Apr 2 (ST) Chief Justice Murdhu Fernando said the legal profession was required to play a critical role in safeguarding democracy, justice, and judicial independence. Addressing the 51st Annual Convocation of the Bar Association of SL (BASL), she stated, “A strong and independent bar working alongside the principal judiciary ensures that justice remains unshaken despite the turbulent storms that may later ensue.” The BASL’s new president, Rajeev Amarasuriya, was inducted at the ceremony. more..

Apr 2 (Island) Petrol was unavailable at some filling stations yesterday as their stocks had not been replenished in anticipation of a petrol price reduction. The govt reduced the prices of petrol by Rs. 10. Long lines of vehicles were seen near the fuel stations where petrol was available. Some people delayed refuelling their vehicles until the announcement of the monthly fuel price revision, expecting substantial fuel price reductions in view of the upcoming LG elections. more..

Apr 2 (FT) Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is riding a wave of growth in 2025, drawing over 722,000 visitors at the end of first quarter, outpacing the performance for the same period in the industry’s best year of 2018—but lagging behind record haul of 740,600 in 2019. The 229,298 March arrivals pushed the year-to-date (YTD) tourist numbers to 722,276—reinforcing the sector’s steady growth and marking a strong end to the peak winter season. more..

Apr 2 (ST) The Attorney General’s Department is considering to indict former SL cricketer Sachithra Senanayake in the Colombo High Court following the receipt of his voice test report. Senanayake, who is currently out on bail, was previously remanded for allegedly attempting to lure two Colombo Kings franchise players into corrupt activities during the inaugural Lanka Premier League (LPL) in 2020. The former off-spinner, a member of Sri Lanka’s 2014 T20 World Cup-winning squad, more..

Apr 2 (ST) One of the first things a tourist falls in love when they visit Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan hospitality and the food. Compared to other countries, SL food is very unique with its mix of spices. However the country has not promoted its food tourism globally. Chef Gerard Mendis, Chairman of the Chef’s Guild of Lanka shared these sentiments with the Business Times at the media launch of the Culinary Art Food Expo (CAFE) 2025 held at the Marino Beach Hotel in Colombo more..

Apr 2 (FT) Federation of Renewable Energy Developers (FRED) sounded the alarm over a looming crisis sparked by the proposed new tariff system awaiting Cabinet approval. With 150 to 200 projects stuck in limbo, FRED warns that if progress stalls, the CEB could face annual losses exceeding Rs. 13 billion. FRED Chairman Thusitha Peiris highlighted one of the most contentious aspects of the proposed agreement is a clause allowing the CEB to more..

Apr 2 (TM) Sports Minister Sunil Gamage continued to beat the drum for the amending of the archaic Sports Act and touted it being the panacea for most of the ills plaguing the nation’s sporting sphere. “The root cause for the ills afflicting the country’s sporting firmament, is the old-fashioned Sports Act in my opinion,” he said. “The existing Sports Law needs to be amended to suit the needs of sports men and women, while diminishing the clout wielded by sports federations and associations, for good. more..

Apr 2 (FT) Vehicle Importers’ Association Lanka (VIAL) has raised serious concerns over delays and mismanagement in vehicle imports, blaming the Finance Ministry for making wrong decisions that have led to unprecedented issues in the industry. The association claims that the two Deputy Ministers responsible were acting irresponsibly failing to address key issues affecting importers. Govt lifted the ban on vehicle imports after a five-year hiatus on 1 Feb after careful consideration. more..

Apr 2 (DM) SL authorities could look at potential demonetisation—to push the population to embrace digital payments once all key elements of the country’s digital infrastructure is in place, possibly two years down the line. Tech entrepreneur, impact investor and ICTA board member Harsha Purasinghe shared that the govt could follow a path similar to India’s 2016 demonetisation, but only once critical systems like digital ID and seamless payment networks are in place—likely within 2 years. more..

Apr 2 (Island) There was a growing sense of uncertainty surrounding the hosting of the 120th edition of the Lovers’ Quarrel Big Match after Richmond College raised concerns over an attempt by Mahinda College to field a newly recruited player in the team at the historic match which was scheduled to commence on Thursday. Richmond College authorities have informed Mahinda that they would pullout from the match if the newly recruited player who played for St. Aloysius’ in the more..

Apr 2 (NW) A new govt initiative aimed at ensuring food security and making nutritious meals affordable for the public was officially launched today (1) at the Palessa restaurant of National Food Promotion Board (NFPB) in Narahenpita. This project is being implemented in collaboration with the NFPB, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Agriculture. It also involves the support of existing restaurant businesses and is integrated with more..

