Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

ECONOMIC GROWTH TO SLOW DOWN TO 3 PERCENT - IMF

The IMF has forcasted Sri Lanka’s economic growth to moderate at three percent this year , slightly slower than predictions by the Central Bank, according to its Mission Chief Evan Papageogiou The growth was at five percent last year. Addressing a...

PRESIDENT TO GET TOUGH ON INDISCIPLINED MONKS

We all have a responsibility to protect Buddhism. I invite everyone to get together and work towards that end The Government will amend Sections 41 and 42 of the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance soon to establish Sangha Council to discipline...

Fuel Steady supply till November

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has confirmed that Sri Lanka will not experience a fuel shortage until November, while also dismissing social media reports of an imminent fuel price revision and claims of panic buying. CPC Managing Director Dr....

SRI LANKANS TURN TO RENOVATING OLD HOMES AS BUILDING COSTS SOAR

Severe mismatch in apartment pricing and lack of affordable financing stall entry for first-time buyers despite emerging suburban hotspots. Rising material costs force buyers to target lands with existing older structures for renovation rather than...

Work from home soon

In a bid for economic risk mitigation over the falling dollar rate and surging import bills, the government mulls the reintroduction of work from home for the public and private sector employees as done during the pandemic, an official said...

FBI ARRIVES IN SRI LANKA

Despite the intense collaborative effort, investigators admit they are yet to conclusively verify the exact transaction paths or identify the final destination accounts where the millions ultimately landed Ateam from the U.S. Federal Bureau of...

Can Sri Lanka navigate its way out of crisis?

As the nation grapples with a volatile cocktail of fiscal mismanagement, soaring inflation, an escalating energy crisis, high taxation, and the looming threat of El Nino, economic forecasters are revising their growth projections for 2026. In this...

Is Sri Lanka performing genderchange procedures on children?

A controversy has arisen in Sri Lanka following claims questioning whether gender-change procedures are being carried out on children in the country’s hospitals. The issue was originally raised by Elle Gunawansa Thero during a television programme,...

RUPEE DEPRECIATION’S DOUBLE EDGE

Sri Lanka has done impressive work on its domestic finances. We achieved a primary surplus and collected nearly 5 trillion rupees in taxes. But this success is in rupees only. Our external balance sheet – the one measured in dollars – remains...

Sri Lankans crash under Kiwis

The visiting New Zealand A women’s team clinched the three match oneday series against host Sri Lanka A women when they coasted to a convincing 84 runs win on the D/L method in the third encounter played at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday. The...

INVITING OPPOSITION MPS?

ollowing months of speculation of arguments and rifts within the NPP camp, the Daily Mirror reliably learns that some senior government members have told President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to consider inviting capable parliamentarians from the...

ANOTHER ERRONEOUS TRANSACTION RATTLES GOVT

Hot on the heels of two cyber thefts that rattled the Government, another erroneous transaction involving more than Rs. 80 million had taken place in the payment of dues to Srilankan Airlines’ service provider in Dubai. The payment, made in the UAE’S...

WHO IS DELAYING JUSTICE?

C oncerns have been raised within the legal fraternity over the continuous delay in appointing judges to the Superior Courts, with eight vacancies currently remaining unfilled in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal for several months. The Daily...

Gampaha Wickramarachchi University Undergrads in jeopardy

Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, the 16th state university in Sri Lanka, was established in 2021. At the time of its establishment as a university, it didn’t possess even the minimum facilities required to function as a...

GOVT. SAYS SRILANKAN WILL NOT CUT DOWN ON LONG HAUL FLIGHTS

Some aviation experts say Sri Lanka’s decision could help maintain tourism and international connectivity during a fragile economic recovery. Others warn it may place additional pressure on state finances if fuel subsidies continue For now, Sri Lanka...

INDIA, SRI LANKA DISCUSS COOPERATION FOR CONTAINMENT IN FUTURE

In the wake of cyber thefts affecting the Government’s financial activities, Sri Lanka and India have initiated discussions for cooperation to pre-empt such threats in the future, Daily Mirror learns. However, current efforts being initiated between...

FIRMS FROM WAR TORN MIDDLE EAST SHOW INTEREST IN MATTALA AIRPORT

Some leading companies from the Middle East which is now caught in the Israeli/ US war with Iran are among the parties that have shown interests in investing in the Mattala international airport, according to a Minister. Sri Lanka has called for...

