Apr 28 (FT) Indian Small Business & Franchise Association (ISFA) Additional Director General Sonya Chowdhry yesterday highlighted the potential of franchising as a low-risk and proven approach to stimulate economic recovery, propelling the nation towards its lofty goal of reaching 5% GDP growth in 2025. Delivering the welcome address at the SL Franchise Show organised by the ISFA, she said franchising offers a tested business model that provides both direct and indirect employment. more..

Apr 28 (CT) While 9,458 students achieved ‘A’ grades in all 3 main subjects, accounting for 3.45% of all candidates who sat the exam, an alarming total of 29,244 candidates who sat the 2024 GCE A/L Exam failed to secure a pass in all 3 main subjects. 10.66% of the total candidates did not obtain at least a simple pass at A/L Exam. He expressed concern over the persistent trend of large numbers of students failing annually, more..

Apr 28 (Island) Former SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella has said the JVP/NPP govt totally mishandled the Siri Dalada Vandana relic exposition and now Kandy is reeking of waste. Kiriella said the govt’s lack of planning and experience in organising large-scale national events had led to serious public health concerns in both the city and its suburbs. “They invited the public to Kandy even without ensuring that at least adequate sanitary facilities would be available. Now, the streets are strewn with more..

Apr 28 (NW) The Colombo High Court has sentenced five persons to death over the murder of a 21-year-old youth in 2012. Issuing the verdict today, the court also sentenced two other persons to life imprisonment over the incident. They were sentenced to life as they had been below the age of 18 at the time of the murder. The group has been sentenced over the assault and murder of a 21-year-old youth during a clash near a Kovil in Mattakkuliya in September 2012. more..

Apr 28 (DM) 15th South Asian Games (SAG) in 2026 is in doubt due to the current political crisis between rivals India and Pakistan. SAG, which was scheduled to be held in Lahore, Pakistan, in 2023, was postponed several times due to internal issues in the country, and now, as per the common agreement of the Olympic authorities in the region, Pakistani govt and Olympic Committee of Pakistan have decided to conduct the event 5 yrs later, more..

Apr 28 (FT) Marine Transport Services Ltd, a trusted name in SL’s logistics and freight forwarding sector, recently celebrated a major milestone — 30 years of service excellence. To mark this significant anniversary, the company unveiled a refreshed brand identity and a renewed commitment to shaping the future of global logistics. Under the theme Tomorrow, Together the rebrand reflects the company’s evolution from a reliable logistics provider into a dynamic, customer-driven partner more..

Apr 28 (TM) A parcel left behind by a foreign national at the Russian Embassy in Colombo caused panic among staff, leading to the immediate deployment of a bomb disposal squad this afternoon (28). The incident began when the foreign national handed over a parcel containing a laptop to the embassy and left the premises without explanation. Concerned staff promptly alerted security personnel, who then contacted the Cinnamon Gardens Police. Accordingly, a team comprising STF more..

Apr 28 (NW) The SL Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has announced various concessions for migrant workers registered with the SLBFE who are returning to Sri Lanka. According to a SLBFE notice, the concessions are as follows; If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or already have a business, assistance up to Rs. 1 million to be provided. Those aspiring for self-employment or are already self-employed are to be provided with non-financial assistance of up to Rs. 150,000. more..

Apr 28 (SLN) SLNS Samudura on 27 Apr 25 set sail from the Port of Colombo to Changi, Singapore to join the Int'l Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025, Asia Pacific's leading naval and maritime defence event. The vessel was ceremoniously sent off from Colombo, following traditional naval customs. The IMDEX Asia 2025 is set to take place from 05 to 08 May 25 featuring cutting-edge advancements in naval technology and the event will conclude with a special warship display. more..

Apr 28 (DM) Illicit cigarettes continued to erode the tobacco monopoly of Ceylon Tobacco Company, with a significant 19.6% Year-on-Year (YoY) growth and soaring to 1.16 billion sticks in 2024. This surge resulted in an estimated loss of Rs. 118 billion to state coffers during the year. In 2024, the total market for combustible tobacco, comprising legal cigarettes, illicit products & beedi, contracted to 9.7 b more..

Apr 28 (FT) The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has reaffirmed its leadership in banking services by facilitating over Rs. 666 billion in customer transactions during the Avurudu season 2025. This achievement underscores the trust customers place in BOC’s extensive service network and its commitment to providing seamless financial access during peak festive periods. Between 1 and 15 April, BOC’s customers made 3,236,318 POS transactions, amounting to Rs. 13.57 billion. more..

