Oct 16 (DM) SL’s limited export diversification and narrow production base have constrained the country from fully capitalizing on the benefits of the GSP+ trade facility with the European Union (EU). Under the current GSP + scheme, the EU authorities have granted access for SL products under around 6000 tariff lines, but only 54 of them are used at the moment. SL has been unable to maximize the use of most of the tariff lines for exports since its production base is limited at the moment. more..

Oct 16 (AD) SL’s economic performance has improved following the debt restructuring process, the IMF has stated. Jason Wu, the Assistant Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department at the IMF said they are pleased with the performance of Sri Lanka but stressed that the more favorable environment should not lead to complacency. He said on frontier markets such as SL, the softer dollar has lessened external pressure. Therefore, he stated that frontier economies need to continue more..

Oct 16 (DM) Officials of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation informed the Ministerial Consultative Committee that currently, more than 300,000 driver’s licenses are pending issuance, and arrangements have been made to print and distribute them within the next three months. They further stated that a new driver’s license with enhanced security features will also be printed and issued within this year. more..

Oct 16 (AD) The price of gold in SL has risen significantly following the continuous increase in global gold prices. According to local market data, gold prices in SL have increased by around Rs. 60,000 compared to last Thursday. This morning, the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign in the Colombo Pettah gold market has risen by Rs. 10,000 in comparison to yesterday, with the new price now at Rs. 360,800. Last Thursday, the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign was recorded at Rs. 305,300. more..

Oct 16 (EN) Colombo Port could handle a record 8.2 million twenty foot equivalent units (TEU) in 2025 compared to the last year’s 7.78 million TEUs with the West Container Terminal (WCT) also handling containers, SLPA Chairman Sirimewan Ranasinghe said. “There is a rapid growing in the West Container Terminal handling. It started slowly in April this year, but we see a fast growth in container handling now,” Ranasinghe said on the sideline of Voyage SL 2025 summit in Colombo. more..

Oct 16 (DM) Within the next decade almost 25% of Sri Lankans will be above the age of 60, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said, addressing the issue in SL’s population growth decline that has been consistent for the past few years. Speaking at a media briefing held on the 2nd day of the 78th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, Dr. Jayatissa said that, this figure would be comparatively higher than more..

Oct 16 (CT) SL Women’s Singles shuttler Ranithma Liyanage advanced to the quarter-final stage of the Yonex Sunrise BWF World Junior Badminton Championship 2025, currently underway at the National Centre of Excellence in Amingaon, Guwahati in India. In the pre-quarterfinal today, Ranithma recorded an easy win against India’s Rakshitha Sree Santosh in straight sets, in a game that lasted slightly over 30 minutes. Ranithma, the fourth seed in Women’s Singles at more..

Oct 16 (EN) SL tea auction prices plunged for the second week with prices down over 100 rupees kilogram as buyers reduced purchases to avoid keeping stocks for which value added tax had to be paid upfront. The most badly hit are ex-estate sales (high growns), linked to regional plantations companies, industry sources said. At the auction on October 14/15 tea prices fell around 20 to 50 rupees across elevations on top of a fall of 50 – 80 across rupees the previous week, broker data show. more..

Oct 16 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to PM Narendra Modi, urging him to take up key issues concerning the state's fishermen with the visiting SL PM, Harini Amarasuriya, during her three-day India visit from Oct 16 to 18. In his letter, Stalin sought the PM's intervention to press for the retrieval of Katchatheevu Island, the release of 76 Indian fishermen and 242 fishing boats currently held by SL authorities, and to address recurring incidents of violence and theft at sea. more..

Oct 16 (AD) Dilhara Wijedasa, the former Executive Director of the State Engineering Corporation of SL (SECSL), has been arrested on bribery allegations. The arrest was made in connection with alleged misconduct during his tenure, where the former Director of the SECSL is accused of deploying employees and resources of the Corporation—without following proper procedures—for renovation work at the UNP headquarters, Sirikotha. According to CIABOC, deployment of employees more..

