for teaching vacancies in Sinhala, Tamil, and English medium schools across the island. According to Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2474/18 dated 2 Feb 2026, graduates currently serving in the public service as of 10 Feb 2023, who are not more than 45 years old and have completed their degree qualifications, are eligible to apply. more..

Feb 7 (AM) Ministry of Education has begun distributing smart boards required for the new education reforms to schools, and any collection of money from parents at school level for this purpose must be stopped immediately, PM Harini Amarasuriya said in Parliament on Wednesday (5). She also said no decision has been taken to curtail free education or to close the J'pura Dental Faculty. PM made these remarks in response to a question raised by Opp. Leader Sajith Premadasa. more..

Feb 7 (Island) The scam involving the import of substandard coal has become the litmus test for the NPP Govt, says the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP). The substandard coal scam has become the litmus test for the NPP govt’s integrity and transparency, FSP Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda said, alleging serious irregularities and contradictions in the govt’s handling of coal procurement for the Lakvijaya Power Plant. more..

Feb 7 (CT) Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has urged freight forwarders and de-consolidation agents to increase the use of palletised cargo for LCL (Less-than-Container Load) shipments at the Port of Colombo, amid rising congestion and operational challenges. Currently, SLPA’s JCT warehouse has been operating at full capacity for the past 12 months, with LCL cargo remaining uncleared. SLPA operates five warehouses—JCT, BQ, NNR, Pettah, and another facility—but the volume of more..

Feb 7 (AD) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated that the extension of the emergency law is aimed solely at speeding up the reconstruction process and will not be used as a tool for repression. Prez made these remarks today (06) at the Niyangoda School playground, during an event organized under the Rebuilding Sri Lanka program to provide land and financial assistance for the reconstruction of homes and resettlement of families severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah. more..

Feb 7 (EN) Edges of Sri Lanka, a national branding initiative to promote the island in global markets, was launched alongside SL Expo 2026. Developed by the Export Development Board, with the Board of Investment, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and Deloitte as knowledge partner, Edges of Sri Lanka presents an evidence-based perspective on established strengths and evolving capabilities that contribute to Sri Lanka’s competitiveness, resilience, and long-term growth, Deloitte said. more..

Feb 7 (AD) The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has submitted a request yesterday (5) to the Speaker of Parliament, requesting amendments to the Standing Orders of Parliament in order to prevent conduct or statements by MPs that result in women Parliamentarians being subjected to verbal harassment or insults within the parliamentary chamber. The Tenth Parliament is distinguished as the parliament which has witnessed the highest number of elected women representatives, more..

Feb 7 (CI) For over a century, the SSC has been the quiet, dignified heartbeat of Sri Lankan cricket. To walk through its gates is to walk through a gallery of greats, and ghosts. This is where Muthiah Muralidaran turned the ball as if by magic, claiming 166 of his 800 Test wickets - a world record for a single venue to date. It is where Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara built their 624-run monument to patience, more..

Feb 7 (FT) Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar yesterday reaffirmed India’s commitment to Sri Lanka, describing the country as a true and trusted partner, following discussions with a delegation from the JVP. In a message shared on X, Dr. Jaishankar said he held a warm interaction with JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva and his delegation, during which the two sides discussed further strengthening the long-standing ties between India and Sri Lanka. more..

Feb 7 (FT) Sri Lanka recently held the Boat and Marine Show and Conference 2026, as South Asia’s leading marine lifestyle and industry event. It was held from 30 Jan to 1 Feb, at Sail Lanka Charter, Port City Colombo. The Conference was organised by Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with the Chamber of Marine Industries SL, while the Boat Show was organised in cooperation with the Chamber of Marine Industries SL and managed by CDC Events Ltd., with the support of more..

Feb 7 (FT) Former SL captain Angelo Mathews who retired from Test cricket recently will make his debut as a cricket commentator during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The ICC media release states: “Making their ICC TV commentary debut are 2014 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner Angelo Mathews and 2025 ICC World Test Championship-winning captain Temba Bavuma.” “Cricket is woven into the very fabric of both India & SL, and Men’s T20 World Cup more..

