Video: Compensation received by politicians for torched homes during Aragalaya revealed
Feb 6 (AD) Minister Nalinda Jayatissa today revealed in Parliament a list of 43 names of MPs and former MPs who have allegedly received compensation from the govt for torched and damaged properties during the Aragalaya period in 2022 as well as the compensation received by them. He further claimed that the total amount of the compensation received by 43 MPs, former ministers and former MPs is over Rs. 1.224 billion.
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Railways cancels third-class seat reservations from Monday
Feb 6 (DM) Railways Dept has decided to cancel the reservation facility for third-class compartment seats on the Colombo Fort-Badulla and Thalaimannar trains, effective from Monday (10). However, these compartments will continue to operate as ordinary third-class compartments. Dept has decided to issue regular tickets for these compartments. Meanwhile, the decision to revise train ticket fares on the upcountry railway line has been suspended following instructions from
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SC grants leave for appeals filed by convicts in Vidya murder
Feb 6 (AD) The Supreme Court today granted leave to proceed with the appeals filed by the defendants who were given the death penalty over the 2015 abduction, gang rape and murder of schoolgirl Sivaloganathan Vidya, seeking their acquittal from the charges and their sentences. Accordingly, the appeals were ordered to be taken up for consideration on Aug 25, 2025. This order was issued when the case was taken up before the three-member Supreme Court judge bench
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චීන-ලංකා FTA: අවු. 20ක් පරක්කුයි!
Galle Literary Festival: Cultural renaissance for Sri Lanka
Feb 6 (FT) Since its inception in 2007, the Galle Literary Festival (GLF) has become a cornerstone of SL’s English language cultural events and a beacon for literary enthusiasts. What began as a post-tsunami initiative to revive tourism in the southern regions of the island has blossomed into an internationally recognised affair, drawing authors, intellectuals, readers and interested participants from across the globe. The festival was founded by Geoffrey Dobbs, who recognised both
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Be careful when drinking tap water, Opposition MP warns
Feb 6 (DM) Someone in the present govt has earned large sums of money by importing hydrated lime with high content of chromium, Opposition MP D.V. Chanaka told Parliament. "Some 550 metric tons of hydrated lime has come into SL and these have been sent to the Galle, Ambatale and Ratmalana water purification plants. Hydrated lime is used by these plants to purify tap water. "The tap water in SL currently has a high content of Chromium which can give rise to cancer, kidney disease and
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Decision to release key suspects sparks backlash
Feb 6 (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 CID that prosecution would not proceed against three suspects:
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Namal’s call for probe into USAID projects: Critics say issue should have been raised...
Feb 6 (Island) Former MP Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha said that SLPPer Namal Rajapaksa should have raised USAID operations here much earlier. Prof. Wijesinha said so when The Island sought his take on former Minister Namal Rajapaksa’s call for an investigation into projects and grants operated under USAID in SL. SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman pointed out that USAID had operated here throughout the Rajapaksa administrations. Perhaps, MP Namal wanted to exploit the ongoing new
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Court awards MP Senasinghe Rs. 250 m as damages for defamation by C.B. Rathnayake
Feb 6 (FT) District Court of Mount Lavinia yesterday awarded MP Sujeewa Senasinghe Rs. 250 million as damages in respect of a defamation action filed against former MP C.B. Rathnayake. This was when the defamation action filed by MP Senasinghe against former MP Rathnayake in respect of a defamatory statement made by the latter was taken up for judgment before the District Judge of Mount Lavinia D.M. Kodithuwakku. MP Senasinghe filed the instant action against former MP Rathnayake
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Honour election promises made on journalist killing probes: Media Orgs. urge President
Feb 6 (DM) Media rights groups going up in arms against the Attorney General’s recent recommendations on releasing three key suspects of the journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge murder, urged Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake today to honour the promises he made on election stage by an NPP govt to probe multiple journalist killings and abductions. Free Media Movement (FMM), SL Working Journalists Association (SLWJA)
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Prez’s UAE visit next week: Details released
Feb 6 (NW) Prez Anura Kumara Disanayaka will undertake a visit to the UAE from 10-13 February 2025 at the invitation of Prez of UAE Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to participate in the World Govt Summit 2025. During the visit, Prez Disanayaka will address the World Govt Summit 2025 in Dubai and hold bilateral discussions with Prez Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on a range of areas of mutual interest. He is also scheduled to meet Vice Prez and PM of UAE Sheikh bin Maktoum.
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BOI invests Rs. 763 Mn in Horana EPZ
Feb 6 (DN) The newfound government is accelerating its efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the country by providing much-needed infrastructure to existing and new investors. Horana Economic Processing Zone (HEPZ) is a center of attraction due to its location. One key feature of the BOI zones is the provision of services that enable investors to operate their businesses smoothly, and investors always prefer the turn-key nature of these facilities.
