Mar 28 (CT) Ayubowan, Vanakkam, Assalamu alaikum and Greetings to all. I acknowledge that our discussion occurs on the traditional lands of the First Australians – the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation – the Traditional Custodians of this land. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and the Elders of other communities. The substantial mandate granted to the new NPP govt reflects the aspirations of Sri Lankans for a better future and their disappointment with more..

Mar 28 (Island) CIABOC arrested NDF MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake yesterday over some alleged financial irregularities during his tenure as the Chief Minister of the Uva Province about nine years ago. The national anti-graft commission is often blamed for slumbering or netting sprats while sparing sharks when it deals with the corrupt. Its action against the likes of Dassanayake is welcome. The CIABOC, however, should explain why it let the grass grow under its feet for so long before taking action more..

Mar 28 (TM) Ceylon Indoor Cricket Association (CICA) has been awarded the hosting rights for the 12th Indoor Cricket World Cup in 2025. This prestigious event comes after the successful hosting of the World Masters’ Series by CICA 5 months ago. Teams from Australia, NZ, SA, India, England, UAE, Singapore, USA, and host nation SL are set to compete in the World Cup, which will take place from 27 Sept to 5 Oct. more..

Mar 28 (FT) Growth in the last five years, growth in 2024, and optimism for 2025. These are some of the key findings from the Sweden-SL Business Council’s (SSLBC) 2025 Membership Survey. The results are also a reflection of the increasing interest in SL among Swedish companies. In two years, the number of members of the SSLBC has grown from 75 to 100. SSLBC Secretary General Leif I Ohlson said: “The results are encouraging. Our members have developed their business relations with more..

Mar 28 (FT) Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) President Simon Bittlestone is the 91st CIMA President and 9th Chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, representing AICPA and CIMA. Simon is a business leader with experience in both private and public companies and in the US, UK, and Asian markets, and currently holds a portfolio of advisory and non-executive roles for several technology businesses, investment funds, and charities. more..

Mar 28 (DM) The establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a matter of lively interest across our society at this time. Developments a few days ago at the international level make this issue immediately relevant to the national interest of SL. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Vijitha Herath, in his address at the 58th Session of the UNHRC in Geneva in February this year, expressed interest in the contours of a strong truth and reconciliation framework and more..

Mar 28 (Island) In a country where cricket runs through the veins like curry through rice, one club has stood tall like a seasoned umpire through rain, shine, and political no-balls. Yesterday, at their hallowed turf in Borella, Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club — one of the elder statesmen of SL cricket — officially bowled off celebrations to mark a magnificent 125 not out. Founded way back in 1899, when Queen Victoria still ruled the roost and gentlemen played in flannels, more..

Mar 28 (TM) Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe said that the relevant stakeholders would come together and develop a programme to expedite the release of lands for industrial purposes as a solution to the backlog of requests from both local and foreign investors. He said that there is a problem with the current system of releasing lands for industrial purposes. For example, he said that the Mahaweli Authority’s Business Development more..

Mar 28 (DN) Global Rubber Industries, (GRI) a SL company, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the MHI Innovation Award for Best Innovation in Sustainability at ProMat 2025, held in Chicago, USA. This recognition honours GRI’s premium plus ULTIMATE GREEN XT as the world’s most sustainable Material Handling tire made with 93.5% sustainable materials, positioning SL as a global leader in sustainable industrial innovation. Award comes after a rigorous evaluation more..

Mar 28 (FT) Tundra Fonder AB CIO Mattias Martinsson expressed confidence that SL can once again be a safe haven for emerging market investors. Tundra Fonder is a Swedish asset manager specialising in frontier markets, the new emerging markets. 13% of its Assets Under Management (AUM) is in SL, the third largest after Pakistan (33%) and Vietnam (16%). Making a presentation titled A Comparative Analysis on SL’s Stock Market within Asian Frontier Markets more..

Mar 28 (DM) Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population Association claimed that the Governor’s Office of Anuradhapura had decided to remove all stray dogs from the A'pura city limits in view of the visit of Indian PM Narendra Modi. Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit SL for an official 3-day visit during the first week of April. He is also expected to visit A'pura to pay homage to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi more..

Mar 28 (FT) Redwheel Emerging and Frontier Markets Team Co-Head and Portfolio Manager James Johnstone yesterday declared that Sri Lanka has the potential to make its mark in the global supply chain for manufactured goods with foreign joint ventures given its strategic geographical location. He made this observation during his presentation at the CSE-SEC organised Invest Sri Lanka Investor Forum in Colombo, drawing over 100 foreign investors and fund managers. more..

