May 8 (NW) The new radiation detection equipment at Port of Colombo, provided by the US Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration’s (DOE/NNSA) Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence through its Megaports Initiative, was commissioned by US Ambassador to SL, Julie Chung, recently. According to the US Embassy in SL, the equipment, valued at Rs. 148 mil more..

May 8 (AD) Samantha Ranasinghe was sworn in as a MP for Kalutara District before the Speaker of House, Jagath Wickramaratne. Ranasinghe was sworn in as a MP to fill the Parliamentary seat that fell vacant following the demise of National People’s Power (NPP) Kegalle District MP Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera last month. MP Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera passed away on April 6 at the age of 38 due to a sudden heart attack while receiving treatment at the Karawanella Hospital. more..

May 8 (AD) The Supreme Court has dismissed the petition filed by former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, who sought an order to quash the indictment filed by the Attorney General against three defendants, including him. The Attorney General had filed the indictment on charges including concealing evidence regarding the alleged hit-and-run incident that took place in 2016, in which the vehicle the former Minister was travelling in collided with a motorcycle in Rajagiriya, more..

May 8 (EN) SL’s gross official foreign exchange reserves dropped US$ 205 million to US$ 6,326 million April 2025 from US$ 6,531 million in March, despite some dollars bought from markets. Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves in April 2025, is below the US$ 6,472 million reached in Oct 2024, when the central bank printed large volumes of money to push call money rates down as private credit picked up, ahead of the last rate cut. more..

May 8 (EN) IPS SL will conduct its bi-annual survey on the ease of doing non-profit work in the island nation, comparing it with 16 other Asian economies. Doing Good Index 2026: How are Civil Society Organisations Faring in SL? looks at the regulatory and societal environment in which private capital is directed toward philanthropy or doing good. Last year’s DGI survey (DGI 2024) showed positive strides in SL’s social sector, elevating its status from Not Doing Enough to Doing Okay. more..

May 8 (AD) An explanation has been called from the school principal over the death of a Grade 10 student following an alleged sexual assault by a teacher, the Ministry of Education has stated. Issuing a statement regarding the matter, Edu Ministry said the teacher in question has been transferred while disciplinary action will be taken based on investigations conducted by police. Earlier today, a group of parents and students staged a protest opposite the school in Bambalapitiya more..

May 8 (FT) For thousands of SL students, gaining admission to a university is a moment of triumph—the result of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and steadfast pursuit. They enter these institutions with dreams of knowledge, growth, and a future filled with promise. Yet, for many, this dream is swiftly shattered by the brutal reality of ragging. The recent tragic death of a second-year student Charith Dilshan at Sabaragamuwa Uni, has reignited concerns about the enforcement of anti-ragging laws in SL. more..

May 8 (FT) When this column appears, readers would know the results of the May 6th LG election, but at the time of its submission, I do not. This gives me the opportunity of expressing perspectival, thematic and strategic political views beyond the results. Now we know the number of agreements signed between the Anura Dissanayake and Narendra Modi administrations. It isn’t 7, it’s 10. It is an unprecedented disgrace and moral outrage that we have to find out even this basic more..

May 8 (TM) Although the number of votes and the overall vote share reduced in comparison to the recent Prez and Parliamentary/General Elections, NPP polled more than double the amount received by the SJB. However, the NPP could not replicate its strong showing at the past two elections among urban voters and the Northern and Eastern voters. NPP, which secured a two-thirds majority power in the Parliament less than more..

May 8 (TM) The Election Commission (EC) stated that they are expecting to conclude their duties by informing political parties and independent groups that secured over 50% of seats in Local Government (LG) bodies to name chairpersons/mayors, as well as the number of female representatives that should be appointed, before 2 June. The LG Elections to elect public representatives for a total of 339 LG bodies were held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday (6). EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake more..

May 8 (DM) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said his party, SJB, will respect the people’s verdict and cooperate with other opposition parties to ensure transparent and effective service delivery through local bodies where the opposition holds a majority. “I will bow down to the will of the people and will work with all opposition parties rather than engaging in confrontational politics. I am willing to engage in this exercise as a person who is always committed to safeguard democracy,” more..

