Jan 7 (DM) The beer consumers in SL are effectively paying over 70% of the retail price of beer purely in taxes, according to research by Jafferjee Brother Securities (JBS). The excise duties alone account for 47% of the retail price of a bottle of strong beer while the VAT make up 15.3% of the price. Additionally, the income tax adds a further 6%, Social Security Contribution Levy accounts for 2.4% and a tax on dividends adds 0.5%. more..

Jan 7 (DM) Atampitiya Police are still continuing their investigation to locate a 16-year-old girl who has been missing since November of last year, police said. The investigation was initiated following a complaint from the girl's mother, who reported that her daughter, Kavisha Dewmani, had been missing since Nov 3, 2024. Kavisha Dewmani, who is fair-skinned and stands approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, was last seen wearing a light green dress and had a minor cut on her left arm near more..

Jan 7 (FT) As we all know, the Mahaweli Development Program was, for the most part, an outstanding success. Conceived in the 1960s, its first project, Polgolla Dam, was commissioned in the early 1970s by Sirimavo Bandaranaike. J.R. Jayewardene raised the game with the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Program, which saw the development of several multipurpose reservoir projects between the late-1970s and mid-1980s. In all, these projects increased the irrigated more..

Jan 7 (AD) Two persons have been killed after an unidentified gunman opened fire at them at the Watarappala Road in Mount Lavinia, police said. Initially a 36-year-old man was shot dead and a 20-year-old person was injured in the shooting and hospitalized following the shooting incident. However, the injured youth had later succumbed to injuries after being admitted to the hospital. The 36-year-old victim of the shooting is a resident of Watarappala Road in Mount Lavinia. more..

Jan 7 (FT) A recent flare up by the uni students which appeared in the media is causing alarm about a possible new campaign to be started by student organisations against the establishment of private universities. This country has experienced such agitations over a long period of time emerging off and on. The agitators while opposing the setting up of any private university in the country categorically demonstrated their opposition to the KDU now engaged in higher medical education. more..

Jan 7 (TM) Police reiterated that modifications and decorations to three-wheelers are only permitted if they adhere to the guidelines approved by the Dept of Motor Traffic (DMT). DIG Indika Hapugoda emphasised that any alterations to a three-wheeler must be recorded in the vehicle’s registration book without altering its original model. “This allows Police officers to easily verify approved modifications through the DMT, more..

Jan 17 (ST) On Dec 31, the night skies over Galle Face Green were transformed into a spectacular symphony of fireworks and a mesmerising drone show, welcoming the new year. The event illuminated Colombo’s skyline with 400 drones, creating a breathtaking visual display visible up to 5 kilometres away. It captivated over 150,000 live attendees and reached more than 12 million Sri Lankans, showcasing Dialog’s commitment to innovation & embodying its brand promise, more..

Jan 7 (DN) Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said that the need for a new Constitution has arisen to ensure democratic governance. He pointed out that a new Constitution should be made to create a strong mechanism to investigate the corrupt practices committed against democracy in the past. He was speaking to the media following a meeting with Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne in Colombo yesterday. “It is important to uncover the truth behind the Easter attacks. more..

Jan 7 (CT) As the Govt’s Clean Sri Lanka initiative comes into effect, private bus and three-wheeler owners are voicing frustration over the mandatory removal of additional gadgets previously approved by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT). They have warned of a potential strike if their concerns are not addressed. Traffic Police assert that these modifications contribute to accidents, create passenger unease, and cause delays. more..

Jan 7 (Island) Minister Ananda Wijayapala is scheduled to explain to the House today the reasons for the delay in apprehending the masterminds behind the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, which claimed over 260 lives. Minister Wijayapala is listed to respond to a question raised by NPP MP Ajith Gihan, as per today’s Order Paper. MP Gihan has asked whether the Minister acknowledges that those responsible for the attacks have yet to be brought before the law, despite the passage of nearly more..

