Apr 7 (CT) Hemas Hospitals Group has marked a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector with a Rs 1 billion investment in its Wattala facility, unveiling the country’s most technologically advanced catheterisation laboratory. The facility, which houses the Philips Azurion 7 imaging system, enables a record 60-minute door-to-balloon time for cardiac emergencies — outperforming global benchmarks by 30 minutes. It also reduces radiation exposure by 67% through innovations more..

Apr 7 (FT) Leading business magazine LMD reports that business confidence has dropped a few rungs after briefly matching its all-time high. In the aftermath of the Budget 2025, LMD Business Confidence Index (BCI) fell from February’s record-equalling high of 204, shedding seven basis points to settle at 197 in March, it notes. “Despite the dip, however, the index stands 74 points above its historical median (123) and is 59 points higher than the 12-month average of 138. more..

Apr 7 (ST) On Wednesday, Sunday Times received from a source a cloud storage link that contained thousands of explicit images illicitly obtained and shared without consent. The storage link had 9,605 files in 500 folders, adding up to 10 GB of data. Photos were separated into folders with the alleged name of the girl or woman in the image and, in some cases, their Instagram handle. Storage was created on Mega Cloud Services more..

Apr 7 (ST) US Department of State honoured Sunday Times Deputy Editor-Investigations Namini Wijedasa, among eight women, at the 19th Annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony this week in Washington DC. Held at the Benjamin Franklin Room of the US State Department in the presence of First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the eight women leaders from around the world were celebrated for their extraordinary courage and leadership more..

Apr 7 (FT) Seafood Exporters’ Association of SL has urged Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake to immediately negotiate with the US Govt to reduce the high 44% reciprocal tariff. In a letter to the President the SEASL has requested him to negotiate with the US to take the tariff back to zero or to a minimum so that industry can continue to grow the sector and reach the target of $ 650 million in exports and create over 15,000 skilled jobs by 2028. The written representations was made by more..

Apr 7 (NW) National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Kosala Nuwan has passed away at the age of 38, hospital sources confirmed. He was reportedly admitted to the Karawanella Hospital following a sudden heart attack and was pronounced dead shortly after. Kosala Nuwan was a newly elected MP and a prominent youth figure within the NPP. Further details are awaited. more..

Apr 7 (Island) Former ministers Champika Ranawaka and retired Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera, over the weekend, said that SL shouldn’t under any circumstances enter into a MoU on Defence Cooperation with any country. Responding to media queries in support of LG candidates, Ranawaka said that the MoU could place SL at an extremely vulnerable position as the world and regional powers battled for supremacy in the Indian Ocean. more..

Apr 7 (TM) Acting IGP SDIG Priyantha Weerasooriya has submitted a recommendation to the Ministry of Public Security to be presented to the National Police Commission (NPC), seeking to remove the OIC of the Welikada Police station, following a custodial death of suspect arrested in Nugegoda, Police Dept said. Police said that the Acting IGP has also directed the CID to take over the investigations and has also more..

Apr 7 (FT) Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) has urged the Govt to take immediate steps to resolve crisis emanating from the imposition of high 44% tariff by the US President Donald Trump on Sri Lankan products. “SL has been assigned a 44% ad valorem tariff on its exports to the US. This is one of the highest rates among all countries targeted. This has created a serious threat to the country’s export competitiveness, employment, and overall economic stability. more..

Apr 7 (ST) The SL media was blocked out from covering Indian PM Narendra Modi’s visit, with the President’s Media Division (PMD) taking full control of the coverage and failing dismally in coordinating events with local journalists. While the Indian HC coordinated the Indian media personnel, an entourage of around 30, many travelling with their prime minister, SL media was left to its own devices, given access to cover only the ceremonial welcome at Independence Square. more..

Apr 7 (FT) Ties between SL and India have reached a new high following the successful visit by PM Narendra Modi who reinforced his country’s commitment to strengthen relations aided by additional support. After an eventful 3 days, Modi flew back in what was a historic visit, being the first global leader to set foot in SL following the election of Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake and NPP Govt, whose members previously castigated more..

Apr 8 (TM) The last six years have been tough for SL. We have seen the disastrous security failures of 2019 and the aftermath of mismanaging accountability pre/post incident, weathered Covid-19 pandemic, survived the ensuing socio-political climate, was battered, bruised and brought to our knees by the worst economic crisis. We had just managed to get on track towards recovery, when the US Prez took a baseball bat to the world trade order and slapped a 44% tariff on SL exports to US. more..

