Sep 4 (FT) Yaden Laboratories Ltd., has achieved a significant milestone with its first export of sterile liquid injectables to Zambia country in Africa. The company, which manufactures sterile formulation medicines, has been catering to the requirements of the Ministry of Health Sri Lanka and now aims to expand its reach globally. The export consignment consists of essential medicines, including Ketamine and Midazolam injections, used for anaesthesia and sedation purposes. more..

Sep 4 (FT) Colombo-based think tank Arutha Research Director – Debt Research Umesh Moramudali yesterday dispelled overstated fears that Sri Lanka faces a looming debt servicing cliff when it resumes capital repayments of restructured foreign loans in 2028. In 2028, Sri Lanka begins capital repayments on bilateral debt to Japan, EXIM Bank China, and EXIM Bank India, while bullet payments and maturities for macro-linked bonds (MLBs) are also scheduled to begin that year. more..

Sep 4 (TM) Minister Sports Sunil Gamage formed a Working Task Force headed by retired DIG M.H. Marso, to investigate the alleged incident of levying Rs. 580.000 from 29 athletes by the SL Karate-Do Federation (SLKF) and yet failing to ensure the team’s departure to China for a tournament due to start on Friday (5). Minister acting under the powers vested in him under Sections 32 and 33 of the amended Sports Law more..

Sep 4 (ST) Thousands of persons who surrendered their previous documents for their lands in order to receive title deeds keeping with a plan announced during the former govt have been left without any official deeds now. Their official documents including Swarnaboomi and Jaya boomi titles were collected by the respective Grama Sevaka and Divisional Secretary offices assuring that a title deed will be issued. The programme to issue title deeds was announced by the former govt more..

Sep 4 (DM) A new study by the Institute of Policy Studies of SL (IPS) has revealed that cigarette smuggling occurs in various forms across the country and a better understanding of these channels is necessary to develop policies that will curb smuggling, increase government revenue and minimise the adverse health impacts. Despite the high excise taxes aimed at curbing tobacco use, smuggling continues to undermine public health efforts and govt revenue from tobacco sales. more..

Sep 4 (CI) Kamindu Mendis' 41 not out off 16 from No. 6 rescued Sri Lanka from a collapse, and catapulted them to victory in a game that seemed to be slipping away. SL needed 46 runs off the last four overs, having slipped from 96 for no loss to 125 for 5. But Kamindu crashed four sixes and a four, the vast majority of those shots coming behind square on the leg side as Zimbabwe's seamers got their lines wrong at the death. more..

Sep 4 (ST) Sri Lanka’s newest bowling hero, Dilshan Madushanka, became the country’s 8th bowler to record a hat-trick in a ODI, a sensational comeback performance that sealed an otherwise unlikely victory in the first of the two-match ODI series at Harare on Friday night. Madushanka claimed a last-over hat-trick to snatch SL a thrilling seven-run win over Zimbabwe, who required just 10 runs from the final six balls with five wickets in hand, a target within their reach. more..

Sep 4 (FT) Women’s International Foundation (WIF), in collaboration with Aviraté, hosted the Invest in Her Award Ceremony, celebrating the resilience, innovation, and potential of SL’s MSME women entrepreneurs. Over the past three months, proceeds from every Aviraté sale were dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs with digital tools and market access opportunities. This unique collaboration highlights a shared vision: to create inclusive economic opportunities and more..

Sep 4 (FT) Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) will present Ramp Up 2025, a one-of-a-kind fashion showcase that blends bold creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and the unstoppable energy of women-led fashion brands on 9 Sept at the Hilton. This latest edition spotlights SL’s most promising designers alongside inspiring women from diverse professional backgrounds, including professionals, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and more, who will take to the runway as models. more..

Sep 4 (ST) Tourism industry is urging the government to engage in the launching of a country specific campaign to ensure Sri Lanka is still on the map as a travel destination. With state plans to generate three million travellers unlikely to be met this year as a result of any promotional campaigns launched in key markets, the industry is asking for country specific promotions in the least. The targeted revenue and arrivals will surely come down this year, industry veterans said. more..

