Mar 22 (HT) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced on Friday that PM Narendra Modi will visit the country on April 5. While speaking in Parliament, President Dissanayake also said that Indian PM Modi will finalise agreements made during his visit to Delhi last year. He also confirmed that the construction of the Sampur power plant in Trincomalee will begin during the Indian PM's visit. more..

Mar 22 (DM) The Court of Appeal extended its previous order to maintain the status quo for former Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) Director Neville de Silva in connection with the Weligama hotel shooting incident. However, the extension does not apply to other petitioners involved in the case. This writ application was filed recently to prevent his arrest, and after hearing submissions from President’s Counsel Eraj de Silva, who appeared on behalf of Neville de Silva, more..

Mar 22 (DM) A court order will be sought against the actions of non-registered safari jeep owners who are demanding entry to Yala National Park without proper registration or trackers, the Yala National Park, park warden, Manoj Vidyarathna said. This move comes after a heated argument broke out in front of the park between registered and non-registered jeep owners as the department continues its annual process of registering new jeep batches. Park warden also said that nearly 100 new more..

Mar 22 (DM) Complications in fulfilling the requirements to include stipulated percentages of female and youth representation in lists, as well as lack of supporting documents of the contestants have led to a significant number of nominations lists from every political party getting rejected this time, Election Commission said. A number of nominations lists submitted on Thursday by almost every main political party and more..

Mar 22 (CT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that the bills to abolish the pension for Members of Parliament (MPs) and to amend the Presidents Entitlements Act will be introduced soon. He made these observations while delivering a statement in Parliament Friday evening, participating in the final day of the Third Reading debate on the 2025 Budget. Prez also stated that steps will be taken to reduce the existing insurance coverage for MPs from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 250,000. more..

Mar 22 (PMD) A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), was held today (21) at the Presidential Secretariat. During the discussion, Admiral Paparo extended his best wishes to President Disanayake and the new government on their planned initiatives. He also acknowledged SL’s continued support in ensuring the security of the Indian Ocean region and maintaining more..

Mar 22 (Island) The police have digitized a vast database of criminal fingerprints, with a staggering 10 million fingerprints now available for investigative use. SSP Ruwan Kumara said that these digitized fingerprints can be accessed at any time, providing a valuable tool for swift and efficient investigations. The comprehensive database includes fingerprints dating back to 1914, with the earliest recorded print belonging to an individual identified as Davapaya. First female fingerprint was collected in 1924 more..

Mar 22 (CT) Although the Govt is envisioning export of medicines to the international market, local manufacturers believe that they still need to go a long way in terms of assuring quality standards and gaining international confidence on the quality assurance provided by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) to achieve that vision, a new ADB publication said. The publication titled Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Assessment for Sri Lanka March 2025 more..

Mar 22 (MB) With a single tusk that made him stand out, the majestic bull elephant Unicorn was a true king among the wild herds of Minneriya, a biodiversity hotspot in the island’s north-central region, globally known as the home of the world’s largest gathering of elephants. At dusk, Unicorn would often be seen alongside female elephants — a breathtaking sight that left an indelible impression on the visitors. more..

Mar 22 (ST) Overcrowding of prisons and staff shortages in jails are among the key issues faced by the Prisons Dept. Prisons across the country are overcrowded by more than 20,000 beyond the capacity while the department is short of nearly 850 male and female jail guards, Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said. Though the approved cadre of mail jail guards were 4,447 there were only 3,718 and thereby there is a shortage of 729 male guards. Female guards’ approved cadre is 594 but more..

Mar 22 (DN) Ceylon tea exports for the month of February were recorded at 20.40 M/Kgs. Iraq retains the top position among leading importer countries of Ceylon Tea for the cumulative period in 2025. Meanwhile cumulative tea exports totalled 39.77 M/Kgs showing a decrease of 1.30 M/Kgs on a YoY in comparison with Jan-Feb 2024 total of 41.07 M/Kgs. All categories, except for Packeted Tea, have recorded negative variances in comparison with the corresponding month of the previous. more..

