Aug 13 (DM) More than 50% of students who earn degrees at state universities in some disciplines using taxpayers’ money are leaving the country and never coming back, a study reveals. This development was observed in an ongoing study conducted by Prof. Wasantha Athukorala at the Uni of Peradeniya. Prof. Athukorala said, “In some departments, around 80 to 90 students migrate. This is a grave concern more..

Aug 13 (AD) The US says there were no reports of enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka by or on behalf of govt authorities in 2024. The US State Department said the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) also reported it had not received any new complaints of missing persons or enforced disappearances in the past year. This was highlighted in the 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices issued by the US State Dept. Meanwhile, US State Dept stated more..

Aug 13 (CT) Despite assurances from the Ministry of Fisheries and the Fisheries Minister that efforts would be made to repatriate a group of SL fishermen detained in Madagascar, the process appears to have stalled, leaving the fishermen in dire conditions with little relief in sight. The fishermen, all from Wennappuwa, were arrested by Madagascan authorities on 2 June 2025 aboard the fishing vessel Ruth Baba VI, which was seized for allegedly fishing illegally in Madagascar’s more..

Aug 14 (Island) Govt, which provides almost the entirety of primary and secondary education, is on a mission to reform the education system. It is most timely. The widespread application of digital technology in most activities (general artificial intelligence) in many societies is on a scale comparable to the use of electricity as an energy source in the first half of the 20th century. It is pervasive. It reduces production costs and enables the creation of new goods and services. more..

Aug 14 (TM) UN Human Rights Office has released their annual report on Sri Lanka, which called on the Govt to “seize the historic opportunity to break with entrenched impunity, implement transformative reforms, and deliver long-overdue justice and accountability for serious violations and abuses committed in the past, including international crimes”. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who visited the island recently, has stated: “Today, an opportunity presents itself more..

Aug 14 (TM) The JVP-led NPP Govt’s proposal to end pensions for former MPs has met with opposition from the Retired Parliamentarians’ Collective (RPC), which has threatened various forms of action both locally and internationally. In response, Govt representatives, including Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, stated that former MPs facing financial hardship can still apply for existing social welfare programmes more..

Aug 14 (DM) MP Harsha de Silva, SJB’s economic czar, has gone viral on X, formerly Twitter. In a post with nearly 485,000 views as of yesterday, he says: “called out the Govt in @ParliamentLK for mocking India’s bold stand against Trump’s trade tariff. #India, our true ally, stood by us in our toughest times. We should honour their fight, not laugh. India’s courage inspires Asia!” He had tagged a video of his speech in Parliament with English subtitles. Normally, SL Twitter has a limited reach, more..

Aug 14 (CT) The appointment of Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya as SL’s 37th IGP comes at a moment when the institution he now leads stands at a difficult crossroads. His rise is a story in itself — a journey from the rank of Police Constable through every key rung of the service, a feat unprecedented in the 158-year history of the SL Police. Yet, while his personal record is one of persistence, professionalism and service, the challenges awaiting him are as formidable as they are urgent. more..

Aug 14 (CT) The talk of the upcoming educational reforms has brought forth a buzz about the status of history as a subject in the curriculum. According to the new educational reforms, history is kept as a compulsory subject in the curriculum for grades 6-9 under junior secondary education, but becomes elective in the core curriculum for Grades 10 and 11. Should history be an elective subject removed from more..

Aug 14 (ST) What another task force? “I say…..what is going on,” asked Ruwanputha, a young economist. “Why is the govt appointing another committee for tourism when there is one already,” he asked again. He was alluding to an announcement on Tuesday where the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Presidential Task Force to implement SL Tourism Development Programme. This initiative aligns with the current govt’s policy statement, New Tourism Industry – more..

Aug 14 (Island) The Ministry of Transport has introduced two new systems, which are long overdue. One is aimed at preventing a longstanding railway ticket racket, which has tarnished SL’s reputation as a tourist destination. Some corrupt railway officials and their associates were on a gravy train at the expense of tourists, both local and foreign, under the previous govts, buying tickets in bulk for special tourist trains, such as Ella Odyssey, and selling them at black-market prices. more..

Aug 14 (CT) The emergence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his coalition govt marked a historic turning point in SL politics. However, the transformational promise of this administration has not been welcomed by all. A sustained, virulent and well-funded campaign, coordinated by remnants of the old guard, including elements of the UNP, the SLPP (Pohottuwa) and their media affiliates appears intent on discrediting every initiative undertaken by the new govt. more..

