Oct 29 (FT) SL’s int'l tourism connectivity received a boost yesterday as Edelweiss Air, Red Wings Airlines, and Belavia inaugurated their winter season flights to Katunayake and Mattala airports, signaling growing interest from European and Russian travellers. All three airlines were greeted with traditional water cannon salutes, and the passengers were welcomed with Kandyan dance performances, and Ceylon Tea gifts. Edelweiss Air marked the start of its winter operations to BIA with more..

Oct 29 (ST) Shangri-La Asia’s hotels in Colombo & Hambantota have delivered profit of US$1.9 million (Rs 576.5 mil) in the first half of this year and income from the One Galle Face complex of commercial and office space, soared to US$7.1m (Rs 2.15 bil). But Shangri-La Asia group profit for the six months ended 30 June dropped. SL hotels profit increased from US$300,000 in the first half of 2024, the Hong Kong-based luxury hotels-to-real estate company, has reported in its interim financial filings. more..

Oct 29 (Island) Missing out on the last Women’s World Cup in New Zealand was a bitter pill to swallow for everyone involved in Sri Lankan cricket. But instead of licking their wounds, the islanders rolled up their sleeves and went back to the drawing board. A raft of reforms followed and the results have been nothing short of stunning. Everyone remembers SL’s fairytale Asia Cup triumph, toppling India in the final. Since then, the women in blue and gold have taken bigger scalps in bilateral more..

Oct 29 (DM) Central Bank has appointed Assistant Governors C. Amarasekara and K. G. P. Sirikumara as Deputy Governors, in line with a recommendation by its governing board. Dr. Amarasekara’s appointment took effect on 24 Oct 2025, while Sirikumara will assume office on 3 Nov 2025, the monetary watchdog said this week. Dr. Amarasekara has served the Central Bank of SL for more than 22 years. Prior to being appointed as Deputy Governor, he held position of Assistant Governor more..

Oct 29 (TM) The Opposition has requested Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne to summon IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya to the Parliament for a discussion on the security of MPs and several related matters. Chief Opposition Whip and SJB MP, Gayantha Karunathilleka said that the Opposition had requested the Speaker to arrange a meeting with the IGP to address issues surrounding MPs’ security. more..

Oct 29 (DN) SL athletic team who won 40 medals including 16 gold medals at the South Asian Senior Athletic championship returned home yesterday to a warm welcome by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage and Sports Ministry officials at the Katunayake Airport. We are delighted with the achievements of our SL athletes at the South Asian championship and this was a huge victory for SL sports said Sports Minister. Getting 40 medals (16 gold, 14 silver & 10 bronze) created history more..

Oct 29 (FT) The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday green lighted to award a contract to Hong Kong-based Giesecke & Devrient Asia Pacific Ltd., to enhance the currency operations and monitoring activities of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, following a competitive procurement process. The approval follows a dual-stage bidding process initiated to select an institution capable of improving the Central Bank’s currency operations. “Four institutions initially expressed interest. more..

Oct 29 (NW) A video circulating on social media shows a tense mid-air incident aboard SriLankan Airlines flight from Riyadh to Colombo on Oct 26, where crew members are seen attempting to restrain a Saudi Arabian passenger who allegedly assaulted them. According to preliminary investigations by the Katunayake Airport Police, the altercation occurred as the aircraft was preparing to land. At that time, passengers are required to remain seated with seat belts fastened, but more..

Oct 29 (AD) A female lawyer from the Kadawatha area has been arrested for allegedly for providing a copy of the Penal Code for Ishara Sewwandi to conceal the pistol used in the killing of underworld figure Sanjeewa Samararatne alias Ganemulla Sanjeewa, police said. The infamous gang leader known as Ganemulla Sanjeewa was fatally shot by a gunman disguised as a lawyer in the No. 5 Magistrate’s Court within the Aluthkade Courts Complex (Hulftsdorp) on Feb 19. more..

Oct 29 (FT) Sri Lanka’s long-delayed free visa policy for select countries is set to take effect within the next one to two months, Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday announced, as the Govt moves to finalise and gazette the regulation. “We are finalising the process to gazette and submit the new regulation to Parliament for approval. After that, we expect it to be implemented within one to two months,” he said in response to a query more..

Oct 29 (CT) A corruption case filed against former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, alleging he caused a loss of over Rs 15 million to the Govt, is scheduled to be recalled at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today. CIABOC filed the case against the former Prez. Charge alleges that during his presidential term, he misused State funds to travel to London for a private visit to attend the graduation ceremony of his wife, Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe, thereby causing more..

