Jan 23 (DN) ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour made a grand entrance yesterday with a spectacular paragliding display at the R. Premadasa Stadium, moments before the start of the first ODI around 1.45 p.m. Four military parachutists descended into the stadium, creating a striking pre-match spectacle. The T20 World Cup trophy was carried by the lead parachutist, who landed first, followed by three others, much to the delight of the spectators. The trophy tour began earlier in the day after more..

Jan 23 (Island) Turkish govt’s foreign policy priorities in a period of heightened global turbulence, stressing diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation are essential tools for navigating an increasingly unstable international environment, Turkey’s Ambassador to SL Dr. Semih Lütfü Turgut said. ‘The turbulence and uncertainty of recent years have carried forward into 2026, with unresolved conflicts, shifting power balances and declining respect for a rules-based international order, more..

Jan 23 (FT) First Capital Holdings cautioned that SL’s debt concerns are re-emerging as economic growth moderates, stressing that fiscal discipline alone will not be sufficient to stabilise debt dynamics without faster structural reforms and stronger Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows. Releasing its Investment Strategy: Jan 2026 – SL report at its annual investor forum, First Capital said GDP growth is expected to slow to 3-4% more..

Jan 23 (DM) SL’s tea export earnings climbed past the US$ 1.5 billion mark in 2025, up from about US$ 1.4 billion in 2024, underpinned by higher prices and steady demand for value-added products, even as shipment volumes showed mixed trends through the year. December exports fell sharply on a year-on-year basis, with shipments dropping to 17.87 million kg from 22.57 million kg a year earlier, reflecting across-the-board declines in all categories. However, prices moved in opposite direction. more..

Jan 23 (ST) The dire predicament of the surrogate mother and the urgent need for a strong regulatory framework covering Assisted Reproductive Health, was the clarion call from a Supreme Court Judge to an eminent gathering of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists last Sunday in Colombo. “As a stepping stone towards a recommendation being made to the Govt for the promulgation of a comprehensive legal regulatory framework relating to the delivery of reproductive health more..

Jan 23 (CI) Following a difficult Ashes tour, what is left of Bazball ran into an old-fashioned spin-bowling choke in Colombo. There were glimmers of brilliance from England in a chase of 272. But four Sri Lanka spinners, sharing six wickets between them, won through comfortably in the end. Despite measured 60s from both Joe Root and Ben Duckett, England fell 19 runs short, their run rate having stayed below five an over more..

Jan 23 (CT) Northern Province Governor N. Vethanayagan has requested the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to extend its support for the development of the health sector and the improvement of waste management activities in the Northern Province. The request was made during a meeting between the Governor and JICA SL Country Director Kenji Kuronuma, held at the Governor’s Secretariat on 21 Jan. At the meeting, the Governor expressed his more..

Jan 23 (FT) SL used the global stage recently to highlight its expanding focus on early childhood development and caregiving reforms, as Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj participated in the inaugural Global Caregiver Forum 2026 held in Madrid, Spain. The two-day forum, which began on 15 January under the patronage of Queen Letizia of Spain, brought together policymakers, development experts, and global institutions to shape an int'l roadmap for more..

Jan 23 (FT) With a focus on liveable luxury and urban connectivity, Fairway Holdings this week launched its seventh apartment project, Latitude, bringing family-centric living to Colombo 5. Fairway Holdings has established itself as a leading developer of luxury condominiums, with over 20 years of experience in the real estate market of SL. Located at No. 7, High Level Road, Kirulapone, Latitude by Fairway represents the latest chapter in an expansive portfolio of contemporary more..

Jan 23 (FT) Carson Cumberbatch PLC and Bukit Darah PLC have issued their latest response to the Indonesian Govt’s plans to nationalise its palm oil plantation. The update is a follow up to the Announcement dated 28 October 2025 on the Implementation of new laws in Indonesia for Palm Oil Plantations which, according to publicly available information, has currently affected approx. 4.1 million hectares of palm oil plantations across Indonesia. In a filing to the Colombo Stock Exchange, more..

