Aug 1 (CT) Wildlife officers strongly criticised the absence of senior officials, including the Minister of Environment, the Deputy Minister, the Director General of Wildlife, and other high-ranking departmental officers, from the World Ranger Day commemoration held yesterday (31 July). The event, organised by the All-Ceylon Wildlife Officers’ Association (ACWOA) along with several other organisations, was overshadowed by the lack of official representation. more..

Aug 1 (AD) Dhanushka Weerakkody, son-in-law of MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena, has been granted bail after being produced before the Matugama Magistrate’s Court. Weerakkody was arrested in connection with an incident involving the seizure of an illegally assembled vehicle in the Matugama area recently. He was remanded on July 24 after surrendering to the Matugama Magistrate’s Court and was held in Malwatte Prison, Kalutara, until being brought back to court today for more..

Aug 1 (DM) There is little cause for celebration despite the new tariff structure announced by the Trump administration, former Finance Minister Ali Sabry said. He said that given the new tariff structure announced by the Trump administration, there is little cause for celebration, but equally, we have not been unduly penalised either. Compared to regional competitors such as B'desh, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, India & China, SL has managed to remain relatively level in this difficult environment. more..

Aug 1 (CT) Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena emphasised that providing an efficient judicial service is essential to maintaining public trust in the Judiciary. He further pledged to accelerate the digitisation of the entire judicial process across SL as a key step towards achieving this goal. He made these remarks while addressing the ceremonial welcome held at the Supreme Court Complex to mark his official assumption of duties as more..

Aug 1 (AD) Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena has been granted bail after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today. Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali issued the bail order after considering the facts presented by officers of the CIABOC and the defense counsel. At the hearing, a Bribery Commission officer informed the court that the investigation into the matter is nearing completion. The officer also stated that statements are yet to be recorded from more..

Aug 1 (DM) The first successful childbirth following in-vitro fertilization (IVF) conducted within Sri Lanka’s state health sector was carried out yesterday at the North Colombo Teaching Hospital in Ragama. The delivery was performed via cesarean section and marks the culmination of a year-long effort by the IVF Centre of the Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Faculty of Medicine, Uni of Kelaniya. The mother, a 31-year-old woman, and her newborn are reported to be in good health. more..

Aug 1 (NW) Minister Ananda Wijepala, says steps have already been taken to urgently fill 5,000 of the 28,000 vacancies in the SL Police at present. Minister Wijepala said that Cabinet approval has been obtained for this purpose and that the relevant processes have already commenced, with recruitment to be completed within this year. He also pointed out that 10,000 personnel currently serving in the Civil Security Dept more..

Aug 1 (NW) US Ambassador to SL Julie Chung praised SL Customs officers for two major narcotics seizures with an estimated street value of USD 1.6 million. The seizures included 17.5 kg of hashish and cocaine—marking the first-ever interdiction of cocaine slabs at BIA—and 4.2 kg of synthetic drugs hidden in parcel mail at the Colombo Central Mail Exchange. Ambassador credited the success to the enhanced skills and commitment of SL officers, developed through a US-funded partnership more..

Aug 1 (Island) President of the Salt Producers’ Association, Ganaka Amarasinghe says that the producers warned top the govt of ongoing salt shortage crisis last October. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Amarasinghe, who also serves as Senior Director at Wayamba Saltern under the Raigam Group of Companies, said that salt producers had alerted the govt of the impending shortage in October last year, highlighting that the production of salt is carried out more..

Aug 2 (CT) The tabling of the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill marks a potentially historic moment in Sri Lanka’s democratic journey. This bold initiative by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the NPP Govt seeks to dismantle a longstanding structure of privilege enjoyed by former Presidents and their widows under the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986. If passed, this Bill will revoke an array of benefits currently afforded to ex-Presidents including State-funded housing, more..

Aug 2 (CT) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the NPP Govt are no doubt committed to make SL an economically independent nation. Over three decades of uninterrupted misgovernance, maladministration and systemic corruption had driven this fertile island to the brink of bankruptcy with a mounting external debt totalling $37.5 billion by June 2024. The country was virtually mortgaged to foreigners. A new generation of Sri Lankans united by anger over the prevailing more..

Aug 2 (CT) SL has secured a reduction in US tariffs on its exports from 30% to 20%, a move hailed as a key outcome of months of negotiations with Washington. While the cut keeps the country competitive with regional rivals, questions remain over the trade and security commitments made to secure the deal. US has confirmed that SL’s reciprocal tariff rate will be reduced from 30% to 20% under a Presidential Order issued on 31 July. more..

