May 22 (NW) Sri Lankan activist Sameera Mehboobdeen, who joined the international Global Sumud Flotilla mission aimed at breaking the naval blockade of Gaza, is safe and has been deported from Israel, according to officials and sources in touch with her. The development comes as Israel began releasing and deporting hundreds of activists detained after attempting to breach the blockade, according to the Israel-based legal advocacy group Adalah. more..

May 22 (DM) Sri Lanka’s national consumer prices accelerated in April as the full impact of higher fuel, electricity and transport costs filtered through the economy, pushing inflation closer to levels not seen in several months. Headline inflation, measured by the National Consumer Price Index, rose to 4.7% year-on-year (YoY) in April from 2.4% in March, according to the DCS. The all-items NCPI rose to 216.3 in April from 210.9 in March, marking a 2.54% month-on-month increase. more..

May 22 (FT) Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando ruled out any move to suspend vehicle imports and rejected claims of a sharp surge in LCs, saying recent import demand was already moderating following the Govt’s decision to impose a temporary surcharge on vehicle import duties to ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves. 380 LCs were opened on 15 May covering 1,782 vehicles valued at $ 23.71 million. more..

May 22 (FT) Sri Lanka must urgently pivot from chasing tourist numbers to building a high-value, experience-driven tourism economy backed by stronger branding, infrastructure, and storytelling, global tourism experts said during a panel discussion at Sancharaka Udawa 2026. The session, titled SL Tourism: What’s next… What’s missing?, featured MakeMyTrip Chief Commercial Officer – Holidays and Experiences Jasmeet Singh, Droga & Co./Well Traveller Founder more..

May 22 (AD) The Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa has called for an All Party Conference in order to discuss the ongoing economic downturn including the rapid depreciation of the SL Rupee. He said the opposition has come together in unity as the country is once again facing what he described as a dangerous economic warning sign. He stated that the rapid depreciation of the rupee, rising cost pressures, and growing economic uncertainty cannot be viewed as a partisan issue. more..

May 22 (DN) “Cricket is not owned by a committee, a group of people or even the Govt. Cricket belongs to the spectators of the country, and we are very concerned about that,” said Transformation Committee Chairman Eran Wickramaratne said. He said all stakeholders are being invited to present their views, adding that the door is open for cricketers, umpires, coaches, trainers, administrators, clerks and district & more..

May 22 (Island) Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) officially announced the CCWE Fashion Week & Int'l Summit 2026 at a press conference held in Colombo, unveiling a historic national initiative that will mark the first-ever fashion week in SL and the South Asian region dedicated exclusively to women entrepreneurs. Held under the theme Threads of Inclusion Woven from Every Walk of Life, the event is scheduled to take place from 16th to 20th July 2026 at Cinnamon Life, more..

May 22 (FT) Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said that the Govt expects to settle nearly Rs. 15 billion in outstanding dues owed to renewable energy developers by end-June, amid mounting concerns over payment delays affecting the sector. He said the National System Operator (NSO) had accelerated payments, releasing Rs. 2 billion on 19 May, while a further Rs. 1 billion is scheduled to be paid next week to renewable energy plants. The delays have affected 386 renewable more..

May 22 (FT) SL’s recent macroeconomic pressures are being driven primarily by an external energy shock linked to the Middle East conflict rather than the domestic imbalances that triggered the 2022 economic crisis, CT Smith Securities said in a macroeconomic update issued yesterday. The brokerage said rising oil prices, higher import costs, and pressure on the balance of payments had contributed to the recent depreciation of the rupee, rising inflation, and the widening trade deficit, more..

May 22 (FT) With the aim of strengthening the export competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s light engineering industry, Industrial Products Division of the Export Development Board (EDB) inaugurated a special awareness program for exporters and potential exporters in the light engineering sector at the EDB headquarters in Colombo. The inauguration program was held at the EDB on 19 May. The program was conducted jointly with the Foundry Development Services Institute (FDSI) and more..

