Mar 3 (Island) Ukrainian Prez Volodymyr Zelensky must be regretting that he ever tried to obtain NATO membership for his country and confronted Russia. Having received rousing welcomes in western capitals including Washington during Joe Biden’s presidency, he may not have expected to be thrown into a gauntlet at the White House last Friday. A meeting that was aimed at strengthening US-Ukraine relations and inking some agreements ended in disaster, with Prez Donald Trump more..

Mar 3 (ST) Threats to national security, activities of organised criminal gangs and bringing long-delayed justice to past crimes were among the topics debated on Friday when the expenditure heads of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Public Security were taken up during the Committee Stage debate of Budget 2025. Opening the day’s debate, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara pointed out that when it was in the opposition, NPP often spoke of bringing former CB Governor more..

Mar 3 (ST) Foreign exchange income earned from exported services is to be taxed, removing a longstanding exemption. “The concessionary tax rate of up to 15% for individuals and a flat 15% for companies will come into effect on April 1, after being approved by parliament,” said Nihal Wijewardana, senior deputy commissioner, Inland Revenue Dept (IRD). According to him, export service income refers to income earned more..

Mar 3 (FT) Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), in collaboration with the Monash Business School & Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), successfully hosted Int'l Conference on the Apparel Industry 2025 recently in Colombo. This was the 2nd time the event was held, following its inaugural edition in 2018, as part of the JAAF’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the global apparel sector. Themed Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry, more..

Mar 3 (FT) The Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group has reported an exceptionally strong financial performance in 2024. Prudent provisioning for impairment charges and other losses, effective balance sheet management, and strong lending growth helped mitigate a substantial loss materialised from the restructuring of the SL International Sovereign Bonds (SLISBs) held by the bank. Group recognised its full net loss of Rs. 45.11 billion from the restructuring of SLISBs more..

Mar 3 (DN) COPE has raised concerns that SL Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), which was established for regulatory purposes, is operating as a business entity. During a COPE meeting, it was revealed that 683 underage workers were sent abroad for domestic work between May 2023 and June 2024. Additionally, the failure to provide mandatory residential training for 28,165 first-time migrant domestic workers more..

Mar 3 (FT) CH17 Loyalty, a pioneer in innovative loyalty solutions, has partnered with Classic Travel, Sri Lanka’s undisputed leader in the travel industry, to introduce the country’s first-ever Platinum Black Travel Card. This exclusive co-branded card marks a historic milestone in the travel and lifestyle sectors, offering unparalleled benefits and privileges to customers. The Platinum Black Card is the highest-valued privilege card introduced by CH17 Loyalty for the travel industry. more..

Mar 3 (FT) SL’s tourism industry has kicked off 2025 with a remarkable surge, as earnings surpassed $ 400 million in January, fuelled by record-breaking visitor numbers. The latest data from the Central Bank shows that the sector generated a total of $ 400.7 million in revenue during January, reflecting a 17.2% increase compared to the same period last year. This also marks the highest earnings for January since 2020, reinforcing the industry’s resilience and steady recovery. more..

Mar 3 (FT) The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce congratulated the Govt on successfully completing the Third Review under the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. “IMF Board’s latest approval and the subsequent disbursement will provide much-needed support for SL’s ongoing economic recovery,” Chamber said. Chamber is particularly pleased to note that two key macroeconomic priorities outlined in its 10-Point Focused Plan of Implementation in more..

Mar 3 (DM) SL’s construction sector continued to expand in January, supported by stable prices and favourable weather, which accelerated the completion of ongoing projects, Central Bank said. The sector PMI, the monthly gauge of construction sector health, rose to 52.9 in January, reflecting sustained industry activity. In Dec 2024, the sector recorded an index value of 51.4. Under PMI, an index value above 50.0 indicates an expansion as an activity is split between an expansion more..

Mar 3 (TM) The next electricity tariff will be determined by the severity of the drought conditions in the country until June and the extent of thermal (oil) usage for electricity generation, according to CEB. In response to a statement made by Minister Kumara Jayakody that SL’s electricity tariffs could increase in the coming months due to the impact of ongoing dry weather on power generation, CEB Spokesman said that according to the current more..