Oct 16 (DM) Following similar expressions of interest from Russia, China, and France, India has also indicated its willingness to cooperate with Sri Lanka in developing nuclear energy. However, the current govt, led by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is not yet prepared to proceed with any such project at this juncture, despite the inclusion of nuclear power in the country’s long-term generation plan, a source familiar with more..

Oct 16 (NW) Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) has raised concerns over an increase in reports of child rights violations, particularly cases involving corporal punishment. In a statement, the Commission said such practices cause not only physical injury but also lasting emotional harm, which in some cases has led to trauma and even suicide. Referring to the Penal Code (Amd) Bill gazetted on 4 July 2025, the HRCSL said the proposed legislation seeks to prohibit more..

Oct 16 (CT) Navratri Puja celebrations, observed with great enthusiasm by Hindu devotees, were held over the past nine days at the Old Kathireshan Vajira Pillayar Kovil in Colombo, under the patronage of distinguished guests, including Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha. Many Hindu rituals and dances rooted in the world’s Dravidian culture were showcased during the event. The festival was remarkable in that it also highlighted ancient Hindu traditions unique to Sri Lanka. more..

Oct 16 (AD) Court of Appeal was informed today that vehicles detained for being imported from countries other than their country of manufacture, under letters of credit opened in SL, may be released subject to specified conditions. Around 15 fundamental rights petitions filed by vehicle importers seeking the release of vehicles detained by Sri Lanka Customs were taken up before the Court of Appeal today. more..

Oct 16 (TM) Ministry of Labour has announced plans to amend laws concerning women working at night as part of a wider labour law reform initiative. Minister Anil Jayantha stated that the reforms include introducing four key bills and modernising existing acts. A 17-member committee has been appointed to review 14 current labour laws and draft the four principal bills. Amendments will also be made to the Labour Protection law and provisions for termination of employment insurance. more..

Oct 16 (CT) The Colombo High Court, yesterday, ordered that the case filed against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his grand-aunt, Daisy Forrest, be recalled on 27 November. The order was issued by Colombo High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga. The case pertains to allegations of committing offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by unlawfully earning nearly Rs 73 million. The Court also granted permission for the defence more..

Oct 16 (NW) Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has declared an emergency disaster response from Oct 16 to 18, following forecasts of heavy rainfall and possible thunderstorms across Colombo and surrounding areas. CMC announced that its disaster management and emergency response units are on full standby to assist residents affected by the adverse weather. According to the Dept of Meteorology, several areas are expected to experience heavy showers, with a risk of more..

Oct 16 (AD) A special awareness session on breast cancer prevention and related programs was held in Parliament for the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus. Every year, October is considered as the Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month or Pink Month and in line with this a meeting was held under the patronage of MP Samanmali Gunasingha, who was temporarily appointed as Chairperson of the Caucus due to the overseas engagement of the Caucus Chair, Minister Saroja Paulraj. more..

Oct 16 (TM) SL’s debt restructuring is nearing completion, according to the 5th Co-Chairs Progress Report of the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR). The report notes that while debt levels in low-income and emerging economies have stabilized, they remain above pre-pandemic levels, with countries like SL still facing debt-servicing challenges. Following the successful completion of the IMF’s 4th review in July 2025, more..

Oct 16 (MK) Former SL cricketer Jayananda Warnaweera passed away today, at the age of 64. Warnaweera was a right-arm off-spinner who represented Sri Lanka in 10 Test matches and six ODIs between 1986 and 1994.He made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1986 and played key roles in several series, including performances against India, New Zealand, and England. Known for his accuracy and ability to extract turn on subcontinental pitches, Warnaweera was a respected figure more..

Oct 16 (AD) The Court of Appeal has fixed for consideration the writ petition filed by Attorney-at-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake, seeking an order to prevent his arrest in connection with an alleged incident at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court premises, for 10 November 2025. The petition was called today before a bench of the Court of Appeal, comprising President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya, and Justice Priyantha Fernando, Ada Derana reporter said. more..