Healthy minds, safe workplaces:

She wakes before the mist clears. By the time most of Colombo is having breakfast, she has already been working for two hours, plucking, carrying, meeting a daily quota that does not change regardless of her rest, discomfort or nourishment. She works...

DENIYAYA MENINGITIS SITUATION UNDER WATCH

Health authorities have ruled out the risk of a major viral meningitis outbreak in Deniyaya for now, while continuing to closely monitor the situation following a rise in suspected infections among schoolchildren, Speaking to Daily Mirror, Chief...

ASWESUMA FUNDS PAID TWICE

In what appeared to be yet another transaction error on the part of the NPP government, Aswesuma beneficiaries have been paid twice, the Daily Mirror learns. The allegation was first queried by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa in Parliament on...

VEHICLE PRICES HIKE FURTHER

A Honda Vezel Z Play and RS could see increases of around Rs. 345,000 and Rs. 350,000 respectively, while Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid GR and Hybrid Z variants may rise by Rs. 510,000 and Rs. 478,000 Smaller vehicles are also affected, with the...

SRI LANKA’S NEW VAT RULES

The government’s latest move to expand the Value Added Tax (VAT) net to the digital economy, effective July 1, has triggered alarm bells across multiple sectors. While the Ministry of Financial Planning and Economic Development frames the Gazette...

Sri Lanka’s Manufacturing Moment

The global manufacturing landscape is undergoing a radical transformation, shifting from national production to complex geoeconomic networks where strategy, finance, and technology converge. As supply chains fragment into “trusted” ecosystems, the...

GOVT. MOVES TO TIGHTEN FOREIGN TRAVEL RULES FOR MONKS

The government is moving to strictly enforce and update regulations governing the foreign travel of Buddhist monks, aiming to restore order and address serious misconduct within the clergy. Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural...

TREASURY HEIST TAKES A DARK TURN SUSPENDED OFFICIAL FOUND DEAD

Against the backdrop of ongoing investigations into the disappearance of US$2.5 million from the treasury account, an official from the Finance Ministry who was under probe had been found dead in his home garden in Kuliyapitiya yesterday. Police said...

ERAN, SANGA, MAHANAMA TO RESTRUCTURE SRI LANKA CRICKET

After tables turned at Sri Lanka Cricket with their nowresigned President Shammi Silva and Exco vacating their seats, a new innings started with former MP Eran Wickremeratne taking over the reins and heading a restructuring committee as the chairman...

CONFIRMED AS SHAMMI SILVA AND CO. RESIGN

In a major development that confirms Daily Mirror’s continuous and exclusive reporting, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva and the SLC Executive Committee have decided to step down following a special committee meeting held yesterday (28),...

CANCER PATIENTS BATTLE FOR TREATMENT

Many cancer patients in Sri Lanka are facing life-threatening delays as broken machines and disrupted services cripple access to timely treatment and diagnosis, forcing them into long waiting lists. According to informed sources, waiting lists for...

SHAMMI SILVA SET TO STEP DOWN THIS WEEK

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva is expected to step down from his position on Wednesday (29), amid mounting pressure and ongoing discussions at the highest levels of government, according to informed sources. However, it remains unclear...

CURRENTLY AUSTRALIAN OFFICERS ASSISTING INVESTIGATIONS IN SL

Australian officers are currently assisting with Sri Lanka’s investigation into the incident in which cyber criminals stole US $ 2.5 million after breaching the computer systems of the Finance Ministry, according to Australian High Commissioner Matthew...

USD 2.5 MILLION MONEY HEIST - WHO WILL BEAR THE COST ?

Treasury Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma said yesterday that the public was not informed of the incident prior as revealing sensitive information would have been an obstacle for law enforcement agencies to trace the cyber criminals The NPP government...

USD 2.5MN GOES MISSING FROM TREASURY

Finance Ministry appoints an internal investigations committee to find out how a sum of US 2.5 million dollars has gone missing Monies which have gone missing are associated with an Australian agreement The Finance Ministry has appointed an internal...

SHAMMI SILVA BOWLED OUT

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has at last bowed down to ground realities and ordered Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) merry-go-round dictator Shammi Silva to clear out Silva, the Daily Mirror exclusively learns, will be replaced by former...

SRI LANKA TO RETAIN QR FUEL SYSTEM INDEFINITELY

Fuel supplies sought from India, China, and Russia to maintain adequate stocks KELUM BANDARA Strait of Hormuz instability disrupts nearly 20% of global fuel supply routes QR system to be modified based on future developments and demand By Against the...

