Oct 2 (FT) The DCS recently announced that SL’s economy has grown by 4.2% in the second quarter of 2026. Whilst this may be below the desired 5% GDP growth mark, SL's economic recovery since the crisis of 2022 is one of the most significant turnarounds in the country's recent history. In 2026, we see that Inflation is at a moderate eight percent, foreign reserves have strengthened at seven billion dollars, remittances have picked up depicting a twenty percent growth tourism has rebounded but more..

Oct 2 (FT) Across the country, children will be on stages, in classrooms, at events, in photographs and on social media. There will be art exhibitions, concerts, celebrations, gifts, ice cream, special offers, colourful campaigns and beautiful messages about children. And there is nothing wrong with celebrating children. Children deserve joy. They deserve celebration. They deserve to laugh, play, sing and simply be children. But child protection is something very different. more..

Oct 2 (TM) An internal investigation by the Police Special Investigation Unit has found that Senior DIG Ranmal Kodithuwakku and several other officers allegedly failed to take appropriate action after receiving information about a consignment of narcotics inside containers at the Colombo Port. The findings were revealed following an internal inquiry conducted on the orders of the IGP into the seizure of a large consignment of more..

Oct 2 (TM) Amid reports that the number of schools has fallen by about 200 since the NPP Govt came to power, Education Ministry stated that school closures are part of a general process carried out under Provincial structural circulars and are not being implemented under any special programme. Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that there are provisions in the structural circulars for schools to be closed for various reasons, including a decline in student numbers and the failure to enroll more..

Oct 2 (EN) Sri Lanka’s economic growth is likely to slow down this year compared to the last two years amid Middle Eastern escalation dragging down the island nation’s economic activities with high fuel prices. Sri Lanka, recovering from an unprecedented economic crisis in 2022, expanded by 5% in both 2023 and 2024 after a contraction in the previous year. However, it is expected to slow down this year weighed down by the impact of the Middle Eastern crisis. more..

Oct 2 (AD) Around 20 Iranian and Iran-linked oil tankers are reportedly stranded approximately 15 miles off SL’s southwestern coast, with some vessels facing shortages of food, fuel and fresh water. The vessels are part of a wider group of Iranian-linked tankers that had been involved in transporting sanctioned Iranian crude, primarily to China. US govt has intensified pressure on countries and companies that provide services to more..

Oct 2 (FT) Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $ 100 million results-based loan to help Sri Lanka transform its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system, equip more young people with industry-relevant skills, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness and inclusive growth. Skills Development System Transformation Program will support the Govt’s efforts in improving the quality and relevance of skills training, strengthening links more..

Oct 2 (DM) Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said 17,506 Govt Analyst reports related to drug cases had been issued during August and September as part of measures to reduce overcrowding in prisons. Speaking today (1) at the establishment of an integrated mechanism at the Kuruwita Prison, Minister said 9,061 drug-related reports were issued in August and a further 8,445 in September. He said steps had been taken to expedite the issuance of Govt Analyst reports and amend more..

Oct 2 (AD) The younger brother of organised criminal figure Loku Patty has been shot and killed in the Welikanda area of Ahungalla. He had reportedly been seriously injured in the shooting and was admitted to the Balapitiya Hospital before later succumbing to his injuries. The shooting was carried out by an unidentified gunman using a 9mm pistol at around 8:10 p.m. today (1). The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Sugath Nuwan Kumara de Silva, officials said. more..

Oct 2 (AD) PM Harini Amarasuriya stated that ensuring children’s emotional security, mental well-being and self-confidence is important in the face of the modern social and technological challenges confronting childhood, and that the Govt has accorded priority to this area. PM made these remarks today (1) while participating in the National Children’s Day Celebration organised by Dept of Probation and Child Care Services under the guidance of Ministry of Women more..

Oct 2 (NW) The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) says the latest increase in domestic fuel prices was mainly driven by a sharp rise in global petroleum prices, with the corporation continuing to absorb part of the cost of several fuel products. CPC Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna said global fuel prices had risen significantly compared with February, which is being used as the base month for the comparison. more..