Sep 4 (FT) Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe confirmed that the Govt has initiated the process of revising the Tourism Act of 2005, with the Cabinet already granting approval to draft a new Act. However, he stressed that the exercise is still at an early stage and will require careful consultation with multiple stakeholders, including the private sector. “Cabinet approval to issue a new Act has been granted, and more..

Sep 4 (ST) We Sri Lankans understand well that in politics, there are no permanent enemies—only shifting alliances. Yesterday’s adversaries become today’s coalition partners, while former allies fall out and turn against each other. It is the interests that are permanent for which they become either enemies or friends. It equally applies to geopolitics as well: There are no permanent enemies in geopolitics either. The point I wanted to get across is that SL, being a small country more..

Sep 4 (Island) Sri Lanka’s rubber industry, once a proud pillar of the national economy, is today facing one of the gravest threats in its history. The culprit is Circular Leaf Spot Disease (CLSD), a fungal pathogen that eats away at the very foundation of rubber cultivation—the leaves. Without healthy leaves, the latex yield falls, plantations weaken, and livelihoods collapse. This is not just a biological problem; it is a national economic and social challenge. more..

Sep 4 (DM) In their efforts to champion a world of inclusivity and diversity, the Branch for the Differently Abled Guides at the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association (SLGGA) recently concluded a workshop for caregivers and parents who are primarily looking after differently-abled children titled Every Step Counts. The programme was held in view of this Branch reaching its 100-year milestone, while the SLGGA celebrates its 108th year of serving society. more..

Sep 4 (GV) My life, as I have come to understand it, is a narrative woven from the threads of loyalty, betrayal and a relentless pursuit of truth. It’s a story that began in the war torn landscape of SL and has, improbably, brought me here to a quiet corner of Canada where I now seek to find peace and purpose through the written word. This is not just my personal history; it’s a reflection on the nature of power, the complexities of human identity and the profound impact that a life of secrets can more..

Sep 4 (CT) In a development that has sent shockwaves across the country, Ranil Wickremesinghe, the eighth Executive President of SL, was recently arrested and subsequently released on bail, marking a truly unprecedented moment in the country’s legal history. This is the first time a former Exec Prez has been produced before a court, remanded, and then granted bail. The case centres on allegations of misuse of public funds more..

Sep 4 (TM) Yesterday (3), Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala revealed that police investigations have uncovered a factory producing Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) in Nuwara Eliya. According to him, organised crime suspect Mandinu Padmasiri, alias ‘Kehelbaddara Padme,’ had invested over Rs. 4 million in the operation, which was run out of a rented house. Over 2,000 kg of chemicals were reportedly imported for the purpose of producing the drug in Sri Lanka, reports said. more..

Sep 4 (DM) During a recent confrontation, a video journalist of a popular TV channel was not willing to adhere to the requests of a security officer in terms of maintaining a distance when covering the incident. The confrontation occurred when the notorious underworld criminal Nadun Chinthaka (Harak Kata) was being brought to courts. The security officer was heard saying that since Ganemulla Sanjeewa was killed by an individual who was dressed as a lawyer, there is no more..

Sep 4 (SO) As dawn breaks over Colombo, a patrol car glides through the streets, its occupants vigilant and alert. From bustling markets to quiet neighbourhoods, officers of the SL Police are already on duty, ensuring the safety of citizens, responding to emergencies, and quietly preventing crimes before they occur. Their presence is reassuring and invisible, a testament to the unyielding dedication of those who serve. more..

Sep 4 (DM) The 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report singles out SL as the world’s only backslider on gender parity. Of the 100 nations monitored consistently over the past two decades, 99 have improved; Sri Lanka is the lone outlier, where the gender gap has widened. This decline is measured through the report’s Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI), which tracks disparities between men and women across four dimensions—economic participation, edu attainment, more..

Sep 4 (CT) The inauguration of the Northern Coconut Triangle in Puthukkudiyiruppu by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake on World Coconut Day was presented as a milestone in development. Backed by Rs 500 million and framed as a path to both reconciliation and economic growth, the project promises 16,000 acres of new plantations this year and 40,000 acres by 2027, with annual export earnings projected at USD 70 million. Yet, beneath the symbolism of coconut saplings and more..