Jan 7 (FT) In a move to support SL expatriates to obtain their necessary documents without a delay, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry has launched a digital platform, which will be operated through respective foreign missions. This digital initiative, which was launched today under Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s concept of digitising the State administrative system, will enable Sri Lankans abroad to obtain birth certificates, marriage certificates and death certificates more..

Jan 17 (Island) The 25th edition of the Journalism Awards for Excellence, the prestigious annual event that celebrates the best in print media in the country, will be held today (07), at the Empire Ballroom, Mount Lavinia Hotel. This year marks a milestone – a quarter-century of honouring the brilliance, dedication, and impact of journalists. While awards will be given in 18 categories, five senior journalists will receive the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. The programme is organised by more..

Jan 17 (DN) Minister Sunil Handunnetti, inspected the Pelwatte and Sevanagala Sugar Factories belonging to the Lanka Sugar Company recently. The Minister also looked into the promotion of eco-tourism by utilizing the existing tourist bungalows in these factories. He also said they need to explore the possibility of introducing a low-cost, high-quality alcohol to the market that can be produced using ethanol, the main by-product of sugar produced by the Lanka Sugar Company, more..

Jan 17 (FT) Alleging the NPP Govt is exerting a huge burden on ordinary people, including the pensioners through its adhoc tax policies, the FSP is urging the Govt to implement a people-friendly economic policy as pledged at NPP’s election platforms. “It is very clear that the Govt has overlooked people’s interests and is dancing to the tune of the IMF while putting people of this country out of the frying pan into the fire by imposing more..

Jan 7 (DM) It is preferable for the govt to implement a more effective programme instead of merely targeting the cleaning of three-wheeler parks, buses and businesses, under the guise of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said. He said that the govt should prioritise addressing the essential needs of the people and ensure the protection of passengers. "However, the ultimate outcome of this programme seems to focus on restricting the daily livelihoods of citizens more..

Jan 7 (FT) National Tea Sales Average (NSA) for tea in 2024 increased across all elevations in comparison to last year, with positive variances in both Rupee and Dollar terms. Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said the NSA for the year closed at Rs. 1,225.17 equivalent to $ 4.08, marking gains of Rs. 53.88 and $ 0.49 compared to last year’s average of Rs. 1,171.29 and $ 3.59. Dec 2024 capped the year with a monthly average of Rs. 1,184.82 ($ 4.08), an increase of Rs. 47.60 ($ 0.17) from Nov. more..

Jan 17 (ST) A 15-year-old school boy had invented a sensory device to repel langur and macaque monkeys and other such pests. The device repels animals by emitting sounds and smells. The chemical released by the device also gives the animals a burning and unpleasant sensation making them immediately flee the area. The inventor of the device, Lithula de Silva, is a Grade 10 English medium student of Manthumahla, Karunaratne Buddhist National School. more..

Jan 7 (FT) The SL Navy (SLN) has taken a large consignment of drugs and narcotics worth over Rs. 28.15 billion into custody, while apprehending 407 people, including foreign nationals, who were involved in illegal activities such as drug and narcotics trafficking, smuggling of contraband, and illegal immigration, in 2024. SLN said it engaged in special joint intelligence operations conducted together with other law enforcement agencies, including SL Police, Police Narcotics Bureau, more..

Jan 7 (TM) Statements from recently arrived Rohingya immigrants have revealed that they sold their property in Myanmar and left with the specific intention of reaching SL, claims concerning which the relevant authorities, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have launched an investigation into, in the context of potential human trafficking and local involvement. On the morning of 19 Dec 2024, a multi-day trawler carrying over 100 Rohingya more..

Jan 7 (DN) Chairman of National Gem and Jewellery Authority Naveen Sooriyarachchi said that the gem and jewellery sector is expected to generate a revenue of USD 1 billion by the end of this year. Gem and jewellery sector is currently ranked eighth among SL’s top export earners. Sooriyarachchi said that efforts are being made to bring it to second place by the end of this year with a view to generate more export income. SL received USD 475 million from the gem export sector in 2023 and more..

Jan 7 (ST) The govt will hold discussions this week with the embassies of several West Asian countries to attract investments in the energy sector. Aruna Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment said that the Economic Division of the Foreign Ministry will be holding discussions with representatives in embassies of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, among others. “We have tasked the Economic Affairs Division of the Foreign Ministry to bring investments from more..

