Aug 2 (DM) Colombo High Court has scheduled a hearing for Oct 30 to fix a trial date in a corruption case filed against former Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, which will proceed in his absence. HC Judge Mahesh Weeraman issued the order today after considering a request by the Bribery Commission, which informed the court that the former minister is currently residing overseas. Bribery Commission filed the case under the Bribery Act, accusing Bogollagama of engaging in more..

Aug 2 (FT) Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma yesterday said the Govt remains flexible in addressing any concerns about the possible impact of US trade demands on the existing commitments of the IMF program. “Sri Lanka has entered into an IMF program, which includes parameters that we are required to comply with as a nation. If such requirements arise and we find it necessary, we are open to discussing them with all stakeholders involved,” he told journalists, more..

Aug 2 (DM) City of Dreams, SL’s largest private sector investment in luxury tourism, will open its doors today, marking the official launch of South Asia’s first fully integrated resort. The project is expected to elevate Colombo’s standing as a regional destination for leisure, entertainment and high-end retail. Backed by John Keells Holdings (JKH), the US $ 1.2 billion project will see Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan at its opening. more..

Aug 2 (CT) A delegation from the Wuhan Uni of Science and Technology in China has expressed interest in collaborating with SL to explore the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics across key sectors. One of the central proposals discussed is the establishment of a technology laboratory, potentially located at the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies. China has offered to support this initiative by providing the technological infrastructure free of charge. more..

Aug 2 (DN) Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva has described the recent reduction of the reciprocal tariff imposed on Sri Lanka to 20% as a significant victory. In a statement shared on his official social media platforms, Dr. de Silva noted that the move would enhance Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and support future economic progress. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to achieving this outcome through dedicated efforts. more..

Aug 2 (FT) Govt yesterday said it is working to unlock broader economic opportunities with the US by focusing on improved market access, enhanced trade facilitation and governance reforms. On 1 Aug, the US officially announced that it has further reduced reciprocal tariffs to 20% for SL exports, scaling down from a steeper initial proposal. SL had been lobbying for a lower rate after US Prez Donald Trump in April imposed a 44% more..

Aug 3 (SO) US Prez Donald Trump’s latest Executive order on Reciprocal Tariffs has caused a lot of uncertainty among developing economies, but for SL, there is cause for cautious optimism. SL’s exports to the US now face a 20% tariff, substantially lower than the punitive 44% first mooted in April, and crucially, on par with or below most regional competitors. SL’s negotiating team deserves credit for steering the country through one of the most complex trade disputes in recent history. more..

Aug 3 (ST) The Govt’s proposed education reforms have led to a healthy discussion, unfortunately resulting in some having to comment without the benefit of studying the entirety of the proposals and relying only on bits and pieces of information made public from time to time. Like with the many MoUs it has signed with India, the Govt seems to take a perverse delight in keeping things close to its chest. The debate in Parliament on these reforms partly revolved around more..

Aug 3 (TM) Months of anticipation over SL’s economic recovery process in the backdrop of US Prez Donald Trump’s trade tariffs on SL reached a positive conclusion with the reduction of trade tariffs from the initial 44% to 30% later and being finalised at 20% on Thursday (31). The new trade tariffs are to become effective from Thursday (7) and countries are to sign and seal the new trade deals with the US within the next few months. more..

Aug 3 (TM) Throughout the past 500 years or so, this land we now call Sri Lanka has often been someone else’s prize. From the moment the Portuguese set foot here in the 16th century, to the Dutch who replaced them, and finally the British, colonisers found this island to be a jewel worth possessing. With only the occasional uprising and fleeting moments of rebellion, the island largely rolled over, generation after generation, as foreign powers took turns exploiting its resources, more..

Aug 3 (CT) As Sri Lanka inches closer to formulating yet another national policy, questions persist about how inclusive and effective these processes truly are. On 31 July, a fresh round of consultations took place, this time with civil society representatives at the Ministry of Mass Media Auditorium. It was the ninth consultation this time with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in a series aimed at gathering input for shaping the country’s media policy. This writer was among those present, more..

Aug 3 (ST) The official residence allocated for the Speaker in Kotte is to be turned into a Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Research for the exclusive use of MPs and provincial and local councillors. The premises opened in 2000 and has been occupied by several speakers, but since taking office, the NPP has shunned official residences and has chosen to live in private dwellings. The Parliamentary Staff Advisory Committee, more..

