Jul 6 (CI) Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam ripped out SL's middle order after Bangladesh's batters had scrapped together a workable 248, thanks to gritty half-centuries from Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy. The defining period of SL's chase was the patch between the tenth and 30th overs, when they lost five wickets for 57 runs off 122 balls. Although Janith Liyanage produced a valiant 78 off 85 balls, lower order was simply left more..

Jul 6 (Island) For the first six months of his second term, Prez Donald Trump sucked up all the political oxygen of planet earth. He has started the second six months claiming success and victories on all fronts. He declared obliterating victory after America’s sprawling metallic mammals flew non-stop from Missouri and dropped bunker-buster bombs at three nuclear sites in Iran. Within two days, he ordered a ceasefire on both Israel and Iran and swore down Netanyahu into submission when more..

Jul 6 (Island) Hardly a day passes without a shooting incident making headlines. There have been as many as 58 incidents of gun violence across the country, so far this year, and they have snuffed out about 35 lives. One is reminded of a solemn pledge Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekera, made during the NPP’s prez election campaign. He vowed to neutralise the netherworld of crime and drugs in just two months, and offered to teach the leaders of the then govt how to combat crime and more..

Jul 6 (CT) It will be exhilarating for many Sri Lankans to know that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), that Bible of the erstwhile colonial master’s language, especially in matters of spelling and pronunciation, has added more SL words in its latest edition. Among them are those who still pull out their woollens in Colombo when it is winter in London. There are also those who have moved away from London to Washington and New York, Canada and Australia, even if in imagination. more..

Jul 6 (FT) The long twilight of the post-LTTE era cast its gentle, deceptive shadows over SL’s Northern Province. For years, the land, once scarred and bleeding, had begun to breathe again. The echoes of a brutal war, which had consumed generations, were finally fading, replaced by the tentative hum and drum of reconstruction, the innocent laughter of children echoing in newly refurbished homes, and the hopeful whispers of a future unburdened by conflict. Yet, beneath this fragile veneer of more..

Jul 6 (SO) Chemmani, a quiet area near Jaffna, has once again attracted national and int'l attention after excavations at Chemmani-Ariyalai Siththuppaththi Hindu burial ground ordered by the Jaffna Magistrate uncovered human skeletal remains beneath the soil. The remains were initially discovered during recent construction work within the cemetery. However, this discovery is not the first of its kind. Initial phase of excavation began more..

Jul 6 (CT) SAARC was once a regional organisation loved and respected by the people of South Asia. In SL, there were high hopes and aspirations—both among the public and the country’s leadership—about what SAARC could achieve. A good example of this optimism was seen at Uni of Colombo, which has long offered some of the country’s most distinguished academic programmes in int'l relations. As early as the late 1980s, university had introduced courses on geopolitical shifts more..

Jul 6 (CT) Twilight, the most expressive phase of the day, is gradually embracing this remote hamlet. The crimson skies are even more telling, a riot of colors bidding adieu to another uneventful day. Those who had to expend their physical labor are tired and weary, rushing home with day’s wages or what is left of it, after purchasing daily groceries to greet the wife and child who are eagerly awaiting the return of the lone breadwinner of the household. Life in this remote corner is hard and unforgiving. more..

Jul 6 (TM) The approval of the delayed fourth review of Sri Lanka by the IMF Executive Board last week granted some reprieve to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his JVP-led NPP Govt as Sri Lanka awaits the US Govt’s revised trade tariffs, to be communicated shortly. The latter will play a decisive role in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery journey. With the IMF’s programme with SL nearing its final stages on the ongoing EFF more..

Jul 6 (TM) Can SL survive the approaching tariff storm? On Tuesday (8), US is set to announce its final tariff verdict on SL’s exports, no doubt a decision with far-reaching consequences for the country. At a time when SL is desperately trying to meet the conditions of its IMF bailout programme by imposing further hardships on the people, this decision could prove decisive. Crunch is this: IMF at the very outset of its programme insisted that SL must maintain min. GDP growth rate of 5% more..

Jul 6 (SO) The eradication of poverty is a major campaign plank for all political parties at election time. While SL gained Middle Income Country (MIC) status sometime back, a considerable segment of the population is still mired in poverty. This was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, during which many lost their jobs and livelihoods, pushing them into poverty. SL cuisine recipes To their credit, all Govts have started various programs through the decades to eliminate or at least reduce more..

