Sep 2 (FT) Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath expressed support for a series of initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus meeting in Tianjin. Herath stated that he had taken note positively of the Global Development, Security & Civilisation Initiatives, as well as the Global Governance Initiative. He said the proposals were grounded in the principles of sovereign equality, rule of law, multilateralism, people-centred more..

Sep 2 (DM) SLPP has written to the Mahanayake Theras of the Asgiriya and Malwathu Chapters, expressing concern over what it alleges are govt attempts to oppress war heroes. In letters, SLPP General Secretary, Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam, the party accused the government of pursuing actions that undermine military personnel who fought to end terrorism in the country. While noting that terrorism ended 16 years ago, SLPP claimed the ideology behind it still exists. more..

Sep 2 (EN) Sri Lanka’s tax revenues grew 28.2% to 2,534 billion rupees in the seven months to July 2025, while the overall budget deficit was down 36% to 556.1 billion rupees. Non-tax revenues grew to 195 billion rupees from 179 billion rupees last year. Tax revenues improved to 8.3% of projected gross domestic product from 7.1% last year during the seven months. Total revenues grew 27.9% to 2,728.9 billion rupees up to July. more..

Sep 2 (CT) The CID has launched a probe into the purchase of chemical reagents worth over Rs. 2.5 billion, carried out as local procurements without the approval of the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) over the past three years for the laboratory of the National Hospital, Colombo. The investigation also covers the inclusion of expired or nearly expired reagents among the items purchased, according to the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA). more..

Sep 2 (NF) Dept of Motor Traffic is considering an increase in the fee charged for issuing temporary driver’s licenses to foreign nationals at the BIA, according to Commissioner General Kamal Amarasinghe. Currently, the fee stands at Rs. 2,000, but Amarasinghe says discussions are underway to revise the amount in line with service improvements and international standards. To streamline the process for tourists and business travelers, a dedicated counter has been set up at BIA, more..

Sep 2 (DM) The Port of Colombo reported a significant surge in container handling in July 2025, marking a strong rebound with a double-digit growth, driven by a robust recovery in transshipment volumes. This performance signals a positive turn for the port’s mid-year activities. Total container throughput for July reached 721,661 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a substantial 17.2% increase, compared to 615,727 TEUs more..

Sep 2 (FT) When former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe emerged from hospital after securing bail, he did not walk out empty-handed. In his grasp was Boris Johnson’s flamboyantly titled memoir, Unleashed: The Political Memoir of the Century. The symbolism was hard to miss. Johnson, like Ranil, straddled the uneasy line between charm and scandal — a leader celebrated for wit and survival, yet dogged by questions of truth, ethics, and accountability. The book, bold and playful in style, promises more..

Sep 2 (AD) PM Harini Amarasuriya stated that focus is being placed on enhancing the quality of the agricultural sector by utilizing digital and innovative technologies. She made these remarks while addressing the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment 2025 (ISAE) organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, Uni of Ruhuna, held today at the Galle Face Hotel. Theme of ISAE 2025, Driving Innovations in Agricultural Technologies for Climate Action & Sustainability, more..

Sep 2 (NW) A discussion was held today at the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development with the participation of state and private sector dairy manufacturers to explore ways of meeting Sri Lanka’s national milk requirement domestically and securing a foothold in the export market. The meeting focused on strategies to empower dairy farmers, support new entrepreneurs in the dairy sector, and strengthen marketing channels for dairy-related products. more..

Sep 2 (FT) For decades under British rule, the island’s money was governed by a Currency Board System, enacted under Ordinance No. 32 of 1884. While this system ensured currency stability, it constrained policy responses by tying the money supply directly to reserves, without any flexibility for nuance or support to growing domestic needs of a developing economy. Setting up the Central Bank of Ceylon was an initiative taken by SL’s Finance Minister at the time, J.R. Jayewardene. more..

Sep 2 (DM) Sri Lanka is seeking a conciliatory approach with the UNHRC this time under the NPP govt, with the promise to take steps for reconciliation and addressing allegations related to rights violations through a domestic mechanism with international assistance. The core group of countries led by the UK is expected to move a fresh resolution on SL during the session this month. Canada, Malawi, Montenegro & more..

