May 13 (TM) The 2026 VAT Amendment Bill is set to broaden the national tax base and fundamentally alter the operating cost structures for numerous economic sectors. Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyathissa said: “We are currently holding targeted discussions regarding the provision of welfare relief to the public. While no final decision has been formalised just yet, the relevant ministries are deliberating on these matters extensively. more..

May 13 (DM) SL in 2026 finds itself at a dangerous crossroads. Its commanding position in the Indian Ocean should be a strategic asset, yet it remains a vulnerability. The civil war ended in 2009 and the economy has begun recovering from the 2022 crisis, but the island faces intensifying great-power rivalry, internal divisions, and new threats ranging from cyber attacks to climate disasters. The deepest problem, however, is home-grown －the chronic politicisation of intelligence and more..

May 13 (ST) Even as India’s HC Santosh Jha renewed India’s call to build the mythological Ram Setu bridge to physically join Lanka with India and had the effrontery to declare that the time for wavering was over, it’s time to tell India exactly where to get off the bridge she plans to build. High Commissioner Jha, delivering the keynote speech at the Global Innovation and Leadership Summit in Colombo last Saturday, emphasised that such a physical link would transform the economic more..

May 13 (CT) No one predicted that sensational commercial actor Vijay or Chandrasekaran Joseph Vijay would rise so rapidly in Tamil Nadu politics or aim for such high political stakes within just two years of setting the tone for his political journey. It became a silent revolution led largely by Gen Z of TN, somewhat comparable to the political transformation witnessed in Nepal, SL & B'desh, though under very different circumstances. more..

May 13 (SO) NPP defeated the old political order at the ballot box, but now it must defeat the State, the old order left behind. This is a harder task than winning an election, because although Govts can change in a day, bureaucratic habits, weak systems, careless procedures and criminal-political networks do not disappear with an election result. NPP is finding this the hard way. SL’s recent administrative failures have shown us the level of incompetence & carelessness that has crept into the system. more..

May 13 (DM) The recent arrest of 37 Chinese nationals who were involved in cybercrime related activities and subsequently deported from the country, raises fresh concerns on whether foreign cybercrime syndicates have infiltrated into SL. When dozens of Sri Lankans were being lured into Myanmar in the guise of data entry operators, affected parties came forward to expose the harrowing conditions in which they had to work in. Victims were forced under threat to run more..

May 12 (AD) Foreign remittances sent by Sri Lankan migrant workers reached USD 767.9 million in April 2026, marking a significant increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment ((SLBFE). The figure represents a 19% rise from April 2025, when Sri Lanka received USD 646 million in remittances. Data released by the CB showed Sri Lanka earned a total of USD 3.06 billion in foreign remittances during the first four months of 2026. more..

May 12 (NW) Sixteen major reservoirs and ten medium‑scale reservoirs under the control of the Irrigation Dept are currently releasing water following heavy rainfall, according to H.M.P.S.D. Herath, Director of the dept. Among the major reservoirs releasing water are Rajanganaya in Anuradhapura, Sorabora Wewa in Badulla, Weerawila, Lunugamvehera, and Weheragala in Hambantota, Magalla and Deduru Oya in Kurunegala, Wemedilla and Nalanda in Kandy, and Alikota Ara more..

May 12 (DM) The magisterial inquiry into the suspicious death of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena was held today before Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena. The first witness, Priyangi Anushka Wijenayake and the third witness, Aravinda de Silva, testified before court today in connection with the inquiry. During the proceedings, the Kollupitiya Police informed court that investigations into the death had been more..

May 12 (DM) A rise in dengue patients has been reported across the country compared to last year, the National Dengue Control Unit said. Dr. Prasila Samaraweera said that 27,754 dengue cases had been reported islandwide this year as of yesterday, while 14 deaths had also been recorded. She said the highest number of patients had been reported from the Western Province, with additional cases reported from the Colombo, Gampaha, Matara, Galle, Ratnapura, Kalutara & Kandy districts. more..

