~Apr 8 (AD) The newly introduced Calypso tourist train, designed by SL Railways to promote the local tourism industry, commenced its inaugural journey from the Nanu Oya Railway Station to the Demodara Railway Station at 8:10 a.m. today. Train will operate on Tuesdays from Nanu Oya to Demodara, with specially designed coaches to facilitate both local and foreign tourists. These coaches allow passengers to take more..

Apr 8 (NW) Cabinet has granted approval for the programme to recruit 30,000 unemployed graduates and youth to the state as proposed in the 2025 Budget. The move follows a budget proposal by the Prez in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to allocate Rs. 10 billion for recruiting 30,000 unemployed graduates and youth into the public service. A special officials’ committee, chaired by the Secretary to the PM, was appointed to review staffing needs across more..

Apr 8 (FT) In an interconnected global economy, the trade policies of major powers like the United States have far-reaching consequences. While geographically distant, SL—along with numerous other emerging markets—finds itself vulnerable to the shifting tides of US trade strategies. This article delves into the potential impacts of US trade policies, examining their effects on Sri Lanka’s economy, key export sectors, and the broader implications for regional and global markets. more..

Apr 8 (EN) Cabinet has approved awarding the contract to purchase 5 shipments of 92 petrol to Vitol Asia (Singapore) Pte Ltd, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. The 300,000 (+/- 5%) barrels of petrol is for a six month period from April 15 to Oct 14. Bids were called by the State-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation from registered suppliers for the long term contract, and 7 bids were received. The bid submitted by Vitol Asia (Pvt) Ltd in Singapore was recommended as the responsive bid by more..

Apr 8 (FT) The global trading system faces a significant shock following the imposition of new US tariffs. These measures, announced on 2 April (Liberation Day), represent a drastic escalation of the merica First trade policy under President Trump. Given the US’s position as the world’s largest economy (accounting for roughly a quarter of global GDP in 2023) and largest importer, such unilateral actions inevitably risk widespread economic disruption. more..

Apr 8 (AD) The Census of Population and Housing 2024 has found that the latest population of Sri Lanka is 21,763,170. This census has shown an increase of 1,403,731 compared to the population reported in the Census of Population and Housing 2012. The enumeration stage of the Census of Population and Housing 2024, the 15th census in Sri Lanka’s series of censuses, was conducted from Oct 2024 to the second week of Feb 2025. more..

Apr 8 (AD) The Court of Appeal today (07) issued a stay order preventing any further action in relation to the conduct of elections for several local government authorities, including the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). Accordingly, the continuation of activities related to holding the Local Government Elections in Colombo Municipal Council, Harispaththuwa, Panwila, Pathadumbara, Uda Palatha and Kuliyapitiya Pradeshiya Sabhas has been temporarily suspended through this order. more..

Apr 8 (PMD) A meeting between Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake and representatives of the IMF was held this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat. The discussions centred on the preliminary review associated with the fourth tranche of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement with the IMF. Key focus areas included Sri Lanka’s progress thus far under the IMF-supported programme and the next steps required to achieve the country’s future economic targets. more..

Apr 8 (EN) SL’s economy continued to recover in 2024, following the economic downturn two years ago, the central bank’s Annual Economic Review said, adding there is a compelling need for continued prudence in policymaking and further strengthening of external and fiscal buffers. “Post-crisis reforms have started showing positive outcomes. Signs of improved economic activity, partial recovery in purchasing power, and more..

Apr 8 (NW) A delegation of politicians representing the Hill Country Tamils of Sri Lanka has requested social and educational assistance from India during a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Sri Lanka. During PM Modi’s official state visit to Sri Lanka from 04-06 April, he engaged in a discussion with a delegation consisting of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) and Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) members, led by TPA Leader MP Mano Ganesan. Commenting on the meeting, more..

