Aug 8 (FT) The grand launch of the Melco-operated City of Dreams has sparked bold comparisons, with some advocating for Sri Lanka to become the Macau of India. While MTI Consulting acknowledges the economic potential of a vibrant casino sub-brand, it strongly cautioned that SL’s nation brand must not be hijacked by the gambling industry. MTI urges SL authorities to adopt a curated, integrated approach—positioning gambling as just one among many attractions within a destination more..

Aug 8 (FT) SAARC Development Fund (SDF), in partnership with leading national institutions and technical govt agencies of the five SAARC member countries, officially launched the AquaLivelihood Project in Colombo. Graced by Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar as the Chief Guest, the launch marks a pivotal regional effort to uplift smallholder fish farmers and improve nutrition security across the region. 3-yr regional initiative represents a total investment of $ 3.97 m, more..

Aug 8 (FT) The Advocata Institute, while welcoming the Govt’s recent decision to waive visa fees for tourists from 40 additional countries, called for broader liberalisation of the visa regime to fully unlock economic opportunities through tourism. Sri Lanka is currently aiming for 3 million tourist arrivals and $ 5 billion in revenue this year. Advocata believes that open, clear, and consistentw visa policies, combined with a welcoming environment, investment-friendly regulation, and more..

Aug 8 (DM) The first 500 meters of the Kadawatha-Mirigama stretch of the Central Expressway (E04) will be completed within the next two months, Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena said. He made these remarks during an event held to distribute new land title deeds to individuals who lost their properties for the first phase of the E04 project. “The E04 is divided into four main sections Kadawatha to Mirigama, more..

Aug 8 (FT) The national tea sales average in July 2025 increased to Rs. 1,127.60 ($ 3.74), marking a month-on-month (MoM) increase of Rs. 24.33 and $ 0.06 from June’s average of Rs. 1,103.27 ($ 3.68). Although this uptick offers a modest boost to the industry, year-on-year (YoY) comparisons reveal a more sobering picture, with July’s average falling short of the Rs. 1,223.88 ($ 4.03) recorded in July 2024, reflecting a decline of Rs. 96.28 and $ 0.29. Cumulative national sales average more..

Aug 8 (FT) The Colombo stock market closed the week on a negative note. ASPI yesterday gained by 0.11% and the active S&P SL20 lost by 0.04%. Turnover was Rs. 3.26 billion involving 115.08 million shares. During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 0.4% and 1.2% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 3.89 billion. Foreign investors yesterday remained net buyers, recording a net inflow of Rs. 27 million. Colombo Bourse extended its positive more..

Aug 8 (TM) The SJB, is set to support the Govt’s move to abolish pensions for MPs and privileges granted to former Presidents and their spouses. In line with its campaign promises during the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, NPP-led Govt has taken initial steps to abolish pensions for MPs and privileges granted to former Presidents and their spouses – except for the pension. more..

Aug 8 (FT) Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne on Monday endorsed the certificate on the Companies (Amendment) Bill and accordingly, the Companies (Amendment) Act, No. 12 of 2025 is now enacted. Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) said in a statement that it welcomed the constructive response of the Attorney General to the concerns raised in TISL’s petition filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Bill to amend the Companies Act, No. 07 of 2007. more..

Aug 8 (FT) Pakistan High Commission, friends of Pakistan, diplomatic community and Pakistani diaspora jointly commemorated Kashmir Youm-e-Istehsal day. Six years have passed since 5 Aug 2019 when India took unilateral and illegal actions aimed at altering the internationally recognised disputed status of IIOJK and changing the demographic structure of the occupied territory. High Commissioner, Faheem Ul Aziz HI underscored the oppression and brutalisation of innocent more..

Aug 8 (Island) CameraLK, SL’s leading camera retail giant, marked another milestone with the grand opening of its newest showroom in Batticaloa, bringing world-class photography and videography gear to the Eastern Province. This expansion underscores CameraLK’s strategic vision to cater to a wider audience of photography enthusiasts and professionals across SL. The opening ceremony was graced by Sony SL Country Manager, Thomas Sim, alongside Anushka Gunasinghe, more..

Aug 8 (DN) Chamika Karunaratne delivered a superb all-round performance, claiming 3 for 17 and scoring an unbeaten 47 off 31 balls as SLC Greens secured a 4-wicket win with 19 balls to spare against SLC Blues in their opening SLC T20 League match held at SSC Grounds yesterday. It was a commendable fightback from Team Greens. After being in a difficult position at 38 for 4 in 5.1 overs, Karunaratne’s excellence with both bat and ball guided them to victory in the 17th over. more..