Aug 2 (ST) It was an impossibly steep piece of land. The client, an expatriate Sri Lankan couple in Los Angeles, Bryce and Rochelle Jamie, wanting to build a home. A challenge by any stretch of imagination. And one that Frank Escher and Ravi GuneWardena took on, as their very first home project, erecting two towers spanned by steel beams on which sat a wooden platform that the house is on, like a table. The house floats above the site, one with the beautiful landscape around. more..

Aug 2 (DM) While researchers have worked hard over the years to study a plethora of socio-economic, archival and archaeological phenomena – from cults to beggary, ghosts, ola leaf manuscripts and ancient inscriptions, to mention just a few – I have not found yet an authoritative study of Sri Lanka’s political violence and thuggery. This is puzzling since these two intertwined subjects are a dominant and all-pervasive feature of our political culture. more..

Aug 2 (CT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s official visit to the Maldives from 20 to 30 July, to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, turned out to be both timely and impressive—mainly because it didn’t clash with Indian PM Narendra Modi’s heavily-guarded and high-profile visit, which would have completely overshadowed him. In that archipelagic nation of over 1,000 islands more..

Aug 2 (CT) For the uninitiated readers of the national media, and possibly the majority Sinhala media, Chemmani may yet to happen. But after weeks of digging up unmarked graves in Northern Jaffna town, Govt officials under Court supervision have already taken out over a hundred human skeletons, including those of infants and grown-up children. The numbers are growing with each passing day of digging, which is at times halted for logistics reasons, one should assume. more..

Aug 2 (DM) Donald Trump’s tariffs shook the world. Financial markets around the world plunged. The US stock market registered its largest two day loss in history. Businesses and politicians were in panic. No one could understand what was happening or why. Sri Lanka was one of the worst affected. The Trump Tariffs would have increased the cost of SL exports to the US by 44 percent overnight. Equally catastrophically, many other countries were threatened with much higher tariffs. more..

Aug 2 (FT) I wouldn’t punch 119 quite yet. Or seek to frogmarch me to the local constabulary’s complaints desk. This piece is not about armed revolt or aggressive rebellion. The thought I’d leave with you today is rather one of peaceful easy feelings prompted by some quiet introspection. Of course, the early springs of the erstwhile Aragalaya were peaceful and easy also, rising as they did – at least in its suburban incarnation – as a domesticated people’s movement. Tame but not lame. more..

Aug 2 (Island) The Parliamentary Staff Advisory Committee has reportedly decided to consider a proposal to arm the MPs and other people’s representatives—not with lethal weapons but with knowledge and skills! It has, at a recent meeting chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wikramaratne, decided to consider converting the Speaker’s official residence into a centre for parliamentary studies and research, which will serve as an exclusive hub for MPs, PC members & Local Govt councillors. more..

Aug 2 (Island) In view of SL Leopard Day, which fell yesterday, conservationists urge the country to look beyond the leopard’s beauty and ecological value — and recognize its massive contribution to the economy. From Yala’s parched trails to the lush hills of the Central Highlands, SL leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) powers an entire web of livelihoods. The loss of a single leopard can cost SL an estimated Rs. 41 mil in lost revenue more..

Aug 2 (FT) South Asia’s annual textiles sourcing show, Intex Sri Lanka 2025, will be held from 6-8 August in Colombo. This is the 17th edition of the yearly event that bridges SL’s world-renowned manufacturing strength with global textile producers and technology leaders. Since its debut in 2015, the show has become a strategic sourcing calendar event for buyers and industry leaders from across South Asia, ASEAN, MENA, and Europe. From fibres to fashion, processing to packaging, more..

Aug 2 (AM) The body of a newborn baby girl was discovered yesterday inside the toilet of a third-class compartment of a train stationed at the Maligawatte railway yard. The infant is believed to have been approximately three days old at the time of death. The discovery was made by a group of cleaning staff who were attending to the train after its journey ended in Colombo. Train, bearing number 8346, had arrived from Puttalam to Galle this morning and was later moved to the Maligawatte yard. more..

Aug 2 (FT) With the grand opening of City of Dreams, SL’s first integrated resort, set for today (2), the destination’s premium retail component, The Shoppes at City of Dreams, officially launched yesterday. Operated by John Keells Holdings (JKH), it brings a curated luxury retail experience to the heart of Colombo’s newest lifestyle hub. The Shoppes will be open to the public from tomorrow (3). At this initial stage, only the seventh floor of the high-end retail complex will be accessible, more..

