Aug 18 (Island) Several Tamil political parties have planned to stage a hartal today in the N&E provinces demanding the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, holding provincial council elections, and resolving land disputes affecting the Tamil community. Batticaloa District ITAK leader MP Shanakyan Rasamanickam said that the hartal would be led by leaders of 3 Tamil and 3 Muslim parties, representing the region in Parliament. more..

Aug 18 (DM) Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa appealed to the people of the Northern and Eastern Provinces not to be misled by what he described as distortions and false propaganda aimed at the govt and the security forces. His remarks come on the eve of a hartal scheduled for today (18), following the death of a man who allegedly attempted to forcefully enter the Shivanagar army camp in Mullaitivu, which is set to be evacuated. “Investigations are underway into this matter. more..

Aug 18 (NF) Postal workers at the Central Mail Exchange have launched a strike, citing 19 grievances including issues related to overtime payments and the mandatory fingerprint system for recording attendance. Joint Postal Trade Union Association Convener, Chinthaka Bandara, confirmed the strike action, which follows the cancellation of all postal workers’ leave. The protest is jointly backed by the Postal and Telecom Officers' Association & Joint Postal Trade Union Front. more..

Aug 18 (DN) Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that certain political parties are attempting to exploit the recent drowning incident in Oddusuddan to mislead the public and incite unrest among communities in the North & East. He stressed that the incident occurred when a group of individuals fled after breaking into an Army camp at Oddusuddan. Minister explained that the 12th Battalion camp of the Sinha Regiment more..

Aug 18 (TM) US tariff rate reduction, from an initial 44% to a subsequent 30% and now to the current 20%, is accompanied by requirements for trade balancing. The initial 44% rate was introduced based on SL’s 88% trade deficit with the US. In 2024, SL had a trade surplus of $ 2.6 billion, with exports to the US totalling $ 3 billion and imports from the US amounting to $ 368.2 million. To reach the current rate and potentially reduce it further, SL is exploring ways to address this trade deficit. more..

Aug 18 (TM) In the first six months of 2025, Sri Lankans abroad sent home $ 3.7 billion, nearly 19% more than in the same period last year, Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) figures show. These inflows, mainly from the Middle East, have helped produce a $ 1.5 billion current account surplus despite a merchandise trade deficit of over $ 3.2 billion. For a country still emerging from its worst post-independence economic crisis, the money has been a financial cushion. more..

Aug 18 (NW) Minister of Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake says several issues, including the non-expansion of Terminal 02 of the BIA, have resulted in imposing restrictions for visitors during peak hours. In a post on ‘X’, Minister Rathnayake said that congestion has been reported at the Katunayake airport due to a number of reasons. While pointing out that travellers being accompanied by loved ones has contributed to the issue, Minister Herath also noted infrastructure issues. more..

Aug 18 (AM) Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court and the Colombo Magistrate’s Court have issued arrest warrants against Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera and the former Executive Director of National Lotteries Board (NLB), Thusitha Halloluwa, following a request made by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) and the Police. The case relates to the alleged abduction of AJP General Secretary Ven. Wedinigama Wimalatissa Thera in 2020, in order to intimidate him and secure the party’s NL parliamentary seat. more..

Aug 18 (DM) In a shocking turn of events, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been pushed into an uncomfortable spot with CIABOC preparing to file action against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody over allegations of misappropriation of funds during his tenure at the Fertliser Corporation in 2015. To make matters worse, a group of opposition politicians and civil society activists are also preparing to file a contempt of court case more..

Aug 18 (DM) The sea phase of the twelfth edition of the SL-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25) commenced today (17), in western waters off Colombo. The sea phase features the participation of two Indian Navy vessels, the tanker-class INS Jyoti and the destroyer-class INS Rana, alongside SLNS Vijayabahu and SLNS Sayura of the SL Navy. SLINEX is aimed at enhancing cooperation and fostering tactical interoperability between the two navies through a series of coordinated more..

Aug 18 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that the SJB will provide free legal services to victims of the online loan scheme, which he described as an illegal mafia. “As the SJB, we raised our voices in Parliament when information about this online loan mafia first emerged a few years ago. As a result, the then-govt took steps to bring forward new bills aimed at addressing the issue,” he said. “However, this loan mafia is still operating in our country in a very harmful way,” he added, more..

Aug 18 (TM) Govt is exploring alternative pathways to advance gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights after Supreme Court struck down the proposed Gender Equality Bill, terming it unconstitutional last year. Deputy Minister of Women & Child Affairs Namal Sudarshana revealed that authorities were now considering drafting entirely new legislation while addressing the flaws identified in the rejected bill. more..

