Apr 8 (AD) Sri Lanka’s official foreign reserves rose sharply in March 2025, reaching US$6.51 billion, according to the latest data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). This marks a 7.1% increase from the US$6.08 billion reported at the end of February. The growth in reserves signals a strengthening of the country’s external position, with the Central Bank attributing part of this boost to its foreign currency purchases in the domestic market. During the month of March, more..

Apr 8 (AD) The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island during the afternoon or night today (08). In its latest forecast, the Meteorology Department mentioned that showers may occur in Western and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara district in the morning too. Fairly heavy rainfall of about 75 mm are likely at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, Eastern and Sothern provinces, it added. more..

Apr 8 (NW) A delegation of politicians representing the Hill Country Tamils of Sri Lanka has requested social and educational assistance from India during a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Sri Lanka. During PM Modi’s official state visit to Sri Lanka from 04-06 April, he engaged in a discussion with a delegation consisting of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) and Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) members, led by TPA Leader MP Mano Ganesan. Commenting on the meeting, more..

Apr 8 (EN) SL’s economy continued to recover in 2024, following the economic downturn two years ago, the central bank’s Annual Economic Review said, adding there is a compelling need for continued prudence in policymaking and further strengthening of external and fiscal buffers. “Post-crisis reforms have started showing positive outcomes. Signs of improved economic activity, partial recovery in purchasing power, and more..

Apr 8 (PMD) A meeting between Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake and representatives of the IMF was held this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat. The discussions centred on the preliminary review associated with the fourth tranche of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement with the IMF. Key focus areas included Sri Lanka’s progress thus far under the IMF-supported programme and the next steps required to achieve the country’s future economic targets. more..

Apr 8 (AD) The Court of Appeal today (07) issued a stay order preventing any further action in relation to the conduct of elections for several local government authorities, including the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). Accordingly, the continuation of activities related to holding the Local Government Elections in Colombo Municipal Council, Harispaththuwa, Panwila, Pathadumbara, Uda Palatha and Kuliyapitiya Pradeshiya Sabhas has been temporarily suspended through this order. more..

Apr 8 (AD) The Census of Population and Housing 2024 has found that the latest population of Sri Lanka is 21,763,170. This census has shown an increase of 1,403,731 compared to the population reported in the Census of Population and Housing 2012. The enumeration stage of the Census of Population and Housing 2024, the 15th census in Sri Lanka’s series of censuses, was conducted from Oct 2024 to the second week of Feb 2025. more..

Apr 8 (FT) The global trading system faces a significant shock following the imposition of new US tariffs. These measures, announced on 2 April (Liberation Day), represent a drastic escalation of the merica First trade policy under President Trump. Given the US’s position as the world’s largest economy (accounting for roughly a quarter of global GDP in 2023) and largest importer, such unilateral actions inevitably risk widespread economic disruption. more..

Apr 8 (EN) Cabinet has approved awarding the contract to purchase 5 shipments of 92 petrol to Vitol Asia (Singapore) Pte Ltd, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. The 300,000 (+/- 5%) barrels of petrol is for a six month period from April 15 to Oct 14. Bids were called by the State-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation from registered suppliers for the long term contract, and 7 bids were received. The bid submitted by Vitol Asia (Pvt) Ltd in Singapore was recommended as the responsive bid by more..

Apr 8 (FT) In an interconnected global economy, the trade policies of major powers like the United States have far-reaching consequences. While geographically distant, SL—along with numerous other emerging markets—finds itself vulnerable to the shifting tides of US trade strategies. This article delves into the potential impacts of US trade policies, examining their effects on Sri Lanka’s economy, key export sectors, and the broader implications for regional and global markets. more..

Apr 8 (NW) Cabinet has granted approval for the programme to recruit 30,000 unemployed graduates and youth to the state as proposed in the 2025 Budget. The move follows a budget proposal by the Prez in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to allocate Rs. 10 billion for recruiting 30,000 unemployed graduates and youth into the public service. A special officials’ committee, chaired by the Secretary to the PM, was appointed to review staffing needs across more..

~Apr 8 (AD) The newly introduced Calypso tourist train, designed by SL Railways to promote the local tourism industry, commenced its inaugural journey from the Nanu Oya Railway Station to the Demodara Railway Station at 8:10 a.m. today. Train will operate on Tuesdays from Nanu Oya to Demodara, with specially designed coaches to facilitate both local and foreign tourists. These coaches allow passengers to take more..

