Nov 1 (TM) SL’s 2024 Population and Housing Census shows that females once again make up the majority of the population, a trend first recorded in 2001. The national sex ratio has declined from 93.8 males per 100 females in 2012 to 93.3 in 2024, indicating a continued female surplus. The Urban sector now reports the highest proportion of females, while the male population has decreased in both urban and rural areas, with a slight rise in the estate sector. Census data also reveal that more..

Nov 1 (CT) Around 2,200 employees, including engineers, accountants, and technical officers, have applied for voluntary retirement under the CEB restructuring programme. CEB had offered employees, who are unwilling to be assigned to newly-formed companies under the restructuring process, the option to retire voluntarily. Among those who have applied are 78 engineers, 18 accountants, and a large number of technical officers, more..

Nov 1 (NW) PM and Minister of Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says India is working to provide necessary training for SL teachers, while the upcoming education reforms will create new opportunities for creative educators. She made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the new multi-ethnic trilingual school building in Gallella, Polonnaruwa, constructed with the assistance of the Govt of India. PM said SL takes pride in being a nation where people of different religions, more..

Nov 1 (DN) Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa urged Sri Lankan specialist doctors currently practicing abroad to return and rejoin the public service in the country. The Minister made this appeal while speaking at a gathering of doctors organized by the SL High Commission in the UK during his official UK visit. Dr. Jayatissa highlighted the severe shortage of specialist doctors in Sri Lanka, stressing that the contributions of locally trained specialists are vital at this moment. more..

Nov 1 (ST) Many sectors are expecting tax relief, incentives, and salary anomalies to be sorted, while others want infrastructure improvement from the upcoming budget. Educators, state workers, private sector employees, importers, transport services providers, farmers, and industrialists are among those hoping for relief. There are greater expectations of more relief in an environment of reduced corruption and more..

Nov 2 (SO) I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones is a memorable quote attributed to Albert Einstein. What this means is clear – a World War III, possibly waged with nuclear weapons, will be an Extinction Level Event (ELE) that will wipe out most of humanity. Survivors, if any, will literally be back in the Stone Age, living through a Nuclear Winter. This is summed up by the unsaid doctrine of nuclear war more..

Nov 2 (TM) As the nation waits in cautious anticipation for the presentation of Budget 2026 on Friday (7), few in Sri Lanka are holding their breath. The President, in his dual capacity as Head of State and Minister of Finance, has already declared that there will be no major changes in economic policy or taxation. That assurance, though seemingly intended to calm jittery markets and temper speculation typical of the pre-budget season, has been interpreted quite differently by more..

Nov 2 (TM) It will be a decisive week ahead for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his JVP-led NPP Govet as the annual Budget for 2026 will be presented come Friday. The upcoming 2026 Budget, which will be presented in Parliament by AKD in his capacity as Finance Minister, will be a make-or-break situation regarding SL’s ailing economy that needs moving towards a growth trajectory from stability following more..

Nov 2 (GV) Over the past two years, SL’s legislative landscape has become a testing ground for the future of free expression. Freedom of expression has always been a fragile promise in Sri Lanka’s democracy, a right often celebrated in principle and constrained in practice. Yet in recent times this fragility has deepened into what can only be described as a structural transformation of speech. A new generation of laws and legislative proposals, introduced in the language of safety, more..

Nov 2 (CT) When Lonely Planet named Jaffna the second-best destination in the world for 2026, it wasn’t a surprise to anyone who has walked along the city’s sun-drenched causeways or shared a crab curry under the shadow of the historic fort. For decades, Jaffna has been a hidden gem — quietly rebuilding, rediscovering, and revealing a side of Sri Lanka that is both ancient and refreshingly new. But if Sri Lanka wants Jaffna to become the No. 1 travel destination in the world next year, more..

Nov 2 (ST) The theft at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, gained worldwide attention, and some of those involved were nabbed by the police in next to no time. Compare this to the breaking-in at the Colombo National Museum 12 years ago where the question of who was involved still remains in limbo. In the latest audit report of the financial statements of the Dept of National Museums for the year ending Dec31, 2024, more..

Nov 2 (Island) The economic and social crises of 2022 marked a turning point in SL’s modern history. They forced the nation to confront an uncomfortable truth: our constitutional framework—designed to centralise political power—has long contributed to national decline. Out of that turmoil emerged a renewed call for genuine constitutional reform—a demand for a fair, people-centred system built on peace, prosperity, and zero tolerance for corruption. The current govt was elected on this mandate more..