Sep 2 (TM) The Police is in the process of identifying those who organised the protest outside the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on 26 August, when the case involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was taken up, using closed circuit television (CCTV) camera footage and intelligence reports, according to ASP F.U. Wootler. IGP, attorney Priyantha Weerasooriya recently said that investigations were underway to identify individuals who organised the protest in question. more..

Sep 2 (NW) Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has alleged that former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa should be imprisoned for 400 years, citing what he described as severe acts of corruption during Rajapaksa’s 2010 regime. Speaking at an event, former Army Commander criticized successive SL leaders, claiming they lacked vision for national development. He contrasted them with int'l figures such as Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew, Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad, and Rwanda’s Gen. more..

Sep 2 (EN) Multiple electric vehicle makers are offering lower output motors in SL for models which are sold with higher outputs in Australia and Thailand, and authorities are likely to test them as well. SL customs originally detained around 1,000 BYD Atto 3, vehicles with a 100kW motor rating after a complaint that the vehicle is sold with 150kW motor in other markets. Electric vehicle makers may reduce power output of vehicles for price more..

Sep 2 (ST) Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe who met with the United Nations SL Resident Representative Marc-Andre Franche expressed his displeasure over references to the AG’s Dept in the recently released report by the UN Human Rights Commissioner. Mr. Ranasinghe refuted the contents of the report at the meeting with the UN official this week and said a response to the reference to the conduct of the AG’s Dept has been forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be included more..

Sep 2 (FT) Former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe extended his gratitude to all those who supported him from the time of his arrest, marking his first public statement since being taken into custody. In a special video message released to the media, Wickremesinghe conveyed appreciation to the many individuals and groups who had expressed solidarity, both online and offline, during his arrest. “I am thankful to everyone who stood by me from the moment I was taken into custody. more..

Sep 2 (FT) National tea sale average for Aug 2025 registered Rs. 1,182.27 ($ 3.92) per kilogram, reflecting a month-on-month (MoM) increase of Rs. 54.67 and $ 0.18 compared to July’s average of Rs. 1,127.60 ($ 3.74). However, when measured against the Aug 2024 average of Rs. 1,188.49 ($ 3.95), the latest figure reflects a marginal year-on-year (YoY) dip of Rs. 6.22 and $ 0.03. For the cumulative period from Jan to Aug 2025, the national sale average stood at Rs. 1,156.37 ($ 3.87), more..

Sep 2 (DM) In an interesting turn of events, an employee of a funeral parlour in Nawalapitiya and another who parked a hearse with a body on board near business establishments had broken open them and taken away cash and valuables. They had used the hearse with a body inside to avoid any suspicion by passersby or the police. In the latest incident, they had entered a jewellery shop in Nawalapitiya town and taken away jewellery and the Data (DVR) in the CCTV camera system. more..

Sep 2 (DM) The committee on Housekeeping in Parliament has decided to appoint a team of officials to recommend proposals to enhance the safety of food and beverages served in the parliamentary cafeterias. The decision was made when the Housekeeping Committee met recently with Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in the chair. An official from the House said that the move is an initiative of the Speaker, who has been more..

Sep 2 (DM) An individual who robbed a woman of her necklace and swallowed it to avoid arrest was produced before Nawalapitiya Magistrate and remanded. The magistrate ordered the Prison officials to administer him purgatives and recover the necklace. The suspect had waylaid and robbed a woman of her necklace and her mobile phone and fled from the scene. However, Nawalapitiya Police, who initiated investigations, arrested the suspect, but he denied any involvement in the robbery. more..

Sep 2 (Island) SLT-MOBITEL is set to play a central role in accelerating Sri Lanka’s adoption of AI and digital technologies, following a strong financial recovery in the first half of 2025. Anchored by a decisive financial turnaround that delivered Rs. 4.3 billion Profit After Tax (PAT) in 1H 2025 compared to a loss of Rs. 323 million the previous year, SLT-MOBITEL is strongly placed to lead the development of critical digital infrastructure at a time when national capacity in AI, data systems, and more..

