India captain Suryakumar Yadav met Sri Lanka spinner Dunith Wellalage on the sidelines of the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s match at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday. The 22-year-old Wellalage lost his father, Suranga Wellalage, earlier this month. The spinner was playing the Asia Cup group stage match against Afghanistan, and following the conclusion of the game, Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya broke the news to him of his father’s passing away due to a heart attack. Suryakumar was seen walking up to Wellalage, and it was then that he placed his hand on the chest of the…
The Sri Lankan Report
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has attended the ceremony organised by the Government of France to mark the accession of 60 countries to the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). Representing Sri Lanka, a State Party to the Agreement, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the event, which was held in New York on Thursday (25), with the participation of French President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders. Sri Lanka became the 58th State Party to the Agreement on…
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has recruited 36 new firefighters this week to enhance fire safety and emergency response in the city. According to the CMC, while the recent fire at 1st Cross Street brought renewed public attention to fire safety, these efforts are part of a longer-term plan by the CMC to strengthen emergency services in Colombo. Stating that ensuring fire safety in a densely built and often unplanned urban environment remains a significant challenge, the Council said it is committed to proactively addressing these risks. One of the key priorities identified is the establishment of five additional fire…
By Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives On September 29, the world marks the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste, highlighting one of humanity’s pressing paradoxes. As the global population nears 8.5 billion by 2030, we still waste 1.3 billion tonnes of food annually – enough to feed three billion people. Sri Lanka is no exception. This crisis calls for urgent action, and increasingly, young people are emerging as catalysts for change. The traditional “take-make-use-discard” model has proved unsustainable. A shift toward circular approaches – refuse, regenerate, reuse, and redesign – is gaining…
A 45-year-old suspect arrested with a stock of ICE narcotics in Elakanda this week has been identified as a suspect wanted in connection with several robberies and shootings reported across Sri Lanka. According to the Police, the suspect was arrested on Monday (22) by a team of officers from the Kelaniya Division Criminal Investigation Department, during a special operation in the Elakanda area of the Wattala Police Division. At the time of the arrest, the 45-year-old male suspect from North Mulleriyawa was in possession of 10.2 grams of ICE narcotics, with the intention of selling them. The suspect was produced…
By Umair WOLID Rs. 18 Billion Deal: NTB signs binding agreement to acquire HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking business. 200,000 Customers will move : All retail clients, accounts, and credit cards to transition to NTB. Credit Card Market Leader: With HSBC’s portfolio, NTB will dominate the credit card space, offering Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Diners Club. Private Banking Boost: HSBC Premier clients to seamlessly move into NTB’s established private banking services. Homegrown Pride: Funded entirely through NTB’s reserves “a dream deal” says CEO. HSBC’s Global Exit: Move aligns with HSBC’s strategy of retreating from retail banking in emerging markets. Nations…
The former director of the FBI, James Comey was on Thursday criminally charged for making false statements and obstruction of justice. US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Lindsey Halligan announced the charges, and said Comey could face up to five years behind bars if convicted. US President Donald Trump hailed the indictment on his Truth Social platform, claiming Comey “is now at the beginning of being held responsible for his crimes against our Nation.” US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the indictment “reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the…
The Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine (SLCSP) elected veteran journalists Ameen Izzadeen and Mahinda Hattaka as its co-chairmen at the annual general meeting held in Colombo this week. The SLCSP also appointed as patrons the Ambassador of the State of Palestine, Ihab M. Khalil, along with past chairmen Imthiaz Bakeer Markar and Minister Bimal Rathnayake, the immediate past president. The other office bearers are as follows: Vice Chairpersons: Hana Ibrahim, Shirley Candappa, Latheef Farook, N. M. Ameen and Daya Lankapura. General Secretary: M. Fawzer Farook Asst. Secretary: Mohamed Fairooze Treasurer: Hameed Ashraf Asst. Treasurer Sukumar Rockwood Media Secretary:…
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to begin his official visit to Japan today (Sept. 27), following the conclusion of his trip to the United States, where he attended the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The President departed New York for Tokyo on Sept. 25, according to the President’s Media Division. His visit, at the invitation of the Japanese government, will run from Sept. 27 to 30. During the trip, President Dissanayake will meet His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and hold summit talks with the Japanese Prime Minister on a range of bilateral issues, the Ministry of…
Showers will occur at times on Sept. 27 in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-Western and Southern provinces, as well as in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, with fairly heavy falls above 50 mm likely in some areas, the Department of Meteorology said. Light showers are expected in the North-Central Province, Matale, Mannar and Jaffna districts. Strong winds of 40–50 kmph may occur over the western slopes of the central hills and in Central, Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, along with Trincomalee and Hambantota. At sea, showers are forecast from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. South-westerly winds of 30–40 kmph are…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has signed an 8 million euro grant agreement with the European Union to launch a new initiative aimed at fostering sustainable economic recovery through improved biodiversity conservation and solid waste management, the Ministry of Finance said. The 8 million euro grant will support biodiversity conservation by restoring degraded ecosystems, implementing targeted conservation strategies, and promoting sustainable land-use practices. “Biodiversity is one of the most important assets of Sri Lanka, and through this project we will work together with the authorities to strengthen its protection by improving management of waste,” EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno said. The European…
A 58-year-old man was shot dead in Tissamaharama’s Muthiyammana area on Friday evening, police said. The shooting occurred around 5 p.m. when the gunman arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire using a locally made 12-bore firearm. The suspect fled the scene immediately after. Police said preliminary investigations revealed the attack stemmed from a personal dispute. Authorities confirmed that a special police team has been deployed to arrest the suspect, who remains at large. (Newswire) The post Shooting incident in Tissamaharama : Police release details appeared first on Newswire.
Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup campaign came to an early end after three consecutive defeats in the Super Four stage, despite winning all three Group B games. Former Sri Lanka cricketer Russel Arnold, speaking to Newswire, said the turning point came after the opening defeat to Bangladesh. “Once that first game was lost, our outlook and intensity shifted. But watching Pathum Nissanka and the team fight today shows that this team has ability. The question is how we maintain that consistency,” Arnold said. Arnold highlighted Sri Lanka’s recurring challenge of handling pressure situations. “We win a lot of dead rubbers. When…
From left to right: Mr. Nihal Fernando, Finance Manager (SM&BSO) – CEB, Mr. WasanthaEdussuriya, General Manager – CEB, Mr. Asanka Palamakumbura, Director – CEB, Mr. Saliya Jayasekera, Vice Chairman – CEB, Mr. Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer – Sampath Bank, Mr. Lakshan Wanniarachchi, Vice President – Structured Finance and Institutional Banking – Nations Trust Bank, Mr. Gayanath De Silva, Deputy General Manager – Credit – Pan Asia Bank, Mr. Kusal De Silva, Assistant General Manager Corporate Finance – Sampath Bank Sampath Bank has successfully led a landmark syndicated loan of Rs. 33.5 billion for the Ceylon Electricity…
On September 29, the world marks the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste, highlighting one of humanity’s pressing paradoxes. As the global population nears 8.5 billion by 2030, we still waste 1.3 billion tonnes of food annually – enough to feed three billion people. Sri Lanka is no exception. This crisis calls for urgent action, and increasingly, young people are emerging as catalysts for change. The traditional “take-make-use-discard” model has proved unsustainable. A shift toward circular approaches – refuse, regenerate, reuse, and redesign – is gaining global momentum. At the heart of this transformation lies a simple…
India edged past Sri Lanka in a dramatic Super Over to win their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four encounter in Dubai on Friday night. Both sides finished tied at 202 at the end of their 20 overs, forcing the game into a Super Over for the second successive time between the two teams. Sri Lanka, however, endured a repeat of their previous heartbreak, being bowled out for just two runs in the Super Over. India chased down the modest target with ease to seal victory. Pathum Nissanka was the star for Sri Lanka, registering his maiden T20 international century with…
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa is redefining destination weddings in Sri Lanka’s South Coast, further strengthening its position as one of the country’s leading venues for couples seeking an unforgettable celebration by the ocean. Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Weligama Bay, the resort offers a collection of exceptional venues tailored to every celebration in all styles and sizes. The Rooftop Terrace, with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, is an intimate yet grand setting that can host up to 300 guests. The Pool Lawn, accommodating up to 600 guests, transforms into…
India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has been found guilty by the ICC for comments alluding to the India-Pakistan military skirmish after their Asia Cup group match on September 14. His not-guilty plea was rejected by match referee Richie Richardson, and he was fined 30% of his match fee. India has appealed the verdict, ESPNcricinfo reported. Two Pakistan players, Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf, also faced disciplinary hearings on Friday over their actions during the September 21 Super Four game. Farhan was reprimanded for a gun celebration after reaching his fifty, while Rauf was filmed making gestures referencing a downed aircraft.…
Dozens of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the gathering. Some delegates remained and applauded, while others left in protest. Netanyahu said his speech was being broadcast into Gaza and directly appealed to hostages held by Hamas. His address comes amid increasing international pressure on Israel over the conflict and occupation of the West Bank. Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he would not allow Israel to annex the occupied territories and is scheduled to meet Netanyahu on Monday. Earlier, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told…
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama today (26) issued notice to the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), directing him to appear before court on October 03 and present submissions regarding the bail application filed on behalf of former Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara.