Aug 9 (ST) Despite the crushing impact on the lives of farmers, workers, and others who depend on the Lanka Sugar Company (Pvt) Ltd, the govt is reportedly asking them to endure another month before a solution is provided for their concerns. Lanka Sugar Company manages two key units: Pelwatte in Buttala, Monaragala, and Sevanagala. Both units engage in sugar manufacturing, ethanol production, more..

Aug 9 (DN) Reshan Algama and Kaya Daluwatte emerged as the top finishers at the SL Junior Match Play Championship 2025 for the Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy, organized by SL Golf which concluded at the Royal Colombo Golf Club yesterday. Algama produced a composed display to take the Boys’ Gold Division title, while Daluwatte sealed a memorable win in the Girls’ Gold Division, confirming her status as the finest female golfer in the country with no match from any other. more..

Aug 9 (FT) SL Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction), as reflected by the Total Activity Index, registered a value of 58.6 in June 2025, slightly down from the 59.7 index value in May. Index compiler the Central Bank said most of the survey respondents reported a continuous expansion in construction activities, with many attributing this growth to favourable industry conditions, particularly exhibited by the steady increase in project work & stable price levels. more..

Aug 9 (ST) SL’s upcoming digital identity system, funded and integrated under a grant from the Indian govt, has been defended by Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the Prez on Digital Economy, saying the implementation is now underway following multiple rounds of bilateral coordination. The comments came as concerns over the data security of SL citizens mounted. The new system, which is based on more..

Aug 9 (ST) Long-distance bus drivers complained that they are unable to rest properly in between their journeys as there is insufficient space in the restrooms for drivers and conductors at the Bastian Mawatha bus stand. The bus stand, visited by some 1200 buses daily, only has two repurposed container-boxes functioning as a rest room. The bus drivers and conductors pointed out that as they have insufficient resting space they are forced to rest in the buses during intervals more..

Aug 9 (DN) Skipper Charith Asalanka (59) and Nuwanidu Fernando (70 not out) put on a superb 122-run fourth-wicket partnership, while paceman Eshan Malinga impressed with figures of 4 for 42 as Team Greys secured a 24-run win over Team Blues in their SLC T20 league cricket fixture played at the SSC Grounds yesterday. Invited to bat first, Team Greys posted a challenging total of 192 for 4 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Team Blues were 62 for 2 wickets after the powerplay, but more..

Aug 9 (DN) Record-breaking duo Minagi Rupesinghe and Ramudi Samarakoon powered Killer Whale Aquatics (KWA) to the top of both the women’s and men’s points tables at the end of the third day of the 49th National and Junior National Swimming C'ships, organised by the SL Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex yesterday. The defending women’s national champions, KWA, have piled up an impressive 465 points, far ahead of more..

Aug 9 (EN) Sri Lanka agents for BYD, John Keells CG Auto, says about 1,000 Atto 3 units detained by Customs over a dispute on its motor, has been released subject to a bank guarantee, after the firm went to the Court of Appeal. “Pursuant to the submissions made in the Court of Appeal on behalf of JKCG today, Sri Lanka Customs agreed to the immediate release of the vehicles, subject to the provision of security in the form of a Bank Guarantee,” the firm said in statement. more..

Aug 9 (AD) 18-year-old Yevan David has created another bit of history by becoming the first-ever SL driver to compete in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. He signed with AIX Racing for the 2026 season, marking a significant milestone in SL’s motorsport journey. The 18-year-old Sri Lankan is currently fighting for the Euroformula title, and has four victories, five other podiums and a pole so far this season in the F3-level series more..

Aug 9 (AD) PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the objectives of the educational reforms include fostering moral values in children, guiding those who deviate from school education towards vocational training, and thereby ensuring their contribution to the country’s economic development. A special discussion to raise awareness about the educational reforms scheduled to be implemented from 2026 was held on July 07 at the Archbishop’s official residence in Colombo, more..

Aug 9 (DM) A SJB member of the Kundasale PS and two others who attmpted to sell a gem for Rs. 500 million without a permit were arrested by the Nuwara Eliiya police. The three suspects staying at a lodge in the Labukele area had been planning to sell the gem which they claim would bring prosperity to the owner. However, the police, on a tip off sent a decoy posing as a prospective buyer who bargained and got the price of the gem reduced from Rs. 500 million to Rs. 01 million. more..