Apr 28 (AD) A former Additional Secretary to the State Ministry of Agriculture has been arrested by the CIABOC in connection with the importation of a consignment of substandard fertilizer from the Chinese company Qingdao Seawin Biotech in 2021. Accordingly, the Bribery Commission has arrested the relevant official on charges of causing losses to the government by issuing directives to re-open the suspended Letters of Credit (LCs) to procure a stock of substandard organic fertilizer from more..

Apr 28 (CT) SL’s official poverty line for Feb 2025 decreased slightly to Rs 16,318 per person per month. Reduction follows a dip in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), which measures inflation across the country. While this adjustment may appear to signal some relief, district-level figures highlight that the cost of living remains disproportionately high, particularly in urban and more economically developed regions. more..

Apr 28 (DM) While rejecting media reports claiming there is a decrease in sales of imported vehicles, the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) said today that since the resumption of vehicle imports, nearly 75% of imported vehicles have already been sold. VIASL President Prasad Manage said there is no shortage of vehicles arriving in the country. Nearly 7,000 new vehicles have already been imported to both the Hambantota and Colombo Ports, he said. more..

Apr 28 (AD) A number of reforms including the installation of GPS and CCTV systems in buses and making seat belts mandatory for bus drivers have been proposed during a stakeholder meeting. Special discussion was chaired by Minister Bimal Ratnayake with the participation of the Chairpersons of the National Transport Commission (NTC), Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), and the relevant Road Passenger Transport Authorities (RPTAs) of the nine provinces. more..

Apr 29 (DM) Education authorities announced the results of GCE A/L exam on Saturday and mainstream media as usual have given wide publicity to the top scorers in various streams of the exam. Although earlier there were discussions whether media hype only on those who are successful would further discourage the low scorers, media continue to praise only the high achievers. Around 222, 800 school applicants and around 51,600 private candidates had sat for exam more..

Apr 29 (TM) SL is routinely reminded about the appalling state of public transport safety in the island. Often it only results in many, including some in the new Govt expressing shock and frustration, and the episode ends there. We don’t get to see the fast-moving policy changes which are necessary to ensure public transport safety. However, SL’s public sector passenger transport mode share has been gradually dwindling, with significant gaps in service quality and priority policies, more..

Apr 29 (CT) “To change the perception that farming is a loss-making venture, farmers must be motivated to cultivate. Due to these negative narratives, young people are not entering the farming sector. This is a very pitiful situation,” emphasised Terence Gamini de Silva, a Trotskyist political activist and leader of a farmer’s organisation. He stressed that the govt should intervene. more..

Apr 29 (CT) Along with the political tsunami the opposition faced over the last two elections, it highlights the AKD/NPP Govt’s total failure by pointing out that it has not fulfilled its election promises. The opposition seeks to make the AKD/NPP govt unpopular among the people and the country by emphasizing the govt’s neglect of the people’s trust and expectations. This is a painful cry to achieve at least a small victory in the Local Elections. more..

Apr 29 (DM) A large number of Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and experts have appealed to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake to prioritise child welfare, especially in expediting the backlog of 40,000 cases of child abuse. The appeal was collaborated by Law and Society Trust and Child Protection Alliance with 28 CSOs and 28 experts endorsing it. By 2023, SL’s population was 22,037,000 out of which 6,642,331 (30.14%) of the total population were children under 18 more..

Apr 29 (TM) SL currently possesses nearly 680 MW of operational power generation capacity designed to run on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – a cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional fossil fuels. However, due to prolonged delays in developing the required LNG infrastructure, including import terminals and regasification facilities, these modern plants continue to operate on costly interim more..

Apr 29 (CT) The long wait for the results is finally over for students who sat for their GCE A/L exam last year, marking the culmination of the academic efforts of school students across the island. Surely, congratulatory messages are now being exchanged among students, friends, and families for those who have earned a place at a State university. For those who did not, it is also a time to celebrate the achievement of having faced the examination and to regroup and plan for the future. more..

Apr 29 (Island) The govt and the Opposition are engaged in a no-holds-barred battle to win the upcoming LG elections. Their election campaigns have turned down and dirty, and the polity is red in tooth and claw, with vilification campaigns being carried out against not only politicians but also their kith and kin. If the ruling NPP fails to retain its votes at the current level next month, the Opposition will claim to have made a breakthrough in its battle against the govt. more..

Apr 29 (ST) Pope Francis died as he had lived. Simple and humble. From the streets of Argentina, where he had been born and become a priest, to the ascending steps of the opulent Vatican Palace, each rugged step, etched with humbleness and simplicity, had been a testament to his stoic faith. A faith that not riches nor pomp altered a jot. In his long voyage as a man of God—to be chosen at his final Vatican port as Pope—he shunned the conventional road to walk spartan path as a Jesuit priest to God. more..

