Aug 22 (EN) A project called The Routes We Take by an EU network of national cultural organisations and Good Life X will have its second edition at the YGC Innovation Festival in Jaffna, from Aug 29-30. At the festival, the project will showcase the works of sustainable creatives on the map, host an interactive engagement activity and conduct a capacity building workshop. These engagements will offer opportunities to share the Creative Green Map with a wider audience and expand more..

Aug 22 (AD) Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath informed Parliament today (22) that the draft bill to repeal the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be published in the Government Gazette in the beginning of September. “We will make the necessary amendments and finalize them before the end of this month, after which the gazette notification to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act will be published in early September,” the Minister stated. more..

Aug 22 (Island) Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekaran said the govt would definitely defeat the no-confidence motion submitted against a member of its parliamentary group. Although, a press release issued by the ministry refrained from mentioning the no confidence motion, the JVPer was obviously referring to the SJB action against the Deputy Defence Minister Maj. Gen. (retd.) Aruna Jayasekera over his alleged culpability in failing to thwart 2019 Easter Sunday attacks as more..

Aug 22 (DM) Former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was arrested by the CID a short while ago, is the first former head of state to be arrested by law enforcement ever in SL history. Wickremesinghe has been arrested over allegations of misusing state funds for a personal trip he undertook to London when he was the Executive President. Former Prez had received a telephone call from CID officials on Tuesday, and although he usually gives his own date to appear for investigations, more..

Aug 22 (DM) SJB member and lawyer Lihini Fernando has strongly condemned a statement made by YouTuber Sudha, who suggested that Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe should be mandatorily remanded if he appears before the CID to give a statement. Sudha, a popular YouTuber, had claimed that Wickremesinghe must be arrested, produced before court, and held in remand custody for 14 days, further vowing to discontinue his programs if such action is not taken. Fernando described the remarks as more..

Aug 22 (AD) Postal trade unions participating in the ongoing strike have staged a Satyagraha campaign in front of the Colombo Central Mail Exchange. Representatives from several other trade unions, including the All Ceylon United Teachers’ Union and the Workers’ Struggle Center, are also taking part in this Satyagraha campaign. Special police security has been deployed around the Colombo Central Mail Exchange premises in response to the campaign, more..

Aug 22 (DM) UNP has officially released a copy of the invitation extended to former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and his wife, Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe, by the Uni of Wolverhampton in Sept 2023, following his arrest on allegations of misusing state funds for the trip. The party insisted that Wickremesinghe had not used state funds improperly, reiterating his earlier denial of the allegations. The invitation cited “On behalf of the Uni of Wolverhampton’s Chancellor, more..

Aug 22 (AD) MP Rauff Hakeem says it is worrying that the arrest of former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe was announced in advance by a YouTuber. Speaking in Parliament, former minister referenced the arrest of Wickremesinghe by CID officers after recording a statement from the former president. “A few days ago, there was a YouTuber who was showing his affection in a very inappropriate way, in my opinion. But then this particular YouTuber also went on record virtually announcing that more..

Aug 22 (EN) A blackout occurred at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court during the bail hearing of ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a court reporter said. Wickremesinghe was brought to court, after being arrested in the afternoon following a questioning. The bail hearing went on for hours with the court eventually taking a 30 minute recess. Immediately after proceedings resumed lights went out plunging the premises packed with officials, media and supporters into darkness. more..

Aug 22 (NF) SJB MP Chaminda Wijesiri cautioned that a lack of proper understanding and implementation of necessary internal reforms could lead to a division within the party. He made these remarks during a special media briefing held in Colombo. Wijesiri emphasized that the SJB must build a clean and visionary leadership structure that aligns with the future needs of the country. He stated that this process would require a reorganization of several key positions within the party. more..

Aug 22 (NW) The COPE has been informed that Rs. 20,630 million collected during the period from 2018 to Nov 2023 by the Civil Aviation Authority of SL has not been remitted to the Treasury. During a meeting of the COPE in Parliament this week, Committee Chair stated that, according to clauses 7 and 8 of Extraordinary Gazette No. 1550/7 dated 22nd May 2008, the Overseas Sales Surcharge (OSS) collected by the Civil Aviation Authority should be credited to the Consolidated Fund. more..

Aug 22 (NF) The Govt of SL has entered into a bilateral debt restructuring agreement with the Govt of the UK of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to restore debt sustainability. The agreement, which follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), includes a debt relief package through the rescheduling of outstanding debts owed to the UK. more..

Aug 22 (Island) GMOA alleged that as a result of the Health Ministry meddling with the annual transfer process, nearly 10,000 doctors had been adversely affected The GMOA said that the ministry had also done away with 78 vacancies without obtaining approval from the Public Service Commission (PSC). Although the PSC had accepted the stand taken by the GMOA that remedial measures should be taken forthwith, the Health Ministry continued to delay taking action, the GMOA claimed in a statement issued yesterday, more..

