Apr 1 (DM) The notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act are probably the most misused laws in Sri Lanka by the law enforcement authorities, in most cases pacifying the politicians in power. The PTA has been misused against hundreds of Tamil youth, accusing them of involving in separatist activities. Some Tamil youth arrested under this law have been in prisons not for years but decades. more..

Apr 1 (CT) Two powerful earthquakes have devastated Myanmar, disrupting health services and putting thousands at risk of life-threatening injuries, on top of causing possible future disease outbreaks as people recover from the aftermath. While emergency supplies and services are being pooled in from all corners of the globe, and the world reels in reaction to the devastation, the earthquake comes as a significant wake-up call for the people, and Govt of Sri Lanka. more..

Apr 1 (DM) On March 25, the renowned Sri Lankan social anthropologist Prof. Gananath Obeyesekere of Princeton University, passed away leaving academia across the world immeasurably poorer. Till his last breath, at the ripe old age of 95, the genial giant was steeped in inquiries about cultures and mode of thinking across continents, giving them a new meaning and relevance. With his wide range of interests, more..

Apr 1 (CT) The sudden reemergence of two major incidents from the past, that had become peripheral to the concerns of people today, has jolted the national polity and come to its centre stage. These are the interview by former prez Ranil Wickremesinghe with the Al Jazeera television station that elicited the Batalanda issue and now the sanctioning of three former military commanders of the SL armed forces and an LTTE commander who switched sides and joined the govt. more..

Apr 1 (ST) In the glaring absence of an immediate Foreign Office response to Britain’s decision to impose sanctions on three former Lankan Armed Force Commanders, former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa emerged from semi-retirement to declare that he, as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces during the final years of the terrorist war, will accept full responsibility since “It was I, as the Executive President of SL, who took the decision to militarily defeat the LTTE, more..

Apr 1 (TM) Despite the long-standing microfinance crisis in SL, which has led to severe financial hardships and even the loss of lives, particularly in the Northern and North Central Provinces, Govt has yet to announce any concrete measures to address the issue. With microfinance institutions continuing to expand, especially in the aftermath of the economic crisis, rural communities remain vulnerable, yet no official action has been more..

Apr 1 (TM) Govt of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, like ones before him, have emphasised the need to improve SL’s digitalisation. Many experts have opined that digitalisation will greatly benefit SL. Already, multiple public services and State institutions are being modernised with digitalisation or are in different stages of the process that commenced under previous govts. SL also has designs to roll out more modern telecommunication and digital infrastructure, with 5G and 6G more..

Apr 1 (Island) New laws will be made soon to facilitate the seizure of ill-gotten assets of the corrupt, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said at a recent NPP campaign rally. Govt has chosen to crank up its anti-corruption campaign again as the local govt polls are drawing near. Laws with stronger teeth to deal with corruption cannot be overstated. Hydra-headed corruption can manifest itself in various forms at different levels, which can be individual, political, corporate, systemic, more..

Apr 1 (DM) In my final year of the Power Systems Course, I had a close friend who was the best in that subject in class. I learnt from him, but he failed at it and did not graduate with us because it was a core subject. I heard from seniors and our Head that his English handwriting and grammar were so bad that local examiners, knowing what he knew, gave him full credit for what he wrote, but British re-scrutineers to whom all our final papers went, urged that our examiners make a strict textual reading more..

Apr 1 (FT) Visa, the global leader in digital payments has reiterated its support to women entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka as a part of its International Women’s Month celebrations across the world, by stating a firm commitment towards financial inclusion and digitisation of women-led businesses, and hosted women from different walks of life in a specially curated event at Colombo. Visa in SL Country Manager Avanthi Colombage said: “At Visa, we believe in being the best way to more..

Apr 1 (FT) Colombo stock market last week ended March suffering its second consecutive month of losses, raising concerns among investors and promoters. The indices suffered a 4% dip on top of over a 3.6% dip in February. This saw both indices turning year-to-date (YTD) negative. Some analysts said that having gained by 50% in 2024 – thereby becoming the second best performing frontier market – followed by a 4% gain in January, more..

Apr 1 (FT) The CEYPETCO and LAUGFS Gas PLC yesterday announced revised prices. Marking the first revision since 2024, LAUGFS Gas PLC yesterday announced that it has decided to increase its domestic liquefied petroleum (LP) gas cylinder prices effective midnight. Accordingly, the price of a 12.5 kg cylinder has been increased by Rs. 420 to Rs. 4,100, while a 5 kg cylinder has been increased by Rs. 168 to Rs. 1,645. LAUGFS is one of the two largest LP gas suppliers in the country. more..