Aug 9 (DM) If Sri Lankan exports old vehicles to other countries at reasonable prices and uses the profits to reduce import taxes on new vehicles, the govt can effectively phase out old vehicles and bring in newer models, said Sajeev Rajaputhra, General Secretary of the Global Federation of SL Business Council (GFSLBC). He highlighted that a 300 percent tax is currently imposed on vehicle imports, while the local resale market inflates prices to three times the original purchase price. more..

Aug 9 (AD) Governor General of Australia Samantha Joy Mostyn, has paid a courtesy call on PM, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees in Colombo. The meeting on Thursday provided a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding and friendly relations between SL and Australia. The Prime Minister welcomed the Governor-General and highlighted the importance of building stronger cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of politics, the economy, and sports. more..

Aug 9 (EN) Sri Lanka’s private credit expanded by 221 billion rupees, the highest in history for a single month in June 2025, official data show, driven by recovering private investment, better budgets but also a late-cycle rate cut, where concerns have been raised. Private credit in June was the highest since 193 billion rupees reached in December 2024, which was also made up of import credit (working capital) which reversed. more..

Aug 9 (ST) Although laws prohibit mobile phone use while driving, enforcement often relies on visual confirmation by police officers, which makes offences like mobile phone use or quick lane violations harder to detect unless there is camera footage. Collective responsibility and awareness are needed as laws such as the prohibition of mobile phone use while driving among other road rules continue to be neglected, contributing to the persistently high rate of road traffic accidents, more..

Aug 9 (CT) The Retired Parliamentarians’ Association (RPA) has warned that if the Govt abolishes the pension payments of former MPs, around 500 retired MPs stand to lose their pensions. Former JVP MP and Secretary of the association, Pemasiri Manage, said that all retired MPs who have relied on their pensions for a livelihood will face a severe crisis. Except for a few, the majority struggle to meet daily expenses, including medical costs, and many are left helpless. more..

Aug 9 (DM) In the wake of Sri Lanka waiving visa fees for nationals from 40 more countries, many other countries have sought the same facility for their nationals coming here as tourists. Previously, SL had granted the facility to seven countries. The govt has now taken a policy decision to add 40 countries to the list. The decision is currently pending with the Attorney General for clearance. The new visa regulation, upon approval by the AG, more..

Aug 10 (SO) Singapore, the tiny City State and Asian powerhouse, celebrated the 60th anniversary of its Independence (SG60) yesterday. Singapore’s (literally Sinha Pura or Lion City) success on the world stage – from the sleepy backwater it was when Sir Stamford Raffles took control in 1819 to the financial powerhouse it is today – can largely be attributed to the vision and perseverance of one legendary Statesman – Lee Kuan Yew. Incidentally, he was an ardent admirer of SL more..

Aug 10 (ST) If there is one industry that has developed over the last fifty years, it is the gaming industry. From the old slot machines known as one-armed bandits that were available in the odd boutique in the main towns to the introduction of Blackjack and Roulette tables with the opening of the economy in the post-1977 years, the growth of that segment, and the already prevalent Turf Clubs (an euphemism for betting on horse races in England & elsewhere), spread is evident. more..

Aug 10 (TM) The fact that the JVP-led NPP Govt is centred on Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) continues to be evident, given the manner in which he has had to intervene in many key issues as well as respond to many questions and criticisms posed by the Opposition. This was witnessed in Prez AKD’s address to Parliament last Thursday. AKD’s sudden visit to Parliament last week and the speech delivered by him in the House came as a more..

Aug 10 (CT) Trump’s global tariff turmoil has produced more than a ripple of political success for the NPP govt in SL. Govt has been congratulated across the political spectrum for pulling off a competitively favourable tariff arrangement with the US. Apart from the nakedly tongue-in-cheek calls for more transparency, no one is questioning the accomplished success of the govt on the Trump-Tariff file. Everyone involved would seem to have played their part quietly and competently. more..

Aug 10 (TM) Power has a strange way of altering political DNA. Those who once fought with righteous indignation against a system often find themselves defending, even celebrating, that very system once they inherit its reins. In Sri Lanka, the clearest example of this paradox is the metamorphosis of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a party that rose from Marxist socialist roots, denouncing global capitalism and vowing to dismantle the exploitative open economy. more..

Aug 10 (ST) The recent disclosure that those with political connections have been granted govt scholarships has resulted in denials and counter-allegations. Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku, who was a former Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs, Vice Chancellor of Sri J'pura University and Ambassador to China, has issued a statement in response to allegations that his daughter I.N. Kodithuwakku received money for her more..

