Aug 1 (DN) Govt of India has released the first installment, amounting to around US$ 2.5 million (LKR 770 mil), for the installation of an advanced signalling and telecommunication system along the Maho–Anuradhapura Railway Line. This marks another key milestone in India–SL cooperation in the railway sector. The project was jointly launched by the Indian PM Narendra Modi and Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake more..

Aug 1 (Island) More than two decades after first competing at national level Nimali Liyanarachchi is still among the athletes to watch at top local competitions. When the 103rd National Athletics C'ship unfolds at Diyagama on Saturday, she is the favourite to win the 800 metres title. 35-year-old trained by Sujith Abeysekara has a unique record to boast. While she has held national records in several events, she is probably the only athlete to have won national titles across 6 disciplines. more..

Aug 1 (Island) Pavan Rathnayake has been knocking on the door for some time now. After Wednesday night’s fireworks under lights at Maitland Crescent, the selectors might have no choice but to roll out the red carpet for the 22-year-old run machine. In the final of SL’s domestic 50-over competition, Rathnayake turned in a performance that was nothing short of a masterclass. Representing Colombo Cricket Club against Police Sports Club, the right-hander hammered more..

Aug 1 (TM) Top SL athletes will get a window to qualify for the World Athletics C'ships in Tokyo in September, while improving their current standards, when the 103rd National Athletics C'ships gets underway at Diyagama on Saturday. The prestigious World Athletics C'ships is scheduled to be held in Japan from 13-21 Sept this year, and so far the only SL elite athlete to have secured direct qualification for the upcoming event more..

Aug 1 (DM) Sri Lanka must urgently draw lessons from the recently concluded UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to revitalise its trade and investment ties with India, the Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, calling for the swift implementation of a similar bilateral pact. Citing the UK–India FTA, which is projected to add £4.8 billion annually to the British economy while opening doors for deeper market access and investments between the two countries, more..

Aug 1 (FT) A joint session of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Trade, Commerce, Food Security & Cooperative Development and CoPF was recently held in Parliament to discuss key trade regulations and challenges within the cooperative sector. The meeting was Chaired by Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe and MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, with both Committees giving their approval to regulations issued under the Anti-Dumping & Countervailing Duties Act, No. 2 of 2018. more..

Aug 1 (FT) The Colombo stock market yesterday ended July with a record performance, reinforcing the return of strong investor sentiment. During the month, ASPI gained by 9%, almost equal to the previous best of 9.1% in September last year. ASPI year-to-date (YTD) has given an impressive 23%. The active S&P SL20 rose by 7.7% in July, increasing the YTD return to 18.5%. The Colombo stock market has enjoyed more..

Aug 1 (DN) By 2030 the country needs to reach a USD 150 billion GDP economy from the current USD 98.6 billion economy and Lankan businesses must gear this by expanding their operations, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe told the Issuer Forum Innovative Businesses to Propel Economic Growth held recently in Colombo. SL needs to achieve a 10% annual growth to reach this target and at the moment the economy is at a 5% growth and that needs to further increase in the coming years. more..

Aug 1 (DN) ‘We always maintain good team commitment and a strong mentality which brought success to the team' said Major Club limited over champions CCC team skipper Sonal Dinusha said. He said we have a well balanced team packed with more senior players having National team experience. They always support the young players to come up and most important is to build up good environment on and off the field. As a captain I never build up any pressure and always work hard more..

Aug 1 (DN) Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo, put in a powerful showing to clinch the overall championship title at the 49th National Age Group Artistic Swimming Championships 2025, held at the Air Force Pool in Ratmalana recently. The powerhouse swimmers from Visakha captained by Manekha Gomez and deputy skipper Dhananji Senanayake, secured a total of 10 medals, including multiple golds across all age categories, to emerge as clear winners with 75 points. Ladies’ College, more..

Aug 1 (DM) Colombo Additional Magistrate Kasun Dissanayake ordered to immediately arrest and produce a man accused of secretly recording sexual acts with his wife, a schoolteacher and sending the footage via WhatsApp to one of her students. The order was issued following submissions made by officers of the Police Children and Women’s Bureau during a court appearance regarding a complaint lodged by the teacher. The suspect husband, who is allegedly addicted to pornography, more..

Aug 1 (FT) Sri Lanka’s 100 most valuable brands have increased in value and now hold a combined brand value of Rs. 559.4 billion in 2025, according to the Sri Lanka 100 2025 ranking by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. After a turbulent 2022 and a year of rebuilding resilience in 2023, bold monetary and fiscal reforms and renewed corporate strategies helped the Sri Lankan economy expand by 5% in 2024. more..

Aug 1 (FT) The easing of deflationary conditions continued in July 2025, in line with Central Bank of SL’s (CBSL) near-term projections. The CBSL said the deflationary conditions eased for the fifth consecutive month in July, with the year-on-year (YoY) change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2021=100) recording a milder headline deflation of 0.3%, compared to the deflation of 0.6% in June 2025. CBSL said food inflation YoY moderated further to 1.5% in July from 4.3% more..

Aug 1 (FT) A high-level meeting to review the implementation of Sri Lanka’s National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025-2029 was held on Wednesday (30 July) at the Presidential Secretariat. The discussion brought together the Heads of the National Steering Committee and key representatives from both State and private sector institutions involved in executing the strategy. The session was chaired by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. more..

Aug 1 (DM) Raigam Salterns strongly denying recent allegations that the company created a salt shortage in the local market and inflated prices to earn excessive profits. The company made this clarification during a media briefing held at the SL Foundation Institute, where several board members addressed the issue. Raigam stated that, as a responsible company, it converted its limited salt stocks into table salt and distributed them fairly across the island using a rationing method. more..

Aug 1 (TM) A civil society organisation urged the Govt to take immediate action to resolve the payment and sale-related issues faced by the employees of the Sewanagala Sugar Factory, warning that if the Govt fails to do so within three days, it will result in an indefinite satyagraha protest campaign. The civil society organisation, Citizens of the People’s Struggle, made these remarks following a token satyagraha campaign held in front of the factory on Wednesday (31). more..

Aug 1 (DM) Wearing seat belts in the rear seats of all light vehicles travelling on expressways will be mandatory from today. The new regulation is aimed at enhancing road safety and will apply to all expressways across the country, including the Southern, Colombo–Katunayake, and Central Expressways. Ministry said that both drivers and rear-seat passengers must comply with the rule. Police officers and expressway authorities have been instructed to strictly enforce regulation, more..

Aug 1 (DM) The CPC announced that there will be no revision in fuel prices for the month of August, as per the prevailing fuel pricing formula. The decision was made following the monthly review process, which takes into account global oil prices, exchange rates, and other cost factors. CPC confirmed that the current fuel prices will remain unchanged throughout August. Lanka Petrol 92 Octane is priced at Rs. 305 per litre, while Lanka Petrol 95 Octane Euro 4 is available at Rs. 341 per litre. more..

Aug 1 (EN) Sri Lanka has got a 20 percent tariff in an slew of revised rates announced by President Donald Trump through an executive order. Sri Lanka’s rate is the same or similar to that of Bangladesh, Vietnam, Malaysia (19), Indonesia (19), Thailand (19), Pakistan (19), and lower than India (25). Dollarized Cambodia which has monetary stability had got 19. A series of African nations and tiny island states have got 15. more..

Aug 1 (FT) The provincial councils scheme, implemented since 1988, has seen a number of chief ministers being elected by the various provincial councils over the years. Although the norm has been for each province to have a single chief minister, there has been a notable exception in the past. In Nov 1988, elections were held together for the temporarily merged Northern and Eastern Provinces. Annamalai Varatharaja Perumal of the EPRLF was elected as the first chief minister more..

Aug 1 (AD) In a statement issued by the Chamber, Chairperson Krishan Balendra described the development as a positive outcome of sustained diplomatic engagement. “While this is clear progress reflecting the value of sustained engagement and strategic diplomacy, it is now important to use this window of opportunity to work towards a long-term arrangement that ensures more stable and competitive market access for our exporters”, Balendra stated. more..

Aug 1 (FT) X-Press Pearl, the pearl of contention, is back in the news with SL’s highest court issuing a stern, far-reaching judgement – a 361-page document! The Supreme Court has given a landmark ruling for a fundamental rights case raised by three petitioners and has awarded compensation that sets a record and has multiple precedents. Clear and firm judgment on who was responsible is welcome. A whole series of activities has been initiated by the decree, with the courts more..

Aug 1 (NW) Several key public-facing divisions of the SL Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), which were moved to the Mehewara Piyesa building in Narahenpita during the previous administration, have been relocated to Battaramulla. Many complaints were lodged with the current Minister of Foreign Affairs and Employment, Vijitha Herath, and the Deputy Minister, Arun Hemachandra, stating that migrant workers faced difficulties in accessing services at the location in Narahenpita. more..

Aug 1 (DM) One of the most iconic species sharing the same terrain on this isle, along with humans, is the SL Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya). Elusive in nature and often taking cover from the human eye, these beings hold significant ecological and economic importance for the country. The SL leopard has also been crowned (rather self-crowned itself) as the apex predator of the island’s ecosystems and is a flagship species, more..

