Feb 8 (FT) Attorney General’s (AG) Dept yesterday issued a statement refuting recent media reports regarding the suspects in the Lasantha Wickrematunge murder case, emphasising that the investigation remains ongoing and has not reached a conclusion. It clarified that the individuals referenced in a letter dated 27 Jan, sent by the AG to the CID Director regarding case no. B92/2009 before the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, more..

Feb 8 (FT) The Colombo stock market closed the first week of February on a negative note, though there was a rebound yesterday. For the week, the benchmark ASPI lost 2.3% and the active S&P SL20 lost 2.3%. This was despite a gain by 1.38% and 1.4%, respectively, yesterday. Turnover amounted to a low Rs. 2 billion involving 78 million shares. For the week, turnover averaged Rs. 4.16 billion. First Capital said the positive momentum observed on Thursday carried over into yesterday more..

Feb 8 (FT) Following the demise of business tycoon Harry Jayawardena, his son Hasitha has been appointed Chairman of investment holding company Melstacorp and younger daughter Stasshani Chairperson of diversified blue-chip Aitken Spence. Hasitha Jayawardena was also appointed Chairman of Distilleries Company of SL and Balangoda and Madulsima Plantations companies. Hasitha has vast experience in the tea trade, including agriculture, production, trading & export. more..

Feb 8 (ST) Belinda Hunt, great-granddaughter of William Henry Gregory, Governor of Sri Lanka from 1872 to 1877, recently visited the country with her husband, Miles Hunt. The couple, who reside in England, explored Nuwara Eliya, a town deeply connected to her ancestor’s legacy. Governor Gregory significantly contributed to SL’s development, investing 1200 pounds in beautifying Nuwara Eliya. Belinda paid tribute to his work by visiting Gregory Lake, old Queen’s House, more..

Feb 8 (Island) This year the scaled-down Independence Day celebrations were just right. There was pageantry but no pomp. We must celebrate Independence Day and fortunately it was done. Every item was commendable: the mixed in race and gender choirs rendering so well the National Anthem, the Jayamangala Gatha and chant of blessing, directed at Prez. Cass’ thought that after a long time he really deserved these chants of blessing & good fortune for the country too. more..

Feb 8 (ST) In the busy streets of Colombo, where tuk-tuks and motorcycles weave through chaotic traffic, a quiet transformation is taking shape. At the centre of this system is the CCTV Division of the Police. With 103 high-resolution cameras strategically positioned across 33 key locations in Colombo, providing a 360-degree view of the city under constant surveillance, every wrong lane change, stop-line crossed, and red light more..

Feb 8 (Island) Vinasha kale vipareetha buddhi is an ancient Sanskrit proverb. It means: When a person’s doom approaches, their intellectual power becomes reversed/disoriented or turns against them (causing their destruction). This pithy saying seems to be as much applicable to incumbent prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake as it once was to former prez Mahinda Rajapaksa. This was brought to my mind by Prez Dissanayake’s absurd treatment of former prez Mahinda Rajapaksa in his keynote address more..

Feb 8 (Island) The govt has not yet disclosed its costing formula for paddy. It only releases information about cost calculations in dribs and drabs in an unorganised manner, which has left the public none the wiser. Farmers insist that their production costs are much higher than the guaranteed prices announced by the govt; some of them have even claimed that the average certified paddy price should be above Rs. 140 a kilo. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne more..

Feb 8 (ST) What would be the future of Sri Lanka by 2048, when we celebrate our 100-year Independence Anniversary? Have you ever thought of a question like that as we are now getting closer to our 77-year Independence Day on February 4th next week? Our children who are born this year will be about 23-year old youths by then. Today’s youth will have grown to be adults in their 50s and 60s. Today’s adults will be spending their elderly life of age 70s and 80s. But will they all be living more..

Feb 8 (ST) During a cursory glance at the ruling NPP election manifesto, I was looking through the education segment and came across this statement: “…..serious social criticism exists on the education system’s failure to produce quality citizens. While education is not solely about preparing individuals for the job market, it should equip citizens to fulfil social responsibilities and contribute positively to the national economy.” This statement connected with a social media post I recently saw, more..

