Feb 25 (CT) SL’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean has long been recognised, but its full potential in seabed resources and maritime influence remains largely untapped. Y N Jayarathna, former Chief Hydrographer, outlined the country’s prospects and challenges during a keynote address at the 4th Indian Ocean Security Conference held in Colombo. Speaking under the title Seabed Minerals: Whither – more..

Feb 25 (DM) Every time a SL leader lands in a western capital, a predictable yet hypocritical drama unfolds. A small but vocal segment of the Tamil diaspora gathers outside, waving the flag of the LTTE and chanting slogans about justice and human rights. But what they refuse to confront is their own silence and their own selective outrage, thereby only proving that they are nothing but hypocrites in their so called call for justice. The LTTE terrorists did not only wage war against the SL state. more..

Feb 25 (CT) Although overall displacement has fallen from its peak after Cyclone Ditwah, more than 155,000 people in SL remain without a permanent place to call home. They are living with host families or in alternative locations, navigating a fragile routine built on uncertainty. UN reports that over 240,000 people have already received assistance under the Humanitarian Priorities Plan, which aims to support 658,000 of the most vulnerable between Dec 2025 and Apr 2026. more..

Feb 25 (SO) The killing of lawyer Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife triggered a strong collective response by the Bar Association of SL (BASL), with lawyers across the country refraining from Court appearance last Monday. The case has also sharpened uncomfortable questions about lawyer safety, the profession’s ties to high-risk criminal cases, and whether the BASL applies its solidarity, disciplinary standards consistently. more..

Feb 25 (TM) Tourism has long been presented as one of Sri Lanka’s economic pillars. It brings in foreign exchange, sustains livelihoods, and supports thousands of small businesses. But alongside its benefits, there is a set of problems that authorities have been slow to confront, despite years of complaints from local communities. In several well-known tourist hotspots, a number of concerns keep resurfacing. These include tourists overstaying visas, foreign nationals operating businesses more..

Feb 25 (Island) Every SLTDA (SL Tourism Development Authority) press release now leads with the same headline: India is SL’s star market. The numbers seem to prove it, 531,511 Indian arrivals in 2025, representing 22.5% of all tourists. Officials celebrate the half-million milestone and set targets for 600,000, 700,000, more. But follow the money instead of the headcount, and a different picture emerges. We are building our tourism recovery on a low-spending, short-stay, more..

Feb 24 (CT) Exporters have expressed concern over a decision to transfer the inspection of export consignments from Board of Investment of SL (BOI) to SL Customs with effect from July. Until now, inspections of goods exported under BOI concessions had been carried out by the BOI. However, under the new arrangement, all such inspections are to be conducted by the Customs. Exporters warned that if the delays currently experienced in Customs operations were to more..

Feb 24 (DN) The construction sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to reach around 5% in 2026, supported by infrastructure projects already under way such as Central Expressway Section 1 and port developments, as well as upcoming projects including the new airport terminal and Central Expressway Phase 3, alongside Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction and other projects in the pipeline, Access Engineering Executive Vice Chairman Christopher Joshua told the Asia Securities more..

Feb 24 (DM) The govt which had faulted Laugfs Gas for the issue in gas supply had summoned its officials for a discussion this week, it was reported yesterday. Minister of Trade and Food Security Wasantha Samarasinghe told media that the govt has summoned officials of Laugfs Gas for a meeting this week. The issue is that Laugfs gas has not got into an agreement for an annual supply of gas with the suppliers unlike Litro Gas. This is why it has not been able to stabilize its supply. more..

Feb 24 (TM) Ministry of Tourism has announced that sweeping reforms will be introduced through a proposed new Tourism Act, now in the drafting stage, aimed at strengthening regulation and enforcement within the tourism sector. Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe said the new legislation is designed to modernise the legal framework governing the industry, which he noted has evolved significantly over the past two decades. more..