Sep 3 (DM) Ministry of Youth and Sports said today that national athlete Isuru Lakshan has been cleared of all charges related to an alleged violation of anti-doping regulations. Accordingly, the temporary suspension imposed on him has been lifted. Dr. Shiromi Pilapitiya, Director General of SL Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA), said that the agency concluded its inquiry and accepted the findings of the Disciplinary Investigation Committee, which recommended that the athlete be discharged more..

Sep 3 (NW) An individual has been injured after being shot by unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle in the Maligawatte area today. According to the Police, the injured person has been identified as an employee of a spare parts shop in the area. The Police said a T-56 firearm is reported to have been used to carry out the shooting. The injured individual has been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital for treatment. Police further stated that CCTV footage of the shooting more..

Sep 3 (AD) IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya says that 1,612 illegal firearms have been taken into custody so far this year. Addressing the 159th Police Day commemoration event in Colombo, he also revealed that 17 criminals involved in organised crime have been brought back to the island from overseas recently. He added that organised criminals, transnational organised criminals and other criminals are currently more..

Sep 3 (TM) Secretary to the Ministry of Youth affairs & Sports Aruna Bandara asserted that his ministry was yet to be officially informed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), of an imminent ban on the game’s local ruling body-the National Gymnastics Association of SL (NGASL). “We (Sports Ministry) are yet to be officially conveyed with any impending suspension of the NGASL,” Ministry Secretary said, when asked for the veracity of news circulating of a probable ban of the more..

Sep 3 (CT) The CID, yesterday (2), informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Lilan Warusawithana that former Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and three others have been indicted in the Colombo High Court for allegedly misappropriating funds intended for flood victims. According to the CID, in late 2014, Rs 6,146,110 was received by Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) as relief for people displaced by flooding in Bingiriya and Narammala of Kurunegala. The funds, however, were allegedly diverted more..

Sep 3 (TM) In the wake of reports that the UNP has decided to lift the suspension imposed on its former members who joined the main Opposition, SJB, the SJB stated that the move is of no consequence as it is now a separate political force. SJB National Organiser and MP Tissa Attanayake said that the Party has not received any official notification regarding the UNP’s decision and added that the move is likely intended to more..

Sep 3 (AD) A large consignment of narcotics valued at Rs. 312 million was seized this afternoon by officers of the SL Customs’ Narcotics Control Division after being detected in courier parcels received through airmail at a private bonded warehouse in Seeduwa, Katunayake. The consignment included 23,642 ecstasy/methamphetamine tablets, 1.445 kg of cocaine, 993 grams of Mandy, a synthetic chemical drug also known as MDMA, and 98 grams of more..

Sep 3 (CT) Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama, yesterday, ordered the release of Ven. Uvatenne Sumana Thera, Chief Incumbent of Sri Bodhirajarama Temple, Maligawatta, who was arrested by the FCID over an alleged fraud involving essential food items worth over Rs 17 million obtained without payment from a private firm in Colombo. The monk was granted release on two sureties of Rs 500,000 each. According to the complaint lodged with the FCID by more..

Sep 3 (IDN) In July 2025, the influential global travel website Big 7 named Sri Lanka the most beautiful island in the world, stating that the “teardrop-shaped island off the southern coast of India has it all—golden beaches, terraced tea plantations, timeworn temples, colonial towns, misty mountains, and wildlife safaris … elephants and leopards.” The beauty of the island is not limited to its physical environment, unique Buddhist culture, and the diversity of its population; more..

Sep 3 (AD) The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy, Maria Tripodi, has arrived in Sri Lanka today on an official visit. The Deputy Minister will remain in SL until Sept 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. This visit is significant as it marks the highest-level incoming visit from Italy to Sri Lanka in almost a decade, the Foreign Ministry stated. During her visit, Deputy Minister Tripodi will co-chair, along with Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Employment, more..