Aug 8 (FT) The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) disclosed that during the period 2014-2017, an overpayment of Rs. 7,730,262 in excess of the approved fuel limit had been made to the former Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Chief Minister. This disclosure was made at the COPA convening held recently in Parliament, chaired by MP Aravinda Senarath, to discuss the Auditor General’s Reports of 2022 and 2023 and more..

Aug 8 (DN) Killer Whale Aquatics’ (KWA) sensational duo Minagi Rupesinghe and Ramudi Samarakoon continued their golden form, breaking two more senior national records on Day 2 of the 49th National Aquatic Championships at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex yesterday. In the highlight of the day, 19-year-old Minagi Rupesinghe produced a brilliant swim in the women’s 400m senior national individual medley final, finishing in 5 min 14.58 sec, breaking an 11-yr-old senior national record. more..

Aug 8 (DM) DIMO partnered with Bank of Ceylon (BOC) to offer state-of-the-art leasing solutions for a wide range of world-class vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz, Jeep and Tata, within easier reach for all Sri Lankans. The partnership is poised to redefine access to mobility across SL, particularly by combining BOC’s unmatched reach of 651 branches with DIMO’s engineering excellence and diversified vehicle portfolio. This collaboration unlocks affordable financial pathways for customers more..

Aug 8 (PMD) Australian Governor-General, Samantha Joy Mostyn, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this afternoon (08) at the Presidential Secretariat, where the two parties held bilateral discussions. During the meeting, lengthy discussions were held on strengthening the more than 75-year-old friendship between Australia and Sri Lanka and expanding areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries. Governor-General Mostyn emphasised that more..

Aug 8 (TM) Many Sri Lankans planning to travel abroad for various purposes are currently facing difficulties due to the unavailability of the Meningococcal vaccine, which is required to prevent Meningitis, claimed the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA). MCPA President Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said that several countries have made this vaccine compulsory for those travelling to regions where Meningitis is considered a major public health issue. more..

Aug 8 (FT) President Anura Kumara Disanayake forcefully defended Sri Lanka’s economic recovery in Parliament yesterday following months of difficult reforms, and warned that political conspiracies to trigger instability would be firmly resisted. Addressing an adjournment debate on the economy, Disanayake said the Govt had restored macroeconomic stability, secured international financing, revived exports, more..

Aug 8 (DN) The grand finale of the Kandy Esala Perahera, the final Randoli Maha Perahera will take to the streets of Kandy tonight (8). The majestic procession is scheduled to commence from the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) at 6.51 pm, heading northward from the Maligawa premises. It will proceed along Dalada Veediya, Yatinuwara Veediya, Kande Veediya, and D. S. Senanayake Veediya, before making its way up Raja Veediya and returning to the Maligawa. more..

Aug 8 (MSN) Chairman of the Export Development Board (EDB) Mangala Wijesinghe said that the commencement of entering into the export market of steel is considered a beginning of a long lasting journey in the export industry. He made this statement while participating in a ceremony to export steel to the Canadian construction market under the MELWA brand yesterday at the Colombo Ports premises. With the commencement of steel exports to the world market, more..

Aug 8 (DM) Customer deposits in the licensed commercial banking sector continued to grow at a faster rate from 2024 through the second quarter of 2025 despite the interest rates on deposits slumping in line with the decline in market interest rates. According to the Central Bank, the growth was driven by State commercial banks followed by private sector commercial banks with foreign commercial banks failing to make more..

Aug 9 (CT) In any functioning democracy, the Cabinet of Ministers is expected to act with unity, transparency, and above all collective responsibility. Yet, the contradictory statements delivered in Parliament this week by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe on the controversial SupremeSAT project paint a picture of alarming disarray at the heart of Government. more..

Aug 9 (CT) In neighbouring Maldives on a State visit recently, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invited investors from that country to put their money in Sri Lanka. He pointed out how the nation has achieved economic stability through robust reforms and international collaboration, after long months of economic crisis, making it a more conducive environment for investment. There is some twist to the President’s transcript, or so it is seen. First and foremost, Maldives is still reeling more..

Aug 9 (CT) On 22 September last year, just hours before being sworn in as PM, a smiling Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stood outside the Election Commission premises and delivered a line that instantly became political folklore. “We don’t have experience in bankrupting the country,” she said in response to a journalist who questioned whether the NPP lacked the experience to run a govt. “But we will gain experience in building it.” Remark went viral. more..