Mar 22 (FT) Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma this week stressed sustainable finance remains a key enabler of economic stability and fostering inclusive development. Speaking at the Serendipity Knowledge Program (SKOP), he highlighted the need for responsible investment and financial innovation to drive long-term growth. Dr. Suriyapperuma noted that as political and economic stability strengthens under the current Govt, it is imperative to implement financial solutions more..

Mar 22 (FT) Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been voted the People’s Private Banking Services Brand of the Year for the third consecutive year at the SLIM Kantar People’s Awards 2025, in a significant validation of the bank’s status as the most popular private sector bank in the country. Presented by SL Institute of Marketing (SLIM) and based on research by Kantar, a leading global insights agency, these awards are considered the ultimate testament to consumer-driven recognition in SL. more..

Mar 22 (DM) The IMF this week asserted that Sri Lanka’s path to economic recovery is ambitious, yet achievable, emphasising that maintaining the reform momentum would be key to a full recovery. “This will benefit not only this generation but future ones as well,” said Peter Breuer and Martha Tesfaye Woldemichael in a joint Op-Ed. Woldemichael has taken over as the IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka from Breuer. more..

Mar 22 (AD) Two individuals were killed in a shooting incident on Sinhasana Road, in front of the southern entrance of the Devundara Sri Vishnu Devalaya, at around 11:45 p.m. last night. It is reported that two unidentified gunmen, who arrived in a van, opened fire on two youths riding a motorcycle using a T-56 assault rifle and two 9 mm firearms before fleeing the scene. The two victims had attended a birthday party for a friend at a residence in the Kapugampura area of Devinuwara. more..

Mar 22 (DM) In a significant move to expand SL’s footprint in the global food and beverage sector, the country made a remarkable presence at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025, held in London from March 17 to 19. The event provided a platform to highlight SL’s diverse and high-quality food and beverage exports, opening doors for strategic business collaborations and new market opportunities in the UK. SL Export Development Board, in collaboration with the SL HC, more..

Mar 22 (ST) Over 9,000 Catholic faithfuls across the Indo-Lanka Palk Straits gathered at the uninhabited island of Kachchativu on Friday (14) and Saturday (15) to mark the annual feast of St Anthony – the guardian of fisherfolk communities across the strait. Since Friday, hundreds of Indian and SL devotees arrived on the island in fishing boats to attend the annual mass. Bishop of Sivagangai Diocese Lourdu Anandam of more..

Mar 22 (ST) The SL govt will unveil a National Tariff Policy and a new Customs Act to enhance the country’s export sector and collect US$19 billion in revenue this year, Finance Ministry announced. It is part of a general effort to place Sri Lanka more meaningfully in the mainstream of world trade and make its goods and services more competitive in foreign markets. Enforcing a reformatted tariff policy and customs measures shall be sought towards aligning the trade policy of Sri Lanka more..

Mar 22 (ST) Weeks ahead of the seasonal celebrations in Nuwara Eliya next month, preparations are underway to welcome visitors. Employees of the Nuwara Eliya MC have been preparing flower beds from January to so that they blossom in time for the festival when visitors from all parts of the country flock to the city. The area around Gregory’s Lake in the heart of the city which will be the centre of attraction has been prepared, and a variety of flowering plants have been planted. more..

Mar 22 (Island) The so-called E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes and are known by several different names. They can look like cigarettes, cigars, pipes, pens, and even computer USB flash drives. They are also a fairly new product; a kind of new kid on the block. People sometimes find it hard to figure out what is in these devices and whether they are safe to use. This article is designed to provide some answers to the common questions asked regarding vaping. more..

Mar 22 (FT) A special charter flight from Bulgaria Air arrived in Colombo yesterday, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s efforts to attract new tourist markets. The flight, which landed at the BIA with 180 passengers on board, strengthens tourism ties between Sri Lanka and Bulgaria, expanding connectivity with emerging new markets. Airport Aviation Services (SL) Ltd. expressed enthusiasm over Bulgaria Air’s arrival, highlighting the potential for more direct flights and more..

