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Is BYOB legal in Sri Lanka? Can you Bring Your Own Bottle?
Over the past year, an increasing number of restaurants in Sri Lanka have adopted BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) policies. BYOB means Bring Your Own Bottle, and the customers can bring alcohol and consume it at such places. BYOB dining is not unique to Sri Lanka—it’s a growing global trend across Europe, North America, and…
Cabinet Paper Seeks Ban on Unpackaged Coconut Oil Sales Amid Health Fears
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…
Sri Lanka Considers High Import Taxes Amid US Tariff Pressure - Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe
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…
A Nation in the Dark? What the New Electricity Bill Means for Sri Lanka Experts warn the 2025 bill rolls back progress as energy reform takes a political detour
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…
Deadly Current: PUCSL Report Reveals Alarming Electrocution Trends in 2024
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…
MasterChef Sri Lanka Set to Premiere on ITN This September
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…