Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

TRADE UNIONS WITHDRAW

Says government has failed to implement a proper mechanism for delivery of relief to affected people even after 95 days No payment had been approved for officials engaged in disaster relief even after 95 days Amidst more than 3,000 individuals still...

FINANCE MINISTRY TABLES FRESH TAX HIKES

BY MIRROR BUSINESS DESK T he Government has tabled sweeping changes to Sri Lanka’s tax framework, proposing higher taxes on capital gains, a wider net for withholding tax and a one-off relief window for those with unpaid dues.

SALLAY WAS ARRESTED OVER EASTER ATTACK BASED ON EVIDENCE: POLICE

Amid mounting pressure and criticism over the arrest of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Chief Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, Police yesterday said that the arrest was carried out based on sufficient evidence linking the former...

Jaffna stadium plan hits snag: will it go ahead?

Understanding Sri Lanka’s Proposed Rescue, Rehabilitation and Insolvency Law

“It is not merely another statute, but a structural recalibration of how the country approaches financial distress.” “The proposed law signals a shift in philosophy, moving away from a system largely centred on enforcement and liquidation towards one...

NO APPROACH FOR REGULATION DESPITE RICE TYCOONS FRENZY FOR HELICOPTERS

Despite the hype created regarding plans by two rice mill owners turned billionaires to purchase aircraft, none of them have so far approached the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAA) to secure the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) , an official...

INFERIOR COAL PURCHASE CAUSES RS 7.9 BILLION LOSS?

The debate in Parliament on the alleged purchase of inferior quality coal yesterday led to the disclosure that the deal has cost the government approximately Rs 7.9 billion. Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S. M. Marikkar, who is also the Chairman of...

GLOBAL AIRCRAFT SHORTAGE HITS SRILANKAN AIRLINES’ FLEET RENEWAL

The national carrier reported a Rs. 2.73 billion loss for the year ending March 31, 2025, compared with a profit of Rs. 7.9 billion the previous year Srilankan Airlines, the national carrier, is in need of at least seven more aircraft for new routes...

SRI LANKA AIR FORCE PRESSES AHEAD WITH MULTIBILLION RUPEE FLEET MODERNISATION

SLAF to add Mi-17s, TH-57S and upgraded Kfirs to fleet Discussions ongoing with US regarding the acquisition of two C-130 aircraft and utility helicopters Chinese specialists in Sri Lanka for F-7, K-8 overhaul Four Mi-17 helicopters are to be...

Anti-corruption drive key to Sri Lanka growth: IMF chief

With the current government committed to good governance and anti-corruption reforms, visiting Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva said that Sri Lanka now has a unique opportunity to accelerate development...

GOVERNMENT FACES MOUNTING PRESSURE OVER PUBLIC SECURITY LAPSES

By DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA T he recent cold-blooded murder of Attorney-at-law Buddhika Mallawaarachchi and his wife in Akuregoda, Thalangama, has sparked widespread outrage and pushed public security to the centre of political debate once...

LEADING MILLER TO TAKE WINGS TO U.S. FOR PRIVATE HELICOPTER PURCHASE

The discussions were facilitated by Ceylon Aeronautical Services (CAS), the independent representative for Bell Helicopter sales in Sri Lanka and the Maldives Reaffirming his plan for investment in the aviation business, Sri Lanka’s leading mill owner...

FURTHER 2.5% TAX

The Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has issued a stark warning as vehicle prices are set to soar from April 1, 2026, following the government’s controversial adjustment to the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) in the 2026...

Mendis, Ratnayake, Shanaka guide Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka thanks to the trio of Kusal Mendis, Pavan Ratnayake and skipper Dasun Shanaka coasted to a crushing 105 runs win over Oman in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup encounter played at the Pallekele International Stadium yesterday. Oman set a...

AUSTRALIA READY TO HELP

Willing to help in capacity building Will communicate with India on why Sri Lanka’s accession is supported We are pleased that Sri Lanka is exploring acceding to the agreement Does not see any contradiction between Sri Lanka joining the...

Sri Lankan girls win silver and bronze at Asian shooting

Umaya Arkarshani Kumarasiri won a silver medal at the Asian Rifle/pistol Championship 2026 in New Delhi, India yesterday. She is a Grade 13 Tech student of Dharmapala College in Pannipitiya and her compatriots won a bronze medal in a team event. Umaya...

