Aug 18 (FT) Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Group reported a powerful first half for 2026, with consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) rising 54.4% to Rs 6.6 billion for 1H 2026 compared to Rs. 4.3 billion in 1H 2025, as strong demand for broadband and enterprise services offset escalating cost pressures from currency depreciation and higher fuel and utility prices. Doubledigit revenue growth and a sharp improvement in profitability at SLT and Mobitel extended the momentum established in more..

Aug 18 (CI) SL's Dinesh Chandimal has been replaced by Pasindu Sooriyabandara as a concussion substitute after injuring his shoulder and neck while diving in the deep on the fourth morning of the first Test against India in Galle. Chandimal was taken to hospital for a precautionary scan which was clear, with no signs of internal injury, SLC later said. Concussion replacement was announced towards the end of the second session which makes it a Test debut for Sooriyabandara. more..

Aug 18 (FT) Former JVP General Secretary Dr. Lionel Bopage has backed the Govt’s anti-corruption drive but cautioned against turning arrests and investigations into political spectacles, while calling for stronger institutions, administrative reform, and better coordination within the Govt. “I don’t agree that the Govt is taking political revenge by arresting people,” Bopage said, stressing that those responsible for more..

Aug 18 (NW) The Cabinet has approved the commencement of regulated tourism activities at Nil Diya Pokuna under the supervision of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, recognizing the site as a rare natural resource that requires protection. Nil Diya Pokuna, located within an underground cave complex in the Ravana Ella Sanctuary in the Karandagolla Grama Niladhari Division of the Ella DS in Badulla District, is considered a rare natural water source. more..

Aug 18 (FT) Hemas Holdings PLC announced its first international acquisition, investing $ 16.2 million for a 75% majority stake in Kenyan stationery manufacturer Twiga Stationers and Printers Ltd., as the diversified group moves to build businesses beyond SL. Hemas said the move represents a significant milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy to build scalable businesses beyond Sri Lanka. It also positions Hemas with a strong operating platform in Kenya, more..

Aug 18 (AD) Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was released on bail today (18) after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court over allegations that he abused his power to protect his son from allegations relating to the theft of the historic Sandagala artefact. Rambukwella, who was arrested by the CIABOC, was produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama this afternoon. more..

Aug 18 (FT) Aitken Spence said that it began the financial year 2026/27 with strong earnings momentum, recording a 74% increase in Group Profit Before Tax (PBT) to Rs. 1.7 billion for the quarter ended 20 June 2026. With a portfolio spanning diverse industries and geographies, the Group posted a Profit After Tax (PAT) increase of by 158% to Rs. 1 billion, while Group EBITDA increased by 23% to Rs. 5.3 billion compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, more..

Aug 18 (FT) Hayleys PLC has become the first SL corporate to receive a foreign currency issuer credit rating from S&P Global Ratings, securing a ‘B+’ with a Stable Outlook — above SL’s ‘CCC+’ sovereign rating — underpinned by its export earnings, diversified operations, and ability to withstand periods of sovereign stress. Commenting on the outlook assigned to Hayleys, the ratings agency said: “The stable rating outlook reflects our expectation that the SL-based conglomerate more..

Aug 18 (FT) In an article published in the Daily FT on 14 July 2026, I argued that Sri Lanka should not reduce its inflation target from 5% to 2% at the present juncture. The argument was based on the view that the economy remains vulnerable to exchange-rate fluctuations, energy price shocks, supply-side disruptions, elevated debt levels, fragile balance sheets, and external uncertainties. While acknowledging the long-term benefits of low and stable inflation, the article emphasised that more..

Aug 18 (FT) When Harry Jayawardena passed away and on the first birthday afterwards, I wrote that not a day passed without me thinking of him. I wrote that I half-expected his almost daily phone call and the inevitably stimulating and hilarious conversation that would follow with each of us addressing the other as Lokka or, to those who are not conversant in Sinhala, Big Guy. It’s been more than a year and a half and the statement still stands true. Harry is unforgettable. more..

