Apr 22 (DN) ‘We were hampered by bad weather in Saudi Arabia during Asian Youth Athletic Championship. But despite adverse weather conditions I am really glad to win 800m gold medal, said SL solitary gold medal winner Tharushi Abehisheka. SL won eight medals to create history at this year’s meet. I was also a member of the girls’ medley relay team which won the silver medal and also created a new National Youth record. It was a superb race and my team members put up more..

Apr 22 (DN) SL’s men’s national hockey team pulled off a stunning 2-1 win over hosts Indonesia in a thrilling Group B match of the 2025 Men’s Asian Hockey Federation Cup, played under lights in Jakarta last night. The match was filled with fast-paced action, strong defence and passionate play as the Sri Lankans celebrated one of their most memorable victories on foreign soil. Both teams started aggressively. Indonesia struck first, scoring in the opening minutes of the first quarter, more..

Apr 22 (TM) Sri Lanka’s apparel exports to the US will be reduced by at least 25% if the reciprocal tariffs are implemented while the country is facing risks in sustaining GSP-plus conditions, Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) said. JAAF Deputy Chairperson Felix Fernando said that if the tariffs are implemented total apparel exports to the US will reduce by at least 25% in the initial stages as companies will not be able to bear the cost. more..

Apr 22 (Island) With their record breaking throws delivered in March, Sumeda Ranasinghe and Rumesh Tharanga will be the selectors’ easiest picks in the SL team for the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships. The bienniale championship will be held from May 27 to 31 in Gumi, South Korea. Unlike at the previous editions SL’s javelin throwers are in uncharted territory. The massive early season throws have placed the two SL throwers in the second and thrid places in the world’s top list this year more..

Apr 22 (FT) Tea crop in March has recovered, posting a 25% gain, and first quarter output higher by 6.2%. Preliminary tea production data for the month of March 2025, shows March crop was 24.4 million kilos, as against 19.5 million a year ago. It is also higher in comparison to 15.6 million kilos achieved in February. Following this recovery in March, national production for Q1 2025 has risen to 61.7 million kilos, up 6% on last year’s quantity of 58.1 million kilos. more..

Apr 22 (ST) Political parties have stepped up their campaigns to gain public attention ahead of the local polls, after a brief slowdown during New Year week. The NPP is campaigning with Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake fronting the rallies. Prez, addressing an election rally at Jaffna on Thursday, said that the NPP govt would take action needed to defeat racism if it tries to lift its head.He said that the govt has no right to hold onto more..

Apr 22 (FT) In its April edition, leading business magazine LMD reports: “Economic optimism has reached a six-month high amid heightened business activity.” “There’s been a groundswell surrounding the economic outlook among businesspeople, with the gauge of sentiment marking a six-month high in March. PepperCube Consultants says this reflects robust sales volume projections and increased activity,” it adds. A spokesperson for LMD, states: “A large proportion of companies are more..

Apr 22 (FT) Sri Lanka Tourism has taken a decisive step towards redefining its coastal economy and strengthening its tourism portfolio with the official launch of the Marine Tourism Roadmap, a strategic framework aimed at harnessing the country’s extensive ocean resources for sustainable development. The initiative, spearheaded by the SL Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under technical assistance program more..

Apr 22 (FT) As SL’s export economy continues to navigate turbulent global trade currents, the apparel industry is intensifying its focus on retaining preferential access to the EU market under the GSP+. Although Sri Lanka remains eligible for EU’s GSP+ benefits under the current framework till 2027, the upcoming review cycle promises to be far more exacting. Unlike previous assessments, the European Commission has signalled a shift towards a deeper evaluation of practical progress more..

Apr 22 (FT) National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) yesterday extended its heartfelt congratulations to Govt of SL and SL Export Development Board (EDB) for their timely and effective intervention in addressing the imposition of tariffs on SL exports by the US. “This decisive engagement at both diplomatic and institutional levels is a commendable demonstration of the Govt’s dedication to safeguarding the national interest and protecting the livelihoods of thousands of SL exporters more..

