Mar 18 (DM) As news of the shocking rape of a young doctor at the Anuradhapura hospital broke out, the General Medical Officers’ Union (GMOA) threatened a strike action if those responsible weren’t arrested immediately. Strike action is the GMOA’s answer to every problem affecting the medical sector. Its massive power means that such actions generally produce positive results. But the GMOA has never worried about the terrible plight of patients when such strike actions occur. more..

Mar 18 (DN) The 48th Ananda – Nalanda limited over cricket encounter ended with a no result due to rain at the SSC grounds. Nalanda chasing a target of 250 were 62 for 2 wickets in 12.2 overs when the rain halted the game at 3.15pm. The game was officially called off by two umpires Ravindra Wimalasiri and Ruchira Palliyaguruge due to rain at 4.45pm. Ananda led the series 27 while Nalanda 15 wins and this is the sixth no result game between this two schools limited over series. more..

Mar 18 (TM) In a move to accelerate SL’s shift toward a cashless economy, Central Bank has unveiled reforms to the common electronic fund transfer switch (CEFTS), introducing fee caps and transaction limits designed to promote digital payment adoption. The new regulations outlined in Payment and Settlement Systems Circular No. 02 of 2025, aim to streamline digital transactions while making them more affordable more..

Mar 18 (Island) Our universities are characterized by hierarchies. They manifest in formal and informal ways, reinforcing power asymmetries based on class, ethnicity and gender, and placing inordinate authority in those with higher status. In medicine, a hidden curriculum orients undergraduates to hierarchies from their early days in training, placing professors over lecturers, clinical over non-clinical teachers, consultants over medical officers, and so on. more..

Mar 18 (FT) American Chamber of Commerce in SL (AmCham SL) hosted a vibrant and inspiring celebration in honour of International Women’s Day 2025, bringing together dynamic women professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders for an evening of empowerment, connection, and celebration. Held on 4 March at Gatz, Cinnamon Life, Colombo, the event provided a platform for women to take a well-deserved break from their daily routines and step into an atmosphere of more..

Mar 18 (DN) Colombo led by Charith Asalanka made fine team effort to beat Jaffna by 87 runs yesterday in their National Super League (NSL) 4 day cricket fixture played at Galle International Cricket Stadium. Jaffna Chasing their 454 runs winning target were all out for 366. Leg spinner Muditha Lakshan did most of the damage taking 4 for 84 in his 29 over spell well supported by Skipper Charith Asalanka, Nishan Pieris and Dushan Hementha. All three shared two wickets to restrict Jaffna. more..

Mar 18 (CT) Aashinsa Herath and Ranithma Thinudi were crowned champions of the SPBA All-Island Open Badminton Championships 2025, concluded on Sunday at the District Sports Complex in Dadella, Galle. However, the highlight of the seven-day competition organised by the Southern Province Badminton Association (SPBA) were the double crowns earned by Ranithma and Marcello Vittorio in the main Open category. Aashinsa had to undergo tremendous pressure before he nailed more..

Mar 18 (EN) SL business activities in manufacturing and services continued to expand in February, buoyed by the upcoming festive season, according to a Purchasing Managers Index. PMI manufacturing recorded 56.8 in Feb from 59.0 in Jan (above 50) indicating a continued expansion in manufacturing activities. “Most of the firms, particularly within the food and beverage manufacturing sector, are gearing up for more..

Mar 18 (FT) Commercial Bank of Ceylon is slashing documentation fees on personal loans, home loans and leasing by 50% and offering preferential interest rates on these lending instruments throughout March for holders of Anagi Women’s Savings Accounts as part of a series of initiatives to celebrate women. Bank said it has also partnered with more than 60 merchants to offer exclusive discounts of up to 50% for customers using their Anagi Debit and Credit Cards to make purchases in March. more..

Mar 18 (FT) Luxury meets elegance as Esna Jewellery last week unveiled its latest boutique at One Galle Face. They will also open at Cinnamon Life, Angel Beach Unawatuna, and in Dubai in the coming months. Esna Jewellery Chairman Eshana De Silva said: “We are thrilled to open our doors at One Galle Face and introduce our exquisite creations to a wider audience. Our commitment to quality and craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do, more..

Mar 18 (Island) Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) has demanded that all those responsible for killings in the Batalanda torture chambers should be arrested immediately. FSP Education Secretary Pubudu Jagoda said that there was no time bar for the offence of murder as such the govt could arrest all those accused of involvement in those killings. “There are eyewitnesses to those crimes, and they are ready to give evidence. more..

