Mar 4 (DN) Chamod de Silva of the Police Cycling Club was crowned the overall champion of the 26th Tour de Air Force, a prestigious 3-day cycling race organized by the SL Air Force. The event, which concluded yesterday at Galle Face Green in Colombo, saw de Silva cover the 414km race distance in a remarkable time of 9:13.52 seconds, earning him the winner’s prize of Rs. 400,000. The Tour de Air Force, now in its 26th year, coincided with the 74th Anniversary of the SL Air Force, more..

Mar 4 (FT) Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) has suffered close to Rs. 20 billion in losses from bond and equity market investments, with an additional Rs. 12 billion in foregone earnings, as a result of bypassing due process and investing in unlisted equity, according to Verité Research. The report has calculated these losses and foregone earnings by analysing the findings of two forensic audit reports commissioned after a series of investigations into the infamous bond scam of 2015. more..

Mar 4 (CT) Deputy Leader of Democratic Tamil National Alliance, (DTNA) D. Sithadthan, has expressed his acknowledgment of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kathchi (ITAK) letter regarding the potential alliance in contesting in the upcoming LG elections. We have received your letter expressing your willingness to collaborate in the upcoming LG elections. We have never held a differing view on the unity that must be built among us for the well-being of our community, as you have stated more..

Mar 4 (TM) Neither Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), nor any of its power plants are to be privatised under the existing NPP govt, but they will be unbundled into five state-owned entities, MP Lakmali Hemachandra told parliament. “The private sector is already involved in electricity generation, and will have further opportunities within the segment in the future. However the govt is not ready to privatise govt power plants or the CEB,” more..

Mar 4 (NW) Indian Naval Ship Kuthar, an indigenously built Khukri class Corvette arrived Colombo port on 3 March for three days visit. The ship was welcomed in a traditional manner with the tunes of SL Navy band and the officers. On arrival, the Commanding Officer of the Ship, Commander Nitin Sharma called on the Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral MHCJ Silva. In a ceremony onboard, the ship formally handed over a refilled cylinder of Fire-fighting system, an essential more..

Mar 4 (TM) Opposition MP Gayantha Karunathilleka stated that although the Govt has decided to grant the Opposition the Chairpersonship of three out of the seven Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs), the Opposition's request was for the Chairpersonship of all seven SOCs. During a session of the Committee on Parliamentary Business last week, a consensus was reached to establish seven SOCs, with the Opposition allocated three Chairpersonships and the Govt, four. more..

Mar 4 (AD) The govt may have to resume maize imports in the near future despite the current suspension, Minister of Livestock, Land, and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha stated during a recent parliamentary committee meeting. Speaking at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Livestock, Land, and Irrigation Affairs, which convened on Feb 28 under his chairmanship, Minister acknowledged that domestic maize production falls short of national demand, necessitating future imports. more..

Mar 4 (NW) Fuel distributors have been advised to resume their business operations as usual and place fuel orders without delay, according to Vice Chairman of the Fuel Distributors’ Association, Kusum Sananayake. He stated that discussions with the govt are ongoing in an effort to resolve the prevailing issues. He also mentioned that a meeting with the Chairman of CPC is scheduled for today. Following this discussion, the association will inform its members about the next course of action. more..

Mar 4 (CT) SJB MP Ajith P. Perera said that the Govt’s proposed amendments to the Electricity Act would restrict private investment in SL’s energy sector, affecting production, transmission, and distribution. He stated that these proposals would hinder the development of the energy sector rather than facilitate its growth. Perera noted that, despite promises made during the election campaign to introduce a new Electricity Act, Govt had now opted to amend the existing legislation instead. more..

Mar 4 (Island) SL Railways announced on Monday that it would implement new speed limits and revise night train schedules in areas prone to elephant crossings to prevent frequent train-elephant collisions. The revised schedule will take effect on March 7. Dept of Railways stated that trains would now operate outside peak elephant movement hours to minimize risks, with speed limits enforced in high-risk zones. Officials acknowledged that the new restrictions may cause potential delays, but more..

Mar 4 (TM) While the Govt is set to reschedule the full implementation of the Personal Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022, Ministry of Digital Economy stated that it is working to address certain legal and procedural barriers as the implementation of the legislation as it is would lead to unequal treatment for institutions in certain sectors. Acting Secretary to the Ministry, Waruna Sri Dhanapala also stated that the Ministry of Finance more..