Apr 22 (FT) Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, the largest export sector and a cornerstone of foreign revenue, is bracing for heightened volatility following the US’s recent imposition of a 44% reciprocal tariff. Although the blow was temporarily softened by a 90-day relief window, concerns among industry leaders are growing over the medium-term implications on order volumes, supply chain stability, and global competitiveness. more..

Apr 22 (Island) As politicians and economists continue to proclaim that the SL economy has achieved stability since the 2022 economic crisis, the country’s manufacturing sector seems to have not got the memo. A few salient points need to be made in this context. First, SL manufacturing output has been experiencing a secular stagnation that predates external shocks, such as the pandemic and the Easter Attacks. Manufacturing output in dollar terms has basically flatlined since 2012. more..

Apr 22 (DM) There is no denying that justice must be meted out to the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks that took place six years ago. Yet, what does it mean? Also there is no denying that lives lost in the macabre terrorist attacks would not return, or that nobody is capable of breathing life to those approximately 270 people killed in the bombings. Only thing the authorities can do is to bring those who have planned and executed the carnage before the law and punish them in proportion more..

Apr 22 (Island) The sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday carnage has passed, yet the govt has failed to fulfil its pledge to make an earth-shattering revelation about the masterminds behind it. Instead, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has handed over to the CID all volumes of the final report of the Prez Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) that probed the 2019 terror attacks. PCoI has not recommended that its complete report be handed over to the CID. It has requested the President to send more..

Apr 22 (CT) Controversy has once again sparked surrounding Hayeshika Fernando with her latest publicity stunt involving a viral video, creating widespread debate on social media on the legitimacy of her academic qualifications, the moral standards of her conduct as a tuition teacher, and the overall environment surrounding tuition instructors and supplemental education in the country. Tuition classes – a term used commonly in SL for supplemental classes attended more..

Apr 22 (SO) Nestling below the hills, edged by a tree-fringed lake and set among the reaches of the great Mahaweli Ganga, the city of Kandy is still very much a focal point of SL’s culture. Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting the Sri Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha). From April 18 to 27, Buddhists from SL and all corners of the world can venerate the Sacred Tooth Relic during more..

Apr 22 (DM) While the economy of SL has achieved some degree of stabilisation after the most dire crisis in history, progress along a growth trajectory remains a clear imperative. Fragility of the current situation has been massively increased by the devastating tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration, making our country’s exports to the US—especially apparel and rubber products—starkly vulnerable. Against this backdrop, the GSP+ facility, affording preferential access to the vast markets more..

Apr 22 (CT) On this solemn 6th anniversary of the devastating Easter Sunday bombings that struck SL on April 21, 2019, justice remains elusive, not only for the victims but also for the Muslim community, which continues to suffer under the weight of collective blame. Every Sri Lankan has expressed heartfelt condolences and unwavering solidarity with the victims, their families, and all those affected by the tragedy. Yet, successive heads of states from Maithripala Sirisena to Gotabaya Rajapaksa, more..

Apr 22 (TM) Govt statistics reveal that SL’s domestic production of key crops such as paddy, tea, coconut, and rubber, along with fish, has declined over the first two months of the year, marking a troubling chapter for a nation that is on a journey of economic recovery. Paddy production for the 2024/2025 Maha season, based on the sown extent as of end January this year, is forecast at 2.61 million MT, a 4.2% decline more..

Apr 22 (GV) Zoë Rogers is 21, English, a dog-lover. In Aug 2024, she, together with five others, crashed a modified prison van into Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons manufacturing facility in Bristol. The six activists, part of a collective of political prisoners known as Filton 18, are in custody awaiting trial. Ms. Rogers worked hard and gained a university placement, according to her mother Clare Hinchcliffe. Then Gaza intervened. “She was horrified by the genocide and went on more..

