Jun 2 (JT) Japanese experts have been helping Sri Lanka restore a huge volume of flood-soaked court documents. Late last November, the island nation in the Indian Ocean was hit by Cyclone Ditwah, affecting more than 2.2 million people and leaving some 820 of them dead or missing. More than 170,000 documents at a court in the city of Kandy, including papers on pending cases, were soaked in floodwater. Responding to the SL govt’s request for assistance with restoring the documents, more..

Jun 2 (AD) The Jaffna Magistrate’s Court has granted permission to former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa to give evidence online in the ongoing case concerning the disappearance of activists Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan. Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan of the Movement for People’s Struggle had disappeared in the Avarangal area on December 9, 2011, a day before a protest organized by them was to be held by relatives of more..

Jun 2 (EN) Cabinet has approved a proposal to fast-track urban modernization and branding projects across select towns, at a cost of 1,475 million rupees. The plan, called the 10 Cities Development Program, aims to use a prioritized, data-based approach for urban development across the country, with 217 prioritized projects. These projects will take place in Jaffna, Matale, Hatton, Batticaloa, Chilaw, more..

Jun 2 (FT) LG Electronics marked a historic milestone in the Sri Lankan commercial technology landscape with the grand opening of its first-ever LG Business Innovation Centre at Abans on 14th May. The centre is the country’s first experience hub dedicated exclusively to advanced Information Displays and Audio-Visual (AV) solutions. The inauguration ceremony was graced by a host of distinguished dignitaries, including LG SL Managing Director Keith Chung; more..

Jun 2 (NW) Ten TH-57 Sea Ranger multi-role helicopters granted by the US Govt to the SL Air Force (SLAF) have arrived in SL, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing defence partnership between the two countries. Helicopters were transported to SL by sea and are currently undergoing configuration and technical preparation work at SLAF Base Ratmalana. Following inspections, acceptance procedures, and test flights, aircraft will be formally inducted into service. more..

Jun 2 (NW) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) today launched a month-long national awareness campaign titled Be Scam Proof, aimed at strengthening public awareness and resilience against financial scams across the country. Speaking at the launch event, Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said financial fraud in SL continues to thrive due to limited public awareness about legal and regulated financial services, more..

Jun 2 (NW) Cabinet has approved a proposal to rehabilitate and upgrade the road lighting system along the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway, including the Kerawalapitiya Interchange, following extensive damage caused by theft and vandalism. Nearly 85% of the lighting system is currently inactive, raising safety concerns for motorists. As such, under the first stage of the project, lighting will be reinstated at the Peliyagoda, Kerawalapitiya, Seeduwa and Ja‑Ela interchanges. more..

Jun 2 (FT) Over the past few weeks, a familiar question has resurfaced: is Sri Lanka once again drifting towards an economic crisis? At the same time, there is a clear recognition that the country has made visible progress in advancing recovery measures following the economic and political shocks of 2022, particularly through reforms under the current IMF program. Legislative and policy changes relating to anti-corruption, public financial management, central bank independence, more..

Jun 2 (FT) In the modern world, cybersecurity is no longer a technical subject reserved for programmers, governments, or financial institutions. It has become a deeply personal issue that affects every individual who uses a mobile phone, social media account, banking application, smart device, or internet connection. Behind every convenience offered by digital transformation lies an expanding ecosystem of invisible vulnerabilities, silent surveillance, and growing exposure to cyber manipulation. more..

Jun 2 (EN) Sampath Bank is to open a branch at Colombo Port City (CPC), with services provided in rupees as well as designated foreign currencies to residents working within the special economic zone. 16 currencies are designated for banking and transactional purposes within CPC. Along with traditional banking services, Sampath Bank will also design a platform specifically for the companies within Colombo Port City, which will “combine transactional convenience, more..

Jun 2 (FT) Power Minister Anura Karunathilaka yesterday defended the Govt’s latest fuel price increase, arguing that the revision was unavoidable to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies and prevent a potential collapse of the domestic fuel market amid soaring global oil prices. Addressing the media regarding concerns over the fifth fuel price hike since February, triggered by the Middle East conflict, Karunathilaka said SL had increased more..

