Apr 2 (FT) Aitken Spence Elevators, in collaboration with CINEC Campus, recently held the Certificate Awarding Ceremony for the latest batch of trainees of the Elevator Serviceman Course at the Elevator Training Centre (ETC). Graduates were awarded their NVQ Level 3 certifications, marking a significant milestone in their professional journey within SL’s vertical transportation industry. Certification program was developed in partnership with National Apprentice & Industrial Training Authority more..

Apr 2 (FT) National Chamber of Exporters of SL (NCE) has announced the launch of its SL Accreditation Board (SLAB)-endorsed Certificate of Ethical Trading (CET) at its 40th Anniversary special celebration and AGM. It marked a momentous step in strengthening the credibility of SL exporters in global markets amid growing consciousness for ethical sourcing. The CET, first introduced by the NCE in 2019, was designed to help exporters respond to growing int'l expectations around more..

May 2 (FT) Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA), the apex body of SL’s Plantation industry, called for an urgent review and streamlining of the industry’s cost structures in light of the unprecedented crisis in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz. PA said that currently, approximately 45% of SL’s total annual tea exports – equivalent to approximately $ 680 million of SL’s total $ 1.5 billion tea export revenue is generated from ME more..

Apr 2 (Island) What has happened to our beloved nation, its loving people, and our once high-esteemed culture? At a time when the country has become the cynosure of many through the peace walk led by the Buddhist clergy together with Aloka, with people from all walks of life gathering in support, it clearly shows how deeply our people are yearning for peace, unity, and harmony. Yet, while this noble message unfolds, an incident of the opposite nature at the very gateway of more..

Apr 2 (Island) The govt and some Opposition parties held big rallies purportedly to mark May Day yesterday. JVP/NPP staged as many as 21 such events across the country, and the SJB rally took place in Colombo. Not to be outdone, the SLFP also held its May Day rally in Colombo. Those spectacles must have cost a fortune each. Where did the funds come from? Both the govt and the Opposition never miss an opportunity to declare their commitment to upholding transparency and other more..

Apr 2 (FT) The NPP cantered into office quite convincingly on a ticket of anti-corruption, ethical exceptionalism and much-needed systemic reforms. To date, and on the so-called positive side of the ledger, no major case has been made to definitively deny the NPP its moral mandate. Yet, a cluster of controversies – governmental lapses, procurement irregularities, conflicts of interest, and deficits in transparency (to put it politely) – have converged to make a case. more..

Apr 2 (DM) There is a Pali phrase at the heart of the Buddhist tradition, Ehi passiko, meaning simply, come and see. It is an invitation, not a command. Rather than asking followers to accept doctrine on faith, the Buddha urged each person to examine the Dhamma through lived experience: To observe, reflect, and verify truth within their own life. Rene Descartes, working from an entirely different tradition centuries later, arrived at a different starting point: Cogito, ergo sum, I think, therefore I am. more..

Apr 2 (TM) The tourism industry in SL stands at a critical juncture. Following years of volatility, the sector is grappling with a paradox. While passenger footfall has shown signs of a robust recovery, actual financial earnings and individual tourist spending are experiencing a noticeable decline. This complex situation is heavily influenced by global geopolitical tensions and conflicts, rising worldwide inflation, and shifting travel more..

Apr 2 (DM) At the outset, the writer wishes to allude to the following recent statements in the press. 1. Mixed Member Voting (MMV) system (understandably acknowledged by political parties despite its deficiencies) should be adopted at the next PC Election which is due to be held this year. 2. Govt has appointed a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to study the electoral system under which the Provincial Council (PC) elections are to be conducted and submit proposals more..

Apr 2 (CT) Observed globally as International Workers’ Day and rooted in the historic struggles symbolized by the Haymarket Affair, May Day is usually seen as a celebration of workers’ rights and labour solidarity. However, the idea of the worker has never been completely neutral or universal. In practice, it has often been based on a male, industrial, and formally employed worker. This has meant that one type of male work was treated as the standard, while many other forms of work more..

