Nov 12 (Island) A video that went viral yesterday captured a tense standoff between former Minister Harin Fernando and the police in Bandarawela. Fernando, who was campaigning with his supporters, was seen wearing T-shirts resembling the jersey of international footballer Lionel Messi, emblazoned with the football legend’s number, which is the same as the one assigned to Fernando by the Election Commission.” The police, along with officials from the Election Commission, more..

Nov 12 (AD) Colombo Additional Magistrate has ordered the Inland Revenue Dept (IRD) today (11) to expedite its investigations into actress Piumi Hansamali and Aura Lanka Chairman Viranjith Thambugala. The directive came as the case filed by the IRD under Section 190 of the Inland Revenue Act was brought before the court. The investigation seeks to determine if any offenses under section 190 of the Inland Revenue Act were committed by the two individuals in question. more..

Nov 12 (FT) SJB Colombo district candidate S.M. Marikkar has sharply criticised the current NPP Govt’s handling of the country’s economy and its failure to meet the promises made to the public. Marikkar argued that the Govt’s current path would prevent foreign investors from coming to SL, hinder production, and restrict the growth of exports. He warned that continued borrowing could lead to higher inflation, rising commodity prices, and escalating fuel costs in the coming year. more..

Nov 12 (FT) In the latest polling by the IHP SL Opinion Tracker Survey (SLOTS) conducted from August to November, 74% of Sri Lankans named the economy as their top concern. Inflation (44%) and jobs/unemployment (40%) followed closely. The SLOTS poll asks respondents to name the top two problems facing the country, with responses being unprompted. Corruption and high taxes were also cited as priority issues by more..

Nov 12 (DN) The Board of Investment (BOI) will encourage low-carbon emission, environment-friendly Industries aiming to protect the environment, said BOI Director General (DG) Renuka M. Weerakoone. The BOI will provide knowledge and training to professionals to build low-carbon, environment-friendly Industries in the future and for the Factories currently in operation, into environment-friendly, green Industries. This was revealed at the presentation of Research more..

Nov 12 (Island) 35th November Heroes’ Commemoration of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) was held yesterday at the New Town Hall in Colombo. The General Secretary of the FSP, Kumar Gunaratnam said the event marked the anniversary of the massacre of an entire generation who yearned for justice. “Over 60,000 comrades, including Rohana Wijeweera and Upatissa Gamanayake, were killed. They all represented the political vision of the JVP, the main political party of more..

Nov 12 (DM) Sri Lanka is expected to rank among the world’s fastest-growing travel destinations in 2025, with tourism spending forecasted to increase by 40 percent, according to the 2024 WTM Global Travel Report, published in partnership with Tourism Economics. The report positions SL as Asia’s leading destination for tourism spending growth next year, followed by Laos, at 30% and Cambodia, at 29%. “The slower travel recovery of China is weighing on the regional outlook in Asia. more..

Nov 12 (DM) Policy consistency is key to achieving US $ 8 billion in apparel exports next year, up from an estimated US $ 5 billion in 2024, according to Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF). The industry body cited inconsistent govt policies as a primary reason SL has fallen behind latecomers such as Cambodia in apparel exports. JAAF noted that largely due to inconsistent policies, SL has not attracted any large-scale foreign direct investment in the apparel sector since the late 1990s. more..

Nov 12 (Island) Former Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said Sri Lanka had no political prisoners. The ex-MP was responding to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s declaration in Vavuniya and Jaffna that Tamil political prisoners would be released in consultation with the Attorney General. This assurance was given during the NPP’s election campaign. Rajapakshe said that the UNHRC and those who couldn’t stomach more..

Nov 12 (DN) SL 'A' were restricted to 115 in their first innings while Pakistan A were 66 for 2 wickets at close of the first day on their four day cricket game played at Rawalpindi Stadium Pakistan yesterday. SL ‘A’ invited to bat first and 14 for 4 wickets at one stage. Skipper Pasindu Sooriyabandara (28 in 40 balls) and Sonal Dinusha (30 in 66 balls) made useful contributions. Paceman Khurram Shahzad 4 for 32 and leg spinner Kashif Ali 5 for 31 took bowling honours for host Pakistan ‘A’ team. more..