Apr 8 (AD) Former State Minister Sathasivam Viyalendran, who was arrested and remanded over bribery charges, has been granted bail after he was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. Accordingly, the Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali ordered Viyalendran to be released on five surety bails of Rs. 1 million each and a cash bail of Rs. 50,000. Meanwhile, the court also imposed an overseas travel ban on the former State Minister. During the trial, the officials of more..

Apr 8 (NW) Badulla District MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who was granted bail over a bribery case today, says he is the first to be arrested under the newly introduced Anti-Corruption Act. Addressing Parliament today, MP said he was among those who voted in favour of the Act while in the ruling party of the previous govt. “I voted for the act when I was on that side. I am the first person to have cases filed under the new Act. Three cases have been separately filed against me. more..

~Apr 8 (EN) Stocks have regained investor interest following a two day stock market tank, brokers said. ASPI closed 3.19% up, or 467.26 points, at 15,127.71. The S&P SL20 Index was up 4.54%, or 193.65 points, at 4,458.49. Turnover was at2.8 million rupees. Stocks remained unfazed ahead of the US administration’s tariff implementation deadline, effective on Wednesday (9). On Monday the CSE saw waves of more..

Apr 8 (DM) A group of men who undertook to perform rituals to dispel malefic effects that had befallen a family had fled with jewellery valued at Rs. 3.8 million. The victim was a trishaw operator in Chilaw who fell prey to a soothsayer frequenting Munneswaran Kovil. The soothsayer had warned him of a possible disaster befalling his family due to the evil planetary influence and undertook to perform rituals to dispel it. As appointed the soothsayer called on his house and started the rites. more..

Apr 8 (AD) Cabinet has granted approval to a proposal to increase the monthly minimum wage of private sector employees from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 27,000 with effect from 1 April 2025. Cabinet paper in this regard has been presented by Minister of Labour. The daily minimum wage of private sector employees will be increased from Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,080. Furthermore, Cabinet paper has proposed to increase the monthly minimum wage of private sector employees to Rs. 30,000 from more..

Apr 8 (Island) Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to SL. This marks a significant milestone for SL professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector. In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign more..

Apr 8 (NW) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has responded to criticism over investigations involving an elderly woman linked to an alleged fraud case, stating that age does not exempt anyone from accountability if public funds are involved. He stated that the authorities are focused solely on recovering the money allegedly stolen from the public. “Some are criticizing us for making inquiries from an elderly woman. I will say, she is facing this due to her fraudulent grandchildren,” he said. more..

~Apr 8 (DM) SL is facing an astonishing decline in its growth rate with the percentage hitting an all-time low of 0.5% since 1871, leading to social issues such as the shrinkage in the working age group and the increase in the aged population that will trigger challenges for policymakers to spend more on welfare and health. Recent report reveals that SL’s population at the end of 2024 is 21,763,170 in comparison to 20,359,439 in 2023 more..

Apr 8 (CT) In an unprecedented move, SL Govt gazetted and declared the Anuradhapura Air Force Base, which is a domestic airport, as an int'l airport for a single day—Sunday, 5 April—to facilitate the departure of Indian PM Narendra Modi. This gesture highlighted the strong bilateral ties between the two countries and the significance of PM Modi’s visit. The temporary upgrade was made to accommodate PM Modi’s journey to Tamil Nadu, where he was scheduled to inaugurate newly constructed more..

Apr 8 (AD) Cabinet has granted approval to call for open tenders to purchase 15 million polycarbonate cards to issue new electronic National Identity Cards (e-NIC). The e-NIC project is introduced to collect the biodata, biometric data, family information, and Int'l Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) certified photographs of every SL citizen over the age of 15, and issue electronic National Identity Cards with SL Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) numbers to every registered person. more..

Apr 8 (NF) SL people are paying a regrettably high price for past policy missteps and insufficient preparation for the bad luck that struck, said Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief of the IMF. He said that unsustainably low taxes and sizable tax exemptions were an accident waiting to happen. "The flip side of the govt's enhanced ability to fund its essential services today is that taxpayers have had to shoulder a higher burden, even as more..