Jun 2 (DN) The Govt has taken initiative to gazette five more forests situated in ecologically sensitive zones under the Vanaspathi Programme on June 5 to add to the existing 81 forests that have been declared as reserves through gazette notifications. The addition of these five forests – Ritigala, Aliyawetunuwewa, Bulagala, Konkatiyawa and Kallanchi – to the existing 81 reserves located in multiple districts will increase the total forest reserves in the country to 86. more..

Jun 2 (NF) The renovated Institute of Neurology at the National Hospital of SL will be officially opened to the public today. Ministry of Health said the facility has been refurbished at a cost of Rs. 99 million with the aim of significantly expanding and improving neurological healthcare services in the country. Neurological services focus on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. The ministry noted that the renovation project is expected to enhance more..

Jun 2 (TM) Secretary of the Supreme Sangha Council of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect, Ven. Dr Medagama Dhammananda Thera warned that organised efforts were underway to use the actions of a few individuals to discredit the entire Buddhist clergy and justify greater State control over temple affairs, while asserting that Buddhist monks found guilty of crimes must face the full force of the law. Thera said that any monk found responsible more..

Jun 1 (AD) CB Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, has warned that the country's inflation rate could increase to 7% due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising global fuel prices. Dr. Weerasinghe stated that although it was initially anticipated that the Middle East conflict would be resolved in the short term, its prolonged duration has had significant repercussions on Sri Lanka’s economy. He noted that fuel prices have continued to rise, creating upward pressure on inflation. more..

Jun 2 (NW) The Supreme Court on Monday (1) dismissed an appeal filed by convicted drug trafficker Samantha Kumara, alias Wele Suda, and upheld the death sentence imposed on him by the Colombo High Court. The ruling was delivered by a three-judge bench comprising Justices Mahinda Samayawardhena, Arjuna Obeysekara and Sobitha Rajakaruna. Welle Suda had been convicted of possessing and trafficking 7.05 grams of heroin in Mount Lavinia in 2008. more..

Jun 2 (CI) No SLC representative was invited to the ICC's quarterly meeting in Ahmedabad over the weekend, but the fact that the ICC board has not slapped sanctions on SLC's new Transformation Committee is being quietly celebrated by the new board in SL, a board member said. The Transformation Committee was appointed by the nation's govt in May, replacing the elected set of SLC office-bearers. The ICC had taken a dim view of govt interference in SLC in 2023, as well as more..

Jun 1 (TM) Police have confirmed the driver of the cab involved in the accident where six persons, including three females, were reported dead while several others were injured after a vehicle crashed into a crowd of people near a Vesak Dansala in the Meegoda Junction, was under the influence of alcohol. The driver of the cab has been arrested in connection with the hit-and-run incident. The arrested suspect has been identified as a 42-year-old resident of the Piliyandala area. more..

Jun 1 (SO) German automotive giant Volkswagen is exploring the possibility of setting up an assembly plant in SL as the company seeks to strengthen its long-term presence in the island’s recovering automobile market. CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India (Pvt) Ltd, Piyush Arora, said on the sidelines of the launch of the Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus passenger vehicle brands in Colombo last week, that the company is exploring more..

Jun 2 (NW) SL opener Pathum Nissanka has decided to skip the 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL) in order to focus on recovering from a long-standing injury following SL’s upcoming tour of the West Indies. Nissanka, currently SL’s highest-ranked T20I batter, has been involved in continuous cricket over the past year, including commitments in int'l cricket and the IPL. Although he was eligible for selection, Nissanka was not among the direct signings announced ahead of this year’s LPL. more..

Jun 1 (Island) SL’s dance community has earned international recognition as Tarja de Silva and Gihan Umesh Madanpitiya delivered an exceptional performance on the global stage, proudly representing the nation at two of the world’s most prestigious Latin dance championships held in Blackpool, UK. The pair first competed at The Open Worlds Latin Dance Championship, held at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, UK. Recognised as one of the most celebrated more..