Mar 28 (TM) The Election Commission (EC) has announced the maximum spending limit allowed for each candidate for campaigning during the upcoming LG Elections. Accordingly, the spending ceiling allowed per candidate at the upcoming LG Polls is Rs. 74 per voter for the Mannar Ward, which is the lowest spending amount, and Rs. 160 per voter for the Lahugala Ward, which is the highest amount that a candidate can spend per voter across all wards in Sri Lanka. more..

Mar 28 (TM) SL’s stock market needs to be more diversified with more companies listed including state-owned enterprises (SOEs) for the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) to invest over 1% without overheating the market, CB Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said. He said that the Central Bank doesn’t have options to invest 95% of the EPF and that it can only invest in govt securities. “If the fiscal consolidation path is going forward, I don't think EPF will have a challenge to invest savings of more..

Mar 28 (DM) The govt is currently exploring all potential avenues to determine the most effective strategy for restructuring the debt-laden national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, suggesting that options like privatisation or Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) remain under consideration. Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma shared that an expert committee is diligently studying the optimal course of action to restructure the financially strained national airline, adhering to govt guidelines. more..

Mar 28 (DM) The govt's total dues for the company selected for the construction of the Kadawatha-Mirigama stretch of the central expressway have soared to US $ 189.513 million (Rs.56 billion) and further delay involves daily addition of Rs. 21 million to the outstanding amount, Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena said. He said that though the project is at a standstill, there are costs involved in various aspects including more..

Mar 28 (AD) Former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda has responded to the sanctions imposed by the UK govt against him and several others alleging them of widespread human rights violations during SL’s military operations against the LTTE. Karannagoda claimed that the sanctions are not based on any transparent investigation or legal proceedings, but reflect the selective application of int'l pressure, targeting those who played key roles in SL’s military victory. more..

Mar 28 (Island) SL govt has intensified its efforts to mitigate human-elephant conflicts and reduce elephant fatalities, allocating substantial funds in the 2025 budget for elephant conservation. The Dept of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has introduced a range of targeted measures, emphasizing public participation and localized interventions. Recognizing the critical role of local communities, the govt has launched awareness programs in high-risk Grama Niladhari divisions. more..

Mar 28 (ST) The Veterinary Hospital in Peradeniya has begun maintaining records digitally from this week. Veterinary Teaching Hospital, ancillary to the University of Peradeniya, celebrated a milestone with new initiatives which will shape the future of veterinary care and education. The hospital launched a comprehensive digital record data recording system which was made possible by a private pet care organisation, shifting traditionally handwritten records to digital platforms, more..

Mar 28 (CT) A delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) met with the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, on Wednesday at Parliament premises. The delegation was led by the newly appointed Head of Delegation of the ICRC Sri Lanka, Séverine Chappaz, and included Ruwanthi Jayasundara, Communications Manager of the ICRC SL; John Entwistle, Head of the South Asia Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and more..

Mar 28 (FT) The Govt yesterday told foreign investors now is the right time to enter SL as subsequent to restoration of stability, the new policy thrust is to achieve higher growth sans corruption. The emphasis of the new growth model was in addition to SL being second most attractive for listed equities on valuations among emerging markets. The new pitch to woo investors was made at a top forum organised by the CSE and more..

Mar 28 (CT) Colombo HC Judges Manjula Thilakaratne and Sujeewa Nissanka, yesterday, recused themselves from hearing the case against SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa, in connection with the misappropriation of Rs 70 million through the controversial Krrish project. High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne announced his decision in open court in the morning, stating that it was based on two social media posts by senior journalists Sanath Balasooriya and Poddala Jayantha. more..

Mar 28 (FT) Sri Lanka’s tourism sector continues its strong momentum in 2025, with over 200,000 tourists arriving in the first 27 days of March, marking a 13% growth compared to the same period last year. As of yesterday, over 200,000 tourists visited SL, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) total to over 690,000 arrivals. The latest data showed that the first 26 days of March saw a footfall of 198,982 tourists, propelling the YTD figure to 684,960 reflecting a 14% YoY growth. more..