Aug 1 (NW) A woman has died and another person was critically injured following a wild elephant attack in Thirappane, A'pura. CCTV footage captured the moment two elephants charged at villagers after residents attempted to chase the animals away by firing at them. The elephants had reportedly strayed from the forest and remained near a reservoir close to Mahawewa, on July 25. When a group of residents attempted to drive them back into the wild, one of the elephants charged, more..

Aug 1 (AD) Met Dept has issued a Warm Weather Advisory for the North-Central and Eastern provinces, and Monaragala and Hambantota districts. It states that the heat index — the temperature felt by the human body — is likely to increase to the Caution level in some areas of the North-Central and Eastern provinces, and the Monaragala and Hambantota districts. As per the advisory, under the Caution level of temperature, fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure more..

Aug 1 (TM) Sri Lanka could become a major player in transhipment by the end of the decade, providing a key engine for growth, further stabilising its external position, and generating opportunities for foreign investors, the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) said. The London-based firm, which provides business intelligence and market insights, said that amidst news dominated by US tariffs has been the increased success of SL’s maritime service more..

Aug 1 (AM) Indictments will be filed in the High Court against Piumi Hansamali and Viranjith Thambugala, Chairman of Aura Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, over serious allegations of tax evasion, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) informed the Colombo Additional Magistrate’s Court on 31 July. Representing the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, Senior State Counsel Dinesh Perera said that investigative reports on both individuals have been handed over to the Attorney General, and more..

Aug 1 (AD) The United National Party (UNP) has welcomed the recent executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, which further reduces the reciprocal tariff rates on Sri Lankan exports. In a statement, the UNP commended the Sri Lankan Govt and its negotiating team for successfully concluding the relevant negotiations. “We commend the Govt and the negotiating team for successfully concluding the negotiations,” the party said. The new Executive Order states that more..

Aug 1 (NW) The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka says it welcomes and commends the significant progress achieved in the trade negotiations between SL and the US, which have led to a reduction in tariffs on Sri Lankan exports to the U.S. market, now lowered to 20%. Issuing a statement, the Association expressed its sincere appreciation to the Govt of Sri Lanka and, in particular, the dedicated efforts of the negotiation team led by Finance Ministry Secretary, Harshana Suriyapperuma. more..

Aug 1 (Island) A man was shot dead in the Duwamodara area of Kosgoda yesterday morning in what appears to be a targeted attack. Two unidentified individuals arrived on a motorcycle around 6 am and opened fire using a T-56 assault rifle before fleeing the scene. The victim has been identified as Arun Mendis, a 23-year-old unmarried male and the owner of a local turtle conservation centre. Authorities say Mendis was asleep inside his home when one of the assailants more..

Aug 1 (NW) ACMC Leader, MP Rishad Bathiudeen, has called for the immediate intervention of Minister of Health, Nalinda Jayatissa, to protect the constitutional rights of Muslim women employed in the public health sector in the Trincomalee District. In a letter addressed to the Health Minister, MP Bathiudeen highlighted growing concerns surrounding recent directives reportedly issued by the Provincial Director of more..

Aug 1 (HT) Day 1 of the ongoing fifth and final India vs England Test match was action-packed in London, filled with its fair share of spice, drama and entertainment. The ongoing series has been filled controversies, and one such occured on Thursday, and this time the spotlight fell on umpire Kumar Dharmasena. Sri Lankan made a huge error, which saw England avoid wasting a DRS review against India’s Sai Sudharsan. The controversy happened in the second delivery of the 13th over, more..

Aug 1 (AD) Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, has welcomed the recent decision by the United States to reduce the trade tariff imposed on Sri Lankan exports to 20%. SJB leader highlighted that this reduction places SL on a competitive footing alongside countries like Vietnam & Bangladesh, while noting that India’s tariff rate remains at 25%. “Glad the U.S. cut tariffs to 20% for SL goods. This puts us alongside Vietnam and Bangladesh, while India pays 25%,” he said. more..

Aug 1 (CI) The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2025 will be held from Nov 27 to Dec 23. Now in its sixth edition, the tournament will take place across three venues - Colombo, Kandy & Dambulla. This will be the fourth time in six years that the LPL is scheduled for the Nov-Dec window rather than its preferred July-Aug slot. The last two seasons took place during July and August, however this year, with 2026 T20 WC set to begin in Feb, more..

Aug 1 (AD) Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court today ordered that the notorious underworld criminal figure known as Loku Patty, who is accused over the murder of businessman Club Wasantha, be remanded until Aug 4. This order was issued when the suspect was produced before the court today after the conclusion of the detention orders. Sujeewa de Silva, also known as Loku Patty, who is an accused in the murder of Club Wasantha, was brought back to the island on May 4 after more..