Oct 23 (Island) Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody told Parliament that the debt-ridden and mismanaged CEB couldn’t be turned around within 10 or 11 months, citing decades of political interference and corruption. “The CEB was destroyed over decades by giving free electricity to ministers and their cronies and taking on unsustainable loans. It cannot be fixed overnight,” Minister said, responding to a question more..

Oct 23 (AD) A new electronic examination center equipped with modern facilities, including smart devices such as tablets, was officially opened today (22) to facilitate Korean language proficiency tests required for employment in South Korea. Named the Korean Language Examination Center – Ubiquitous-Based Test (UBT), the center was inaugurated under the patronage of Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra. The Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea) has decided more..

Oct 23 (DM) Hayleys yesterday initiated a mandatory offer to acquire the remaining 1,140,654 ordinary voting shares, representing 59.42% of the issued shares of Harischandra Mills, following its recent purchase of a 40.58% stake in the company. Last week, Hayleys purchased 778,946 shares from Senthilverl Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, at a price of Rs.3,300 per share, amounting to a total consideration of Rs.2.57 billion. The acquisition triggered an obligation under Rule 31(1)(a) of more..

Oct 23 (NF) SL’s international aviation sector is gearing up for a busy winter season, with several international carriers set to resume or launch operations at Bandaranaike Int'l Airport (BIA) and Mattala Rajapaksa Int'l Airport (MRIA). Kuwait Airways will resume its scheduled flights to BIA starting October 27, 2025, operating four flights per week. Meanwhile, Red Wings and Belavia – Belarusian Airlines will commence their winter flight operations to MRIA from Oct 28, 2025. more..

Oct 23 (DM) While adding two remarkable additions to the Kia family, Kia Motors Lanka yesterday launched the fifth-generation 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid and Kia EV5, marking a new era of hybrid and electric mobility in SL. The launch, held at an exclusive preview event in Colombo, represents Kia’s most significant product introduction since the lifting of vehicle import restrictions. The two new models highlight the brand’s transition from a traditional SUV manufacturer to a global more..

Oct 23 (TM) CEO of SLC Ashley de Silva said Sri Lanka had filled in as a joint partner to India in co-hosting the ongoing ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup. He affirmed that it is an event which had been designated to be hosted by their South Asian neighbours through and through. He made this remark when pressed for his views on the marquee white-ball competition being held in the current monsoon period. more..

Oct 23 (Island) Having studied within the university system at Peradeniya, been indirectly involved with FUTA matters, and served in both academic and administrative roles, I have firsthand experience of how challenging it is to revise curricula and introduce new programmes for national benefit while maintaining programme quality—as the President has requested. Achieving this within the existing bureaucracy is a mammoth task, particularly given the limited institutional support and more..

Oct 23 (DM) The passage of the new pricing formula for imported pharmaceutical drugs in Parliament could be considered a key strategy to address shortages of medicine and to ensure transparency in the provision of medicines to the public. Unregulated costs of medicines have become a burden to the average citizen, who finds it a challenge to allocate a considerable amount of their expenses to purchase medicines. In most instances, patients are inconvenienced due to unpredictable more..

Oct 23 (Island) Nary a day passes without a new headline about a controversy stirred by the JVP-led NPP govt. It was reported yesterday that a civil society outfit had lodged a complaint with the Judicial Services Commission against NPP MP and attorney-at-law Lakmali Hemachandra’s statement, at a recent Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Development Committee meeting, that she had asked a state official, described in some quarters as a police officer, not to carry out a court order more..

Oct 23 (ST) Two weeks ago, Sri Lanka enjoyed yet another long weekend, thanks to a full moon Poya day that fell on Monday. Interestingly, this marked the third consecutive month—following similar extended weekends in August and September. What made this particular weekend truly special, however, was its timing: it coincided with the rare and breathtaking blossoming of the Nelu Flowers in Horton Plains, adding a touch of natural wonder to the holiday. more..