Aug 14 (DM) In 1935 under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, the cultivation and use of cannabis was criminalised by the British, the colonial rulers of our country. However, cannabis has been used in SL for traditional medicine and culinary purposes long before the British invaders entered our shores. There are no known specific or documented historical records of widespread cannabis addiction in ancient SL. Even today, particular groups continue to use more..

Aug 14 (FT) Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake on Tuesday chaired the second Export Development Council of Ministers (EDCM) meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, announcing a series of new policy measures and infrastructure initiatives aimed at propelling SL towards its $ 36 billion annual export revenue target by 2030. The high-level session reviewed the progress on 10 priority export facilitation initiatives identified more..

Aug 14 (FT) The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently held a strategic meeting with 15 newly appointed diplomatic representatives, aimed at strengthening the country’s export capabilities and enhancing market penetration across diverse international regions. The initiative, led by EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Mangala Wijesinghe, brought together officials preparing for assignments in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. more..

Aug 14 (FT) Over 50 US companies took part in a US Department of Commerce webinar on Sri Lanka’s port sector to explore opportunities in advanced port technologies. The webinar, titled Gateways to Growth: Sri Lanka and the Maldives – Powering Major Hubs and Strategic Projects, was hosted by the US Commercial Service, the trade promotion arm of the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, and featured the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. more..

Aug 14 (FT) Cabinet granted policy approval to introduce the Microfinance & Loan Regulation Authority Act, paving the way for the drafting of a revised bill aimed at strengthening oversight of the microfinance sector. The move directs the Legal Draftsman to prepare a new draft based on the final report compiled by the appointed Policy and Monitoring Committee. The report incorporates stakeholder proposals, alternative solutions, and amendments in line with a SC order. more..

Aug 14 (Island) Lyceum International sprinter Jithma Wijetunga blazed the track with back to back record-breaking performances to take a big lead in the race to the best athlete title by the end of day three of the Western Province Schools Games Athletics Championship at Diyagama. Fresh from winning a podium place at the senior National Athletics Championship, Jithma dashed to a 24.1 seconds finish to win the Under 20 girls’ 200 metres on day one of the meet on Monday. more..

Aug 14 (FT) Sri Lanka’s premier gem and jewellery showcase, FACETS 2026, is set to return for its 32nd edition from 3 to 5 January 2026, marking a bold new chapter for the internationally acclaimed exhibition. Moving to its new home at The Forum, Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, the event promises a vibrant transformation, whilst preserving the rich heritage that has made it a hallmark of the country’s gem industry for over 3 decades. more..

Aug 14 (FT) Hatton National Bank (HNB) said that group Profit After Tax (PAT) recorded a growth of 42.5% to Rs. 23.16 billion in the first half of 2025, while the bank PAT rose by 37.9%, reaching Rs. 21.19 billion. With interest margins being under pressure, the bank’s Net Interest Income remained broadly stable at Rs. 45.6 billion during 1H of 2025, the bank said. “The 11.3% year-on-year (YoY) drop in interest income amid lower interest rates, despite the strong loan book growth, more..

Aug 14 (FT) Profits at Nations Trust Bank grew 11% from a year ago to 4.7 billion rupees helped by higher net interest income, and lower provisions, interim accounts show. NTB reported earnings of 14.24 rupees for the quarter. For the six months to June, NTB reported earnings of 26.59 rupees on total profits of 8.7 billion rupees, which were up 10%. Net fee and commission income edged up 1% to 2,049 billion rupees. Gains from trading was down 13% to 1.15 billion rupees. more..

Aug 14 (FT) Credit Information Bureau of SL (CRIB) held its 2024 AGM, reporting 14.8 million active credit records, a 176% rise in self-inquiry reports, and clearance for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and the public to access credit using movable assets as collateral. Held under the theme Data in Action, Change in Motion, the AGM was presided over by CB Deputy Governor J.P.R. Karunaratne, more..

Aug 14 (FT) US tariffs on Sri Lankan exports have disrupted orders, hitting non-apparel exporters the hardest, according to an August 2025 policy brief by the Centre for a Smart Future (CSF). The report, ‘Trade Policy Uncertainty and Impacts on SL Exporters’ authored by Anushka Wijesinha and Senith Abeyanayake, says the period between 2 April and 9 July 2025, when a universal 10% tariff was in effect, was marked by disruption, with only two firms reporting no change in orders. more..

