Oct 19 (ST) More than a year passed, and NPP’s short-lived Speaker of Parliament Ashoka Ranwala could not find a copy of his Japanese doctorate, which he promised to produce in a few days’ time. Unfortunately, another NPP leader is in an honorary doctorate muddle, though she possesses a genuine PhD. PM Dr Harini Amarasuriya, who graduated from the prestigious Hindu College of the Uni of Delhi, visited her alma mater on Thursday more..

Oct 19 (TM) A little over a year ago, Sri Lanka appeared to turn a new page in its turbulent political history when 43% of registered voters cast their ballots for Anura Kumara Dissanayake, electing him as the ninth Executive President of Sri Lanka. It was an unprecedented moment where, for the first time, a presidential candidate who failed to secure the constitutionally ideal 50% plus one vote of the electorate still ascended to the highest office in the land. more..

Oct 19 (CT) Across SL today, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is on the move—holding small gatherings, issuing stark warnings, and painting a grim picture of what lies ahead. He warns that if the govt fails to meet its debt obligations, the economy will once again teeter on the brink of collapse, risking another Aragalaya by 2028. He accuses the govt of lacking a coherent economic plan, failing to deliver on promises—such as reducing electricity tariffs by one-third—and warns that he may mobilize more..

Oct 19 (TM) Amidst the many challenges faced by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) in governing the country, the JVP-led NPP is fast becoming the biggest challenge the President has to face. JVP/NPP members including Govt ministers seem to have become accustomed to making controversial statements or engaging in actions that bring ridicule to the Govt, resulting in their Party Leader, President AKD, more..

Oct 19 (CT) On World Food Day 2025, the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR) did not mince its words. It accused govts and global institutions of offering “fake and so-called solutions” to one of humanity’s most shameful and persistent failures — hunger. It is a charge that should make every policymaker and citizen pause for reflection. For all our progress, our gleaming cities and technological marvels, the world still cannot guarantee a meal for every person. more..

Oct 19 (SO) On Oct 10, an incident at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court highlighted tensions that threaten the very foundation of our judicial system. A tussle between a police officer and a senior lawyer was captured in a viral video that revealed the involvement of another senior lawyer acting in a manner far removed from the decorum and ethical standards expected within Court premises. What followed – police intervention, the officer’s arrest and subsequent bail, case now pending in Court more..

Oct 18 (NW) Senior journalist Uvindu Kurukulasuriya has released a recent photograph of former CB Governor Arjuna Mahendran, who remains wanted in connection with the Central Bank bond scam in Sri Lanka. Kurukulasuriya, who shared the photo on social media, said Mahendran had contacted him after nearly three years. In a post written in Sinhala, he claimed that Mahendran spoke to him about several matters more..

Oct 18 (NW) Opposition MP Kavinda Jayawardena has called for an inquiry into a statement made by Govt MP Lakmali Hemachandra, who was captured on video telling officials not to implement a court order. The video, which went viral this week, shows NPP MP Lakmali Hemachandra saying, “We told you not to follow the court order,” during a District Coordination Committee meeting held to discuss housing and land disputes in Colombo. Jayawardena said he was awaiting the govt’s response and urged more..

Oct 18 (CT) SL authorities are seeking Interpol Red Notices for the arrest of ten athletes who disappeared after travelling to England for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court was informed. Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Sports Offences told Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama that the athletes’ failure to return has resulted in an estimated loss of nearly Rs 50 million to the State. Ten athletes identified in Court more..

Oct 18 (DM) Port City Colombo yesterday announced the completion of the first phase of its infrastructure development, a key milestone in SL’s most ambitious urban development project to date. First phase includes critical linkages connecting the reclaimed land to the CMC’s electricity and water supply systems as well as the city’s wastewater drainage network. “This milestone marks an essential step in the progress of Port City Colombo and ushers in the next stage of development more..

Oct 18 (CT) The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), on Friday, informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva that an inquiry has been initiated into 15 suspects identified as having allegedly provided financial and logistical support to extremists linked to the Easter attacks, and worked to expand ISIS terrorist networks within the country. TID told the Court that complaints have been filed against 15 individuals, and a formal investigation has commenced based on a complaint more..