Jun 2 (TM) Opposition MP Mano Ganesan has written to the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chairperson and Opposition MP Dr Harsha de Silva on the alleged unauthorised use of funds allocated for the Provincial Council (PC) Elections. Recently, General Secretary of the JVP, Tilvin Silva reportedly stated that funds allocated and set aside for the conduct of the PC Elections had been utilised by the Government for disaster-rebuilding and related purposes. more..

Jun 2 (DN) SL right arm fast bowler Eshan Malinga had a successful IPL capturing 20 wickets in 15 matches with best figures of 4 for 32. The 25 year old Eshan played for Sunrises Hyderabad for the second time in a row and was praised by skipper of Sunrises Hyderabad Pat Cummins. His ability to bow at death overs always gave success to Hyderabad team before losing to Gujarat Titans the IPL runners up this time. As soon as he finished his IPL duty Eshan Malinga returned home and left for WI more..

Jun 2 (TM) The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is set for a strong sixth edition, with several leading international and Sri Lankan cricketers confirmed as pre-signed players ahead of the official Player Draft scheduled to take place in Colombo today (1). The 2026 edition of the LPL will be played from 17 July to 8 August across key cricket venues in SL, including Colombo, Pallekele and Dambulla. Tournament will feature five franchises, more..

Jun 1 (FT) Uva Greenlands Estate Ltd, signed a landmark agreement with the Board of Investment of SL (BOI) on 29 May, marking a defining milestone in the evolution of 98 Acres Resort & Spa, SL’s celebrated luxury retreat nestled in the breathtaking highlands of Ella. The transformative $ 5.1 million investment will unlock a bold new chapter for 98 Acres Resort & Spa, redefining the boundaries of ultra-luxury hospitality in Sri Lanka and cementing the country’s reputation as more..

Jun 2 (NW) Passengers can now monitor the real‑time locations and arrival times of Metro buses through the LMT GO mobile application, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena said. Speaking on the launch of the new facility, Gunasena noted that the GPS‑enabled service allows commuters to check when buses will arrive at their stops, view operating bus and fare details, and track estimated travel times to upcoming destinations. He further said that more..

Jun 2 (DN) Champion SL javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga came up with a brilliant performance to secure second place in the prestigious Diamond League athletics competition held in Rabat, Morocco yesterday. The 23-year-old athlete clinched the second place with a throw of 85.97m on his very first attempt which was his best effort of the night. He also has improved his world ranking with this achievement from 7 to 5 position. more..

Jun 2 (DN) SL Export Development Board (EDB) has taken steps to implement a comprehensive plan to expand testing and certification facilities across the island, addressing one of the most significant bottlenecks faced by the country’s export sector. A high-level stakeholder discussion was recently held in Colombo with the participation of govt institutions, testing laboratories, certification bodies, and exporters. Speaking at the event, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe emphasized that more..

Jun 2 (DM) Construction of Pentara Residencies Thummulla Handiya, Home Lands Group’s iconic flagship development in the Colombo city, is well on track driven by Home Lands’ unwavering commitment to delivering projects on time. D P Jayasinghe Piling Company (Pvt) Ltd and Sanken Construction’s San Piling (Pvt) Ltd; were chosen by Home Lands to carry out piling work of this mega Colombo city-based development in conformity with the highest standards. more..

Jun 2 (BBC) Virat Kohli's imperious unbeaten 75 helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League final which secured back-to-back titles. RCB restricted Gujarat to 155-8, a total they chased down with 12 balls to spare after Kohli reached his fifth half-century of the season in a largely one-sided final in Ahmedabad. Kohli sealed the win in style - striking the winning runs with a six to cap a magnificent 42-ball innings featuring 9 fours and 3 sixes. more..

Jun 2 (ST) Fertiliser companies still need to be paid Rs.4.8 billion from the govt for two years as a result of which they are facing concerns over importing adequate stocks for the upcoming Maha season. It was noted that the companies require payment for the years 2018 and 2021 for the subsidies. In this respect, some fertiliser importers noted that they believe they will face some problems when bringing down stocks for the next season. It was pointed out that they too are in financial trouble as more..