Sep 9 (Island) US and SL officially yesterday launched PACIFIC ANGEL (Pac Angel) 25 at Katunayake Air Base, with U.S. Defense Attaché Lt. Col. Matthew House joining SL Air Force leaders to open the exercise. The five-day multilateral program, running from Sept 8–12, brings together nearly 90 U.S. and 120 SL Air Force personnel, along with participants and observers from Australia, Bangladesh, India, Japan & Maldives, to strengthen disaster response and save lives. more..

Sep 9 (NW) A new report by the International Truth and Justice Project says Sri Lanka has systematically shielded the killers of journalists for over a quarter of a century. The new report focuses on the failures of the police investigation into the October 2000 assassination of BBC Jaffna reporter, Nimalarajan Mylvaganam. Stating that at least 44 journalists and media workers were killed while reporting on the civil war between 2000 and 2010, the report claims that to date, more..

Sep 9 (NF) PM Harini Amarasuriya issued a strong and unequivocal statement in Parliament, declaring that no individual involved in drug trafficking will be protected under her administration. Her remarks came in response to a fiery exchange sparked by MP Namal Rajapaksa, who raised concerns over the recent seizure of chemical substances suspected to be used in the production of crystal meth (ice) in Middeniya. more..

Sep 9 (AM) Recognising the absence of a formal legal framework covering all children in Sri Lanka who require alternative care, the govt has taken steps to introduce a new law on foster care. The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has presented a concept paper to establish a foster care mechanism aimed at implementing this family-based alternative care system, which has become an urgent need. The proposed mechanism is expected to operate under two main components: more..

Sep 9 (NF) China has called on the international community to respect Sri Lanka’s sovereign right to determine its own path in human rights development, urging an end to external political pressure and intervention in the country’s internal affairs. Speaking at the 60th Session of the UNHRC in Geneva, the Representative of China emphasized that any efforts to address human rights issues should be constructive, cooperative, and rooted in dialogue. more..

Sep 9 (MN) Sri Lanka has made remarkable strides in stabilizing its economy, undertaking one of the largest fiscal adjustments in its history-equal to nearly 8 percent of GDP over three years. The adjustment was also sharper and faster by int'l standards - when compared with more than 330 similar efforts in 123 countries worldwide since 1980. A new World Bank review of SL's public finances released today says more..

Sep 9 (GUK) The UK thanks the High Commissioner for his report on Sri Lanka and recent visit. We welcome the govt’s commitments on human rights and accountability whilst also stressing the importance of tangible and sustained progress. Action by the SL authorities to exhume and investigate mass grave sites is vital. This should be carried out in line with international standards. We share the High Commissioner’s continuing concerns around arbitrary detention, custodial deaths, more..

Sep 9 (EN) SL has awarded 60% of its school textbooks and modules printing requirement to 29 private companies, since the govt printer is not cost effective, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. “The state printing organizations do not offer market competitive rates,” he said. “They have been overstaffed by previous govts, and staff have been given various incentive schemes over the years. This increases their cost of production and they can’t compete with private companies. more..

Sep 9 (CT) Destination Germany is a joint initiative by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Colombo, the Goethe-Institut Sri Lanka, the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK Sri Lanka), and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) SL. The programme aims to show SL students that learning German is not just about mastering a language—It opens doors to education, careers, and cultural and professional opportunities in Germany, Sri Lanka, and globally. more..

Sep 9 (WB) More than 380,000 people across Sri Lanka are set to benefit from a new US$100 million partnership between the Government of SL and the World Bank Group aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods, creating jobs, and building climate resilience in the agri-food sector. The Integrated Rurban (Rural and Urban) Development and Climate Resilience Project, will directly support 8,000 agri-food producers, improve irrigation and drainage services on 71,000 hectares of land, more..