Jan 23 (CI) An ODI series just weeks out from the start of a T20 World Cup isn't particularly ideal preparation, but Charith Asalanka was keen to keep his eyes set on the positives for Sri Lanka - not that the past few months have been his finest. Last month he was ousted from the T20 captaincy following a disagreement with the board over the potential abandoning of November's Pakistan tour over security concerns. more..

Jan 23 (Island) Paying one’s last respects to the departed at funerals is a matter of societal obligation. The problem of being a sociologist, however, is that there is a tendency to take mental notes of what goes on around us as a matter of routine. I have done this over many years with regard to funerals and death, including in my own immediate family. My maternal grandfather had written a letter to my mother detailing what should and should not be done at his funeral: more..

Jan 23 (TM) Looking back at 2025, the anxiety among influential sections of the population that the NPP Govt would destabilise the country has largely been dispelled. There was concern that a Govt led by the JVP might not be respectful of private property in the Marxist tradition. These fears have not materialised. The transition of power was smooth, with no upheavals and no breakdown of governance. This continuity has contributed to trust building. Smooth political transitions following more..

Jan 23 (Island) JVP-led NPP govt has delayed the appointment of one AG—Auditor General—and is in overdrive to oust the other AG—Attorney General. Determined to parachute a ruling party crony into the post of AG, allegedly in a bid to cover up corrupt deals on its watch, govt is believed to be biding its time until the reconstitution of the Constitutional Council to achieve its goal. JVP/NPP is unashamedly using its propaganda brigade to carry out malicious social media attacks more..

Jan 23 (CT) SL Traffic Police are now believed to possess more advanced speed cameras. This is a positive development, undertaken at significant public expense. As ordinary citizens, we have both the right and the responsibility to express our views on how such systems can be implemented more effectively. If properly designed and enforced, speed cameras can help reduce road traffic accidents and ultimately save lives, public funds, and property by minimising avoidable losses on our roads. more..

Jan 23 (TM) SL will formally initiate discussions with neighbouring countries within this year to address the growing challenge of seasonal transboundary air pollution, Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi said. He emphasised that regional cooperation was the only viable pathway to managing a problem that lay largely beyond the country’s borders. Minister’s comments come amid renewed public concern over recent dips in more..

Jan 23 (DN) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake received a rousing welcome in Jaffna during his visit, which coincided with Thai Pongal celebrations. His visit and the cheerful welcome he received from people in the North carry greater symbolic meaning. In national politics, long polarised along ethnic lines, such a reception for a visiting Head of State elected with majority votes from the majority community is an achievement in healing past wounds and bringing about reconciliation among more..

Jan 23 (DM) Bar Association of SL has strongly emphasised that it is the duty of the govt and law enforcement agencies to ensure that there is no unwarranted interference with the exercise of the powers of the Attorney General. A wave of social media attacks has targeted Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe. Silent protests were held in Jan 2026 outside courts and the AG's Dept, with some groups demanding his removal, alleging corruption and bias in legal decisions. more..

Jan 23 (CT) In the bustling heart of Colombo, amidst the constant noise of traffic and daily scurry, there exists a sanctuary that has stood the test of time. It is a place where the frenetic pace of the city falls away, replaced by the rustle of pages and the quiet contemplation of knowledge. As you enter, the calmness of the landscape with its water fountains and flowering trees immediately detaches you from the urban chaos outside. more..

Jan 23 (CT) Is the Sara Jasmine Narrative a Red Herring? Six years after the devastating Easter Sunday terrorist attacks of 21 April 2019, Sri Lanka continues to grapple not only with unanswered questions but also with growing public frustration over unfulfilled promises of closure. On that tragic morning, coordinated suicide bombings ripped through three churches—Katuwapitiya, Kochchikade, and Batticaloa—and three leading hotels in Colombo, claiming 267 lives and more..

