CoPF criticises delays in gambling regulator setup

The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has voiced strong criticism over prolonged delays in setting up Sri Lanka’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), describing the latest draft of the GRA bill as inadequate. The remarks come soon after the opening of the City of Dreams integrated resort, which was granted a 20 year casino license. CoPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva …

Continue Reading

Temple Trees to open for MICE events

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) plans to open the 4,000-seat hall at Temple Trees, the Prime Minister’s official residence, for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), according to Chairperson Dheera Hettiarachchi. Speaking at the launch of Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2025, Hettiarachchi said the venue has not been publicly promoted for such events due to political restrictions but holds …

Continue Reading

SC orders X-Press Pearl owners to pay $1 Billion

The Supreme Court ordered the owners and operators of the MV X-Press Pearl to pay US$1 billion in compensation for the environmental and economic damage caused by the 2021 ship disaster off Colombo. A five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Murdu Fernando and including Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Shiran Gooneratne, Achala Wengappuli, and Priyantha Fernando, described the incident as the worst …

Continue Reading

Central Bank,SL holds rates amid U.S. Tariff talks

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has kept its main interest rate steady at 7.75%, saying the current policy is right for the country’s recovering economy. However, the bank also said it might lower rates again later this year if inflation stays low. Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said inflation is expected to rise slightly in the coming months …

Continue Reading

New school system from 2026

Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced today ,July 23 at a media briefing in Isurupaya that Sri Lanka will introduce a module-based education system from 2026. The new system will start with Grades 1 and 6 in 2026, with the first G.C.E. O/L exam under the revised curriculum set for 2029. The aim is to promote continuous …

Continue Reading

TRINEX-25: SL Navy’s major joint naval-air exercise

The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) commenced its annual naval exercise, Trincomalee Naval Exercise 2025 (TRINEX–25), at the Naval Dockyard in Trincomalee on Monday 22, July under the patronage of Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera.  The exercise, which will continue until 26 July, is taking place in Trincomalee Harbour and the eastern seas, bringing together a range of …

Continue Reading

Committee recommends removal of Deshabandu

Parliament was informed today July 22, that the special committee appointed to investigate suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon has recommended his removal from office. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne stated that the committee’s report, submitted to Parliament, had unanimously found Tennakoon guilty of serious misconduct and abuse of power. This recommendation follows a series of serious allegations, including Tennakoon’s alleged involvement in …

Continue Reading

SL ahead in digital finance access, says WB report

The Global Findex 2025 report by the World Bank highlights that Sri Lanka has performed better than many South Asian countries in providing access to bank accounts and digital payments. According to the report, over 650 million adults globally still don’t have a financial account, and many lack access to mobile phones or digital financial services. More than half of …

Continue Reading

Social