Apr 2 (Island) Environmental groups, including Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) and the Environmental Foundation Ltd (EFL), are raising renewed concerns about the potential ecological impact of large-scale wind energy development on Mannar Island. Conservationists argue that the island, home to a unique and sensitive ecosystem, faces serious risks from industrial projects that may disrupt biodiversity & endanger local wildlife. more..

Apr 2 (TM) Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has requested time until the second week of this month (April) to submit the final report on the islandwide power outage that occurred on 9 February to the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL). Former Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka recently claimed that a CEB report had revealed that the said power outage was caused by a defect at the Victoria Power Station, and accused the CEB of attempting to alter the report. more..

Apr 2 (TM) A team of SL medical professionals awaits, prepared to be dispatched to assist humanitarian relief efforts in earthquake-struck Myanmar. The team, including specialist doctors and nursing staff with experience in disaster response, is ready to be deployed once the Myanmar Govt provides the necessary clearance, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. “Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have informed the Myanmar Embassy of our readiness to assist. more..

Apr 2 (Island) Parliamentary staff members are contemplating trade union action in protest against what they describe as a downward revision of their allowances. The salary revision, as detailed in a circular numbered DMS/Salary Revision/2025-1 (Management Services Circular 04/2025) dated Mar 25, has resulted in a reduction of Parliament workers’ allowances, and the decreases which vary, based on staff grades, range from 70% to 39%, raising concerns among Parliament staff, more..

Apr 2 (TM) Bar Association of SL (BASL), representing the private and unofficial bar, has expressed concern over the Contempt of a Court, Tribunal, or Institution Act, No. 8 of 2024, and is currently deliberating on the steps to be taken regarding the matter. An incident of a female attorney named P. Udayangani being remanded for alleged contempt of court by Puttalam HC Judge Nadee Suwandurugoda following an incident more..

Apr 2 (TM) While recent earthquakes in the South Asian region have not directly impacted SL, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) has urged the authorities and the public to remain vigilant regarding seismic activity in the region. According to the Bureau, if a major earthquake occurs near the island of Sumatra, SL could face tsunami-like effects. Officials assured that global earthquake activity is being closely monitored, and that necessary measures are in place to more..

Apr 2 (Island) National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) has paid a staggering Rs 2 bn for a private building in Colombo to house its staff since 2021 without repairing its own building. NGJA top administration has admitted that Central Engineering and Consultancy Bureau (CECB) estimated that the required repairs could be completed at a cost of Rs 21 mn but it resorted to a far costly remedy. This came to light recently when the COPE summoned the top management of the NGJA. more..

Apr 2 (TM) The ruling NPP Govt’s main constituent party, JVP involvement in the killings during the 1988-1989 insurrection is likely to be discussed during the Parliamentary debate on the Report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Establishment and Maintenance of Places of Unlawful Detention and Torture Chambers at the Batalanda Housing Scheme. CoI report has considered the alleged youth killings at more..

Apr 2 (FT) We are the strength that brings hope and life to the country’s economy. Yet despite our effort and strength, we are always being misunderstood… as a group of people who needs guidance. Let me ask you ... is it we who need guidance or those who claim to lead us who need guidance? It’s sad, after 76 years of rule, why do these politicians think we entrepreneurs are naďve, gullible and fragile? Don’t forget, we are the economic backbone of this country. more..

Apr 2 (DM) The newly established sperm bank at Castle Street Hospital for Women in Colombo has already assisted six women, offering new hope to those struggling with infertility. Hospital Director Dr. Ajith Danthanarayana said this is a major step forward in helping infertile couples and individuals in SL. “The sperm bank, which opened recently, has already attracted over 50 men who have registered as sperm donors. There are approx 200 women who can now find hope with this initiative,” more..

Apr 2 (AD) Cabinet of Ministers has decided to appoint a committee comprised of ministers to submit a report with recommendations to the Cabinet of Ministers related to the decisions taken by the UK to impose sanctions on 4 SL individuals including General Shavendra Silva recently. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the attention of the Cabinet of Ministers have been drawn on the decisions taken by the UK govt to impose sanctions on 4 SL individuals recently. more..

Apr 2 (DM) An advanced security team from India has arrived in Colombo to coordinate with SL security agencies ahead of Indian PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka this week. PM Modi is scheduled to undertake a state visit to SL from April 4 to 6, 2025. A senior police officer said that a special security and traffic plan will be implemented in Colombo and Anuradhapura during the Indian PM’s visit. Modi is expected to land at BIA in Katunayake on Friday evening. more..