Feb 24 (TM) Failure to read the game situation and the Pallekelle pitch resulted in Sri Lanka losing to England by 51 runs in the Super Eight round fixture of the 2026 T20 World Cup in Kandy on Sunday (22), according to former captain Kumar Sangakkara. The former skipper was also critical of batsman Kamil Mishara’s approach to the chase. In a post on X, Sangakkara said planning and execution by the Sri Lankan bowlers were in sharp contrast to the same by the batters. more..

Feb 24 (FT) Gangaramaya Temple Chief Incumbent Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji, has been conferred the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by KITT University in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Buddhist scholarship, spiritual leadership, and the strengthening of SL–India cultural relations. Notably, this marks the first time in history that a Sri Lankan has received this distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award has previously more..

Feb 24 (FT) Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has increased flight frequencies between Bahrain and Colombo to 10 flights per week from daily operations. The enhanced schedule comes in response to heightened travel demand during the upcoming Ramadan and Eid festive season — traditionally a peak period for family reunions, leisure travel, and religious journeys. Operating double daily on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, the additional services are more..

Feb 24 (FT) As part of a joint initiative between the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry and the UN Development Program (UNDP), a special technical delegation visited SL from 16 to 20 Feb. Accordingly, a delegation from the UNDP and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) arrived in the country to support the design of a sustainable and financially responsible financing mechanism for micro, small and medium-scale industrialists and businesses affected by Cyclone Ditwah. more..

Feb 24 (DM) Despite the hype created regarding plans by two rice mill owners turned billionaires to purchase aircraft, none of them have so far approached the Civil Aviation Authority of SL (CAA) to secure the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), an official said. Billionaires Dudley Sirisena and Mithrapala Lankeshwara said that they intend to purchase helicopters for personal and commercial use. Anyone using aircraft for domestic and more..

Feb 24 (Island) Sri Lanka needs to build awareness, effective policies and encourage regional multilateral frameworks to develop a multi-pronged approach to secure its national interest and safeguard regional stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), as the region together with its seabed have become an area of strategic competition, former Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary to former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Prof Nobukatsu Kanehara said. “Indian Ocean has been a maritime highway for millennia, more..

Feb 24 (TM) SL continues to shine as a premier beach destination in Asia, with Mirissa Beach and Bentota Beach earning prestigious spots on Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches list. Mirissa Beach secured fifth place, while Bentota Beach was ranked seventh, highlighting their popularity among travelers. Best of the Best designation is awarded to less than 1% of Tripadvisor’s listings and honors destinations that have consistently received outstanding more..

Feb 24 (Island) One day they were kings of the hill, brushing aside mighty Australia with two overs to spare and sending the faithful into raptures. The next, they were brought crashing down to earth, unable to bat out their 20 overs as England handed them a sobering reality check. Cricket, as ever, proved to be the great leveller, lifting you to the heavens on Monday and reminding you of your frailties by Sunday. The same fans who had burnt the midnight oil celebrating Australia’s exit more..

Feb 24 (FT) Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has introduced a Privilege Card scheme for individual taxpayers as a measure to recognise and reward those who meet specified compliance and payment criteria. Eligibility is based on compliance in the immediately preceding Year of Assessment (Y/A). An individual must have paid income tax equal to or greater than the eligible annual self-assessment payments for that Y/A. Eligible taxpayers are also required to have submitted their Return of more..

Feb 24 (FT) The IMF yesterday said sustaining reform momentum is critical for SL to move from crisis stabilisation to economic transformation, warning that recovery remains fragile despite tangible gains under the EFF. Delivering the keynote address at the Softlogic Stockbrokers Investor Forum 2026, IMF SL Resident Representative Dr. Martha Woldemichael said: “Task ahead is really to move from stabilisation to transformation.” more..

Feb 24 (FT) Batik Air will relaunch operations to SL from 30 March with four weekly flights between Colombo and Kuala Lumpur, restoring direct connectivity that industry stakeholders say will support tourism, trade, and cargo flows between the two countries. The relaunch was announced at an event in Colombo , attended by aviation, tourism, and diplomatic representatives. M&C Aviation Founder and President Charles Wijesundera, the airline’s general sales agent (GSA), said more..