Aug 18 (Island) Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s recent address at the FAITH Tourism Conclave in India was more than a promotion of travel and hospitality – it was a masterclass in soft power, national resilience, and strategic messaging. While his speech centred on India’s tourism revival, the underlying themes: diaspora engagement, cultural pride, and navigating global turbulence hold profound relevance for Sri Lanka as it seeks to rebuild its own tourism sector more..

Aug 18 (Island) Former Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara has been summoned to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division’s Bribery and Corruption Investigation Unit on Wednesday (20) police sources said. The inquiry, conducted under the provisions of the 2006 Money Laundering Prevention (Amendment) Act No. 40 of 2011, seeks to examine assets allegedly acquired by the former Minister during his tenure, more..

Aug 18 (NW) Colombo Int'l Airport in Ratmalana (CIAR) has welcomed 15-year-old pilot Byron Waller, who is on an inspiring journey to become the youngest supported pilot to fly around the world. CIAR said Byron Waller arrived at the airport on Sunday (17) after an epic 11-hour flight across the Indian Ocean. “Living with Crohn’s disease, Byron is proving that illness doesn’t define destiny. His campaign, Teen Pilot Down Under, is a tribute to youth resilience, courage, and determination,” more..

Aug 18 (EN) A US-funded Young South Asian Leaders Initiative (YSALI) workshop was launched in Colombo aimed at providing youth networks needed to build positive regional connections. The three-day workshop brings together over 80 youth leaders, selected from alumni of previous US govt initiatives, from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan & SL to address shared challenges and opportunities, including economic development, civic participation & regional collaboration. more..

Aug 18 (AD) The hartal called by the ITAK in N&E Provinces, was a resounding success, according to MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam. MP confirmed that they decided to end the hartal campaign at noon today, following assurances given by the Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa. MP claimed that following yesterday’s press briefing by the Cabinet Spokesperson, and based on assurances given regarding the investigation more..

Aug 18 (AD) A complaint has been filed with the CIABOC against Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody, alleging involvement in corrupt activities. The complaint was lodged by Sanka Chandima Abeywardena, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Haritha Sangvidhanaya (Green Organisation). According to the complaint, the Minister is accused of causing financial losses to the government during his tenure at the Fertilizer Corporation by being involved in a corrupt tender transaction. more..

Aug 18 (AR) Sahmyook Medical Center, based in Seoul, South Korea, conducted an overseas medical mission trip at Lakeside Adventist Hospital in Kandy, from July 7 to 11, successfully performing 88 cataract surgeries during the five-day period. The mission team consisted of Shin SeungJoo, head of the Ophthalmology Dept, and three nurses. Most of the patients had advanced cataracts that made daily life difficult, with some having almost completely lost their vision. more..

Aug 18 (NW) Former State Minister Diana Gamage has praised the Anura Kumara Dissanayake-led govt for allowing cannabis cultivation in its export zones under strict regulations only for export purposes. Diana Gamage said she was pleased that the incumbent govt had taken steps to implement proposals she had made on cannabis during her tenure in the former govt. “I did not ask for people to consume cannabis while on the road. more..

Aug 18 (INW) Matityahu Korman, a Jerusalem resident and veteran world traveler, survived a violent robbery attempt in SL on Sunday night after leaping from a moving taxi. The incident took place in the coastal city of Arugam Bay, where Korman had hired a local driver for a tour of the area. According to his account, while returning toward the Chabad House in Arugam Bay, the driver suddenly diverted from the main route onto a side road. “Suddenly he began attacking me and forcibly took more..

Aug 18 (EN) Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals had topped 1.5 million on Aug 18, 2025, Ministry of Tourism said. August is a month that gets extra tourists due to the Kandy Perahera. In first 18 days to August, over 130,000 tourist had arrived. On Aug 18, 3142 tourists had arrived up to 3.00 pm. “We extend heartfelt gratitude to our visitors and local partners,” Minister Vijitha Herath said. “Sri Lanka warmly invites the world to explore our island of beauty, culture, and hospitality.” more..

Aug 18 (TM) SJB has stressed that the Govt should look at the report issued on SL by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights ahead of the next UNHRC meeting with an open mind, and that necessary steps should be taken if such reports discuss legitimate human rights-related concerns. This was stated by SJB Executive Committee member Mahesh Senanayake. He added: “If such reports present legitimate human rights violations, everyone should come together to protect more..

