Nov 23 (TM) Online scams are surging across SL at an alarming pace, pushing the Govt to roll out a controversial new malware and threat hunting unit in a bid to curb the growing wave of digital fraud. As many fall victim to increasingly sophisticated schemes, authorities say the unit will serve as a proactive defence system. However, industry experts warn it could also open the door to expanded State monitoring under the guise of more..

Nov 23 (Island) All the signs are that there will be no Provincial Council (PC) elections next year. The govt’s decision to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to inquire into matters pertaining to the delayed PC polls is an indication that the ruling NPP is afraid of facing an election any time soon and therefore all out to prevent its popularity and electoral strength from being put to test. It is using the same modus operandi as the previous govts to postpone the PC polls more..

Nov 23 (Island) Former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa celebrated his eightieth birthday on Nov. 18th. Whether we admire or despise his politics, there is no denying that he decisively shaped the destiny of this island for decades, and his imprint will linger for generations. Understanding Mahinda Rajapaksa is crucial not merely as a study of one man, but as a lens through which to examine the interplay of society, religion, and charisma—the forces that both elevated him and ultimately constrained him. more..

Nov 23 (CI) Pakistan's attack squeezed SL's batters: their seamers bossed the powerplay, before Mohammad Nawaz claimed three wickets through the middle. SL could muster no more than 128 for 7, and Pakistan strode to the target in 15.3 overs, with seven wickets to spare. Sahibzada Farhan led the chase from the top of the order, with 80 not out off 45 balls. His knock, in fact, was the only real fluent innings in this game. more..

Nov 23 (Island) Javelin national record holder Rumesh Tharanga is the country’s top contender for World Athletics’ Ultimate Championships as SL Athletics included the new global event as one of the 19 international competitions scheduled for athletes in the 2026 calender announced on Wednesday. ‎Newest event introduced by World Athletics will be held in Budapest where only the World Champions, Olympic Champions and the highest ranked athletes in the Road to the Ultimate rankings more..

Nov 23 (Island) The half-hour that Bhanuka Rajapaksa spent at the crease in Rawalpindi on Thursday was enough to make even the most patient Sri Lankan fan wonder whether they were watching international cricket or a Tennyson Cooray stage play. Bhanuka looked a fish out of water, a rabbit caught in the headlights — pick any wildlife metaphor you like — and you’d still struggle to capture just how out of place he seemed. While everyone else played professional sport, more..

Nov 23 (ST) Next week in the North, mainstream politicians whose elders were sidelined for years by the AK-47-toting LTTE cadres taking on the role of sole representatives of the Tamils will be commemorating those who were taken to their deaths by the fascist terrorist organisation not so long ago. In doing so, they will be castigating the very armed forces that paved the way for these politicians to return to public life with the restoration of democracy. Historically, there is a lot in more..

Nov 23 (ST) My dear Mahinda maama, I am writing to send you belated birthday wishes as you celebrate your 80th birthday. I thought I would see you at Nugegoda because you said in Kandy that you would attend, but you weren’t there. Here’s hoping many more years of health and happiness because, at your age, that is what really matters! Honestly, Mahinda maama, I was surprised when you said in Kandy, while attending a pooja at Dalada Maligawa, that you will definitely be there more..

Nov 23 (ST) Northern Province administration had been taken to task by residents and civil society members in the past for being inefficient and lethargic for obvious reasons. It was a damning moment when Northern Province Governor N. Vedhanayahan publicly criticised senior officials in the higher rungs of the provincial officialdom, saying they were clinging to their seats without delivering progress at the grassroots level while more..

Nov 23 (CT) SL’s Right to Information Commission (RTIC) issued a tough Public Statement on Thursday (20) correcting irresponsible media reporting and cautioning against amendments that may dilute the information right used by thousands of citizens and cited internationally as a crucial tool in the country’s anti-corruption struggles. Statement came amidst public alarm over a response by the Ministry of Mass Media (the nodal agency responsible for implementing the Act), more..

Nov 23 (SO) On Nov 14, the geopolitical fault lines of the Middle East trembled once again as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intercepted and seized the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker Talara in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, operated by Cyprus-based Columbia Ship Management and owned by Pasha Finance, a company with alleged ties to Azerbaijani Prez Ilham Aliyev’s family, was en route from Ajman in the UAE to Singapore, laden with approximately more..