Sep 9 (CU) When Charles Conconi ’92CC fell in love with Sri Lanka back in 2001, he fell hard. An international-development worker from Washington, DC, he visited the small island nation off India’s southeast coast for a short-term project on export competitiveness. “I was drawn to the people, the weather, the stunning beauty of the place,” says Conconi. He ended up staying for a couple of years. more..

Sep 9 (NW) Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) says the tariff revision for the last quarter of 2025 submitted by the CEB proposes a 6.8% tariff hike. PUCSL has announced that it will seek public opinion on the electricity tariff revision proposal submitted by the CEB for the final quarter of 2025. Members of the public are invited to submit their comments and proposals in writing to the Commission. Written comments and proposals must be submitted by Oct 7, 2025. more..

Sep 9 (AD) As the Bribery Commission has filed a case against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and his family members before the Colombo High Court on charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka Bodaragama today ordered the conclusion of the proceedings pending before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court in this matter. The Chief Magistrate directed the defendants to appear before the Colombo HC on the scheduled dates, more..

Sep 9 (EN) Cabinet has decided to amend SL’s Press Council Act, which is seen as implemented to stifle media in 1973, with an aim to tackle wrong reporting in electronic and online media using print media as sources, the govt said. The SL Press Council Act was introduced during PM Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s govt and has long been viewed as a tool for controlling the country’s print media rather than promoting press freedom. more..

Sep 9 (CT) Colombo High Court yesterday was informed that Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, also known as Harak Kata, who is facing multiple charges including conspiracy to escape while in the custody of the CID, will remain in detention until the conclusion of his trial. This decision was made under a detention order issued by the Secretary of Defence Ministry under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), the court was told. Senior State Counsel Sajith Bandara appeared on behalf of the AG more..

Sep 9 (EN) Cabinet has approved leasing land from industrial parks to 38 investment projects, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. “The total investment value to be made by the 38 investors is Rs. 2,548.22 million,” he said. It is expected to generate about 1,559 direct employment opportunities. The land is to be provided from industrial parks on a lease basis for a maximum period of 35 years, he said. 42 project proposals were recommended by the Regional Industrial Service Committee, more..

Sep 9 (NW) The two containers linked to crystal methamphetamine (ICE) production were released through the authorized Customs process, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. “These containers were examined and cleared by Customs. However, Customs has launched an internal inquiry into potential gaps and malpractices, while the CID is also investigating the matter. These inquiries will determine whether the release was premeditated,” he said. more..

Sep 9 (EN) A group of SL media personnel currently visiting Israel on a tour sponsored by the Israeli govt are traveling privately, with no involvement from the SL govt, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. “They are on a private tour, there is no govt involvement,” Jayatissa told reporters who questioned him about allowing journalists to go to Israel when it is accused of killing over 270 journalists. “The govt will not bear any responsibility.” “Anyone is free to go to Israel, there is no ban on visiting,” more..

Sep 9 (TM) National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) stated that in cases where there is doubt about the quality of a certain medicine, the use of such medicines is immediately suspended for the benefit of patients, and if it is confirmed after further tests that they are not harmful, instructions will be given for their re-use. NMRA Chairperson Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said that when doubts arise, the use of more..

Sep 9 (AD) Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne has been granted bail after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court this morning. Magistrate ordered Senaratne’s release on a cash bail of Rs. 50,000 and two sureties of Rs. 2 million each. An overseas travel ban was also imposed on the former minister. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka Bodaragama issued the order after considering the facts presented by officials from the Bribery Commission and more..

Sep 9 (AD) Minister Nalinda Jayatissa reveals that Sampath Manamperi, who is accused of concealing two container loads of raw materials allegedly used to manufacture the drug ‘Ice’ and belonging to underworld figure Kehelbaddara Padme, has been identified as a former police intelligence officer. Minister said that the absconding suspect has also been identified as a suspect in the murder of the late Nadarajah Raviraj, a former TNA MP. The minister further stated, more..