Apr 8 (CT) SL’s Police have had a less-than-desirable image when it comes to citizens dying while in Police custody, with multiple such instances happening each year and several in the past causing wide public outcry. With the most recent incident involving a young man who died while in the custody of the Welikada Police, we must once again consider if we have done enough to truly be accountable and transparent for the safety of those who have been placed under police custody. more..

Apr 8 (DM) Indian PM Narendra Modi’s week-end visit to SL proved to be quite a success according to print and electronic media reports. The highlights of the two-day trip from Friday (4) to Sunday (6) were the signing of a MoU on defence cooperation that recognised the inter-linked nature of national security of both countries and the conferment of the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana award upon the Indian PM by Prez Anura Kumara more..

Apr 8 (DM) Pity Wijeweera, late leader of the JVP, whose life came to an end in 1989. The late Wijeweera feared our giant neighbour India. He claimed India had expansionist intentions and even wrote chapters on the subject in his own little red book. Members of his organisation took these anti-Indian essays so seriously that during the 1988-1990 reign of terror, our countrymen and women, on the pain of death, were forced to refer to the name of the vegetable Bombay Onion as ‘B’ Onion. more..

Apr 8 (FT) In 1850, the French economist and statesman, Frédéric Bastiat, distinguished a bad economist from a good economist by looking at how he will consider the consequences of an economic policy. He said that a bad economist will consider only the consequences that can be seen immediately, and a good economist will consider both the immediate consequences and those that can be foreseen.1 It seems that President Donald Trump and his economic advisors fall into more..

Apr 8 (TM) Govt has warned all businesses – large, medium, and small – as well as individuals, to settle any outstanding tax payments. Those who fail to fulfil their tax obligations will face serious legal consequences. Govt official said that no entity – whether a State or private institution, or an individual – would be exempt from the tax structure. All taxpayers were required to comply with their responsibilities to avoid facing legal action. more..

Apr 8 (ST) India’s greatest son of the 20th century, Mohandas Gandhi, wrote, The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals. Well, Lanka certainly hasn’t fallen short of the Mahatma’s yardstick, as India’s greatest PM of the 21st century, Shri Narendra Modi, will soon discover during his travels around the island this week. He may have already been briefed by Indian High Commission officials the moment he arrived on Friday night about more..

Apr 8 (Island) Opposition has been protesting against what it describes as a veiled threat issued by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, at a recent NPP LG election rally. UPF led by Champika Ranawaka has complained to the Election Commission (EC) that Prez Dissanayake has made a statement, implying that his govt will make financial allocations expeditiously only to the local councils the NPP will win in the upcoming LG polls, and others will find it difficult to obtain state funds. more..

Apr 8 (DM) The Trump trade shock announced last week has unnerved the world. Sri Lanka can have a severe impact with about US$ 3 billion in exports to the US. If these exports are priced out of the US market with the 44% tariff on SL, then a major shortfall in foreign earnings can even undermine the import of essential goods. Furthermore, the bulk of these exports to the US are from the garment sector, which directly employs close to three hundred thousand women and hundreds of thousands more..

Apr 8 (Island) The ascendancy of China as an emerging superpower is one of the most striking shifts in the global distribution of economic and political power in the 21st century. With its strategic rise, China has assumed a more proactive diplomatic and economic role in the Indian Ocean, signalling its emergence as a global superpower. This new leadership role is exemplified by initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and establishment of Asian Infrastructure more..

Apr 8 (FT) The disastrous 44% tariff on SL products announced by US President Donald Trump last week had its full effect among investors yesterday, as the Colombo stock market suffered a trading suspension and has lost nearly Rs. 500 billion in value during the past three sessions. ASPI declined by 4.6% or 712 points and the active S&P SL20 plunged by 6%. The latter’s dip of 5% earlier in trading saw a temporary market halt. more..

Apr 8 (FT) CMA CGM, one of the world’s top three shipping lines, continues to reinforce its long-standing partnership with Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) terminals. The company, which handles 12-13% of the global shipping market share, has been a key player in enhancing the efficiency and connectivity of SL’s maritime industry. CMA CGM has recently achieved a significant milestone volume at SLPA terminals, underscoring its commitment to further expanding its presence in SL. more..

Apr 8 (Forbes) On May 9, 2022, Sri Lanka’s embattled PM Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned in the face of massive anti-govt protests. His brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, attempted to stay on but had to resign and flee the country two months later. The ouster of the seemingly invincible Rajapaksa dynasty was a revolution like no other in South Asia, until similar people’s power protests led to the ouster of Bangladesh strongwoman Sheikh Hasina in 2024. more..

