President eases restrictions on vehicle imports, issues gazette notification
Feb 1 (NW) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning & Economic Development, has issued a new extraordinary gazette notification easing the ban on vehicle imports in SL. Accordingly, the Extraordinary Gazette titled Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations No. 02 of 2025, has been published and lifts the temporary suspension on importation of public passenger transport vehicles,
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Sri Lanka’s transport sector to be modernized with new fleet
Feb 1 (DM) SL’s public transport sector is to be modernised with the introduction of 1,000 new buses including low-floor and super luxury buses to the fleet of Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), Deputy Minister of Transport Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said. Currently, passenger buses are operated both by the private and state sectors. The private sector is responsible for the operation of 50% of buses on the expressways and 60% on normal routes.Deputy Minister said that though the state-run service
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Govt affirms stronger support to boost apparel industry
Feb 1 (FT) The Govt this week reassured its commitment to taking all necessary steps to ensure the apparel industry remains a formidable player on the global stage. Speaking at the 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the SL Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) on Monday, Minister Sunil Handunneththi pledged stronger support for innovation, technical assistance and regulatory improvements to help manufacturers compete in the global market.
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Non-career diplomatic appointments stand at 99
Feb 1 (CT) A RTI document, MFA/RTI/2024/79 sheds light on Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ response regarding non-career appointments in the country’s diplomatic missions abroad. The document provides detailed data about non-career heads of mission, non-career diplomatic officers, and non-govt personnel appointed to missions and posts overseas. From 18 Nov 2019 to 21 Sept 2024, Ministry appointed 38 non-career heads of
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Digital literacy: gap in northern SL still wide
Feb 1 (AN) Although basic digital skills, like using phones and saving contacts, are almost universal, a significant gap – especially among senior citizens, economically disadvantaged groups and women – exists in northern SL, where civil war raged until 15 years ago causing the death of 80,000 people. Such a situation requires urgent action to educate and train people in advanced skills, this according to Bridging the digital divide, a study in digital literacy by the University of Vavuniya in collaboration
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More than 200 child suicides here last year
Feb 1 (Island) More than 200 cases of child suicide were reported in 2024, according to the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL), which links the rise to the impact of social media. CCPSL Chairperson, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, highlighted that in 2022, 133 children, under the age of 18, died by suicide, and unofficial data suggests this figure increased to 270 in 2023. “There are multiple reasons behind these incidents.
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පත්තරේ විස්තරේ
New Bench appointed to hear Karannagoda’s Appeal
Feb 1 (CT) A new 5-member Court of Appeal Bench has been appointed to hear the writ application filed by former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda, challenging his inclusion as the 14th accused in the High Court case related to the abduction of 11 youths in Colombo and its suburbs. The newly appointed Bench consists of Justices Mayadunne Corea (President), Kumaran Ratnam, Shashi Mahendran, Damith Thotawatta, and Pradeep Hettiarachchi.
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Sri Lanka poised to lead corporate earnings growth among Asian frontier markets in 2025
Feb 1 (DM) Sri Lanka is poised to lead corporate earnings growth among the Asian frontier markets this year, as the country enters a positive economic cycle, also supporting the valuation rerating story, according to a top fund manager. AFC Asia Frontier Fund Co-Fund Manager Ruchir Desai noted that economies such as Pakistan and SL have entered a positive economic cycle and that the worst is behind them. Therefore, in such nations, lower interest rates are leading to higher loan growth,
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HRCSL issues report on status of Rohingya asylum seekers detained in Mullaitivu
Feb 1 (FT) The Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) has issued a report on the status of Rohingya Asylum seekers detained in Mullaitivu, and related issues. It said on 19 Dec 2024, a multi-day trawler carrying 116 persons, including 57 children, from the Rohingya community in Myanmar drifted towards the coast off Mullivaikkal in Mullaitivu. Local fishermen provided humanitarian assistance including water and food,
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If you’re a pilgrim, behave like one: SL Hajj Committee tells 2025 Hajj pilgrims
Feb 1 (DM) Assuring the safety and comfort of thousands of Hajj pilgrims who are to take part in this year’s pilgrimage with new measures, SL Hajj Committee asked the travellers to behave like pilgrims and refrain from engaging in unlawful activities such as smuggling. SL Hajj Committee Chairman Reyaz Mihular addressing a special media briefing said the Govt of Saudi Arabia has given Sri Lanka a quota of 3,500 pilgrims for this year’s Hajj season to begin in June.
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Colombo stock market ends January with 7.4% gain
Feb 1 (FT) The Colombo stock market yesterday ended the new year’s first month with a welcome 7% gain amidst high average turnover. ASPI saw a 7.4% increase and the active S&P SL20 by 5.2%. The impressive upturn can be credited to bullish sentiments in mid-month. Yesterday the ASPI was almost flat whilst the S&P SL20 declined by 0.2%, a trend similar to Thursday. Turnover was Rs. 5.1 billion involving 197.6 million. ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters
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මෙහෙම වෙන්නේ ඇයි
Specialist shortage hampers bone marrow transplants at Apeksha Hospital
Feb 1 (Island) The Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital, which requires eight specialist doctors, currently operates with only four, according to Dr Buddhika Somawardhana. He made those remarks during a media briefing. Dr Somawardhana emphasised that the shortage of specialists had persisted for a considerable period. The Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Apeksha Hospital is the first of its kind established within a government hospital in Sri Lanka.