KUMARA JAYAKODY - A MAN WHO FACES THE TEST OF TIME

Days after Kumara Jayakody resigned as the Energy Minister making him the first minister to step down amidst corruption allegations in the NPP government, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will this week appoint an already existing cabinet minister to...

Srilankan Airlines restructuring; Government uncertain on path ahead

Restructuring of stateowned enterprises, a core pillar of the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme for Sri Lanka Minister tells Daily Mirror that the government had prioritized the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer for the airline at the...

NDB INTERNAL FRAUD NO IMPACT ON CUSTOMERS, CENTRAL BANK SAYS

Amid fears among accountholders about internal fraud at the National Development Bank (NDB), the Central Bank said yesterday that no customer accounts or deposits had been affected by the fraud, as informed. The Central Bank said in a statement that...

SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAIN

One of the seven persons who gang-raped and murdered schoolgirl Sivaloganathan Vidya in Jaffna in 2013 is alleged to have attempted to sexually abuse a lady Doctor on duty at the prison in Pallekelle, Kandy where he is being held since...

RUSSIAN OIL UNLIKELY ANYTIME SOON

Sri Lanka not the only country that has sought Russian oil at this juncture S ri Lanka is unlikely to secure a shipment of Russian oil anytime soon, as logistical arrangements are still under discussion while the onemonth US sanctions waiver is due to...

ARE WE RUNNING OUT OF DRINKING WATER?

Three-hour water cuts in Battaramulla, Pamankada, Wellawatte, Nawala and surrounding areas on every other day from Thursday (April 2) until April 10 from 10.00 p.m. to 1.00 a.m 24-hour-water cut in Padukka, Homagama , Pelenwatte and Pannipitiya every...

EXTREME HEAT CAN WORSEN CHRONIC DISEASES

Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, coffee and sweetened beverages. People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, kidney diseases and cancers must be extra cautious as their health conditions may worsen due to the extreme heat...

FIVE KINGPINS CONTROL SRI LANKA’S DRUG TRADE FROM DUBAI, EUROPE

Despite thousands of arrests related to drug possession and small-scale dealing, Sri Lanka’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by just five main drug kingpins, the police revealed yesterday. DIG of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB),...

MORE ELECTRIC SHOCKS IF OIL PRICES SURGE

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) yesterday announced a 10 per cent electricity tariff revision under its Second Electricity Tariff Revision for 2026, with the new rates set to take effect from April 1, however, the Electricity Board...

SRI LANKA TO INVITE RUSSIAN INVESTORS TO COLOMBO PORT CITY

The Sri Lankan government will this week make an invitation to the Russian Foreign Ministry for its investors to explore the possibility of investing in the Colombo Port City, which the Sri Lankan government is now trying to promote amongst...

SRI LANKA TURNS TO INDIA FOR DIESEL, FURNACE OIL FOR POWER GENERATION

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is reported to have sought supplies of diesel and furnace oil from India for power generation, a highly placed source said. The Indian authorities are currently considering the request for the supply of such oil...

SRI LANKA BRACES FOR EL NINO IMPACT BY MAY

It could prevent the Southwest Monsoon if it becomes active by May The island is not likely to experience very heavy rains until October this year There however may be few thundershowers around mid-april The El Nino Phenomenon could also prolong the...

DOCTORS WANT SATURDAY DECLARED OFF-DAY AMID FUEL CRISIS

The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has called for Saturday to be declared an off day, as the ongoing fuel crisis is placing severe strain on them. In a statement, the AMS expressed deep concern over the impact of fuel shortages and rising...

SRI LANKA, I L RUSSIA TO STRIKE DEAL PURCHASING NEXT WEEK

Against the backdrop of disruptions to global oil supply, Sri Lanka expects to finalize an oil purchase deal with Russia next week, an official said. Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath held discussions with Russian Ambassador Levan S....

IRIS DENA CAME HERE AT SRI LANKA’S INVITATION: IRANIAN ENVOY

Putting to rest speculation about the U.S. attack on an Iranian warship in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which killed 104 Iranian sailors, Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alireza Delkhosh said yesterday that the vessel ‘IRIS Dena’ came...

GOVT YET TO FIRM UP

MRIA, however, has limited facilities for parking aircraft in case long haul flights were to be launched The airport’s 3,500-metre runway can accommodate widebody aircraft, including Airbus A350s, Boeing 777s, and A380s, which are central to the...

