Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says the newly opened H.P. Piyasiri Government Ayurvedic Hospital in Deiyandara, Belpamullla, stands as a model for successful collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities. Speaking at the inauguration of the hospital’s new three-storey ward complex on 25 October, the Prime Minister noted that the project demonstrated how public welfare initiatives can thrive through joint effort and social responsibility. The modern ward complex was constructed through a financial donation from Deshamanya H.P. Piyasiri, Chairman of Phenomenal Trading Company, and his family. During the event, Mr. Piyasiri officially handed over the deed of transfer…
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Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Wijitha Herath says a retirement pension scheme and a voting mechanism will be introduced for Sri Lankans living overseas. He said steps are already underway with the involvement of the Public Administration Ministry and a special committee has been appointed to create the required legal framework. The Minister made these remarks today (27) at an event marking the 40th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau. (Newswire) The post Govt pledges pension & voting system for Sri Lankans abroad appeared first on Newswire.
Minister Bimal Ratnayake says he held a productive meeting with the Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan, Dr. Zuhair, at the Palestinian Embassy in Islamabad. In a post on X, Ratnayake said the discussion focused on strengthening long-standing ties and reaffirming support for Palestine’s sovereignty. “During his tenure in Sri Lanka, the Ambassador consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the sovereignty of all nations. I reaffirmed my own commitment to a free and sovereign Palestine,” he stated. Dr. Zuhair previously served as the Ambassador of Palestine to Sri Lanka, during which time Bimal Ratnayake chaired the Sri Lanka–Palestine Friendship Association. (Newswire)…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 304.10/25 to the US dollar Monday, weaker from 303.70/85 on Friday, while bond yields closed steady, dealers said. A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 closed flat at 8.25/30 percent. A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 closed at 8.80/88 percent, down from 8.82/88 percent. A bond maturing on 15.10.2028 closed at 9.24/30 percent. A bond maturing on 15.09.2029 closed flat at 9.65/70 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 closed flat at 10.50/65 percent. (Colombo/Oct27/2025)
“I’m a strong woman — I won’t let these rumours destroy what I’ve built,” actress Srimali Fonseka told reporters after being questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for several hours yesterday (27). Fonseka dismissed claims linking her to detained underworld figure Mandinu Padmasiri Perera, known as ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, saying she has no personal ties to him. “I don’t know him. I once attended a New Year event in Dubai with my family, and many people took photos with us — he was among them. When fans ask for pictures, we don’t refuse,” she explained. Fonseka added that while social…
ECONOMYNEXT – The Colombo Stock Exchange’s All Share Price Index (ASPI) declined 0.10 percent on Monday, data on its site showed. The broader ASPI dropped 23.73 points to end at 22,812.52; while the more liquid S&P SL20 moved 0.17 percent, or 10.68 points to close down at 6,255.63. Top negative contributors to the ASPI were C T Holdings (down 20.50 rupees at 680.50), Central Finance Company (down 5.00 rupees at 310.00), Richard Pieris and Company (down 0.80 rupees at 33.40), Senkadagala Finance (down 31.25 rupees at 613.50) and Bukit Darah (down 24.25 rupees at 1,173.75). Market turnover was 5.76 billion rupees…
Following the success of last year’s celebration, Shangri-La Colombo proudly announces the return of Flavours of Türkiye, a vibrant culinary and cultural showcase in collaboration with the Embassy of Türkiye. The promotion will take place from 1 to 9 November 2025 at Central Restaurant, bringing the rich flavours and soulful spirit of Türkiye back to Colombo. This year’s experience promises to be even more indulgent, with four guest chefs from Türkiye — Ali Taşpınar, Caner Dolu, Ali Dönmez and Feyzullah Kalkan — joining hands with Shangri-La’s culinary team to present a curated selection of authentic Turkish dishes alongside the restaurant’s…
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has raised strong objections to the recent statement by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding the security provided to Kalutara District Parliamentarian Jagath Vithana, who has reportedly received death threats. In a statement to the media, the IGP claimed that the threats against Vithana stem from non-political reasons and said investigations were ongoing. The SJB responded by criticizing the ambiguity of the statement, arguing that it implies the threats may be linked to illegal activity or personal actions without offering clarity or evidence. “The IGP must state clearly what the basis of this claim…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka needs an updated data system for selecting eligible beneficiaries under the Aswesuma welfare scheme, the World Bank has said, and offered to provide the necessary technical support and international expertise. World bank representatives met members of parliament and Finance Ministry officials recently. “Establishing a comprehensive data system for social Security would enable the accurate identification of genuinely poor and vulnerable individuals and families,” the representatives were quoted as saying in a parliament statement. “They noted that the mere inclusion of citizens’ information in the database would not automatically qualify them as Aswesuma beneficiaries. “Instead, the data…
Former skipper Dasun Shanaka is likely to be named Sri Lanka’s vice captain for the upcoming T20 Tri-Series in Pakistan, where Charith Asalanka will lead the side. Sri Lanka did not have a designated vice captain during their recent international tours, but selectors are now considering reinstating a deputy role to support Asalanka’s leadership. Shanaka, one of the team’s most experienced T20 players, is seen as a strong candidate given his past captaincy experience. The national squad is currently training at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota. Officials said the venue was chosen due to continuous rain in…
