Sep 8 (DM) A SL legend is reportedly joining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of IPL 2025 as a mentor, a position vacant in the group. He was previously with Rajasthan Royals (RR) but might part ways with the franchise this season. According to a report, Kumar Sangakkara, who was serving as Director of Cricket at RR, might leave the franchise and join the three-time champions KKR. Previously, Gautam Gambhir held the position of mentor but is empty now with him joining the Indian team. more..

Sep 8 (EN) SL’s economy will fall if the debt restructuring process is started again on an alternative debt sustainability analysis (DSA) to the one that has already been prepared with the IMF, SJB MP Harsha de Silva said. NPP has proposed that external debt is restructured on an alternate DSA. “I am telling you, if you try to do that, the country will fall,” de Silva said. “There are no two words (dekak ne). It was I who first said to go the IMF in parliament in August 2020. more..

Sep 8 (ST) SL’s consumer market has faced significant challenges since 2023, with the supermarket sector proving to be relatively stable, bolstered by essential goods. Despite the ongoing economic difficulties, including fluctuating inflation and a sluggish overall economy, the supermarket sector saw modest growth in the second quarter of 2024. This growth was attributed to a gradual recovery in consumer spending, more..

Sep 8 (TM) Following the MoU entered into between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of SL and Capital Market Development Authority (CMDA) of the Maldives, around three listed Maldivian companies have expressed an interest in listing on the Colombo Stock Exchange’s (CSE) Multi-Currency Board. CSE CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike revealed that subsequent to the MoU signed between SEC and CMDA in late July, the CSE, together with Maldives Stock Exchange more..

Sep 8 (DM) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe today told the people in the North not to change their voting pattern. Prez Wickremesinghe was responding to the remark made by NPP candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake who, the other day had told the Northern people to follow the same pattern followed by the people in the South. "You voted for Sarah Fonseka in 2010 while people in the South voted for Mahinda Rajapaksa but nothing happened to you. You voted for Maithripala Sirisena in 2015 more..

Sep 8 (EN) SL’s remittances coming from its overseas expatriate workers gained 15.7% to $577.5 million in August 2024 compared to the same month last year, helped by more expatriates using the official banking channels. The total remittances also crossed $4 billion in the first eight months of 2024 through end August, the latest Central Bank data showed. The remittances in the first eight months gained 1% to $4.28 billion compared to $3.86 billion in the same period last year. more..

Sep 8 (EN) Local election monitors in SL have raised concerns over misuse of state resources by current Prez’s independent group during the campaign for prez election and urge the Election Commission to take decisive action to halt such violations and uphold the integrity of the election process. Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe is contesting as an independent candidate at the upcoming election in a broader coalition and the current ruling party has the control of most of the state institutions. more..

Sep 8 (ST) The flags that greet visitors to the South—Galle, Matara and Hambantota diastricts—are a reminder of the Sept 21 presidential election, even if the crowds are much less. The purple flag of the NPP, with a compass symbol in the middle, or the green and yellow flag of the SJB sway on poles from bare lands, abandoned houses, shops, and even garages. If the offices of these parties, formidable front runners, more..

Sep 8 (AD) The public debate of the presidential candidates contesting the 2024 Prez Election, organised by the March 12 movement was held this afternoon (07) at the BMICH. Presidential candidates SJB's Sajith Premadasa, SLPP's candidate Namal Rajapaksa, Sarvajana Balaya's Dilith Jayaweera and Tamil common candidate P. Ariyanethiran had confirmed their participation in the live prez debate, however, only entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera turned up for televised debate. more..

Sep 8 (DM) NPP Prez candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been advised to rest by his doctors after suffering from fever due to exhaustion. JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva told a rally that Dissanayake was unable to attend the rally as he is not well. "Anura is not well. He broke rest during the last few days and is exhausted. He is suffering from fever and it became worse this morning. So, his doctors have advised him to rest at least for a day. We decided to give him a rest today," more..

Sep 8 (ST) It is known that any serving prez, by virtue of his office, has some inherent advantage over rival candidates at a prez election. Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe is no exception. That includes significant inputs from different state intelligence arms about their perceived placement at the polls or matters related to their campaigns. Such contributions, one need hardly say, influence political and campaign strategies for a victory. more..

Sep 9 (DM) It wasn’t long ago when Sri Lankans developed a habit (by force rather than choice) to form long queues on the streets. This wasn’t to obtain a ticket for a cricket match – now that cricket has become an unpopular sport in the country – but to obtain basic necessities such as fuel and gas. People had to brave the rain and sunshine, sometimes for several days, awaiting their turn to pump fuel to their vehicles or purchase a gas cylinder. more..