Oct 18 (FT) Minister Vijitha Herath has met Sinopec Vice President Liu Liangong to resolve remaining issues delaying the launch of the Chinese energy firm’s proposed $ 3.7 billion oil refinery project in Hambantota. A senior official said that the talks were positive, but the final decision was still unclear as both the Govt and Sinopec were yet to make an official announcement. Refinery, designed to process 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is one of the largest planned foreign investments in SL. more..

Oct 18 (FT) Parliament Secretariat yesterday said that the COPE found Lanka Sathosa had suffered a loss of Rs. 15.15 billion from irregular rice imports in 2014 and 2015, conducted in violation of procurement procedures. The finding was made during a COPE meeting this week which examined the Auditor General’s reports for 2021 and 2022 and the current performance of the state enterprise. According to COPE, Sathosa incurred a cost of Rs. 27 billion on rice imports during the period, more..

Oct 18 (ST) SL’s gem and silver jewellery industry, long famed for precision craft, is experiencing a strong comeback in export markets abroad powered by technology, export diversification, and govt assistance. As evolving consumer tastes demand ethically produced, handmade items, the sector is redirecting itself to tap premium demand in Europe & Asia. Silver jewellery exports grew steadily in 2025, generating US$ 2.1 million from Jan to Sept a 6-7% increase from the previous year. more..

Oct 18 (FT) SL is moving to secure European Union Geographical Indication (GI) status for Ceylon Tea to protect its authenticity, curb counterfeiting, and boost export value, officials said. The certification, backed by a € 1 million French-funded initiative, is expected to give Ceylon Tea stronger global recognition and legal protection. SL Tea Board Chairman Raaj Obeysekere said the move was a major step toward safeguarding more..

Oct 18 (FT) SL’s public spending on education remains among the lowest in its income group, lagging far behind comparable developing economies, according to Tax Giveaways, Struggling Schools – a new report by HRW. Citing data from the WB and UNESCO, the report said SL spends around 2% of its GDP on education, less than half the average for low- and middle-income countries, which stands at 4.5%. In 2010, the country allocated just 1.7% of GDP to education, more..

Oct 18 (DM) The stage is set for the second leg of the Asian Rugby Sevens which kicks off today at the Race Course ground in Colombo taking in both the men’s and women’s segments with two sisters from Australia likely to grab the attention of local fans like bolts from the blues. The countries taking part are Japan, China, Hong Kong China, Thailand, Kazakhstan, India, UAE, Malaysia, SL, Singapore Philippines & Indonesia. In the SL women’s squad are two sisters who are the daughters of more..

Oct 18 (DN) SL’s youngest 1000cc category rider, Chenuka Caldera of Asian International School, and the only racer representing Sri Lanka, left the island last night to take part in the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Selection Trials scheduled to be held at the Sepang International Kart Circuit in Malaysia. The 14-year-old prodigy will compete against 83 top young riders from 18 countries, including Australia, China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Thailand & South Korea, etc. Caldera’s participation marks more..

Oct 18 (ST) The use of lunch sheets will soon be completely banned, Central Environmental Authority (CEA) Chairman, Professor Tilak Hewawasam said. He said an alternative, non plastic lunch sheet would be introduced. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanism which is included in the amendments to the National Environmental Act (NEC) will be implemented. In the initial phase the EPR mechanism would be implemented regarding PET bottles. more..

Oct 18 (ST) Police Marine Division’s Life Saving Unit has issued an urgent warning for improved safety measures in private and public swimming pools, following the tragic drowning deaths of three children in Colombo and Dikwella this week. In response to swimming pool accidents, Chief Inspector Mallika Arachchi of the Police Marine Division’s Life Saving Unit noted that there are 71 life-saving units in several areas that require more..

Oct 18 (Island) Lanka Aluminium Industries is transforming the retail aluminium extrusion supplies market by offering credit terms as well as credit card payment facilities at the company’s retail outlets that are being established island-wide. “We have observed a growing demand for the more generic architectural and hardware sections, which are usually sold in retail outlets. In order to capitalise on this opportunity, we are offering credit terms and credit card payment facilities more..

Oct 18 (FT) The newly elected Small Hydro Power Developers Association (SHPDA) President Pathmanatha Poddiwala recently vowed to steer the association through a period of major structural and regulatory change, pledging stronger advocacy, innovation, and collaboration to ensure the continued growth of the country’s renewable energy sector. Poddiwala said it was a great honour to lead one of the country’s oldest renewable energy associations, which currently contributes more..

