Oct 1 (CT) SL Tourism’s recent endorsement of a project by rights organisation EQUAL GROUND to promote LGBTIQ tourism has been hailed as a forward-looking step, signalling the country’s intent to position itself as a safe and inclusive destination for all travellers. On paper, it is a commendable move. With global tourism markets increasingly valuing diversity and inclusivity, this initiative has the potential to diversify Sri Lanka’s appeal, inject fresh dynamism into the industry, and more..

Oct 1 (ST) It seemed that the UN and its secretary-general had turned out a special annual gathering of its 193 members in honour of our own president, Anura Kumar Dissanayake. Such was the esteem it had for the president in his first year in office as Big Chief that he was allowed to lecture—or was it hector?—the world as though the UNGA met at that house of wonders across Diyawanna Oya. Such was the importance of this occasion for our nation that one thought the prestigious President’s more..

Oct 1 (DM) Captain Elmo Jayawardena, one of the most experienced airline pilots and flight instructors in Sri Lanka, joined Air Ceylon as far back as 1969 starting from an extremely humble position and rose to be a internationally reputed pilot and pilot instructor. Having finished with Sri Lankan Airlines, Captain Elmo went to Singapore to train pilots; and now, with his huge experience, teaches Sri Lankan pilots as a service. more..

Oct 1 (DM) In his maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Dissanayaka touched on topics including global poverty, the debt burden of developing nations, the drug menace and organised crime. He also expressed concern over the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. Prez also demanded the release of hostages by all parties to the conflict. more..

Oct 1 (DM) Since 1991, the International Day of Older People has been observed on Oct 1 each year, worldwide. The 2025 UN International Day of Older Persons is observed under the theme Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights. Therefore, the retirement age is an ideal topic to discuss in this context. By the introduction of the Minimum Retirement Age of Workers Act No. 28 of 2021, which came into law on Nov 17, 2021, more..

Oct 1 (CT) Amid the ongoing tussle between the NPP-led Govt and CEB workers over the proposed historic CEB reforms, tensions continue to rise. More than 40 trade unions have warned of mass protests and strikes if the matter is not resolved. Isuru Kasthurirathne, a CEB engineer and executive committee member of the CEB Engineers’ Union (CEBEU), spoke to Ceylon Today regarding the issue. more..

Oct 1 (TM) Cryptocurrencies are the talk of the town today, following revelations that a Cabinet Minister has significantly declared crypto savings in an asset declaration. This comes in the wake of legal ambiguity about if cryptocurrencies are legal in Sri Lanka. Also, with Sri Lanka moving to expand local casino operations, concerns about the use of cryptocurrencies, and misuse are increasing. In March 2023, The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued a statement which stated: more..

Oct 1 (Island) The 2024 general elections saw many academics on election stages and a visibly larger number in Parliament. Some of them now hold ministerial positions. Others have been appointed to various other institutions. It is unsurprising then that we academics as a class, have been looking at familiar faces in the news. Is this a new turn to a politicised university? In 2012-2014 when I interviewed academics for my doctoral research, they referred to the politicication of our sector more..

Oct 1 (CT) The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) based on the mandate it received established OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL). As a part of this, on 21 July 2025, there was a 15-page report on enforced disappearances in SL released. The relevant Mandates werebreceived by 1) The Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence; 2) The Working Group on Enforced or more..

Oct 1 (Island) It was a supreme irony that Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba, following a meeting with Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Tokyo, the other day, paid a passionate tribute to the late Prez J.R. Jayewardene (JRJ) and gratefully remembered his famous speech at the postwar San Francisco Peace Conference, where he called upon the world to treat Japan with compassion and help it achieve recovery. Prez Dissanayake and other JVP stalwarts accompanying him must have felt a moral more..

Oct 1 (CI) In the end, India got everything they could have wanted out of the opening match of the Women's ODI World Cup 2025. While the result will no doubt be the most important factor - a comfortable 59-run, DLS-adjusted win - they will be pleased that every member of their batting unit was tested and that most of them were up for it. So a middle-order collapse of 4 for 4 became a footnote and questions about more..

Oct 1 (FT) The 17th Annual General Meeting of the Indo Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ILCCI), affiliated to The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held on 26 September, at the Taj Samudra, Colombo. The proceedings were followed by a fireside chat moderated by ILCCI Immediate Past President Romesh David. The distinguished panel included Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, and Brandix Apparel Ltd. Managing Director Hasitha Premaratne. During the discussion, more..