Oct 29 (TM) In the wake of the circulation of a video showing a suspect in the killing of the Weligama PS Chairperson Lasantha Wickramasekara revealing related information, Police denied any involvement in the recording and said that action would be taken against those responsible. Media Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler said that the videography had not been carried out by the Police. “It was some other party who did it. We would not have allowed it. The Police do not approve of that,” he said, more..

Oct 29 (FT) Sri Lanka’s fiscal performance continued to strengthen, with the Budget deficit more than halving in the first 9 months of 2025. The deficit fell 54.5% YoY to Rs. 441.4 billion in the first nine months of 2025 from Rs. 970 billion a year earlier, mainly due to higher revenue collections, which grew 31% YoY to Rs. 3.83 trillion from Rs. 2.93 trillion. Primary account surplus more than doubled to Rs. 1.4 t. more..

Oct 29 (FT) It has been 35 years since the Muslim communities of SL’s Northern Province were evicted en masse by the LTTE. This incident left a dark blot on the long history of Tamil–Muslim relations in the region and beyond. Many of the evicted Muslims went to Puttalam and the southern parts of the country, where they lived for years in camps for internally displaced persons. They faced severe economic hardship as they rebuilt their lives from scratch in unfamiliar surroundings. more..

Oct 29 (TM) Recently, TNPF Leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam said that Tamils would never get justice in the matter of war crimes allegedly committed by the SL State as long as the matter was confined to the UNHRC and that no foreign government was prepared to bring Sri Lanka before any court in the current situation. Ponnambalam was speaking on the theme of Gathering evidence against genocide under international intervention: Weaknesses and possibilities at an event more..

Oct 29 (DM) Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara today issued a warrant on MP Jagath Manuwarna for failing to appear before court in connection with two cases filed in 2008. When the cases were called today, counsel representing Jagath Manuwarna informed court that his client was unable to attend the proceedings as he was participating in a national ceremony held to distribute land deeds. However, Magistrate observed that the suspect had previously failed to appear more..

Oct 29 (AM) Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne has criticised the current administration’s approach to drug law enforcement and the extensive media coverage surrounding it, warning that such publicity is tarnishing Sri Lanka’s international reputation. He argued that constant headlines and television broadcasts about drug seizures give the impression that SL is overrun by narcotics and controlled by the underworld, comparing the resulting image to that of Mexico and Colombia. more..

Oct 29 (AD) Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court postponed the hearing of the case filed under Public Property Act against former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, until Jan 28, 2026. Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara today ordered the CID to expedite the investigation related to former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and to produce before court any suspects connected to the matter, if such individuals exist. more..

Oct 29 (SLN) Crew members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) ship AKEBONO, arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit, joined hands with the SL Navy in a beach cleaning programme held at Galle Face today. The initiative was conducted in support of the national Clean Sri Lanka campaign, under the theme A Beautiful Beach – An Attractive Tourist Destination. SL Navy continues to play an active role in such environmental conservation efforts, reaffirming its more..

Oct 29 (CT) A mother who developed a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic administered during a Caesarean section at the recently opened Maternity and Children’s Hospital, Galassa, Kalutara, is currently in critical condition and receiving intensive care at the same hospital. It is alleged that the services of trained anaesthetists are not being properly provided at the Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Galassa, Kalutara. Aggravating the situation, there was reportedly a tug of war more..

Oct 29 (TM) SL’s apparel exports rose by 1.58% year on year in September to a little over $ 403 million, despite a downturn in shipments to US & UK. SL’s apparel exports to US & UK fell 4.71% and 15.06%, respectively, in September, which were more than offset by a 10.75% rise to the EU and a 19.49% increase to other markets. However, this was lower than Aug 2025, when apparel exports reached $ 479.14 million. more..

Oct 29 (CT) A discussion was held on expediting the resumption of stalled development projects at the Chilaw District General Hospital, the main govt hospital in the Puttalam District. The meeting involved Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, State Minister A.H.M.H. Abeyrathna, and officials. Particular attention was given to development projects at the hospital, including the five-storey Medical Ward Complex, which began in 2013 and remains partially completed, and more..

Oct 29 (EN) Polish charter airline Enter Air is scheduled to launch regular charter flights from Warsaw to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) from Thursday (30), govt said and it will be the fourth airline to start operations to the island nation this week. Airport and Aviation Services (SL) (Pvt) Ltd said Enter Air will operate every ten days with flights on Thursdays and Sundays until mid-April 2026, coinciding with SL’s peak tourism season. Already the island nation has witnessed more..