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Warne-Murali Legacy Board unveiled at Galle International Stadium
Feb 1 (NW) As part of the ongoing Warne-Murali Test Series, a special Legacy Board featuring the images of spin legends Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan has been placed at the entrance of the Galle Int'l Cricket Stadium. This initiative honours the extraordinary achievements of the two greatest spinners in cricket history, allowing fans to pay tribute by adding their signatures on the board. Farveez Maharoof, former SL all-rounder, currently serving as an int'l commentator
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Polonnaruwa army camp missing weapons only the tip of the iceberg
Feb 1 (ST) A multi-pronged investigation is ongoing to both trace the T-56 assault rifles that have gone missing from the armoury of an army camp in Polonnaruwa and to determine who was responsible. A total of 73 T-56 firearms were confirmed to have gone missing from the armoury. As of Friday (23), authorities have been able to recover 36 of them. More than half of the missing weapons, however, are still unaccounted for.
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New UK Trade Envoy appointed for Sri Lanka
Feb 1 (FT) Lord John Hannett of Everton OBE has been appointed as the UK’s new Trade Envoy for SL. Lord Hannett will support the UK’s trade and investment promotion objectives by engaging with senior SL and UK stakeholders to promote market access and create opportunities for UK businesses to deliver mutual economic growth for both countries. Speaking about this appointment, High Commissioner to SL Andrew Patrick said: “I am delighted with appointment of Lord Hannett
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Govt to double state revenue collection through Gov pay
Feb 1 (ST) Eight state departments and authorities connected through the govt payment platform by Lanka Pay have fetched a revenue of Rs.1.8 trillion as of last year, slated to double after the launch of the new Gov Pay, top officials said. With the latest platform to be launched in two weeks, Lanka Pay expects to double this revenue to Rs. 3.6 trillion, Channa De Silva, CEO, of Lanka Pay said. Already 16 govt departments are connected through this platform, and he added that the process
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New BOI Chief on SL’s struggle for FDI
Feb 1 (FT) In a startling revelation, the Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Arjuna Herath this week confirmed Sri Lanka has never achieved a $ 2 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) and has historically failed to achieve inflows equivalent to even 2% of the GDP. Speaking at the final panel discussion of the SL Economic Summit on Wednesday, he said the best the country has done was $ 1.7 billion recorded in 2018,
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Navigating growth challenges in Sri Lanka
Feb 1 (FT) SL’s new NPP Govt, led by the charismatic Prez, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, entered office in late 2024 at a turning point in the country’s economic history. Following default on its external debt obligations in April 2022, SL had experienced its worst post-independence economic crisis in 2022-2023. While the economy is stabilising now, the challenges are far from over. SL is on the precipice of both opportunity and risk and it is crucial that the Govt charts a path that
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3,915 dengue cases for this month while 19 MOH areas flagged as high risk
Feb 1 (ST) The number of suspected dengue cases reported for this month, up to last Friday, has risen to 3,915. In the third week, 1,158 cases were reported as against 1,249 in the previous week. Of the reported cases, 46.8% were from the Western province, with Colombo district 28% (including 12.6% from Colombo Municipal area), Gampaha district 14.1%, and Kalutara district 4.7%. The other districts that reported a high number of cases were Ratnapura (7.6%), Batticaloa (7.1%),
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මෙරට විදේශ රැකියා ක්ෂේත්රය දූෂිතද?
Assetline Finance enhances lifestyles with financing for brand-new Bajaj Pulsar N160
Feb 1 (FT) Assetline Finance Ltd, a leading financial services provider, has offered flexible and customised financing solutions for customers interested in purchasing the brand new Bajaj Pulsar N160. These financing options are designed to ensure a smooth and affordable path to vehicle ownership, with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms tailored to individual customers’ needs. “At Assetline Finance, we are committed to enhancing lifestyles by making
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Nutritional food products maker Candil Products shines at Entrepreneur Awards
Feb 1 (FT) Candil Products Ltd, a pioneer in nutritional food products, has been awarded the Best Enterprise in the Manufacturing and Industry Sector for the second time at the Western Province Entrepreneurship Awards. Founded in 2020 as a domestic venture in Kaduwela, the company officially registered as Candil Products in 2021. Specialising in food made from natural, local ingredients without artificial colours, preservatives, or chemical substances, the company has experienced
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Sri Lanka takes a defensive stance to counter India’s assertive diplomacy
Feb 1 (CT) On the night of 27 January, two Indian fishermen sustained injuries in a shooting incident as the SL Navy attempted to apprehend those aboard an Indian fishing trawler that had trespassed into SL territorial waters off the Point Pedro coast. The injured fishermen are currently receiving treatment at Jaffna Teaching Hospital. Indian vessel, carrying 13 fishermen, was allegedly engaged in illegal fishing within SL waters.