Oct 18 (CI) South Africa took a big step towards a World Cup semi-final berth by chasing successfully for the fourth time in the tournament, this time in a rain-reduced encounter in Colombo. They played what was essentially a T20 against Sri Lanka, whose innings was paused for five-and-a-quarter hours, and whose semi-final hopes now hang by a thread. Sri Lanka have two points from two washouts and are winless. more..

Oct 18 (DN) The Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2025 returns to Colombo today with the two-day finale at the Racecourse International Grounds in Colombo. Reaffirming its strong ties with one of SL’s most followed sports, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has partnered with the series as Gold Sponsor and Official Banking Partner. The Colombo leg marks the return of international sevens rugby to SL after an eight-year-gap. The two-day tournament, organised by Sri Lanka Rugby, more..

Oct 18 (Island) Former SL off-spinner Jayananda Warnaweera, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 64 after a brief illness, had his moments with the ball, but it was his deeds off the field that truly left a mark on the game. A product of Mahinda College, Galle, Warnaweera was part of SL’s golden milestones — their maiden Test wins over NZ in 1992 and England in 1993, both at SSC — claiming six and eight wickets in those encounters. But it is what he did as Galle Int'l Stadium’s curator more..

Oct 18 (FT) For the first time in Sri Lanka, Casons Rent a Car, a leading family-run car rental company, has introduced a fleet of eco-friendly green vehicles to local roads. Chairman Zakir Ahamed said the company has acquired a new range of vehicles designed to minimise environmental impact and reduce carbon emissions. The fleet comprises fully electric vehicles (EVs) with zero tailpipe emissions, as well as hybrid and clean diesel models that offer improved fuel efficiency. more..

Oct 18 (FT) Colombo stock market maintained its rally to close the week in green with the benchmark index gaining sharply and crossing 22,500 for the first time. Yesterday, ASPI closed 0.97% up, gaining 217.65 points to 22,633.80 and the S&P SL20 closed up 0.58%, gaining 36.39 points to 6,263.03. Market turnover was more than Rs. 11.2 billion on over 282.6 million shares traded. Foreigners were net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 1.4 billion. During the week, ASPI gained 315.08 (1.4%) more..

Oct 18 (CT) In a week marked by candour, compassion, and clarity of purpose, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has delivered one of the most comprehensive statements yet of his administration’s direction, i.e. striking a balance between fiscal discipline, economic modernisation, and long-overdue social justice. At a time when SL is still reeling from the aftershocks of its worst economic crisis in decades, Prez’s blunt assessment more..

Oct 18 (CT) Women in Tech SL, part of the world’s foremost organisation for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in STEAM with a mission to empower 5 million women by 2030, announced the formation of its new Board of Advisers, welcoming a coalition of seasoned leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will guide the Chapter to accelerate female participation in core tech roles and leadership across SL. The Advisory Board brings together diverse expertise from education, biotechnology, more..

Oct 18 (Island) General Arunkumar Shridhar Vaidya, who served as the 12th Chief of Staff of the Indian Army, from 1983 to 1986, was assassinated in August, 1986, by Sikh terrorists, for his role in Operation Blue Star in 1984. Vaidya was 60-years-old. He was shot dead on August 10, 1986, on Rajendrasinhji Marg, in Pune. His killers, namely Harjinder Singh, aka Jinda, and Sukhdev Singh, came parallel to Vaidya’s car, on motor scooters, and fired several shots at him. more..

Oct 18 (Island) COPE has revealed that Sathosa suffered a staggering loss of Rs. 15.1 billion due to irregular rice imports in 2014 and 2015, according to media reports. Losses incurred by Sathosa may not surprise anyone, but the question is why successive govts have not done anything about it for 10 long years. Those who are out of power pledge to root out corruption in Sathosa, and other state institutions and muster popular support to win elections, but after being ensconced in power, more..

Oct 18 (FT) Yesterday (17) marked the 60th birthday of one of the greatest batsmen Sri Lanka has ever produced and one of the finest the world has ever seen. Much time has passed since he lit up the cricketing world during the 1996 World Cup and gave all Sri Lankans a magnificent reason to celebrate at a time when there was little to cheer back home. Even cricket fans who were just babies at the time or were born thereafter would have heard of that amazing run. more..