Apr 29 (Island) The international system, built at the end of two world wars, was designed with the aspiration of preserving global peace, promoting justice, and ensuring stability through a Rules-Based International Order. Institutions such as the United Nations, UN Covenants on Human Rights and the UNHRC formed the backbone of this system. They served as crucial platforms for upholding human rights norms and international law. Despite its many imperfections, this system remains important more..

Apr 29 (FT) Emirates Airlines Group CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum yesterday gave a big boost for SL’s latest push at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which began yesterday in Dubai. Al Maktoum engaged in the lighting of the traditional oil lamp to inaugurate the SL Pavilion at the ATM 2025. SL is set to make a dynamic presence at the ATM in Dubai, UAE, showcasing its vibrant culture, natural beauty, more..

Apr 29 (FT) SL’s corporates particularly in the apparel sector, are making significant strides in sustainability, with leading apparel and textile, manufacturing, and textile companies aligning with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). From industry giants like Brandix, Hirdaramani, Hayley’s Fabrics and MAS to innovators such as InQube, Hela Clothing, and SolTrim, companies are setting measurable targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across operations & supply chains. more..

Apr 29 (FT) Great Place to Work Sri Lanka successfully hosted its much-anticipated event, Exploring Emerging Trends in the Manufacturing and Production Industry, at the Hilton Colombo recently. Through a series of insightful discussions and expert perspectives, participants explored key topics shaping the manufacturing industry today, including technological advancements, workforce dynamics, sustainability practices, and innovative leadership approaches. more..

Apr 29 (FT) Singer Sri Lanka, is stepping up its foray into the light automobile market with the introduction of the range of diesel three-wheelers from Piaggio, the globally renowned Italian manufacturer. The partnership also marks the official return of Piaggio to the Sri Lankan market. Known for its advanced engineering, rugged design, and fuel-efficient performance, Piaggio remains a respected name on Sri Lanka’s roads, with over 100,000 vehicles already in operation. more..

Apr 29 (DM) A rise in illegal confectionery products entering SL’s local market is posing significant challenges for the legitimate businesses and creating health risks for the consumers, a top industry representative warns. According to CBL Foods International, the market is gradually getting flooded by illegal confectionery products as there is widespread sale of such in all parts of the country. “Most of these products are expired and do not even carry the basic nutrient content. more..

Apr 29 (TM) SL rupee among worst performers among emerging market currencies so far in 2025 as the currency is down by 2.2%. Data showed that among the 30 emerging market currencies, SL rupee takes the 26th position with a spot return of negative 2.21%. Among the emerging market currencies, 23 currencies have appreciated so far in the year with the Russian Ruble topping the chart having spot return of 37.5% and more..

Apr 29 (ST) SL Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Team, which was deployed to Myanmar, returned to the island yesterday (26). Comprising 26 members from the Sri Lankan tri-services, the team was led by Brigadier Punya Karunathilake and departed for Myanmar on April 5. Speaking upon arrival at the BIA, Brigadier Karunathilake said, “As we approached the disaster-stricken Nay Pyi Taw province, located approximately 450 km away, we encountered broken roads and bridges. more..

Apr 29 (SO) The Sri Lanka economy has come a long way from where it was few years ago to a more stable position but more radical reforms are essential to sustain growth, said a former Central Banker and a renowned economist. “From a macro-economic perspective, yes, we have improved a lot in terms of inflation and economic stability when compared to where we were in 2022 and 2023 but going forward debt sustainability alone is not sufficient,” said Dr. Roshan Anne Perera. more..

Apr 29 (Island) The police and court officials yesterday supervised the destruction of nearly 500 kilos of heroin at the INSEE Cement Plant located in Puttalam. The following is the text of statement issued by the INSEE Ecocycle Lanka (Pvt) Ltd in this regard: "Building on a consistent track record of supporting national anti-narcotics initiatives and eradicating a national menace, INSEE Ecocycle, collaborated once more with more..

Apr 29 (NW) Minister Bimal Rathnayake visited the construction site of the flyover being built from Baladaksha Mawatha near the Slave Island Police Station to Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, in Colombo, to inquire about the cause of its delay. Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya and other officials also participated in this occasion. According to Transport Ministry, it was informed during the inspection tour that steps will be taken to promptly remove the police residential quarters, more..

Apr 29 (DN) Galle fought back strongly to take major honours after second day’s play against Dambulla in their NSL four day final game played at SSC grounds yesterday. Galle Opener Oshada Fernando who was unfortunately retired hurt after scoring 52 on day one resumed his innings yesterday and his gutty knock of 120 guided Galle to score 370 all out in their first innings. Dambulla were struggling 154 for 5 wickets at close of the day still trailed by 216 runs in the first innings. more..