Feb 8 (CT) The landscape of higher education in SL is in the midst of a significant transformation, with the debate over private medical colleges at the heart of the discussion. Historically, medical education in SL has been primarily the domain of public institutions, known for producing some of the best healthcare professionals in the region. However, with a growing demand for more doctors and an increasing strain on public resources, more..

Feb 8 (CT) Call it shocking or amusing, reports that the nation consumes LKR 690 million worth of arrack and beer each day, with a daily toll of 50-60 lives, is agonising to say the least. It is unclear yet if the said consumption figure and the consequent revenue of LKR 165.2 billion for the govt in 2022, includes those from the sale of hard-liquor like whisky, brandy, or their soft variants like wine, but the fact that these reports have appeared when the shortage of rice, and of course coconut and salt, more..

Feb 8 (DM) In America, there is a raging debate going on today concerning issues of intelligence and the H-1B visa programme. The H-1B visa allows people with only a bachelor’s degree in a designated speciality area (often IT and engineering) to secure a non-immigrant visa to work for an employer for up to 6 years. It often leads to easy immigration when an employer applies for the visa that the US industry badly needs, and then to permanent residence. Others outside the speciality area more..

Feb 8 (CT) The decision to discontinue legal proceedings against three key suspects in the assassination case of senior journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge has sparked a strong backlash from media and civil rights activists, who allege it is an attempt to shield those responsible. On 27 Jan, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe informed the Director of the CID that prosecution would not proceed against three suspects: more..

Feb 8 (CT) Sri Lanka’s recent history is marred by the brutal killings of journalists—an indelible stain on the nation’s commitment to democracy and press freedom. Two periods stand out for their sheer brutality and disregard for justice: 1987–1993 and 2005–2015. These two dark eras saw a surge in unsolved murders, kidnappings, and assaults on journalists. Despite mounting evidence and repeated calls for justice, none of these crimes have been met with accountability. more..

Feb 8 (DM) Those who supported the National People’s Power (NPP) at the recent Prez and Parliamentary elections seem to have been bewildered over the failure of the govt to deliver, despite them still having faith in their leaders as an untainted group. More than their bewilderment, they seem to have been agitated over their inability to face their political adversaries in their localities who tease them round the clock on the promises that the NPP leaders gave during the recent elections. more..

Feb 7 (NW) Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody dismissed MP D.V. Chanaka’s claims about unsafe water treatment chemicals, calling them misleading. MP Chanaka yesterday alleged in Parliament that recent imports of hydrated lime for water treatment contained carcinogenic levels of chromium. He claimed that in the past two weeks, 27 containers carrying 550 metric tonnes of hydrated lime arrived with unsafe chromium levels. Responding to the claims, more..

Feb 7 (NW) The Attorney General’s Department has dismissed reports and says that the recommendation to release three suspects was not related to the murder case of slain journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge. Issuing a statement, the Department said that the recommendation was in relation to the abduction of Wickrematunge’s driver, who was an eye witness in the murder investigation. The investigation into Wickremetunge has not concluded, the statement said. more..

Feb 7 (EN) Bar Association of SL has raised concerns over a possible review by the Cabinet over the Attorney General’s decision to release three suspects related to a high-profile killing of an editor in 2008. AG has released three key suspects in the long-running assassination case of high-profile editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, documents showed this week. Move has stunned people who have been seeking justice more..

Feb 7 (CT) Dialog Axiata has strengthened its long-standing partnership with SriLankan Airlines by introducing a new feature that allows FlySmiLes members to convert their miles into Star Points. Previously, members could only convert Star Points to FlySmiLes miles, but with this latest enhancement, FlySmiLes members can now seamlessly convert their miles into Star Points, introducing a two-way conversion that offers greater flexibility and more ways to enjoy exclusive more..

Feb 7 (CT) Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association (FTZMA) raised concerns with Minister Vijitha Herath, about delays in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) clearance process for employee recruitment. These delays, often extending two to three weeks, hinder timely recruitment, particularly in urgent cases. FTZMA emphasised that background screening is a standard and necessary process to ensure compliance, helping employers verify work history, education, criminal records, more..

