Oct 12 (SO) In the bustling streets of Colombo, where the scent of street food mingles with the hum of tuk-tuks, a quiet revolution is under way. Three years after an economic collapse brought SL to its knees, the nation is piecing itself back together, one IMF review at a time. On October 9, 2025, IMF announced the completion of a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) following the fifth review of its US $ 3 billion EFF, unlocking $347 million and bringing total disbursements to $2.04 billion. more..

Oct 12 (ST) Although SL ostensibly rejected the resolution tabled by the UK-led Core Group at the UNHRC this week in Geneva, the JVP/NPP Govt opted not to challenge the latest resolution in a vote. Explaining the Govt’s rejection of the resolution, SL stated that the fundamental issue was the reference to the UN external evidence-gathering mechanism, which SL rejected. Minister Vijitha Herath in Parliament further clarified the Govt position stating with some justification that more..

Oct 12 (ST) When it comes to question-answer sessions in Parliament, there have been some concerns about the conduct of the govt. First is the long delay in responding to questions submitted by the Opposition. Raising the issue in Parliament this week, Opposition member Chamara Sampath Dassanayake said he had asked a question six months ago and was yet to receive a response from govt ranks. more..

Oct 12 (ST) My dear Ranga, I thought of writing to you because you seem to have suddenly become the focus of attention, especially among opposition politicians, even though you are a mere public servant who is only trying to do his job. It is a reflection of what you are doing, and how worried some people are about that. I hope you are not surprised by that, Ranga. When you wanted this job, you must have known what is in store for the person who holds this office. more..

Oct 12 (TM) The past week has perhaps been the clearest reminder yet that one year on, the NPP Govt is still groping in the dark, stumbling from one misstep to another, hoping that divine intervention might miraculously set things right. For a regime that rode into office on the crest of massive popular support and revolutionary rhetoric, the NPP today finds itself bogged down by self-inflicted wounds, internal controversies, and an alarming erosion of credibility. more..

Oct 12 (Island) The Opposition is hauling the govt over the coals for having allowed the latest UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka to be adopted without a vote. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, speaking in Parliament on Thursday, tore into the govt for having given in to international pressure in Geneva and made a compromise at the expense of Sri Lanka’s interests. He claimed the NPP had bungled the country’s Geneva strategy big time owing to its inefficiency and inexperience. more..

Oct 12 (Island) Tobacco remains one of SL’s deadliest public health challenges, claiming an estimated 20,000 lives every year. Despite decades of progress and the nation’s pioneering role in global tobacco control, experts warn that momentum has slowed and urgent action is needed to protect future generations. With the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), SL stands at a crossroads: will it renew its leadership in the global fight against tobacco, or allow industry more..

Oct 12 (CI) Nat Sciver-Brunt's 10th WODI hundred and a four-wicket haul from Sophie Ecclestone helped England brush past a spirited if flawed Sri Lankan side in Colombo completing a dominant 89-run win, as they made it three wins in three at the World Cup - and with it go top of the group. It was Sri Lanka's second defeat in as many games, though they have a point on board courtesy their washed out game against Australia. more..

Oct 12 (Island) SL’s hundred strong contingent of young athletes for the Asian Youth Games are left in the lurch with just days ahead of their scheduled departure as the Ministry of Education continues to delay the approval for reasons best known to them. ‎Sources close to the athletes said that the department of sports of the Ministry of Education is yet to grant the approval, without which the athletes and the accompanying officials of the Ministry will not be able to proceed. more..

Oct 12 (Island) Not many realise that cricket’s inaugural Women’s World Cup actually preceded the men’s event. The women took the field for their first World Cup in 1973, two years before Clive Lloyd’s West Indians lifted the men’s crown. From moving away from underarm bowling to embracing professionalism, the women have often been trailblazers of our great game. For far too long, women’s cricket was left sitting in the pavilion while the men played on, short on attention, more..

Oct 12 (TM) Football Federation of SL (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar has said that the National Team’s historic 1-0 win over Turkmenistan on Thursday was the perfect riposte to critics who yet question the composition of the team and the nationality of certain players. He said that the changes needed to revitalise SL football had been made by players with SL citizenship and insisted that the professionated to add a crucial edge alongside captain more..

Oct 12 (DM) Former MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said that he never had any intention of executing former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa, though some have misunderstood his recent remarks in Matara. "I only said that the former Prez would have been executed for ordering a ceasefire in Feb 2009 and destroying the Forward Defence Lines of the security forces. I only said that a person who betrayed the nation would have been shot using anti-aircraft guns in South Korea and more..