Mar 18 (DM) US restaurant chain Hard Rock Cafe has sealed a deal with Abans and will be entering SL, marking its debut in the island nation. Abans Group Head of Investment Supun Perera said that plans are underway to set it up at Colombo City Centre (CCC) by the second half of this year. He shared that Abans has expressed interest and is subsequently shortlisted. Hard Rock's website also confirms its opening in Colombo this year, though it does not specify an estimated month. more..

Mar 18 (FT) The digital services sector in SL has witnessed new tax measures introduced in the latest national Budget, which marks a significant shift in the industry’s financial landscape. While these measures present challenges, the industry remains steadfast in its commitment to growth, innovation, and resilience. Digital Economy Ministry, in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, is actively engaging to ensure that Sri Lanka remains a competitive & attractive hub for more..

Mar 18 (DN) Colombo Port is poised to double its handling capacity to 15 million TEUs by 2027, South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) COO Upul Jinadasa noted. The expansion includes the development of the East and West Container Terminals (ECT & WCT), each expected to add 3.5 million TEUs to the port’s capacity. John Keells Holdings Transportation Sector President Zafir Hashim emphasized the urgent need for expansion due to increasing regional competition more..

Mar 18 (FT) Minister Bimal Rathnayakeurged Muslim leaders to intervene and put an end to what he described as unjustified criticism of Women’s Affairs Minister Saroja Paulraj by certain Muslim politicians. Rathnayake defended Paulraj, asserting that she had made no statements regarding Islam or its laws that carried racial or religious implications. He stressed that any changes to Islamic laws in SL would only occur after consultations with Muslim leaders, a position previously more..

Mar 18 (DM) The govt is to undertake offshore gas exploration after the selection of a consultant firm to handle the international tender process in this regard, an official said. In SL, a national policy on natural gas was gazetted in Sept 2020, outlining domestic demand creation strategies and providing operators with options to commercialise offshore gas. A new Petroleum Resources Act No. 21 of 2021 has also more..

Mar 18 (Island) Minister Bimal Ratnayake called on Speaker Jagath Wickremaratne to take action against an MP who used what Ratnayake alleged was a sexually derogatory term against human rights activist and lawyer Swastika Arulingam. Ratnayake stated that PM Harini Amarasuriya had received a complaint that an MP had used derogatory, sexually explicit language to describe the lawyer. “We are aware that this has happened. I draw the Speaker’s attention to Standing Order 91(g), more..

Mar 18 (Island) The newly formed influential health sector professionals group, Academy of Health Professionals (AHP) declared that its members would launch a 24-hour strike commencing from 7 am today. President AHP Ravi Kumudesh said that the decision to stage a strike had been taken as talks between the AHP and the officials of the Ministry of Health had failed. Kumudesh alleged that cuts in health sector allowances through the 2025 Budget proposals, had badly affected more..

Mar 18 (DM) Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali issued a warrant on Asha Basnayake, the third witness in the case related to the alleged forcible removal of the crown from Pushpika De Silva, the winner of the Mrs. World pageant held at Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo in 2021. The case has been filed against former Mrs. World Caroline Jurie and model Chula Padmendra as suspects. Previously, 2nd witness, Chandimal, had already testified before the court. more..

Mar 18 (DM) Claiming that there are more witnesses to testify on the Batalanda incident, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said if the evidence is produced, not only former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe but others who were involved in the incident will have to face legal consequences. He told reporters after signing NPP nominations, that Ranil Wickremesinghe did not reject allegations against him even during his recent statement on the Batalanda Commission report. more..

Mar 18 (ST) The CEB has started ordering mini hydropower plants to curtail output on Sundays—when electricity consumption is low—in addition to solar power producers who have had to slash production on low-peak days since last month, companies confirmed this week. Thirty mini hydro plants were requested to be shut down from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 2, said Thusitha Peiris, President of Mini Hydropower Developers’ Association. more..

Mar 18 (NW) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism in coordination with SL Embassies in Myanmar and Thailand, and with the support of the Govts of Myanmar and Thailand successfully facilitated the rescue of 14 Sri Lankans who had been trafficked and forcibly employed in cybercrime centers in Myawaddy, Myanmar. The 14 Sri Lankans are scheduled to be repatriated to SL on 18th March. This development follows sustained diplomatic efforts made by Sri Lanka more..

Mar 18 (TM) Department of Prisons stated that it is taking measures to carry out a security assessment of prison officers, considering it a timely need. These remarks were made by the Prisons Dept Media Spokesperson, Prisons Commissioner Gamini Dissanayake when queried, regarding the measures taken to ensure the safety of prison officers. He said that a security assessment was conducted in 2020, and that personal firearms were issued to officers identified as being under threat. more..

