Apr 13 (Island) This comment is being written ahead of the normal Friday deadline for printing the Sunday Island due to the forthcoming New Year holidays – that is before sittings of Parliament commenced on Thursday to debate the Batalanda Commission report. But it has also drawn on some of what was said in the early stages of that debate. This widely anticipated discussion will continue for a second day next month after parliament adjourned for the New Year on Thursday evening. more..

Apr 13 (SO) Justice will be meted out immediately to any person duped by bribery and corruption. Minister Sunil Handunnetti said a ministerial level decision has been taken in this regard. Responding to public questions at a Meet the Minister forum in Colombo last week, he said corruption has been zeroed at ministerial level leaving no stone unturned for any official to be involved in shady deals. “We have received a mandate to eliminate corruption and we will do our utmost to fulfill more..

Apr 13 (DM) Loss-making national carrier SriLankan Airlines could transform into a leaner, profitable entity within five years under a new restructuring plan, which includes route rationalization, fleet optimization, and public listings of minority stakes in its profitable and monopolistic business units. The strategy, outlined in a 5-year business plan developed by a global aviation advisor and former London-based investment banker more..

Apr 13 (Island) Tamil MPs with roots across the Palk Strait are often quick to look towards India at the drop of a hat. But last week, all they managed was a photo op with Indian PM Narendra Modi – smiles, handshakes and little else. In contrast, SL’s 1996 World Cup-winning cricket team was granted a 45-minute chinwag over tea with the Indian leader. Indian HC in Colombo had arranged the meeting. Not even former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, with all his so-called diplomatic finesse, more..

Apr 13 (IS) In the 27th match of the IPL 2025, the Punjab Kings are taking on the Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad. SRH is looking for a win after losing four consecutive encounters in the IPL and is currently sitting at the bottom of the league table. Punjab Kings have won the toss and decided to bat first. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are desperate for a win, have made one change in their playing XI as Eshan Malinga replaces his compatriot Kamindu Mendis. more..

Apr 13 (ST) 16-man SL ‘A’ squad led by national cap Sadeera Samarawickrema left the island last afternoon for the upcoming Tri-Nation One Day Series in the UAE, beginning April 13. Tournament, hosted by the Afghanistan will include SL ‘A’, Ireland ‘A’, and Afghanistan ‘A’. The competition kicks off with SL ‘A’ facing Ireland ‘A’ on April 13, followed by a match against Afghanistan ‘A’ on April 15. Each team will play two matches against the others, with the top two teams advancing to the final more..

Apr 13 (ST) As Sri Lanka approaches the 16th anniversary of the end of its civil war, Ravi speaks with M R Narayan Swamy in this episode. Swamy is the author of several books on Sri Lanka’s now-vanquished militant group, LTTE, and he talks about his most recent book – The Rout of Prabhakaran. Swamy’s book details the last days of Tamil Tigers supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran, who was killed, along with hundreds of fighters and Tamil civilians, by the Sri Lankan army in May, 2009. more..

Apr 13 (ST) Following the suspension of the Chandana Liyanage, the assistant secretary of the National Olympic Committee of SL (NOCSL) on Tuesday over allegation of misconduct and constitutional violations, majority of the NOCSL membership boycotted Wednesday’s Special General Meeting (SGM), forcing it be adjourned without a quorum. They were boycotting the meeting against what they called was a unilateral more..

Apr 13 (SO) With the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis behind us, many have been quick to categorise SL as being in a state of economic recovery. However, for the working class poor, daily life remains unchanged. Even in Colombo where the wheels of economic development are fastest, these communities are using the same survival strategies since 2022 of cutting expenses, depending on borrowing from the informal credit market, and juggling more..

Apr 13 (ST) Next Saturday’s repechage game against Malaysia will be crucial for SL as the winner is set to fill in the remaining slot of the Asia Rugby Championship 2025 as the fourth team alongside Hong Kong, South Korea & UAE. With both the domestic League and Knockout competitions coming to an end, last weekend, SL Rugby (SLR) officials have picked a gigantic pool of 75 players for the crucial fixture against Malaysia set to take place at Racecourse ground in Colombo on Apr 19. more..

Apr 13 (EN) SL’s agricultural production in paddy, fish, coconut, tea and rubber declined in Jan-Feb, the central bank said. “Paddy production for the 2024/2025 Maha season, based on the sown extent as of end Jan 2025, is forecasted at 2.61 million metric tons, a 4.2% decline from the previous Maha season,” CB said. Paddy production for the 2024 Yala season was 1.98 million metric tons (8.8% increase from previous Yala) more..

Apr 13 (AD) The NCPA has initiated an investigation following reports circulating on social media about a teacher allegedly assaulting children at a boys’ school in the Colombo Education Zone. According to the report, the class teacher is said to have punished grade 3 students by beating them with a metal belt. NCPA recently received a formal complaint regarding the incident. As part of the investigation, the NCPA has recorded statements from two 7-year-old students who were allegedly punished, more..