Jul 5 (CT) While e-commerce platforms continue to gain popularity in Sri Lanka, several customers have taken to social media—particularly X —to report delays in receiving parcels from international sellers such as AliExpress. One user, who ordered two Baseus Type-C cables valued at approximately USD 10, discovered his package status marked as Package temporarily detained by Customs, marking his first experience with such a delay. more..

Jul 5 (CT) There is a growing trend of alcohol and drug addiction and abuse among pregnant women living in areas such as Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Ratmalana, Moratuwa & Egoda Uyana, as well as across much of SL’s coastal belt, Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said. Dr. Sanjeewa said that the coastal regions, where alcohol and narcotic trafficking were most active in the country, had become a serious concern for health authorities, as many of these more..

Jul 5 (NW) A new set of high-tech equipment aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s border health preparedness and aviation security was officially handed over to BIA. The donation, provided through funding from the Govt of Japan and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure at key points of entry. The handover event, held at the Silk Route Lounge, was attended by senior officials from more..

Jul 5 (FT) Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday emphasised that no matter the extent of economic growth reflected in statistics, if the advantages of this development do not extend to the rural communities, then such growth holds no significance. Prez made these remarks at the launch of the Prajashakthi National Programme held at Temple Trees. Prajashakthi has been launched as a key initiative of the Govt, aiming to empower more..

Jul 5 (DM) Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata stressed that the eradication of corruption and good governance is a prerequisite for restoring confidence of both public and private entities, including those of Japan, in making investments in Sri Lanka. Japan will continue to work closely with the Govt of SL for the country’s sustainable development, he said. Ishezuki Hideo, Assistant Minister/ Director-General, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, more..

Jul 5 (Island) The inauguration ceremony of the Master of Fine Arts Degree Show 2025, organised by the Master of Fine Arts Degree Programme, Department of Fine Arts, University of Kelaniya, was held on 27 June at the JDA Perera Gallery, University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Horton Place, Colombo 07. This public exhibition featured the work of 31 postgraduate students from the MFA programme, offering a diverse and compelling showcase of contemporary artistic practice. more..

Jul 5 (FT) Uni-qualified GCE A/L students, who have been deprived of applying for the Medical Degree at the Kotelawala Defence Uni (KDU) by a sudden decision taken by the State, have filed a fundamental rights case in the Supreme Court, which will be taken up on 7 July. The KDU has been enrolling students for a fee (Day Scholars) to different courses of study, admitting over 250 uni students to follow the Medical Degree during the last two years following approvals from more..

Jul 5 (DM) Patients seeking life-saving procedures such as bypass surgeries at the Colombo National Hospital are compelled to bring surgical and pharmaceutical items from outside, costing over Rs. 100,000 due to a severe shortage of critical drugs and surgical supplies. The source, told Daily Mirror that the ongoing crisis has placed the lives of thousands in jeopardy. “There’s an acute shortage of antibiotics, heart medications, anaesthetic drugs, special painkillers, and several other more..

Jul 5 (AD) Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that adequate attention has not been given to vocational education in Sri Lanka and that, however, necessary steps will be taken to position it as a decisive subject moving forward. The PM made these remarks while participating in the inauguration ceremony of the Shrama Meheyuma programme, launched today (4) at the Gampaha Technical College. more..

Jul 5 (FT) The Colombo stock market sustained its winning run ending the week on the up. The ASPI finished the week with 1.5% gain and the active S&P SL20 by 1.6%. Yesterday the indices inched upward by 0.26% and 0.35% respectively. Involving 156 million shares turnover was Rs. 6.7 billion, whilst for the week turnover averaged Rs. 6.8 billion. First Capital said the Colombo Bourse staged a mild recovery from Thursday’s profit-taking, with investors remaining engaged throughout. more..

Jul 5 (DN) Australia ‘A’ secured a commanding 198-run victory over SL ‘A’ in the first ODI of the 3-match series played yesterday at Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin. After being invited to bat first, Australia ‘A’ produced a dominant batting display, piling up 332 for 4 in their 50 overs. Jason Sangha (50), captain Matt Renshaw (80), Nathan McSweeney (85*), and Oliver Peake (55*) all contributed solid knocks to set up the massive total. In reply, SL ‘A’ struggled and were bowled out for just 134 in 35.4 overs. more..