DITWAH RESCUE OPERATIONS CALLED OFF AS 173 REMAIN MISSING

Authorities have officially ceased search and rescue operations for persons reported missing following Cyclone Ditwah even as 173 individuals remain unaccounted for, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said. Speaking to Daily Mirror, DMC Director...

SOCIAL GOVT. STUDYING IMPACT OF MEDIA ON CHILDREN, YET TO TAKE FINAL DECISION

Australia has become the first country to ban social media use for children under 16 Spain is moving ahead with a ban on social media for those under 16, alongside mandatory age-verification systems, making it one of the first European countries to...

PREZ GETS TOUGH NO SALARY HIKE TILL 2027 WHOEVER STRIKES

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday stressed that no allowances will be given for public sector employees until the third instalment of the salary increment is given in 2027, whoever resorts to strikes or takes to the streets. Addressing an...

SRI LANKA STILL AMONG THE WORST

However, Sri Lanka ranks second highest in South Asia followed by Bhutan in its environment protection Despite ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiatives, the country has a long way to go to get a higher global ranking Bhutan was the highest-scoring country in...

Sabina Youssef returns

Sabina Yousaf, who represented Sri Lanka at the 41st Mrs World pageant in the United States, returned to the country yesterday following an impressive performance at the international competition, where she secured the Second Runner-up title and won...

SRI LANKA’S DREAM OF BECOMING AN OIL-PRODUCING NATION HITS A SNAG

Legal hurdle stalls international bidding for Mannar basin exploration and development Fresh attempts underway for clearance Exploration conducted in 2011 by India’s Cairn India identified hydrocarbon deposits in two wells Oil companies from Qatar...

Harry J: The Unforgettable

Harry Jayawardena passed away a year ago.twelve months. Three hundred and sixty five days. The time has ticked quickly. And yet, it is as though it was just the other day that we last spoke. It is not surprising, really. After all, we were the closest...

Stringent Laws Needed to check sharing private content online

The social media hype over the latest leaked video incident relating to a student and teachers of a prominent school in Colombo has been described as ‘harmful’ and ‘unhealthy.’ The extent to which social media page admins had gone to create memes,...

GOLD BECOMES LESS AFFORDABLE AS IMPORTS REMAIN LIMITED

Domestic gold market relies on auctions of pawned jewellery Gem and jewellery industry renews its call to reduce import duty on gold from 15% to 5% In par with the global market movements, the local price of a 24-karat gold sovereign (8 grams) is...

CYCLONE DITWAH DONORCONFERENCE IN SRI LANKA STILL IN LIMBO

The planned international donor conference to raise funds for rebuilding areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka continues to be delayed, with no fixed date finalised as of yesterday, government sources revealed. The delay is hampering the...

SL TO SPEND $1.5 BN ON VEHICLES IN 2026

The Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe, said Sri Lanka spent around US$2.0 billion on vehicle imports in 2025 and could spend a further US$1.5 billion in 2026 as pent-up demand wanes. Sri Lankans imported a record 360,117 vehicles...

SRI LANKA MULLS SOCIAL MEDIA RESTRICTIONS FOR MINORS

As outrage grows over explicit school-related content spreading unchecked online, the Government is now considering restricting social media access for underage children, raising fresh concerns over digital freedom, censorship, and who ultimately...

ABOUT 30% OF SRI LANKAN ADULTS SUFFER FROM MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES: EXPERT

Nearly 30 per cent of Sri Lanka’s adult population is affected by mental health problems, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Madhushani Dias said. Addressing a programme held in Colombo yesterday, Dr Dias said a significant proportion of those suffering from...

HOW SOARING SILVER PRICES THREATEN GLOBAL TECH AND GREEN ENERGY SECTORS

By PANDUKA KEERTHINANDA Silver, often overshadowed by gold in financial headlines, is quietly undergoing a market revolution. However, unlike its more illustrious counterpart, silver’s price surge is not merely a story of monetary hedging or...

16-20 PER CENT PASSENGER BUS DRIVERS ARE DRUNK OR DRUGGED: TRANSPORT MINISTER

As many as 16-20 per cent of passenger bus drivers operate under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, posing a threat to public safety, a Minister said. The Transport Ministry has launched a stringent new campaign to tackle substance use among...

