Nov 4 (TM) Despite questions about the effectiveness of such bans, SL has become one more nation to join the conversation on prohibiting smartphones by schoolchildren amid concerns over their impact on learning and well-being. Minister Saroja Paulraj recently announced that SL was planning to introduce a ban on the use of smartphones by schoolchildren under the age of 12. She noted that Govt would take a decision more..

Nov 4 (DM) The process of releasing military-held land in the Northern Province of SL back to its legitimate civilian owners is a necessary and significant step towards post-conflict reconciliation and normalisation. It is an acknowledgement of the fundamental right to property and a move toward restoring the lives of those displaced by a brutal, three-decade-long war. However, this critical process cannot, and must not, be pursued in isolation. It must be meticulously balanced against more..

Nov 4 (ST) Opposition parties rallied together on Monday to announce the launch of Maha Jana Handha at a rally to be held at Nugegoda on the 21st of this month against the common foe: the JVP Govt which has now descended to the level of farce. All the big shots in the opposition fold had agreed to keep aside their political differences and unite to meet the common threat inside the gates, inside the citadel of the SL state. Surprisingly, main opposition party, the SJB, though invited to more..

Nov 4 (SO) SL’s population is aging. While this is something we had known, and dreaded, for a while, preliminary data of the 2024 census showed a decisive tilt towards older ages and fewer children. Children under 15 fell from 25.2% in 2012 to 20.7% in 2024, while those aged 65+ rose from 7.9% to 12.6% over the same period. The population pyramid is narrowing at the base and widening at the top. The overall dependency ratio inched up more..

Nov 4 (CT) Concerns expressed by environmentalists on the recent herding of Elephants into the Hambantota Elephant Management Reserve should be given careful consideration by the Ministry of Environment, as the ecological ramifications of such a project might lead to further complications and challenges for both human and animal species. The drive was reportedly focusing on Elephants roaming in the Ridiyagama farm area, along with several village areas, with the approval of more..

Nov 4 (DM) Media reports indicate that while several MPs have received pistols for their protection, another 20 MPs have requested firearms to ensure their personal security. However, ITAK MP Sritharan has questioned the rationale behind people’s representatives requesting weapons instead of an adequate security detail to ensure his or her security. He has stated that demanding weapons is a serious matter and argues that for an MP to use firearms, he must have proper training. more..

Nov 3 (FT) SL’s external sector remained robust in the first nine months of 2025, despite the current account registering a deficit of $ 183 million in Sept 2025 for the first time this year on surging vehicle imports. However, the cumulative current account remained in surplus year-to-date (YTD) end-September $ 1.9 billion, up 29% from $ 1.43 billion a year ago, on moderate growth in merchandise and services exports and more..

Nov 3 (AD) The owner of the multi-day fishing vessel which was seized with an estimated value of around Rs. 5 billion worth of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and heroin, has been arrested in Galle by the Police Narcotics Bureau. Police have obtained a seven-day detention order for further questioning. Over 350 kg of ‘Ice’ and heroin were seized from a fishing trawler in deep seas off SL’s western coast. It was reported that 16 bags containing the narcotics were found on the vessel. more..

Nov 3 (FT) Sri Lanka last week joined the global community in combatting cybercrime by signing the historic UN Convention Against Cybercrime (UNCC) in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. The move follows a recent Cabinet decision pioneered by the Digital Economy Ministry, along with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and Justice and National Integration. The signing ceremony was graced by the participation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Viet Nam Prez Luong more..

Nov 3 (ST) The annual budget for next year to be presented on Friday will have incentives for exporters and small and medium industries and relief on essential items while the govt would introduce measures to expand the tax net by bringing in sectors that continue to evade tax payments. A govt source said that among the plans would be to raise the revenue targets from the SL Customs, Inland Revenue Dept and more..

Nov 3 (TM) The Police stated that weapons and ammunition discovered at the University of Jaffna are believed to have been lying there since the time of the war. Police Spokesperson and ASP,F.U. Wootler said: “No suspects have been arrested in relation to this incident. We believe the weapons have been lying there for a long time, most probably since the time of the war.” According to the Police, the weapons and ammunition were found hidden in the roof of the university’s library. more..