Aug 22 (DM) An immediate investigation must be launched into the chairman of the opposition-linked coal company, as he cannot be absolved of responsibility merely by resigning from his post, Education Secretary of the FLSP Pubudu Jayagoda said. Jayagoda revealed what he described as a serious irregularity in the awarding of a coal tender. He charged that the govt had deviated from national procurement guidelines, which require a six-week period for tender more..

Aug 23 (DM) The SJB in a no-confidence motion against the Deputy Defence Minister, Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara, accuses him of negligence of duties during his tenure as the Eastern Commander of SL Army in the context of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in 2019. The party handed over the no-confidence motion to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne on Aug 12 arguing conflict of interest is involved in the current investigations into the terror attacks, citing Jayasekara’s role during more..

Aug 23 (DM) In Jan 2015 when the Yahapalana govt was elected to power, the majority Sri Lankans had fresh hopes for an era of democratic values and the rule of law. This was especially after a decade of unmitigated power enjoyed by Mahinda Rajapaksa, overriding allegations of corruption due to his huge popularity after the ending of three-decades-long civil war in 2009. The Yahapalanaya govt was established in 2015 under Prez Maithripala Sirisena, who was thought to be a humble and more..

Aug 23 (SO) A new study published in Heliyon has revealed that a large percentage of personal care and cosmetic products available in Sri Lanka contain microplastics, particularly polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Conducted by Sanduni Gamage and Yasantha Mahagamage from the Department of Zoology at the University of Sri J'pura, the research used spectroscopic analysis to identify and more..

Aug 23 (GV) From the damp earth of a jungle bunker to the sterile corridors of military intelligence, my life has been a study in transformation. I was born Kagusthan Ariaratnam, a boy who dreamed of soccer and engineering but the Sri Lankan civil war had other plans. It gave me new names – Oppilan, 05, Murali – and a new identity forged in the crucible of conflict. I became a Spy Tiger, an intelligence officer for the LTTE. From this vantage point, I witnessed the slow, agonizing metamorphosis more..

Aug 23 (CT) NPP came to power with immense expectations and gave several promises. Thousands of words were spoken, convincing people to join in a collective effort. Mega stages, millions of dollars, local and international tours, media programs, and more. Those were all matters of their system change. That was the slogan a year ago. What has happened? Is there a crystal clear system change? Should we change the prevailing system begun by NPP? The inquiry into the existence of a more..

Aug 23 (CT) SL’s recent tender for a new dispatchable power plant has been making headlines in the media, for many reasons. Social media has been quick to latch onto a figure – Rs 73 per unit of electricity – painting it as another example of the country’s supposedly overpriced energy deals. But as with most things in the energy sector, the story is far more complex than a single number suggests. The project in question is Sahasdhanavi, more..

Aug 23 (ST) Last week, we dealt with a new concept of the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) – a market-based tool for better management of ecosystem services. PES is a simple idea with powerful implications but complex mechanisms: those who benefit from nature’s services should pay for those who can protect and maintain them. This means using money and incentives—like payments or contracts—to encourage people to protect and promote nature. more..

Aug 23 (CT) In April 2019, SL was shaken to its core. The Easter Sunday bombings killed over 250 people, many of them attending church services or enjoying a family holiday. It was one of the darkest days in the island’s modern history, leaving a permanent scar on survivors, on the Catholic community, and on the entire nation. Six years on, justice remains elusive. This week, former Prez Maithripala Sirisena, who was Head of State and Commander-in-Chief when tragedy occurred, more..

Aug 23 (Island) Close on the heels of the arrest of former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala thundered in Parliament that everyone was equal before the law. Whether the suspects were former Presidents or ex-IGPs did not matter any longer, he added. Anyone on the wrong side of the law would be prosecuted, he said. The CID arrested Wickremesinghe yesterday over alleged misuse of state funds for a private visit to the UK while he was the President. more..

Aug 23 (Island) Sri Lanka records the highest number of elephant deaths in the world. The year 2023 marked one of the worst in recent memory, with 488 elephants killed and 182 human deaths reported due to the conflict. By mid-2024, another 388 elephants had already perished. According to Wildlife Director General Ranjan Marasinghe, a total of 245 elephants have died this year due to various causes. Among them, 38 were electrocuted, while 13 were fatally struck by trains. more..

Aug 23 (Island) In a historic event, SL’s eighth Exec Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested on Friday by the CID. None of the former Presidents—J.R. Jayewardene, R Premadasa, D.B. Wijetunga, Chandrika Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, or Gotabaya Rajapaksa—had ever been arrested in this manner. This, therefore, marks the first time in SL’s history that a former Prez has been taken into custody by the CID. more..