Oct 2 (NW) News1st cameraman Charith Niyomal has denied allegations that he assaulted a security officer attached to former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe outside the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court, insisting that he did not deliberately strike the officer. Speaking about the incident after being released on police bail, Niyomal said he had been working as a cameraman for more than 15 years and had covered Wickremesinghe on numerous occasions. more..

Oct 2 (TM) A small fish that vanished from SL’s scientific records for nearly 90 years has been found again in the Jaffna Peninsula, giving researchers a rare opportunity to connect a historical record from 1936 with a living population in Northern Sri Lanka. The fish, identified as the Yellow-stripe Goby (Mugilogobius chulae), was recently recorded at Karainagar on the Karaitivu Island during a survey of aquatic habitats in the North. Its discovery is particularly significant because more..

Oct 2 (EN) SL Customs exceeded its monthly target for the ninth consecutive month in September, achieving the target before the month ended. Customs’ September revenue target was set at 195.6 billion rupees. However, in the first 29 days of the month, the revenue-collecting body had already collected 245.9 billion rupees, exceeding the target. Customs has set a revenue target of 2,207 billion rupees for this year, 13.5% less than last year as it originally expected a significant decline more..

Oct 2 (NW) A delegation of 28 minority youths from diverse backgrounds across SL participated in a five day training programme on Innovative Leadership for Organization Growth and Excellence (ILOGE) at NIESBUD in Noida, as part of an initiative offering 700 customized slots annually for SL professionals. The training, held from Sept 21 to 25 aligns with the announcement made by PM Narendra Modi during his State Visit to SL in April 2025 to strengthen capacity building and skills development. more..

Oct 2 (NW) ICC has announced the schedule for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. Tournament begins on 2 Oct with the commencement of the 3-team Super Series in Windhoek, which will decide the final Group Stage team. The 12 remaining teams at the tournament will be split into two groups of six. Group stage action begins on 7 Oct in Cape Town with a repeat of the 2023 Final as defending champions Australia take on India. more..

Oct 2 (DN) The Sri Lankan Pavilion at Hotel Asia 2026, held in Hulhumalé, Maldives, was officially opened with the participation of Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassan, highlighting the growing importance of trade and business ties between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. High Commissioner Hassan joined Sanjeewa, President of the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council, in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to mark the opening of the pavilion. more..

Oct 2 (Island) Commercial Bank of Ceylon recently handed over Wards No. 03 and 04 of the De Soysa Hospital for Women, after the completion of a comprehensive renovation project launched in March this year to mark International Women’s Day. Wards 03 and 04 handle a substantial share of the hospital’s patient load, and account for approximately 2,500 to 3,000 deliveries and 4,000 to 5,000 admissions annually. Their refurbishment was designed to significantly enhance more..

Oct 2 (FT) US State Department has toned down its assessment of the ruling NPP, but not of Sri Lanka’s investment climate. A Daily FT comparison of the Dept’s 2025 and 2026 Investment Climate Statements shows it has dropped all reference to the NPP leadership’s ideology. Its verdict that the climate remains challenging, and much of the criticism behind it, is repeated word for word. Last year’s statement said more..

Oct 2 (TM) By implementing a unified ocean accounting framework whereby aquaculture yields, mangrove extent, port infrastructure economic inflows will be recorded, Sri Lanka would be able to introduce credible ocean statistics alongside its GDP and other economic metrics, IUCN SL Country Representative Dr Shamen Vidanage said, speaking on a webinar recently. “By recording both ocean stocks, such as fish stocks, mangrove extent and port infrastructure and economic flows, more..

Oct 2 (CB) The ICC has introduced a trial allowing pink balls to be used in daytime Test matches, among a series of changes to the Playing Conditions that come into effect for international series beginning on Oct 1. The pink-ball provision, as previously reported, is aimed at reducing the loss of playing time due to bad light. Its use will require mutual agreement between the two teams before the start of the Test and, once agreed, the ball colour cannot be changed during the match. more..

Oct 2 (DM) Akram Cassim was re-elected as President of the SL Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) for a third term, at the association’s AGM held this week. AGM also elected a new board representing a strong mix of youth and experience, bringing together the members from across the gem, jewellery and lapidary sectors and from key gem and jewellery regions of SL. Joining Cassim in the new leadership team are Shezan Mansoor as Vice Prez and COO, Shezard Careem as Head of more..