Apr 8 (AD) The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island during the afternoon or night today (08). In its latest forecast, the Meteorology Department mentioned that showers may occur in Western and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara district in the morning too. Fairly heavy rainfall of about 75 mm are likely at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, Eastern and Sothern provinces, it added. more..

Apr 8 (AD) Sri Lanka’s official foreign reserves rose sharply in March 2025, reaching US$6.51 billion, according to the latest data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). This marks a 7.1% increase from the US$6.08 billion reported at the end of February. The growth in reserves signals a strengthening of the country’s external position, with the Central Bank attributing part of this boost to its foreign currency purchases in the domestic market. During the month of March, more..

Apr 8 (Island) In a bold move set to redefine the consumer tech landscape in Sri Lanka, Sala Enterprises has unveiled the country’s first AI-powered hardware device—the Emark AI Mouse. This cutting-edge product represents a strategic shift for Sala from being a tech distributor to becoming a pioneering innovator in AI-integrated hardware. With over three decades of experience in the IT space, Sala Enterprises has long played a foundational role in SL’s digital evolution. more..

Apr 8 (Island) Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) has alleged that Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake entered into seven MoUs/Agreements with India without consulting Parliament or the Cabinet of Ministers. Accusing Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is the leader of the JVP, as well as the NPP, of undermining SL’s sovereignty, the breakaway JVP faction pointed out the signing of seven MoUs/Agreements had coincided with more..

Apr 8 (AD) Four individuals, including the manager of the facility, were burnt to death, while four others sustained injuries in a tragic gas explosion at a fuel station in Wehera, Kurunegala late last night, the police said. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. when a lorry had arrived to refill LP gas at the station. Initial reports indicate that one of the two gas tanks at the site—each containing approximately 6,000 litres of gas—exploded during the filling process, engulfing the area in flames. more..

Apr 8 (PMD) The report of the Census of Population and Housing 2024, conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat. This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024. The report provides details on SL’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts. The information gathered through more..

Apr 8 (PMD) Attending the passing out parade of the 82nd batch of the STF at the Katukurunda STF Training Camp in Kalutara today (7), President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the need for a progressive transformation within the Sri Lanka Police to ensure the rule of law, order and authority. President noted that the public places its trust in the SL Police to uphold the supremacy of the law and maintaining that trust is a fundamental responsibility of the Police Department. more..

Apr 8 (DN) SL U-19 cricket team will play a home series against Bangladesh U-19 which was earlier scheduled to be played at Hambantota but now SL Cricket has decided to conduct this series in Colombo at 3 venues Colts, CCC and SSC grounds. The youth cricket series will begin with first youth ODI on April 26 at CCC grounds. The chairman of the Junior Cricket Selection Committee Vinothen John said this type of youth cricket series is very important to build up our National U-19 team more..

Apr 8 (TM) Election Commission (EC) is set to file an appeal before the Supreme Court (SC) against the recent order issued by Court of Appeal (CA), which directed the election officials to accept nearly 37 nomination papers for the LG Elections that were previously rejected. Last week, the CA ordered the relevant Returning Officers to re-accept these rejected nomination papers submitted by candidates to contest for the LG Elections. more..

Apr 8 (Island) With just one round left in the group stage, Dambulla hit the top of the National Super League (NSL) table like a runaway train, pulling off a breathtaking run chase that left Kandy shell-shocked at the R. Premadasa Stadium. In a high-octane encounter that had lot of twists, Dambulla played out of their skins to snatch victory from the jaws of what looked like certain defeat. Chasing a towering 392 in just 69 overs, the Dambulla batters threw caution to the wind and came out swinging. more..

Apr 8 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has shared the story behind a photo of a one-eyed female leopard from Wilpattu National Park, which he presented to Indian PM Narendra Modi during his visit to SL. Premadasa said in a social media post that the leopard, who had lost sight in one eye due to possible glaucoma, cataract or trauma, represented resilience and the natural beauty of SL’s wilderness. “This extraordinary leopard once roamed the wilds of Wilpattu with remarkable strength more..