Nov 23 (TM) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) is continuing as the driving force of the JVP-led NPP Govt, with brand AKD having to come to the rescue at every misstep of Govt members. This was yet again witnessed last week over the controversy surrounding the Buddha statue in Trincomalee. While senior Govt ministers and in some instances senior Govt officials continue to push the Govt into tight spots through their more..

Nov 23 (SO) Inland Revenue Dept (IRD) proudly announced last week that it had collected over Rs. 2 trillion as of 17 Nov, notably the highest annual revenue in its history. The milestone surpasses the total tax revenue for 2024 with six weeks of the year still remaining, a fact the Govt has trumpeted as a sign of fiscal discipline, economic recovery, and improved efficiency. Govt has been quick to market it as a badge of honour and a celebratory moment that affirms its governance narrative. more..

Nov 23 (SO) The events in Trincomalee over the past few weeks should trouble every Sri Lankan who believes coexistence among communities is important for future prosperity and security. Sections of politicians, religious leaders and the media came together to turn an administrative dispute over land and a partially rebuilt Dhamma school at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Vihara into a national controversy. The NPP Govt, elected with significant support from Sinhala, Tamil & more..

Nov 22 (CT) Between 1 Jan and 31 Oct 2025, SL recorded a notable rise in traffic accidents, minor and major offences, and violent crimes involving foreign nationals, underscoring the urgent need for stricter monitoring and enhanced public awareness, according to the Tourist Police. SL, celebrated for its natural beauty and expanding tourism sector, has this year seen an increase in incidents ranging from road mishaps more..

Nov 22 (Island) Joint opposition Maha Jana Handa public rally went ahead yesterday at the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre in Nugegoda despite heavy rain, with supporters converging in large numbers, causing significant congestion in the town, despite police having cordoned off the surroundings in advance to vehicular movement and subject to other restrictions. Several Opposition parties organised the event in protest against the govt failure to fulfill many of its grandiose more..

Nov 22 (DW) SL’s elephant population has recorded a notable increase, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Environment, with the minimum estimated number rising to 7,451 in 2024. The new data shows a steady upward trend when compared to previous nationwide counts, which recorded a minimum of 1,967 elephants in 1993 and 5,879 in 2011. Between 2021 and 2024 alone, the population has increased by 1,572 elephants, indicating significant growth in recent years. more..

Nov 22 (NW) Matara Magistrate’s Court was informed on Friday that former Minister Basil Rajapaksa had reserved air tickets to travel to SL and later cancelled them, despite submitting medical reports claiming he was unfit for air travel. Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama told court there was a serious suspicion that Rajapaksa was deliberately avoiding appearing before court, pointing to inconsistencies in the medical more..

Nov 22 (EN) SL is expecting a joint working team from India to discuss the development of a tank farm in Trincomalee linked to the development of an energy hub around the port in the North East of the island, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said. About 14 of a 99-tank complex built by the British during World War II, has been given to Indian Oil Corporation for the use by Lanka IOC. Another 61-tanks are in a joint venture between Ceylon Petroleum Corporation & Indian Oil Corp. more..

Nov 22 (DM) The new pension scheme introduced under the 2026 Budget for the fisheries community officially comes into effect today. The launch ceremony will be held at the Lotus Tower, Colombo under the patronage of PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Fishermen will begin receiving pension benefits once they reach the age of 60. The programme has been introduced under govt’s Pohosath Ratak – Lassana Jeewithayak policy to ensure the social protection of fishing families. more..

Nov 22 (CT) With the Ministry of Health receiving Rs 654 billion in the 2026 National Budget, the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) has accused the Ministry of failing to effectively utilise its allocations. MCPA President Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said on Friday that, according to information obtained under the Right to Information Act, No. 12 of 2016, the Ministry received a total of Rs 474,874,000,000 — approximately Rs 475 billion — from the 2025 Budget. more..

Nov 22 (DN) Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage told Parliament that a comprehensive programme is being implemented to eradicate poverty in the country without providing aid alone. He said that development in the country cannot be expected without eradicating rural poverty. The Minister made this statement while participating in the 2026 Budget Committee Stage debate on the expenditure heads of the Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Ministry and more..