ECONOMYNEXT – Senthilverl Holdings (Pvt) Ltd has acquired a 25.48 stake of Serendib Land PLC’s total shareholding, the company said. Senthilverl Holdings bought 101,643 shares at 1,500 rupees each, Serendib Land said in a stock exchange filing. Finco Holdings (Pvt) Ltd was the seller. Another 100 shares, or 0.02 percent, was acquired in the market. The stock closed up 0.12 percent, by 2 rupees at 1,649.75 on Monday. (Colombo/Oct27/2025)
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) was notably absent from the media briefing held today to announce the launch of the joint opposition alliance, “Maha Jana Handa” (Voice of the People). Although the SJB was listed among the participating opposition parties, no representative from the party attended the event. SJB MP S.M. Marikkar told reporters yesterday that the party would not join the proposed opposition rally. The new alliance, “Maha Jana Hada,” brings together representatives from several opposition parties, including the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), United National Party (UNP), Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU), Mahajana Eksath…
Kuwait Airways, one of the oldest international carriers operating to Sri Lanka, has officially relaunched its direct online operations to Colombo after two years of successful codeshare operations with SriLankan Airlines. The national carrier of the State of Kuwait, which first commenced services to Sri Lanka on 15th October 1978, has now resumed four weekly flights using its state-of-the-art Airbus A320neo aircraft, offering passengers enhanced comfort and seamless connectivity. The inaugural flight welcoming ceremony was held at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today (27) with a water cannon salute presented by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, followed by…
Secures Spot Among Top 15 Most Valuable Brands in 2025. LOLC Finance PLC has been ranked 14th overall, in the prestigious ‘Top 100 Most Valuable Brands of Sri Lanka’ and number one in the Non-Banking Financial Services (NBFI) sector list by Brand Finance, featured in the August Edition of Echelon Magazine. The brand valuation assessment revealed LOLC Finance achieved a brand rating of AA+, with a strong brand value of Rs. 11,528 Million. This honour not only reaffirms LOLC Finance’s position among the nation’s most elite brands but also establishes its undisputed dominance in the Non-Banking Financial Institution sector, securing…
The Sri Lankan Rupee has depreciated further against the US Dollar today (27), compared to last Friday. According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the buying rate of the US Dollar has increased from Rs. 299.81 to Rs. 299.98, while the selling rate has also increased from Rs. 307.32 to Rs. 307.51. The Sri Lankan Rupee has also depreciated against a basket of foreign currencies, including Gulf currencies. (Newswire) The post Today’s CBSL official exchange rates appeared first on Newswire.
Sri Lanka’s Jaffna City in the North has been recognized among the 25 Best Destinations to visit in 2026, listed by the leading global travel guide, Lonely Planet. This recognition comes as part of the publisher’s “Best in Travel 2026” edition, released on 21 October 2025. Ranked second on the list of destinations, Lonely Planet describes Jaffna as known for its culture, cuisine and island adventures. “Family-run homestays like the Malabar Home Stay have been reviving Jaffna as a cultural travel destination since the civil war ended in 2009. To understand Jaffna’s nuanced history, visit the restored Jaffna Public Library,…
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Withana says he will take legal action against Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Priyantha Weerasooriya over what he described as false and damaging allegations linking him to organised crime. Responding to the IGP’s statement that the threat to his life was connected to dealings with individuals involved in illegal businesses, MP Withana said the claim was baseless and intended to discredit him. “I have no connection with the underworld. I have engaged in business legally since 1989. I have never been involved in any illegal activity,” the MP told the media today. Withana…
ECONOMYNEXT — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a 100 million dollar loan to support Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, with a particular focus on developing the Dambulla and Trincomalee areas, the global lender said. The financial package will back policy reforms and ‘targeted catalytic investments’, which align with the country’s National Tourism Policy. ADB said. “Through appropriate policy and institutional reforms, infrastructure enhancements, and improved sector resilience against internal and external shocks, tourism can become the engine of inclusive economic growth,” said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Takafumi Kadono. The ADB program will support policy and institutional reforms…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s poultry meat prices moved up in the third quarter of 2025, as poor quality feed from local maize reduced the average weight of broiler chicken in the overall market, a top poultry producer said. From June to September 2025, prices moved up, Bairaha Farms told shareholders. “During this period, the industry also witnessed a gradual reduction in day-old chick and live bird output due to several factors, including lower average weights in broiler birds arising from feed quality issues in using poor quality of locally sourced maize, as well as a reduction in parent stock placements,”…
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, has sent a Letter of Demand to Waruna Rajapaksha over alleged defamatory statements on YouTube regarding a distillery licence. Issuing a statement, the Deputy Minister’s Office said a series of defamatory and false allegations against Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe were recently circulated on a YouTube channel by an individual named Waruna Rajapaksha. Accordingly, a Letter of Demand has been issued to Waruna Rajapaksha, seeking compensation for the damage caused. The issue is linked to recent allegations that Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe and MP Najith Indika had met a businessman at the…