Nov 3 (FT) LTL Holdings Ltd, (LTLH) has issued the following Right of Reply to the Daily FT article titled COPE uncovers major ownership dilution and audit concerns at LTL Holdings linked to CEB published on 21 Oct, citing several inaccuracies. LTL Holdings Ltd., and subsidiaries were invited “to be present on 24 Oct 2025 for the purpose of questioning in respect of the examination of the CEB.” So, they were under the impression that the company would be questioned with regard to CEB related more..

Nov 3 (DM) Only 38.7% of SL people believe that the current govt will be effective in addressing corruption, a survey has revealed. Sri Lanka Barometer (SLB) National Public Opinion Survey on reconciliation, accountable governance and active citizenship conducted by Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in SL (SCOPE), a project co-funded by the EU, German Federal Foreign Office, has revealed that 38.7% believe that the current govt will be effective in addressing corruption. more..

Nov 3 (AD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has urged religious leaders, including the Maha Sangha, to extend their support to the national program aimed at eradicating the drug menace from SL. Prez emphasised that this initiative requires the cooperation of all communities, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. The Head of State made these remarks while attending a ceremony held today (2) at the Peliyagoda Vidyalankara Int'l Buddhist Conference Hall, more..

Nov 3 (ST) Ministry of Transport & Highways this week blacklisted four leading building contractors, debarring them from participating in tenders for periods of between three years and six months. It is the first time such action has ever been taken in the highways sector. Consulting Engineers & Contractors (Pvt) Ltd (3 years), V.V. Karunaratne & Company (1 year), HOVAEL Construction (Pvt) Ltd (1 year), and W.K.K. Engineering Company more..

Nov 3 (EN) Sri Lanka’s onion and potato farmers should be trained in techniques used elsewhere and be given a chance to learn from their peers in other countries, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa said. Sri Lanka’s current administration continued Rajapaksa regime import protection on onion and potatoes, which costs more to produce in Sri Lanka, partly due to low yields coming from bad cultivation practices and poor-quality seeds in some cases. Due to years of protection, more..

Nov 3 (CI) This had been India's World Cup all along. As hosts. As the emerging global powerhouse of women's cricket. As the team that has pushed the sport's hegemonic force harder than any other, defeating it twice in semi-finals. As the team whose time had been too long in coming. On Sunday, India made it their World Cup by winning it. Shafali Verma capped an extraordinary week with an extraordinary display in the final: 87 off 78 balls to set up a total of 298 for 7, and two unexpected wickets more..

Nov 3 (EN) Sri Lanka’s current foreign exchange inflows were US$ 2,337 million in September, down from US$ 2,521 million in August, while imports surged over 300 million dollars to US$ 2,048 million, official data showed. Gross current inflows exceeded merchandise imports by only US$ 289 million in September down from around US$ 600 million consistently over the past year. Personal vehicle imports were US$ 227.5 million in September up from US$ 198.9 million in August. more..

Nov 3 (DM) SL’s adoption of artificial intelligence lags significantly on the global stage, placing it among the nations with the lowest AI usage rates, a major news report has revealed. The country’s AI diffusion rate stands at a mere 6.2%, a figure that not only trails far behind global leaders but also falls below the average for the Global South and many of its South Asian neighbours. This stark reality, detailed in the Nov 2025 AI Diffusion Report from the Microsoft AI Economy Institute, more..

Nov 3 (TM) IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued a clarification regarding security arrangements for MPs and local authority members, refuting media reports that all MPs who request security personnel will receive them. During a meeting on Friday (31), IGP confirmed that Police security provision was not an automatic entitlement for MPs and local authority officeholders simply on request. more..

Nov 3 (TM) The next leg of capital appreciation in dollar bonds issued by Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be triggered by rating upgrades, according to Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Goldman Sachs Head of Global Fixed Income for Asia Pacific Salman Niaz, said that in the next six to 12 months, rating upgrades will be the first catalyst and market access the next, for capital appreciation. “There is a limited number of improving credit stories in emerging Asian sovereign bond markets more..