Mar 3 (FT) Hambantota International Port (HIP) on Thursday received its first vehicle shipment following the lifting of import restrictions. The MV Jupiter Leader, operated by NYK Lanka Ltd., arrived at the Port, discharging a total of 378 vehicles from Japan, of which 196 were for the local market. The Japanese vehicles that arrived for the local market included Land cruisers, Hilux cabs, Prado SUVs, Toyota sedans, and Suzuki Alto mini cars. The HIP handled a total volume of 2,318 units more..

Mar 3 (AD) The two former SL Army Intelligence personnel, who were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr in May 2008, have been granted bail by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court. Accordingly, the two suspects were ordered to be released on two surety bails of Rs. 1 million each. The two suspects had been arrested yesterday (01) in the Nawagaththegama and Elayapaththuwa police divisions by officers of the CID based on more..

Mar 3 (DN) Nalanda opener Nadul Jayalath scored a fine knock of 111 while Ananda leg spinner Sharada Jayaratne had fine figures of 4 for 58 were the highlights of the third day’s play of the 95th Battle of the Maroons big match which ended in a draw yesterday at the SSC grounds. However first two days rain interrupted the game in this first three day big match and both teams were able to pass the 300 mark in their first innings. After Ananda declared their first innings at 324 for 6 wickets more..

Mar 3 (DN) SL Javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga cleared a distance of 85.41m, a performance which is world’s leading distance so far in Men’s Javelin Throw for this year. Rumesh achieved this distance during the Perth Classic Athletics, held at the Western Australia Athletics Stadium on Saturday. Tharanga did this best achievement in his fourth attempt while he started first attempt with 80.60m. Tharanga’s achievement is a new meet record at the Perth Classic, with existing record of 85.4m more..

Mar 3 (DN) In response to a request by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, it has been decided to hold a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic for the public from April 18 to 27. The exposition will be open to the public on April 18 from 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m and thereafter, from April 19 to 27, daily from 12 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. A preliminary discussion on the event took place at the President’s House in Kandy under the patronage of Prez Anura more..

Mar 3 (EN) SL digital freelancers and others who export services can deduct expenses before filing a tax return on a new 15% tax, and also offset any taxes charged abroad. Expenses include equipment, power and data bills. “For example, the cameras you buy, the speakers you buy, mics that you buy, editing softwares that you buy, and various other internet connectivity expenses, perhaps proportionate amount of electricity expenses, all these are allowable expenses to be claimed against more..

Mar 3 (DM) Opposition MP Mano Ganesan has sharply criticized the govt over the exit of Adani Green Energy from SL, calling it a major setback for the country’s investment prospects. Ganesan argued that the Adani SL project was not just about generating energy for the local grid but also about exporting power to India. He asserted that the govt’s failure to handle the situation properly had sent negative signals to international investors. “You didn’t drop Adani. Truth is Adani dropped you,” more..

Mar 3 (DM) Denying the allegation by Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake that the former Speaker had used fuel worth Rs. 33 million within nine months from Jan 1, 2024 to Sept 24, 2024, which amounts to Rs. 4 million per month, former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said spreading falsehood to gain power will not be successful every time. The following is a statement issued by former Speaker Abeywardena in this regard: "I would like to state at the outset that I have not resided more..

Mar 3 (TM) Govt has agreed to increase Opposition representation in certain Parliamentary committees following the Opposition's request but has not agreed to change representation in the Committee on Parliamentary Business,. It was recently reported that the Opposition is to refrain from appointing representatives or officially participating in several Parliamentary committees, including the Parliamentary Business Committee, until their representation in committees is increased. more..

Mar 3 (FT) IMF on Friday hailed SL’s remarkable recovery, prompting it to release the $ 334 mil following the Third Review, but insisted there is no room for policy errors. “Reforms in SL are bearing fruit and the economic recovery has been remarkable,” IMF Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura said. IMF’s Executive Board completed the Third Review under the 48-month EFF arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw $ 334 mil, more..

Mar 3 (ST) Govt has received intelligence reports of attempts to propagate extremist ideologies within the Muslim population in the Eastern Province, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said. He said the reports were based on information received by both the State Intelligence Service (SIS) and military intelligence. Mr. Wijepala said surveillance of certain places of religious activity had found that children in particular were being indoctrinated in extremist ideologies. more..

Mar 3 (DM) While disputing the statement made by CPC Chairman stating that there would be no fuel shortage this week, the Fuel Distributors' Association said that no fuel orders had been placed since Friday and the public were warned to expect a shortage from today. Association acknowledged that 1,581 orders had been placed before 10 a.m on Friday (28), but no new orders had been placed after that. They further said that existing fuel stocks at filling stations would last until Monday. more..

