May 1 (FT) Govt reaffirmed its firm commitment to cost-reflective electricity tariffs, a key structural benchmark under the IMF program. Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando and Dy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma clarified that SL is not only complying with IMF requirements, but also reshaping institutions and policies for long-term sustainability. Dr. Fernando explained that while a cost-reflective formula has already been more..

May 1 (AD) Political parties and trade unions across Sri Lanka are commemorating International Labour Day today (with a series of May Day rallies and parades under various themes. NPP is set to hold its main rally at Galle Face Green, under the theme May Day Rally of the People’s Power Building the Country. The event will be held under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe confirming that all preparations have been finalized. more..

May 1 (DM) IMF emphasised the need to fast-track the process of restructuring SriLankan Airlines, and to see more progress related to other state owned enterprises (SOEs). IMF Mission Chief for SL Evan Papageorgiou said that the authorities concerned had undertaken steps in preparing a medium-term strategic plan to restore the operational viability of Sri Lankan and to resolve its legacy debt. “We know that the current budget has set aside Rs. 20 b rupees to pay off some of the debt of airline. more..

May 1 (FT) In a bold move to protect its export strongholds without trying itself to fixed figures, SL has drawn a clear line with no specific tariff proposals, just a strategic pitch to keep its edge in US trade. Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma speaking on the outcome of recent high-level meetings with the US Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington, noted that the country stepped up its efforts emphasising transparency, competitive more..

May 1 (DM) The European Union (EU) GSP+ monitoring mission, which is currently in town, has once again expressed concern over the delay in repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), despite a promise made as far back as 2017. Sri Lanka qualified for the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in 2017. However, the current regulations will expire next year. Sri Lanka is required to reapply for GSP+ under the revised criteria, which will come into effect in 2027. more..

May 1 (TM) At least 15 May Day processions, commemorative events and rallies are scheduled to be held in Colombo today, Police confirmed. Accordingly, Police have implemented special security measures and a traffic plan for the May Day processions to be held in celebration of the International Workers’ Day. Police HQ has already issued necessary instructions and directives to Senior DIGs in charge of the provinces, the DIGs in charge of districts, and SSPs in charge of more..

May 1 (DM) A stock of gold jewelry, including a diamond-studded ring and luxury wristwatches, with a total value of approximately Rs. 4.5 million, has been stolen from a safe at the official residence of the Swiss Ambassador in SL, police said. Kollupitiya Police have launched an investigation based on a complaint made on Tuesday by the Swiss Ambassador to SL. According to the complaint, the Ambassador had left for Switzerland on April 12th and returned to Sri Lanka on the 27th. more..

May 1 (DM) Most accountholders have sought to obtain the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), following the govt’s decision to increase the withholding tax rate from 5% to 10%, effective from April 1, a senior official attached to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) said. He said that people who do not currently pay taxes have started visiting the IRD provincial offices, financial institutions and IRD head office to obtain their TIN. As a result, the number of TIN registrations at more..

May 1 (TM) In the wake of the IMF's call for SL to restore cost-recovery electricity pricing, Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) stated that it is such a tariff system that is already in place. IMF's SL Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou said that SL should restore cost-recovery electricity pricing as soon as possible to minimise the fiscal risk, and that such is essential to complete the fourth review of Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme. more..

May 1 (PMD) On May 1st, 1886, during a protest in Haymarket Square, Chicago, workers who demanded an eight-hour workday, was violently confronted with gunfire. To pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in that fight, the Second International, convened in 1889, proclaimed May 1st as International Workers’ Day, which has been observed annually ever since. This year, the working people of SL, together with the general public, commemorate International Workers’ Day more..

May 1 (DN) Galle, led by skipper Ramesh Mendis, retained their National Super League (NSL) four-day championship by securing first-innings points against Dambulla in the final, which ended in a draw at the SSC grounds yesterday. Galle posted 370 in their first innings and restricted Dambulla to 313, gaining a crucial 57-run lead by Day Three — an advantage that ultimately secured them the title. In their second innings, Galle were 246 for 5 when rain brought an early end to play during more..