Apr 2 (NW) Former Chief Minister of North Central Province S.M. Ranjith and his former secretary Shanthini Chandrasena were each sentenced to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment, for corruption charges brought by the Bribery Commission. BC alleged that first accused S.M. Ranjith while serving as the NCP Chief Minister had made arrangements to allocate fuel for the official vehicle of his private secretary more..

Apr 2 (FT) Debt Restructuring Agreement (DRA) entered into by the NPP Govt is disastrous for SL. This is a fact that has been confirmed repeatedly by globally reputed economists such as Jayati Ghosh, C.P. Chandrasekhar, Charles Abugre, former Staff Economist of the US Department of the Treasury Brad Sester, as well as SL economists such as Dhanusha Pathirana, Kalpa Rajapakse and Amali Wedagedera. In my role as a trade unionist and an Executive Committee member of more..

Apr 2 (AD) Police has conducted a raid at a hotel in Anuradhapura following a tip-off regarding the whereabouts of Ishara Sewwandi, the fugitive female suspect in connection with the murder of underworld figure Sanjeewa Samararatne, alias Ganemulla Sanjeewa. During the raid, police officers have discovered a haul of narcotics in the possession of a woman who closely resembled the suspect. Meanwhile, Police Headquarters has announced a cash reward of Rs. 1.2 million for more..

Apr 2 (Island) Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe, and spokesman for Speaker Jagath Wickremaratne, emphasised that there was absolutely no basis for concerns expressed by former Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC, with regard to a resolution handed over by the NPP parliamentary group seeking the appointment of a committee of inquiry to pave the way for the removal of IGP Deshabandu more..

Apr 2 (NW) A suspect has been arrested by the Cyber Crimes Division of the CID over a financial fraud involving cryptocurrency through social media platforms. The scam involved the illegal collection of Bitcoin and Ethereum valued at approximately Rs. 230 million via the internet. The arrest was made on 2025.04.01, and two individuals were taken into custody — a 40-year-old male and a 35-year-old female. They are reported to be residents of the Pannipitiya area. more..

Apr 2 (PMD) The Food Policy and Security Committee has recommended the importation of rice in the near future to ensure an uninterrupted supply for consumers. A notable increase in rice prices has been observed in the market, along with reports of shortages in certain rice varieties, despite the current harvest season. Given this situation, discussions were held regarding the need for the Cabinet to prioritize the maintenance of sufficient stock levels through rice imports. more..

Apr 2 (EN) Dollar backing for SL rupees improved to 19.9% in Feb 2025, from 17.5% in January, as net foreign reserves of the central bank topped a billion US dollars. Net foreign assets of SL’s central bank increased to 316.4 billion rupees (about 1,070mn) in Feb 2025 from 266.6 billion rupees (about US$ 895 million) in January. In order to collect foreign reserves and keep them, the central bank has to run deflationary policy (withdraw liquidity) by outright sales of domestic assets. more..

Apr 2 (Island) Japan has funded a project to strengthen SL’s commitment to tackling GBV (gender-based violence) and ensuring that survivors were not left without access to critical services. As part of this project, six more Emergency Waiting Areas (EWAs) will be established in the coming weeks in Dharmapuram (Kilinochchi district), Murunkan (Mannar district), Uppuveli (Trincomalee district), Opanayake (Ratnapura district), Walapane (Nuwara Eliya district), and Modera more..

Apr 2 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution urging the Centre to retrieve Katchatheevu, an islet ceded to SL through a1974 agreement, and protect the traditional rights of fishermen, besides securing those arrested by SL Navy. Resolution was moved by Chief Minister M K Stalin and Floor Leaders of various political parties spoke on the issue after which it was adopted. It said retrieval of the Islet is more..

Apr 2 (AD) Minister Bimal Ratnayake, has taken steps to appoint three sub-committees responsible to the Ministerial Consultative Committee for resolving problems prevailing in the transport sector through transport-, environment-, business-and people - friendly concepts. These sub- committees have been appointed in accordance with the decision taken at the meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation held on Jan 24, 2025, more..

Apr 2 (NW) Cabinet has approved the establishment of a new regional office of the Dept of Immigration and Emigration in the Jaffna district. Currently, the only regional office in the Northern Province is located in Vavuniya, requiring residents from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mullaitivu to undertake lengthy travel to access immigration and emigration services. Given the growing number of passport applications from the Northern Province, the need for a more accessible facility was highlighted. more..

Apr 2 (Island) Outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung has stated that SL needs to train its citizens not only for the jobs of the future, but also for the military of the future, to ensure it can maintain peace through strength. Addressing the faculty and students at the National Defence College, Diner’s Club, in Colombo, recently, Ambassador said: “I want to emphasize the critical links between prosperity and strength, and the connection more..