Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

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?

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...