IS SRI LANKA LOSING ANTI-CORRUPTION BATTLE

Despite political rhetoric for eradication of corruption, the situation in Sri Lanka seems to have taken a turn for the worse with the country now ranking 24.7, a drop by 7.3 notches in the Global Corruption Perception Index in 2025 prepared by World...

‘I AM NOT ABOVE THE LAW’ - ATTORNEY GENERAL RESPONDS TO SOCIAL MEDIA ATTACKS

It is the duty of the Government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that there is no unwarranted interference with the exercise of the powers of the Attorney General. The BASL stressed that safeguarding the independence of the Office of the...

INDIA-SRI LANKA JOINT VENTURE FOR KKS PORT DEVELOPMENT

An India - Sri Lanka joint venture is proposed to build and operate the Kankesanthurai port in the Northern Province as part of connectivity between the two countries, a Minister said. India has already offered over US $ 62 million grant for the...

AI to threaten 22.8 percent of employed people in Sri Lanka

Anew study by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) shows that about 1.83 million Sri Lankan workers, or roughly 22.8 percent of the employed population, are in occupations that could be exposed to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GENAI), which...

SRI LANKA’S BUREAUCRATIC SYSTEM NEEDS AN URGENT CLEAN UP!

Last week, the Daily Mirror exclusively reported of yet another foreign investor pulling out of Sri Lanka citing regulatory obstruction and arbitrary state action. China based Amber Adventures Private Limited, the country’s first cable car venture said...

IRAN WILL CONTINUE BUYING SRI LANKAN TEA DESPITE U.S. TARIFF WARNING: AMBASSADOR

In response to a question about the possible impact of any additional 25 per cent tariffs by the U.S. on countries trading with Iran, Iranian Ambassador in Sri Lanka Dr Alireza Delkhosh said that the bilateral ties are strong enough to withstand such...

WORK TO RESUME ON SL’S FIRST-EVER ELEPHANT CROSSING TUNNEL UNDER RAILWAY LINES

Authorities have announced the resumption of construction on a half-built elephant crossing tunnel under the railway track in Kasikote, Galgamuwa on January 19, Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi said. The tunnel, the first of its kind in Sri...

“A CLOUD OVER THE SUN”

Sooriya Bala Sangramaya” (Solar Energy) programme launched around 2016-2017, introducing net-metering and other schemes, boosted by Asian Development Bank funding and leading to rapid capacity increases and milestones in the country. Therefore, solar...

COMPANIES FROM INDIA, CHINA, AMERICA, JAPAN EYE SAPUGASKANDA OILREFINERY

Twenty companies including from countries such as China, India, the United States and Japan have responded to Sri Lanka’s invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) to develop and expand the Sapugaskanda oil refinery, an official said yesterday. The...

DEEP DEPRESSION CROSSING SRI LANKA, BE VIGILANT FOR FLASH FLOODS, LANDSLIDES - MET. DEPT.

Strong winds of 50 – 60 kmph are expected to occur throughout the island and strong rainfall exceeding 150mm is expected to occur at the Eastern, Uva and Central provinces A depression which occurred in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep...

A hyped up opposition and a weakening government!

To the Opposition - It is with a certain sense of humour that I have been patiently watching your remarks before the media in recent days, as well as in Parliament, where collectively you have been calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Harini...

SRI LANKA EYES 350,000 FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT DEPARTURES IN 2026

Sri Lanka has set a target of securing 350,000 foreign employment opportunities in 2026, aiming to build on a record-breaking financial performance in 2025, where workers’ remittances reached an estimated US$ 7.8 billion. Speaking at a media briefing...

CABINET APPROVAL NEXT WEEK FOR PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPING MATTALA AIRPORT

ACabinet Memorandum will be presented next week seeking approval to call for Expression of Interest (EOI) from local or foreign investors to develop the Mattala international airport under the public private partnership (PPP) model, Deputy Minister of...

Gun violence spills into New Year

Police to strengthen surveillance and public intelligence to tackle gun crime Police recover 15 spent 9mm bullet casings from the scene of the shooting Youth killed, two injured in Nawagamuwa shooting More than 70 per cent of suspects and shooters...

AUTHORITIES FINALLY WAKE UP – SLAF TO GET A MODERNISED FLEET

Several Mi-17 helicopters scheduled to be overhauled by end January 2026 The U.S. is to gift 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger (Bell 206) helicopters After months of highlighting concerns expressed by the tri-forces over the deteriorating fleet of the air force,...

