May 14 (Island) SL Red Cross Society (SLRCS) recently organised commemorative events across SL, together with the Int'l Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Int'l Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), volunteers and local communities World Red Cross Red and Crescent Day. At the national level, the SLRCS in Colombo hosted a special ceremony to appreciate outstanding volunteers from each of the 25 district-level branches, honouring their commitment more..

May 14 (CT) A total of eight Dansel that failed to adhere to proper health and safety guidelines were suspended by the Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) during their inspections on Monday (12) evening. The Public Health Inspectors’ Union of SL (PHIUSL) said that permission had also been granted to another 17 to provide alms after their organisers were given the required health and safety guidelines. Over 8,800 Dansel were organised island-wide in view of the Vesak Poya. more..

May 14 (AD) Govt of SL maintains that the allegation of genocide during the final phase of the conflict in SL is unsubstantiated by any credible authority, either nationally or internationally, and is based on misleading information, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ministry emphasized that SL firmly rejects this false narrative and believes it has been propagated primarily for electoral gains within Canada. more..

May 14 (DM) Absconding primary tutor Hayeshika Fernando also known as Teacher Amma surrendered before the Negombo Court this afternoon through her attorney and was granted bail. Fernando, who was in the centre of controversy for evading arrest after allegedly kicking a young man in his groin leading to his hospitalisation, was wanted by three police teams last week. President's Counsel Anuja Premaratne, appearing for the suspect informed the Magistrate’s Court that more..

May 14 (DM) Three youths drowned while a group of six young men who were enjoying a bath in the sea off Wellamakare in Wennappuwa got into difficulties when they were carried away by the waves. Two out of the six youths were saved by the fishermen and the bodies of two of those drowned had washed ashore this morning. The other body was recovered by the police. The group of young men from Bagawanthalawa had been employed as masons and carpenters in the Wennappuwa area. more..

May 14 (NW) Notorious underworld figure Nadun Chithaka Wickremeratne, alias Harak Kata, has alleged that he continues to be detained in Tangalle because he refused to pay Rs. 300 million demanded by former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. Harak Kata made the claim while being escorted by police from the Colombo Court Complex after a hearing today. more..

May 14 (EN) Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is set to conduct the SL Economic and Investment Summit 2025 on the theme Gateway to Growth – Asia’s Emerging Opportunity, from Dec 2-3 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. “As SL moves from stabilisation to forward-looking reform, the summit will serve as a platform to chart a bold new trajectory for growth,” the chamber said. The event is set to feature international economists, policymakers, investment experts, private sector leaders, and more..

May 14 (AD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the release of compensation from the President’s Fund for the families of those who lost their lives in the recent tragic bus accident in the Gerandi Ella area of Kotmale. The funds have been disbursed to the respective Divisional Secretariats for distribution. Each victim’s family will receive Rs. 1 million as compensation accordingly. Funds have been allocated to the Divisional Secretariats in the areas where the victims resided, more..

May 14 (FT) The quotation Missing the wood for the trees means being unable to see the whole picture or larger context because one is fixated on minor details or individual components. It suggests a lack of perspective and an inability to understand the bigger picture due to being too focused on the small parts. This catchy phrase originated as part of the works of John Heywood, an English writer known for his plays, poems, and collection of proverbs, circa 1546. It is an idiom used of someone more..

May 14 (FT) The death by suicide of an undergraduate of the Sabaragamuwa Uni, alleged to have been caused by severe mental trauma inflicted on him by some senior students through ragging, has made Sri Lanka’s civil society to rise against this unwholesome practice at universities. Even Sri Lanka’s Bar Association or BASL had issued a statement condemning this incident calling for authorities to take action against the culprits to prevent such incidents in universities. more..

May 14 (Island) PNM has called upon the NPP govt to reveal its position on foreign research vessels visiting SL ports. Top PNM spokesman Dr. Wasantha Bandara said that the recent visit by FS BEAUTEMPS-BEAUPRE A 758 of the French Naval Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service went almost unnoticed though the govt was yet to disclose the status of ban on foreign research vessels imposed by former Prez more..

