Jul 21 (DN) The Cabinet has approved the procurement of 600 deluxe air-conditioned buses for SL Transport Board intercity and long-distance services. A budget allocation of Rs. 14,400 million was made under the 2026 Public Investment Programme to purchase 600 standard-model buses with a seating capacity of 49-54 passengers for SLTB services. However, following the introduction of the Road Safety Plan (2025–2026), passenger transport buses were identified as priority more..

Jul 21 (DN) Committee on Development and Intellectual Property of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has launched a project titled Promoting Festival Tourism Development Through Intellectual Property. The initiative aims to build the capacity of festival organizers in beneficiary countries to utilize intellectual property (IP) rights to foster festival tourism, while respecting local traditions and cultural heritage. Recognizing the rich historical, more..

Jul 21 (DM) In a bid for the commercialisation of the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, Trinco Petroleum Terminal Ltd (TPTL) is planning to go for int'l bidding for the development of 29 tanks out of 61 tanks in its possession, an official said. A joint venture company, TPTL, was created in 2021. In it, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation holds 51% and Lanka IOC (a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation) holds 49%. The agreement covers 61 tanks more..

Jul 21 (DM) The risk of dengue transmission in Sri Lanka is expected to remain elevated for the next three weeks, with the period leading up to mid-August identified as a high-risk phase, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. He said dengue spread was currently under a certain level of control, with several districts showing signs of a decline in reported cases. However, he noted that three districts continued to remain a concern and required closer attention. more..

Jul 21 (NW) SL Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA) has strongly condemned the govt’s decision to summon two BBC Sinhala Service journalists before the Parliamentary Privileges Committee, describing it as media repression and a threat to freedom of speech. SLWJA said BBC producer Ishara Dhanasekara and journalist Sampath Dissanayake have been ordered to appear before the committee at 2 pm on July 23, following a complaint lodged by MP Lakmali more..

Jul 21 (AD) Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe has instructed ministry officials to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the fire that occurred in a factory at Katuwana, Homagama, which claimed the lives of five individuals. He has further directed officials to submit a detailed report on the incident without delay, according to the Ministry of Labour. Deputy Minister expressed his deepest condolences to the families of more..

Jul 21 (NW) Cabinet has approved a proposal to lease two tugboats for the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) in a bid to strengthen its fleet. The decision follows a comprehensive assessment of SLPA’s operational needs. At the Cabinet meeting held on Jan 6, 2025, approval was granted to lease two port tugboats of the 70‑ton Bollard Pull (BP) Twin Azimuth Stern Drive type for a fixed period. In line with that decision, tenders were invited under int'l competitive procurement procedures, more..

Jul 21 (FT) SL has had the world’s largest and smallest cabinet in history. Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa headed a jumbo cabinet, holding the Guinness World Record, while a more recent transitional cabinet under Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake comprised only three ministers. Big fluctuations in the size of the Cabinet means that the names of ministries change often, and the institutions under each ministry are also constantly moved around. When SL’s executive presidential system more..

Jul 21 (FT) Following its sovereign default, SL has taken a significant step towards restoring macroeconomic stability through the achievement of a primary budget surplus. Fiscal consolidation should be viewed not as an end in itself but as a means of strengthening the economy’s long-term capacity to generate investment, productivity, and growth. The next phase of SL’s recovery will depend not on fiscal arithmetic alone but on rebuilding domestic savings, strengthening more..

Jul 21 (NW) More than 1,000 volunteers from over 60 Rotaract Clubs joined hands in one of Sri Lanka’s largest environmental movements this year, as CleanSL 2026 unfolded simultaneously in 17 locations across the island on Sunday (19). Organized by Rotaract in RID 3220 – SL & Maldives, the flagship initiative brought together community partners including the Negombo Recycling Club, the Zero Plastic Movement, the Climate Intelligence Network, and Muve Colombo. more..

Jul 21 (DN) Inland Revenue Department (IRD) said it will initiate legal proceedings against individuals and businesses that intentionally fail to register, fail to submit tax returns or conceal income despite being liable for significant taxes. Under new amendments to the law, Inland Revenue (Amd) Act, No. 11 of 2026 introduces strict penal provisions for specified compliance failures. Accordingly, it empowers Commissioner General of IRD more..