Aug 2 (FT) In a significant development within SL’s intellectual property sphere, D. Samson Industries, proprietors of the Waves footwear brand, obtained interim orders from the Supreme Court in a trademark infringement dispute against Wealth Footwear Industries. The legal proceedings stem from an appeal lodged by D. Samson Industries, challenging a Commercial High Court ruling dated 25 April 2025, amid allegations that Wealth Footwear Industries had unlawfully replicated more..

Aug 2 (EN) SL’s Joint Apparel Association Forum has issued a statement, appreciating the negotiating team and the role of Ambassador Mahinda Samarasighe in bringing down a Trump tariff to levels of competitors. “SL’s rate aligns closely with other key apparel exporting nations in the region, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia & Pakistan,” JAAF said. “This parity ensures a level playing field more..

Aug 2 (ST) Renowned Canadian badminton coach, Dharshana Fernando concluded a highly successful 6-nation coaching tour, spreading his expertise across the globe. Tour took him to Dubai, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand & SL, where he worked with national teams, junior players, and club level athletes. “I’m blessed to travel the world for badminton, a sport I’m deeply passionate about. I’d like to extend my gratitude to our sponsors for their support, making these tours possible,” more..

Aug 2 (DN) Minagi Rupesinghe, SL’s short course national champion, delivered a standout performance at the ongoing World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Singapore yesterday. Competing in the 100m backstroke, Rupesinghe clocked a personal best time of 1:06.91, securing 48th place overall. The young swimmer impressed by powering through the second lap of the race. She also competed in the 200m backstroke, where her time of 2:23.70 placed her 40th internationally more..

Aug 2 (CT) A policy agreement has been reached to convert the official residence of the Speaker of Parliament into a dedicated Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Research, serving as an exclusive knowledge and training hub for MPs, Provincial Councils, and Local Govt bodies. The decision was made at the Parliamentary Staff Advisory Committee meeting held on 24 July, chaired by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, more..

Aug 2 (Island) With two world class throwers peaking for a top performance at the upcoming World Championship, the men’s javelin throw is set to produce a showdown for the ages when the 103rd National Athletics Championship commences at Diyagama on Saturday (2). Men’s javelin is one of the six finals taking place in the morning session on the opening day of the country’s premier track and field event. For the first time in history the men’s javelin features two throwers who are in the more..

Aug 2 (CT) As part of its ongoing commitment to support the development of Associate Member Nations, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is extending its assistance to the Japanese National Cricket Team, who arrived in Sri Lanka on 31 July for a preparatory camp ahead of the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) and Asia Region World Cup Qualifiers. During their stay in SL, Japanese team will engage in a preparation camp, which will consist of seven practice games. As part of the facilitation, SLC will provide more..

Aug 2 (DM) The Bar Association of SL (BASL) has sent a reminder to the Speaker of Parliament, who also serves as the Chairman of the Constitutional Council, regarding the long-pending appointment of the Chairman of the Right to Information (RTI) Commission. The BASL highlighted that the position has remained vacant for a considerable period and urged the Speaker to take serious cognizance of the matter and nominate the remaining member needed to fully constitute the RTI Commission. more..

Aug 2 (FT) The Colombo stock market yesterday ended the week on the up in an apparent vote of investor confidence on the US tariff deal, pushing the ASPI past 19,900 to a new all-time high. The benchmark ASPI gained by 1.38% or over 271.77 points and the active S&P SL20 by 2.30%. Turnover was Rs. 7.36 billion involving 416.71 million shares. During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 2.3% and 2.4% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 6.42 billion. more..

Aug 2 (CT) The SL Govt has decided to award the Kerawalapitiya Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), effectively moving forward without India’s Petronet LNG Ltd. Officials stated that CHEC had submitted its proposal through a proper tender process, while Petronet’s bid was unsolicited and submitted under a govt-to-govt arrangement, which had only received Cabinet approval under more..

Aug 2 (FT) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) released its third Market Operations Report (MOR) on 31 July 2025. The aim of the MOR is to enhance awareness and knowledge among the stakeholders on monetary operations and foreign exchange operations carried out by the Central Bank in implementing monetary policy under the Flexible Inflation Target (FIT), supported by the flexible exchange rate regime. Latest report summarises key policy measures, liquidity trends, more..

Aug 2 (AM) Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) has raised serious concerns over the recent enforcement of seatbelt regulations, calling the move impractical and unfairly targeted at private bus operators. Chairman of the Association, Gemunu Wijeratne, said that while the govt has begun enforcing the mandatory use of seatbelts in vehicles, many private buses cannot comply due to legal and technical limitations. According to the Gazette No. 1711/16 issued on 1 Oct 2011, more..