Oct 23 (TM) Cabinet has granted approval to prepare and implement a National Building Code, following a proposal submitted by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Defence. The project, to be implemented by the NBRO, aims to establish a comprehensive set of standards governing the design, construction, maintenance, and alteration of buildings to ensure public safety, health, and welfare, while more..

Oct 23 (TM) Sri Lanka has grappled with a law-and-order problem for decades. It stems from poor governance, politicisation and a culture of impunity which SL has grown a notoriety for. There is much needed to be done to address the issue. The NPP Govt, one year into office, has made some commendable progress in combatting organised crime, especially relating to narco traffickers and peddlers. However, there remains serious issues about how law enforcement agencies more..

Oct 23 (CT) The latest revelations from the Auditor General’s report have yet again laid bare a troubling truth that Sri Lankans have long suspected, i.e. corruption has deeply infected the country’s health system. The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) has now sounded a clear warning to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, urging him to confront this decay head-on before it causes irreparable harm to both the nation’s finances and its faith in public institutions. more..

Oct 23 (CT) Over the past decade, Sri Lanka’s efforts to protect its children have changed in remarkable ways. What began as a set of moral promises in 2013 has now developed into a practical, measurable, and forward-looking plan. The National Child Protection Policy (NCPP) of 2013 has grown into the Five-Year National Action Plan (NAP) for 2025–2029, a road map that aims to make every SL child safe, respected, and empowered. more..

Oct 23 (DM) Recent rave social media reviews by Indian visitors about SL, especially about our roads and civic sense, might make a Sri Lankan blush. One should agree that such assessments are a subjective experience. But there is also a genuine appreciation, though South Asians in general are good at trash-talking their own countries. Also last week, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was in SL, lauded the island nation for maintaining social indicators on par more..

Oct 23 (CT) On the face of it, the mini-reshuffle of the Cabinet effected by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake was being presented as if it were a routine affair. No commentator pointed out that it was the first reshuffle, however big or small, for the JVP-NPP Govt, and that is saying a lot. Going by the numbers, it was not as small as was being made out to be. At the centre of it all was none other than the Govt’s Leader in Parliament, Bimal Rathnayake, who was stripped of the prestigious and more..

Oct 22 (AD) The Colombo Crimes Division today submitted a report to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court regarding the ongoing investigations into Ishara Sewwandi, who has been identified as a key suspect in the murder of underworld gang leader Ganemulla Sanjeewa. Ishara Sewwandi is currently in custody and being interrogated under a detention order. Submitting the report to Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama, police stated that a 90-day detention order was obtained more..

Oct 22 (NW) Actress and entrepreneur Piumi Hansamali has rejected claims that she had any connection with the recently arrested underworld figure known as Kehelbaddara Padme. Media reports earlier today said that Hansamali had been questioned by the CID regarding her alleged links to Padme. In a Facebook post, she clarified that she had only met Kehelbaddara Padme once in March 2022 during a New Year celebration in Dubai, and that the meeting was casual. more..

Oct 22 (MB) In SL waters, there’s a growing problem of ghost nets that are entangling sea turtles, fish, dolphins and seabirds. Ghost nets are fishing gear that have either been abandoned, lost or discarded into the sea. As these drift with the ocean currents, they continue to trap marine animals — or ghost fish. “These lost fishing gear kill scores of marine species and remains a specific problem for marine turtles,” said Thushan Kapurusinghe, more..

Oct 22 (AD) The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal to provide vouchers to purchase a pair of shoes to selected schoolchildren, Piriven students and Seela Mathas for the year 2026. The proposal has been presented under the welfare programme of the Ministry of Education. Accordingly, the vouchers will be prepared by the Ministry of Education to be securely printed with a QR code number that can be scanned through a mobile phone software. more..

Oct 22 (Island) Sixteen previously non-operational tea factories have been revived across the country this year, Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyarathna told Parliament yesterday. Responding to a question raised by Badulla District NDF MP Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Minister said six factories had closed this year, but 16 that had been idle were brought back into production. “I’m happy to announce that when six closed, sixteen reopened,” more..

