June 14 (CT) Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) has ruled out that the fundamental rights of Mohamed Liyaudeen Mohamed Rusdi have been violated by his detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for pasting a sticker against Israel. HRCSL has also recommended the Public Security Ministry to pay Rusdi Rs. 200,000 for what he suffered with respect to his freedom to engage in a lawful occupation and collective responsibility of SL Police with regard to his detention. more..

June 14 (CT) The recent 15 per cent increase in electricity tariffs will lead to a sharp rise in food prices across the country, warned National Consumer Front (NCF) Chairman Asela Sampath during a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday (12). Sampath explained that the higher cost of electricity would directly affect both food production and distribution chains, resulting in increased prices of essential goods and placing additional strain on already struggling households. more..

June 14 (FT) Communist Party of S l(CPLS) in a statement yesterday condemned in the strongest terms the Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. On 13 June, the Zionist entity began a series of attacks targeting areas in the capital Tehran and other cities. Residential buildings were among the targets and women and children were among the victims. Among those martyred were leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps like Major General Hossein Salami, and more..

June 14 (PMD) Business Forum organised by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) was held this afternoon (13) at the DIHK headquarters in Berlin, under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake. Delivering the keynote address, Prez Disanayake outlined SL’s ongoing economic transformation, highlighted investment opportunities and discussed the country’s development potential. He also emphasised the prospects for strengthening more..

June 14 (DN) Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said on Wednesday (11) that Sri Lanka is committed to enhance multifaceted cooperation with Russia at bilateral, regional and multilaterals levels with an objective of exploring new avenues for cooperation. “Sri Lanka deeply cherishes its longstanding friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Russia, defined by strong ties at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels”, he added. The Minister was speaking at a reception hosted by more..

June 14 (Island) A petition has been filed calling for immediate action against former Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena, for his failure to take preventive measures, despite receiving intelligence information regarding the Easter Sunday attacks. The petition, filed on Thursday by Attorney-at-Law Ermiza Tegal, requested that the case be expedited. The petition seeks legal steps to be taken against Jayawardena, who has been sent on mandatory leave. The legal counsel argues that there is no obstacle to more..

June 14 (DM) The NPP has secured the post of Chairman of the Medawachchiya Pradeshiya Sabha, while the SLPP claimed the Deputy Chairman position following a vote held today. Although the NPP emerged as the leading party at the recent LG election for the Medawachchiya PS, it fell short of securing an outright majority. NPP won 10 seats, while SJB obtained 6 seats. Both the UPFA and Sarvajanabala Party secured 2 seats each, with one seat going to an independent group. more..

June 14 (PMD) President Anura Kumara Disanayake, currently on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, met this afternoon (13) with the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Ms. Reem Alabali-Radovan, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Berlin. The discussion focused on the shared economic challenges both countries face in the context of emerging global economic trends. The two sides engaged in a comprehensive dialogue on potential areas for more..

June 14 (Island) Hurdler Ayomal Akalanka’s national junior record feat, meet record performances by Dhananjana Fernando, Indupa Silva and Indusara Vidushan in the 200 metres finals and Vavunia athlete Ilango Vikirthan’s steeplechase triumph were among the highlights of day two of the Junior National Athletics C'ship at Diyagama on Friday. Ambagamuwa Central hurdler Ayomal Akalanka renewed his national junior record when he clocked 50.20 seconds to win the U-20 400 metres hurdles. more..

June 14 (AD) Indonesia’s Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has urged the Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dewi Agustina Tobing, to strengthen cooperation in coconut downstreaming with Sri Lanka to generate added value from the commodity. “Downstreaming in the agricultural sector will be the government’s main focus to increase added value and the competitiveness of domestic products,” the minister said during a meeting with Ambassador Tobing in Jakarta on Friday. more..

June 14 (EN) The cost of SriLankan flights to Europe and London is expected to be high after the state-run national carrier is compelled to change its European routes, including London, to avoid the conflict zone amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the Israel attack on Iran, sources said. Iran is planning to give a harsh response to the Israeli attack launched early on Friday against its nuclear programme, international media have reported. more..