Sep 9 (DM) ITAK MP M.A. Sumanthiran on Sunday announced that the Central Committee of his party had decided to support SJB leader Sajith Premadasa at the September 21 Presidential election. Although this seemed to be an important decision since the ITAK is considered to be the main political party representing the Tamils of Northern and Eastern Provinces and the single largest Tamil party among minorities, the impact of it depends on several key issues. more..

Sep 9 (DM) The ITAK regarded as the premier political party of the SL Tamils has declare its support for SJS leader Sajith Premadasa in the Prez election. Mathiya Seyal Kuzhu (Central Working Committee) of the party met on Sept 1st and resolved to support the leader of the opposition at the presidential poll. The ITAK known in English as the Federal Party (FP) also decided to oppose the Common Tamil Prez Candidate more..

Sep 9 (DM) Traditional marriage brokers are gradually fading from relevance as modern values and lifestyles shift away. Their disappearance has made way for a different type of intermediary — political marriage brokers. These figures operate in the realm of power and influence, connecting political factions through alliances with the objective of consolidating political strength. Recently, a senior MP resigned from her seat in protest, citing frustration over the refusal of more..

Sep 9 (CT) SL’s cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, is a treasure that must be valued and preserved. It is not just about ancient monuments, ruins and traditions; it is a living part of the nation’s identity. It represents our shared past, influences our present, and shapes a brighter future. Sadly, since the war, successive govts have failed to fully recognise the potential of using heritage in national development. Unfortunately, the 2024 prez candidates, judging by their manifestos, more..

Sep 9 (CT) Mathiaparanan Abraham Sumanthiran, MP, is a prominent Tamil political figure, who has been active in the political arena for over two decades. Known for his outspoken advocacy on minority issues, he has consistently called out the Govt, correcting their views on the Tamil people and all Sri Lankans. Sumanthiran has remained a key figure in SL politics for nearly 15 yrs. “I was born in Jaffna but studied in Colombo, unlike others more..

Sep 9 (TM) The political arena today is filled with promises about granting relief and transforming the people’s lives with salary hikes, jobs, decreased cost of living, and tax cuts. Almost every Prez candidate promises to provide relief, while the Prez claims that he can extend and expand the relief that he has already provided. As appealing as these promises sound, none have explained how they will fund their pledges. It also shows the sorry state of SL’s politics in the prevailing socio-economic climate. more..

Sep 9 (CT) In general, barring data analysis, the perception in the yester years had been that Muslims are the kingmakers at an election. Call it a fact or myth never mind, Gotabaya Rajapaksa the 8th Prez of SL proved it wrong. In his 2019 Prez election campaign, he triggered Sinhala Buddhist nationalism effectively harnessing the traditionally sacred relationship that exists between the rural Sinhala folks and the village temple. To this end certain monks and other racist elements more..

Sep 9 (FT) Home Lands Group of Companies proudly announces that the Group’s flagship apartment project, Waterdale Residencies, bordering Colombo 7, has recently been recognised as a BOI approved project for its high potential to foster economic development and attract foreign investment. Accordingly, a $ 61.56 million worth agreement came into effect between the Home Lands Group and the Board of Investment of SL (BOI). more..

Sep 9 (Island) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has torn into NPP presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake over a statement the latter made in the North recently. Claiming that the people of the South were mobilising in support of change, Dissanayake asked a Tamil audience in the North whether their northern counterparts wanted to be seen as the opponents thereof. Insisting that Dissanayake issued a veiled threat to the Tamil people, Prez Wickremesinghe has called for an apology. more..

Sep 9 (CI) Put yourself in the boots of a SL men's Test quick, and you might reflect the job's really not as glamorous as it could be. There are lorry loads of pride to swallow. At home, frontline spinners tend to look at you without perhaps the amount of respect you expect as the group of cricketers who most put their bodies on the line for the team. That's a nice job you did softening up the ball, machan. That channel outside off… more..

Sep 9 (ST) A new men’s doubles partnership between Buvaneka Goonethilake and Jason Homer is at the centre of a brewing controversy with Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) according to informed sources. Both players, despite impressive national and international achievements, have been denied the opportunity to compete in crucial overseas tournaments that could improve their world rankings. Goonethilake, a Triple Crown champion for three consecutive years, teamed up with Homer more..

Sep 9 (ST) When NPP candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake proclaimed unblushingly during election campaigning in the North a few days ago that his party is the only non-racist party and he is the only ‘non-racist’ candidate in the coming prez poll, that claim must be taken not only with a pinch but also a whole sack full of skeptical salt. Reams have, of course, been written about the peculiar Sinhala ethnic chauvinism (circa Bruce Mathews, 1989) of the NPP’s driving force, more..