Nov 2 (SO) As Sri Lanka stands on the cusp of presenting its Budget 2026 on Nov 7, 2025, the nation grapples with a delicate balancing act. Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s NPP Govt, elected in Nov 2024 with a landslide mandate, inherits an economy rebounding from the 2022 economic crisis but burdened by IMF austerity, slowing growth, and grassroots hardships. Budget 2026, themed around transitioning from stability to growth, promises Rs. 3 trillion in borrowing without major new taxes, more..

Nov 2 (Island) The govt has decided to establish four more high courts, which will be located in four houses formerly used as official residences of ministers, in Colombo 07, according to media reports. There is a need for more well-equipped courts, given the inordinate law’s delays and the colossal backlog of cases that need to be cleared. There have been instances where some court cases dragged on for decades. Athauda Seneviratne, who served as a Minister of Justice, once revealed more..

Nov 2 (TM) After a month of action and 30 fierce contests, it all boils down to the biggest one of all: the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (WC) final at Navi Mumbai’s 45,300-capacity D.Y. Patil Stadium. Tournament hosts India take on first-time finalists South Africa in a blockbuster clash, with a new world champion set to be crowned. A sensational five-wicket victory over defending champions Australia guided India to the final, while South Africa overpowered England to reach summit more..

Nov 2 (TM) The Govt has permitted Letters of Credit (LCs) worth close to $ 1.8 billion to be opened during the year so far for the import of vehicles, according to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security. Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardana stated that despite the Govt permitting the opening of LCs up to an extent of around $ 1.8 billion, only around $ 1.2 billion worth of vehicles had been imported so far. more..

Nov 2 (DM) Despite attracting large crowds at Dehiwala Zoo and Pinnawala Zoo, a recent audit has highlighted serious challenges affecting visitor experience at the Ridiyagama Safari Park, SL’s only safari park, and the nearby Pinnawala Zoo due to the limited variety of animals and lack of an attractive environment. For the year ending Dec 31, 2024, Dehiwala Zoo welcomed 1,023,091 visitors in 2024, while the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage recorded 650,013 tourists. more..

Nov 2 (ST) When Dr. Harshan Lamabadusuriya laid down the word bacterize on the scrabble board in London last weekend, he knew it was special. Not only did it bring him 118 points, but it also marked the moment a long, quiet journey reached its destination. “It was one of those moments of inspiration,” he said. “I was trailing by, and then suddenly I saw it.” That decisive move crowned him the winner of the UK National Scrabble C'ship 2025, a title he first won 22 yrs ago. more..

Nov 2 (EN) SL’s energy minister Kumara Jayakody said the country cannot have cheap energy if the CEB is pressured to buy power at high prices from private parties and households, amid calls to raise prices paid for solar power. “On one side you are question us why we are not bringing down electricity bills,” Minister Jayakody told parliament. “On the other side you are asking why renewable prices are being brought down. In no world can that type of business be operated. more..

Nov 2 (SO) With the economy staying largely on course for recovery from the 2022 debacle, JVP/NPP Govt is negotiating the final week before the Budget with different sectors making strong demands for a larger slice of the limited economic pie. The ruling party hierarchy has not given a straight answer to their ideological shift from being an ultra-Left party in Opposition to what many see them now – in govt – as a social-democratic party. They have not fully discarded their red shirts more..

Nov 2 (SO) She came, she captured and she conquered. That in essence symbolises the success story of Fathima Shafiya Yamick – SL’s golden girl and the fastest female athlete in South Asia. The 26-year-old former schoolgirl from Viharamahadevi Girls’ College, Kandy and now attached to the Army, delivered a spectacular performance to complete a triple gold at the South Asian Senior Athletics C'ships in India. more..

Nov 2 (DM) In the wake of controversy surrounding the security of opposition MPS in Parliament, IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya has informed the Opposition MPs that the matter involving their security will be referred to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Public Security Minister for further action. The matter concerning the security of opposition MPS was discussed during a meeting convened by Speaker Jagath Wickramarante, and attended by the IGP, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa more..

Nov 2 (AD) Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath says that steps will be taken to amend the Tourism Act in order to achieve rapid growth in the tourism industry. He stated that the incumbent govt has a long-term plan and goal to develop the country’s tourism industry. He also said that a joint structure of all institutions is needed to develop the tourism industry and that a National Tourism Commission is expected to be established for this purpose. more..

Nov 2 (TM) The Govt has announced a new policy aimed at strengthening accountability in the country’s agricultural subsidy programme, introducing penalties for farmers who receive advance fertiliser payments but fail to cultivate their land. The measure, according to Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne, is intended to curb misuse of public funds and ensure that the State’s financial assistance directly supports active more..