Sep 9 (BBC) We’ve been verifying footage posted online during a second day of unrest in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu. Protesters who turned out yesterday to demonstrate against a now-lifted social media ban have returned to voice their anger over claims of corruption in the country. In one video, from Kathmandu, riot police are seen on a street full of protesters. Using Google Maps and Street View, we could match more..

Sep 9 (AD) Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill has been approved after consideration by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection. The approval was granted by the Committee during a meeting held in Parliament under the chairmanship of MP Dr. Najith Indika, today. Commenting on the Bill, officials of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration said that, as stated in the Govt Policy Statement, the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill more..

Sep 9 (FT) Some are more equal than others is a paradoxical phrase from George Orwell’s allegorical novel Animal Farm that highlights societal hypocrisy, where the concept of equality is proclaimed but a privileged few receive preferential treatment Theatrics in Sri Lankan politics has reached a crescendo with the arrest, remanding and bail out of Ranil Wickremesinghe, former President, Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament since 1977. more..

Sep 9 (FT) When Aragalaya broke out in 2022 its immediate demands were captured in two slogans: Gota Go Home and No 225. They were an uncompromising vote of no confidence on the ones governing the country and all elected members in the legislature of the time. But the real demand of the rebels went far beyond those two. Aragalaya in essence, was a revolt against a system of governance which since 1978, if not earlier, had reduced parliamentary democracy into a more..

Sep 9 (NW) SL Police has highlighted the serious risks associated with the indiscriminate use of sky lanterns during festive seasons and special celebrations across the island. Issuing a statement, the Police said that it has been observed that many individuals release sky lanterns of different sizes, which are propelled into the sky using an open flame. Stating that while these lanterns may appear entertaining, the Police warned that they pose a significant fire hazard as more..

Sep 9 (FT) Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday assured the UNHRC that the Govt is committed to reconciliation, human rights, and democratic reforms through national institutions, adopting a conciliatory stance towards international partners even as he firmly defended the country’s sovereignty against external accountability mechanisms. Speaking at the 60th session in Geneva in response to the report on SL more..

Sep 9 (DM) A private security officer, accused of allegedly video recording the vehicle carrying Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, was ordered to be remanded till Sept 10 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama today. Police told the court that the incident occurred when the Chief Justice, accompanied by his security officers, visited his residence in the Gregory’s Road area of Colombo and returned. According to investigators from the Cinnamon Gardens Police, more..

Sep 9 (FT) SL settled $ 1.36 billion in external debt servicing in the first half of 2025, covering 55% of the $ 2.45 billion due for the full year, according to data from the Central Bank of SL (CBSL). This leaves $ 1.09 billion to be met in the second half of the year. Debt servicing accelerated in the second quarter, with total repayments of $ 952 million compared with $ 406.6 million in the first quarter. In Q2, principal payments amounted to $ 715 million and interest payments $ 237 million. more..

Sep 9 (TM) In the wake of the Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) observing that the continued involvement of regular Police officers at the Chemmani mass grave site is likely to prejudice the relevant investigations’ outcome, Ministry of Public Security stated that it is not practical to frequently rotate or assign different Police officers to the excavation. Minister Ananda Wijepala said that Police officers from nearby more..

Sep 9 (DM) The Cinnamon Gardens police arrested a person and produced him before court over allegations of harassing a university girl in a passenger bus while seated behind her. A 27-year-old university student was allegedly harassed while travelling from Horana to Colombo in a private bus, when the suspect seated behind her discreetly pressed against her back on several occasions, police told court. The suspect was produced before court by the police following his arrest. more..

Sep 9 (FT) The Embassy of Japan has said that Ambassador Akio Isomata handed over infectious waste management equipment to 15 hospitals in the country at a ceremony at the Trincomalee General Hospital. The equipment has been provided under the Project for the Improvement of Infectious Waste Management, for which the Exchange of Notes was signed in April 2023 with a grant assistance of JPY 503 million (approx. $ 3.7 million) by the Govt of Japan. Under this project, more..