May 8 (DM) The Central Bank has reported an unprecedented 14.5% year-on-year (YoY) growth in physical cash circulation during 2024. Total currency in circulation reached a new post-pandemic high of Rs.1.36 trillion by the end of the fourth quarter. This marks a significant rise from Rs.1.19 trillion in 2023, underscoring the sustained public reliance on cash, despite the increasing adoption of digital payment systems. more..

May 8 (CT) Namal Rajapaksa, National Organiser of the SLPP, acknowledged the party’s failure to gain control of any local authorities but remained upbeat, highlighting what he described as the SLPP’s resilience and regrouping in recent months. “Over the past six months, the SLPP has regrouped and gained momentum by staying true to our principles,” he said. “While some rely on false promises, we remain committed to honest, principled politics that put the people first. more..

May 8 (FT) SL’s tourism industry has surpassed 900,000 tourist arrivals for this year, enhancing the optimism in the sector of achieving the ambitious goal of 3 million tourists by year-end. The milestone was crossed on 1 May with the arrival of 6,311 visitors, bringing the total to 903,105. This achievement highlights robust growth in the sector, as it marks a threshold previously reached only in June 2024. As of 4 May, the year-to-date (YTD) arrivals figure has climbed to 917,406 more..

Apr 8 (DM) SL’s lubricant industry remains without a dedicated regulatory framework over a year, since the formal plans were first announced. While the previous administration failed to act on the commitment made in 2023, the current regime is yet to provide clarity on the matter, which is raising concerns across the sector. Inaction continues despite the repeated calls for oversight and structure and as pressure mounts from the stakeholders, who have escalated issue to relevant authorities. more..

Apr 8 (DN) SL is getting ready to host one of its most important boxing events as the ASBC Asian Under-22 & Youth Boxing Championships 2025 is set to be held from May 12 to 23 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo. The organisers revealed exciting details about the upcoming tournament, which will see over 400 athletes and officials from more than 24 countries arriving in SL. Asian boxing giants such as India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Australia, and Thailand will be in action, more..

Apr 8 (DM) Sri Lanka’s main water sources that supply drinking water have become polluted. Recent findings indicate that consuming water from these sources without proper treatment could lead to serious issues. A study conducted by the Uni of Peradeniya in 2023 examined the extent of this pollution, focusing on the how the presence of bacteria and other harmful substances in the water affects the water sources. more..

Apr 8 (DN) SL has climbed to fourth place in the latest Men’s ODI Team Rankings following the annual update released by ICC. Surge comes after a dominant run at home in recent months, where SL led by Charith Asalanka secured impressive series wins against both India & Australia. Team has gained five rating points in the latest update, reflecting their consistent performances in the 50-over format and this latest ranking give SL team to improve their moral to go forward. more..

Apr 8 (DN) Sri Lanka’s mixed 4 x 400m relay team will compete at the seventh World Relay Championship, scheduled for May 10-11 in Guangzhou, China. Sri Lanka Athletics has selected a six-member team for the event, and they will depart this evening. Kalinga Kumarage, Aruna Darshana and Nadeesha Ramanayake are the experienced runners in the team. They are joined by Sadew Rajakaruna, Neshendra Fernando, and Sayuri Mendis. Coach W.G.M Thushara, more..

May 8 (ST) Agriculture Ministry is yet to cover a few districts to complete the random survey and confirm the accuracy as well as validity of the problem animal census done nearly 50 days back. The five-minute census on problem animals was done on March 15 where people were asked to count Macaques, Langurs, giant squirrels and peacocks. The ministry appointed a Special Committee for Reducing Damages Caused by Wild Animals. It held its most recent meeting last week, and more..

May 8 (NW) The UNP, which has secured 13 councillors in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), has expressed its willingness to support the SJB in forming the next council administration and appointing a Mayor. “We are ready to support SJB,” UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena said, adding that discussions regarding this collaboration will be held soon. The latest breakdown of CMC seats: NPP – 48 seats; SJB – 29 seats; UNP – 13 seats; SLPP – 5 seats; SLMC – 4 seats more..