Jan 23 (CT) According to the CEB officials, 1 Feb could be a crucial day on which chaos could potentially erupt as uncertainty over the gazetting of new electricity reforms coincides with the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) deadline. Govt is tentatively set to gazette the new Electricity Act of 1 Feb and several CEB trade unions have already warned that they will oppose the reforms, on the same day, citing unresolved issues related to collective agreements, human resources more..

Jan 22 (NW) Former minister Wimal Weerawansa has made a controversial disclosure concerning the death of former politician Nandana Gunathilaka, revealing details of a letter Gunathilaka had shared before his passing. Addressing the media at Gunathilaka’s funeral, Weerawansa said the late politician had shown him a letter sent to an international organisation, outlining what action should be taken in relation to it. He added that Gunathilaka had also sent him a WhatsApp more..

Jan 22 (AD) Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, stated that no discussion regarding the removal of the Attorney General took place during the Cabinet meeting. The Minister made this statement while speaking to the media following a discussion held at the Vavuniya District Secretariat today. Minister Nanayakkara said that despite various reports circulating on social media, no such Cabinet discussion has taken place regarding the removal of the Attorney General. more..

Jan 22 (CT) A blue-shining stone found within a large rock boulder that came down during a landslide caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Galaha, Kandy, has been identified as a low-value semi-precious mineral, labradorite, officials confirmed. The boulder was discovered along a river adjacent to the Sri Muthumari Amman Hindu Kovil premises in the Deltota Estate area of Galaha. Following public interest and reports of a more..

Jan 22 (AD) Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero, President of the Association of Educational Professionals, has arrived at the CID this morning to provide a statement regarding the Grade 6 English language module issue. The CID has recorded Ven. Sumangala Thero’s statement for nearly two hours. Speaking to the media afterwards, Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thero alleged that a conspiracy had been deliberately hatched to jeopardize the future of children. more..

Jan 22 (DM) In what appeared to be a wake-up call for the improvement of the business environment in SL, Turkish Ambassador Semih Turgut said that SL’s investment climate is difficult and bureaucracy is complex. At a roundtable discussion organized by Pathfinder Foundation, the Ambassador briefed the Turkish foreign policy and took questions from the participants including media representatives, diplomats & academics. Asked about his assessment of the investment climate, more..

Jan 22 (FT) Minister Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that while a Chinese national is among the shareholders of the proposed Ambuluwawa cable car project, no Chinese company pulled out of the venture, amid growing public debate and scrutiny over the development. He said the Govt had taken note of public concerns surrounding the project, but cautioned against narratives that could undermine investor more..

Jan 22 (DM) The govt is planning to organise a donor conference, Leader of the House Minister Bimal Ratnayake said yesterday no country in the world had been able to raise even 10% of the cost of the damage caused due to a natural disaster, through donors. The Minister told Parliament that in all natural disasters, no country including countries like Afghanistan, Philippines or America had raised even 10% of the cost of damages caused by disasters through donors. more..

Jan 22 (AD) Four petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the Bill seeking to abolish the pension scheme for MPs. Speaker of House Jagath Wickramaratne informed Parliament today that he has also received a copy of an additional petition that has been filed before the Supreme Court. Speaker noted that the petitions have been filed in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution. Bill to abolish pensions for MPs was presented to Parliament on January 7 by more..

Jan 22 (Island) At the request of the Supreme Court of SL and SL Judges’ Institute, a special capacity-building programme for 30 District Court Judges from SL was organised at the Indian National Judicial Academy, Bhopal, from 12 to 16 Jan, the Indian HC said. IHC statement: “The week-long programme encompassed eleven sessions covering key themes such as court and case management for efficient judicial systems; juvenile justice; judicial interventions to combat money laundering; more..

Jan 22 (FT) Writer Corporation, one of India’s leading business groups, yesterday announced the launch of its subsidiary, Writer Business Services Ltd., and the commencement of its operations in Sri Lanka. The expansion reflects Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in Writer’s regional growth plans and its role in supporting a highly regulated digital and financial services market which is currently undergoing digital transformation. Sri Lanka’s continued focus on strengthening more..