Nov 7 (ST) Following the series of travel advisories which raised concerns about future bookings, the SL tourism industry is confident of the return of normalcy. “There is actually no major situation as such. It was only a kind of advisory and we didn’t face any real threat. So subsequently everything is normal and there are no reported cancellations, no reported losses of tourism whatsoever,” said Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman, Budhdhika Hewawasam. more..

Nov 7 (FT) SL’s ambitious $ 16 billion export target for 2024 may face challenges as the Export Development Board (EDB) observes a slower-than-expected growth trajectory. “Exports in the first nine months of 2024 grew by 5.7% compared to the same period in 2023, achieving roughly 74% of the annual target. As global markets remain uncertain, EDB may shift its strategy, prioritising sectors with steady demand more..

Nov 7 (GV) The election of Anura Kumara Dissanayake as SL’s executive president has introduced a transformative environment into the country’s political landscape. His approach is marked by an emphasis on empathy, transparency and a coalition driven progressive agenda. It represents a significant departure from that of the political elite that dominated SL since its independence in 1948. His victory signals a rejection of dynastic politics, nepotism, corruption and more..

Nov 7 (FT) JAT Holdings PLC, said yesterday it demonstrated resilience in Q2 and the first half of FY 2024/25, continuing to deliver exceptional value to stakeholders. Its Profit After Tax (PAT) witnessed a 67% surge during the six months ended 30 Sept 2024, reaching Rs. 512 million, amid challenges in Bangladesh and Maldives. Meanwhile, revenue from the Group’s Sri Lanka operations grew by 8% to Rs. 3,287 million during the period. Gross profit margin increased by 2% reflecting more..

Nov 7 (Island) The NPP’s victory in the September prez election has catapulted the JVP to the limelight. An otherwise camera-shy JVP General Secretary, Tilvin Silva, faced an interview on the state-owned ITN on Tuesday night. What he came out with was usual campaign rhetoric, but there were some takeaways. Silva said the JVP-led NPP had succeeded in exposing its opponents’ propaganda lies. The SLPP, UNP, SJB, etc, had predicted a collapse of the economy and more..

Nov 7 (CT) The unfolding events at the National Hospital in Galle bring into sharp focus the grave importance of work ethics. In a country like ours, where healthcare is both a lifeline and a refuge for many, it is shocking to encounter such deeply unprofessional behaviour from a seasoned medical practitioner, an individual tasked with the well-being of cancer patients, who are among the most vulnerable. The reported incidents of abusive language, threats, and even attempted more..

Nov 7 (CT) The Braille Press, an institution under the Educational Publications Dept, is intended to play a pivotal role in the education of visually impaired students across the island. Its mission is simple yet vital to print and distribute textbooks in Braille for students from Grade 1 to Grade 11. These textbooks serve as lifelines for the education of visually impaired children, ensuring that they, like their sighted peers, more..

Nov 7 (DM) On the 14th of November, Lankans will go to the polls. Walking the streets of Colombo or the suburban cities, one hardly sees signs of the upcoming election. Perhaps it’s a sign of voter/political party fatigue, having just come out of a prez election where some of the candidates spent so much cash, that their supporters seem unwilling to bankroll them any longer. According to the Election Commission, Sajith Premadasa’s expenses were the highest during the 2024 Prez Election; more..

Nov 7 (TM) As investigations continue into the recent fatal bus accident involving a group of KDU Southern Campus undergraduates, investigators have revealed a disturbing fact about the circumstances under which the accident occurred. That is with regard to the bus driver’s eligibility to operate a bus. According to the information that has come to light, the driver does not have a valid driving licence at present. After his driving licence was suspended in August for driving under more..

Nov 7 (TM) In SL, three-wheeler drivers using ride hailing apps face growing problems from some traditional drivers who see them as a threat and worry that they will lose their income sources. Many app-based drivers attract both locals and tourists because of the ease and reliability of their service, but, this shift has stirred tension among traditional ones. Issues like parking-related disputes, harassment, and even threats more..