Nov 3 (NW) Former SL captain Marvan Atapattu has called for a complete social media ban for national cricketers, arguing that online distractions are affecting players’ focus and professionalism. Atapattu said cricketers representing the country should devote their full attention to training and performance, suggesting that staying away from social media — at least for some time — would help players regain focus and commitment. “If players feel they need social media, they should more..

Nov 3 (FT) SL’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) posted a mixed financial performance during the first half of 2025, with overall profits declining to Rs. 227.8 billion from Rs. 280.7 billion a year earlier. The fall was largely due to a sharp reversal in the CEB performance, which swung from a substantial profit to a loss following tariff reductions. These losses outweighed gains recorded by State banks & other profitable enterprises, more..

Nov 3 (DN) The right arm fast bowler Eshan Malinga has been recalled for both National ODI and T-20 squads for the forthcoming Pakistan tour while top order batsman Kamil Mishara and paceman Promod Madushan have been named for the ODI squad. Both squads are subject to approval from the Sports Minister. Mishara who was in the last Asia Cup T-20 series has been included in both squads with his batting performance and Nuwanidu Fernando couldn’t find a place in both squads due to more..

Nov 3 (FT) Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services (BV CPS) Lanka Ltd., part of Bureau Veritas, has been honoured with the prestigious Gold award under the Environment Friendly Private Institutions category at the Presidential Environment Awards 2025, demonstrating remarkable progress from their Silver award achievement last year. This represents a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental excellence and sustainable business practices. more..

Nov 3 (FT) SL Export Development Board (EDB), under its Women Entrepreneurship Development Program in collaboration with Verité Research, successfully conducted the training program on Leveraging Trade Data for Export Success on 21 Oct at the EDB Training Arena, Colombo. The program brought together 35 women-led exporters from diverse sectors, providing them with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of global trade dynamics, analyse market trends, more..

Nov 3 (FT) Sri Lanka participated in Beautyworld Middle East 2025, held from 27–29 October 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. With over 75,000 visitors and 2,400 exhibitors from around the world, the 29th edition of Beautyworld Middle East provided an ideal platform for Sri Lankan companies to engage with international buyers, explore potential export opportunities, and showcase their range of cosmetics, skincare, and herbal products. A group of SL companies participated more..

Nov 3 (SO) Sri Lanka can be a hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing in the region, if it could improve on quality and delivery of products, said a pharmaceutical industry expert and consultant last week. “Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical industry has the potential to be a hub for manufacturing pharmaceutical products in the region provided it works on quality and delivery which are key components to reach that goal,” said Kiran more..

Nov 3 (ST) One must confess to being a tad amused in the wake of India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Mr Ajit Doval proclaiming this Friday, clenched fists and all, that weak governance had led to regime change in Bangladesh, SL, Nepal and others. This was while hailing the governance model of his PM Narendra Modi in a speech delivered to mark the country’s National Unity Day, the Indian media exuberantly reported. The Indian National Security Advisor may possibly more..

Nov 3 (CT) The Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka are historically and strategically important regions that contribute significantly to the country’s economy, social development, and cultural heritage. Despite decades of conflict and disruption, these provinces possess immense potential due to their land resources, human capital, and emerging economic sectors. Northern Province: Comprises 5 districts — Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, and Vavuniya. more..

Nov 3 (Island) A woman has been arrested and remanded for driving dangerously and obstructing the police in Gampaha. She is alleged to have falsely claimed to be a Senior DIG’s sister. The matter is now before the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court, and therefore it is best left to the learned judge. False personation or claiming fictitious links to those in authority, and name-dropping are typical ruses traffic law violators often use to evade legal action. more..

Nov 3 (Island) When the geography of the south of SL is considered, one would have to be a total idiot or complete knave to propose building an oil refinery in Hambantota. Just watch what happens when the North East monsoon sets in with the pollution from India, which like a blanket of haze covers the lowlands. Has anybody looked at the consequences of setting up an oil refinery in Hambantota ? What will happen to the air quality of the southern lowlands? The Walawe River basin, more..