Apr 13 (EN) Foreign investors sold over US$ 28 million worth SL govt securities in the week on April 10, CB data showed, amid jittery after U.S. Prez Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff announcement early this year. The rupee has fallen slightly since Trump’s declaration while global investors have been shifting to safe-havens like gold. SL saw 8.67 billion rupees ($28.7 million at 1 US$ = 298 LKR) worth outflows from the govt securities in the week ended on Apr 10 after enjoying a total inflow of 28.6 b rupees more..

Apr 13 (SLN) Acting on credible information, SL Navy launched a special operation on the high seas on 11 Apr 25, apprehending 06 suspects along with a local multi-day fishing trawler, believed to be involved in smuggling of narcotics. Subsequently, intercepted trawler was brought to Dikkowita Harbour, where a thorough inspection was carried out with the assistance of PNB experts, leading to uncover approximately 77kg and 484g of heroin and 42kg and 334g of methamphetamine (Ice). more..

Apr 13 (ST) Special arrangements have been made to facilitate the influx of passengers on public transport during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season. SL Railways (SLR) has deployed 10 new trains from Fort station to Galle, A'pura, and Badulla, with first, second, and third class seating facilities. In addition, several special train services will also be in operation. Special Train 1, the New Year Night Special, will run from the Fort station to Badulla at 7.30 p.m. on April 11, 12, 19 and 20; more..

Apr 13 (ST) SL is among the countries currently facing a 90-day pause on the new tariffs—as announced by US Prez Donald Trump on Wednesday—and is trying to work out a plan to reduce the trade surplus in its favour by increasing imports from the US amidst possible duty cuts. Govt will also look for new markets in India, China, Europe and several other countries as a way to circumvent the newly imposed US tariffs more..

Apr 13 (CT) The number of autistic children is on the rise, with over 9,000 children in Sri Lanka being identified so far, officials informed the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Women and Child Affairs. Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj suggests proceeding with the mechanism to identify children with autism at the early childhood development stage. Officials of the Ministry of Education have informed the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Women and Child Affairs on 8 April chaired more..

Apr 13 (NW) CEB has requested rooftop solar system owners to voluntarily switch off their systems during daytime hours, up to 3 PM each day, from April 13 to April 21. CEB said the request is due to a drop in national electricity demand during the extended holiday period combined with high solar power generation, which is placing stress on the national grid. CEB stated that the resulting reduction in grid inertia has increased the risk of sudden disruptions and potential outages. more..

Apr 13 (EN) Sri Lankans’ confidence in the stability of the financial system had improved from the second half of 2024, a Systemic Risk Survey (SRS) conducted by the central bank, before US Prez Donald Trump announced increased tariffs, found. “Respondents’ confidence on the stability of the financial system improved when compared to the previous survey,” central bank said. Domestic Macroeconomic Risks continued to be the most significant concern while, more..

Apr 13 (SO) Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions beautifully reflect the harmony between humanity and nature, bearing witness to the deep-rooted history of coexistence between our Sinhala and Tamil communities. While contemporary society may be burdened by various divisions, occasions such as the New Year provide a timely reminder of the enduring values of unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence, said Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his Sinhala & Tamil New Year message. more..

Apr 13 (ST) Auspicious times for the new year are as follows. Bathing for the Old Year: April 13, Sunday - Bathe after applying essence of Dimbul Leaves with Naanu (herbal mixture). Dawning of the New Year: April 14, Sunday- 3.21 a.m. Punya Kalaya: From April 13, Sunday 8.57 p.m. to 9.45 a.m. on April 14, Monday. Meals should be taken prior to Apr 13, Sun 8.57 p.m. Following this priority should be give to religious activities. more..

Apr 13 (TM) The privatisation process of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) commenced by the previous regime appears stuck in a bureaucratic quagmire in the absence of a clear policy decision by the Govt. Dept of Public Enterprises Director General (DG) P.A.S. Athula Kumara stated that they were still awaiting a policy decision from the Govt as to the fate of the SOE privatisation programme commenced by the previous Govt. He further revealed that the agreements entered into more..

Apr 13 (DM) SriLankan Airlines Cabin Crew Members Association has launched a work to rule campaign, citing several demands, including the reallocation of their onboard meal allowance. A representative of the association said that the campaign commenced in April following multiple complaints to the SriLankan Airlines management. During the campaign, cabin crew members will strictly adhere to their published rosters. Calls from the Crew Center will only be answered more..