Aug 14 (DN) Nuwanidu Fernando, the stylish right-hander, stroked an unbeaten fifty and added 89 runs for the fourth wicket with skipper Charith Asalanka to guide Team Greys to a six-wicket win over Team Blues in their SLC T20 League fixture at the SSC grounds yesterday. This was Nuwanidu’s second half-century of the tournament, further proving his credentials for the national T20 side as a prolific No. 4 batter. With selectors still searching for a long-term option for this role, more..

Aug 14 (CT) University of Kelaniya marked a significant academic milestone with the inauguration of the 10th batch of its prestigious Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme, held on 6 Aug. The event celebrated nearly a decade of excellence since the inception of the programme in 2016 by the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies. DBA programme is recognised both locally and internationally as a rigorous and research-oriented qualification. more..

Aug 14 (ST) AG’s Department will seek a reputed international organisation’s help to carry out a forensic audit report on the deleted email communications between the X-Press Pearl ship captain and the local agents Sea Consortium Lanka. The decision came after the Moratuwa University and the Govt Analyst Dept said they lacked the capacity to carry out the forensic audit. Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe has informed Justice Ministry Secretary Ayesha Jinasena to more..

Aug 14 (DW) Every time a mass grave is excavated in Sri Lanka, Thambirasa Selvarani can't sleep. "We don't know what happened to our relatives, and when they start digging, I feel panicked," Selvarani told DW. The 54-year-old has been searching for her husband, Muthulingam Gnanaselvam, since he disappeared in May 2009 after he surrendered to govt forces at the end of the Sri Lankan civil war. more..

Aug 14 (Island) Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi has underlined SL’s commitment to forging a strong and effective global plastic treaty, while stressing that only decisive international cooperation can address the scale of the crisis. Speaking in Geneva at the ministerial-level roundtable of the second part of the Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5.2), the minister said SL is already implementing ambitious national more..

Aug 14 (NW) Sri Lanka has suspended construction of two wind power plants in Mannar for one month to review environmental and community concerns, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced. The decision halts work on a 20-megawatt facility already underway and a proposed 50-megawatt plant. Officials said the review will examine the impact on livelihoods, the environment and the region’s economy. Dissanayake, who chaired a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, more..

Aug 14 (Island) ASP F.U. Wootler said that they respected people’s right to protest and demonstrate but the law enforcement authorities couldn’t turn a blind eye to any efforts to disrupt civil life. Wootler said that they would be closing watching the situation. Police Spokesman said so when The Island sought their response to the ITAK’s plan to shut down the Northern and Eastern provinces tomorrow (15) in protest against the killing of 32-year-old Ethirmanasingham Kapilraj, more..

Aug 14 (DM) The wild elephant known as Kandalama Hedakaraya, who had been receiving treatment in the Kandalama area under the Dept of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), has died this evening (13). The animal, estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old, had been under veterinary care since March 30, 2025, after officials were alerted to its condition. Initial examinations revealed a foreleg injury suspected to have been caused by gunshots, with X-ray scans detecting 4 metallic objects more..

Aug 14 (TM) Alcohol & Drug Information Centre (ADIC) questioned the Govt as to whether any studies have been conducted on the potential economic benefits as well as the social and environmental impacts of the Govt’s recent decision to allow the commercial cultivation of cannabis, and urged to reveal the findings of any such studies. ADIC Executive Director Sampath De Seram made these remarks with regard to the Govt’s decision to more..

Aug 14 (TM) The Govt stated that the political situation surrounding the recent incident where PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya provided details about the revenue generated through the Supreme SAT 1 satellite, which were later confirmed to be inaccurate, has not led to any rifts within the Govt as claimed by some parties. Minister Bimal Rathnayake made this statement yesterday while speaking to the media. Rathnayake emphasised that the Govt remains committed to protecting its Members, more..

Aug 14 (Island) SL’s bond auction on August 12, 2025 sent a stark warning to policymakers: despite macroeconomic stabilisation under IMF reforms as deep-seated investor skepticism remains. Central Bank sought to raise LKR 65 billion through bonds maturing in 2032 and 2035, but the market delivered a brutal verdict – zero uptake for the 2032 bond and tepid demand for the 2035 issue, leaving the auction LKR 46.5 billion short of its target. Here is a summary of the bond market operations. more..

Aug 14 (Island) The number of senior citizens, those above 60 years, has risen to about 18%, according to provisional findings of the 2024 Census of Population & Housing, showing an increase from 12.4% in the 2012 census. “Our preliminary report states that the total population increased to 21.7 million in 2024, while the growth rate declined to 0.5 % from 0.7% in 2021. The feminisation of ageing trend for those over 70 more..