Aug 23 (ST) Moratuwa Municipal Council will revive an abandoned playground and reconstruct its pavilion, which was built at a cost of Rs. 19 million, newly elected Mayor Nishantha Fernando said. He noted that the pavilion had been constructed even before the playground itself, and over time, drug addicts and thieves had stripped it of its roof, fittings, and other items—including the main iron gate. Named the Jayagathpura Playground, the facility was started during the Yahapalana govt more..

Aug 23 (ST) As the use of generative AI (gen-AI) continues to grow, with more people downloading GPT apps and signing up for accounts, cybercrimes including online scams and child sexual harassment have also increased, with around 6,000 social media related incidents reported by the end of July, including 400 online scams and 20 child sexual harassment cases, said Lead Information Security Engineer at Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT), Charuka Damunupola. more..

Aug 23 (FT) Estate Lake Real Estate yesterday said it facilitated a historic transaction valued at Rs. 4.5 billion for Home Lands Holding, marking the largest recorded real estate deal in Colombo’s history. The transaction paves the way for a 40-story twin tower project that is set to become a landmark on the city’s skyline. This milestone underscores Estate Lake’s unmatched ability to connect high-value opportunities with strategic investors. Known for its professionalism, market insight, more..

Aug 23 (FT) Cycle Brands, which promotes incense products, recently took a remarkable step by launching four new fragrances and creating a convenient online access to its customers and partners at Scent & Sparkle 2025. Cycle Brands introduced four exclusive fragrances to its already existing and rich collection, expanding the choices and options to their increasing customer base. At Scent & Sparkle 2025, Cycle Brands also launched its official website, more..

Aug 23 (ST) Long standing issues of SL Railways are emerging with allegations and counter allegations by officials and trade unionists. The archaic infrastructure, colonial practices, lack of staff, poor maintenance of equipment and fraud in electronic ticketing systems are among the problems, along with continuing train delays and cancellations. Several senior railway officials said that certain officials are reluctant to more..

Aug 23 (DN) Sri Lanka’s javelin throwers Rumesh Tharanga and Dilhani Lekamge produced outstanding performances at the Asian Throwing C'ships held in Mokpo, South Korea, yesterday. The 21-year-old Tharanga clinched the gold medal with a throw of 82.05m. He first cleared 79.52m on his opening attempt before producing a remarkable third attempt of 82.05m to finish on top in style. Tharanga entered the meet on the back of his 86.50m national record, achieved at the World Athletics more..

Aug 23 (CT) Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), together with Petroleum Storage Terminals Company (PSTC), has expanded the pipelines and facilities required for bunkering operations at the Port of Colombo. Due to the limited pipeline network and oil-loading facilities previously available at the port, bunkering operations faced several constraints. As the first phase of a special plan introduced by the new Govt to address this issue, PSTC has developed a new pipeline system more..

Aug 23 (DN) Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be repealed by the beginning of Sept 2025 and will be replaced with new legislation to ensure national security, pending a final committee report as promised by the NPP policy statement and not because of any external pressures to do so. Minister Vijitha Herath said this while addressing the Parliament yesterday during the adjournment debate on the HR issues faced by Tamils & Muslims more..

Aug 23 (DN) Vimath Dinsara, the stylish Royal College batter, will captain the SL Under-19 team in the upcoming seven-match Youth ODI series against the West Indies, to be held in Antigua and North Sound. The SLC Junior Selection Committee, headed by Vinothan John, has named a 16-member squad for the series, which will commence on August 30. Four Trinity College players, Dimantha Mahavithana, Pulisha Thillekaratne, Adam Hilmy, and Sethmika Seneviratne, made the squad, more..

Aug 23 (FT) Colombo stock market ended its 5-session rally yesterday, with both indices ending lower due to prolonged selling pressure as investors booked profits. ASPI closed 0.32% lower, down 66.29 points from the previous day to 20,649.20. The active S&P SL20 ended 0.31% lower, down 18.65 points to 6,089.84. Compared to a week ago, both indices were still up. During the week, ASPI gained 430.84 points, or 2.13%, and the active S&P SL20 closed 195 points higher, or 3.03%. more..

Aug 23 (FT) The Bar Association of SL (BASL) yesterday said it has urged Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake to tighten penalties under the country’s wildlife laws, citing a rise in elephant and leopard killings that it says demand urgent intervention. In a letter to President Disanayake, the BASL said the country’s fauna and flora form a critical part of its heritage and economy. “Your Excellency will no doubt appreciate that the fauna and flora of Sri Lanka form an important constituent of more..