Day 2: Shakeel, Saqib hand Pakistan the advantage against Sri Lanka
Nov 10 (CI) Pakistan piled on 434 runs and then their seamers removed SL's top three, to leave the visitors firmly on the back foot, still 320 runs behind at stumps on day two in Rawalpindi. At the crease were Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis, on 22 and 40 respectively, as bad light brought about an early close to play at 4.20pm local time. The pair of Kamindu and Dhananjaya produced a counter of sorts in the final hour of play, putting on 49 off 62 deliveries, but SL will have their work cut out
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Rs. 14.8M corruption: Why Nishantha Ranatunga was arrested
Nov 10 (NW) Former National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Chairman Nishantha Ranatunga was arrested today over allegations of misusing public funds amounting to approximately Rs. 14.8 million to obtain security personnel and drivers for his personal use, according to the CIABOC. Bribery Commission states that Ranatunga is accused of causing the NWSDB to pay approximately Rs. 5.8 million to a private company for two security officers deployed at his
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Govt committed to making SriLankan Airlines profitable: Minister
Nov 10 (NW) Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says the govt remains committed to transforming SriLankan Airlines into a profitable entity, adding that some progress has already been made towards achieving that goal. With tourist arrivals increasing, the govt aims to bring the national carrier to a position where it can operate without incurring losses, Jayatissa said. Exact financial allocation for the initiative would be outlined in Budget.
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TIN registration: Around 4 million Sri Lankans yet to register: IRD
Nov 10 (TM) Sri Lanka has recorded that around four million citizens aged 18 and above, are yet to obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and register with the IRD, Commissioner Nandana Kumara said. “At present, 13 million people have registered with the department to obtain TIN, while SL has a population of approximately 17 million people who are aged 18 and above. Accordingly, we have identified around four million additional individuals who need to register,”
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Ravi K urges HSBC to reconsider closure of Sri Lanka operations
Nov 10 (DM) MP Ravi Karunanayake has appealed to HSBC’s global leadership to reconsider its decision to close its Global Service Centre in SL warning that the move could affect thousands of livelihoods and limit employment opportunities for young people. In a letter addressed to the CEO of HSBC Holdings, Karunanayake called for an urgent dialogue to explore ways of retaining the bank’s operations in SL before the planned relocation becomes irreversible.
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GDP growth: Growth potential rests with parliament, not CBSL
Nov 10 (TM) The responsibility to increase SL’s GDP growth potential rests with the elected parliament, as the Central Bank of SL is only tasked with the mandate of maintaining growth closer to expectations, through using monetary policy, CB Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe said, speaking to the COPF recently. Responding to a query levelled at him regarding the CBSL’s scope on enhancing growth,
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Colombo High Court rejects Ravi K, Arjun Aloysius release request
Nov 10 (ST) Colombo High Court has rejected a request to release former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Perpetual Treasuries Ltd owner Arjun Aloysius without calling evidence from the defence over the alleged corruption case filed against them over the offer and acceptance of a luxury apartment at the Monarch apartment complex. HC Judge Mohamed Mihail rejected the request made by the defence after the prosecution concluded giving evidence in the case.
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No NPP member involved in bribery, corruption or fraud: Cabinet Spokesman
Nov 10 (AD) Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has stated that no member of the NPP is involved in bribery, corruption or fraudulent activities, stressing that the party is prepared to take disciplinary action if any such allegations are substantiated. Minister Jayatissa made these remarks today in response to questions raised by journalists at the weekly Cabinet media briefing regarding a controversial statement recently made by Kaduwela Mayor Ranjan Jayalal at a public event.
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කැබිනට් තීරණ
Beyond Budget surpluses: Making public expenditure work for SL’s external sector
Nov 10 (FT) SL has made considerable progress in restoring macroeconomic stability following its unprecedented economic crisis. Fiscal consolidation, improved revenue mobilisation, debt restructuring and the rebuilding of foreign exchange reserves have helped restore confidence in the economy. These achievements must be protected. However, economic stabilisation is not the same as economic transformation. A country can improve its fiscal accounts while continuing to face
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Budget 2027: Beyond promises to real progress
Nov 10 (FT) SL’s 2027 Budget Speech is scheduled for 12 Nov. After years of economic hardship, public expectations are understandably high. Families want relief from living costs, better employment, reliable public services and greater confidence in the future. Discussion has focused particularly on public sector salary increases. Fair remuneration matters, but a more fundamental question must guide the Budget debate: Will the govt’s decisions produce lasting improvements in people’s lives?