Apr 1 (AD) The price of a cup of milk tea has been increase by Rs. 10, the All-Island Restaurant Owners’ Association announced. This decision has been taken as a result of the govt’s decision to increase the price of imported milk powder. Price hike will be implemented with effect from midnight yesterday, it said. Earlier, the govt decided to increase the price of imported milk powder by 4.7%. Price of a packet of imported milk powder weighing 400g will be increased by around Rs. 50 more..

Apr 1 (FT) People’s Bank recently unveiled the Vanitha Vasana VISA Platinum Credit Card at a special launch event held at Havelock City Mall, Colombo 6. The event took place under the patronage of People’s Bank CEO /General Manager Clive Fonseka, with the participation of well-known female artists and this coincided with the Bank’s special credit card promotion for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. The Vanitha Vasana Credit Card is designed to empower and more..

Apr 1 (DN) Neyara Weerawansa, once SL’s No.1-ranked women’s tennis player, has stamped her name in history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to win at the prestigious Royal South Yarra Club Championships in Australia recently. The 21-year-old former British School Colombo student claimed victory in the Ladies’ Singles Open and the Mixed Doubles Open alongside partner Himakesh Sankineni, marking a milestone moment in her career. “My highest ranking in SL was No.1 more..

Apr 1 (TM) President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Shammi Silva retained his influential post for an unprecedented fourth successive term, after being reelected uncontested during its 64th AGM in Colombo yesterday. As expected it was simply a case of reasserting Silva’s clout over the country’s wealthiest sporting institution, with two other contestants namely Jayantha Dharmadasa and Samantha Dodanwela withdrawing more..

Apr 1 (FT) Hambantota International Port (HIP) welcomed vessel CMA CGM SILVERSTONE, a pure car carrier operated by CMA CGM, marking her first-ever call at a SL port. This milestone emphasises the growing significance of HIP as a regional hub for vehicle transshipment. The 200-meter-long, LNG powered, CMA CGM SILVERSTONE sailing under the Maltese flag, was built in 2024 and has the capacity to transport 7,000 cars. The ship arrived in HIP from Singapore with 333 loading units more..

Apr 1 (DN) The annual cricket encounter between Wesley College, Colombo and St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena for the Rev. James Cartman Trophy, will be held today and tomorrow at the P. Sara Oval, Colombo. The first game in the history of cricket between the two schools was in 1896, 129 years ago. The only victory in the history of the colorful annual cricket match between the two schools was recorded last year while St. Benedict’s led by Sharujan Shanmuganathan had more..

Apr 1 (ST) A 23-year-old man is being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) after being arrested in Kompanna Veediya earlier this week on suspicion of engaging in activities that threaten Israeli citizens in Sri Lanka and causing communal disharmony. Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has been informed by the TID earlier this week as to the man’s arrest under the PTA. The HRCSL said it was monitoring the situation and the well-being of the detainee. more..

Apr 1 (AD) Former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged the SL govt to dispatch a medical team, including military personnel, to Myanmar to assist those affected by the recent earthquake. Wickremesinghe emphasized SL’s long-standing ties with Myanmar and stressed the importance of providing humanitarian relief. “My proposal to the govt is to send a medical team, including doctors from the army’s medical corps, along with essential medicines and equipment, to set up a more..

Apr 1 (DM) A 30-year-old man jumped from ITC Ratnadipa Luxury Hotel near Galle Face Green after leaving a written note stating that he took his own life due to unbearable stress, the police said. The incident occurred this afternoon. The victim jumped from Room 16 on the 31st floor of the hotel. As soon as the incident was reported, the police launched an investigation. The deceased has been identified as a resident of Kundasale. more..

Apr 1 (FT) Airport and Aviation Services (SL) Ltd., announced that the Jaffna International Airport (JIA) welcomed the inaugural direct IndiGo flight from Tiruchirappalli to Jaffna. The new international service, which will operate six days a week, has taken a major step forward in enhancing direct regional air connectivity, significantly improving travel options between India and SL’s Northern Province. Under the new schedule, IndiGo flights will depart Tiruchirappalli at 13:25, more..

Apr 1 (Island) A full-scale investigation has been launched to track down an underworld character, Navy Dinesh, a key accomplice of Ganemulle Sanjeewa, for issuing death threats over the phone to three police officers, including the Gampaha HQI, Crime Branch OIC, of the same police station, and others. Navy Dinesh is believed to have fled the country. The threats were issued following the arrest of Navy Dinesh’s father and brother in connection with a drug trafficking case. more..