Nov 7 (DM) The period leading up to the current President’s assumption of power was characterised by a series of mass protests and agitations calling for a transformation in political culture, with citizens demanding a new and ethical political environment in the country. The Prez Election brought about a dramatic shift in the nation’s political landscape by installing a left-oriented leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake as Prez who promised to foster a new political culture. more..

Nov 7 (DM) Elankovan Chandrahasan, grandson of the founders of Federal Party or the ITAK S.J.V. Chelvanayakam and Dr. E.M.V. Naganathan, is contesting from the Jaffna district at the upcoming Parliamentary Elections for the first time while representing the ITAK. Inheriting a significant portion of Tamil political history, Elankovan’s paternal grandfather is Chelvanayakam while his maternal grandfather is Dr. Naganathan, two giants in the Tamil political journey in SL who co-founded more..

Nov 7 (DM) Former SJB representative and senior member of TPA Palani Digambaram, who commands a sizeable vote base among the estate community, is of the opinion that his party’s vote base is still intact despite the current political trend in SL. He said that at present, people have pushed traditional political parties aside. Digambaram said that estate communities are better informed than before and will not hold on to traditional party symbols and will not tolerate nepotism. more..

Nov 6 (DM) The medical unit established at the PM's office has been withdrawn and its staff and other equipment has been returned to the Health Ministry. PM's Secretary Pradeep Saputhantri handed over the documents and keys related to the return of medical officers, other staff, equipment and two ambulances to Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Maheepala. The medical unit was withdrawn as per the govt's policy decision to curtail unnecessary expenses and for these human & other more..

Nov 6 (AD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has congratulated the President-elect of the United States Donald Trump. Congratulating Trump, Prez Dissanayake said that he looks forward to engaging with the new US administration to realize common objectives that benefit the people of SL and the US. Posting on his official ‘X’ account, Dissanayake said: “Warm congratulations to Prez-elect Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump on receiving a strong endorsement as the 47th Prez of the US.” more..

Nov 6 (CI) Kusal Perera has been included in Sri Lanka ODI squad to play New Zealand, as has seamer Mohamed Shiraz. Kusal Perera has not played an ODI in almost a year, but has made this squad on the strength of his 55 not out in a T20I against West Indies. Shiraz, 29, has been an excellent domestic performer, taking 84 wickets at 18.75 in List A cricket, but has so far bowled only four overs in internationals. more..

Nov 6 (NW) The inaugural edition of the Lanka T10 Super League will be played in the iconic hill capital of Kandy. Accordingly, all games of the tournament will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, starting from 12th to 22nd December. The Lanka T10 Super League, which is the newest addition to Sri Lanka’s annual cricketing calendar, will feature the finest international stars alongside top Sri Lankan players, mixed with young and emerging stars. more..

Nov 6 (NW) The govt is of the opinion that the Online Safety Bill must be amended, Minister Vijitha Herath said. Minister said the govt will take measures to amend the said bill once a new Parliament is established. He further said a decision will be taken after holding the necessary discussions in this regard. Minister Herath also said that a decision will also be taken on whether the Online Safety Bill requires amendments or a new bill needs to be presented to Parliament. more..

Nov 6 (AD) Cabinet has decided to allow the use of the Galle Face Green for miscellaneous social activities. Earlier on 17 April 2023, Cabinet passed a resolution not to allow the utilization of the Galle Face Green, which is controlled under the management and administration of SL Ports Management & Consultancy Services, a company managed by Sri Lanka Port Authority, for activities other than religious activities. more..

Nov 6 (FT) Travel Agents Association of SL (TAASL) announced the election of its new leadership and Executive Council following its 49th AGM held recently in Jakarta, Indonesia. Yenesha Travels’ Shanaka Fernando was elected as the President of the Association for the term 2024/2025. Fernando highlighted TAASL’s enduring strength and shared his vision to transform challenges into opportunities for the association. A key priority during his tenure will be ensuring that more..

Nov 6 (CT) The launching ceremony of the nation’s first PhD by Publication programme, organised by the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, was held on 24 Oct at the Lotus Tower, Colombo. This forward-thinking doctoral pathway allows candidates to achieve their PhDs through a series of published works, fostering continuous engagement with academic and industry communities. The event was graced by the presence of Senior Professor Kapila Seneviratne, more..