May 12 (Island) US Embassy in SL, together with the Association for Disaster Risk Management Professionals (ADRiMP), will host the GeoAI (Geospatial Artificial Intelligence) for Disaster Resilience Exhibition and Symposium, open to the public on 14 May, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Uni of Colombo. The event will showcase how advanced mapping tools and American-led artificial intelligence innovations can strengthen disaster preparedness and more..

May 12 (Island) The govt yesterday unveiled sweeping amendments to National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980. It had been last amended in 2002. Authorities described the latest amendments as one of the country’s most significant environmental legal reforms aimed at protecting ecosystems and ensuring sustainable development. The proposed amendments were announced during a media briefing under the patronage of more..

May 12 (DM) A landslide triggered by the Ditwah cyclone last year has become active once again as a result of the ongoing rainy weather which has hit Watawala in the Badulla district, authorities said yesterday. As a result roads in the area are blocked and traffic has come to a virtual standstill. Pre-monsoonal rain has resulted in disruption and disaster in the central hills. Diyagala stretch along the Hatton – Colombo Road experienced earth slips due to the heavy rains in the central hills. more..

May 12 (AD) The number of police stations currently operating in SL has exceeded the required level, according to Minister Ananda Wijepala. Speaking at a District Coordination Committee meeting held at the Kurunegala District Secretariat, Public Security Minister stated that the govt is considering closing some police stations as part of future restructuring efforts. “The number of police stations has now increased significantly. We are even considering shutting down some of them” more..

May 12 (NW) A group of Opposition members have written to Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena alleging a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary following remarks made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the May Day rally in Maharagama. The group of opposition members includes former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, ITAK's M.A. Sumanthiran, former MPs Asath Sally, G.L. Peiris, and Premnath C. Dolawatte, among others. In their letter, the group points out that more..

May 12 (AD) Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne, stated that the govt has decided to provide an additional fertilizer subsidy to small-scale tea plantation owners. He noted that the necessary funds for the initiative have already been allocated by the Treasury. Minister Vidyaratne further stated that although there is currently no shortage of fertilizer in the country, fertilizer prices may increase in the future. Elaborating further, the Minister stated, more..

May 12 (AD) Cabinet has granted approval for the construction of the Rambukkana–Galagedara section of the Central Expressway, with the project to be fully funded by the Govt at an estimated cost of Rs. 112 billion. Approval has also been granted for the awarding of seven contracts under the second phase of the third stage of the Central Expressway project (Rambukkana to Galagedara), covering construction work from more..

May 12 (NW) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says if a person’s name is mentioned in an investigation, a statement must be recorded from that individual, underscoring the principle of equality before the law. “If my name has been mentioned, then shouldn’t a statement be recorded from me? It has to be recorded. If someone’s name is mentioned during an investigation, it is normal to record a statement from that person,” the President said, addressing an event. more..

May 12 (EN) Cabinet has approved a proposal to call bids from international service providers for the provision of security stamps on foreign liquor, locally bottled foreign liquor and locally manufactured liquor. The move follows the mandatory requirement to affix security markings on all imported foreign liquor, locally produced foreign liquor, and local liquor established under the Excise (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2018 and subsequent regulations published in the Extraordinary Gazette more..

May 12 (TM) Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said the Govt will not propose another electricity tariff revision until September of this year (2026), expressing hope that improved rainfall and favourable movements in global fuel prices would help ease pressure on electricity generation costs. Speaking on the latest electricity tariff revision, he said that the Govt expected an increase in rainfall in the coming months until September, more..

May 12 (NW) A man was assaulted and murdered, after which his head was separated and hung on a statue at the Mamadala junction, Ambalantota Police reported. According to relatives of the victim, three individuals had arrived at the victim’s house late last night and attacked him with a sharp weapon, killing him and severing his head before fleeing. Police said the deceased had previously been arrested and remanded in connection with a triple murder in Mamadala area, & was later released on bail. more..

May 12 (DM) In the wake of cyber thefts affecting the Govt’s financial activities, Sri Lanka and India have initiated discussions for cooperation to pre-empt such threats in the future. However, current efforts being initiated between the two countries are not part of any joint investigations into the two cyber cases of thefts that resulted in the loss of US $ 2.5 million in one case and US $ 625,000 in another. Official level discussions were held between the two countries, and steps would be taken more..

May 12 (FT) Vietnam’s transformation into one of the world’s fastest-growing apparel export hubs offers important lessons for Sri Lanka as it seeks to strengthen export competitiveness and secure long-term growth in its garment industry. Over the past 15 years, Vietnam has used trade policy as a central pillar of industrial development, aggressively pursuing free trade agreements, attracting export-oriented investments and integrating into global supply chains. more..

May 12 (AD) Minister Vijitha Herath is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Belarus from today to 15 May 2026, on the invitation of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus, Maxim Ryzhenkov. This visit will mark a milestone in the bilateral partnership, as the two countries commemorated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year. During his visit to Minsk, Minister Herath is scheduled to call on Belarus Prez Alexander Lukashenko and more..

May 12 (FT) Amid rising inflation, recent tax policy changes to widen the net and increase rates, and the electricity tariff hike this week, CB Deputy Governor Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara has warned against reversing Sri Lanka’s post-crisis fiscal and pricing reforms. He argued that politically driven subsidies and delayed adjustments would recreate the macroeconomic imbalances that led to 2022 economic collapse. more..

May 12 (FT) Nüwa at City of Dreams SL, the luxury flagship hotel within South Asia’s first fully integrated luxury resort, on Friday marked a significant milestone with a special press conference and celebration honouring its prestigious 5-Star recognition, further reinforcing its position as one of the leading luxury hospitality destinations in the region. Held at the elegant Crystal Lounge at Nüwa, the exclusive evening brought together key figures from SL’s tourism and hospitality sectors, more..

May 12 (NW) Work has commenced to implement the recently signed MoU for the construction of a four‑storied Medical Ward Complex at the District General Hospital, Mullaitivu, with grant assistance of Rs. 600 million from the Govt of India. The MoU was signed and exchanged by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Health W.K. Wickremasinghe, during the visit of India’s Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan to SL from April 19–20, 2026. more..

May 12 (PMD) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised that both the political authority and public officials have a responsibility to ensure that the LKR. 500 billion allocated by the Govt in response to Cyclone Ditwah is utilised effectively and efficiently for the recovery and development of the affected communities and areas. The Prez further stressed the need to complete all related projects before the end of this year. more..

May 12 (AD) The group of 22 Buddhist monks recently arrested at BIA over the smuggling of Kush cannabis and Hashish from Thailand have been further remanded until May 26 by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court. The order was issued when the suspects were produced before Negombo Magistrate Subhani Abeysekera today. The suspects were taken into custody at the BIA on April 25 after arriving from Thailand with a total of 112 kg of Kush cannabis and Hashish, more..

May 12 (NW) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has thanked SL President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for congratulating him on being sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. In a message posted on X, Vijay said he was deeply honored by the wishes extended by the SL President and thanked him for the gracious gesture. Prez Dissanayake, in his congratulatory message, highlighted the long-standing historical, cultural and people-to-people ties between SL & TN. more..

May 12 (FT) When SL was staring the 2021-22 economic crisis in the face, several informed groups proposed remedial measures. Based on seven such documents, I and two young economists drafted a Common Minimum Program (CMP). Our draft was changed based on comments from economists and from business leaders (listed in the document). It was handed over to the then PM on 4 June 2022, and to multiple other decision makers subsequently. Its elements made their way into many more..

May 12 (FT) Aristotle’s political philosophy reminds us that governance is not merely about authority, but about cultivating civic virtue and public trust. The state, in his conception, exists to help citizens achieve eudaimonia—a flourishing and dignified life rooted in wisdom, justice, and participation. That classical insight offers a useful lens through which to examine Sri Lanka’s contemporary political climate. When Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the NPP rose to power, more..