Feb 26 (CI) There was too much external negativity around his team, the pitches were too bowler-friendly, and fitness issues for key players were major issues that helped bring SL's downfall, said captain Dasun Shanaka. SL became the first team to be eliminated from semi-final contention when they were humbled by 61 runs in front of a packed Khettarama ground on Wednesday. SL had faced significant public criticism in the lead-up to this World Cup, having had largely poor results more..

Feb 26 (FT) Prime Lands Residencies has secured the historic Otters Club car park property in Colombo 7 through a recently concluded agreement with the UDA, marking one of the most significant residential land acquisitions in the district in recent years. The property will be developed into The Elizabeth, a landmark residential tower envisioned to redefine contemporary living in Col 7. The announcement comes as welcome news to clients and investors who have been awaiting more..

Feb 26 (EN) The arrest of Major General Suresh Salley, the former head of SL’s State Intelligence Service (SIS) and Military Intelligence, on Feb 25, marks a seismic shift in the country’s long and painful quest for justice regarding the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. For years, the investigation into the Islamist suicide bombings, which claimed at least 269 lives was dogged by allegations of a deep state conspiracy and high-level cover-ups. more..

Feb 26 (FT) DFCC Bank yesterday said it has delivered a record financial performance for the year ended 31 Dec 2025, reinforcing the strength of its strategy, the discipline of its execution, and the resilience of its balance sheet. Profit After Tax (PAT) from continuing operations increased by 32%, supported by sustained expansion in the loan portfolio and deposit base, disciplined asset-liability management, and strong cost governance. Total assets expanded by 22% to Rs. 857 billion, more..

Feb 26 (CI) 0.346: Sri Lanka's win-loss ratio in men's T20Is at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium. They have won nine and lost 26 of their 35 T20Is here. Their win-loss ratio is the second-worst among teams that have played 15 or more matches at a venue. The worst is UAE"s 0.214 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where they have won three and lost 14 of their 17 T20Is. 2014: Last time Sri Lanka reached the semi-finals of a men's T20 World Cup. They won the title that year. more..

Feb 26 (CI) If ever SL needed their 12th man it was tonight, and the crowd at the Khettarama were up to the task. Up to 3 hours before the first ball, fans were queuing and bustling to get in, with the congestion starting around 1 km away from the ground. And by the time the first ball was bowled the ground was already a sea of blue and yellow. NZ are arguably one of the most mentally resilient outfits out there, but the decibels being generated more..

Feb 26 (FT) Phoenix Ogilvy has been named 2025 SL Agency of the Year after topping Campaign Brief Asia’s Creative Rankings as the most internationally awarded agency in the country. The agency’s ranking also marks SL’s return to the list in 2025, following the country’s absence from it the previous year. Campaign Brief Asia Creative Rankings annually evaluate the top 100 most awarded creative agencies in Asia, based on their achievements across leading international awards shows. more..

Feb 26 (FT) National Development Bank announced a strong growth across all business lines with Net Banking Revenue increasing by a 45.2% on a comparable basis. NDB said like most other peers, the Bank’s 2024 financial performance was positively impacted following the successful conclusion of the ISB debt restructure with a one-off impact on interest income, fee income and net impairments amounting to Rs. 1.4 billion, Rs 0.7 billion and Rs. 9.4 billion, respectively for the said year. more..

Feb 26 (FT) The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), in partnership with ACCA Sri Lanka, formally marked a milestone in the country’s corporate governance landscape with the inaugural SLID–ACCA National Corporate Director Awards Ceremony, held on 28 Jan, at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. The event established, for the first time in Sri Lanka, a national platform devoted solely to recognising excellence in corporate directorship and highlighting the vital role that principled and more..

Feb 26 (FT) The transportation and logistics arm of Hayleys PLC, Hayleys Advantis Ltd, entered into a strategic agreement with Sarens Heavy Lift India Ltd, part of the Belgium-based Sarens Group, a global leader in crane rental and engineered heavy lifting, to collaborate on projects involving the supply and operation of heavy lift cranes and specialised lifting solutions in Sri Lanka and the wider region. The partnership will establish a Joint Venture in SL to invest in and expand crane rental more..