Apr 2 (CT) A noticeable rise in foreign nationals implicated in criminal activities has triggered growing concern among SL’s law enforcement authorities, particularly amid a wave of cybercrime incidents. Last week, the Finance Ministry’s cyber breach, in which its systems were reportedly hacked, was followed by the unauthorised transfer of approximately USD 2.5 million. In an earlier case, a bank reportedly incurred a loss of Rs 13.2b more..

Apr 2 (CT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has now completed 18 months of his term. He has another 42 months ahead. He stands as both the centre of gravity and the symbol of the NPP govt. When he visits Jaffna he is often photographed walking alone on an empty road early in the morning wearing a short and a T‑shirt, stopping to chat casually with local residents. On another day he is seen travelling in ordinary clothes, smiling and conversing with tea pluckers, more..

Apr 2 (DM) The first of May, more commonly referred to as May Day -- is set apart worldwide to celebrate the contribution workers of the world play in keeping the cogs of this world’s economies turning smoothly. More importantly, it commemorates the struggles of workers all over the world to obtain a just share of the profits of their production, and demand conditions to enable their families with the means in which they can grow and develop. May Day has been observed in our country as a holiday more..

May 1 (NW) Supreme Court has ruled that the fundamental human rights of a Police Sub-Inspector (SI) were violated in when he was brutally assaulted during an incident that took place in 2022. The case was heard based on a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by a Sub-Inspector who had been attached to the Gampaha Police Station, and the judgment was delivered with the concurrence of the judge bench. more..

May 1 (DN) Speaker Dr.Jagath Wickramaratne said the Leader of the House had agreed to schedule the debate requested by the Opposition regarding the transfer of US$ 2.5 million from the General Treasury to another account for the next parliamentary week, owing to an issue with time allocation. He noted that this week was very busy for Parliament, adding that the Vietnamese President is scheduled to address the House on May 8, along with the passage of several Bills. more..

May 1 (Island) Police announced the implementation of a special traffic plan and enhanced security arrangements in view of May Day rallies and processions to be held across the country on World Labour Day, marked today. Police have said the measures are aimed at ensuring peaceful commemorations, public safety, and minimal disruption to vehicular movement as political parties and trade unions prepare to hold events in Colombo and several major cities, including more..

May 1 (AD) Assistant Director of External Resources Dept of the Ministry of Finance, Ranga Rajapaksa, who had been interdicted over the alleged USD 2.5 million cyber heist, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at his residence in Kuliyapitiya this evening (30). Kuliyapitiya Police said they received information this afternoon that Rajapaksa had been found dead. Rajapaksa’s daughter noticed him lying in more..

May 1 (TM) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on the working people of SL to unite and continue driving the nation forward, in his message marking May Day. Prez said this year’s May Day comes at a key moment, as SL records strong economic progress despite global challenges such as conflicts, rising tariffs, and natural disasters like Cyclone Ditwah. He highlighted that the country achieved its lowest budget deficit since 1977 and highest govt revenue since 2007, while more..

May 1 (NW) SL-born population in Australia has continued its steady growth, reaching an estimated 184,800 by mid-2025. The new figure marks a notable increase from 172,800 recorded in June 2024 and 158,300 in June 2023, reflecting sustained post-pandemic migration trends. Sri Lanka now ranks among the top 10 overseas-born populations in Australia, remaining just ahead Malaysia-born residents and ahead of several other migrant communities. more..

May 1 (AD) Supreme Court has ruled that the fundamental human rights of a Police Sub-Inspector (SI) were violated in when he was brutally assaulted during an incident that took place in 2022. The case was heard based on a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by a Sub-Inspector who had been attached to the Gampaha Police Station, and the judgment was delivered with the concurrence of the judge bench. Accordingly, the court ordered three Police Inspectors who were found more..

May 1 (ST) The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has decided to file a fresh indictment against former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal in the Colombo High Court. The decision to file a fresh indictment against Mr Cabraal was taken after he did not meet the conditions that led him to be conditionally discharged from the case, in which he was accused of causing a loss of more than Rs 1.84 billion to the state by investing in Greek bonds. more..