Aug 9 (FT) Former SL Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was killed on 12 Aug 2005 by a sniper of the LTTE concealed in the house of an unsuspecting neighbour. Kadirgamar had just completed his customary 1,000 metre swim at the pool in his residence, when the assassin struck. Two decades have passed since that fateful day but the memory of Kadirgamar lingers still in the hearts and minds of the nation. This column focuses on the man regarded by many as SL’s finest foreign more..

Aug 9 (Island) I write in response to the article of the above title that appeared in the Sunday Island on 3rd Aug 2025. The article appears to be a statement by the ICJ (International Committee of Jurists). The article calls on the SL govt to ensure that the exhumations at the Chemmani site be carried out according to international standards so that there are no questions over the veracity of the findings later. The article also argues that because incidents such as Chemmani raise suspicions regarding more..

Aug 9 (CT) Esala festival in SL is a festival that has attracted the attention of many people of the world. The Kandy Esala Perahera especially is its grand occasion. More and more foreign tourists from all over the world come here to witness this unique cultural festival. So far, the number of foreign tourists who have come to this country exceeds more than 12 lakhs. It is also significant that many people are interested more..

Aug 9 (ST) If you’re over 60 years old today, you likely belong to Sri Lanka’s baby boom generation—born between the mid-1940s and 1960s. During this period, the country experienced a striking population growth rate of approximately 2.6% per year, driven primarily by a consistent surplus of births over deaths. Demographers often attribute this surge to what they call a “primitive birth rate paired with a modern death rate”. In pre-industrial societies, birth rates tend to be high, more..

Aug 9 (FT) Time is a funny thing that way. To a sad and lonely old man, sitting on a park bench next to a pretty energetic girl is but a few achingly fleeting moments. But to the lass it may seem like an unbearable lifetime. No less a savant than lateral thinker and theoretical physicist Albert Einstein discovered the truth about this for himself. One doesn’t have to be a genius such as the genial giant of quantum physics to figure out the chemistry of such attraction and attrition. more..

Aug 9 (Island) Newly elected govts in SL embark on various ambitious projects but do not care to follow through on most of them. The incumbent NPP administration has undertaken to introduce educational reforms while struggling to put the economy back on an even keel. Its Clean Sri Lanka programme is already underway, but not much is heard about it these days. Another govt project is reportedly on the cards. Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekera has said the govt is planning to more..

Aug 9 (CT) It was in 2023 during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Presidency that SL signed a deal with Israel to export 10,000 agricultural workers to that country after Netanyahu Govt banned 20,000 Palestinian agricultural workers immediately after Hamas fired those deadly rockets on 7 Oct that year. Faced with a financially bankrupt treasury and a mismanaged economy RW had no choice but to export skilled and unskilled Sri Lankans to reduce the rising rate of unemployment and more..

Aug 9 (TM) New patient registrations at cancer treatment centres have risen during the past 10 years. While cancer detection has increased due to the wide spread of information, doctors warn that modern lifestyles are also significantly contributing to this increase. The rise in cancer is not unique to SL, explained National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) strategic information unit head Dr. Suraj Perera. more..

Aug 9 (ST) At the Barefoot Gallery that languid Wednesday afternoon, there is a distinct shift from the usual vibes of canvases with layered paint or abstract art. The café is alive with the clatter of cutlery and the hum of conversation and laughter, while within the gallery ten creatives are setting up their work. By the door, is Dilsiri Welikala’s Plastic Monster, that looks like a hippy-happy gara-yaka made of plastic waste from the sea. Within, on the walls, are Munira Mutaher’s haunting photos more..

Aug 9 (DM) Just over a dozen years ago, we had the whole country laughing due to claims that an infamous son of a well-known father had a hand in putting a satellite into space via a company –Supreme SAT. Sadly, this satellite went missing, quite like various items of expenditure during that era. Opposition parties in parliament, including the present governing political party claimed this little-known son had used state funds to the tune of over US $320 million for this purpose. more..

Aug 9 (FT) Daraz SL is launching its 8.8 Brand Prix Sale this month, a week-long shopping festival, “packed with unbeatable discounts, massive voucher giveaways, and exclusive brand deals. Running from 8 to 15 Aug, this sale promises to be one of the most exciting events of the year for value-driven S consumers,” the company said. Brand Prix campaign is offering over 18,000 deals across top categories. “Whether you are looking for a new mobile phone, kitchen appliances, more..

Aug 9 (CT) A 26-year-old man, who allegedly impersonated veteran film director Somaratne Dissanayake to solicit nude photographs from women, has been remanded until 21 August by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali. The suspect, identified as Isuru Madhumal from the Polgahawela area, was arrested by the CID’s Cyber Crimes Division following a complaint filed by Dissanayake himself. According to investigators, the suspect created a fake Facebook account more..