EXTERNAL GROUPS BEHIND HOAX BOMB THREATS?

On December 26, the Kandy District Secretariat was also targeted by multiple emails claiming explosives were planted in five locations The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and its Computer Crime Investigation Division (CCID) launched an...

SIX MINISTERS UNDER BRIBERY PROBE OVER THEIR ASSETS

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has initiated a probe under the Money Laundering Act The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has initiated an investigation into the alleged assets of six...

WHY NO WEBSITES FOR TRANSPARENCY

Cyclone Ditwah has left in its trail an unprecedented humanitarian and economic crisis involving all 25 districts. Sri Lanka will be hard pressed to get out of this crisis unless leaders from all sections of the polity demonstrate mature leadership and...

Sri Lanka tops South Asia in elephant deaths STOP KILLING OUR ELEPHANTS

Nearly 400 elephants killed in Sri Lanka in 2025 as human– elephant conflict intensifies Gunshots, illegal electric fences and hakka patas remain leading causes of elephant deaths More elephants enter human settlements as flooded grasslands and food...

HOTELS, CHURCHES, MAIN CITIES GO UNDER TIGHT SECURITY

Many major hotels have implemented internal safety measures, including enhanced access control and guest screening procedures A special Operations Room has been established at Army Headquarters to ensure public safety and security throughout the...

I REBRANDED CHRISTIANITY IN THIS COUNTRY. AND SOME DON’T LIKE IT

Jerome Fernando is not an unknown name is Sri Lanka. He is a name that has caught attention in the religious world and beyond as thousands of people follow his preachings and believe he is the modern day chosen ‘Prophet’ of God. In a first of its kind...

SRI LANKA SEEKS SNIFFER DOGS FROM EU TO FIND THE MISSING

The government has requested European Union to dispatch a pack of sniffer dogs to assist in the discovery of remains of those buried alive in landslides triggered by cyclone Ditwah, an official said yesterday. The government authorities are still...

AT LEAST TWO YEARS NEEDED TO REBUILD DITWAHHIT NATION

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament yesterday that the full rebuilding of the nation battered by Cyclone Ditwah would take at least two years, citing ongoing landslide risks and the need to relocate populations and schools in several...

“WE WERE TREMBLING, FEARING IT WOULD CRASH WHILE FLYING OVER OUR HOUSES” - EYEWITNESS

A Turkish Airlines flight carrying 212 passengers and crew from Colombo to Istanbul was forced to return to Bandaranaike International Airport around midnight on Tuesday after a technical fault was detected in its landing gear system. The aircraft...

SRI LANKA’S CURRENT GROWTH LEVEL IN SUFF ICIE NT TO CREATE J O B S -

SBy ri Lanka’s current economic growth rates will not be sufficient to create jobs for one million people entering the workforce in the next decade, a leading World Bank economist said. In an exclusive interview with Daily Mirror, World Bank Lead...

ATTEMPTS AT TRAFFICKING, EXPLOITING DISASTER-HIT CHILDREN ON THE RISE

In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, the Women and Child Affairs Ministry warned of increased attempts by certain elements for child trafficking and exploitation, a spokesperson said. The spokesperson said a number of children had been affected by the...

GOVT. TO CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL DONOR CONFERENCE

The government is planning to call for an international donor conference to seek assistance for rebuilding the disaster- hit country, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed to Daily Mirror. It will be done after the current need assessment...

CONTROVERSY SWIRLS OVER POLICE FAILURE IN CONDUCTING IMMEDIATE ALCOHOL TEST

In response to a query about the delay in the conduct of an immediate alcohol test on former Speaker Asoka Ranwala after his involvement in the road accident, police spokesperson F.U. Wootler said that there is some concern about the way the duty was...

GEOGRAPHY SRI LANKA’S UPCOUNTRY ALTERED BY CYCLONE DITWAH

Land to be use revised map A new nationallevel map of Sri Lanka is being prepared Obtaining detailed satellite images will become a priority once the ongoing disaster situation stabilizes and repairs to rivers, lakes, canals, bridges, roads, and...