May 1 (SO) Poaching by Indian fishermen in SL waters being reduced for the time being has benefitted the fisher community in the North, said All-Ceylon Fisherfolk Trade Union President Aruna Fernando. “There has been a reduction in complaints from fishermen in the North and the East regarding encroachment by fishermen of neighbouring countries which is a good sign and a good thing for our fisher community which is denied carrying out their livelihood freely,” he said. more..

May 1 (Island) Among those who had been re-elected in the Canadian general election was Gary Anandasangaree, who made history earlier this year by becoming the first-ever Tamil-Canadian to be appointed as Canada’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Tamil Guardian reported. Anandasangaree was appointed to the role on 14 March. Before his entry into politics, Anandasangaree forged a career as a lawyer and community advocate, working with org more..

May 1 (FT) CEYPETCO slashed fuel prices across all categories, with the new rates taking effect from last night. The move was quickly mirrored by the LIOC, which aligned its prices with the State-run giant. Petrol Octane 92 now costs Rs. 293 per litre, down Rs. 6, while Petrol Octane 95 sees a sharp Rs. 20 drop, bringing it to Rs. 341 per litre. Auto Diesel prices have been reduced by Rs. 12, now retailing at Rs. 274 per litre, and more..

May 1 (TM) Media activists urged the Govt to take immediate measures to expedite investigations into crimes against journalists and media institutions, pointing out that the Govt has promised to take such measures into several cases including the assassination of journalist Dharmaratnam Sivaram. They made these remarks during a press briefing held this week at the Jaffna Press Club in commemoration of the 20th death anniversary of Sivaram, which was followed by more..

May 1 (CT) The recent surge in salt prices, to Rs 320 per kg, has placed severe strain on producers of salt-dependent goods, particularly dried fish processors, warned Annalingam Annarasa, Spokesman for the Northern Province Fisheries Workers’ Association. He also stated that, due to this situation, production has dropped significantly, leading vendors to release old stocks to the market at higher prices. “Prices of dried fish have increased to unimaginable levels across the country, more..

May 1 (FT) The National Chamber of Exporters of SL (NCE) yesterday emphasised the strategic importance of the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in bolstering SL’s economic recovery and maintaining its export competitiveness on the global stage. As the country works to stabilise its economy following unprecedented challenges, the NCE called for a united national effort to retain GSP+ facility and pledged its full support to govt in this regard. more..

May 1 (DM) The escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan are casting a shadow over Sri Lanka’s aviation and maritime sectors, with SriLankan Airlines facing higher operational costs and the Port of Colombo risking lost transshipment revenue, according to an analysis by Asha Securities Research. SriLankan Airlines could see rising fuel expenses, as Europe-bound flights detour around closed Pakistani airspace, compounding operational challenges. more..

May 1 (DN) After five decades of political maneuvering and misuse, today the real strength of workers will be demonstrated—perhaps for the first time in recent memory—by the NPP/JVP alliance on May Day, or Int'l Workers’ Day. This day traces its origins to the blood and struggle of workers who died demanding an eight-hour workday during the Haymarket affair in Chicago, 1886. Born of sacrifice and solidarity, May Day has long symbolised more..

May 1 (GV) The time has come to move beyond political promises and take concrete action not only by increasing investment in education but by ensuring that this investment is sustainable, equitable and benefits generations to come. SL’s education system has long been celebrated for offering free, high quality public education enshrined as a fundamental right in the constitution. Article 27(2)(h) of the constitution commits the state to “the complete eradication of illiteracy and more..

May 1 (FT) China Building Materials Federation, Conch Group, and Huawei held an event in Wuhu, China, recently to showcase their AI model for the cement building materials industry. The model is the first of its kind, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the cement building materials sector. More than 340 govt leaders, industry experts, enterprise representatives, and journalists attended the event. Attendees visited demonstration bases such as Baimashan more..