Oct 16 (AD) PM Harini Amarasuriya has met India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi today. During the meeting, both factions discussed India’s continued support to SL and strengthening cooperation in education and capacity building. PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya landed in New Delhi earlier today for her maiden visit to India after assuming office. During her stay, she is scheduled to meet Indian political leaders to more..

Oct 16 (NF) US Department of State has reaffirmed its existing travel advisory for SL, maintaining the country at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. The update, issued on Oct 9, was clarified by U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, who emphasized that there has been no change in the advisory level. In a statement, Ambassador Chung noted that the State Department regularly reviews and updates travel advisories to help U.S. citizens make informed decisions about international travel. more..

Oct 16 (NW) Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) said no data loss or security breach has occurred following the disruption of several services hosted on the Lanka Govt Cloud (LGC). ICTA said the integrity of all data remains intact and critical systems are secure. A joint team of ICTA engineers and the cloud service provider is working around the clock to resolve the issue. Manual alternatives for affected services, such as obtaining certificates from Div. Secretariats, more..

Oct 16 (FT) For decades, financial analysts have relied on a core set of tools and models to assess risk, predict market trends, and guide investment strategies. While these traditional methods have provided a valuable foundation, they often fall short in today’s increasingly complex and data-rich environment. The limitations of these traditional approaches are becoming ever more apparent. Traditional financial analysis often oversimplifies complex financial realities. more..

Oct 16 (FT) This timeless quote encapsulates the essence of tax morale—the belief that paying taxes is not merely a legal obligation, but a civic duty that upholds the social contract between citizens and the state. In SL, where economic recovery and institutional trust are at a critical juncture, enhancing tax morale is not just desirable—it is imperative. Tax morale refers to the intrinsic motivation of individuals and businesses to comply with tax laws, beyond the deterrent effect of audits or penalties. more..

Oct 16 (NF) Ishara Sewwandi, the fugitive female suspect wanted in connection with the murder of underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne alias Ganemulla Sanjeewa, who was arrested in Nepal yesterday (14), has arrived in Sri Lanka. The aircraft carrying ‘Ishara Sewwandi’ and five other arrested suspects landed at the BIA at 6.54 p.m. The group is scheduled to be handed over to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD). more..

Oct 16 (TM) Pallai Police has recovered a stock of 40 mortar shells from a plot of land in the Potthar Kudiyirippu area of Muhamalai, Kilinochchi. The discovery was made on Tuesday after the landowner noticed the shells while preparing the land for cultivation and promptly informed the Police. Accordingly, the Bomb Disposal Unit of the Police Special Task Force inspected the relevant site and recovered the mortar shells upon obtaining an order from the Kilinochchi Magistrate’s Court. more..

Oct 16 (ST) Independent experts to the MV X-Press Pearl Compensation Commission have been named, the Supreme Court was informed this week. Accordingly, experts from the field of marine environment, coastal environment, marine biology, environmental law and fisheries have been named to the commission which is headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Gamini Amarasekara. The members are Dr H B Jayasiri (marine environment), H N R Perera (coastal environment), more..

Oct 16 (TM) The BMICH stated that the Police had abruptly and irresponsibly withdrawn its security presence from the BMICH premises, despite the frequent visits of VIPs and the critical importance of maintaining a Police presence at the venue. BMICH Chairperson, former President Chandrika Kumaratunga said that the sudden withdrawal occurred without any prior discussion, proper notice, or alternative arrangements, more..

Oct 16 (TM) Health authorities cautioned the public about the importance of verifying the qualifications and fields of expertise of those providing beauty-enhancement services, including medical professionals. SL College of Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine Chairperson Dr. Nayani Madarasingha noted that in a context where these services range from dyeing one’s hair to complex plastic surgeries, the public needs to be aware of the qualifications of their service providers more..

Oct 16 (FT) Sri Lanka must now convert its cyclical post-crisis rebound into a structurally driven growth process, the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) said, warning that the country’s recovery will hinge on deeper productivity and efficiency gains as external uncertainties persist. Releasing its annual Sri Lanka: State of the Economy 2025 report, the IPS said GDP growth of 4.9% in the first half of 2025 reflected the outcomes of a steady and predictable policy environment. more..