Claiming that no legal bearing of opposition claims on allocating state funds for the payment of estate workers’ attendance allowance, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday Rs. 5,000 million was allocated to the Plantations Ministry and not to increase wages of workers in a private company.
The Sri Lankan Report
The Government has allocated Rs. 1 million to every District Secretariat and Divisional Secretariat across the country as part of the ‘Praja Shakthi’ National Programme aimed at modernising public administration.
A demand letter seeking Rs. 10 billion in compensation has been issued against SLPP Activist Mahinda Pathirana over an alleged defamatory statement made against Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala. The claim relates to a Facebook video published by Pathirana in September 2025, which reportedly contained defamatory remarks targeting the Deputy Minister. Earlier, Deputy Minister Watagala lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the circulation of hateful and false statements against him on social media. He said legal action will be pursued under both civil and criminal law against those responsible for creating and spreading the…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s average coconut price dropped 0.12 percent while the nuts sold fell 88 percent to 52,106 nuts at the weekly auction. This week’s auction recorded the lowest number of nuts sold since February 13 which was 21,569 nuts. The average price for 1,000 nuts was slightly down at 122,336.35 rupees from 122,493.58 rupees a week before. The number of nuts offered dropped to 274,450 from 540,267 a week earlier. In the local market, the wholesale price for a large nut was 175-185 rupees, while small nuts were 150-165 a piece on November 13. The Farmgate price in…
At least seven people were killed and 27 injured when a large pile of confiscated explosives in a police station in India’s Kashmir detonated late on Friday, broadcaster NDTV reported, citing sources.
The government is well aware that some bureaucrats are corrupt and lethargic but does not victimise them, Leader of the House Minister Bimal Rathnayake said.
The Sri Lanka Apparel Brands Association (SLABA), representing all leading Sri Lankan apparel and fashion brands, enthusiastically welcomes the Budget, which addresses the majority of the industry’s key requests to strengthen the domestic apparel ecosystem. Government Hears Industry Voice SLABA commends the Government for responding decisively to industry concerns, particularly the implementation of VAT on imported fabrics, a critical measure advocated by local manufacturers to ensure fair competition and the reduction of the VAT threshold demonstrates a clear commitment to protecting domestic value chains. “We are pleased that the Government has heard our ask and taken decisive action on VAT…
First Capital Holdings PLC, a leading full-service investment institution under Janashakthi Group (JXG), has once again stepped forward as the Title Sponsor of MAGNATE 2025, the flagship annual finance and leadership forum organised by the Finance Students’ Association of the University of Colombo’s Faculty of Management & Finance. This year marks the fourth consecutive time that First Capital is partnering with the event an engagement that reflects the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening the bridge between academia and the financial services industry. MAGNATE 2025 brings together undergraduates, emerging young professionals, industry leaders, and innovators for a series of expert discussions,…
The Consumer Affairs Authority has issued a gazette notification amending the maximum retail prices for canned fish, effective today (15). Under the new prices, a 155g can of tuna should not exceed Rs. 165, while a 425g can of tuna is capped at Rs. 380. For mackerel, the maximum price is Rs. 210 for a 155g can and Rs. 480 for a 425g can. Jack mackerel is priced at a maximum of Rs. 240 for 155g and Rs. 560 for 425g. The gazette emphasizes that canned fish should not be sold, displayed, or offered for sale above these maximum retail…
Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visiting the Enfection booth at the National AI Exhibition & Conference 2025 Enfection, a marketing-technology company focused on AI-led communication and experience solutions, was selected to showcase its latest AI Knowledge Agents at the National AI Exhibition and Conference 2025, held on September 29 and 30 at the Monarch Imperial in Colombo. At the event, Enfection presented its AI Knowledge Agent developed for ACCA, designed to assist teachers and Advanced Level students with guided explanations, instant answers, and continuous learning support. The company also introduced Sri Lanka’s first AI avatar-led interactive annual report for…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s Dialog Axiata, which has interests in mobile, fixed access telephony and pay television said its profit rose 26.7 percent to 5.69 billion rupees in the September 2025 quarter amid higher revenue and lower direct costs. Dialog reported profit of 0.62 rupees per share for the quarter. In the nine months to September the group reported a profit of 1.62 rupees per share on total profit of 14.9 billion rupees. The company recorded a forex loss of 394 billion rupees compared to a profit of 769 million in the same quarter in the last year due currency…
A Gazette has been issued amending the maximum retail prices for canned fish, effective from today (15). Tuna (425g) Rs. 380 Mackerel (425g) Rs. 480 Jack Mackerel (425g) Rs. 560 The post Canned fish : New maximum retail prices announced appeared first on Newswire.