Apr 1 (TM) In the wake of calls from religious and civil society organisations representatives for him to disclose any information he claims to have regarding the masterminds behind 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, BBS General Secretary, Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera said that he would reveal such information only if summoned by relevant authorities. Representatives of several religious and civil society org more..

Apr 1 (DN) Underworld leader Rotumba Amila has been arrested by Russian security authorities and Russia has informed SL about this last week through Interpol. Rotumba Amila is being held in Russia based on a red notice issued against him by the Interpol. Although several other people were present when he was held, no information about them has been made available to this country so far. CID sources stated that the process of bringing Rotumba Amila back to the country has already begun. more..

Apr 1 (Island) Newly appointed President of BASL Rajeev Amarasuriya has intervened on behalf of Attorney-at-Law P. Udayangani who had been remanded by Puttalam High Court Judge Nadee Suwandurugoda for contempt of court charges following an incident on March 28. The Court of Appeal yesterday ordered the release of lawyer Udayangani. A two-member Appeals Court judge bench, comprising Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Thahir Laffar and more..

Apr 1 (NW) Former Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles has left the CID after recording a statement in connection with a shooting incident in 2023. Tiran Alles left the CID after recording a statement for more than 5 ˝ hours. The former minister reported to the CID this morning to record a statement regarding the shooting incident in front of a prominent hotel in Weligama in 2023. Suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon is already under remand custody over the incident. more..

Apr 1 (DM) SL has experienced a significant surge in HIV/AIDS cases in 2024 recording over 800 cases. According to National STD/AIDS Control Programme, SL has logged 824 cases reflecting a 18% increase compared to the year 2023, which saw 694 cases. Out of the cases reported in 2024, 99 males and 13 females fall within the age range of 15-24, while the remaining cases are individuals above 25 years old. The male-to-female ratio of reported HIV cases in 2024 stands at 7.3:1. more..

Apr 1 (TM) Former Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka claimed that a CEB report revealed the island wide power outage on 9 Feb was caused by a defect at the Victoria Power Station and accused the CEB of attempting to alter the report. There have been several island wide power outages over the last decade, with the most recent one occurring on 9 February, which took several hours to restore. more..

Apr 1 (DN) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared that the Mannar Adani Wind Power Project will not move forward unless the pricing terms are revised to meet his govt’s demands. He criticized the agreement made by the former president, under which a wind power unit was to be sold to the SL govt for Rs. 25. Dissanayake emphasized that continuing the project at these rates would be a crime, especially as Indian company Adani withdrew from the project due to price disagreement. more..

Apr 1 (AD) Inland Revenue Dept (IRD) has announced that individuals earning less than Rs. 1.8 million annually can now claim relief on the advance income tax (AIT) charged on interest or discounts from deposits. To avail themselves of this tax relief, eligible individuals must submit a self-declaration to their respective banks or financial institutions. IRD has instructed these institutions to implement a 10 percent reduction in AIT on interest and discounts payable to depositors, effective from today. more..

Apr 1 (TM) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that a bill aimed at recovering illegally acquired assets will be presented to the Parliament on 8 April by the Govt. Speaking at a public rally, Prez emphasised: “On 8 April, we will pass legislation in the Parliament to recover stolen and illegally accumulated wealth. This bill is not about personal revenge but about upholding the law & restoring sovereignty in our motherland” more..

Apr 1 (FT) With three consecutive Presidents endorsing it, the people of SL would have been convinced that the goal of achieving 70% contribution by Renewable Resources for power generation, is a firm policy and a target that all relevant authorities would be obliged to achieve. While the target of 70% seemed far too low a target, considering that Sri Lanka had a proud record of being served by nearly 100% Renewable Energy (RE) based electricity a few decades ago, more..

Apr 1 (DM) Nuwara Eliya April Festival, organized by the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, commenced today with Central Province Chief Secretary G.H.M. Ajith Premasinghe as the chief guest. The inaugural ceremony was held in front of the public market in Nuwara Eliya town and featured cultural performances and school band displays organized by state and private sector institutions. Municipal Commissioner Wijekoon Bandara stated that the festival, which began yesterday, will continue more..

Apr 1 (NW) The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has announced that the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) will be mandatory to register new vehicles and their related services. Clarifying that the TIN will be mandatory for the registration of new vehicles, the DMT said, however, certain types of vehicles are exempted. The department said the TIN number is not mandatory for the registration or transfer of motorcycles, three-wheelers, tractors, hand-tractors and tractor-trailers. more..