Apr 8 (FT) Embassy and Permanent Mission of SL in Thailand, in collaboration with the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, organised the Invest Sri Lanka business forum on 3 April at the Grande Centre Point Surawong Hotel in Bangkok. The event, graced by the presence of PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, brought together over 80 prominent Thai and international business leaders. The forum was convened on the sidelines of the 6th Bay of BIMSTEC Summit, more..

Apr 8 (EN) Some US buyers have asked exporters in SL to suspend shipments after a 44% tax was slapped on shipment from the island, apparel industry sources said. “There is some expectation that the Prez Trump may give an extension from the April 9 deadline,” an apparel industry source said. “If it is extended they may be able to clear the goods without the tax.” On Monday the Dow Jones index briefly picked up amid speculation that there may be a 3-month extension of more..

Apr 8 (FT) Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, (APSEZ), India’s largest integrated transport utility, yesterday announced the commencement of operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), located at the Port of Colombo. Developed under a landmark public-private partnership, the CWIT is operated by a consortium comprising India’s largest port operator APSEZ, leading SL conglomerate John Keells more..

Apr 8 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has shared the story behind a photo of a one-eyed female leopard from Wilpattu National Park, which he presented to Indian PM Narendra Modi during his visit to SL. Premadasa said in a social media post that the leopard, who had lost sight in one eye due to possible glaucoma, cataract or trauma, represented resilience and the natural beauty of SL’s wilderness. “This extraordinary leopard once roamed the wilds of Wilpattu with remarkable strength more..

Apr 8 (Island) With just one round left in the group stage, Dambulla hit the top of the National Super League (NSL) table like a runaway train, pulling off a breathtaking run chase that left Kandy shell-shocked at the R. Premadasa Stadium. In a high-octane encounter that had lot of twists, Dambulla played out of their skins to snatch victory from the jaws of what looked like certain defeat. Chasing a towering 392 in just 69 overs, the Dambulla batters threw caution to the wind and came out swinging. more..

Apr 8 (TM) Election Commission (EC) is set to file an appeal before the Supreme Court (SC) against the recent order issued by Court of Appeal (CA), which directed the election officials to accept nearly 37 nomination papers for the LG Elections that were previously rejected. Last week, the CA ordered the relevant Returning Officers to re-accept these rejected nomination papers submitted by candidates to contest for the LG Elections. more..

Apr 8 (DN) SL U-19 cricket team will play a home series against Bangladesh U-19 which was earlier scheduled to be played at Hambantota but now SL Cricket has decided to conduct this series in Colombo at 3 venues Colts, CCC and SSC grounds. The youth cricket series will begin with first youth ODI on April 26 at CCC grounds. The chairman of the Junior Cricket Selection Committee Vinothen John said this type of youth cricket series is very important to build up our National U-19 team more..

Apr 8 (PMD) Attending the passing out parade of the 82nd batch of the STF at the Katukurunda STF Training Camp in Kalutara today (7), President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the need for a progressive transformation within the Sri Lanka Police to ensure the rule of law, order and authority. President noted that the public places its trust in the SL Police to uphold the supremacy of the law and maintaining that trust is a fundamental responsibility of the Police Department. more..

Apr 8 (PMD) The report of the Census of Population and Housing 2024, conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat. This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024. The report provides details on SL’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts. The information gathered through more..

Apr 8 (AD) Four individuals, including the manager of the facility, were burnt to death, while four others sustained injuries in a tragic gas explosion at a fuel station in Wehera, Kurunegala late last night, the police said. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. when a lorry had arrived to refill LP gas at the station. Initial reports indicate that one of the two gas tanks at the site—each containing approximately 6,000 litres of gas—exploded during the filling process, engulfing the area in flames. more..

Apr 8 (Island) Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) has alleged that Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake entered into seven MoUs/Agreements with India without consulting Parliament or the Cabinet of Ministers. Accusing Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is the leader of the JVP, as well as the NPP, of undermining SL’s sovereignty, the breakaway JVP faction pointed out the signing of seven MoUs/Agreements had coincided with more..

Apr 8 (Island) In a bold move set to redefine the consumer tech landscape in Sri Lanka, Sala Enterprises has unveiled the country’s first AI-powered hardware device—the Emark AI Mouse. This cutting-edge product represents a strategic shift for Sala from being a tech distributor to becoming a pioneering innovator in AI-integrated hardware. With over three decades of experience in the IT space, Sala Enterprises has long played a foundational role in SL’s digital evolution. more..