Jul 21 (Island) The total number of dengue cases reported in SL so far this year has risen to 76,044, with health authorities warning the public to remain vigilant amid a continued surge in infections. NDCU said 2,652 dengue cases had been reported on Sunday (19) alone, while 162 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across the country continue to be classified as high-risk dengue zones. The latest figures indicate a sharp rise in dengue infections during the past few months, more..

Jul 21 (FT) Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has called for policy consistency, streamlined approvals, and stronger investment frameworks to accelerate SL’s transition towards renewable energy, as rising electricity demand increases the need for a more secure and sustainable power system. In a statement yesterday following a forum titled Energy Transition in SL: Strategic Insights from Global Markets, The Ceylon Chamber said stakeholders from the Govt, industry, academia, and more..

Jul 21 (Island) Former Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris warned that any move by the govt to extend the retirement age of superior court judges could have serious repercussions for SL’s international standing, particularly ahead of the next session of the UNHRC, in Geneva, in September. Prof. Peiris claimed that attempts to interfere with the judiciary, through extensions of judges’ terms, would undermine the credibility of SL’s courts more..

Jul 21 (AM) Five Grade 6 students were transferred to the Trincomalee Hospital after falling seriously ill following the suspected consumption of toxic seeds unfit for human consumption at a school in the Kantale area. Kantale PHI Turni Saman said a total of 22 Grade 6 students were admitted to the Kantale Base Hospital after consuming the seeds, which are believed to be poisonous. One of the students had brought the seeds from home, and the children are suspected to have fallen ill after eating them. more..

Jul 21 (DN) Vietnam’s leading low-cost carrier, VietJet, launched its inaugural direct flight service between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh Cityon Saturday (18), strengthening air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Vietnam while opening new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment. The new service, which commenced on July 18, is expected to facilitate greater travel between the two countries and improve access for both leisure and business travellers. more..

Jul 21 (FT) Women-owned and women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (WMSMEs) accounted for outstanding business loans of Rs. 559 billion as at end-March 2026, representing 28% of the nearly Rs. 2 trillion MSME loan portfolio reported by 12 domestic banks under Sri Lanka’s Women Entrepreneurs Finance (WE Finance) Code. The report also showed that women entrepreneurs secured Rs. 145.5 billion in new business loans during the first year of the WE Finance Code. more..

Jul 21 (DN) SL’s former national champion Amaya Kalukotage has been appointed as a technical official for the women’s artistic gymnastics competition at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, becoming the first SL woman to officiate in the sport at the prestigious multi-sport event. Kalukotage, a Demonstrator attached to Dept of Sports Science at Uni of Sri J'pura, will serve as a technical official for the women’s artistic gymnastics events from July 24 to 28. more..

Jul 21 (TM) The Govt will decide whether the operation of the Mattala Rajapaksa Int'l Airport (MRIA) will be awarded to a single investor or divided among several parties that submitted expressions of interest (EOIs), based on which proposal offers the greatest benefit to the country, Deputy Minister Janitha Kodithuwakku said. Govt's next step would be to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to 19 parties that had submitted EOIs. more..

Jul 21 (DM) Universities cannot combat the growing dengue threat alone and called for greater cooperation from surrounding communities and the health sector to prevent possible outbreaks, Deputy Minister Dr. Madura Seneviratne has said. Speaking at the launch of the Clinical Management and Standard Guidelines for Surveillance and Prevention of Dengue Disease for all universities in Sri Lanka, held yesterday (20) at the Ministry of Higher Education in Ward Place, Colombo, more..

Jul 21 (FT) Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery remains under pressure in July, with visitor arrivals slipping marginally despite a sharp month-on-month (MoM) rebound, as the lingering impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to disrupt key aviation routes feeding the island’s tourism industry. The latest data released by the SLTDA showed that the country welcomed 118,935 tourists during the first 19 days of July, reflecting a 0.6% year-on-year (YoY) decline. more..