Sep 9 (FT) Sterling Steels Ltd, a newly renamed entity emerging from the acquisition of BlueScope Lysaght Lanka Ltd by E.B. Creasy & Co, was officially launched at a grand event held at the ITC Ratnadipa recently. The event also witnessed the launch of Sterling Ultra, the company’s new flagship premium brand, which replaces Lysaght as the number one quality steel roofing solutions brand in SL. Sterling Steels will also proudly continue to serve as sole agent for Tata BlueScope more..

Sep 9 (DM) Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is at risk of a winter season collapse due to delays in reactivating the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, stakeholders warned this week. The ongoing visa issuance issues have caused significant setbacks to international visitors. On Friday, senior representatives of the industry told journalists that they, together with sector stakeholders, will take to streets if the govt does not implement SLT Mobitel-run ETA system, more..

Sep 9 (CI) In a match as changeable as the weather in south London, SL took control of the third and final Test against England on the third day at The Oval. After an abject performance on the opening day when their bowlers failed to capitalise in prime conditions upon winning the toss, SL had to watch Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett shine through the overhead gloom. Then, two incisive passages of swing bowling - on a dark 2nd day, more..

Sep 9 (FT) Former SJB MP Thalatha Athukorala, who recently resigned from her Parliamentary role, announced her support for independent Prez candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday. She joined Wickremesinghe at a rally in Welimada, marking her first appearance on his Prez campaign trail. At the rally, Athukorala expressed her confidence in Wickremesinghe’s victory on 21 Sept. She said, following his win, Wickremesinghe would focus on completing the remaining 50% of more..

Sep 9 (DM) The Central Bank has relaxed the mandatory export conversion period in the latest exports proceeds conversion rule which came into effect from 4 Nov. As per the new rules, the mandatory export conversion period has been extended to roughly a three-month period from an earlier one-month period. “By these rules, the period applicable for exporters of goods for mandatory conversion of residual of their export proceeds into SL Rupees has been extended up to the 10th more..

Sep 9 (FT) Tourism industry stakeholders yesterday voiced growing concerns over the lack of attention from key Prez candidates regarding the pressing issues facing the sector, particularly the ongoing visa crisis. The silence is especially puzzling, given that all four main candidates have highlighted the tourism industry as a key pillar in their election manifestos for economic recovery. “This makes us wonder if more..

Sep 9 (Island) Election Commission (EC) has ordered the police to use lethal force, if necessary, against anyone who might try to disrupt the prez election. EC directive grants the police authority to fire upon anyone engaged in disrupting the election. Police have also been ordered to arrest individuals involved in such activities as will undermine the integrity of the electoral process. The EC has said all those, including media personnel, who photograph polling stations & counting centres more..

Sep 9 (ST) Public sector employees who obtained long leave to travel abroad for work or other purposes will be considered to have vacated their post in the event they do not return to service after completing their leave or obtain an extension of leave, Ministry of Public Administration has decided. The move came after disclosures that some of the officials who had obtained leave under the special provisions granted in 2022 during the economic crisis period have not reported back to work. more..

Sep 9 (ST) Despite finalising debt restructuring agreements with official creditors and International Sovereign Bond (ISB) holders, the govt’s total debt marginally increased by 0.25% in the second quarter of 2024, according to the latest quarterly debt report of the Ministry of Finance. The report highlighted that the govt’s total debt reached Rs.100.65 billion by the end of June 2024, up from Rs.100.39 billion at the end of March 2024. This increase caught the attention of analysts, more..

Sep 9 (DM) Namal Rajapakse's (RW) English manifesto, spanning 11,809 words, appears to have been hastily prepared. It is poorly conceived, riddled with inconsistencies, lacking in specifics and heavily relies on invoking the legacy of his father, Mahinda Rajapakse (MR). It begins by highlighting the legacy of his father, portraying the period from 2005 to 2014 as the Golden Era of the country’s post-independence history. The narrative praises the Mahinda Chinthana vision, with its ambition more..

Sep 9 (TM) Bar Association of SL (BASL) President Kaushalya Nawaratne, PC has denied allegations of a new appointment to his position, asserting that he remains the BASL President. Nawaratne states that, according to the BASL Constitution, he can only be removed through a resolution by the Bar Council, which must be approved by a three-fourths majority of the entire membership. Nawaratne’s statement follows claims by BASL Secretary more..

Sep 9 (FT) Despite the shortfall in arrivals, SL’s tourism industry has managed to rake in over $ 2 billion in revenue during the first eight months of 2024. Tourism earnings from January to August registered over $ 2.16 billion, reflecting a substantial 66.1% year-on-year (YoY) increase, the latest Central Bank data release showed. The tourism earnings for the first eight months have now matched the total revenue generated for the entire yr of 2023, showcasing a yield improvement. more..