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Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill: Govt to amend controversial clauses, AG tells SC
Nov 10 (DN) The Govt is planning to introduce a series of amendments to the controversial Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, including the removal of provisions relating to media reporting of serious crimes and excise offences, Attorney General informed the Supreme Court yesterday. Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne, appearing for the Attorney General, told a 3-judge Supreme Court bench that the proposed changes
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Professionals seek fairer tax policy ahead of Budget
Nov 10 (DM) Professionals, including doctors and salaried employees, have called on the Govt to introduce a fairer tax structure, arguing that the existing system places an excessive burden on people earning a monthly salary. GMOA Media Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said revisions made to the tax policy last year were insufficient and that further measures were necessary to address the concerns of professionals. Welcoming President's decision to disclose certain Budget proposals
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Upgraded Dr. Neville Fernando Memorial Air Force Hospital officially inaugurated
Nov 10 (NW) The newly upgraded Dr. Neville Fernando Memorial Air Force Hospital in Malabe, renovated with the contribution of the Sri Lanka Air Force, was officially inaugurated today (9). The hospital was declared open following an invitation extended by Commander of the Air Force, Bandu Edirisinghe. The event featured the unveiling of the commemorative plaque, followed by an inspection tour of the hospital premises. This initiative follows the approval of a joint Cabinet paper
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Central Bank bars EY partners from bank audits after NDB fraud
Nov 10 (FT) Central Bank has barred the Ernst & Young (EY) partners who audited National Development Bank (NDB) from carrying out any further banking audits and forced the lender to reconstitute its Board audit committee, after a Rs. 13.6 billion fraud ran for three years before being uncovered once the 2025 accounts had been certified. “We have already taken action against the auditors,” Director of Banking Supervision R.R. de Silva
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Measles outbreak halts inmate transfers to Colombo courts
Nov 10 (Island) Prison authorities yesterday suspended the production of inmates from three Colombo prisons before courts following the detection of measles cases among prisoners. Consequently, inmates from Colombo Remand Prison, Welikada Prison and Magazine Prison were not brought before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, Colombo HC and Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on Nov 9. The suspension was a precautionary measure intended to prevent
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India–SL economic ties spotlights inaugural Colombo Port City Investor Forum in India
Nov 10 (FT) Building on the longstanding economic relationship between India and SL, the Colombo Port City Investor Forum, held at the Hyatt Regency, Chennai, on 4 Nov, explored new avenues for investment, enterprise and cross-border business partnerships. Hosted by the Deputy High Commission of SL in Chennai, in collaboration with Port City Colombo (PCC), the forum brought together over 200 participants, including business leaders from real estate, financial services,
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දෙරණ අරුණ
FTZ Toastmasters Club presents Moulding the Mindset to Mastery on 12 November
Nov 10 (FT) In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, professional success requires more than technical knowledge and managerial experience. Organisations need leaders who can think strategically, communicate with confidence, inspire teams and navigate change. Developing this mindset is becoming an essential investment for businesses seeking sustainable growth. Recognising this need, FTZ Toastmasters Club presents Moulding the Mindset to Mastery,
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CoPF calls for independent fuel pricing regulator
Nov 10 (Island) The CoPF has called for an independent regulatory body to oversee fuel pricing and safeguard fair competition among petroleum suppliers. The matter came up during a committee meeting chaired by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva yesterday at the Parliamentary complex, where members examined disparities in fuel procurement costs between the CPC and private distributors. Officials pointed out that while the CPC meets part of the country’s fuel demand through its refinery,
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Nov 10 (NW) SJB MP Nalin Bandara has clarified the circumstances surrounding the detention of 39 drones brought from Singapore, insisting that the items were legally declared to SL Customs and were intended for his son’s business. Bandara said he and his wife had travelled to Singapore and returned to SL with a consignment of small camera drones and microphones for a business operated by his son.
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GMOA to protest today
Nov 10 (TM) GMOA will stage a protest outside the Colombo National Hospital today, demanding solutions to several issues affecting doctors and the country's healthcare system. GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr Chamil Wijesinghe announced this at a media briefing, stating that representatives from the Association's District branches across the country are expected to gather in Colombo. He clarified that the protest would not involve a trade union (TU) strike and that routine medical services
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Dengue gallops on
Nov 10 (Island) A total of 107,829 dengue cases have been reported across SL so far this year, with 81 deaths attributed to the disease, the NDCU said. Gampaha District has recorded the highest number of cases at 22,502, followed by Colombo with 20,799 cases and Kandy with 8,803 cases. July recorded the highest monthly number of dengue cases so far this year, with 29,964 cases reported during the month. 1,577 cases had been reported during the first few days of November alone.