Nov 22 (DM) Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the Govt is considering expanding pharmaceutical price controls to cover an additional 200 varieties of medicines. Speaking at an event held to introduce a new batch of medicines to the local market, Jayatissa said the Ministry had already implemented significant price reductions for 350 essential medicines, marking what he described as a major transformation more..

Nov 22 (AD) The Shaheens clinched a thrilling last-ball victory over Sri Lanka A, securing their place in the Asia Cup Rising Stars final. The match featured intense momentum swings, standout individual performances and a dramatic finish that booked the Shaheens’ spot in the title clash. Pakistan Shaheens qualified for the final of the Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 as they got over the line by five runs in a last-ball thriller against SL A, while defending the 153-run total in the second semi-final more..

Nov 22 (NW) Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan told Parliament that Puttalam District MP Faisal had threatened to kill him. MP Archchuna explained that under Standing Order 27(2), he had raised a question regarding the development of the Puttalam Hospital with Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. He claimed that MP Faisal became agitated during the exchange and later confronted him, saying, “If you continue to play games, I will kill you. Don’t come to Puttalam.” more..

Nov 22 (ST) The CIABOC this week informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate that an investigation is underway about five brokering firms that were reportedly threatened by former Minister Prsanna Ranatunga who faces allegations of misappropriating public funds and causing a loss to the state. Mr Ranatunga was produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama and was released on a cash bail of Rs. 100,000 and two surety bails of Rs. 500,000 each. more..

Nov 22 (AAP) Deputy Pakistan PM and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of SL, Arun Hemachandra, on the sidelines of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum being held from 20-21 Nov in Brussels. During the meeting, both sides agreed to continue close collaboration bilaterally and at multilateral fora. The two sides highlighted the importance of strengthening the existing fraternal relations between the two countries more..

Nov 22 (ST) As the budget proposals for 2026 are being absorbed by Sri Lankans before their implementation, reactions have been flowing in with expectations and concerns. Among the concerns is the transparency of the proposals, as revenue measures are not clear, though most expenses have been detailed. Nalin Liyanage, who worked for 20 years in the vehicle repair trade before retiring, said understanding how budget would work out more..

Nov 22 (FT) Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has warned that chronic understaffing and ignored statutory safeguards are weakening SL’s transparency framework, even as the Commission continues to be held as a global role-model disposing a high volume of appeals under severe operational constraints. In a public statement issued this week, the RTIC drew attention to official Parliamentary data showing that it concluded 1,157 out of 1,306 appeals received between more..

Nov 22 (FT) The Western Province Entrepreneur Awards 2025 was held in grandeur on 19 Nov at the BMICH, marking the eighth consecutive year of this prestigious event. The National Chamber of Commerce of SL (NCCSL) and National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) jointly organised this annual award scheme to categorise, reward, and motivate SL’s domestic entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to recognise outstanding accomplishments in the Western Province business community, more..

Nov 22 (FT) CEB has recorded a near-elimination of profit for the quarter ended 30 Sept, with earnings, margins, and operating performance deteriorating year-on-year (YoY) and quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) amid rising generation costs, tariff pressures, and weakening cash flows. Interim financial statements released this week also showed the utility slipping into a Rs. 9 bil loss for the 9 months to end-Sept, compared to a Rs. 152b more..

Nov 22 (DM) A crushing cost of living is expected to stifle consumer demand in 2026, keeping inflation well below the Central Bank’s target range and creating a complex environment for interest rates, according to a new analysis by First Capital Research (FCR). While the Central Bank has guided markets to expect inflation to rebound and stabilise around its 5% target by mid-2026, FCR challenges this view, projecting that inflation will average just 2.8% throughout the year. more..

Nov 22 (FT) Jetwing Symphony Chairman and veteran tourism leader Hiran Cooray said Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Clean Sri Lanka initiative offers the country its strongest opportunity in decades to finally build a compelling and enduring national tourism brand. Speaking at the India–SL Tourism Forum this week, Cooray said SL has long struggled to define its global identity despite possessing world-class natural and cultural assets. In contrast, India’s Incredible India campaign more..