Feb 7 (CI) Pramod Madushan has replaced Eshan Malinga in SL's T20 World Cup squad. Malinga's participation in the tournament was cast in doubt after he had dislocated his shoulder during the second T20I against England at home earlier this month. The injury took place when he bowled the first ball after a rain interval in the match. He clutched his non-bowling shoulder after releasing the delivery, fell to the floor during his follow-through, and missed out on the third T20I as well. more..

Feb 7 (ST) SL Grama Niladhari National Union (SLGNNU) has raised serious concerns over the govt’s plan to establish Praja Sanwardana Sabhas (Community Development Councils), claiming the initiative could weaken the traditional village-level administrative system in favour of political interests. However Minister Upali Pannilage strongly rejected the allegation. He said the initiative was designed to empower more..

Feb 7 (ST) The proposed National Electricity Policy raises concerns over the abolition of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) for Renewable Energy Developers, potentially undermining investments, industry experts say. The Renewable Energy Developers Association (REDA) urged immediate govt intervention and supportive policies to retain energy security. The proposed removal of the FIT system, which currently supports approximately 92% of renewable projects under 10 MW, is seen as more..

Feb 7 (KP) If you’re in the mood to enjoy street snacks with a twist, Jaffna is the place to be. Jaffna’s most distinctive aesthetic feature is its use of pink throughout its indoor and outdoor spaces. The wooden seating creates a warm environment. The chefs cook right in front of you in the indoor space while you eat, creating an immersive sensory experience. At night, the space reminds you of a lively, neon-lit food market. This mini Sri Lanka in Nepal offers an authentic taste of SL through more..

Feb 7 (FT) Serious concerns over environmental compliance, land ownership, and public safety linked to the proposed Ambuluwawa cable car project have come under renewed scrutiny following a joint inspection and discussion led by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi. The inspection was conducted in response to complaints lodged by environmental organisations and members of the Gampola PS, particularly in more..

Feb 7 (ST) South Asia watchers are mourning the passing of two veteran members of their tribe in the second week of January. Both were veteran journalists with storied careers, a vast network of sources and independent minds. The first name is that of N Sathiya Moorthy, a prolific writer on Sri Lanka and the Maldives, who passed away in Chennai on Pongal day on January 15 at the age of 71. Back in the 2000s, he was perhaps just one of 2 Indian journalists (other was Jyoti Malhotra, more..

Feb 7 (FT) Colombo’s expanding real estate market is increasingly commodifying proximity to nature, placing growing pressure on wetlands, paddy fields and peri-urban landscapes, and driving up property prices by an estimated 30 to 40% annually, according to a new report by the Centre for a Smart Future. The study, titled Shifting Grounds: Unpacking the Tensions Between Real Estate Development and Nature in Colombo, authored by Medhini Igoor and Senith Abeyanayake, examines more..

Feb 7 (FT) Ceylon Federation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has called for urgent structural reforms to the country’s lending and regulatory framework, warning that flawed policy responses during successive national crises have disproportionately harmed small businesses while enabling excessive profit accumulation within the financial sector. Federation outlined a clear path forward, centred on corrective measures to address what it described as unjust interest recovery more..

Feb 7 (FT) Abans Group Chairperson and Founder Aban Pestonjee was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award at the inaugural SLID–ACCA National Corporate Director Awards 2025, hosted by the SL Institute of Directors (SLID), in partnership with ACCA on 28 Jan at the Cinnamon Grand. Event sought to recognise and celebrate outstanding corporate directors who have demonstrated leadership, integrity, and governance excellence, while shaping future of the SL business. more..

Feb 7 (FT) SL’s economic recovery remains vulnerable due to persistent policy instability and weak growth foundations, economists warned, cautioning that recent macroeconomic stabilisation will not translate into durable revival without long-term structural reform and policy continuity. Speaking yesterday at the opening of the 40th Annual Sessions of the SL Economic Association (SLEA), SLEA President Prof. Sirimevan more..

Feb 7 (Island) If elephants are truly to be given freedom in Udawalawe, the solution is not simply to open gates or redraw park boundaries. The map itself tells the real story — a story of shrinking habitats, broken corridors, and more than a decade of silent but relentless ecological destruction. “Look at Udawalawe today and compare it with satellite maps from ten years ago,” says Sameera Weerathunga, one of SL’s most consistent and vocal elephant conservation activists. more..