June 14 (CT) 28 teams from the CID have been deployed to prisons across the island, according to internal sources at the Ministry of Public Security. The deployment is part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of Presidential pardons to unlawfully release inmates. The CID teams have been assigned to scrutinise documents and records at various prison facilities in an effort to uncover any irregularities or procedural violations related to the granting of presidential clemency. more..

June 14 (FT) Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced the reopening of registration for authorised retailers under the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme (TVRS), offering renewed opportunities for eligible businesses to provide refunds. In line with Section 58A of the Value Added Tax Act, the scheme allows VAT-registered retailers who sell eligible goods from their business premises to apply for TVRS authorisation. The move is expected to boost tourist spending by offering tax rebates on qualifying purchases. more..

June 14 (FT) The IMF this week commended Sri Lanka’s continued progress under its economic reform program, whilst stressing the importance of maintaining reform momentum amid global uncertainty. IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack confirmed that the IMF is closely engaged with SL authorities to assess key prior actions taken recently, including a 15% increase in electricity tariffs and the publication of revised bulk supply transaction account guidelines. more..

June 14 (DN) Viren Nettasinghe, SL’s top men’s singles badminton player, achieved a remarkable win against World No. 2 Anders Antonsen from Denmark in an exhibition match at the MBA Courts in Colombo yesterday. This historic event for Sri Lankan badminton allowed local fans to watch a high-ranking player compete, and Viren showcased his impressive skills to secure the win. Anders, a 3-time world championships medalist, came into the match with some pressure but started the game confidently. more..

June 14 (DN) South Korea used all their international experience to defeat a gallant SL outfit by 38 points (four goals, two tries) to 34 (three goals, two tries, one penalty) in a nail-biting Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship Playoff, played at the Racecourse Grounds yesterday after trailing 14-17 at the breather. SL, who led 17-14 at halftime and stayed ahead for most of the second half, fought with heart and courage but a few crucial errors and a penalty try proved costly in the final stages. more..

June 14 (ST) A string of cases against former ministers, politicians and ex-officials came up this week in courts, with some of them being indicted, while the CIABOC also has begun a series of investigations. Some of the highlights of the cases and investigations in progress are as follows: Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and his son Ramitha Rambukwella: They were produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali over allegations of causing a loss of more..

June 14 (FT) Q Collection, a Singapore-based apparel manufacturer recognised for its operational excellence and product diversification, has announced the establishment of manufacturing operations in Sri Lanka with a strategic support from Hela Apparel Holdings, a leading global apparel solutions provider. As part of this process, Q Collection has acquired and assumed operational control of Hela Group’s subsidiary, Jinadasa Bennett Ltd. Transaction includes the transfer of operational assets and more..

June 14 (FT) Credit Rating Information Bureau of SL (CRIB) last week laid out its digital roadmap towards greater inclusion, and unveiled plans to develop a dynamic credit score for Small and Medium Enterprises and expand its coverage to previously unbanked segments. Addressing the gathering, CRIB Director Pushpika Jayasundera, described 2024 as a transformative year for his institution, as it shed its image as a traditional repository of credit data to a dynamic and digitally empowered agency. more..

June 14 (FT) Consulate General of SL in Karachi hosted an online session aimed at fostering collaboration between key stakeholders in the Information Technology (IT) sectors of SL and Pakistan. The event was jointly organised with the SL Association for Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) and the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA). Several potential member companies from P@SHA, along with its Secretary General, Ali Hasani participated in the session from the Pakistan side. more..

June 14 (FT) International Trade Centre (ITC) supported by the Embassy of Switzerland, successfully concluded a full-day workshop on Social Compliance under the Global Textiles and Clothing Program (GTEX) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo. GTEX II program has implemented by the Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDCA) together with the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with EDB. more..