Nov 12 (DN) The paceman Lockie Ferguson took a hat trick and that was the turning point of this second T -20 against NZ said SL skipper Charith Asalanka after the game at Dambulla Stadium. Especially batsmaen including myself are responsible for the defeat.The three left handers Kusal Janith, Kamindu Mendis and myself got out in hree consecutive balls bowled by Ferguson and three left handers from our top order were back in the pavilion and finally we couldn’t get 108 runs added Asalanka. more..

Nov 12 (ST) In preparation for the Sri Lankan parliamentary elections on Thursday, international election observation groups ANFREL, FEMBoSA, and the European Union have announced their readiness to monitor the polls. These groups, which also observed the recent presidential election, will begin their mission on November 11, with smaller numbers however. However, the Commonwealth has announced more..

Nov 12 (ST) When the NPP Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake thunders from the political platform on the cusp of an uninspiring general election that hence-forth, ex-SL Presidents must make an application to be granted a residential house, is he confusing himself in thinking that he is the supreme fount of power to grant these privileges? Certainly there is tremendous public revulsion towards ex-Presidents on whom gargantuan amounts of public money are expended to furnish luxurious more..

Nov 12 (FT) Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd provided an update on its work to explore potential divestment options for its global Consumer business, as well as integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka. CEO Miles Hurrell says, following a detailed scoping phase, the Co-op has decided to proceed with a sale process for these businesses. “Since our announcement in May 2024, we have been working with our team of advisers to assess potential divestment options more..

Nov 12 (FT) Fort Police have requested the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court to issue summons to the Board of Directors of the unfinished Krrish Tower, citing growing concerns over public safety. This request follows a series of accidents involving debris and metal pieces from the Tower falling to the ground below, with one incident causing significant damage to a parked car. The police presented their concerns to Colombo Fort Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali, referencing Sec 98 of Penal Code. more..

Nov 12 (ST) Like other parts of the country, there has been little interest among the people in the East for the upcoming parliamentary polls, with candidates limiting their reach-out activities to house-to-house campaigns and holding pocket meetings in villages. In Batticaloa, leading political parties such as the ITAK, DTNA, TMVP, SLMC, SJB and NPP carried out low-key canvassing activities at grassroot level. T. Saravanabavan, former Mayor of Batticaloa MC who is contesting more..

Nov 12 (FT) The National Innovation Agency (NIA) held the country launch of the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 on 5 Nov at the Institute of Policy Studies. The event centred on the theme Prioritising Innovation in Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery, aiming to bring focus on how innovation can fuel the nation’s economic revival during these challenging times. The Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, more..

Nov 12 (Island) Another round of promise making has come to an end with two days to go before the next general election. Perhaps, the only thing SL politicians do as if to the manner born is to make promises to win elections, which have become promise-making contests in this country. If Machiavelli were alive, SL politicians’ adeptness at making promises and breaking them would compel him to put out a revised edition of The Prince. The Opposition politicians are making new more..

Nov 12 (FT) HVA Foods, a member of the George Steuart Group, announces its exclusive distributor partnership with Müggenburg Group, Germany, a renowned family-owned company with over 80 years of expertise in high-quality herbs and botanicals. This partnership enables HVA Foods to introduce Müggenburg’s extensive range of raw and processed natural ingredients to SL, for its value addition in the tea industry and other emerging industries in natural supplements. more..

Nov 12 (FT) Consulate General of SL to Dubai and Northern Emirates supported the brand launch of Naturalz, a venture by NRS Group of Companies, held on 5 Nov, at the Pullman Hotel, Deira, Dubai. Naturalz introduced a wide variety of high-quality Sri Lankan products, including fresh fruit pulps, spices, bottled fresh fruits, condiments, and a signature range of ice creams crafted from Sri Lankan fresh fruit pulp. The brand also facilitates the import of perishable items from SL to the UAE, more..