May 14 (CT) Govt has pledged full intervention and long-term support for the children who lost their parents in the tragic Gerandi Ella bus accident, which claimed 23 lives and left dozens injured. Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, made the assurance during a visit to the wounded victims receiving treatment at Kotmale Hospital. Minister expressed deep condolences to the grieving families and emphasised the Govt’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the children left behind. more..

May 14 (DM) A delay in implementing the Cabinet’s decision to import salt has led to the current nationwide shortage, SL Salt Producers Association alleged. “Cabinet approved a proposal to import 30,000 metric tonnes on March 26 this year. However, the stocks have yet to arrive in Sri Lanka to date. The shortage that is prevailing at the moment will end as and when this consignment arrives in SL,” SL Salt Producers Association President Ganaka Amarasinghe said. more..

May 14 (TM) Ministry of Public Security has instructed the Police to investigate and take action against individuals representing various Opposition political parties who are alleged to have links with organised crime, as recently revealed by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala. Minister said that investigations had uncovered connections between several organised criminal groups and candidates who contested the LG elections. more..

May 14 (Island) 2025 Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone, jointly organized by Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Prez Secretariat & PM’s Office, was ceremonially inaugurated on May 12 by PM Harini Amarasuriya. During the opening ceremony, PM shared the following thoughts: “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Festival, held with the collective effort of all communities residing in the city of Colombo, is truly special. Religious harmony that exists within Colombo plays a significant role in making more..

May 14 (Island) A 70-year-old retired Police Inspector has been arrested over an alleged attempt to kill a young female Algerian tourist near Rawana Ella. Police apprehended the suspect in Nuwara Eliya yesterday. The suspect had stolen the victim’s valuables, worth over Rs 800,000, after drugging her, and then pushed her off a precipice near Rawana Ella. The 26-year-old tourist arrived in SL on May 7 and visited Kandy and then travelled to Nuwara Eliya, where she booked a van, more..

May 14 (AD) 36 motorcyclists, who were riding recklessly while causing panic among the public on Vesak Poya Day, have been arrested by the Matara Police yesterday (12). Police have also seized 36 motorcycles that violated traffic laws by having forged number plates, modified silencers, and additional modifications installed. During a traffic inspection conducted in the Matara city by the Matara HQ Police to prevent traffic accidents, these 36 motorcycles were taken into custody. more..

May 14 (TM) Central Bank data reveals that the rupee value of Sri Lanka's 10 billion Chinese yuan swap facility with the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) decreased by over Rs. 48 billion by the end of 2024 due to rupee appreciation. According to the Central Bank’s financial statements and operational report, the rupee equivalent of the PBoC swap facility saw a Rs. 48.7 billion reduction as the Chinese yuan depreciated by 13.9% against the Sri Lankan rupee in 2024. more..

May 14 (AD) The 5-member special investigative committee appointed to probe the Gerandi Ella bus accident visited the Gampola Hospital today (13) to obtain information about the incident from the injured passengers including the bus conductor currently receiving treatment at the hospital. Prior to this, the committee had visited the scene of the accident and conducted an on-site investigation today. A 5-member committee, headed by more..

May 14 (FT) Cabinet of Ministers last week approved appointing a technical specialist committee to study the introduction of an independent Public Prosecutor’s Office in SL. The committee will be chaired by SC Judge and President’s Advocate Yasantha Kodagoda. The committee is tasked to study and report on the introduction of a new law for the establishment of such an office and to forward recommendations for the introduction of necessary amendments to existing laws when required. more..

May 14 (FT) SL’s tourism earnings in April registered $ 256.7 million, reflecting a 13.8% increase year-on-year (YoY), but also marking the lowest monthly income in 2025 so far. As per the latest data released by the CB, on a month-on-month basis, April earnings saw a 38% decline, highlighting the challenges of sustaining momentum without consistent strategic promotion. Despite this, April 2025 inflow remains the highest recorded for the month since the onset of the COVID-19. more..

May 14 (TM) Ceylon Teachers' Union (CTU) has questioned as to why the teacher accused of sexually abusing a schoolgirl in Kotahena — who later committed suicide — has only been placed on compulsory leave, while even those accused of minor offences are immediately suspended. Ministry of Education announced last week that the teacher in question had been sent on compulsory leave after receiving a Police B report. CTU Prez Priyantha Fernando claimed that the current Govt more..