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පත්තරේ විස්තරේ
Wind farm project: SJB slams govt for awarding contract to ex-SLPP MP’s company
Feb 6 (Island) SJB accused the JVP/NPP-led govt of having violated tender procedures in awarding a contract for a 50 MW Mannar Wind Farm project to Dhammika Perera’s Fentons. SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman raised the issue in Parliament, alleging corruption and political influence in the tender process. Rahuman said that the previous government had initiated the tender process for the Mannar Wind Farm project, with five bidders submitting proposals by 14 March, 2024.
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UNDP, ADB pledge support to SL on its public digital journey at key summit
Feb 6 (Island) Key officials of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Asian Development Bank taking part in the SL Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Summit in Colombo said yesterday that they would support SL to become a digital economy powerhouse in the region. The Ministry of Digital Economy had put together this two-day summit in partnership with the UNDP in SL, the ADB and key collaborators including Huawei. Summit’s first session underscored
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Sri Lanka main rough rice harvest projected at 2.56mn tonnes, lowest since 2021
Feb 6 (EN) SL’s main (Maha) season rice harvest is projected at 2.56 million metric tonnes, based on cultivation up to Dec 2024, including re-cultivation after crop damage, Dept of Agriculture has said. Farmers are estimated to have cultivated at least 806,453 hectares or 93% of the target of 868,427 and estimated gross harvesting area was 717,847 hectares, second interim projection. About 79,115 hectares was flooded in the second
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GMOA proposes measures to retain doctors
Feb 6 (CT) Govt doctors have submitted proposals for the 2025 Budget aimed at securing free healthcare by encouraging medical practitioners to remain in the country. Secretary of the GMOA, Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa, expressed concern that the country had lost over 2,000 doctors due to the economic and political instability experienced over the past two to three years. He warned that over 5,000 more medical practitioners were preparing to leave due to inadequate salaries and
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Battle of the Hindus 14th edition in Jaffna
Feb 6 (DN) The Battle of the Hindus 2025 cricket encounter between Jaffna Hindu College and Hindu College, Colombo for the 14th consecutive year will be played at the Jaffna Hindu College Grounds on February 7 and 8. In the past matches played in the series, Jaffna Hindu College and Hindu College, Colombo won three matches each and drawn seven. Both teams are vying for a win this year with the two leading Hindu Colleges from the North and the West are battling for supremacy.
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ලසන්ත ඝාතනයේ චූදිතයන් නිදහස්
Hashan steps down as Bangladesh Women Head Coach
Feb 6 (CT) Hashan Tillakaratne, head coach of the Bangladesh Women’s team has decided to step down from his position. He informed his decision to not continue following the recently concluded tour of West Indies. Bangladesh had a poor outing in the series losing the T20Is 3-0 and the ODIs 2-1 in the Caribbean. Tillakaratne was appointed as the Head Coach of the Bangladesh Women’s Team in Oct 2022 on a two-year contract, and later it was extended till the recent tour of West Indies.
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TGL GemLab Sri Lanka unveils world’s first Cat’s Eye Xenotime in Kuruwita, Ratnapura
Feb 6 (FT) In a groundbreaking moment for the global gemstone industry, Sri Lanka has unveiled the world’s first known Cat’s Eye Xenotime, a remarkably rare mineral displaying a striking chatoyancy. Discovered in Kuruwita, Ratnapura, this extraordinary gemstone weighs 38.88 carats and exhibits a brownish-green hue with a distinct cat’s eye effect. The presence of chatoyancy in xenotime is an exceptionally rare phenomenon, making this find possibly the only one of its kind.
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By 2030: Sri Lanka could generate $ 5 b per annum through digital exports
Feb 6 (TM) Sri Lanka could generate $ 5 billion annually from digital exports alone, by 2030, says Chief Advisor to the Prez on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya. He made these remarks during his address at the launch of the SL Digital Public Infrastructure Summit yesterday. “In an $ 80-90 billion economy, this represents a significant percentage of growth.” He also noted that Sri Lanka could see an additional 1-2% rise
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SL eyes MICE sector growth with new Conference Ambassador Programme
Feb 6 (DM) SL yesterday launched the SL Conference Ambassador Programme (SLCAP), an initiative aimed at positioning the country as a leading destination for international conferences. Backed by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, SL Convention Bureau (SLCB) and SriLankan Airlines, the programme seeks to leverage industry expertise to attract global business events, the organisers said. SLCAP is the first initiative of its kind in SL, affirming efforts to revitalise SL’s meetings,
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Sri Lanka’s final shot at redemption as Karunaratne signs off
Feb 6 (DN) SL could receive a much-needed boost with opener Pathum Nissanka expected to return after missing the first Test due to a groin strain. He is likely to play in the second Test against Australia, starting today at the Galle Cricket Stadium. SL will be eager to make a strong comeback and give a fitting farewell to former skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, who is set to retire after playing his 100th Test. This will be a grand occasion for Karunaratne, and he will be keen to end his career on a strong note.