A widely discussed topic in Sri Lanka presently revolves around whether to ban vape products. A main concern is children’s access to these products. There is no doubt that children’s access to vapes must be prevented and sensible regulation can help achieve this important goal. However, a total prohibition of vapes with the aim of protecting children, makes little sense. A key reason a total prohibition may not be helpful, is the spread of black market vapes. Often, the spread of black market is unavoidable since the mere act of banning does not prevent the consumer demand buildup! The 1920–1933…
Around 10,000 female sex workers of Sri Lanka have organised themselves under a common banner to push for their legal and social recognition.
Beyond the Showcase: Driving the Vision to Craft a Unique Design Signature for the Region Shyanika Hewage, Head of Private Banking at Sampath Bank Sampath Bank Private Banking announces its role as the Official Banking Partner for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka (MBFWSL) 2025, presented by Academy of Design (AOD). The partnership brings together two institutions committed to advancing Sri Lanka’s creative economy, strengthening its global outlook, and elevating the country’s cultural presence through design-led innovation and meaningful luxury experiences. Together, the collaboration reflects a shared belief that creativity and economic leadership must move hand in hand in shaping Sri…
The Examinations Department has announced the full timetable for national examinations in 2026, outlining what officials describe as one of the most tightly structured academic calendars in recent years.
From left: Prasath Mahalingam, Chief Commercial Officer, 99x; Hasith Yaggahavita, CEO, 99x Product Engineering; Mano Sekaram, Founder, 99x; Odd-Sverre Østlie, Group CEO, 99x Norway; Shehani Seneviratne, Chief Operating Officer, 99x; and Chrishan de Mel, Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer, 99x. 99x, a global product engineering company, hosted an exclusive media event at Cinnamon Grand Colombo to unveil Agentri AI, the company’s latest innovation in advancing the future of Agentic AI. The event gathered 99x’s global leadership and media to discuss the company’s vision, its strategic expansion across new markets, and its continued commitment to positioning Sri Lanka as a…
Chennai Super Kings have opted to release Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana ahead of IPL 2026, according to ESPNcricinfo. The franchise had been weighing his future despite buying him before IPL 2023 and retaining him for INR 13 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction. The decision surfaced on Saturday, just before the IPL retention window closed at 3pm. Pathirana broke out in IPL 2023 with his slingy action and 140-plus pace, taking 19 wickets in CSK’s title-winning season. But injuries have repeatedly disrupted his progress, something MS Dhoni had cautioned about early on. A hamstring issue limited his…
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has met Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) General Secretary, former MP M. A. Sumanthiran, briefing him about the joint opposition rally organized for November 21. In a post on ‘X’, MP Namal Rajapaksa said he briefed Sumanthiran on the 21st public rally organized by the opposition against the National People’s Power (NPP) government and its failures to fulfil its pledges to the people. “While ITAK is not part of the rally, as a key opposition party, it’s important for us to keep them informed about the agenda and the critical issues we…
A 16-year-old girl has been reported dead in Gampola, after being attacked allegedly over a love affair. According to the Police, the girl had been attacked with a sharp object while at her house last night. The girl is a resident of the Panvilathenna area in Millagahamula, Gampola. Preliminary investigations reveal that the girl was murdered over a dispute related to a love affair. The suspect has been identified. The Gampola Police are conducting further investigations. (Newswire) The post 16 yr old girl killed over love affair in Gampola appeared first on Newswire.