Apr 8 (FT) Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, (APSEZ), India’s largest integrated transport utility, yesterday announced the commencement of operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), located at the Port of Colombo. Developed under a landmark public-private partnership, the CWIT is operated by a consortium comprising India’s largest port operator APSEZ, leading SL conglomerate John Keells more..

Apr 8 (EN) Some US buyers have asked exporters in SL to suspend shipments after a 44% tax was slapped on shipment from the island, apparel industry sources said. “There is some expectation that the Prez Trump may give an extension from the April 9 deadline,” an apparel industry source said. “If it is extended they may be able to clear the goods without the tax.” On Monday the Dow Jones index briefly picked up amid speculation that there may be a 3-month extension of more..

Apr 8 (FT) Embassy and Permanent Mission of SL in Thailand, in collaboration with the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, organised the Invest Sri Lanka business forum on 3 April at the Grande Centre Point Surawong Hotel in Bangkok. The event, graced by the presence of PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, brought together over 80 prominent Thai and international business leaders. The forum was convened on the sidelines of the 6th Bay of BIMSTEC Summit, more..

Apr 8 (Forbes) On May 9, 2022, Sri Lanka’s embattled PM Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned in the face of massive anti-govt protests. His brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, attempted to stay on but had to resign and flee the country two months later. The ouster of the seemingly invincible Rajapaksa dynasty was a revolution like no other in South Asia, until similar people’s power protests led to the ouster of Bangladesh strongwoman Sheikh Hasina in 2024. more..

Apr 8 (FT) CMA CGM, one of the world’s top three shipping lines, continues to reinforce its long-standing partnership with Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) terminals. The company, which handles 12-13% of the global shipping market share, has been a key player in enhancing the efficiency and connectivity of SL’s maritime industry. CMA CGM has recently achieved a significant milestone volume at SLPA terminals, underscoring its commitment to further expanding its presence in SL. more..

Apr 8 (FT) The disastrous 44% tariff on SL products announced by US President Donald Trump last week had its full effect among investors yesterday, as the Colombo stock market suffered a trading suspension and has lost nearly Rs. 500 billion in value during the past three sessions. ASPI declined by 4.6% or 712 points and the active S&P SL20 plunged by 6%. The latter’s dip of 5% earlier in trading saw a temporary market halt. more..

Apr 8 (Island) The ascendancy of China as an emerging superpower is one of the most striking shifts in the global distribution of economic and political power in the 21st century. With its strategic rise, China has assumed a more proactive diplomatic and economic role in the Indian Ocean, signalling its emergence as a global superpower. This new leadership role is exemplified by initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and establishment of Asian Infrastructure more..

Apr 8 (DM) The Trump trade shock announced last week has unnerved the world. Sri Lanka can have a severe impact with about US$ 3 billion in exports to the US. If these exports are priced out of the US market with the 44% tariff on SL, then a major shortfall in foreign earnings can even undermine the import of essential goods. Furthermore, the bulk of these exports to the US are from the garment sector, which directly employs close to three hundred thousand women and hundreds of thousands more..

Apr 8 (Island) Opposition has been protesting against what it describes as a veiled threat issued by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, at a recent NPP LG election rally. UPF led by Champika Ranawaka has complained to the Election Commission (EC) that Prez Dissanayake has made a statement, implying that his govt will make financial allocations expeditiously only to the local councils the NPP will win in the upcoming LG polls, and others will find it difficult to obtain state funds. more..

Apr 8 (ST) India’s greatest son of the 20th century, Mohandas Gandhi, wrote, The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals. Well, Lanka certainly hasn’t fallen short of the Mahatma’s yardstick, as India’s greatest PM of the 21st century, Shri Narendra Modi, will soon discover during his travels around the island this week. He may have already been briefed by Indian High Commission officials the moment he arrived on Friday night about more..