Nov 6 (TM) SL Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) advised people not to engage with links or invites to conference calls by unknown parties in response to a rise in scams using WhatsApp. “A lot of these WhatsApp scams are sourced through links or zoom invites,” SLCERT Senior Information Engineer Charuka Damunupola, said. “Several people click on these links thinking that they are being invited to a website or a conference call, in turn leading to their more..

Nov 6 (TM) A suspect was arrested with a cache of weapons including an AK-47 type firearm, a pistol and ammunition during a special operation carried out by the STF in the Embilipitiya area on Monday (4). The operation was carried out according to information received from the Police Special Bureau. Accordingly, a suspect was arrested with an AK-47 assault rifle with one magazine and bullets, a nine millimetre pistol with one magazine and bullets, two swords and a dagger. more..

Nov 6 (DM) Four former senior Customs officials found guilty in connection with the largest-ever recorded bribe nabbed by the Bribery Commission, were sentenced today to 35 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo High Court. The Director General of the CIABOC filed indictments against former Assistant Customs Superintendent Upali Perera, Customs Superintendent Wasantha Wimalaweera, more..

Nov 6 (NW) Russian charter airline, Azur Air, has resumed seasonal flight operations to Sri Lanka for the 2024/2025 winter season. According to the AASL, the first flight arrived at the Katunayake Airport today with 332 passengers. The flight was welcomed by a celebratory water cannon salute upon arrival at the Katunayake Airport by the AASL and the passengers were warmly welcomed with a traditional Kandyan dance performance organized by Sri Lanka Tourism. more..

Nov 6 (EN) Cabinet of Ministers has approved the construction of 1,996 low-income housing units, or flats, with money provided by the Chinese govt. Bids have been invited from 8 bidders nominated by the Chinese govt to implement the project. “The Chinese govt is funding it, and the construction will be granted to Chinese contractors,” Minister Vijitha Herath told reporters. “We will only be providing the land.” The contract for construction of 575 housing units at Moratuwa more..

Nov 6 (Reuters) Donald Trump was elected president, capping a remarkable comeback four years after he was voted out of the White House and ushering in a new American leadership likely to test democratic institutions at home and relations abroad. Trump, 78, recaptured the White House on Wednesday by securing more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency, following a campaign of dark more..

Nov 6 (DM) The govt will not change the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA), Minister Vijitha Herath said today. He said that any Act with regard to Islam or Buddhism will be amended only after consulting the respective religious leaders. Minister said the govt has not taken any decision to change the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act and no decision will be taken to that effect. "No need has arisen to change the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act at this juncture either," he said. more..

Nov 6 (AD) Three individuals, including the wife of a wealthy businessman, have been arrested in connection with the murder of the owner of Kempitiya Walawwa in Kegalle. The victim was found tied up and strangled to death on Oct 27. Later, police found his wife who had also been tied up. According to police, the murder was carried out with the intent to robbing cash and gold jewellery from the house however, they had only managed to steal Rs. 10,000 in cash & victim’s gold ring. more..

Nov 6 (EN) Sri Lanka’s new govt is compelled to continue the same fuel price formula implemented under the previous govt, Cabinet Spokesman Vijitha Herath said, backtracking from the earlier stance. When the fuel prices were reduced last month, Herath said the fuel price formula was not used to compile the prices. “We are compelled to go with the price formula due to previous agreements,” Hearth said on Wednesday. “So now we are going ahead with the price formula.” more..

Nov 6 (AD) Former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has been named as a respondent of the writ petition filed with the Court of Appeal challenging the previous govt’s decision to purchase passports from two foreign companies. Wickremesinghe has been named as a respondent of the relevant writ petition filed by Epic Lanka Pvt Ltd, through a motion submitted by the petitioning party, when the petition was taken up before the two-member Appeals Court judge bench comprising Justices more..

Nov 6 (NW) Doctor Shafi Sihabdeen of the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, who was acquitted of all charges linked to his arrest and detention in 2019, says he will initiate legal action against those responsible for making false allegations against him for political propaganda. Dr. Shafi Sihabdeen said his family had severely suffered due to the incident and trial that took place for over 5 years. Extending his gratitude to lawyers, more..