Jul 21 (DN) All rounder James Neesham and Janith Liyanage made an unbroken 115 runs fifth wicket stand in 60 balls as Colombo Kaps recorded a thrilling 6 wickets win with 2 balls to spare against Kandy Royals in their LPL match played at SSC grounds on Sunday. Colombo Kaps chasing a target of 180 were struggling at 67 for 4 wickets after ten overs. Fifth wicket pair James Neesham and Janith Liyanage came to the fore adding fighting partnership to seal their first victory of more..

Jul 21 (ST) Govt is considering reintroducing the fuel subsidy for petrol and diesel as world market oil prices continue to rise in the wake of renewed conflict in the Gulf region. Govt ended its 3-month fuel subsidy package introduced in April as the situation in the Gulf region began to ease, but with the steep rise in oil prices again, the govt wants to ensure that the burden does not fall on the public, a senior official said. The move would effectively mean that the existing fuel prices remain, more..

Jul 21 (AD) Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne was laid to rest amid police honours and ceremonial gun salutes. The final farewell ceremony was held with the participation of senior police officers, family members, and dignitaries, as SL Police paid tribute to the former police chief through official ceremonial traditions. The solemn proceedings marked the end of the journey of a senior law enforcement officer who served as more..

Jul 21 (DM) Taiwan has suspended tourist visa applications from SL nationals in accordance with the latest visa policy of the Govt of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Taiwan Foriegn Ministry said. "In accordance with the latest visa policy of the Govt of the Republic of China (Taiwan), effective immediately, tourist visa applications from SL nationals will no longer be accepted, the Ministry said. A statement issued by the Ministry said SL nationals may still apply for a visa if they visit more..

Jul 21 (FT) World Bank Group’s Int'l Finance Corporation (IFC) and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) are investing up to $ 40 million through financing in South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) to modernise and decarbonise operations at Port of Colombo, the cornerstone of SL’s maritime trade. Investment will advance the Port’s competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability, reinforcing its position as South Asia’s leading transshipment hub and deepening SL’s more..

Jul 21 (ST) Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) has called for proposals to secure consulting services to enhance the cybersecurity resilience of the national power grid, citing the high vulnerability of the electricity sector to cyberattacks. The measure highlights a heightened awareness among various institutions about the urgency of tightening cybersecurity in the country. Sunday Times reported that SL CERT (Pvt) Ltd more..

Jul 21 (TM) A former UNP municipal councillor from Horana has been remanded until tomorrow (21) over allegations that she defrauded six textile traders in Pettah of nearly Rs 160 million using dishonoured cheques. Suspect Renuka Damayanthi was arrested by the Wattala Police following complaints lodged by the tradeRs According to investigators, she allegedly obtained goods from the traders by issuing dishonoured cheques before avoiding them for a prolonged period. more..

Jul 21 (FT) Embassy of France in SL and the Maldives has chosen to relocate its offices to Mireka Tower, one of Colombo’s premier Grade A commercial office developments, marking a significant milestone in the Embassy’s longstanding presence in the country. This decision marks its first relocation in more than 50 years. Developed and managed by Overseas Realty PLC, Mireka Tower offers premium office spaces, advanced security, sustainable building features, and more..

Jul 21 (FT) In a major push to redefine economic ties between SL and India, Lanka India Business Association (LIBA) has announced the highly anticipated corporate forum, India Calling. Scheduled for 6 Aug at Taj Samudra, Colombo, from 9 am to 6 pm, the full-day event is designed to bridge commercial gaps, unpack regulatory friction, and establish a framework for shared cross-border prosperity. LIBA is hosting the forum to actively catalyse deeper private sector integration, more..

Jul 21 (FT) Exporters Association of SL (EASL) elected its new office-bearers and Executive Committee at its 29th AGM, held recently with the participation of exporters, industry leaders, Heads of Missions, trade officials, and representatives from across SL’s export sector. The event was attended by World Bank Group Country Manager for SL Gevorg Sargsyan as Chief Guest, together with Heads of Missions, trade representatives, and senior members of the business community, more..