Aug 18 (NW) Further details have emerged in the CID’s probe into an alleged scheme to illegally transfer around US$1 billion overseas under the guise of importing goods into Sri Lanka, with investigators alleging that private bank officials received regular payments to facilitate transactions. Four officials attached to four leading private banks were arrested by the FCID at their respective workplaces and later produced before more..

Aug 18 (AD) The Chairman of the SL Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Buddhika Hewawasam has tendered his resignation, citing personal and professional reasons. Hewawasam submitted his resignation in a letter addressed to the Minister of Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, through the Secretary to the Ministry. In his letter, he said it had been a privilege to serve as SLTDA Chairman following an invitation from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, more..

Aug 18 (DM) The Fort Magistrate’s Court has imposed a travel ban on the chief priest of the Slave Island Lord Murugan Kovil over the alleged theft of temple jewelry valued at approximately Rs. 26.7 million. The suspect, identified as Satheeswaran Kurukkal, has not yet been arrested and is reportedly evading authorities, according to police. Police allege that the priest pawned the temple’s jewelry and used the money to purchase a property on New Chetty Street in Kotahena. more..

Aug 18 (NW) SL Police has marked the completion of one year in office by IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya, outlining a wide range of achievements in crime prevention, institutional reforms, infrastructure development, and welfare initiatives for officers. Weerasooriya, a seasoned law enforcement officer and Attorney‑at‑Law, was appointed as the 37th IGP of SL on 14 Aug 2025. Over the past year, his leadership has been more..

Aug 18 (PMD) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pointed out that the expected objectives could be achieved more efficiently and effectively by integrating all research and development centres currently operated by the Army, Air Force and Navy and establishing a single national centre. The President made these remarks while participating in a 2027 pre-budget discussion relating to the Ministry of Defence at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (17). more..

Aug 18 (AD) Sri Lanka Police have launched a special real-time information management system to assist the general public and devotees attending the historic Kandy Esala Perahera, which begins tomorrow (18). The system has been introduced to provide visitors with easy access to important information throughout the Perahera period, including traffic restrictions, roadblocks, security arrangements, vehicle and pedestrian checks, parking facilities and guidance for visitors. more..

Aug 18 (Island) Attorney General yesterday filed indictments before the Polonnaruwa High Court against former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, and three others, over the alleged abduction and murder of former Eastern Uni VC Professor Subramaniam Raveendranathan. The three other accused named in the indictment are Kathirgathambi Jeyakishan, alias Jeyanthan, Nimal Devsukan, alias Jeyakandan, and Nadarasa Nagulendran, alias Simbu more..

Aug 18 (TM) Sri Lanka Badminton’s (SLB) Acting Secretary Chamara Aluthge says that punitive measures against its suspended President Roshan Gunawardena, will depend on the recommendations put forth by the body’s Disciplinary Committee headed by Attorney-at-Law Panduka Keerthinanda. Gunawardena currently has been temporarily stood down by the General Committee of the SLB, following the revelation of a sexual harassment complaint lodged against him, by a more..

Aug 18 (TM) Parents and adults have been urged to pay close attention to children’s safety when flying kites, as kite-related accidents are frequently reported during school holidays. Acting Director of the Lady LRH, Consultant Dr Pradeep Rathnasekara, said kite flying had become increasingly popular among children amid the current dry weather and school holidays, but warned that careless practices could result in serious more..

Aug 18 (TM) Four Police officers attached to the Monaragala Division Crimes Unit have been arrested for allegedly accepting a Rs 500,000 bribe from a suspect to refrain from taking legal action against him over a cannabis cultivation in the Nikawewa-Demodara Wewa area of Thanamalwila. The arrested officers, who were subsequently released on bail by the Wellawaya Magistrate’s Court, include two Police Sergeants aged 37 and 45, a 39-year-old Police Constable driver and more..

Aug 18 (Island) Fast Attack Craft (FAC) that sank off Angulana on Saturday has collided with a sunken ship. MV Thermopylae Sierra sank in Aug 2012 during a monsoon storm. The ill-fated Super Dvora Mk III has gone over the ship wreck in spite of it being clearly demarcated in the nautical chart, aka hydrographic chart available to the ill-fated vessel’s crew. But authorities had failed to mark the site with a buoy to warn maritime traffic, despite appeals from the area people and others more..

