Aug 29 (CT) On the Int'l Day of the Disappeared, observed on 30 Aug, the Int'l Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reaffirmed its solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of people worldwide who remain missing or separated from their families due to armed conflicts, violence, disasters, humanitarian crises, and migration. For over a decade, the ICRC has implemented a comprehensive, island-wide support programme in SL to address the multifaceted needs of families of missing more..

Aug 29 (MB) In the mist-wrapped folds of SL’s Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO-recognized world heritage site, where clouds softly wrap the rugged peaks in a soft embrace, a group of scientists recently stumbled upon a ghost from the island’s colonial past, in the form of a forgotten orchid. Nestled among the branches of forest trees near a tributary of the Mahaweli River in Rangala, Kandy district, bloomed Vanda thwaitesii more..

Aug 29 (FT) The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of SL (FCCISL) will host the SL Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2025 today at 5 p.m. at Cinnamon Life. Since the mid-1990s, SLEOTY has stood as the country’s premier stage for recognising excellence in enterprise. It has celebrated entrepreneurs who rose from humble beginnings and persevered through adversity to shape SL’s economy. The Awards are inclusive, recognising micro, small, medium, large, more..

Aug 29 (AD) The woman and the small child who were arrested along with several most-wanted SL underworld criminal figures, including ‘Kehelbaddara’ Padme, while in Indonesia, have been were brought to the island this evening. It is reported that they had arrived in the country at around 5.50 pm today on flight UL-365 from Jakarta, Indonesia. Notorious organised criminal Mandinu Padmasiri, alias ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, and gang members known by the aliases ‘Commando Salintha’, more..

Aug 29 (TM) Anti Corruption Force Convenor Niroshan Padukka raised concerns about the misuse of the recently imposed tax on onions and potatoes. He made the remarks at a press briefing held yesterday, where he alleged: “Ministers Wasantha Samarasinghe & K.D. Lal Kantha chaired the Food Security Committee. The duo took steps to increase the import tax during the period of harvesting. Accordingly, more..

Aug 29 (Island) The awarding ceremony of Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enikki festa organized by SL National Commission for UNESCO with the sponsorship of the Mitsubishi Corporation to felicitate school children who won the Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enikki Festa picture-diary competition was held on Thursday at Temple Trees, with the participation of the PM Harini Amarasuriya, who is the Chairperson to SL National Commission for UNESCO, together with Ambassador more..

Aug 29 (NW) Minister Ananda Wijepala, says red warrants have been issued for approximately 75 organized and underworld criminals currently hiding overseas. He revealed that a significant number, around 20 of them, have already been brought back to the country. Minister further said that the remaining suspects will also be swiftly extradited and presented before the law in the near future. Public Security Minister went on to note that the six underworld figures who were arrested more..

Aug 29 (TM) The 159th anniversary of the Police Department will be celebrated on 3 Sept 2025. The day of the assumption of the duties in the office of the IGP is commemorated as the Police Day. The Police performs duties throughout the day for the purpose of combating crimes, drug trafficking, vices, and traffic accidents. The number of Police officers deployed to carry out the duties assigned, including officers attached to the Police Special Task Force, is approximately 86,000. more..

Aug 29 (CT) Hemas Outreach Foundation, dedicated to transforming early childhood education in SL, recently opened its first Piyawara preschool in the plantation sector at the Pedro Estate, Nuwara Eliya. The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) and Kelani Valley Plantations, is part of Hemas’ broader efforts to expand access to quality education for underserved communities. The newly-established preschool will provide 50 children from more..

Aug 29 (ST) With the southwest monsoon in full swing, the shores of Mannar are once again buried under waves of transboundary plastic pollution, this year, locals say, worse than ever. “When we go out to sea, the southern coast leading to Adam’s Bridge is covered,” said Selvaratnam Dilaxan, a social and environmental activist from Mannar. “There’s plastic dust in the air, too, brought by the winds. We usually get a lot of it, but more..

Aug 29 (AD) Two suspects have been arrested for aiding and abetting the shooting of a former prison officer near the Bolgoda Bridge in the Bandaragama Police Division. The duo was arrested last afternoon in the Modarawila area in Panadura and presented to the Bandaragama Police Station. The deceased in the shooting, which took place on Aug 21, has been identified as Lalith Kodagoda, a resident of Panadura. The suspects arrested are aged 18 and 21 and are residents of Panadura, more..

Aug 29 (NW) Development work on the SL–Japan Friendship Road in Battaramulla was officially launched on Thursday (28), under the aegis of Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena. The road development is being conducted under the guidance of the Ministry of Transport and Highways, and is supervised by the Colombo Chief Engineering Office of the RDA. SL–Japan Friendship Road in Battaramulla, spanning 2 km, is being developed with a carpeted surface at an estimated more..