Aug 10 (ST) My dear Deshabindu, It has been a while since I wrote to you last. I’m not even sure whether you got that letter because you were on the run at that time, a fugitive being hunted by the force that you once commanded. Now, matters have come to a conclusion: Anura sahodaraya stripped you from your top post last week. If you are having unkind thoughts about the maalimaawa chaps for your fate, you should be thankful to them too. In a week where your misdeeds would have otherwise more..

Aug 10 (CT) SL, the island nation known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, boasts a mesmerising blend of stunning beaches, lush mountains, ancient heritage sites, and a rich tapestry of cultures. Traditionally, these attractions were promoted through brochures, TV commercials, and int'l travel expos. However, in the rapidly evolving digital age, the dynamics of tourism marketing have undergone a dramatic shift. A new, dynamic form of promotion has emerged — influencer marketing — more..

Aug 10 (DM) Sri Lanka’s elephants are more than majestic creatures; they are living symbols of our heritage, biodiversity, and the deep spiritual and cultural ties we share with the natural world. Yet today, elephants face one of their gravest threats, not from nature, but from us. The recent surge in elephant killings in SL has reignited concern over the country’s deepening human-elephant conflict (HEC). While mitigating HEC is crucial, the national focus on this issue has overshadowed more..

Aug 10 (ST) SL Under-20 booked their place in the Cup semi-finals of the Men’s Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2025 with a flawless run in the group stage, defeating Hong Kong China, India and UAE in an impressive performance. Competing in Pool A at the tournament in Bihar, India, the young Tuskers topped the standings with three wins from three matches and will face the Group B runner-up in their semi-final clash today. Their campaign began with a nail-biting 24-19 victory over Hong Kong more..

Aug 10 (TM) It’s no secret that owning a car in SL is becoming harder by the year. What was once considered a practical need, especially for families, young professionals, or anyone living outside the city, is now increasingly out of reach for most people. The problem is the layers of taxes stacked on top that often cost more than the vehicle itself. For many, a car is now something to aspire to, not necessarily because they want the luxury, more..

Aug 10 (CT) This marks the 261st day since the NPP Govt assumed office. The first session of the current tenth Parliament commenced at 10 a.m. on 21 Nov 2024. Since then, the entire country has remained watchful, sometimes silent, sometimes scathing. The sheer volume of memes mocking the Executive President’s attire during a recent diplomatic trip is telling. Yet more compelling are the reels and stories circulating on social media that highlight the glaring contradictions between more..

Aug 10 (ST) Hot on the heels of the US tariffs, Govt is spearheading moves towards the implementation of labour law reforms that trade unions fear could result in easy hiring and firing amid other key changes. Cabinet this week approved the implementation of the labour law reforms for which the Labour Ministry will now convene a committee on how to proceed, Labour Secretary S.M. Piyatissa said. The committee will be called on to draft the new regulations, he said but asserted that more..

Aug 10 (PMD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who visited Kandy to attend the concluding ceremony of the annual Esala Perahera festival of the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa, called on the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiri Chapters this afternoon (09) and received their blessings. Prez first visited the Malwathu Maha Vihara, where he met with the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Malwatte Chapter and engaged in a brief more..

Aug 10 (SO) The construction sector which has shown some signs of recovery after a long downturn has brought hope and optimism to firms which have been looking forward to new projects to keep them afloat. Construction activities in June this year expanded recording a value of Rs. 58.6 billion during the month according to the Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction. Construction firms attributed the growth to favourable industry conditions, particularly exhibited by the steady increase more..

Aug 10 (PMD) The national celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which falls today (9), was held this morning at Indigenous Museum premises, Dambana under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. SL’s foremost indigenous leader, Vishwa Keerthi Vanaspathi Uruwarige Vannila Aththo, initiated the tradition of celebrating World’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Sri Lanka more..

Aug 10 (AM) The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has initiated action to arrest Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera in connection with the alleged abduction of Ven. Wedinigama Wimalatissa Thera, the General Secretary of the Ape Janabala Party, in 2020. The abduction was allegedly carried out to prevent him from being appointed to the party’s National List MP position. CCD officers visited Sandaham Sewana in Rajagiriya, where Rathana Thera is based, on the night of 7 August. more..

Aug 10 (CT) Approximately 70 political parties have applied for new registration, according to Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake. Ratnayake said that nearly half of the submitted applications were incomplete, with key details missing. He added that applications with all required information would undergo document verification, after which applicants would be called for interviews. Meanwhile, the Commissioner General noted that disputes regarding the general secretaries more..