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Pets or pests: Our arboreal acrobats have their day
Feb 1 (ST) With their cuddly, baby-like faces, energetic dashes through tree branches, and sharp calls, palm squirrels are among the friendliest members of urban wildlife, often seen in home gardens. These charming creatures, however, have lesser-known relatives that inhabit forested or densely wooded areas. To celebrate and appreciate these fascinating animals, Squirrel Appreciation Day is observed annually on Jan 21. Originally established in 2001 and primarily celebrated
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Editorial: People in a paddy; govt in a quandary
Feb 1 (Island) The JVP-led NPP govt finds itself in an unenviable position. Its learning curve is disconcertingly steep. Sri Lankans are always in a hurry; patience cannot be considered one of their virtues, and they expect quick results regardless of the manner in which they are delivered. Govt is now drawing heavy flak from rice consumers and paddy farmers alike. It is under pressure to make rice available at lower prices while ensuring that the rice growers get higher prices for their paddy.
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සභාපතිලා හෝල් සේල් එකේ අස්වෙනවා
Stage left, stage right: Sri Lankan theatre at crossroads for growth
Feb 1 (FT) In conversation with Thusitha Jayasundera, UK-based theatre, film and TV actress and RADA graduate, and Dr. Kanchuka Dharmasiri, noted dramatist and theatre academic, they share the ways in which they believe SL theatre stands at a crux – both its local and global successes and its yet-to-be-surmounted shortfalls – and how to yield its full potential as a creative industry that can contribute to Sri Lanka’s culture-led economic regeneration. Both interviewees will be part of
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On February 4 we celebrate 77 years of Independence...
Feb 1 (DM) In three days we will celebrate the 77th year of our Independence. We Lankans can hold our heads up with some pride. During the past 77 years, democracy in our land has gone from strength to strength. Our countrymen and women have been able to withstand two attempts to overthrow the elected govts of our country by armed forces. We have thwarted an attempted military coup and put behind us a near three-decade long attempt to bifurcate the country on ethnic lines.
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A lane exclusively for buses: Is it feasible?
Feb 1 (CT) Sri Lanka’s cities are no strangers to heavy traffic, and the introduction of bus priority lanes was hailed as a solution to ease congestion, boost public transport efficiency, and reduce travel times. Yet, despite the promise, the reality on the ground is far from ideal. The system, designed to give buses exclusive access to certain lanes, has sparked debate, raised concerns, and exposed deeper issues within the country’s
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Markets paralysed…!
Feb 1 (ST) My last week column on red rice and red-coloured rice has drawn many commendations as well as numerous criticisms. While the criticisms are too appreciated, sadly none of them contained any alternative solution to the puzzle I presented. Here is the puzzle, as stated last week: We all agree that our rice farmers should receive a just price for their harvest, as we often hear. Understandably, it should be a higher price ensuring that farmers can have a sufficient income
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The Ceylon Literary Festival: Through the lens of a Sri Lankan creator
Feb 1 (TM) A writer is of many sorts, and the craft of writing is a diverse one. We have storytellers, philosophers, creative writers, and poets. There is scientific writing and now even coding. We all write, and we love to write. This desire is one engraved in humanity; it is the need for expression. All creation, in its various forms, inevitably defines itself as a form of expression. It is an expression of who we are and what we want in life. The colours of a flower define its species and attract the insects
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Senior ITAK Leader Maavai Senathirajah was a Symbol of Tamil Political Resistance
Feb 1 (DM) Veteran Tamil political leader Somasundaram Senathirajah popularly known as Maavai Senathirajah breathed his last on 29 Jan 2025. The octogenarian six-footer suffered a brain concussion after a fall in the bathroom of his residence at Maaviddapuram on Jan 26. He was admitted to the Thellippalai base hospital where a brain haemorrhage was detected. Senathirajah was then transferred to Jaffna Teaching Hospital
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Has the govt caved in to the rice mafia?
Feb 1 (DM) The claims by the leaders of the ruling NPP that they are not responsible for the current rice muddle are true. It must be recalled that the rice mill owners had been arguing over a shortage of Nadu rice and their inability to sell rice at the controlled price just after the last Prez election at which Anura Kumara Dissanayake rose to power. However, it is the incumbent govt that has to find solutions to the problems faced by the country and the people, no matter who is responsible for them.
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Casting the net, too wide, too far, too long
Feb 1 (CT) Now that the JVP-NPP Govt of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has begun keeping up one (more?) election promise by going after corrupt politicians from the previous regime(s), they need to remember the golden rule in such matters – that the voter memory is short and fleeting. Politicians the world over have not mastered the art of reading the voter’s mind, when their anger against a ruler from the past turns into sympathy, empathy and more. For the ruling JVP-NPP combine,
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