May 22 (FT) IMF Mission Chief for SL Evan Papageorgiou yesterday signalled confidence in Sri Lanka’s ability to manage the economic pressures arising from the Middle East war, saying the country’s stronger policy framework, improved reserves, and ongoing reform program had placed the economy in a better position to absorb external shocks than in the past. “Sri Lanka’s reform program continues to move forward, more..

May 22 (Island) SL’s constitutional journey remains marked by unresolved dilemmas: entrenched executive dominance, fragile fundamental rights, unfulfilled reform promises, and the persistent national question. These challenges have deepened inequality, strained ethnic relations, and weakened democratic accountability. The writer argues that constitutional supremacy must be firmly secured above transient political majorities, with judicial review extending to all acts of the State, more..

May 22 (DM) Sri Lanka is often vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations like what it is experiencing at the moment. For the common man, a depreciating rupee means that the cost of living is expected to be much higher than his or her income. This is also bad news for a country that is recovering from a recent economic collapse. Explaining reasons for the depreciation of the rupee at the Committee on Public Finance, CB Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said that it is a reflection of more..

May 22 (TM) War is never something that should be glorified. There can be no greater foolishness than one human being marking victory or defeat through the blood of another. However, as Sri Lankans, we were forced to endure a terrible curse that tore through the heart of our motherland for three decades, consuming national wealth and countless young lives. Monday (18) marked the Day that that painful chapter came to an end. As a nation with conscience and clarity, we must remember more..

May 22 (DN) If you have even a passing interest in world news, you could not have missed two words that are mentioned rather frequently now – Ebola and Hantavirus. WHO has declared Ebola a public health emergency of international concern, spurred by the rapid spread of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and Rwanda since May 5 this year. Efforts to control the disease are complicated by the fact the current Bundibugyo strain has no effective vaccine, more..

May 22 (SO) For nearly 14 years, SL’s National Art Gallery in Colombo has remained closed behind scaffolding, unfinished renovations and growing controversy. What was once one of the country’s most important public space for visual arts has now become the centre of serious allegations involving neglected paintings, questionable renovations, missing artworks and claims of possible corruption. Artists and academics say more..

May 22 (TM) This week, the politics of Governors began with a letter. A letter written by the Western Province (WP) Governor, Hanif Yusoof to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Yusoof was among the first high-profile appointments of the NPP Govt, soon after the President took office. A powerful businessman. A trusted hand. At this point, one is reminded of former Roman Emperor Augustus/Octavian, the ruler who transformed a fragile Roman order into an empire. more..

May 22 (DN) SL’s construction industry is showing signs of activity again. Projects are restarting, reconstruction needs are increasing, and new opportunities are emerging. But activity should not be mistaken for recovery. SL is still carrying the after-effects of COVID-19, foreign-exchange shortages, inflation, delayed payments, labour migration, high financing costs, and global instability. National indicators may show improvement, but recovery at contractor level remains more..

May 22 (TM) SL has long taken pride in its rivers, reservoirs, and wetland systems that sustain agriculture, support biodiversity, and provide water for millions. But beneath the surface of these vital resources, a largely invisible threat is growing, and it is one we are not adequately prepared to measure, manage, or control. These microscopic plastic particles, often smaller than a grain of sand, are now widely recognised as more..

May 22 (DM) The end of the war between the armed forces and the LTTE was remembered in the country in two major events during a two-day period. A state sponsored remembrance was held at the Parliament grounds on Tuesday, and a separate event took place in Mullivaikkal, in Mullaitivu Distrct -- where the last battle was fought -- with leaders of Tamil political parties and civil society organisations participating on Monday. The two events were worlds apart in every conceivable way. more..