Nov 12 (TM) Following the economic crisis Sri Lanka faced over the last few years, many Sri Lankans who were desperately seeking foreign employment have been victimised by human traffickers and the trend is continuing. This is a clear indication for the need of more awareness building and the need for more robust action by the Govt in addressing the issue. Human trafficking is a global and widespread crime that uses men, women and children for profit. Criminal networks involved in these activities more..

Nov 12 (TM) The ambiguous rules surrounding offering food and drink during election campaigns are creating significant challenges for candidates, effectively barring them from offering even basic items like bottled water or light refreshments to voters. Parliamentary Elections Act No.1 of 1981 explicitly bans the provision of any meat, drink, refreshment, or provision to voters as a means to influence their vote. more..

Nov 12 (CT) Last week, a video featuring PM Harini Amarasooriya captured the public’s attention, garnering widespread praise on social media. The footage showed the PM warmly engaging in an animal welfare event—an event that no SL leader has previously attended with such genuine interest. Greeted by children holding flowers and a cat, PM displayed authentic warmth as she embraced and petted the animal. This was not an act for media coverage but a sincere demonstration of more..

Nov 12 (DM) The enthusiasm in elections seems to have died down with the conclusion of the Prez election held on Sept 21. It started with some of the prominent politicians who were very enthusiastic during the Prez election backing down from contesting the Parliamentary election that was announced within a week after the Prez election to be held on Thursday (14). Over 50 members of the previous Parliament who represented various political parties wanted to refrain from more..

Nov 12 (DM) JVP/NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake contested the 2019 prez election under the compass symbol. He finished a poor third with 418,553 (3.16%) votes. Anura refused to be cowed down by that crushing defeat. AKD refurbished his image and re-invented the political approach of his party. This enabled Anura to spearhead a commendable political renaissance of the JVP led NPP. more..

Nov 12 (DM) The challenge in education is not simply to get children into school, but also to improve the overall quality of schooling and to address issues of participation. If both quality and access are tackled, children who are enrolled in primary schools are likely to continue, complete the full cycle, achieve expected learning outcomes, and successfully transition to secondary school. In any given day 1,521,394 children of age between 5-10 ys learn in primary grades in 9,106 schools more..

Nov 12 (DM) A few days ago, I accompanied a friend to the new Out Patients’ Department (OPD) of the Colombo National hospital. He phoned me early in the morning and said he woke up unable to move his left arm, and the pain was getting worse by the hour. I took him to the OPD. It was almost 10 a.m. when we got there. Luckily, there was a parking slot for my scooter (more about the parking, later). The new OPD building looks impressive. Its brand new, all shining surfaces, and spacious. more..

Nov 11 (DM) Price of an egg will rise to Rs 1000 if Sri Lanka fails to stabilize the economy, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday. Mr. Wickremesinghe made this remark during his speech at an election rally in Hatton which he spoke both in lighter vein and with seriousness. However, he quickly turned serious when elaborating on the economy. "Sri Lanka's primary account balance surplus is 0.6% currently but it has to be increased to 2.8% of the GDP. more..

Nov 11 (AD) Five masked robbers reportedly broke into the residence of a wealthy gem businessman in the Devaladeniya area, Laggala, making off with cash, gold, and gemstones worth approximately Rs. 70 million. The robbery took place late on November 10, when the suspects infiltrated the property by scaling the wall at the back of the house. Armed and masked, they reportedly subdued the businessman with a pistol, forced him inside, and restrained him with duct tape. more..

Nov 11 (EFE) Chanu Nimesha is making history as Sri Lanka’s first openly transgender candidate, stepping into the conservative political arena with a message of inclusion and resilience. Her candidacy reflects a changing Sri Lanka, one still reeling from the economic crisis of 2022 but now daring to embrace new voices in the push for social justice. Nimesha is busy leading a campaign that challenges SL’s social and political norms. more..

Nov 11 (DM) Former TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran alleged that Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake had brought several thousands of people in buses last evening all the way to Jaffna to participate in the NPP's political rally attended by the Prez. "For some strange reason Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake brought a few thousand people in buses last evening all the way to Jaffna and spoke to them here, when he could have gone to their own districts and addressed them there. more..