May 1 (Island) SL Athletics has picked a team of twenty athletes inclusive of four relay teams for the upcoming Asian Athletics Championship. The men’s and women’s 4×400 metres, 4×400 metres mixed relay and men’s 4×100 metres are the realy events taken part by SL. Kalinga Kumarage and Aruna Dharshana who were part of the gold winning men’s 4×400 metres team at the last edition are joined by juniors more..

May 1 (FT) John Keells Foundation (JKF), the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) entity of the John Keells Group, marked its 20th anniversary with a special event on 25 April for its key stakeholders representing the Govt, non-Govt, private and academia sectors, UN and INGO/NGO agencies and community-based organisations. Since its establishment on 28 March 2005, JKF has been a driving force in fostering sustainable growth and empowering communities across SL. more..

May 1 (Island) In a telephone call to Indian Premier Narendra Modi, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake condemned the massacre of 26 civilians – 25 Indians and one Nepali – at Pahalgam, in the Indian controlled Kashmir, on April 22. Prez Dissanayake expressed his condolences and reaffirmed, what the PMD called, SL’s unwavering solidarity and brotherhood with the people of India. Having described the massacre as a terrorist attack, New Delhi found fault with Pak for the incident. more..

May 1 (Island) The Int'l Workers’ Day falls today, and Sri Lanka is ready to mark it on a grand scale. However, May Day celebrations in this country are like Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark or Sinhabahu without the Lion’s son; workers do not play any important role in the main May Day events. Politicians grab the limelight and workers become mere spectators. Today’s main May Day events are held by the govt and the Opposition to further their own interests rather than those of workers or more..

May 1 (TM) The International Labour Day, or May Day, is a day dedicated to acknowledge and honour the contributions of the working people, who have helped build civilisations amidst countless hardships both in the past and at present. The day, which has been traditionally used to show off the political might of political parties in Sri Lanka, will be celebrated today with less pomp and pageantry. This is due to the significant political upheaval within the 2022-2024 period and due to the fact that more..

May 1 (TM) The pre-election manifesto of the NPP pledged the abolition of all oppressive acts including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in Sept 2024. Seven months later in April, the Govt initiated a process of repealing the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act No.48 of 1979 through the appointment of a committee to review it. In place of the to-be-repealed PTA, a new law is to be introduced to more..

May 1 (CT) In a move that signals a growing awareness of the urgent need to cultivate a politically informed citizenry, SL’s Election Commission has announced plans to integrate Election Studies into the Grade Eight (8) School Curriculum. Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake’s remarks during a recent seminar reflect a sobering reality: while literacy rates in the country are commendably high, political literacy remains alarmingly low. more..

May 1 (DM) Last week, terrorists associated with The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Pakistani-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, attacked the scenic tourist spot of Pahalgam in Kashmir valley, massacring 25 tourists and a horse rider in the deadliest terrorist attack since the 2008 Mumbai attack. The attack has rekindled the perennial hostility between India and Pakistan, as India suspended the Indus Valley Water Treaty, which was signed in 1960, and deported Pakistani passport holders. more..

May 1 (CT) On Sunday, 9 April, plastic nurdles suspected to be from the sunken MV X-Press Pearl were once again found washed ashore at Wellawatte Beach — a stark reminder that the environmental disaster from four years ago continues to haunt SL’s coastline. “This shows the damage is permanent,” said Civil Litigation Attorney Nuwan Peiris, who discovered nurdles scattered across sand in front of Kinross Swim. Club. more..

May 1 (DM) Recent events in South Asia offer critical lessons for SL as it navigates new energy and infrastructure agreements with India. While relations between India and SL have historically been more cordial than the often-hostile India-Pakistan relationship, recent tensions between India and Pakistan illustrate how resource dependency can be weaponised during diplomatic crises, irrespective of existing goodwill. The immediate context comes from the tragic militant attack in Pahalgam, more..

May 1 (DM) Ever since the 19th Century, exploitation has been the order of the day for Sri Lanka’s working class. But two centuries later, the struggle to obtain better wages and a better standard of living has kept this segment of society on the edge. They are often at the receiving end of multiple crises, be it economic or political, falling from the frying pan into the fire, becoming vulnerable to societal pressure and discrimination with each passing day. During the colonial period, more..