Oct 2 (FT) Sri Lanka’s tourism industry in September came just 414 visitors shy of its highest-ever arrivals for the month last year, with a late surge in Indians providing fresh momentum ahead of the crucial winter season despite the sector remaining behind 2025’s pace and well short of its original 2026 target. Sri Lanka welcomed 158,557 tourists in September, falling just short of the Sept 2025 record of 158,971 and registering a marginal 0.26% year-on-year (YoY) decline. more..

Oct 2 (FT) Colombo West Int'l Terminal (CWIT) on Wednesday celebrated a double milestone – the commissioning of its second phase and handling of more than 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Phase 2 doubles the Terminal’s handling capacity to 3.2 million TEUs from 1.6 million. PM Harini Amarasuriya was the Chief Guest at the grand celebrations, along with CWIT investors Adani Ports and SEZ CEO Ashwani more..

Oct 2 (Island) It was with a great sense of sadness that I received the news about the death of Ananda Ganegoda at the age of 80 years; the last of the famous industrialist Ganegoda brothers to depart. Ananada was a businessman par excellence but he ought to be remembered specially for his outstanding contribution to popularising Sinhala music by founding the music label Singlanka in 1980. Unfortunately, I lost touch with him, having seen him only once since I left SL in 1988. more..

Oct 2 (Island) An inquiry conducted by the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) into some allegations concerning the circumstances that surrounded the 31 Aug drug detection at the Colombo Port has revealed that there may have been dereliction of duty on the part of Senior DIG Ranmal Kodituwakku and several other officers. The plot thickens. Acting on information reportedly received from US Drug Enforcement Administration, Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) more..

Oct 2 (GV) In the early hours of Sept 27, over 20 SL police officers, including Jaffna’s Officer in Charge, arrived at the Nallur memorial to Lt. Col. Thileepan and swiftly removed the statue. The bronze figure had been unveiled on Sept 15 to mark 39 years since Thileepan began the fast that ended in his death. It was taken down just one day after hundreds of Tamils gathered at the site to remember him. The memorial stands where Thileepan began his hunger strike in 1987, more..

Oct 2 (TM) When the Prez rises in Parliament on 12 Nov, to present the 2027 Budget, he will be speaking to two audiences. One is the chamber. The other is the family that has spent the past few years trimming expenses and doing sums at the kitchen table. Formal process begins on 7 Oct with the first reading of the Appropriation Bill, and the outline of the numbers is already visible. Bill authorises service expenditure of Rs 4.99 trillion and caps net Govt borrowing at Rs 3.8 trillion for 2027. more..

Oct 2 (DN) CPC is set to launch its new Jet A-1 aviation fuel storage complex and dedicated pipeline project on 2 October, establishing a direct and dedicated fuel-supply connection between Muthurajawela and BIA. The project marks a significant investment in SL’s petroleum and aviation infrastructure, bringing together large-scale aviation-fuel storage, a dedicated underground pipeline and modern monitoring and safety systems more..

Oct 2 (DM) Accountability has been a buzz word for many lawmakers that SL produced. It had been a promise that was rarely fulfilled on the political stage. This is why people rejected corrupt leaders and their associates. People rejected political nepotism, dynastic politics and demanded transparency and accountability. SL has surpassed turbulent periods in history. From insurrections to a prolonged armed conflict, and unfortunate events such as the Easter Sunday attacks and the economic crisis, more..

Oct 2 (DM) Every child has the right to grow up healthy, safe, loved and respected. Children have the right to learn, play, dream and express their views. Yet, millions continue to face poverty, conflict, violence, displacement, malnutrition and unequal access to education and healthcare. This year, Universal Children’s Day observed in SL on Oct 1 carries the message My Day. My Rights. My Future. The theme calls on children to speak about their lives, rights and aspirations, while urging more..

Oct 2 (DM) Road traffic accidents are now being described as a man-made disaster. According to the Sri Lanka Medical Association’s (SLMA) expert committee on road accidents, over 2500 fatal accidents were recorded in 2025 resulting in over 2700 deaths. Medical experts have identified various causes ranging from defects in road infrastructure to lack of adequate rest among drivers and ignoring safety practices such as wearing helmets. more..