Oct 1 (FT) Ambewela, has taken its commitment to consumers beyond the breakfast table by introducing an exclusive consumer promotion that blends daily nourishment with extraordinary experiences. Ambewela, which is regarded as Sri Lanka’s No. 1 fresh milk brand, has long been a benchmark for dairy excellence in Sri Lanka, trusted by generations for its uncompromising commitment to quality, purity, and nutrition. Established as the most premium fresh milk brand in the country, more..

Oct 1 (FT) Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake, during his official visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Govt, held discussions yesterday with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr. Tanaka Akihiko at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, marking a fresh chapter in bilateral cooperation. Prez Dissanayake expressed gratitude for Japan’s steadfast support, particularly through the resumption of concessional yen loans via JICA, which he noted was playing a vital role in more..

Oct 1 (FT) SL could face additional debt service payments of between $ 150 million and $ 270 million a year from 2028 if its economy grows faster than projected, according to the IMF. Payments would continue until 2038 and are capped at around $ 250 million annually. “In the case of SL, the one-time adjustment nature of the macro-linked bonds presents risks to SL as higher payments after 2028, once triggered, would persist even if economic performance were to deteriorate thereafter,” more..

Oct 1 (FT) Asian Development Bank (ADB) said that growth in SL will be held back in 2026 by new US tariffs on key exports, even as momentum remains intact this year. “These developments will likely tamp down the impact on the economy this year from a 20% tariff imposed on SL exports to the US, mostly garments & rubber. But the tariffs will be more of a headwind, holding back external sector performance and consumption in 2026 more..

Oct 1 (DM) The construction sector appears to have gotten a new life line from the resumption of the stalled projects and the availability of new ones as industry stakeholders expressed confidence for the sector in the period ahead. Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the sector recorded an index value of 61.1 for August, slightly higher than the 60.0 in July, signalling expansion in the activity at a slightly faster level. This was the highest from over a year as the last time the sector had a higher index value more..

Oct 1 (FT) John Keells CG Auto (JKCG) issued a further update to its customers and stakeholders on the ongoing proceedings before the Court of Appeal regarding certain consignments of BYD vehicles detained by SL Customs and other related developments. Full statement: While we have sought interim relief from the Courts to obtain the release of our electric vehicles (EV), we continue to engage with the SL Customs to clear shipments of the remaining vehicles which continue to be more..

Oct 1 (ST) Opposition politicians are renewing their demand for the release of the forensic report on the e-visa contracts. This follows Supreme Court ruling that sentenced former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Harsha Ilukpitiya to two years in prison for contempt of court after he failed to arry out the court’s order to restore the old system until the court ruled on the petitions filed against the new system. more..

Oct 1 (FT) At the landmark 50th AGM of the Travel Agents Association of SL (TAASL), held on 9 September aboard the Genting Dream Cruise, history was made when Delair Travels of Delmege Group Chief Operating Officer Sonali Ranasinghe, was appointed as the first female President of TAASL. This milestone is a moment of immense pride for the Delmege Group, which is celebrating 175 years of business excellence in 2025. It reflects Group’s ongoing commitment to investing more..

Oct 1 (FT) Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced a major overhaul of SL’s VAT refund system, replacing the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) scheme with a risk-based refund mechanism effective today. The IRD stated that the new mechanism aims to facilitate faster and more efficient VAT refunds for eligible exporters and projects while reducing opportunities for fraud and errors. Under the new system, refunds will generally be issued within 45 days of submitting more..

Oct 1 (DN) SL women’s Under -19 team led by Manudi Nanayakkara finished off a memorable series with a resounding 5-0 clean sweep over Australia Under-19 women, following a comfortable six-wicket win with 15 balls to spare in the fifth and final T-20 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium yesterday. SL Youth team chasing a target of 115 lost their inform opener Sanjana Kavindi for a duck in first over to a spectacular catch by Emily Powell off the bowling of Shiloh Julion but more..

Oct 1 (Island) Thrower Rumesh Tharanga continued the great form he showcased at the recent World Championship to win more accolades as he excelled with another record-breaking performance at the Defence Services Athletic Championship concluded on Tuesday. Tharanga’s record breaking throw of 85.52 metres on day one of the meet made him the sole contender for the best athlete title of the two-day meet and it remained the same by the end of the individual events on the final day yesterday. more..

Oct 1 (CT) Amidst the ongoing tussle between the CEB Trade Unions and the Ministry of Power and Energy over the new reforms that led to the sick note campaign and work-to-rule protests, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has stepped in to facilitate discussions between the CEB and trade unions over concerns related to ongoing reform measures. ILO Country Director for SL, Joni Simpson, wrote to the Secretary to more..