SRI LANKA AFTER CYCLONE DITWAH: THE FULL SCALE OF THE DISASTER IN NUMBERS

yclone Ditwah left Sri Lanka facing a national disaster of extraordinary scale. In a matter of days, the storm triggered lethal landslides, unprecedented flooding and the collapse of critical infrastructure that millions rely on. Entire districts...

MASS EVACUATIONS R ORDE E RED A D FTER WARNINGS FOR FOUR DISTRICTS

Evacuation of residents from landslide-risk areas in Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale districts began yesterday afternoon and is scheduled to conclude by this morning, following the issuance of a Red Evacuation Warning by the Disaster Management...

A STORM TO HIT SRI LANKA?

Astorm that developed in the Bay of Bengal area is expected to hit Sri Lanka today, bringing rainfall of 75 mm, particularly to the northern, eastern and north-central provinces, according to the Department of Meteorology. Rainfall of 75 mm,...

RDA NEEDS ONE AND HALF YEARS TO RECONSTRUCT BRIDGES

The Road Development Authority (RDA ) will need at least one and half years to reconstruct major bridges damaged in the recent disasters triggered by cyclone Ditwah, an official said yesterday. Director General of the RDA Wimal Kandambi told Daily...

GOVT. UNDER FIRE FOR FAILURE TO MITIGATE DISASTER DAMAGE DESPITE PRIOR WARNINGS

The government is under fire for its alleged failure to mitigate and manage the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, despite prior warnings from relevant agencies. By November 25, the Department of Meteorology and the Irrigation Department had given prior notice...

URGENCY LOOMS

While rescue and evacuation operations continue across the country, officials remain alert as predicted showers could pose challenges on the ongoing operations in the coming days. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Director...

CYCLONE DITWAH CAUSES RS.190 BILLION DAMAGE TO HIGHWAYS

Sri Lanka’s highway network has sustained damages roughly estimated at a staggering Rs.190 billion following the recent weatherinduced disasters such as floods, earth-slips and landslides, an official said. Cyclone Ditwah brought torrential downpours...

Govt. must have a “Multi-phased Action Plan”

Deploy mobile medical teams to cut-off areas to provide basic healthcare, trauma care, and maternal health services Launch a widespread public information campaign advising people to boil water before consumption. Waive customs and bureaucratic...

CYCLONE DITWAH CRISIS: DEATH TOLL COULD EXCEED 1,000?

Kelani River overflows, submerging Colombo suburbs and trapping entire neighbourhoods Rescue missions hindered by blocked roads, collapsed bridges, and severe weather Food distribution stalls as officials in affected districts also fall victim to the...

FLOODS COST AILING SL ECONOMY DEARLY

In the wake of massive floods that ravaged one-third of the country, Sri Lanka is in need of Rs.31 billion as estimated by November 28, for restoration of agriculture, irrigation tanks and canals damaged, according to a communication by the Foreign...

SRI LANKA BRACES FOR RECORD RAINFALL TILL SUNDAY

Authorities warn of landslides, floods as depression intensifies into cyclonic storm Emergency declared in Kandy as extreme rainfall triggers disaster response Sri Lanka is bracing for days of record-breaking rainfall, with the Department of...

NEARLY 1000 PRISON ESCAPES 554 IN LAST SIX YEARS; PRISONERS STILL AT LARGE

SBy erious security lapses have been reported in Sri Lankan prisons, with 995 prisoners or suspects escaping custody over the past six years, and 554 of them still not rearrested, according to a recent audit. The audit highlights that it is the duty...

Apna and Tuvini take mixed doubles title

Apna Perera and Tuvini de Alwis clinched the mixed doubles Open title with a hard fought two sets to one win over Dilvin Herath and Yuhansa Peiris in the final played at the SLTA tennis courts at Greenpath in Colombo yesterday. It marked Apna’s second...

WARTIME FLYING RESTRICTION OVER PARLIAMENT, AKUREGODA DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS TO BE REDUCED

The government is planning to relax wartime restrictions on aircraft flying over the parliamentary complex and the defence headquarters in Akuregoda, a deputy Minister said yesterday. Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan...

SRI LANKA TO FEEL THE PINCH OF GLOBAL FUEL PRICE HIKE

According to the CPC, the surge in demand for fuel during the winter season and tightening of sanctions against Russia as a oil producing country are among reasons An official who wished to remain anonymous said that sanctions on 117 vessels involved...