May 1 (TM) Although the Presidential Secretariat has directed that Clean Sri Lanka programme coordinators be facilitated at the Provincial, District, and Divisional levels, Divisional Secretaries (DSs) have not acted on these instructions, maintaining that such arrangements could harm the independence of the State administrative structure. This has come to light in a letter sent by the SL Association of DSs and Assistant DSs to more..

May 1 (Island) In a powerful demonstration of how responsible business, public healthcare and civic leadership can work together for national good, SL this week renewed its commitment to eliminating cervical cancer through an expanded screening programme backed by corporate funding, Rotary leadership and the Ministry of Health. The initiative, supported by Dilmah, Rotary Club of Colombo, Family Health Bureau and SL Cancer Society, aims to strengthen nationwide HPV DNA more..

May 1 (TM) In the wake of the CIABOC launching an investigation into overtime (OT) payments in the Posts Dept following allegations of irregular claims, Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara said that fingerprint machines have now been installed in all post offices to regulate attendance and OT payments. The system has been implemented across the network, with the exception of sub post offices. “We have installed fingerprint machines in all main post offices, except for sub post offices,” more..

May 1 (ST) The annual flower show organised by the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, one of the main highlights of the spring festival, was once again a treat for the eyes. Nuwara Eliya spring festival has become a regular event on the annual calendar of local tourists in SL, and this was evident from the large crowds that attended, District Secretary Thushari Thennakoon said at the opening ceremony. "We all admire flowers, but not everyone has the ability to create beautiful floral arrangements. more..

May 1 (ST) Fighting hunger and serving communities according to local needs being the primary focus of Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF), a funding commitment of US$2 million was approved by the foundation for a project exceeding $4 million in total to tackle school hunger through local food production, says Fabrício Oliveira, Chairperson, LCIF. Mr. Oliveira made these remarks during a media briefing held at the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo on Thursday. more..

May 1 (EN) SL’s rupee closed at 319.75/320.00 to the US dollar in the spot next market, after trades at 319.50/320, market participants said, shortly after macro-economists celebrated the return of inflation to the central bank’s target. There intervention was around 319.50 to the US dollar. On April 30 inflation reached the mid-point of the central bank’s target of 5%. Agency can create more inflation and depreciate the rupee even more, more..

May 1 (DN) SL women’s national cricket team produced a strong all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh women’s national cricket team by 21 runs in the second T20I, sealing the series 2–0 with one game to spare. The match was played in Sylhet yesterday. Off-spinner Kavisha Dilhari delivered a superb spell, finishing with 2 for 15 in her four overs, as Bangladesh were restricted to 133 for 5 while chasing 155. Although wicketless, skipper Chamari Athapaththu and leg-spinner Sugandika more..

May 1 (DN) St. Joseph’s College Colombo emerged champions of the Under-19 Division One Tier ‘A’ Inter-Schools Two-Day Cricket Tournament, conducted by the SL Schools Cricket Association. They secured the title by winning on first innings against defending joint champions Royal College Colombo in the final played at P. Sara Oval yesterday. At the close of Day Two, Royal College were 84 for 1 in their second innings. After winning the toss, St. Joseph’s elected to bat first and more..

May 1 (ST) Political parties and trade unions have come out with mixed plans for May Day celebrations, as the international workers’ day coincides with Vesak Poya Day. Some political parties and unions have curtailed events, but other opposition parties are eager to use the opportunity to expose govt shortcomings, failed promises and corruption. The ruling NPP govt will mark May Day with 21 rallies across the country, instead of more..

May 1 (DN) Bilateral trade between France and SL stood at 556 million Euros in 2025,with French exports to SL amounting to 85 million Euros, while French imports from SL reached 470 million Euros. This resulted in a bilateral trade deficit of 385 million Euros, Remi Lambert, Ambassador of France to SL told the National Chamber of Commerce of SL organized Meet the Ambassador program held in Colombo on Tuesday. For the first two months of 2026, French exports to SL stood at more..

May 1 (TM) For many people, the most suitable economic policy programmes for the country come closer to the economic philosophy and policy programme of President Ranasinghe Premadasa. Premadasa often took decisions from the point of the poor and wanted to direct have and able people to use their luxuries and fortunes to help create situations that generate direct and tangible benefits to the poor and the vulnerable. He never wanted to discourage the capitalists, more..