May 14 (ST) Four names have been proposed to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake to fill two vacancies in the Court of Appeal (CA). Chief Justice Murdu Fernando has proposed the names of High Court Judges Frank Gunawardena, Adithya Kumara Patabendi and Nawaratne Marasinghe on two occasions. Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, meanwhile, has proposed the name of Deputy Solicitor General Riyaz Bary. Prez is due to send 2 of the 4 names to CC for approval. more..

May 14 (CT) A lasting solution to the ongoing cancellation of train services during extended holidays—caused by train drivers taking leave—is expected to take at least three more years under the current operational framework. Root of the issue lies in a persistent shortage of train drivers, which has led to the cancellation of at least 30 scheduled train services per day during extended holiday periods. A significant number of drivers typically take more..

May 14 (Island) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) recently carried out a Fast Bowling Talent Search program in the Polonnaruwa District as part of its ongoing efforts to identify and nurture emerging cricketing talent across the country. The program, held at the Royal College Ground, Polonnaruwa, attracted over 60 promising young players—both boys and girls—including school cricketers of the district. Each participant underwent skill assessments to evaluate their fast bowling potential. more..

May 14 (DM) Sri Lanka’s loss-making national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, plans to add five new aircraft including two narrow-body planes to its fleet by March 2026, according to a top company official. In a recent interview with an Indian travel magazine, SriLankan Airlines’ Regional Manager for India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, Fawzan Fareid outlined the fleet expansion strategy. “We plan to add two narrow-body aircraft between April and June 2025, bringing the total to 13, followed by more..

May 14 (DM) Controversial female primary tutor Hayeshika Fernando, who is still at large over an assault involving a youth, is wanted by three police teams, the police said. Reputed among Grade Five scholarship students as Teacher Amma (mother teacher) for her private tuition classes, Fernando started evading arrest since last week, when a youth was hospitalised in Negombo over assault charges. more..

May 14 (FT) HNB said it continued its growth trajectory in Q1 2025, recording a YoY growth of 49% in Group Profit After Tax (PAT) and a 64% growth in Bank PAT with Group and Bank PAT at Rs. 11.1 billion and Rs. 10.2 billion, respectively. Bank’s Net Interest Income (NII) grew by 7.7% YoY to Rs. 23.7 billion during the first quarter in the backdrop of lower interest rates compared to the corresponding period of 2024. Despite the loan book growing by Rs. 159 billion YoY, interest income recorded more..

May 14 (FT) SLT Group has reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 2,001 million for the first quarter ended 31 March, a surge from Rs. 156 million in Q1 2024, reflecting effective financial management and improved operational efficiency. SLT Group demonstrated strong performance for the first quarter of 2025, with revenue increasing 3.4% to Rs. 27,851 million. The growth was primarily driven by Mobitel’s contribution of increased revenues while SLT PLC revenue remained stable. more..

May 14 (FT) SL Institute of Directors (SLID) has unveiled its newly enhanced IT Governance Masterclass for Board Directors, a timely and critical initiative designed to equip today’s corporate leadership with the strategic insight needed to oversee technology in a rapidly evolving digital world. With businesses increasingly reliant on technology to drive growth, innovation, and resilience, the role of the board in providing effective oversight of IT strategy, risk & compliance more..

May 14 (FT) The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham SL), in collaboration with the US Embassy, has launched the second edition of the AmCham Bootcamp 2025. The initiative continues to serve as a premier mentorship and professional development platform for young Sri Lankan talent, fostering leadership, career skills, and industry exposure. The Bootcamp pairs 20 promising mentees—drawn from both public and private universities across diverse disciplines, more..

May 14 (SO) 2025 LG Elections were marked by a notably low voter turnout, particularly among the youth. Despite over 17.1 million eligible voters and more than 75,000 candidates vying for 8,287 seats across 339 local bodies, the overall participation was just over 60%, with urban centres such as Colombo recording a mere 57% turnout. This decline in youth engagement is perplexing, especially considering more..