Aug 29 (ST) The scene on the fifth floor of the Sri J'pura General Hospital (SJGH) is surreal – it is Saturday, July 26th and glued to several TV screens are all those doctors who hold people’s precious hearts in their hands. On the screens are close-up live images of keyhole (minimally-invasive) heart surgery being performed by our very own Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. Rajitha de Silva, joined by India’s more..

Aug 29 (AD) In a significant step towards deepening democratic ties, the 24-member high-level delegation of SL-India Parliamentary Friendship Association met India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during their visit to the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) at Lok Sabha Secretariat in New Delhi. The delegation was led by Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health of SL and President of the SL–India Parliamentary Friendship Association. more..

Aug 29 (TM) Five suspects have been arrested for illegally hunting a pregnant spotted deer in Wilpattu National Park. Wildlife officers arrested the individuals in the Meegasdeniya area of the park, where they discovered the killed deer being prepared for meat. The officers seized a 12-bore firearm, ammunition, and other equipment used for the crime. While one suspect managed to escape, authorities are conducting further investigations to locate and apprehend them. more..

Aug 30 (CT) When aragalaya broke out in 2022 its immediate demands were captured in two slogans: Gota Go Home and No 225. They were an uncompromising vote of no confidence on the ones governing the country and all elected members in the legislature of the time. But the real demand of the rebels went far beyond those two. Aragalaya in essence, was a revolt against a system of governance which since 1978, if not earlier, had reduced parliamentary democracy into more..

Aug 30 (CT) The arrest-cum-bail drama involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe seems to have had all the elements of drama in it. Media accounts of the bail proceedings in capital Colombo’s Fort Magistrate Court looked more like a Greek tragedy, as contesting lawyers seemed to talk more of politics and less of law. In the end, the Court, overruling the prosecution’s case, granted bail to the accused, who was the nation’s Head of State until not very long ago. more..

Aug 30 (GV) SL’s political landscape, already scarred by years of turmoil, has been plunged into fresh upheaval. The arrest of former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe on charges of misappropriating public funds has not only shaken the political establishment but has also rekindled old debates about law, power, and the survival of democracy itself. What began as a technical legal matter over a disputed foreign trip has evolved into more..

Aug 30 (CT) The recent international operation to apprehend Kehelbaddara Padme and his criminal associates marks a watershed moment in the history of SL’s Police force. For 5 intense days, officers undertook a high-risk mission in Jakarta, working under constant surveillance, extreme pressure, and minimal rest, to capture some of the country’s most notorious underworld figures. Padme, Commando Salintha, Backhoe Saman, Panadure Nilanga, and others were responsible for a string of more..

Aug 30 (GV) SL stands at a crossroads in its journey towards gender equality. From the halls of parliament to the climate affected fields of rural women farmers, from the rising dangers of technology facilitated violence to the quiet invisibility of unpaid care work, the lives of women are deeply intertwined with the broader political, social and economic fabric of the nation. These are not isolated issues. Around the world debates on gender & law, gender & politics, gender & climate change, more..

Aug 30 (SO) The Mannar Island, largest island of SL, lies in the Mannar District, connected to the mainland by a causeway across the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mannar. Geographically, the island is unique as much of it lies below sea level, making it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes. With a population of around 75,000 people the Mannar Island is home to fishing and farming communities whose livelihoods more..

Aug 30 (TM) One of the most powerful things about SL is that it is filled with talent and expertise. Young people often dream about being leaders in their chosen professions at a young age. However, a challenging economy and dreams of a better future have often led to several people leaving or planning to leave the country. While this has always been the case to an extent, the turbulence of the last five years has seen more and more young professionals leave our shores in search of greener more..

Aug 30 (CT) Sri Lankans realised that Britain was at the height of imperialism by the 19th Century, however, it was also a time when they pushed Sinhala Buddhism to the bottom of society. A very shameful attempt was made to eradicate the two thousand years of Buddhist heritage at the hands of foreigners, led by the British. This period, when the Christian Missionary Movement was spreading very subtly and strongly in this country, had become a very unfortunate period for Buddhist people. more..

Aug 30 (DM) In recent SL political history, there were watershed moments that changed the directions of govts. The past govts sometimes experienced such defining moments when they were at the peak of popularity. The immediate impact of them was minimal, rather invisible. Nevertheless, it started becoming visible in the long run changing the course of govt and ensuring its downfall in the end. Such defining events only sowed seeds to be sprouted up later when conditions develop in favour. more..

