Apr 4 (DM) The purpose of this article is to inform the Cabinet discussion on Solar Power proposed by the CEB. CEB has put forward a motion to the SL Cabinet which proposes to reduce the unit price payable under the various net metering schemes to the prosumer (the owner of a solar panel system). The two most noteworthy schemes are the Net Plus and the Net Plus Plus schemes. PUCSL explains these schemes involving roof-top more..

Apr 4 (CT) When we talk about system change, generally we think about the system of governance and administration. It is itself is a huge task. However, what we have to realise is that there is a society out there also. It provides the context. There are people of all ages, inter relationships, a way they operate, a way they look at others and the world as well as what is happening to the country and its governance mechanism, whether they are satisfied with services they get from govt institutions more..

Apr 4 (CT) The prevalence of subfertility and infertility among couples is a global concern, to which SL is no exception. The subfertility rate in SL is around 15%, which in other words means, one in around seven couples are finding it difficult to conceive. The social norms and cultural/religious beliefs prevalent in the society often stigmatise women for their inability to conceive, but the medical records show that infertility among SL men is also on the rise and is a growing health concern. more..

Apr 4 (TM) On the final day of the 2025 Budget debate, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake disclosed the nation’s largest loss-making State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). He revealed that Milco, State-owned dairy producer, carried a total debt of Rs. 15,090 million. However, authorities maintain that Milco is undergoing positive improvements, with plans to significantly expand production targets within the next five years. more..

Apr 4 (TM) The inexperience of the NPP Govt, especially when it comes to diplomacy and its foreign policy, continues to show, with the island nation seemingly numb to events and declarations which merit quick and robust responses. With the fragile state of the nation’s economy and the rapidly changing global order, SL’s fate depended on skillful navigation of the turbulent seas of geopolitics and the international order. Govt has thus far made excuses for its shortcomings by peddling more..

Apr 4 (ST) A foreign traveller and a digital creator, who frequently travelled to SL and continued to praise it as his beloved country, is now not sure if he really wants to come back again. A few days ago, his troubling experience was highlighted in a YouTube video that went viral on social media. During his trip, the traveller hired an Uber taxi. However, the vehicle was intercepted by a group of men from the local tuk-tuk gang. They assaulted the driver and hurled profanities, more..

Apr 4 (Island) US Prez Donald Trump has jacked up tariffs on imports in the name of making America wealthy again. Yesterday, he signed an executive order, with his usual melodrama, increasing tariffs on goods imported from many countries including SL, which will now have to pay as much as 44% by way of tariff on its exports to the US. Claiming that the unprecedented tariff hike is a reciprocal measure, Trump has said the new 44% tariff is in response to SL’s 88% trade barriers on American goods. more..

Apr 4 (Island) A political commentator has attributed the UK sanctions against four individuals, three of whom were top ranking Army and Navy Officers associated with SL’s armed conflict, to the failure of successive govts to address human rights allegations, which he describes as a self-inflicted crisis. The reason for such international action is the consistent failure of govts to conduct independent and credible inquiries into allegations of war crimes; no effective investigative mechanism more..

Apr 4 (ST) Although the annual school sports events concluded without major incidents this year despite the rising heat, the traditional Aluth Avurudu games — once a source of joy for children — now warrant extra caution in the face of a changing climate. In March 2024, sixteen-year-old Vidurshan, a student from Ampara in Eastern Sri Lanka, collapsed midway through the inter-house marathon event. He died in hospital. more..

Apr 4 (FT) The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently hosted a productive meeting with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) South Asia Regional Representative Toyokazu Nagamune to explore the potential for establishing a regional economic cluster aimed at facilitating the export of manufactured goods to Japan and other regions. This initiative seeks to enhance economic cooperation between Sri Lanka, India, and Japan. During the discussions, more..

Apr 4 (DN) Sri Lanka’s country rating was upgraded from Restricted Default to ‘CCC’ following the successful exchange for the new International Sovereign Bonds (SL ISBs) during Dec 2024. The three types of exciting new sovereign bonds have restored foreign investor confidence. Central Bank of SL (CBSL) has performed a remarkable role in guiding the economy out of default status and restored economic stability, and gained Sri Lanka a non-default Country Rating of ‘CCC’. more..

Apr 4 (FT) The National Chamber of Commerce of SL hosted a round table discussion focusing on enhancing trade, commerce and banking cooperation between Russia and Sri Lanka. The event brought together high-ranking officials and business leaders from both countries to explore new opportunities for economic collaboration. Among the distinguished attendees were Ambassador of Russia to SL Levan Dzhagaryan, Trade Representative of Russia in India Dr. Alexander Rybas, more..