Oct 1 (AD) The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) has announced a revision of fuel prices effective from midnight today (30). According to the announcement, the price of Auto Diesel will be reduced by Rs. 6 to Rs. 277 per litre, and Petrol 95 Octane will be reduced by Rs. 6 to Rs. 335 per litre. Kerosene will be reduced by Rs. 5 to Rs. 180 per litre. Meanwhile, there will be no change in the prices of Petrol 92 Octane and Super Diesel. The revised rates are as follows: more..

Oct 1 (Island) Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama yesterday (30) refrained from issuing an order in respect of a request by the Cinnamon Gardens police to prevent a protest march by the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) from the Colombo University to the University Grants Commission (UGC) in support of the one-day strike launched by the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) demanding the government to solve their grievances urgently. more..

Oct 1 (NW) Sri Lanka has entered the Guinness World Records after the New Vithanakande Tea Factory achieved recognition for producing the world’s most expensive tea. The factory secured the record with its premium Ceylon Black Tea (FFExSp), which was sold in Japan for Rs. 252,500 per kilogram (approximately ¥125,000). Industry officials said the achievement highlights the global demand for high-quality Ceylon tea and strengthens SL’s position in the luxury tea market. more..

Oct 1 (AD) PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says that the govt is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and child-friendly environment while protecting children from abuse, labour, and stress, and ensuring their growth with dignity and knowledge. “Children are the lifeline of a nation. It is our responsibility to build a fostering childhood for them,” she said in a message on World Children’s Day, under the theme Nurture with Love – to lead the World. In her message she also highlighted the govt’s dedication more..

Oct 1 (AD) Chief Prelates of all three Buddhist Chapters emphasized that proposed amendments to the Penal Code introducing an offence for corporal punishment, as well as govt initiatives to promote tourism through LGBTQ-related activities, could undermine cultural values and give rise to serious social catastrophes. These observations have been made in a joint letter to the Prez, issued with the signatures of the Most Venerable more..

Oct 1 (TM) The issuance of travel tickets to private bus passengers will be mandatory from today, the Road Passenger Transport Authority of the Western Province (WP) has announced. The authority noted that starting from today, passengers travelling in buses without a valid ticket will be fined. The Operations Manager of the authority Jeevinda Keerthirathna emphasised that conductors who fail to issue tickets will also be fined. Accordingly, Keerthirathna stated that from today, more..

Oct 1 (DM) Jaffna District MP Ramanathan Archuna caused a stir today, saying, “You can call me an idiot, but at least I am not gay.” He alleged that “lesbians, gays and bisexuals are within the govt. Should I spell it out? They are the ones promoting lesbians. Should I name those who are encouraging the lesbian business after visiting the US?” Referring to the release of controversial containers, he added, “Those involved may have feelings toward the men sitting next to them, but I don’t. more..

Oct 1 (TM) Court of Appeal (CA) yesterday ordered the Customs to investigate and report to Court by 10 October as to whether the vehicles currently being detained by the Customs can be released on a corporate or personal bond. This directive was issued during the hearing of approximately 15 writ petitions filed by vehicle importers seeking an order to release vehicles currently held by the Customs. more..

Oct 1 (FT) Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former President of SL, son of D.A. Rajapaksa, was born in June 1949, Palatuwa in Matara district as the fifth of nine siblings. He was brought up in Weeraketiya in Hambantota district. Hailing from a well-known political family, his father a prominent politician, MP and Cabinet Minister of Agriculture and Land in Wijayananda Dahanayake govt and Mahinda Rajapaksa his elder brother. He was educated at Ananda College, Colombo & joined SL Army. more..

Oct 1 (FT) The varied public response to recent incidents ranging from the arrest of Ranil Wickremesinghe, former president and prominent politician of Sri Lanka to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, American right-wing political activist, evidence that our assessment of, and response to, events are primarily based on our like or dislike of the individual, or individuals, involved rather than on an objective and unemotional interpretation of the underlying facts. When we base our opinions more..

Oct 1 (PMD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake returned to Sri Lanka this morning after successfully completing a three-day official visit to Japan, undertaken at the invitation of the Japanese Govt. Prez commenced his visit on Sept 27 and served as the Chief Guest at the Sri Lanka Day celebrations held at the Expo 2025 exhibition in Osaka. During the visit, Prez Dissanayake engaged in a series of high-level bilateral discussions aimed at further strengthening the longstanding friendship more..