Sep 2 (DM) Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) announced the launch of its annual flagship event WCIC Prathibhabhisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025 to recognize and reward the outstanding women entrepreneurs of SL and in the SAARC Region. WCIC once again invites outstanding women entrepreneurs, to share their story of resilience and achievements to compete for the coveted - Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025, at the ceremony to be held in Jan 2026. more..

Sep 2 (DN) SriLankan Airlines completes another journey around the sun on Sept 1,2025, celebrating its 46th Anniversary by giving its valued customers more reasons to explore the world with special anniversary offers. SriLankan Airlines has long been a true ambassador for SL hospitality on the global stage. Local in spirit, global in operations and renowned for its award-winning service, the airline looks ahead to many more years of seamlessly connecting people, cultures and trade. more..

Sep 2 (Island) PHU leader Udaya Gammanpila has moved the Court of Appeal in a bid to prevent his arrest over views expressed regarding the remanding of former Navy Commander Admiral (retd.) Nishantha Ulugetenne. The CID arrested Ulugetenne, a former Ambassador to Cuba, on 28 July, over the alleged disappearance of a person named Shantha Samaraweera on the basis of a statement given by Selvathambi Mahendran, more..

Sep 2 (FT) In a novel approach that redefines SL businesses’ approach to strategic corporate social responsibility, Solutions Ground Ltd, has unveiled the country’s first full-service CSR outsourcing model. Headquartered in SL and operating regionally, Solutions Ground is an international boutique consultancy working at the intersection of business, policy, and sustainability. Its latest offering introduces a fully outsourced approach to CSR, giving companies access to dedicated more..

Sep 2 (FT) Colombo stock market began the month of September yesterday with the benchmark index setting a new benchmark of 21,000-plus points amidst high turnover and foreign selling. ASPI gained by 65 points to close at 21,062 points – an all-time high. However the active S&P SL20 declined by over five points. Turnover was Rs. 13.2 billion involving 533.5 million shares. Top blue chip JKH accounted for Rs. 5.5 billion of turnover with a volume of 237.3 million shares and more..

Sep 2 (FT) SL welcomed 198,235 tourists in August, recording a 20.4% year-on-year (YoY) increase, but performance slipped against expectations, falling short of the monthly target and trailing both July 2025 and the 2018 benchmark. Arrivals in August met only 79.6% of the official monthly target of 249,019, leaving a shortfall of 50,784 visitors. The tally also dipped below July’s 200,244 and was narrowly behind Aug 2018 more..

Sep 2 (ST) The operations of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will be transferred to the Labour Dept, trade unions were informed at the last meeting of the National Labour Advisory Committee (NLAC). This move, conveyed to the unions by Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha, has raised concerns amongst trade unions which have, in the past, raised issues over the proper management of the EPF which is currently supervised by the Central Bank. In the past the EPF funds have been invested more..

Sep 2 (DN) SL’s first National Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama has performed over Rs. 2 billion worth of bone marrow transplants at a cost of only Rs. 200 million, according to Consultant Oncologist Dr. Prasad Abeysinghe. Speaking at the 22nd anniversary of the SL College of Oncologists, Dr. Abeysinghe noted that the unit, which began operations in Dec 2016, has successfully completed 294 bone marrow transplants by Aug 2025. more..

Sep 2 (DN) The starting times for all 19 ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 matches have been revised due to the extreme UAE heat, stated the Emirates Cricket Board. All 19 matches in the tournament held in the T-20 format to be played across Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9-28, were originally scheduled to begin at 7.30 p.m. IST (6 p.m. IST). However, the start time for 18 matches has now been pushed back, by half an hour, to 8 p.m. IST (6.30 p.m. local time). more..

Sep 2 (Island) The media is awash with stories about official ceremonies in Sri Lanka, which is perhaps the only country where no project is commenced or opened, without the presence of politicians. Even the opening of a public convenience is not considered complete without a politician cutting the so-called ceremonial ribbon. A member of the current administration has come under a social media piranha attack for ceremonially opening a public tap. During the last several decades, more..