Apr 22 (TM) With another Easter Sunday coming to a close, many in SL remain unconvinced about the origins and outcomes of the deadly 2019 attack. The attack jolted the citizenry back to the realisation that the end of the conflict in 2009 doesn’t necessarily mean a focus on security, and the risk of terrorism has not ended. It also highlighted many gaps and shortcomings of SL’s security apparatus. Intelligence services play a vital role in providing govts with credible information about more..

Apr 21 (AD) No one was given preferential or VIP treatment at the special exposition, Siri Dalada Wandanawa, at the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha stated. Speaking during a political event, Minister said although he has a large number of friends, family members and acquaintances, no individual requested from him to facilitate an easy access to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. more..

Apr 21 (DM) Kandy Municipal Council has introduced a new QR code-based system to streamline waste management in the city during the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) said that residents can scan QR codes placed around the city to report garbage or food-related issues. They added that actions related to garbage complaints are taken within 10 minutes. Additionally, all street vendors have been registered and issued identity cards containing QR codes more..

Apr 21 (NW) Two SL female athletes who had lost their opportunity to compete in the 2025 Asian Youth Athletics C'ships have expressed regret over the incident, claiming that the incident had made them want to give up on the sport. Niduki Prarthana and Ayesha Sewwandi were set to compete in the women’s U-18 1500 metre event but had failed to report on time for the first call due to the fault of the accompanying officials. more..

Apr 21 (NW) Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has reported an income of Rs. 1300 million during the April festive season. Transport Manager at the SLTB, H. Piyathilaka, said the income has been recorded for the period from 10-19 April. He further said that the income was generated at a time when the SLTB had operated under normal bus charges, adding that bus fares had not been increased in view of the festive season. This was the highest income generated by the SLTB so far during a festive period. more..

Apr 21 (DM) Over 100,000 devotees have arrived in Kandy today (21), marking the fourth day of the historic exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is being held after a 16-year hiatus. As the number of devotees continues to increase daily, steps have been taken to extend the time allocated for paying homage to the Sacred Relic at the Sri Dalada Maligawa. Accordingly, from today, the Siri Dalada Vistavima, which previously began at 12:30 p.m., will now commence at 11:00 a.m more..

Apr 21 (TM) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake claimed that there will never again be an issue with the price of paddy. He made this remark while addressing a public rally held in Polonnaruwa on Sunday. The Prez told the gathered that warehouses have been renovated specifically for this purpose, and that Rs. 500 million has been allocated to purchase paddy. He said: “We have made preparations. We have renovated warehouses with a total capacity of 300,000 metric tonnes. more..

Apr 21 (AD) Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala stated today (April 21) that Sri Lanka Police will recruit 5,000 new officers in 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s law enforcement capabilities. Speaking during an online discussion held with police officers, including Officers-in-Charge (OICs), the Minister stated that 2,000 officers will be recruited in the near future, while the remaining 3,000 are scheduled to be recruited in December. more..

Apr 21 (AD) Suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon who was previously granted bail has been ordered to appear before the Matara Magistrate’s Court on 25 April. Deshabandu Tennakoon was granted bail on 10 April by the Matara Magistrate’s Court. He has been ordered to appear before the Matara Magistrate for allegedly acting in violation of court orders while leaving the court premises. Accordingly, Deshabandu Tennakoon and the owner of the car that was used to transport the suspended IGP out of more..

Apr 21 (AD) Pope Francis’ unwavering commitment to peace, compassion and humanity has left an indelible mark on the world, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said. Issuing a message following the passing of Pope Francis, Prez Anura Dissanayake said he is hopeful that his legacy of compassion, justice, and interfaith harmony will continue to inspire generations to come. Always known for his progressive thoughts, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on Monday (21), at the age of 88. more..

Apr 21 (NW) NPP will not win the upcoming Local Council Elections, former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe said. Addressing a political rally, the former Prez said the NPP will also fail to secure a majority in many of the councils. Wickremesinghe said his campaign expects to seize power by collectively securing the majority. “I do not know about the SJB, but several other groups have voiced their support for this move. Chairman of a council is elected based on the number of party members in the council. more..