Mar 28 (DM) Govt is set to launch a nationwide initiative to establish new restaurants, ensuring food security and providing the public with access to nutritious and affordable meals. This program will be implemented in collaboration with National Food Promotion Board, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture. Existing restaurant owners will also be involved to secure their support. The first model restaurant under this initiative is scheduled to more..

Mar 28 (FT) PM Narendra Modi’s forthcoming state visit to Sri Lanka on 5 April 2025, presents a defining moment in bilateral relations and carries far-reaching strategic consequences. As the first foreign leader to visit under Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration, this high-profile engagement serves multiple critical functions – reinforcing diplomatic bonds, accelerating economic recovery, and recalibrating regional power dynamics. The visit builds upon the foundation laid during more..

Mar 28 (FT) Equity is about ensuring fairness by recognising and addressing the individual needs, challenges, and circumstances of each person, while equality treats everyone the same. In SL’s evolving landscape, equity—not just equality—has become crucial for building performance-driven organisations. By focusing on equitable pay, gender equity, career progression, and workplace inclusivity, businesses can unlock their full potential while navigating challenges of equity-based more..

Mar 28 (AD) Dept of Meteorology has issued a warm weather advisory for tomorrow in several provinces and districts in the country. It states that the Heat Index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to Caution level at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Colombo and Gampaha districts. As per the advisory, under the Caution level of temperature, fatigue is possible with more..

Mar 28 (DM) Saturn’s transit to the Pisces Zodiac sign from Aquarius at 21.44 hours on March 29, 2025, being a major significant celestial event, has captured the attention of astrologers and individuals the world over.Added significance for people in Sri Lanka. This celestial event holds added significance for the people of SL, as Saturn is the Ascendant lord (Lagnadhipati) of the national horoscope. A flashback to the day of gaining National Independence In this context, more..

Mar 28 (DM) SL’s consumer prices rose 1.2^ in the 30 months to March 2025 from September 2022, when the central bank’s deflationary policy started to show up in the balance of payments, while food prices were down 3.1%, official data show. The Colombo Consumer Price Index fell absolutely for the second month to 191.6 points in March from 192.2 points in February. The food price sub-index fell 1.3% in March, after rising steadily more..

Mar 28 (NW) Banks have started notifying customers that the Withholding Tax (WHT) on interest earned from deposits will increase to 10% with effect from April 1, 2025. Change is being implemented under the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 02 of 2025, which was passed earlier. The current WHT rate of 5% will be doubled as part of the new tax measures introduced by the govt. Revised rate will apply to interest income from savings and fixed deposits, more..

Mar 28 (DM) Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, a suspect in the investigation into the attack that destroyed UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence at Fifth Lane, Kollupitiya, on July 09, 2022, and for obstructing the Fire Brigade, failed to appear before Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura when the case was heard on March 26. Gunasekara’s counsel informed the Court that he could not attend due to health issues. Several other suspects also cited their inability to appear. more..

Mar 28 (AD) IMF says that the economic recovery is gaining momentum in SL and that yet, the economy still remains vulnerable, making it critical that the reform momentum be sustained to ensure that macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability are durably achieved. IMF Spokesperson Julie Kozack stated that the fourth tranche of $334 million was made available to SL to support its economic policies and reforms, more..

Mar 28 (AD) Following an earthquake of 7.4 magnitude in Myanmar that caused tremors in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, the Embassy and Permanent Mission of SL in Bangkok is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with Thai authorities. No adverse incidents involving SL citizens have been reported as of now, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a special notice. Meanwhile, SL nationals in Thailand are advised to contact the emergency hotline at +66 812498011 more..

Mar 28 (EN) SL has started a system to certify recycled plastic in the fast moving consumer goods industry, ensuring that they are safe, of high quality and sustainable. GP Certified, SL’s first certification mechanism for high-quality recycled plastics, was launched by Island Climate Initiative (ICI). “GP Certified initiative is a game-changer for the recycling industry. It ensures that the plastics we process meet high standards for safety and quality, which will not only boost consumer more..

Mar 28 (NW) Prestige OUD, a world-class luxury oud perfume, was officially launched, marking a new chapter in SL’s premium fragrance industry. Crafted in collaboration with renowned French perfumer Dominique Ropion, the perfume is the latest creation from Pintanna Oud — a venture led by int'l cricket umpire Kumar Dharmasena. Known for his work with some of the world’s most prestigious fragrance houses, Ropion has brought his signature expertise to this uniquely SL product. more..