Oct 22 (AD) Cabinet of Ministers has approved holding the Sri Lankan Day from Dec 12 to 14, 2025 at the Colombo Town Hall grounds, Vihara Maha Devi Park, and adjoining roads. Event will feature cultural shows, food fairs, and exhibitions representing all religions and ethnicities to promote national reconciliation and understanding among communities, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. He said that it has been proposed in more..

Oct 22 (DM) Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has instructed all magistrates to take immediate steps to remove drug samples weighing less than one kilogramme that have been stored at the Govt Analyst’s Department since 1981. The directive was issued by JSC Secretary Prasanna Alvis, after consideration of the Ministry’s request dated July 7, 2025. In a letter addressed to the Judicial Service Commission, Ministry of Justice and National Integration Secretary more..

Oct 22 (DM) The govt has approved a proposal to conduct a feasibility study and prepare a detailed plan to extend the Kelani Valley (Kalaniweli) railway line from Awissawella to Ratnapura, in a move aimed at improving public transport and strengthening railway connectivity. A sum of Rs. 250 million has been allocated under the 2025 Budget to commence initial work on the project, which seeks to enhance the efficiency of rail services and ease congestion in the public transport network. more..

Oct 22 (NW) A delegation from S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, led by Acting Warden Asanka Perera, met with renowned philanthropist and Old Trinitian Eng. Nahil Wijesuriya to convey the College community’s deep appreciation for his extraordinary contribution of Rs. 600 million towards the Fourth Phase of the Senior Quadrangular Project. The delegation included Imran Hassan, Honorary Secretary of S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia Old Boys’ Association, Raajiv Wanigasekera, more..

Oct 22 (FT) The final session of the 11th Annual Daily FT–CICRA Cyber Security Summit 2025 concluded on a forward-looking note, exploring the intersection of AI governance, open innovation, and cybersecurity resilience. Delivering the keynote under the session theme of AI Governance Models and Frameworks: What is Best for Asia?, Meta Director of Public Policy for South and Central Asia Sarim Aziz, urged govts, regulators, and enterprises across the region to embrace more..

Oct 22 (TM) A surge of cargo has congested Colombo Port and spurred some container lines to skip the transshipment gateway, S&P Global said. It said that on Friday morning, the port had about 15 container ships waiting at anchor for berths, but the queue had fallen to 10 by Monday. Eight ships were being worked at the marine terminals. “Terminal operations have been adversely affected due to high yard congestion, more..

Oct 22 (DM) Indian Diaspora and SL friends came together from October 17–20 to celebrate the Festival of Lights with vibrant events across the city. Highlights included Diwali Balls at Water’s Edge and Taj Samudra, featuring Bollywood music, dance, Indian cuisine, fireworks, and performances by local artists. Dignitaries, diplomats, and business leaders joined the festivities, while High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Madam Tanuja Jha hosted a warm celebration at the Indian High Commission. more..

Oct 22 (NW) A tense situation arose in Parliament when the death of SJB member and Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, Lasantha Wickramasekara, was raised in Parliament today. Addressing the house, Opposition MP Sajith Premadasa informed the Parliament that the Chairman of the Weligama PS had been shot while engaging in the local council’s public day event. “He was shot while carrying out his official duties while inside local council. He is seriously injured. more..

Oct 22 (NW) SLC wishes to announce that the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2025 will not be held this year as originally planned. The decision was taken after careful consideration of the broader requirement of preparing well in advance for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by SL and India during Feb–Mar 2026. As per the guidelines of the ICC, all host venues for the upcoming 20-team event must be in more..

Oct 22 (TM) Members of Parliament and staff attended today’s session dressed in pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, globally recognized each October. PM Harini Amarasuriya and Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne were symbolically presented with awareness badges and wristbands at the event organized by the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus. All MPs were given the opportunity to wear the symbolic items, while Parliament has also scheduled a special more..

Oct 22 (Island) Health authorities have warned of an increased risk of dengue outbreaks across Sri Lanka as persistent rains continue to create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. According to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), 40,633 dengue cases, and 22 related deaths, have been reported from January to 20 October this year. The highest numbers have been recorded in Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy, and Ratnapura Districts— the latter reporting the most fatalities. more..