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Tourism industry records best-ever January arrivals
Feb 6 (FT) SL’s tourism industry has achieved a record-breaking start to 2025, welcoming 252,761 visitors in January, surpassing the previous high of 238,924 registered in 2018. This surge in arrivals reflects a strong recovery for the sector, with expectations rising for continued momentum throughout the year. Last week, Daily FT reported that the month would end with the highest January arrivals. The latest figures mark a 21.4%
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India’s top lube brand Hindustan Petroleum Lubricants arrives in Sri Lanka
Feb 6 (FT) SL’s lubricants market has been significantly strengthened with the formal entry of HP Lubricants, part of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL), one of India’s frontline oil majors, in partnership with Sea World Lanka Ltd. This groundbreaking development, which also advances SL-India trade relations in a vital sector, was fittingly celebrated at a gala launch event in Colombo. Indian Deputy High Commissioner in SL Dr. Satyanjal Pandey was the Chief Guest at the launch.
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Stats: Karunaratne, a colossal Test opener for Sri Lanka
Feb 6 (CI) A look at Karunaratne's Test career ahead of his 100th match in the format, after which he is set to retire. Dimuth Karunaratne is set to become only the seventh Sri Lanka player to feature in 100 Tests. His landmark game will be his last in international cricket, bringing down curtains on a near-14-year career for SL. Here's a look at his career through the lens of numbers. Dimuth Karunaratne is set to become only the seventh Sri Lanka player to feature in 100 Tests.
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නොදනිම් කාගේ දොසා
Stock market suffers Rs. 188 b loss in value; highest intraday dip in over two years
Feb 6 (FT) The Colombo stock market saw Rs. 188 billion in value wiped off, with the benchmark index losing over 500 points, as investors were on a selling spree in a U-turn of sentiments. ASPI plunged by 500 points or 3% whilst the active S&P SL20 by 3.3%. The latter runs the risk of turning negative year to date for the first time. The market capitalisation declined by Rs. 188 billion and fell below the Rs. 6 trillion mark to close at Rs. 5.86 trillion. Turnover was Rs. 6.35 billion
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Galle Literary Festival opens celebrating past, inspiring future
Feb 6 (FT) The highly anticipated Galle Literary Festival (GLF) 2025 officially commenced yesterday with dinner and cocktails held at the historic Atapattu Walawwa. The launch event, hosted by Heritance Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Aitken Spence Hotels, marked the festival’s 12th edition, promising another immersive four-day celebration of literature, art, and culture that would attract over 5,000 visitors to the historic Galle Fort. The Atapattu Walawwa, a meticulously
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Agriculture industry: Export crops yet to yield full potential
Feb 6 (TM) Despite its historic reputation for premium tea, spices, and coconuts, SL’s agricultural exports sector faces mounting challenges as it struggles to keep pace with global advancements. While the nation earned $ 16 billion in export revenue in 2024, experts warn that reliance on traditional practices and delayed adoption of modern technologies could hinder long-term competitiveness. Labour shortages,
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Poultry industry: Balancing exports with local market stability
Feb 6 (TM) Sri Lanka is set to export poultry products to China following an agreement drafted in collaboration with China’s General Administration of Customs. The Cabinet has authorised the signing of a protocol with China, and at a media briefing, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed that the Chinese market was now open to the direct import of poultry products from SL. While SL’s current poultry capacity has the potential to meet this opportunity, there is also a need for increased
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Untangling the passport crisis
Feb 6 (TM) Yesterday three members of the same family that travelled to Colombo from Badulla on Tuesday evening and stayed overnight, joined a lengthy que to hand over the documents which the Dept of Immigration and Emigration requires to process their application, which had been made in early January. The group, who applied under the normal passport application channel and not the one day channel, were asked to check in with the Colombo office after two or three months to
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ලසන්ත වික්රමතුංග ඝාතනය
Editorial: Challenge of being NPP govt
Feb 6 (Island) JVP-led NPP govt has announced certified prices of paddy at long last. Minister K.D. Lalkantha said that the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) would purchase nadu, samba and keeri samba varieties at Rs. 120, Rs. 125 and Rs. 132 a kilo, respectively. Curiously, there was no mention of a certified price of red/white kekulu paddy. Announcing certified prices at which PMB intends to purchase paddy is one thing, but purchasing paddy, as promised, is quite another.
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Put an end to this travesty of justice!
Feb 6 (CT) The decision to discontinue legal proceedings against 3 key suspects in the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge is a stark reminder of the persistent culture of impunity that continues to haunt SL. It has been 35 years since Richard de Zoysa was abducted, tortured, and his body dumped at sea; 20 years since senior journalist Sivaram, also known as Taraki, was abducted and killed, his body left at Diyawanna Oya; and 16 years since
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