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Bala Satana: Budget 2027
Maris Stella, Nimala Maria dominate Sir John Tarbat Junior Athletics Championship
Nov 10 (DM) Maris Stella College, Negombo, and Nimala Maria Convent, Tudella, emerged as the overall boys’ and girls’ champions respectively at the 55th Sir John Tarbat Junior Athletics Championship 2026, held at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports Complex in Diyagama. The event was conducted by the SL Schools Athletic Association (SLSAA). Maris Stella College secured the overall boys’ championship with 68 points, finishing ahead of St. Benedict’s College & St. Peter’s College,
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Jaffna Cricket Stadium construction to resume
Nov 10 (DN) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that construction work of the cricket stadium in the Mandaitivu area of Jaffna is set to resume next week. SLC further stated that all required approvals and certifications have been obtained and the process of awarding contracts for the remaining construction work has been finalised. Meanwhile, Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage visited the Mandaitivu stadium site on Sunday and inspected the present status and the progress
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Rs. 30 Billion outstanding from academics breaching bonds: COPE
Nov 10 (DN) It has been revealed at a meeting of the COPE that the total amount to be recovered from lecturers who have breached agreements and bonds and stayed abroad across the entire university system could currently be nearly Rs. 30 billion. COPE emphasised to the officials the necessity of establishing a formal mechanism to recover these funds from individuals who have breached their bonds and stayed abroad,
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Banking sector credit-to-deposit ratio tops 70% for first time in three years
Nov 10 (FT) SL’s banking sector Credit-to-Deposit Ratio (CDR) has exceeded 70% for the first time in three years, reaching 74.0% by end June 2026 and surpassing its long-term average, with the Central Bank of SL (CBSL) flagging credit growth outpacing deposits and a widening credit gap as potential sources of systemic risk. In its recent Financial Stability Review 2026, CBSL said financial intermediation, the channelling of deposits into loans by banks, strengthened during review period
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WCIC IGNITE 2026 empowers 100 young women toead SL’s next wave of...
Nov 10 (FT) Women’s Chamber of Industry & Commerce (WCIC) successfully concluded IGNITE 2026, its flagship youth entrepreneurship initiative, bringing together 100 female university undergraduates from 17 universities across SL for a transformative day of learning, inspiration and practical business exposure at The Kingsbury, Colombo on the 31 Oct. Now in its second year, IGNITE has rapidly established itself as a premier platform for nurturing the next generation of
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Budget reaches Rs. 22.3 b surplus in 9M supported by vehicle import revenue
Nov 10 (FT) Govt’s Budget recorded a surplus of Rs. 22.3 billion in the first nine months of 2026, reversing a deficit of Rs. 441.4 billion a year earlier, as revenue from motor vehicle imports drove a 20% increase in collections that outran a slower rise in spending. Revenue excluding grants rose to Rs. 4,594.9 billion from Rs. 3,827.0 billion, while total expenditure increased 7.1% to Rs. 4,579.3 billion from Rs. 4,276.3 billion.
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Shanghai Power Transmission and Distribution to power transmission network
Nov 10 (FT) National Transmission Network Service Provider (NTNSP) and Shanghai Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Engineering part of China’s Shanghai Electric Group, signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to expand SL’s electricity transmission network. SL engineering firm ComCorp, will serve as the local engineering partner to Shanghai Power Transmission and Distribution (SPTDE), a subsidiary of the Shanghai Electric Group of China,
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Tourist arrivals exceed 1.9 million
Nov 10 (FT) SL’s tourism arrivals surpassed 1.9 million in 2026, with over 49,900 visitors registered in the first eight days of November, but remained below last year’s pace ahead of the crucial winter season. A total of 49,929 tourists arrived between 1 and 8 Nov, averaging 6.241 visitors a day and taking cumulative arrivals to 1,912,233. However, arrivals during the opening four days of November were down 8.78% year-on-year (YoY), while the cumulative figure remained below 1.7% YoY.
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Ali Sabry
SL Business Forum in Gaziantep highlights trade and investment opportunities
Nov 10 (FT) Embassy of SL in Ankara, in collaboration with the Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce, successfully organised the first-ever SL Business Forum in Gaziantep on 3 Nov, bringing together members of the Turkish business community to explore opportunities for closer economic cooperation with SL. Forum aimed at showcasing SL’s trade and investment potential while encouraging the participation of Turkish buyers, investors & business representatives
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Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka by 106 runs to reach U19 Asia Cup semi-finals
Nov 10 (KT) Afghanistan’s Under-19 cricket team secured a place in the semi-finals of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 after defeating Sri Lanka by 106 runs in their final group-stage match in Oman on Monday. The Afghan youngsters delivered an impressive all-round performance, recording their third consecutive victory in the tournament and finishing the group stage unbeaten. Batting first, Afghanistan scored 275 runs before being bowled out in 49.5 overs.
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