PRESIDENT STANDS FIRM, DECLINES U.S. REQUEST

U.S. sought Sri Lanka’s permission to land two fighter jets in Mattala while Iran made a similar request on the same day for three of its warships make port call in Colombo The fighter jets were armed with eight anti-ship missiles If Sri Lanka had...

Graf Spee, IRIS Dena and the enduring relevance of neutrality

The story of the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee in 1939 remains one of the most cited lessons in the law of neutrality. During her commerce-raiding mission in the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean between September and December 1939, Graf...

FUEL PRICES SET TO RISE AGAIN

Fuel prices in Sri Lanka are likely to rise once more by the end of this month or early next month, according to informed sources at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). Officials indicated that the upcoming increase could surpass the recent hike,...

POWER CUTS MAY BE UNAVOIDABLE SOON - MINISTER

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody hinted out power interruptions as such a scenario could become unavoidable in the future despite the government’s efforts to maintain a continuous electricity supply. Responding to a question raised by Opposition...

SRI LANKA TURNS TO AMERICAN GAS FOR COOKING

IMPORTED SHIPMENT STORED AT ANCHORAGE IN THE MALDIVES LITRO HAD BEEN COMPELLED TO FILL THE MARKET SHARE PREVIOUSLY HELD BY LAUGFS” NO MAJOR PRICE ADVANTAGE BY TURNING TO THE UNITED STATES, THOUGH By Sri Lanka has turned to the United States for...

Govt considers work-from-home to save fuel

In an effort to promote fuel conservation in the face of the current conflicts in the Middle East, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed authorities yesterday to study the possibility of implementing “work from home” arrangements for public and...

AIR FARES SOAR AMIDST MIDDLE EAST WAR

» Issue not limited to SL but affecting the entire aviation industry » Price increases will not affect passengers who have already made reservations » Aviation fuel prices increased due to war situation » Global aviation fuel prices increased to 209...

Rs. 290M COURT WARNS FUNDS LEAVING SRI LANKA

Court calls for public awareness and tighter controls Magistrate notes that the Criminal Investigation Department and the Central Bank should take necessary steps to raise public awareness regarding such financial frauds and implement a proper...

UN research vessel to begin survey in Sri Lankan waters after 2025 snub

The United Nations-flagged research vessel R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen is to carry out a marine scientific survey in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The survey will be conducted jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in...

GOVERNMENT RULES OUT SHUTDOWN

Government expecting to maintain continuous fuel supply in the country Fuel prices were increased to reduce consumption New fuel stocks had to be purchased at higher rates after depleting stocks in the country Govt. discussing to provide short-term...

NEW ROUTE VIA AFGHANISTAN, AZERBAIJAN FOR EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS

Following the closure of Middle Eastern airspace, Srilankan Airlines, the national carrier, has adopted an alternative route through Afghanistan and Azerbaijan for its European destinations, an official said. The airspace in the Middle East mostly...

POSSIBLE FUEL SHORTAGE

Expansion of storage has stalled due to foreign exchange constraints, with 40% of earnings going toward fuel imports Warns a diesel shortage may occur if additional supplies are diverted to the CEB, and alleged that storage facilities are not fully...

SRI LANKA WELL PLACED

Government is closely monitoring economic and security developments while preparing multiple response scenarios Tourist safety remains another priority, with officials working alongside hotels and travel agencies Shipping and logistics have also...

Norway seeks enhanced ties with Sri Lanka, tackling corruption essential for economic growth

Sees tangible progress on peace and reconciliation, flags concerns on PTA, PSTA There’s a slight uptick in our trade There are still some regulatory concerns on our side; that there are some lack of predictability in how things evolve We also want...

U.S. STRIKES IRANIAN WARSHIP WITHIN SRI LANKA’S EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE

In the midst of the escalation of the war in the Middle East, over 100 people are missing and dozens others have been wounded after an Iranian warship IRIS Dena- a Moudge-class frigate from the Southern Fleet of the Iranian Navysank within the...

LANKA TO LOSE SRI US $ 15 MILLION TOURISM REVENUE PER WEEK DUE TO AIRSPACE CLOSURES IN MIDDLE EAST

Most tourists from the West travel to Sri Lanka through that region, and therefore the absence of airline operations would have a severe impact on the tourism industry here There are around 10,000 tourists stranded in Sri Lanka, unable to return to...

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?