Mar 22 (CT) “This morning, a group of thugs led by Mervyn Silva forcibly entered National Television (Rupavani) news division and assaulted News Director T.M.G. Chandrasekara. According to a spokesperson for the org, the gang initially stormed the news section, attacked Chandrasekara, and then dragged him into the Chairman’s office. Chandrasekara later managed to escape from their grasp and ran outside more..

Mar 22 (FT) The Colombo stock managed to close the week on the up marginally with sharp gains in the last two days erasing the decline earlier on. During the week, both ASPI gained by 0.1% and the active S&P SL20 by 0.7%. Turnover for the week averaged at Rs. 1.9 billion. On Friday, ASPI gained by 1.4% or 216 points and the S&P SL 20 too by a similar percentage. Turnover was lower at Rs. 1.66 billion involving 54.5 million shares. The market remained gripped by Thursday’s bullish turn, more..

Mar 22 (FT) The dominant theme on many editorialists’ minds these days is promises made. And policies and progress on those promises yet to be made. Or worse still, that prospects of change and making a practical difference (as promised would be done) is still undone to a nigglingly annoying extent. When the JVP-led NPP was on the campaign trail, it exhibited certain sterling characteristics of a unique creature. It was bold, brave, brandishing promises of best practice more..

Mar 22 (Island) A protest by a group of unemployed graduates has been going on for days near Parliament. The protesters are urging the JVP-led NPP govt to fulfil its promise to employ them in the state sector. The govt has apparently adopted the proverbial ostrich posture, hoping that the problem will resolve itself without its intervention. But the protesters say they will not go away until the govt carries out its promise to them. There was a heavy police presence near unemployed graduates’ more..

Mar 22 (GV) The legacy of the civil war still haunts communities across the country. Despite SL’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity, lingering ethnic tensions have deterred investment, hindered development and impeded progress. Without genuine reconciliation, the nation’s diversity risks further division while a climate of trust and cooperation could promote economic growth, attract foreign investment and create opportunities for all Sri Lankans, regardless of their ethnic or more..

Mar 22 (CT) Since 2015, SL has voted in three different govts, each with the hope of a system change. These two words have become the slogan not only of the nation but also of parliamentarians in recent times. However, the question arises: how can people expect a system change to work wonders for the island nation when they have become more impatient and intolerant? A marked change can be seen among more..

Mar 22 (CT) The recent crackdown on military deserters in the country underscores a troubling reality — one that has far-reaching consequences for both national security and civil society. Following a directive issued by Defence Secretary, Sampath Thuyacontha on 22 Feb, Ministry of Defence has intensified efforts to arrest Tri-Forces personnel who have failed to report for duty without obtaining a legal discharge. As of 19 March, 1,604 deserters have been apprehended, a significant more..

Mar 22 (DM) World Water Day 2025 calls for accelerated carbon emission reductions and the implementation of local strategies to adapt to shrinking glaciers and changing water flows. A core focus of the day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, i.e., water and sanitation for all by 2030. On this occasion, this article explores the links and opportunities between water and youth development work in Sri Lanka. Glaciers are melting faster than ever. more..

Mar 22 (CT) The Election Commission of Sri Lanka announced that the upcoming LG Elections would be held on 6 May, following the conclusion of the nomination process at noon on 20 March. The process of accepting nominations for 336 Local Govt institutions commenced on 17 March, with the election date confirmed after the nomination period ended. Additionally, the deadline for placing deposits for the LG Elections concluded on Wed (19). more..

Mar 22 (DM) The Batalanda commission report has been a much talked about issue in the late 1990s, since the subject matter of the report was a torture chamber where hundreds of youths - who were alleged to have taken part in the second insurrection of the JVP were subjected to torture and death. However, its significance gradually waned with the passage of time. It was so forgotten that the political party that represented the victims of the Batalanda torture chamber, the JVP later had political more..

Mar 22 (DM) SL was known as a hydraulic civilization where villages and communities were built around water sources. The ancient tank cascade system has been recognised as an engineering marvel that kings of yesteryear introduced to SL when she was known the world over as the ‘Granary of the East’. This tank cascade system allowed farmers engaged in paddy cultivation to use rainwater collected in small tanks that eventually fed the main tank, nourishing more..