May 22 (Island) The depreciation of the rupee continues, and the govt is accused of making only halfhearted attempts to arrest it. The UNP has said the country is facing a very serious issue due to the uncontrolled tumble of the rupee, and during the 20 months since the current administration assumed office, the exchange rate has moved from around Rs. 292 at the time former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe handed over office to around Rs. 354 against the US dollar. more..

May 21 (DN) A total of 128 wild elephant deaths have been reported across the country so far this year, according to the Dept of Wildlife Conservation. Dept stated that the deaths were recorded between Jan 1 and May 15 this year. Among the incidents reported, 20 elephants had died due to shootings, while 15 were killed by electrocution. Another 10 elephants reportedly died after consuming hakka patas explosive bait, while five deaths were caused by falls into agricultural wells. more..

May 21 (AD) A luxury passenger cruise ship named Mein Schiff 6, carrying 2,380 tourists, has arrived at the Colombo Port and docked at the East Container Terminal Stage (ECT). The vessel, which sails under the Maltese flag, has a crew of 951 members on board, according to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation. Measuring 295 metres in length and 42 metres in width, this marks the first-ever visit of this ship to SL. The arriving tourists were welcomed with cultural and artistic performances, more..

May 21 (AD) Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, says he is deeply disappointed by the conduct of politicians in the country. He made these remarks while attending a religious service organized to mark the 125th anniversary of Pitipana Maha Vidyalaya in Negombo. Cardinal further stated: "In the world of politicians, this is what happens. They say one thing today and do the complete opposite more..

May 21 (DN) The Rs 25 billion allocated for the RE MSME PLUS loan scheme, this year under the govt’s low-interest concessional loan program to strengthen small and medium-sized businesses, has already been utilized, said Deputy Minister Chaturanga Abeysinghe. He made this statement while participating in a special awareness program held yesterday (20) on concessional loan schemes and other alternative financial facilities for small and medium-sized businesses more..

May 21 (FT) In a reassuring move, Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) said the recent depreciation of the SL rupee must be viewed in the context of wider global pressures, including the conflict in the Middle East, rising global fuel prices, and increasing shipping costs. The JAAF noted that a weaker rupee should not be interpreted as a sign that SL’s economy is underperforming. This position is also consistent with recent comments by CB Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, more..

May 21 (EN) An audit at SL’s National Art Gallery found that 42 invaluable ancient paintings are missing from its collection, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs told parliament. A physical verification and survey committee was initially appointed in 2015 under the instructions of the then Director of Cultural Affairs to inspect paintings & sculptures at the institution, Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said. more..

May 21 (EN) Sri Lanka has expressed deep concern and profound distress over footage posted by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which showed the dehumanizing treatment of Global Sumud Flotilla members detained by Israel illegally in international waters. “Govt of Sri Lanka expresses deep concern and profound distress over footage posted by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which appears to depict the dehumanizing treatment of detainees of Global Sumud Flotilla. more..

May 21 (NW) SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has warned of a deepening breakdown in SL’s foreign exchange market, saying a collapse in confidence is driving a vicious cycle of volatility and uncertainty. In a recent address, de Silva pointed to the rapid depreciation of the SL rupee, noting that the Bank of Ceylon selling rate had recently reached 354, as evidence of mounting pressure on the currency market. He said the core issue is not only economic but also structural, arguing that more..

May 21 (Island) In a country where environmental destruction, political interference and weak enforcement have often overshadowed conservation efforts, the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has emerged as one of SL’s most formidable legal defenders of nature. From the catastrophic MV X-Press Pearl Disaster to the destruction of the Wilpattu National Park ecosystem, CEJ has consistently used the courts to challenge environmental crimes, state negligence more..

May 21 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today called on the govt to immediately begin negotiations for a successor programme with the IMF, warning that SL is not on track to meet reserve targets under the current arrangement. “I am calling on the govt today to begin negotiations for a successor IMF programme. Not to renegotiate the existing arrangement, which is proceeding. A successor programme, the arrangement that takes effect when this one ends,” Premadasa said. more..