June 14 (ST) Two state-owned sugar factories have plunged into a financial crisis, which trade unions and employees attribute to a lack of initiative in boosting brown sugar sales. Employees, farmers and officials engaged in the sugar production point out that the government should take policy decisions to improve sales, as currently around 23,000 metric tonnes of brown sugar stocks remain unsold within the two state-run factories. more..

June 14 (Island) This is about the children of Kytes Island J/Thambaddy Govt Tamil Mixed Vidyalayam and J/Delft Maha Vidyalayam in the northernmost inhabited island of SL. They travelled to Colombo and won in the China-SL Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Regatta Junior (Under 18) section held in the Diyawannawa lake last week. Delft Maha Vidyalam commenced on 17 Jan 1946, as one of the first Maha Vidyalayam established by the Father of Free Education, Dr C.W.W. Kannagara, then Education Minister. more..

June 14 (Island) CID is reported to have said, quoting the AG’s Dept that the questionable reduction of the special commodity levy (SCL) on imported sugar in 2020, during the SLPP govt, did not amount to a criminal offence. AG’s Department has reportedly directed the CID to conduct further investigations to find out whether anyone gained undue benefits from the duty reduction. Why the probe dragged on for years is the question. There was ample time for the suspects to cover their tracks. more..

June 14 (SO) Seventy years after the Bandung Conference, the Global South is once again confronting the weight of broken promises and emerging challenges from economic coercion and militarised borders to the erosion of independent media and rising internal conflicts. Yet, in this moment of crisis, a bold new vision is taking shape, one that demands not just reform, but rupture. From Colombo, voices across continents are calling for a reinvention of solidarity, more..

June 14 (CT) Recently, a highly popular music programme aired on Sirasa TV drew widespread public attention and even received recognition at a national awards ceremony. The concept of the show was both engaging and nostalgic: each episode featured a celebrated artist—often a veteran songwriter, music director, or singer—while a group of emerging talents, selected from previous Sirasa musical competitions, performed the artist’s own creations in front of them. more..

June 14 (CT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, was warmly received by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Upon his arrival at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Prez Dissanayake was accorded full State honours, including a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the German Armed Forces. He also took part in the formal inspection of the military parade. Following the official welcome ceremony, Prez Dissanayake and Prez Steinmeier engaged in more..

June 14 (ST) Vehicles approaching from the opposite direction keep flashing their headlights—a widely understood alert among SL drivers. It serves as a warning to those travelling the other way that traffic police are stationed ahead, prompting them to slow down to avoid being caught for speeding. Over the years, SL motorists have developed their own road rules, perhaps, as a response to the lack of road discipline. One such practice is the headlight signal—used not only as more..

June 14 (CT) The dust has barely settled on Sri Lanka’s 2025 Local Government Elections, and already a striking political manoeuvre has taken centre stage. In a move few would have foreseen a year ago, four of the country’s principal Opposition forces—the SJB, SLPP, UNP, and the PA—have come together under a strategic umbrella. Their aim: to jointly form administrations in local govt bodies where the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) has failed to secure a majority. more..

June 14 (DM) A controversial issue of grave concern to the Tamil people of the northern and eastern provinces in recent times has been the seizure of privately owned lands by the SL State and some of its organs. Thousands of acres of lands have been appropriated under various reasons by agencies such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and depts of Archaeology, Forests, Forest Conservation, Wildlife and coast conservation and coastal conservation management. more..

June 14 (CT) Plane crashes are becoming an all too common and terrifying reality. Often, it appears, it is not so much the impact of the crash itself that is fatal but the fire that erupts within the plane, especially one carrying a full quota aviation fuel. The massive death toll, yet the miraculous survival of 40-year old British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, in the Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, has touched me profoundly. A surfeit of traumatic experiences in my life, more..

June 14 (DM) Ramanathan Archchuna, the Jaffna District Independent MP who seems to be fond of stirring controversies, apparently in a bid for attention seeking had on June 5, put forward an interesting theory on the 323 containers that are now in the centre of a hullabaloo after they were released from the Colombo harbour without undergoing physical inspection. He stated in Parliament, a privileged place for politicians to make any false allegation against anybody, that the containers in question more..