Jan 7 (ST) Former SL captain Angelo Mathews has called on the ICC to address glaring inequalities in international cricket scheduling, urging immediate action to preserve Test cricket’s future. His appeal comes amidst SL’s drastically reduced Test commitments, which threaten the survival of the game’s longest and most revered format. SL faces an alarmingly sparse Test schedule, with only four matches in 2025 and six in 2026. more..

Jan 7 (DN) The internal power struggles within the National Sports Body officials are not good for the sport and immediate steps should be taken to take the sport forward by finding quick solutions to all the problems, said Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage. The Minister revealed this at the discussion between the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports officials and the Sri Lanka Cycling Federation at the Duncan White Auditorium of the Sports Ministry. more..

Jan 7 (DN) “As professional cricketers we have to play in any kind of situation and condition” said SL Skipper Charith Asalanka after the first ODI defeat in Wellington. Skipper Asalanka further said we knew that when we came here. It’s too windy, and it’s going to be hard for us, but that’s not a excuse for the defeat. Once again bad batting put us in this situation. We lost the toss and they invited us to bat first. During the power play we lost four wickets including myself and more..

Jan 7 (FT) National Movement for Social Justice Chairman and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said he would not mediate to merge political parties and also not involve in any politics that engage in a power struggle. Jayasuriya, refuted media reports, which claimed that group of parliamentarians were planning to get his support in their attempts to merge SJB and UNP. Jayasuriya said that he would not get involved in any initiative that related to power struggle or support any political campaign more..

Jan 7 (DM) Board of Investment (BOI) recently signed an agreement worth US $ 1.06 million with Fusion Apparel, a joint venture of Brandix, to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility focused on glue bonding garments. The facility will produce export-oriented glue bonding garments and will also offer glue bonding services to other BOI-registered companies. “Further enhancing technology learning for the industry and providing 100 employment opportunities,” more..

Jan 7 (FT) Tourism industry kicks off 2025 with nearly 40,000 arrivals in the first 5 days of the year, reflecting a strong start. 39,415 arrivals in the first five days represent a significant increase compared to 32,453 tourists welcomed during the same period in 2024. This surge reflects a growing momentum for the sector, boosted by an influx of Russian tourists who led the charge in early 2025. Daily arrivals have also improved to 7,883 more..

Jan 7 (ST) Minister Nalinda Jayatissa came a cropper on Thursday when he cast an unwarranted insensitive slur on private benefactors donating funds for expensive medical equipment to the govt health sector. At the inauguration of Apeksha Hospital’s new 4-storey building and its bone marrow and haematopoietic stem cell transplant unit built by Air Force labour and private benefactions amounting to Rs. 176 million, the only one of its kind at any govt hospital for child cancer patients, more..

Jan 7 (DM) Political history is full of anecdotes involving famous personalities. Here is one such story involving one of the prominent leaders of the Ceylon Communist Party (CCP) Pieter Keuneman. Sino-Soviet split or the souring of relations between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1963 which was primarily caused by doctrinal divergences that arose from their different interpretations and practical applications of Marxism–Leninism more..

Jan 7 (Island) Among the important promises of the NPP govt to the people has been to address the problem of corruption and waste. This was the centre piece of the Aragalaya protests that brought down the govt in 2022. The govt made many other promises too when it was in the opposition. But unlike in the case of these other promises, such as to reduce the cost of living, the promise to reduce corruption and waste is within the power of the govt to a greater extent than to bring down more..

Jan 7 (Island) The JVP has a history of disrupting universities, schools, and workplaces. Thankfully, since its ascent to power, the seats of higher learning and public institutions have remained calm. But, now, it stands accused of having disrupted one of the holiest shrines in Sri Lanka—Sri Saman Devale, Ratnapura. All workers of the shrine have launched a strike in protest against the appointment of an Acting Basnayake Nilame (Chief Custodian). The appointment is politically motivated, and more..