Jul 5 (DM) Central Bank announced the takeover of the operations of Nation Lanka Finance (NLFP), initiating formal resolution proceedings, after repeated regulatory breaches and financial deterioration left the licensed finance company unable to meet the depositor obligations. The CB exercised its authority under the recently enacted Banking Act No. 17 of 2023, appointing P.W.D.N.R. Rodrigo as Administrator to oversee NLFP for a six-month period, effective July 4. more..

Jul 5 (DN) After a spirited and courageous fight, SL went down to the UAE by a narrow margin of 29 points (three goals, one try) to 21 (one goal, one try, three penalties) in the fifth match of the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship at the Racecourse Stadium yesterday. The home side, trailing 12-16 at halftime, gave the visitors a tough contest before eventually falling short in a match filled with drama, skill, and powerful rugby. “I’m extremely proud of our boys. They played with heart and character. more..

Jul 5 (CT) A formal complaint has been lodged with the CIABOC against Dr. Thilak Siyambalapitiya, former Chairman of the CEB, over an alleged conflict of interest in signing a major Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The complaint, filed this week by Sanjeewa Dhammika on behalf of the Electricity Consumers’ Association, centres on a 3 April agreement between the CEB and LTL Holdings—parent company of Sahasdhanavi Ltd— more..

Jul 5 (ST) The Health Ministry will launch a nationwide dengue eradication campaign from tomorrow to July 5 with the assistance of the SL Air Force (SLAF) and other stakeholders, including the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) and Education Ministry. The campaign, which includes aerial surveillance using drones, aims to identify and clear mosquito breeding sites. NDCU Consultant Community Physician Preshila Samaraweera said the unit is coordinating the campaign. more..

Jul 5 (CI) The only way from here is up. Just a bad day at the office. A freak occurrence. The only important result is the next one. These are probably some of the self-soothing platitudes those in the Bangladesh camp might be telling themselves after their calamitous display with the bat in the first ODI against SL. Seven wickets for five runs, from 100 for 1 to 105 for 8 - a simple fact that there is no hiding from. But for that self-soothing to truly take effect, they might need to pick more..

Jul 5 (ST) The national minimum wage is to be increased from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 27,000 a month next week through amendments to existing legislation. However, the move has proved controversial as it includes the termination of the budgetary relief allowance (BRA), a key component of workers wages for decades. Unions are advocating for the BRA to remain intact. The commercial and industrial workers union more..

Jul 5 (DM) The UNDP warned that Sri Lanka’s household debt crisis has likely intensified since last measured in 2023, as it threw its weight behind a major new financial literacy drive with the Central Bank. Speaking at the launch of the Central Bank’s key financial literacy initiatives, UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota cited alarming data from the 2023 Multidimensional Vulnerability Index. The report found that debt was the single largest contributor to vulnerability, more..

Jul 5 (CB) Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons is leaving Sri Lanka on Friday to meet physicians in London. There were speculations that the head coach was being summoned by the BCB president Aminul Islam for a performance review of the coaches but that's not the case with Simmons, who had a scheduled appointment with doctors in the UK. Simmons is expected to be available for the third ODI of the series as the former West Indian opener is scheduled to return to Sri Lanka on July 7. more..

Jul 5 (FT) In a landmark celebration for SL’s hospitality sector, Cinnamon Colombo Hotels has showcased its culinary excellence at the prestigious Culinary Art Food Expo (CAFE) 2025 , held recently at the BMICH and organised by the Chef’s Guild of SL. Highlighting their exceptional success, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo hosted a vibrant press conference yesterday to honour the outstanding achievements of the entire Cinnamon Colombo Hotels group, reinforcing their position as more..

Jul 5 (FT) Sampath Bank PLC has introduced Appointment Banking, a premium service that empowers the bank’s most valued clients to take control of how and when they wish to be served, offering personalised attention, complete privacy, and a seamless, queue-free experience. This service is exclusively available to Priority Reserve (Mass Affluent) and Private Banking members, and reflects Sampath Bank’s commitment to redefining high-value banking. more..