Feb 26 (CI) A stunning rearguard from Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie knocked Sri Lanka out of the 2026 T20 World Cup in spite of an electric start for the hosts as New Zealand sealed a crushing 61-run win. At an electric R Premadasa Stadium that crackled with perhaps the best atmosphere of the tournament, Sri Lanka's spinners put New Zealand's top and middle order to the sword, reducing them to 84 for 6. more..

Feb 26 (SO) With the current Govt committed to good governance and anti-corruption reforms, SL now has a unique opportunity to accelerate development and achieve sustained economic progress, said Managing Director of the IMF Kristalina Georgieva, who arrived in SL last week for a three-day visit, This was her core message during her talks with SL leaders and officials. Georgieva said that SL has faced multiple shocks, including the Northern conflict, the tsunami, terror attacks, more..

Feb 26 (Island) The NPP, led by JVP, came to power promising democratic renewal and long-awaited economic, educational, healthcare, and social transformation. It pledged to build a modern SL rooted in democratic values while steering the country toward its vision of Democratic Socialism. For many supporters, the NPP’s rise to the pinnacle of political power represents a historic opportunity to reset the nation’s direction. Yet recent developments have stirred unease. more..

Feb 26 (Island) CID yesterday arrested former Military Intelligence Chief Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay in connection with the ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks (2019). ASP F.U. Wootler told a hurriedly summoned media briefing that the arrest of Sallay was based on credible evidence. If so, the burden is on the police to prove their very serious charges against the war-time military intelligence officer who played a pivotal role in eliminating LTTE terror. more..

Feb 26 (CT) When the first sod was turned for the proposed Jaffna Int'l Cricket Stadium on Mandaitivu Island last September, it was presented as a moment of hope. Under the patronage of Prez Dissanayake, the ceremony signalled what officials described as a landmark development drive for the Northern Province — the beginning of a grand sports city that would bring investment, tourism and pride to the region. But progress, however well-intentioned, cannot come at the expense of the law. more..

Feb 26 (CT) World Cancer Day, observed annually on 4 February, brings into focus a health challenge that continues to grow. In 2022, the world recorded an estimated 20 million new cancer cases alongside nearly 10 million cancer-related deaths. Models project that by 2050, new cases could reach 35 million annually, marking a 77% increase from current levels, driven by ageing populations, urbanisation, and persistent more..

Feb 26 (ST) Last week, the Sunday Times Business reported that SriLankan Airlines received Rs. 25.2 billion in Dec 2025 through a govt capital infusion. This is hardly new—such bailouts have been a recurring feature throughout the airline’s history. According to the airline’s 2024/25 annual report, accumulated losses had reached Rs. 379.5 billion. On top of this, the company carried heavy bank debt and unpaid international bonds, with interest obligations of about US$ 211.6 million more..

Feb 26 (GV) The root causes of SL’s 26 year civil war have yet to be addressed, resulting in many consequences including exacerbating the issue of land conflicts and contestation related to places of religious worship. Escalating conflicts over land and religious sites, particularly in the north and east, are deeply intertwined with issues of ownership, control and access, which have been persistent drivers of conflict in the region. Land disputes and contestation over religious sites are not new phenomena. more..

Feb 26 (SO) Public confidence in SL’s direction is rising, with a majority now expressing satisfaction with the way things are going in the country, according to the Mood of the Nation survey by Verité Research in Feb 2026. Executive Director of Verité Research Dr. Nishan de Mel said 59% expressed satisfaction with the way things were going in the country, the first time that figure crossed the 50% mark, in four years of polling. more..

Feb 26 (DM) It appears that the latest procurement by Lanka Coal caused a direct loss of LKR 7,668.1 million to CEB. This is a floor, not a ceiling. The direct loss calculation excludes the additional costs that must be incurred to make up for the shortfall in generation caused by sub-standard coal and the remedial measures that may have to be taken to manage increased fly ash volumes. Lanka Coal is a 100% state-owned enterprise that will shortly be a part of Electricity Generation Lanka (EGL), more..