Aug 18 (SM) Special security is to be provided for postal workers who are reporting to work, as a major strike at the Central Mail Exchange cripples services. Postmaster General P. Sathkumara has said that there are over 3,000 sub post offices that will not be affected by the strike. However, he said that there can be delays in postal deliveries. The Postmaster General also said that he had formally requested the IGP to provide security to those who are reporting for work. more..

Aug 18 (MB) The discovery of the black mussel (Mytella strigata) in coastal shrimp farms in SL’s northwestern coastal belt has raised concerns among scientists, who warn against its potential to disrupt the country’s fragile aquatic ecosystems. Clusters of these mussels were first discovered attached to hard surfaces and each other at the bottom of drained shrimp ponds at a site that was being inspected for the development more..

Aug 18 (AD) Sri Lanka has reduced its food insecurity rate from 24% to 16%, according to Philip Ward, the newly appointed representative and the Country Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in SL. He shared this development during a meeting with Minister Vijitha Herath, after formally presenting his credentials today (18). During the discussion held at the Ministry, Minister Herath highlighted SL’s key national priorities outlined in the National Development Policy, more..

Aug 18 (TM) Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya has strongly refuted allegations of declining online ticket sales following recent reforms to the ticketing system. Pathmapriya characterised these claims as false narratives being perpetuated by parties affected by the crackdown on black market activities. “Following the implementation of the new changes which eliminate the mafia controlling the black markets, there have been claims that more..

Aug 18 (CT) SL Police are expressing grave concern over a significant increase in drowning incidents reported across the island, prompting a special appeal to the public, particularly those engaged in leisure travel. ASP F.U. Wootler highlighted the alarming statistics, urging heightened caution from all citizens. A total of 645 drowning deaths were recorded in 2024. Of these, 135 victims were women, and 510 were men. more..

Aug 18 (NW) The BIA has recorded a sharp rise in both profits and flight movements during the first half of 2025. Operational profit reached Rs. 16,133 million between Jan and June 2025, marking a 78% increase from Rs. 9,049 million in the same period last year. During the same period, total flight movements grew by 16% compared to 2024. Int'l operations rose by 17%, with the highest growth of 22% recorded in March, while domestic operations increased by 10%, with a 38% rise in June. more..

Aug 18 (AD) Two more petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the bill presented in Parliament by the govt to revoke the privileges of former Presidents. The petitions were filed by two individuals from Veyangoda and Pannipitiya. The Attorney General has been named as the respondent in both cases. The petitioners argue that Clauses 1 to 4 of the proposed bill violate the doctrine of separation of powers, which is guaranteed by the Constitution of SL. more..

Aug 19 (CT) The power of artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and improve how work gets done is irrefutable, and organisations, especially Govts and countries, are recognising its impact. Many nations across the world, especially in Asia are looking for ways to improve the efficiency of administrative functions with AI and others have already created integrated systems that support State infrastructure. Interest in AI is also strong in SL, which aims to turbocharge development more..

Aug 19 (GV) A social debate over the new education reforms is emerging amid rumors that history and aesthetics subjects have been removed from the curriculum. Not only have some teachers’ unions and political party representatives protested but even university professors have voiced opposition. In fact, history and aesthetics subjects have not been removed from the educational reforms. However, since these subjects are not compulsory and are perceived as less influential in more..

Aug 19 (CT) The legal disposal of dead bodies in SL is a highly charged process with statutory obligations, medical practices, and legal oversight to ensure that deaths are documented accurately and respectfully. There are two primary types of disposal: legal and illegal. This article explores practices and standards concerning the legal disposal of dead bodies. This is discussed with reference to various processes important more..

Aug 19 (TM) Sri Lanka Post, once an essential part of the colonial empire and its bureaucracy, has been struggling to stay relevant and effective for decades. Today, the postal service, a public service, is like a time capsule, with archaic practices, remnants of politicisation, outdated staffing and business models, and a thick layer of trade union rust corroding its structures. The service is held together by multiple govts that have been fumbling with the political will to either put down the suffering beast or more..

Aug 19 (CT) The core principle of circular economy underlies the need for putting the scarce and limited resources to the maximum use by people. It requires people to recycle what is being used on one side and establish a production model that would use the output of one economic activity as inputs for another economic activity, on the other. This differs from the existing linear economic model in which resources are converted to outputs for use by people. Once used, they disappear from the system more..

Aug 19 (TM) Concerns have recently been raised over the annual transfers of medical officers, as the GMOA criticises the Govt officials involved in the process for not following instructions issued by Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. Early last week, GMOA warned of trade union action, which was later suspended with an agreement to discuss the matter further. However, it was reiterated at a mid-week press conference by the GMOA that if officials more..