Feb 24 (FT) Prime and Melwa, two SL business powerhouses, have joined forces to mark a defining milestone in SL’s most ambitious urban development initiative. The partnership has secured one of Port City Colombo’s best Marina front land parcels, spanning over four acres and overlooking the stunning Indian Ocean. The site is set to host a mega ultra-luxury apartment development, slated for completion within four years, ensuring that all apartments offer stunning direct marina more..

Feb 24 (ST) Operational information released by the Lakvijaya coal power plant (LVP) continues to reveal that a majority of South African coal shipments that have arrived—after being purchased under the latest tender via India’s Trident Chemphar Ltd—do not meet the minimum criteria for use in the plant. But the data still contradicts reports from Cotecna (an independent laboratory that is collecting samples at unloading port in Norochcholai more..

Feb 24 (CI) Sri Lanka could play their 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final at home, if they make it to that stage, depending on who they play against and who else qualifes. If SL are drawn to meet anyone other than India, and if Pakistan do not make the semi-finals, R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will host the match in what appears to be a change to the ICC's original schedule announcement and the tournament playing conditions. In a communication to all stakeholders after the Super Eights were finalised, more..

Feb 24 (Island) Mexican military on Sunday killed a drug lord, described as the most powerful cartel leader in Mexico. Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes aka El Mencho perished in a clash with the Mexican armed forces backed by US intelligence. Mencho was known the world over for his well-established drug distribution network. Members of the slain criminal’s cartel went berserk, torching vehicles and fuel stations in several parts of Mexico. They also blocked some highways with more..

Feb 24 (FT) Hayleys Solar has completed a 4,036 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) installation for Pussalla Meat Producers Ltd. across six farm locations, supporting the company’s transition to renewable energy and advancing sustainability within SL’s poultry sector. Pussalla Meat Producers is a leading poultry producer in SL, operating across the entire value chain, from breeding and feed production to processing and island-wide retail. The newly implemented solar installation plays more..

Feb 24 (FT) The Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), Sri Lanka’s pioneering business school, is set to host the landmark PIM Green Digital Summit 2026 on 26 February 2026. The summit is designed as a premier platform bringing together business leaders, academics, postgraduate and doctoral students, and professionals from across sectors to explore how sustainability and digital transformation are being meaningfully translated into practice. more..

Feb 24 (FT) SL’s top bankers last week revealed that the 2022 sovereign and currency crisis permanently altered how they manage risk, forcing a decisive shift away from concentrated sovereign exposure, collateral-heavy lending, and complacency over foreign currency liquidity. Speaking at the 36th anniversary convention of the Association of Professional Bankers of SL (APB), industry leaders described the crisis as a structural reset rather than a temporary shock. more..

Feb 24 (FT) British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick and Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe recently visited apparel logistics and quality assurance facilities North of Colombo to witness shipments being prepared for export to the UK. The visit follows reforms to the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) which came into force on 1 Jan 2026. These changes enable SL manufacturers to source fabrics globally while maintaining duty-free access to the UK market, more..

Feb 24 (CT) As citizens, we must realise that this country will never develop into a state of peace and prosperity so long as the evil of racism and racist attitudes persist among the people. Sociological and anthropological studies show that prejudice against others is an innate human trait in its crude form. Therefore, to single out the Sinhala people alone as racists will be unfair because these attitudes are prevalent even among the Tamils and Muslims. more..

Feb 24 (Island) The visit by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to Sri Lanka was widely described as a success for the govt. She was fulsome in her praise of the country and its developmental potential. The grounds for this success and collaborative spirit go back to the inception of the agreement signed in March 2023 in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s declaration of international bankruptcy. IMF came in to fulfil its role as lender of last resort. The govt of the day bit the bullet. more..

Feb 24 (ST) Following the brutal killings of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawaarachchi and his wife Nisansala last Friday the 13th, the President of the Bar Association of SL, Rajeev Amarasuriya, issued a statement last Saturday, summoning the membership to a Special General Meeting to be held the following day, Sunday (15). ‘The last time such a special meeting was held,’ he told the media, was 14 years ago when Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake’s impeachment crisis was at its height. more..