Oct 29 (CT) Supreme Court, yesterday, ordered that the appeals filed by former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Trade Minister Nalin Fernando, seeking to overturn their prison sentences, be taken up for hearing on 20 Jan 2026. The two former ministers were convicted and sentenced to Rigorous Imprisonment for the misuse of over Rs 50 million in public funds. The charges relate to the alleged import and distribution of carrom boards and draughts sets worth Rs 53 million more..

Oct 29 (AD) A high-level meeting has been convened at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence in Colombo to review progress and address ongoing challenges related to the release of private lands situated within the Jaffna-Palali area to their rightful owners. Meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara and attended by Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha, along with senior defence and administrative officials. Discussions focused on resolving operational more..

Oct 29 (NW) Minister Vijitha Herath says measures have been taken to re-export the consignment of the Holy Qur’an (Tamil translation) that remains detained by SL Customs. Minister revealed that the consignment had been imported in violation of customs regulations. He further said that, as such, the importer had agreed to re-export the consignment of the Holy Qur’an (Tamil translation) to India. “There was no issue about the content more..

Oct 29 (Island) Social Democratic Party of Switzerland has unanimously passed a resolution on the situation in SL, calling for an international genocide investigation at their party congress on the 25th of October 2025 in Sursee, Canton of Lucerne. The resolution strongly condemns the systematic violence, mass killings, and the grave human rights violations against Eelam Tamils. Referencing a recent legal report on the Tamil genocide by the NGO People for Equality and Relief in Lanka, more..

Oct 29 (NW) An investigation has been launched by three units of the Police Commercial CID regarding the alleged preparation of forged documents related to a plot of land valued at Rs. 150 million. A female suspect involved in the incident had created fake deeds and documents while staying at a rented residence. She is currently evading the Police and remains in hiding, while the authorities have not yet been able to confirm the location of the residence she was staying in. more..

Oct 29 (DM) SL’s plan to lift tea production to 400 million kilograms by 2030 faces steep challenges, from underinvestment to producer reluctance, according to Ceylon Tea Brokers Chairman Niraj De Mel, who cautioned that the target may be more aspirational than achievable. De Mel cautioned that significant investment constraints and possible reluctance among producers could hinder progress towards the target. more..

Oct 29 (CT) Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar paid a brief visit recently to inspect the current state of the Kirinda Fishery Harbour in the Southern Province, where he held extensive discussions with officials, representatives of fisheries societies, and fishermen on issues requiring immediate attention and action. Since fishermen informed Minister Chandrasekar that they were facing difficulties due to the heavy accumulation of sand inside the harbour, he instructed more..

Oct 29 (AD) China is ready to join hands with SL on a strong journey towards development, said the Chinese Ambassador to SL, Qi Zhenhong. The Ambassador made these remarks while addressing an event held in Colombo. The event, titled China and the World – China–Sri Lanka Dialogue for a Prosperous Future, took place at a prominent hotel in Colombo. Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador stated: “China’s development plan for the next five years will open new avenues more..

Oct 29 (DM) The IMF has projected that SL’s economy will grow by 3.1% in 2026, reflecting a gradual return to its long-term trend, officials said. Thomas Helbling, Deputy Director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Dept, made the announcement during a press conference on the Asia and Pacific Region’s Economic Outlook. Helbling highlighted that Sri Lanka has experienced a strong economic recovery, supported by the govt’s ongoing reform program in collaboration with the IMF. more..

Oct 29 (CT) Chris Gayle has joined Lanka Premier League (LPL) as its official Brand Ambassador for the 2025 season, which is set to take place in July-Aug 2026, following the conclusion of key international series. The rescheduled timeline allows players and fans uninterrupted access to the thrill of the tournament as it enters its sixth and biggest season yet. Gayle, regarded as one of the most dominant and entertaining players the game has ever seen, brings with him an unmatched more..

Oct 29 (AD) IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya has lodged a complaint with National Police Commission (NPC) and CID against a Senior DIG. Accordingly, IGP Weerasuriya has requested the NPC to transfer the Senior DIG in question, who holds a high-ranking position at the Police HQ, and to initiate a disciplinary inquiry against him. The Police Chief took these measures following revelations that the Senior DIG in question more..

Oct 29 (DM) The govt’s newly imposed criteria on the purchase of onions are impractical and designed to protect importers while harming local farmers, National Farmers’ Union Chairman Anuradha Thennakoon alleged yesterday. Thennakoon said the govt has set strict measurement-based standards for locally purchased onions, including: Onion diameter must range between 35mm and 65mm; Onions larger or smaller than this range should not exceed 10% of the total weight more..