Feb 26 (DM) It is quite ironic to see the incumbent govt showing interests to build an international cricket stadium despite the worrying performances by our own national team. Following pressure from environmental groups, Govt halted the construction of the proposed int'l cricket stadium in Mandaitivu, Jaffna. Mandaitivu Island is an ecologically critical, biodiversity-rich area in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, boasting significant mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and over 150 bird species, more..

Feb 25 (DM) The Wildlife Conservation Dept has announced that it will conduct a formal investigation following reports that tourist bungalows in some national parks are being booked online and used for purposes other than wildlife viewing. According to Sections 3(b) and 2(c) of the Wildlife and Flora Protection Ordinance, the Director General may issue permits for entry into national parks strictly for the purpose of viewing wildlife and flora. The permit does not grant authority for more..

Feb 25 (NW) Police have sought public assistance to apprehend a suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in the Kalutara North Police Division earlier this month. Investigations are underway into the shooting incident reported on Feb 14 at a shop in the Ladiyamankada Junction area in Kalutara North. Police said two unidentified individuals had arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire using a firearm, resulting in the death of a man inside the premises. more..

Feb 25 (AD) Colombo High Court today ordered the release of Daisy Forrest, grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa and a defendant in a case filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. During the proceedings, Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara submitted a specialized psychiatric report to the court. The report, compiled by the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer, was requested by the court to determine whether more..

Feb 25 (DM) The commemorative celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the World Buddhist Sangha Council (WBSC), together with the 2nd Executive Committee meeting of the 11th General Assembly, is scheduled to be held in SL from 28 Nov to 2 Dec. A special discussion regarding the organisational arrangements was held yesterday afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Prez Dissanayake. Prez instructed that a joint committee be appointed, more..

Feb 25 (TM) Education, Higher Education & Vocational Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that a report assessing the impact of cyclone Ditwah on the education sector has now been prepared and will undergo verification before further action is taken. Kaluwewa explained that verification workshops would be conducted in all Provinces in the coming days to review and confirm the data included in the report. “We need to verify the information contained in the report. more..

Feb 25 (AD) CEB trade unions have decided to launch a token strike from 12 noon to 6 pm tomorrow, citing the lack of response to their demands from relevant authorities. The trade unions have conveyed this decision in a letter addressed to Minister of Power and Energy, Kumara Jayakody. According to the letter, no positive response has been received so far regarding the eight demands put forward by the trade unions. more..

Feb 25 (NW) Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra, met with Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul for substantive bilateral discussions. The talks focused on deepening economic cooperation, expanding foreign employment pathways, enhancing development cooperation, and strengthening defence ties, alongside SL’s ongoing economic recovery efforts, including progress on debt restructuring. more..

Feb 25 (CT) All arrangements have been finalised for the 2026 annual feast of St. Anthony’s Shrine in Katchatheevu, Jaffna District Secretary Maruthalingam Pradeepan announced yesterday (24). The final coordination meeting ahead of the festival was held at 9 a.m. at the Jaffna District Secretariat under his chairmanship. The historic feast at St. Anthony’s Shrine, Katchatheevu, is scheduled to take place on 27 and 28 Feb 2026, drawing devotees from both SL and India. more..

Feb 25 (AD) SDIG in charge of the Western Province, Sajeewa Medawatte, says that several new information have been uncovered in connection with the recent shooting and killing of a lawyer and his wife at a supermarket parking lot in Akuregoda. He said the crime had been carried out in a highly organized manner by a criminal gang. He noted that at the initial stage of the investigation, police only had minimum information, with the criminals involved having used various methods to commit more..

Feb 25 (CT) Senior academic Prof Rohan Samarajiva stated that Victor Ivan was among the foremost intellectuals committed to the public good in SL, and that he deserved greater recognition than anyone else for shaping the ongoing national debate on Constitutional Reform. Delivering the keynote address at the first death anniversary commemoration of Victor Ivan, Samarajiva observed that Ivan had consistently argued over a prolonged period that the Executive Presidential System more..