Mar 4 (CT) News reports indicate that Sivagangai ship, travelling from Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai, suddenly struggled in turbulent waters due to a sea storm. Following this, ship management has announced that ferry services will be cancelled on both 2 and 3 March. It is reported that the passengers panicked, causing the ship to turn back halfway to Nagapattinam. Passenger ferry services resumed on 22 Feb. However, due to strong sea winds, passenger ferry service more..

Mar 4 (FT) Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) states SL’s public sector accounts for 15% of total employment and 35% of formal employment, while it consumes 26% of public expenditure and 5% of GDP. Notably, public sector employment has increased by about 60% since 2005. However, SL’s govt performance is considered poor as per the Worldwide Governance Index (WGI), with the govt effectiveness being negative 0.65. When members of SL Administrative Service Association more..

Mar 4 (NW) The largest-ever fishing vessel to be manufactured in Sri Lanka was launched at the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour on Monday. Designed with modern technology and in compliance with international standards, the 80-foot vessel was built by Danusha Marine for export to Somalia. Danusha Marine has an established reputation for manufacturing and exporting fishing vessels to countries such as South Korea, Kenya, Sweden, and Norway. more..

Mar 4 (AD) Cabinet has approved a proposal to allocate 219.7233 hectares of land as a grant to SL Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) to facilitate the swift commencement of the Siyambalanduwa 100 MW Solar Power Park project. The govt has set a target of meeting 70% of the country’s electricity demand through renewable energy sources by 2030, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. In line with this goal, the Siyambalanduwa 100 MW Solar Power Park project has been identified as a key initiative. more..

Mar 4 (EN) Sri Lanka has breached a structural benchmark in the IMF program after a 20% electricity tariff cut by the regulator, and an official said avoiding losses would be a key requirement to pass the next review. Passing of a budget in line with program requirements would be the next important requirement. “..[T]he downward tariff revision by 20% implemented by the regulator on Jan 17 resulted in the SB not being met, more..

Mar 4 (DM) Opposition MPs Gayantha Karunathilaka, Harshana Rajakaruna and Kins Nelson today denied getting filling stations through political influence. The MPs were responding to an allegation by Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra in Parliament. "The filling station in Galle was purchased by my late grandfather decades ago even before I was born. It now run by my brother. I have never used political influence to gain anything," MP Karunathilaka said. more..

Mar 4 (AD) The GMOA has decided to temporarily call off the island-wide strike that was planned to commence tomorrow. The decision to call off the strike follows discussions held with the Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. Accordingly, GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabhath Sugathapala stated that the planned strike has been temporarily called off until the vote on the third reading of the 2025 Budget on March 21. Previously, the GMOA had warned that an island-wide strike would commence on Mar 5 more..

Mar 4 (CNT) Recently, SL's Southern Province has become a favored destination for neophyte surfers—a laid-back alternative to the less forgiving waters of the eastern coast—and a lively hospitality scene has risen in tandem. It is centered in the Galle district, famous for its monumental Galle Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese stronghold where shops and sleek stays like the Fort Printers hotel now buzz behind ramparts. more..

Mar 4 (AD) SL Customs officers at the BIA have arrested a passenger who arrived in the country with a stock of illegally smuggled high-end mobile phones valued at around Rs. 30 million. The suspect has attempted to smuggle the mobile phones into the country through the Green Channel at the BIA. The arrested suspect is a 28-year-old businessman residing in Colombo. Accordingly, custom officials have discovered a total of 111 valuable mobile phones of various models concealed inside more..

Mar 4 (NW) Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara has publicly apologized to Sri Lanka’s first-ever vision-impaired MP, Sugath Wasantha de Silva, following backlash over his recent statement. Issuing an apology, MP Jayasekara stated that he unconditionally seeks forgiveness from anyone who was hurt by his remarks. He also elaborated on his initial comments, explaining that he intended to highlight broader political and social issues rather than target any individual or community. more..

Mar 4 (DM) The planned animal survey on March 15 is a proposal of the special committee appointed to tackle agricultural losses caused by wild animals and provide recommendations for managing the issue, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. Responding to a question whether the survey to be conducted within 5 minutes, as announced by the Agriculuture Minister, will be practical and sucessful, Minister said Agriculture Minister had only announced the proposal of special committee. more..

Mar 4 (Island) Executive Committee of the National Shoora Council (NSC) wants countries worldwide including the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to make and encourage direct investments in SL in agriculture, dairy farming, fisheries, and housing projects preferably in collaboration with existing SL developers. NSC’s newly elected head M.M. Zuhair, President’s Counsel said that prospective private sector investors should more..