Apr 8 (AD) Leader of the Sarvajana Balaya alliance, MP Dilith Jayaweera says the agreements signed with India should be publicised, if the current administration has nothing to hide. MP noted that a number of agreements were signed during the recent visit of Indian PM Narendra Modi to SL, without informing the public. He said, “It is disappointing that those in the govt, who called for transparency previously, have failed to table the agreements during today’s Parliament sitting.” more..

Apr 8 (EN) Sri Lanka should reduce and make simplify border taxes, which will also reduce corruption and strengthen links with India and other countries with free trade agreements, Advocata Institute, a Colombo based think tank has said. Trump tariffs on SL which is among the highest in the world according to the formula used by Americna has exposed a problem in SL’s high levels of protectionism which began about 20 years ago. Advocata has recommended more..

Apr 8 (MoD) A specially deployed SL Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Team, comprising Tri-Service personnel, has been mobilized in Myanmar to support post-disaster recovery efforts following a powerful earthquake that recently struck the country. Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport the same day, the team proceeded to the disaster-stricken region approximately 450 km away and are currently stationed in Nay Pyi Taw province. On Monday (7), they were deployed to more..

Apr 8 (CT) The Ministry of Transport has unveiled a special combined public transport plan, in collaboration with the National Transport Commission (NTC), Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), and Sri Lanka Railways, in anticipation of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year travel season. The transport plan will be operational from 9 April to 21 April 2025, aimed at facilitating the smooth movement of passengers travelling to their hometowns for the festive holidays. more..

Apr 8 (NF) Mahinda Siriwardana, Secretary to the Treasury, shared his insights on the events leading up to SL's economic crisis and the ongoing efforts to steer the country towards recovery. Speaking on the third anniversary of his appointment and the launch of his book, SL's economic revival, reflections on the journey from crisis to recovery, Siriwardana recounted his experience as Deputy Governor of the CB more..

Apr 8 (AD) SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa says that politically driven delays in development projects in Sri Lanka resulted in an energy crisis that ultimately led to the country’s worst financial crisis. Speaking during a special address themed The South Asian Platter: Menu for Growth at the Rising Bharat Summit held in India today (8), Rajapaksa stressed that development efforts must be carried out without delay, highlighting the importance of acting when the moment demands it. more..

Apr 8 (AD) PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has met with an IMF delegation led by Incoming Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou, to review Sri Lanka’s economic situation. The discussions held at the PM’s Office was centered on progress of SL thus far under the IMF-supported programme and the next steps required to achieve the future economic targets of the country. Both parties exchanged views on emerging economic challenges, and need for progress solution and action, more..

Apr 8 (FT) In the wake of the US’s announcement of a 44% reciprocal tariff on SL exports, Govt yesterday confirmed that Washington has officially requested to propose ways to reduce its trade deficit with the US, prompting immediate diplomatic and economic engagement between the two countries. Deputy Ministers Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando and Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma disclosed ongoing efforts to respond to more..

Apr 8 (NF) The process for the removal of the IGP was set in motion with the approval of a proposal in Parliament. The proposal was presented to Parliament by Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra, a MP from the NPP. The motion received overwhelming support, with 151 votes in favor and no votes against. The proposal which was passed, was signed by 115 MPs, was submitted to the Speaker. According to the Removal of Officers Act No. 5 of 2002, the proposal includes more..

Apr 8 (PMD) A meeting between Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake and senior officials of SriLankan Airlines was held this afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat. The discussions mainly focused on proposals to transform SriLankan Airlines into a more profitable state-owned enterprise. Special attention was also given to possible short-term and long-term solutions for the airline’s debt management. The talks further explored new investment opportunities for the airline. more..

Apr 9 (DM) The leader of the Catholic Church in Lanka—Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith—while condemning the attack, added "... we have to be very clear about identifying who is behind this whole attempt and avoid falling into the trap of inter-religious violence”. In his message, the Cardinal also referred to the members of the Muslim community as our brothers. The Cardinals’ calming words played a significant role in preventing inter-religious violence in the country. more..

Apr 9 (DM) World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, is a global call to action to prioritise health and well-being. The latest evidence-based medicine provides a roadmap for maintaining fitness and vitality in an era where lifestyle diseases—such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension—continue to challenge global populations. This article delves into five key areas of good health habits, namely—nutrition, exercise, sleep, mental health and preventive care—rooted in cutting-edge more..