Nov 2 (EN) Sri Lanka’s construction sector expanded in September, registering a value of 67.6 on a Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the central bank. This was “the strongest increase in activity observed since late 2021,” the central bank said. “Survey respondents reported that nearly all types of construction projects are now becoming available, with road rehabilitation projects in particular, driving a further increase in the New Orders index in September.” more..

Nov 2 (DM) Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, General Secretary of the BBS, stated that Muslim women should be allowed to access health services while wearing the hijab, but opposed the wearing of the niqab and burqa. Thera said that as Sinhalese nationals, it is wrong to oppose the hijab, which allows women to be identified, but garments covering the entire face, such as the niqab and burqa, should be discouraged. He explained that while the hijab does not conceal identity, more..

Nov 2 (SO) Northern and Eastern regions are in the limelight following many years of turmoil due to a three-decade war that ravaged the regions completely. Many entrepreneurs from both regions determined to go global and position their products in the international market are in the fray at this year’s Presidential Export Awards held for the 17th time on Dec 11 at the BMICH. “We have seen keen interest and increase in the number of entrepreneurs small, medium and large in N&E competing more..

Nov 2 (Island) The East India Holdings, parent company of International Distillers Ltd, announced its partnership with The Management Club to support the Northern Economic Summit 2026, scheduled for January in Jaffna. Janek Jayasekara, CEO of International Distillers Limited, outlined the conglomerate’s vision for the North, emphasizing that the initiative transcends conventional corporate sponsorship to reflect a deeper commitment to balanced national progress. more..

Nov 2 (Island) More than 1,500 schools across SL have been earmarked for closure under proposed education reforms, sparking outrage among the trade unions of teachers and principals. The move, which, unions claim, is being carried out at the behest of the IMF, has drawn widespread opposition from educators, parents, and students. According to the Teachers and Principals Trade Union Alliance, a total of 1,508 schools, more..

Nov 2 (ST) Many shop owners claimed that they would continue handing out polythene bags to shoppers free of charge despite the special directive calling for charges to be applied to them starting yesterday. “How can I charge someone five rupees for a bag?” questioned Anura, a shop owner at the Kollupitiya market. “It’s good if they can ban shopping bags once and for all, but we need to have an alternative. But I can’t charge my customers five rupees for a bag” he said. more..

Nov 2 (ST) Police officers are to receive a cash allowance to purchase their own uniforms and boots, following the govt’s decision to cancel the problematic tenders for their supply, Minister Ananda Wijepala said. He said the decision was made to ensure that officers receive the necessary attire without further delay, as the procurement process had been stalled due to irregularities and administrative concerns. “The police officers have not received their shoes and their issuance more..

Nov 2 (AD) A significant increase in total govt revenue excluding grants has been recorded during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period of 2024. The report shows that the total government revenue excluding grants in the first half of 2025 has increased to Rs. 2,321.7 billion, reflecting a growth of 24.8%, compared to Rs. 1,860.6 billion reported in the same period of 2024. Tax revenue has made the largest contribution to the increase in state revenue. Accordingly, tax revenue more..

Nov 2 (SO) The Training of Trainers (ToT) program conducted by the National Institute of Education (NIE) to prepare schools for Education Reforms 2026 has been completed, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Seneviratne said yesterday. The initiative, a key step in implementing the reforms, was designed to equip senior educators and master trainers with the skills to guide classroom teachers in adopting the new activity-based, modular learning system. more..

Nov 2 (TM) Sinopec oil refinery project, which marks the largest-ever Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Sri Lanka’s history, is finally in its last stages, with the final agreements between the Chinese State-owned energy giant and the Board of Investment (BOI) now being finalised. Once these agreements are signed, construction on the multibillion-dollar oil refinery in Hambantota is expected to begin. more..

Nov 2 (NW) The owner of a foreign employment agency in Maharagama has been remanded until November 14 over allegations of defrauding more than Rs. 740 million from job seekers by promising employment opportunities in Romania. The CID told the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court that around 470 complaints had been lodged with the SLBFE against the suspect agency. The bureau had later referred the complaints to the CID for investigation. The suspect, who surrendered to court through more..

Nov 2 (ST) Twenty officers of the Judicial Service Commission including a High Court judge, magistrates and district judges have been removed from their duties. Of these seven have had their services terminated while the others have been interdicted or sent on compulsory retirement. The HC judge in question is facing an inquiry before Supreme Court Justice Janaka de Silva. The termination of duties has been done following inquiries held into public complaints more..