Oct 12 (ST) Batters Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dhananjaya de Silva are set to make their comebacks for next month’s tour of Pakistan, as SL look to steady a fragile batting line-up ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup. The tour will feature a three-match ODI series followed by a T20 tri-series involving hosts Pakistan and Afghanistan, beginning on Nov 11. Both Rajapaksa and de Silva were key figures in SL’s triumphant 2022 Asia Cup more..

Oct 12 (Island) Biodiversity SL (BSL) marked its 10th anniversary this year, celebrating a decade of uniting businesses, scientists, and policymakers to safeguard the island’s natural heritage. From its inception, Dilmah Tea played a pivotal role alongside IUCN and the CCC in co-initiating BSL, funding its first staff member and helping shape the platform that would connect companies eager to act on biodiversity with the expertise and frameworks needed for measurable impact. more..

Oct 12 (TM) Football Federation of SL (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar has said that the National Team’s historic 1-0 win over Turkmenistan on Thursday was the perfect riposte to critics who yet question the composition of the team and the nationality of certain players. He said that the changes needed to revitalise SL football had been made by players with SL citizenship and insisted that the professionalism imbued into system by them had enabled SL to turn a corner in int'l football. more..

Oct 12 (TM) The results of the evaluation of the Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted for the development and expansion of the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery will be a decisive factor in determining whether the already-delayed $ 3.7 billion investment project by Sinopec in Hambantota will continue or not, a senior official said. It is learnt that CPC has received 20 EOIs for Sapugaskanda, which were evaluated last week. more..

Oct 12 (EN) Deloitte SL hosted a webinar Reforming Today for a Resilient Tomorrow: Understanding the Companies (Amendment) Act No. 12 of 2025 following the enactment of the landmark amendment to the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 on 4th Aug 2025. This amendment marks a significant step in strengthening SL’s regulatory framework for corporates, with beneficial ownership disclosure as its key feature. This webinar brought together corporate law experts, regulators, and more..

Oct 12 (AD) COPE has revealed that 850 employees of Lanka Sathosa were confirmed in service through irregular procedures prior to last year’s elections. This revelation was made when Lanka Sathosa officials were summoned before the COPE . COPE Chairman Nishantha Samaraweera stated that eight senior positions at Lanka Sathosa had been recruited on a contract basis. Chairman of Lanka Sathosa Dr. Samitha Perera said: “The contract given for 2 years was extended to 5 years more..

Oct 12 (AD) The All Ceylon Egg Producers Association has announced a reduction in egg prices by Rs. 10 in the local market. The Association’s Chairperson, Navod Sampath Bandara has stated that the decision to reduce the price of eggs was made with the aim of ceasing the mafia of large-scale egg producers. Accordingly, it has been decided to sell a white egg at a price of Rs. 18 and a red egg at a price of Rs. 20, he said. However, Chairman of the All Ceylon Poultry Traders more..

Oct 12 (DM) Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath attended the inauguration of the Grand Serendib Colombo, SL’s first AI-powered hotel project, held last night (10) at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. The event also celebrated the 20th anniversary of ABEC, the company behind the project. Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya and ABEC Premier Dilip Herath joined the minister in officially launching the landmark initiative. more..

Oct 12 (ST) The full operation of the SL Ports Authority’s (SLPA) much-delayed East Container Terminal (ECT) is expected to be further hindered, as the procurement of essential port equipment called straddle carriers is not yet completed, industry sources said. Bids were first called for straddle carriers—which are specialised, off-road vehicles used in container terminals to lift, transport and stack heavy loads like shipping containers—as far back as 2023. more..

Oct 12 (SO) Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has been summoned to appear before the Tangalle Crimes Investigation Division today. According to police sources, Weerawansa has been instructed to report to the division at 10.00 a.m. in connection with a statement he made regarding Weerasinghege Sarath, also known as Beliatta Sana who was recently arrested on drug-related charges. Weerawansa had previously appeared before the division on October 8 to provide a statement concerning his remarks. more..

Oct 12 (DM) Media Secretary to Ministry of Transport, Highways & Urban Development Suranga Senevirathne has reportedly stepped down from office citing inability to work with subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake. Senevirathna submitted his letter of resignation approximately five days ago. In addition to him, a number of other officials who held key posts in the institutes have resigned in recent times. In the latest Cabinet reshuffle, Bimal was stripped of his ports & civil aviation portfolio. more..