Aug 18 (NW) The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of SL in Geneva has formally presented the Extension of Service to Christian Steppan, Honorary Consul of SL in Tyrol, Austria, during a recent (12) meeting. According to the Honorary Consulate of SL in Tyrol, Austria, the discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations, promoting cultural exchange, and deepening economic cooperation between SL and Tyrol. Both sides highlighted the importance more..

Aug 18 (ST) A Cabinet sub-committee – with the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry and the Trade, Commerce, Food Security Ministry as co-chairs – has been appointed to review the fresh application to qualify for the GSP+ preferential trade facility from the European Union. While Sri Lanka has had to comply with 27 international conventions divided into four main categories – human rights, labour standards, environment/climate protection, and more..

Aug 18 (TM) Deputy Minister Dr Hansaka Wijemuni said health sector officers required to wear prescribed uniforms must perform their duties in those uniforms, while requests to modify them for cultural, climatic or other reasons should be referred to the Health Ministry’s Uniform Committee. Responding to questions on the recent controversy at the Kalmunai North Base Hospital, Dr Wijemuni said that Ministry had received the matter more..

Aug 18 (ST) The selection of wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella for the ongoing Test series against India has sparked a public debate in cricketing circles, with many questioning the selectors’ thinking. The decision raises an uncomfortable question: do the selectors have a genuine plan for building the next generation of Test cricketers, or are they simply reaching for what is familiar? There is nothing wrong, in principle, with picking experienced players. more..

Aug 18 (EN) Lion Brewery reported a profit of 2.81 billion rupees for the quarter ended 30 June 2026, up 18% from June 2025. Group recorded basic earnings of 35.08 rupees per share for the three-month period. Total revenue for the quarter rose 15% to 33.41 billion rupees, compared to 29.01 billion rupees in the corresponding period of the prior year. This top-line performance supported an operating profit of 4.34 billion rupees, which reflected 11% growth over the preceding year. more..

Aug 18 (TM) SL is preparing to tap into growing global demand for skilled aviation personnel, as the int'l aviation industry is expected to expand significantly over the next decade, creating a shortage of skilled workers worldwide, Deputy Minister Janitha Kodithuwakku said. He said countries around the world were preparing to meet the expected demand for skilled personnel as the aviation industry enters a period of significant expansion. more..

Aug 18 (TM) Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has achieved around 61% of its 2026 revenue target of Rs 2,402 billion, IRD Commissioner of Tax Policy and Law Nandana Kumar said. Kumar said that tax revenue collection has increased by around 16% compared to the previous year. He said IRD is confident that it will be able to fully achieve the targeted tax revenue for 2026. Meanwhile, he said various measures had been taken during the recent period to expand the tax base. more..

Aug 18 (DN) SL Entrepreneurs’ Night 2026 Entrepreneur and Investor Conference organized by the Australia SL Business Forum (ASLBF) with the aim of strengthening economic, trade and investment relations between SL and Australia in a new approach was held in Melbourne, Australia on Aug 15. Minister Sunil Handunnetti, who participated as the chief guest and keynote speaker on the occasion, explained the new economic and investment framework established in SL more..

Aug 18 (ST) Govt has provided 190,408 tea smallholders with fertiliser at concessionary rates through the new QR system generated. In 2026 through the QR system 21,500 metric tonnes (MT) of fertiliser for the tea industry was distributed. This exceeds the amount allocated in the previous year, officials said. There has been considerable progress in the past six months. Govt target is to achieve 400 million kg of tea production and US$2.5 billion in export revenue by 2030. more..

Aug 18 (ST) SL’s foreign employment sector stands at a critical crossroads as of August 2026 compelling Foreign Employment Bureau of (SLBFE) into a proactive, high-value global talent exporter to shift from a traditional regulatory body into a proactive, high-value global talent exporter. This immediate, structural turn insulates the national economy from external shocks specially the geopolitical tensions in West Asia and comfortably secure the country’s 250,000 annual migration target, more..