Apr 4 (Island) Sri Lanka Rugby announced the historic visit of the New Zealand Under 85kg national team to SL next month for two highly anticipated matches against the SL team. This landmark tour comes in response to an invitation extended by SLR early last year. Two-match series will see the sides face off on May 4, at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium in Kandy, and again on May 10, at the Race Course Grounds in Colombo. While SL may not boast the same storied rugby tradition as NZ, more..

Apr 4 (DN) The 120th edition of the Battle of the Lovers between two leading Southern Province schools, Richmond and Mahinda, is scheduled to take place from today (3) to 5 at the Galle Int'l Cricket Stadium. The first three-day encounter promises to be vibrant, with a carnival atmosphere as both schools are ready to face the challenge of achieving success. Despite several obstacles encountered in organising this three-day game, the Principals of both schools, more..

Apr 4 (TM) Sri Lanka’s US$ 4.7 billion apparel export sector has no viable alternative to the US as a primary market, according to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Secretary General Yohan Lawrence. “We have no other alternate market that we can possibly target instead of the US,” Lawrence said, referring to the 44% tariff imposed on SL exports by the US Prez Donald Trump on Wednesday (2). more..

Apr 4 (ST) The govt is to launch a pilot project to relocate macaque monkeys to an island located within the Randenigala reservoir. Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta said that they are in the initial stages of the project. According to him the proposal had been made to the Ministry of Agriculture and approval had been obtained. He said preliminary studies are being carried out while authorities are taking required action. The pilot project will examine if the translocation more..

Apr 4 (FT) National Chamber of Exporters of SL (NCE) suggested India should enable duty free access for SL products for the next five years. Issuing a statement ahead of Indian PM Narendra Modi’s three-day visit starting today, the NCE said granting duty free access to all products made in SL and reducing non-tariff barriers, wouldn’t have a major impact for India. “SL being a small island nation with $ 16.5 billion export basket, overall impact to world’s largest populated country more..

Apr 4 (TM) The main Parliamentary Opposition, the SJB, urged the Govt to hold talks with US Prez Donald Trump’s administration in response to the latter’s recent decision to increase the tariffs on the goods imported from Sri Lanka to 44%. Trump increased tariffs on goods imported from Sri Lanka to 44% in the form of a reciprocal tariff in a context where Sri Lanka has imposed an 88% tariff on goods imported from the US. more..

Apr 4 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Thursday criticized the SL govt for its response to a 44% retaliatory tariff imposed by the US on SL exports, warning that the measure threatens the country’s apparel industry and overall export sector. Speaking at the SJB party convention at Hyde Park in Colombo, Premadasa said the govt ignored repeated warnings about the issue and failed to take preventive action. He said the matter was previously raised in Parliament, but govt members more..

Apr 4 (AD) A 51-year-old man has been killed while a woman has been injured following a shooting incident at Karuwalakanda, Hikkaduwa. Polcie said the shooting had been carried out targeting a married couple at a shop in the Kumarakanda area this evening (3). Both the injured male and female were admitted to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, where the male has succumbed to his injuries, hospital sources confirmed. The deceased has been identified as owner of the shop in question more..

Apr 4 (Island) SL’s first-ever Western music pop outfit consisting of all visually handicapped musicians, Bright Light was officially launched at a special ceremony held at the MJF Foundation auditorium last week. The event, graced by the Indonesian Ambassador to SL, Dewi Gustina Tobing, marked a significant milestone for the young and talented band. The 12-member ensemble, made up of visually impaired individuals, is being trained by Melantha Perera, a renowned musician, more..

Apr 4 (FT) The renewable energy sector is at a crossroads, with industry stakeholders voicing frustration over bureaucratic roadblocks, inconsistent policies and grid-related inefficiencies that continue to stifle progress. Key players in the sector including National Chamber of Commerce of SL (NCCSL) Vice Chairman Dr. Lakmal Fernando, Renewable Energy Specialist Dr. Vidura Ralapanawa, more..

Apr 4 (Island) A man and his wife have been arrested with a stock of narcotics, a T-56 assault rifle and 113 rounds of ammunition. Police said that officers from the Wattala Police had acted on an information that a woman had hanged herself at a lodge at Hekitta, Wattala, on 01 April. The police found an unconscious woman in the bathroom of a room at the lodge and managed to revive her. She was, however, arrested after officers found 6.1 grams of narcotics in her possession. more..