Oct 12 (Island) Leaders of the CEB trade unions have appealed for the intervention of religious leaders to stop what they describe as the unlawful restructuring of the CEB. They handed over an appeal to Malwatte and Asgiri Maha Nayakas on Oct 10. They also met Malwatte Maha Nayaka, Most Ven. Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, and Asgiri Maha Nayaka, Most Ven. Warakagoda Gnanalokanatha Thera. The trade unions have highlighted the adverse impact privatisation more..

Oct 12 (NW) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that the security of investors and investments coming into the country has been ensured under the current govt. He made this remark during a discussion held this yesterday (11) at the Presidential Secretariat with a delegation of US business representatives visiting the country to study SL’s investment opportunities, business environment and legal framework. Prez noted that a secure environment for investments has now more..

Oct 12 (ST) Police Department has begun levying charges for providing security for commercial events, following a directive from the IGP, Priyantha Weerasooriya. In view of the costs incurred by the Dept, the money would be used to cover overtime and batta payments for officers deployed at commercial events. He said previously a circular had been issued by the Dept, and now the IGP himself had instructed to collect charges more..

Oct 12 (NW) Former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena have requested the return of vehicles previously provided for their security, Minister Ananda Wijepala said. He noted that if returning the vehicles were to affect their security in any way, there is a possibility for the vehicles to be returned to them. The request has already been submitted to the Threat Assessment Committee under the Ministry of Public Security, and actions will be taken according to committee’s decision. more..

Oct 12 (DM) Mirihana Police have arrested seven individuals, including the assistant principal of the International school, in connection with the tragic death of a five-year-old child who drowned in a swimming pool at a hotel in the Nugegoda area. The incident occurred on the morning of October 8 at Sanhinda Leisure Centre on Stanley Mawatha, Mirihana. A group of preschool children of the Keble College Int'l School had been participating in swimming activities under supervision of more..

Oct 12 (ST) Govt’s austerity measures seem to be extending to the sphere of foreign affairs. Saving millions of rupees was one of the reasons that Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath cited for the decision to forgo the opportunity to seek a vote on the resolution to extend the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. more..

Oct 13 (DM) Following last week’s discussion on India’s LGBTQA+ tourism, I wanted to explore the deeper question many readers raised: what does science tell us about sexual orientation itself? Sexual orientation is not a choice. It’s a natural part of who someone is—like being left-handed or having a particular eye colour. Throughout history and across all cultures, a small but significant number of people have been attracted to others of the same sex. Modern science helps us understand why. more..

Oct 13 (DM) Minister Ananda Wijepala has stated that former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena have requested the bullet-proof vehicles they had returned to the state following the passage of the Presidents’ Entitlement Bill on Sept 10. He showed positive signs that those vehicles could be returned to the former Presidents with the approval of the Threat Assessment Committee of his ministry. Why the former Presidents handed over those vehicles to the state and later more..

Oct 13 (SO) As SL’s political landscape realigns, Assistant Leader of UNP Ravi Karunanayake says that a UNP–SJB alliance could mark the first step towards national stability and credible opposition. He said that reuniting the two offshoots of the same political movement is critical to restore public trust, economic confidence, and democratic balance. Q: The working committee of the SJB said that it has decided to collaborate with UNP. more..

Oct 13 (TM) The technology driven world today is obsessed with rare earth minerals, and its supply has been weaponised by geopolitics. Competition for rare earth minerals is intense because they are essential for modern technology needs and wants; including electric vehicles, smartphones, and are increasingly vital for key defence systems. Their strategic importance is heightened by the limited number of suppliers, particularly China's historical dominance, which gives it significant leverage more..

Oct 13 (CT) Pledges declared, promises made and a new vision articulated on the election platform is now history. That history is not all that long, merely twelve months. We are trying to compare twelve months with seventy six long and agonizing years; and we fail to see any resemblance. But we cannot wait another three quarters of a century to pass judgment on a governing machination and economic management by the newly elected govt of the National People’s Power (NPP). more..

Oct 13 (TM) Central Expressway Project, one of SL’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives, is once again under scrutiny – not for construction delays, but for the controversial decision to proceed with increased loan interest. COPF has raised serious concerns over the rationale for agreeing to a shift from a fixed 2.5% interest rate to a variable rate capped at 3.5%, warning that this could further escalate more..

Oct 13 (CT) Latest data from National STD/AIDS Control Programme paints a troubling picture. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, almost all new HIV infections among youth aged 15 to 24 were reported in males. Out of 32 new youth cases, 30 were young men. This pattern is not an isolated incident — it mirrors an ongoing and deeply concerning national trend, where men continue to account for the vast majority of new HIV infections. While SL’s overall HIV prevalence remains low at under 0.1%, more..