Mar 4 (Island) PHU leader Udaya Gammanpila yesterday accused the NPP govt of making an attempt to promote a relatively junior officer as the Head of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI). The former parliamentarian and Attorney-at-Law named the officer holding the rank of Colonel. Gammanpila alleged that the NPP wanted to bring the DMI under a Colonel married to a senior activist of Lanka Guru Seva Sangamaya. more..

Mar 4 (DM) The man who was arrested for riding a motorcycle yesterday told the police that he had removed his clothes because he wanted to live freely. He also said that he had thrown away his Apple phone along the way. He mentioned that he intended to go to Piduruthalagala, having departed from a hotel in Ahangama on Monday. While riding his motorcycle, he occasionally undressed. He also stated that he wanted to observe the public's reaction to his actions as well. more..

Mar 4 (FT) NPP Govt’s vision in introducing the concept of Clean Sri Lanka is commendable. One of the main objective of the Clean Sri Lanka program appears to be to streamline our transport system towards ensuring road safety in providing an efficient and more importantly a dependable service to millions of commuters. It is no exaggeration to state the relevant authorities in the transport arena have failed in achieving this objective. In the past we had various ministers entrusted with more..

Mar 4 (AFP) SL’s fragile economic recovery could be hampered by threatened trade union strikes over reduced benefits for govt employees in this year’s budget, IMF warned on Tuesday. Leftist Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s maiden budget raised public sector salaries but also made deep cuts to longstanding perks in a continuing effort to repair the island nation’s tattered finances. SL’s main doctors’ union is considering a strike from more..

Mar 4 (NW) A group identifying as the Fathers’ Union has called on the govt to refrain from supporting the private member’s bill, Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2023, which aims to repeal provisions that make sexual orientation a punishable offence in SL. Representing the group, former minister Mervyn Silva said that funds had been obtained by non-profit organizations from USAID to change the cultural values of SL and destroy the nation. “US Prez Trump himself is against the LGBTQIA+ more..

Mar 4 (EN) There was a possibility of criminals entering SL and Thailand with the free visa scheme established between the two Asian countries to boost tourism, the Thai ambassador in SL said. “That is getting on,” Thailand ambassador to SL Paitoon Mahapannaporn confirmed. The ambassador was speaking at a panel discussion ‘Business Opportunities between Thailand and Sri Lanka’ organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce with the Royal Thai Embassy more..

Mar 4 (AD) Police Headquarters has announced a cash reward of Rs. 1.2 million for anyone who provides accurate information leading to the apprehension of the female accomplice, who continues to evade arrest, after being involved in the murder of notorious underworld figure Sanjeewa Samararatne, also known as Ganemulla Sanjeewa. The notorious underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa, was shot dead on Feb 19, at the No. 5 Magistrate’s Court within Hulftsdorp Courts more..

Mar 4 (AD) Acting OIC of the Weligama Police Station has surrendered to the court this morning. The court had issued arrest warrants against him and several police officers including the former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. On March 1, Matara Magistrate’s Court imposed an overseas travel ban on former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon based on a request made by the CID following reports that although the investigating officers had searched the residences of Deshabandu Tennakoon more..

Mar 4 (Hindu) Even as the fisheries dispute in the Palk Bay is witnessing yet another round of intensity, a suggestion has come from leaders of fishermen’s associations in Northern Province, SL, that Navies of both the countries conduct joint patrolling to curb alleged poaching by fishermen of Tamil Nadu. This idea was floated at a meeting between the leaders of the fishing community in North & officials of Indian Consulate General more..

Mar 4 (AD) Supreme Court has dismissed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by Saman Ratnayake, a former Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health, seeking a ruling that his fundamental human rights were violated through unlawfully arresting and remanding him in custody by the CID over the substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) procurement case. This order was issued when the relevant petition was taken up before a 3-member SC judge bench more..

Mar 4 (Island) PM Harini Amarasuriya stated that the qualitative change required for a new society should begin within ourselves and that the govt has planned to develop cooperatives suited to the modern world while strengthening the rural economy. PM made this statement while addressing the members of the Women’s Forum held at the Sunanda Theatre, Aranayake, on March 2nd. Speaking further, PM said: “We have come to the right place with our long-standing efforts. more..

Mar 4 (EN) SL can restructure its state-owned enterprises (SOEs) without privatizing, but they should not be a burden to the island nation’s tax payers or govt debts, a top IMF official said. Restructuring SL’s loss-making SOEs is crucial for stabilizing the country’s economy, reducing fiscal deficits, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. The previous govt under former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe attempted to privatize more..