Apr 8 (FT) Advocata Institute has welcomed the Cabinet’s overwhelming approval of the Gambling Regulatory Bill. This decisive move marks a significant step towards establishing a transparent, efficient, and accountable framework for the gaming industry. It also said a robust regulatory regime is essential to improving investor confidence, enhancing market integrity, addressing longstanding regulatory gaps, more..

May 8 (Island) As the Asian Development Bank (ADB) revises its influential Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS), activists and economists alike are raising a critical question: Can development be economically viable if it ignores human rights and environmental stability? One such person is environmentalist Hemantha Withanage. He said that the ADB’s new safeguards, currently under final review, aim to modernize protections for communities and ecosystems affected by more..

May 8 (Island) In an era where global financial markets demand innovation and agility, Acuity Knowledge Partners has positioned Sri Lanka as a strategic hub for high-value knowledge services. At the helm of this transformation is Jehan Jeyaretnam, Country Head of Acuity’s SL operations, whose two-decade journey with the firm mirrors the nation’s growing prominence in the global knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) sector. SL’s exceptional talent pool, which is highly educated, more..

May 8 (CT) Gehenu Lamai, directed by the late Dr. Sumitra Peries, will be screened next week in the Official Selection of the Cannes Film Festival, which will be held from May 13 to May 24 in Cannes, France, under the Cannes Classics category. Released in 1978, Gehenu Lamai is a Sri Lankan Sinhala teenage drama film directed by Sumitra Peries and produced by her husband, Lester James Peries, for Lester Films. more..

Apr 8 (FT) SL-France Business Council (SLFBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual Members’ Day, graciously hosted by the newly appointed French Ambassador to SL, Rémi Lambert, at his official residence. In his remarks, Ambassador Lambert reaffirmed the strong and diverse ties between France and SL. He highlighted key areas of ongoing and potential collaboration, including debt restructuring, educational and cultural programs through Alliance Française, and more..

May 8 (ST) Construction work of the fly over above the railway track near the Justice Akbar Mawatha in Kompanna Veediya initiated in 2020 has been hanging fire compelling the govt to pay delayed charges amounting to over Rs. 400 million to contractors. Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake, during a recent site visit, said the government has had to pay over Rs. 400 million to the construction company due to the suspension of this construction project planned in the area. more..

Apr 8 (ST) While SL’s economy is showing signs of equilibrium and moderate progress with tourism experiencing a period of recovery and growth, globally renowned brands are eyeing SL to establish franchises. Last Sunday, the Global Franchise Forum (GFF) 2025 was held for the first time in SL at the Sheraton Hotel in Colombo. Franchise India Group Chairman, Gaurav Marya on the sidelines of the forum said, “Global brands are now looking at SL, especially from Asian countries. more..

May 8 (CT) Buddhists in Panadura, who set a Guinness World Record by creating the world’s largest Vesak Pandal in 2024, are preparing to break their own record once again, according to Mahesh Fernando, Chairman of the Panadura United Trade Buddhist Society. The Panadura United Trade Buddhist Society, which constructed the Vesak Pandal with the support of the Buddhist community in Panadura last year, is building the new Pandal 92 feet wide and 82 feet high. more..

May 8 (DN) Musaeus College’s swimming starlet Rushalee Dissanayake made an unforgettable start to the HNB 49th National Age Group Swimming Championship by breaking the Girls U-15 400m Freestyle Junior National Record and the meet record on the opening day of the 5-day event at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex in Colombo yesterday. Dissanayake, just 14-years-old, completed the race in 4 m 48 s, more..

Apr 8 (TM) As I scan the strategic horizon of the Indo-Pacific region, I see both unprecedented challenges and extraordinary opportunities. Maritime threats multiply while space technology advances at breathtaking speed. Standing at this intersection of security concerns and technological possibility, I believe policy makers have a unique window to reshape regional dynamics through a bold partnership between the US and SL – one centred on space capabilities and maritime domain more..

May 8 (TM) Hundreds of innocent dreams have been shattered by the brutal, inhuman, and degrading practice of ragging that continues to plague SL universities. What began historically as informal and relatively harmless initiation rituals has, in the SL context, evolved into systematic, abusive, and often violent behaviour, particularly within higher education institutions, mainly universities. A study conducted by the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality of the UGC, more..