Apr 4 (FT) Ceylon Chamber of Commerce expressed deep concern over the imposition of a 44% tariff on SL exports to the US. “With the US accounting for approximately $ 3 billion in exports and 25% of SL’s total merchandise export, this development poses a significant challenge to the country’s trade and economic stability. Additionally, broader global trade disruptions could slow economic growth, affecting overall demand in key export markets such as the US & EU,” more..

Apr 4 (NW) CAA has issued a Gazette notification stipulating the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for bottled drinking water. MRP are effective from 1 April. CAA has strictly warned that manufacturers, packagers, traders and distributors must not sell bottled water exceeding these regulated prices. MRP for bottled drinking water are as follows; 500 – 999 ml bottles – Rs.70; 01 -1.499 L bottles – Rs.100; 1.5 -1.999 L bottles – Rs.130; 02 – 2.499 L bottles – Rs.160; 05 – 6.999 L bottles – Rs.350 more..

Apr 4 (CT) Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa pledged that there would be no political interference in the process of providing medicines in the future. A senior Health Ministry spokesman stated that Dr. Jayatissa, addressing all officials and authorities directly involved in the procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, warned that if continuous efforts were not made to supply high-quality medicines without delay, Govt would be compelled to directly intervene and more..

Apr 4 (EN) SL is expected to be hit hard by US Prez Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff, with the export sector which has more than 300,000 labour force expected to face adverse impacts. Following are some of the comments from SL researchers and stakeholders in the export industry on the 44% tariff for SL goods. Rohan Masakorala, CEO, Shippers Academy, Colombo: “There was information of a possible tariff hike on March 5. more..

Apr 4 (EN) US President Donald Trump in raising import duties and undermining the freedoms of Americans to trade freely is making a mistake which economists showed was wrong 300 years ago, a top SL economist said. “Though Donald Trump has used this as a weapon, it is something economists have warned policy makers against for 300 to 400 years,” W A Wijewardene said. ”Adam Smith, who is considered the father of economics, in 1776, in his book the Wealth of Nations, more..

Apr 4 (NW) Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni says the inability to regulate medicine prices in Sri Lanka stems from an injunction issued by the court against the National Medicines Regulatory Authority’s (NMRA) pricing committee. He revealed this, responding to a question regarding the public’s concern over the delay in reducing medicine prices. When asked why the govt continues to delay in providing relief to the public through reduced medicine prices, more..

Apr 4 (TM) Indian PM Narendra Modi said that during his official visit to SL, the two countries will review the multifaceted India-SL friendship. Issuing a statement ahead of his visit to SL today, MP Modi stated that his visit to SL will take place until 6 April, and that this visit comes after the successful visit of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India last December. Furthermore, he expressed that two countries will have the opportunity more..

Apr 4 (FT) Hindustan Times carried a news item regarding a defense cooperation framework (details unknown in our public domain), to be signed, when PM Narendra Modi is in Colombo, presumably, a carry-over of the Joint Statement published after Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake visited India. Then I hear of our Opposition politicians grumbling that the Framework is not tabled in Parliament, not published for public knowledge, not discussed adequately, when it could be detrimental to sovereignty. more..

Apr 4 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has held discussions with the EU Ambassador to SL, Carmen Moreno, on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). In a statement on ‘X’, MP Premadasa said the discussions focused on the full use of GSP+, following the recent reciprocal tariffs imposed on Sri Lanka by the US Govt. MP Premadasa highlighted the importance of engaging with partners like the EU to unlock new export opportunities. more..

Apr 4 (AD) The bail application filed on behalf of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Harsha Illukpitiya who is currently in remand custody for contempt of court, has been rejected by the Supreme Court. The decision was delivered by Supreme Court Justice Achala Wengappuli, with the concurrence of Justices Preethi Padman Surasena and Gamini Amarasekara. Delivering the decision, the judge stated that a date has already been set for the hearing of the case on May 8. more..

Apr 4 (FT) In April 2025, the United States govt issued an Executive Order imposing sweeping reciprocal tariffs on imports from dozens of countries, marking a pivotal turn in global trade policy. The move, signed by Prez Donald J. Trump, declared a national economic emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), citing longstanding goods trade deficits and what the administration termed non-reciprocal trade practices by many of its trading partners. more..

Apr 4 (Island) Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera on behalf of the Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (Guarantee) Ltd has asked Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya to inquire into the death of Sathsara Nimesh soon after he was admitted to the Mulleriyawa mental hospital by Welikada police on the night of April 1. In a letter dated April 3 addressed to the IGP, the lawyer said that the victim’s mother Liyanage Samanthi, more..