Aug 3 (ST) My Dear Namal baby, I am writing to you because somehow, you are able to find a way to be in the news, be it having a warrant issued for your arrest, attending a musical show in the Port City or travelling to the Maldive Islands in the same aircraft as Anura sahodaraya when you have to appear in court on the same day! There is nothing alarming about all that. As an opposition politician you must be realising that being in any kind of news is better than not being in the news at all. more..

Aug 3 (Island) US Prez Donald Trump’s dreams are in the news again. It was a dream come true for him to secure a non-consecutive second term. Not many expected him to be re-elected after the 2021 mob attacks carried out by his supporters on the Capitol. Then came the felony conviction which, his critics thought, would ruin his chances of re-election, but he realised his dream of savouring power again. There seems to be no end to his dreaming. Now, he is eyeing the Nobel Peace Prize. more..

Aug 3 (CT) Even after 38 years, the Indo-Lanka Accord, signed on July 29, 1987, stands out as a remarkable event in SL’s history. After much struggle, the accord led to the 13th Amendment, which introduced a provincial council structure in an attempt to resolve the island’s protracted ethnic conflict. From the outset, hardliners on both sides rejected the 13th Amendment as a comprehensive solution: Tamil hardliners argued it was insufficient, while some Sinhalese hardliners believed more..

Aug 3 (Island) In a feat that will be etched into the annals of SL sports, the rowing crew of Visakha Vidyalaya made history at the 40th SL National Rowing Championships as they won both the Junior Girls’ and Women’s Intermediate titles. According to Visakha officials they did it without owning a single boat or oar. Competing against rivals who have resources for rowing, the young women defied all odds, relying on sheer grit, determination, and team spirit to carve out a notable achievement. more..

Aug 3 (SO) The pristine beauty of SL’s natural reserves, vital ecological havens have often found itself at the mercy of arbitrary Governmental decisions in the past. A recent case in point, the Vidattaltivu Nature Reserve, highlights the urgent need for consistent and unwavering commitment to environmental protection. While a recent Govt decision to revoke a controversial Gazette notification has brought a sigh of relief more..

Aug 3 (TM) Trinity College, Kandy deservedly created history as they annexed the Dialog Schools Rugby League title after 38 years, with a hard-fought 23-21 victory over Wesley College, Colombo in an arm-wrestle at the Pallekele Stadium last afternoon. The Lions last roared their way to league success way back in 1987 under former No. 8 Tyrrell Rajapakse and the class of 2025 led by inside centre Usman Safraz followed in their footsteps by sealing the trophy with a game to spare. more..

Aug 3 (Island) High above the sleepy hamlet of Buddama in Monaragala District, a silent hill rises like a guardian of secrets, Buddama Hela, a rocky ridge veiled in forest and time. It is home to a cave unknown to most, untouched by guidebooks or popular archaeology. But those who’ve walked its narrow paths and touched its cool stone walls speak of something extraordinary, a place where prehistory brushes against the present, in fading pigment and profound mystery. more..

Aug 3 (TM) Hingurakgoda Airport Development Project had been initiated by the previous Govt without any business plan in place, the Govt has claimed. Deputy Minister Janitha Kodithuwakku noted that approximately half of the expanded runway at the Hingurakgoda Airport had already been completed under the previous administration. Accordingly, he stated that given the substantial expenditure already incurred, Govt intended to proceed with the completion of the runway. more..

Aug 3 (Island) SL’s white-ball outfit was beginning to hit its stride last month — until the Bangladesh series threw a spanner in the works.What was expected to be a routine bilateral assignment turned into a sobering reality check as the hosts crashed to a 2-1 T20I series defeat. The most alarming part? Not just the losses — but the meekness with which they folded in the last two encounters, barely laying a glove on the opposition. With the batting misfiring like a damp firecracker, more..

Aug 3 (ST) Chamod Yodhasinghe and Amasha de Silva of SL Army sprinted their way into the spotlight as the fastest male and female athletes at the 103rd National Athletics Championship, which kicked off yesterday at Diyagama. Yodhasinghe blazed through the Men’s 100m final with a stunning time of 10.4 seconds, leaving his Army teammate D.S. Diyalawatta settle for silver with 10.59 seconds. more..

Aug 3 (SO) Soy Connext 2025, a signature annual conference of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) formerly known as the Global Trade Exchange will be held in Washington, DC, at the Hilton Washington, from Aug 20-22. USSEC focuses on differentiating, elevating preference, and attaining market access for the use of U.S. Soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in over 80 countries internationally. The Council’s members represent the soy supply chain including more..