Aug 30 (Island) A gazette notification is scheduled to be issued soon, making it mandatory for all passengers travelling in expressways buses to wear seat belts. This is something long overdue, given the sheer number of accidents on expressways. Seat belts are known to prevent deaths, and serious injuries including permanent disabilities. Some bus drivers initially protested against the seat belt law, but they have come to terms with reality; non-compliance results in fines. more..

Aug 30 (CT) Ministry of Education has announced that preparations are underway to conduct the GCE O/L and A/L exams in 2026 on schedule. This markvive. more..

Aug 30 (DM) The Sri Lanka Tourism authorities have stepped up efforts to rebrand the island nation as a leading purpose-driven travel destination in the UK, spotlighting its biodiversity and sustainability credentials through a wildlife tourism festival in London. The three-day Sri Lanka Wildlife Tourism Promotion Festival, held at the High Commission recently, brought together conservationists, travel strategists and industry leaders to showcase the island’s natural heritage. more..

Aug 30 (CT) Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) has expressed concern over the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among students in leading schools, with reports that a single puff is being sold for as little as Rs 20 within school premises. MCPA President Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa alleged, that senior students were bringing the devices into schools and passing them on to younger pupils, charging between Rs 20 and upwards for each puff. more..

Aug 30 (DN) Neshara Dhakshitha of Northern Province set a new meet record in the women’s pole vault, clearing 3.52m at the National Sports Festival athletics event held at Dadalla Sports Complex, Galle yesterday. Dhakshitha surpassed her own previous record of 3.51m set at last year’s festival. K.C.K. Kodituwakku of Central Province finished second with 3.10m. Meanwhile, Rasara Wijesuriya of Eastern Province retained her title in the women’s 10,000m, finishing in 35 min 32.99 sec. more..

Aug 30 (DM) On the 27th of this month, two school children and the driver of the school van they were traveling in were killed. Over twelve others injured, many seriously, when their vehicle was hit by a tipper truck travelling at a high speed. The loaded tipper truck, according to sources, was apparently driven by an unlicensed driver. Photo coverage of the scene of the accident brought to mind some of the atrocities being committed by Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza more..

Aug 30 (CI) A spectacular Dilshan Madushanka hat-trick derailed a scintillating Zimbabwe chase in the final over, which Sikandar Raza had valiantly revived through the middle overs. Raza had brought Zimbabwe to the cusp of what would have been a famous victory. They needed ten off the last over, he himself was on strike and batting beautifully on 92 off 86 balls, and at the other end was Tony Munyonga, with whom he'd shared a 128-run more..

Aug 30 (FT) Colombo stock marketclosed August with ASPI gaining 7% in the month to 20,997.36, with investor sentiment buoyant for the fourth straight session. ASPI closed 197.10 points higher yesterday, up 0.95% while S&P SL20 gained 0.51% during the day, up 31.02 points to end the month at 6,076.79. Turnover was Rs. 7.38 billion yesterday, down from Rs. 7.46 billion the previous day. CSE closed the week with strong upward momentum as market optimism sustained for a fourth more..

Aug 30 (FT) In celebration of World Photography Day (19), long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have released a global study revealing the most Instagrammable lakes around the world, ideal for photo enthusiasts and nature lovers. The study analysed over 50 of the world’s most iconic lakes, ranking them based on Instagram hashtags and TikTok posts to identify the top destinations for breathtaking scenery. It also highlighted SL’s most photogenic lakes, especially timely during more..

Aug 30 (CT) Ministry of Education has announced that preparations are underway to conduct the GCE O/L and A/L exams in 2026 on schedule. This marks a significant return to normalcy for the national examination calendar, which faced major disruptions in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the national economic crisis. The announcement came during the 2026 pre-budget discussion for the Ministry of Education, more..

Aug 30 (NW) A new Immigration and Emigration Office is set to open in Jaffna on September 1, according to Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala. The initiative aims to improve access to passport services for residents of the Northern Province. This expansion follows the successful establishment of immigration offices in Vavuniya, Matara, and Kurunegala, as part of the govt’s broader effort to decentralize essential public services and enhance regional accessibility. more..

Aug 30 (Island) Sri Lanka’s tea export sector demonstrated robust growth in the first seven months of 2025, with a pivotal shift towards value-added products, which now constitute 58% of all shipments, according to the latest report from Forbes & Walker. This marks a significant jump from the 52% share recorded in the same period in 2024, indicating a successful industry pivot towards exporting higher-margin products like tea bags and instant tea instead of bulk tea. more..