Apr 13 (ST) In a dramatic turn of events, detectives from CID stormed the Batticaloa office of S. Chandrakanthan, better known as Pillayan, on Tuesday. Pillayan, leader of TMVP and a key figure in SL’s political landscape, was engrossed in preparations for the upcoming local council elections when Chief Inspector Madhawa and a team of over ten officers descended upon his party headquarters. CID team arrested more..

Apr 16 (GV) In a country where abortion remains criminalised under colonial-era laws dating back to 1883, SL has long denied women the fundamental right to make decisions about their own bodies. The recent proposal to amend these laws – allowing for pregnancy termination in cases of unviable fetal abnormalities – has been welcomed by many, including the SL Safe Abortion Coalition (SLSAC). However, this limited reform is far from sufficient and it exposes deeper systemic issues: more..

Apr 16 (CT) NPP govt is under criticism for being slow to deliver on its election promises. The opposition political parties have criticised it for not delivering on its promises with regard to renegotiating the IMF agreement to be more people-friendly. Govt seems to have accepted the IMF targets for revenue collection and restricting govt spending to the letter. Civil society groups are critical of the govt for not repealing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) & Online Safety Act (OSA) more..

Apr 16 (SO) Vinisious Obrey Fernando, 42, points at a map of Keerimundalam, a village in the Kalpitiya peninsula in North-Western SL. “This is where my father’s house used to be,” he said. “Now our house and most of that land has gone to the sea.” His face wore a sad smile. About 20 years ago, Fernando’s village was a tranquil coastal haven with a thriving community of nearly 300 families living in cadjan houses. more..

Apr 16 (Island) I am delighted to be associated with the fifty third anniversary celebrations of HARTI. I cherish pleasant memories of the relentless efforts made as the First Director to establish, incorporate, develop, direct, and manage a nascent institute in the 1970s amidst many challenges. The seven-year period as Director remains as the most formidable and rewarding period in my career as a development professional. I have been fortunate to have had a continuing relationship with HARTI more..

Apr 16 (Island) Last week I made mention of a gathering in Colombo to remember Kumar David, who passed away last October, as Comrade, Professor and Friend. The event was held on Saturday (5), a day of double significance, first as the anniversary of the JVP insurrection on 5th April 1971, and now the occasion of the official welcome extended to visiting Indian PM Narendra Modi by the still new JVP-NPP govt. The venue was the Ecumenical Institute for Study & Dialogue more..

Apr 16 (DM) Once again, I have been gifted with material that provides further invaluable insight into the nature of my father, Lakshman Kadirgamar. April 12, 2025, marks his 93rd birth anniversary, while Aug 12, 2025, will mark 20 years since his assassination. With the passing of my mother, Angela Kadirgamar, in Nov 2024, the task of clearing out her affairs has fallen upon me. It is a deeply heart wrenching task, more..

Apr 16 (ST) As a mighty Caesar crossing the Rubicon, India’s Narendra Modi crossed the Palk Strait last Friday night firm in his resolve to return triumphantly home with Lanka’s Promethean fire, safely snuffed. Earlier, the sacred primordial flame that had burnt in every Lankan’s lionheart breast, that had withstood every Chola and Pandya attempt to steal or tame, was deemed inextinguishable even by Portuguese and Dutch inquisitors. The British had tried but had tried in vain, until at last, more..

Apr 16 (TM) An incident that took place almost twenty-five years ago was labelled as a great betrayal by politicians and interested media to influence public opinion. This they did, through a trial by media which was later endorsed by various other elements. An incident covered by the sands of time. Neither will many in the younger generation know about it nor will the older, remember. However, the recent judicial proceedings and outcome on the betrayal may stand out as more..

Apr 16 (FT) Recently, US govt increased tax rates on imports from several countries, including Sri Lanka. This move is particularly significant given that the US is one of SL’s largest export partners. In 2024 alone, SL exported goods worth approximately $ 2.9 bil to US, accounting for 23% of the country’s total export earnings, a substantial share of the nation’s foreign income. Out of this export revenue, around $ 1.7 billion came from apparel exports, highlighting the sector’s vital role in SL’s economy. more..

Apr 16 (DM) The sound of the familiar koha (or the asian koel), chanting the rhythmic tune, which millions of Sri Lankans wake up to, is a sign that Avurudu (New Year) is near. Sinhala & Tamil New Year is not just a celebration of the dawn of a new year, but also that of unity, cultural enrichment and a sense of family unity. This is all demonstrated, for example, in the boiling of milk ritual, where milk is boiled in a new clay pot and the time when the whole family sits down more..

Apr 16 (TS) Indian Ocean island of SL is renowned for its white sand beaches and vast wildlife-filled jungles, though it has an incredibly rich cultural heritage, too. I had endless opportunity for adventure after arriving in Colombo on the west coast, travelling south around the coast and looping back up to the country’s Cultural Triangle in the Central Highlands & North Central Province. A'pura, Kandy and Dambulla are just three of more..