Mar 18 (FT) Police issued a statement outlining legal implications of reporting crime incidents. Statement emphasises that certain media activities, conducted without the approval of the Police or a responsible authority, have hindered ongoing investigations by disclosing details reported to the Court. Section 365A of the Penal Code, amended by act no22 of 1995, prohibits disclosure of the identity of victims of certain crimes. more..

Mar 18 (FT) Recently, a friend of mine, whom I had known since my college days in India and who now works in the US, met me in New Delhi. This reunion happened after several decades, and we spent time exchanging life experiences. During our conversation, I shared details about my academic journey, including my postgraduate achievements, notably my MBA from the Uni of Colombo. To my surprise, she appeared genuinely impressed and described it as a significant accomplishment, more..

Mar 18 (FT) For whom the bell tolls is a novel by Ernest Hemingway published in 1940. It is widely believed that the title was derived from a poem written by John Donne (1572-1631), an English poet and dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Donne argues that the tolling of church bells, which signified the death of another human life, is a toll for each of us, as we are all bound together. In an article that appeared many years ago on the forfeiture of the proceeds of crime legislation more..

Mar 18 (PMD) Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that steps will be taken to provide the necessary facilities to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse, as well as to introduce new legislation. Prez made these remarks during a discussion held today at the Presidential Secretariat with the police chiefs of the Western Province. He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law is a key responsibility of the Police Department. Prez further stated that a just society cannot be established more..

Mar 18 (AD) Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has confirmed that police teams have presently been deployed to arrest former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon as well as several other wanted suspects. Minister Jayatissa responded questions from journalists regarding whether Tennakoon’s arrest was being delayed due to an alleged deal with the govt. Additionally, journalists inquired about the govt’s stance on the suspension of Deshabandu Tennakoon from duties. more..

Mar 18 (EN) SL’s economy grew 5.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024, with full year growth estimated at 5% helped by lower inflation and exchange rates stability. “The constantly falling inflation raised positive expectations of the economy, and as input costs fell, producers also reduced their sale prices,” Statistics Dept said. Central Bank undershot is 5% inflation target, under which serial currency crises had been triggered in 2012, more..

Mar 18 (NW) Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage today clapped back at former Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, stating that Sri Lanka was still paying a large fine imposed by World Rugby due to an incident during the latter’s rugby playing days. Addressing Parliament today, Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage revealed that the Sports Ministry was paying a fine of 5000 Sterling pounds per year due to the involvement of Fijian players during a Rugby match in 2014. more..

Mar 18 (NW) SL Police has released a video of a senior Police Officer outlining the rules for joining the Police Force. In his speech, the Police officer is seen stating that individuals with tattoos will not be recruited by the Police Dept or the Tri-Forces. “You may have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. But if you have a tattoo you will not be recruited by SL Police or for any of the tri-forces. The skin is the biggest organ of the body. Destroying your skin is not a good thing,” more..

Mar 18 (AD) The Office of the former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a statement today denying the claims that the former Head of State and his spouse Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe travelled to London for a private visit in 2023 using state funds. The statement noted that Wickremesinghe visited London three times in 2023. The first visit was on May 9, 2023, to attend the coronation of King Charles III. more..

Mar 18 (EN) A Japanese grant of 300 million yen will fund new fire fighting units and the improvement of existing equipment in SL’s export processing zones, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. “The establishment of internal fire fighting units with modern fire fighting equipment in the Export Processing Zones operating under the SL Board of Investment can build confidence in investors and minimize damage by protecting workers and industrial property through immediate responses,” more..

Mar 18 (CI) Dunedin rain has washed away hopes of a series result between NZ and SL after only 14.1 overs were possible in the third T20I on Tuesday. Several lengthy rain delays ended any hopes of a result after NZ had made a bright start with the bat, having been sent in by Chamari Athapaththu. Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer shared a 60-run stand in eight overs before the first rain delay halted play. Shortly after returning Bates fell to Athapaththu for 31 off 28 before rain returned again. more..

Mar 18 (DM) Five Fundamental Rights petitions, which were filed seeking an order to prevent the authorities from issuing any permits to Adani Green Energy Sri Lanka Limited for operating a wind power plant in Mannar, were withdrawn today before the Supreme Court. The Attorney General’s Department informed the Supreme Court that the Adani Company had notified the Chairman of the Board of Investment about its withdrawal from the Wind Power Project in Mannar. more..