Colombo, Sri Lanka – A cabinet paper has been submitted proposing a ban on the sale of unpackaged coconut oil, citing escalating health concerns among consumers. The move, aimed at safeguarding public health, seeks to regulate the distribution of coconut oil, a staple in Sri Lankan households. The proposal comes amidst growing apprehension regarding the…
Recently, the US government imposed a 30% tariff on Sri Lankan exports, effective August 1, 2025. While this is lower than the initially threatened 44%, it’s still significantly higher than tariffs faced by some of Sri Lanka’s competitors, like Vietnam (20%). This new US tariff puts significant pressure on Sri Lanka’s crucial apparel sector, which heavily…
By Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe Electricity reform in Sri Lanka is more than just a technical debate—it’s at the heart of whether families live with dignity, industries remain competitive, and students study without disruption. The country’s power sector, once envisioned for transformation, may now be at risk of another cycle of inefficiency and crisis. Opening Kathikawa’s…
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), drawing from data compiled by the Sri Lanka Police, has released its Electrocution Analysis Report for 2024, revealing deeply concerning trends in electrical safety across the country. Alarming Numbers In 2024, Sri Lanka recorded a total of 120 fatal electrocutions. While this marks a slight reduction from…
A Sri Lankan version of the global cooking competition *MasterChef* is set to launch on ITN this September. The 25-episode reality show will be produced by Reality TV Production in partnership with Nilendra Deshapriya Productions, using the Banijay Entertainment format that has already been adapted in over 70 countries. The show features amateur cooks who…
India has announced the extension of its LKR 300 million financial assistance to sustain the passenger ferry service between Kankesanthurai (KKS) in northern Sri Lanka and Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu for another year. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said the funding extension reflects India’s continued commitment to boosting…
A new World Bank report has warned that nearly 1.8 billion people across South Asia – including Sri Lanka – will face extreme heat risks by 2030, with climate adaptation efforts still falling short. The report, “From Risk to Resilience: Helping People and Firms Adapt in South Asia,” highlights that income barriers and market failures…
Gone are the days you needed a tiny SIM card to stay connected. The future is here with eSIM—or embedded SIM—technology, now gaining popularity in Sri Lanka too. It’s not just a new way to use your phone; it’s a revolution in connectivity. With eSIM, one number can work across multiple devices. Smartwatches, tablets, and…
Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is rapidly advancing in Sri Lanka’s EV market through a strategic partnership with John Keells CG Auto. The two companies recently signed an MoU to introduce DENZA, BYD’s luxury electric vehicle brand, showcasing models like the D9, N7, Z9, and Z9GT. This move aims to offer Sri Lankan consumers high-end,…
On May 12, 2025, Charlotte May Lee, a 21-year-old former flight attendant from South London, was arrested at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport. Sri Lankan customs officials discovered approximately 46 kilograms of a synthetic drug known as “kush” concealed in her luggage. Valued at around $3.3 million, this seizure marks the largest of its kind in…