Mar 3 (TM) While the fuel distributors are set to discuss sectoral issues with the Govt, the CPC stated that fuel distribution has increased on Saturday, compared to the previous week. CPC Chairperson J. A. Rajakaruna said that the fuel supply had been doubled compared to the supply reported on Friday. He also noted that there would be no issues regarding fuel supply, as distribution is still functioning normally. more..

Mar 3 (FT) In a world increasingly polarised by great-power rivalries, SL must remain steadfast in its time tested foreign policy doctrine: non-alignment. Our strategic location in the Indian Ocean, economic aspirations, and long-term stability demand that we engage with all global actors without becoming pawns in their geopolitical games. The ongoing crisis in Ukraine offers a stark reminder of what happens when small and mid sized nations get caught in the crossfire of major power struggles. more..

Mar 3 (FT) The co-founder of Apple empire, Steve Jobs, according to his biographer Walter Isaacson, is reported to have been chanting like a mantra that one should not be afraid of losing things which one may have gained by spending even a lifetime – a process called cannibalisation – if it is a matter involving choices between life and death. It is better to lose the gain and remain alive so that you can command over new grounds. If you did not do it, you will soon die and lose everything. more..

Mar 3 (DM) A man was arrested this morning by Kadugannawa police for riding a motorcycle from Colombo to Kandy while naked. Police said the 23-year-old man was arrested after a great effort by law enforcement. Several police officers observed the man riding the motorcycle along the Kandy-Colombo road and attempted to apprehend him, but none were able to catch him. The Kegalle and Mawanella police also pursued the man but were unsuccessful. After alerting the Kadugannawa and more..

Mar 3 (AD) CID has launched an investigation into a complaint regarding an alleged attempt to disrupt the country’s fuel distribution process, SL Police confirmed. According to the complaint, a group claiming to be fuel distribution agents is reportedly attempting to create instability in the supply chain due to a dispute over the commission scheme offered by the CPC. The CID has stated that legal action will be taken against any individuals or groups found to be deliberately obstructing more..

Mar 3 (EN) SL officials are in intense level discussions on a complex compensation litigation related to a corrupt Airbus deal, Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma said. State-carrier has demanded compensation from France-based Airbus, which was found by UK authorities in 2018 of bribing to SriLankan Airlines officials in a deal. Int'l and local investigations have clearly pointed towards the involvement of bribes and misappropriations more..

Mar 3 (AD) A Fundamental Rights (FR) petition has been filed before the Supreme Court, requesting a formal program to minimize elephant collisions with trains and a ruling that govt authorities have violated fundamental human rights by failing to take appropriate action. The petition was submitted by a group of environmentalists, including the Centre for Environmental Justice, naming several officials as respondents, including the Director General of Wildlife, General Manager of Railways, more..

Mar 3 (NW) An individual who was interdicted over financial crimes during his tenure at the State Fertilizer Company is currently serving as a Cabinet Minister under the new govt, opposition MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said. MP said the individual is now seated in the front row of the Parliament, adding he does not like to name the person. He further said that the individual had been accused of financial crimes at the State Fertilizer Company during Prez Anura Kumara more..

Mar 3 (AD) Nominations for the 2025 Local Govt Elections will be accepted from March 17. Elections Commission said that the relevant nominations will be accepted until 12 noon on March 20. Accordingly, the notices regarding the acceptance of nominations for the election of Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Chairpersons, Deputy Chairpersons, and members for 336 local govt institutions across the country have more..

Mar 3 (NW) MP Namal Rajapaksa has announced that if the govt fails to take action against the misuse of parliamentary privileges to make false statements, he will introduce a private member’s motion to put an end to it. He stated that all those who oppose false statements in Parliament would support his proposal. “There is unlimited lying inside Parliament because MPs have been granted this privilege. It was given to raise public issues, not to spread falsehoods. This needs to change. more..

Mar 3 (AD) SL massage therapist Praneeth Lasantha made history by securing the silver medal at the 2025 Universal Massage Championship in Thailand, marking the first time SL has won a medal in an int'l massage competition. The prestigious tournament, organized by the World Massage Federation, was held in Chiang Rai, Thailand, from Feb 26 to 28, featuring 80 competitors from 21 countries. Competing in the Spa and Wellness category, Lasantha impressed the judges more..