Feb 7 (AD) Three notorious wanted SL criminals with Interpol Red Notice, including a former police Sub-Inspector (SI) accused of aiding and abetting the killing of five people in Beliatta, have been repatriated to the island from Dubai this morning. The repatriated criminal figures including Mahesh Hemantha Silva, wanted over the killing of five persons in Beliatta in 2024, Rotumba Upali accused of murders in Akuressa, and more..

Feb 7 (EN) Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange reserves fell marginally to 6,065 million dollars in January 2025, falling for the fourth straight month, official data showed, after warnings of money printing in October. Gross official reserves made up of both monetary and fiscal reserves in January were only marginally down by US$ 57 million from December, but the trend has continued from October when warnings were made that money was being printed to suppress rates. more..

Feb 7 (DM) Coconut Cultivation Board has suspended 20 projects that planned to cut down coconut trees and develop approximately 400 acres of land. The board's Chairman, Dr. Sunimal Jayakody said these lands fall within the coconut triangle. Requests for projects ranging from 20 to 90 acres, including garment factories, animal farms and solar power plants have been halted, he added. Currently, Divisional Secretaries can approve requests to use coconut lands under 10 acres more..

Feb 7 (CT) A new scam involving fake job advertisements is circulating on social media, using logos of State institutions to deceive job seekers and steal their personal data. SL Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) reported a surge in such fraudulent activities and urged the public to stay vigilant. Recently, Central Bank issued a warning about a fake job advertisement misusing its logo, while similar fraudulent postings featuring the SriLankan Airlines logo have also been more..

Feb 7 (EN) SL’s Export Development Board (EDB) and the Consulate of SL in Gothenburg, Sweden have discussed strengthening bilateral trade between the two countries. Boosting exports through product diversification and market expansion in the next 5 years were discussed at the meeting between Marcus Pettersson and EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe. Wijesinghe highlighted “SL’s potential to further penetrate the Swedish market, particularly in key sectors such as apparel and textiles, more..

Feb 7 (AD) Aimed at accelerating SL’s digital transformation, three key digital initiatives were officially launched today under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. These initiatives include the establishment of the GovPay govt digital payment platform, the expansion of the President’s Fund services to the Divisional Secretariat level, and the introduction of the eBMD system for obtaining birth, marriage, and more..

Feb 7 (DM) Vehicular Emission Test Trust Fund of the Dept of Motor Traffic (DMT) has issued a warning regarding the deterioration of air quality to a slightly unhealthy level. They have advised the public to wear face masks whenever possible. Additionally, they have urged individuals, especially those who are sensitive to air pollution, to seek immediate medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties. The decline in air quality is attributed to polluted wind flow more..

Feb 7 (PTI) Opposition MPs on Friday held a protest in the Parliament complex against SL continuing to arrest Indian fisherfolk, and demanded that the govt find a permanent solution to the issue. The protest was led by DMK, Congress and Left party MPs from Tamil Nadu and joined by parliamentarians from several other opposition parties, including Derek O'Brien of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Sudama Prasad of CPI(ML) Liberation. The protesting MPs held up placards with slogans more..

Feb 7 (CI) Seemingly having a ball experimenting with the reverse sweep, Steven Smith's mastery in Asia continued and he combined with a dashing Alex Carey to defy a sharp-turning, deteriorating Galle surface as Australia grabbed firm control of the second Test. The game was in the balance when Australia were 91 for 3 just after lunch on day two in reply to SL's first-innings of 257. But stand-in skipper Smith and Carey produced more..

Feb 7 (NW) MP Sujeewa Senasinghe reiterating that he has no involvement in the Bond Scam, said that he intends to use the compensation he is due to receive to help the needy. Senasinghe said that he intends to use the funds to place fixed deposits to benefit two hospitals. “I plan to donate Rs. 150 million to the Cancer Hospital and provide additional support to the with Rs. 100 million to the Peradeniya Hospital, where the Head of Surgery is a friend of mine,” Senasinghe said. more..

Feb 7 (DN) PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that collective teamwork between the govt and private sector can help overcome challenges and drive the country forward. She made these remarks at a program aimed at providing school supplies to children from low-income families. The initiative, jointly organized by the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Millennium IT, Dialog Axiata, and other institutions, provides financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per child. more..