Aug 3 (CT) Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC), which is a self-funded semi-govt organisation coming under the purview of the Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Ocean Resources Ministry, has faced numerous obstacles in its day-to-day operations due to a lack of funds. However, its present administration has since taken various measures to effectively manage its working capital and thereby carry out its operations in a cost-effective manner, said CFC Chairman more..

Aug 3 (DM) The poor enforcement of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act has led to foreign nationals from countries such as Israel, India and Russia engaging in employment activities and business operations in blatant violation of the law, the Daily Mirror learns. Sri Lanka tourism authorities have now planned to extend free visa entry into the country for nationals from 40 different countries, in addition to a few other countries to which the facility has more..

Aug 3 (CT) As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with instability in the middle order, emerging talent Pawan Rathnayake has put his name firmly in contention for a national call-up. With the Zimbabwe tour scheduled for late August, all signs point to the in-form right-hander being handed his much-anticipated international debut. Rathnayake has enjoyed a prolific run in the domestic circuit this season, representing Colombo Cricket Club (CCC) with consistency across formats. more..

Aug 3 (AM) Sri Lanka Customs has recorded an exceptional revenue performance this year, collecting Rs. 1,227 billion by 1 Aug 2025, with July marking the highest-ever monthly income in its history. Rs. 231 billion was collected in July alone—a record-breaking figure never achieved in a single month before. The annual revenue target for 2025 stands at Rs. 2,115 billion, and by the end of July, Customs had already exceeded expectations by Rs. 116 billion more..

Aug 3 (SO) Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has formally suspended the duties of Magistrate and District Judge of Moratuwa Thilina Gamage, who is now under investigation over renewed allegations concerning his involvement in a high profile elephant trafficking case. On Friday Magistrate Gamage received a written notification from the JSC, granting him 21 days to respond to the charges filed against him. The suspension formally came into effect yesterday, suspending his official functions at more..

Aug 3 (TM) Discussions related to Budget 2026 are to commence this Tuesday (5) as per the Budget Formulation Process – 2026, according to the Ministry of Finance. Treasury and Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Deputy Secretary A.K. Seneviratne confirmed that Budget discussions were expected to be carried out within the time frame of 5 Aug and 4 Sept. If all goes as expected, the timeline details the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for Appropriation Bill more..

Aug 3 (GN) Sri Lanka has the potential to become for India what Macau is to China, according to Lawrence Ho, chairman of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd., as the Hong Kong-listed gaming resorts operator opened its first South Asian property in Colombo on August 2. “SL can be to India what Macau is to China,” Ho said at the launch of the $1.2 billion City of Dreams SL project, developed with SL's John Keells Holdings. more..

Aug 3 (AD) PM Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of building female leadership in today’s society, stating that the SL Girl Guides Association possesses the ability to fulfill this need. The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the Presidential Girl Guide Awards Ceremony, organized yesterday at the Temple Trees by the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, which is part of the world’s largest voluntary organization for women, according to the PM’s Media Division. more..

Aug 3 (NW) President’s Office has taken stern disciplinary action against several security officers who were found to have purchased liquor illegally from the duty-free section at the Katunayake Airport. According to sources, seven security personnel have been transferred with immediate effect, pending a formal inquiry into the incident. The matter came to light when the officials had entered the airport premises during Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent departure to the Maldives. more..

Aug 3 (EN) SL’s City of Dreams integrated resort, built by John Keells Holdings, with a casino and Nuwa hotel by its partner Melco Resorts and Entertainment, expects to reposition Colombo to the top end of the tourism market, officials said. The US$ 1.2 billion integrated resort was conceptualized in 2010-2011, after a 30-year war and John Keells was looking for ways to strengthen SL’s tourism potential. “We were also conscious that we were next door to India, which was growing at more..

Aug 3 (TM) The review committee for the proposed Anti-Terror Bill is on track to complete its work in the next two weeks, paving the way for the bill to be released for public consultations. This timeline was confirmed by Committee Chairman Rienzie Arsecularatne, PC, who stated that the team was currently reviewing the final two chapters of the legislation. “We are down to the last two chapters, so we plan to invest the next two weeks into completing the necessary work,” more..

Aug 3 (ST) Sri Lanka granted the US a wide range of concessions in exchange for the US reducing its reciprocal tariff on SL goods to 20% from the previous 30% that was due to have come into effect on Aug 1, authoritative sources said. The concessions apply to both US industrial and agricultural goods. The US has given the same treatment to 1,161 industrial and 42 agricultural products from SL while continuing to push more..