This is an article about elderly Sri Lankans and the decline of newspapers. It discusses the economic crisis and how it has affected the newspaper industry. As a result, many newspapers have folded or reduced publication. This has left many elderly Sri Lankans without a source of news and connection to their community. They are also struggling to adjust to getting their news online.
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Reforming the Reforms
The Pockets – Series 2 | Episode 3
– Nanda Wanninayaka Multipockets: Good morning, Mr. President. Mr. Double Pockets wants to see you. Pocket Billiards: I see, what seems to be the problem with him now? Multipockets: Education! Pocket Billiards: Isn’t it too late now to do anything about it? He has already “mustered” some sort of degree from Kelaniya Tertiary Montessori, hasn’t…
Debt Crisis Looms Over Pelwatta and Sevanagala
Is There a Way Forward for Sri Lanka’s Sugar Industry?
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has sounded the alarm over the looming collapse of the Pelwatta and Sevanagala sugar factories—two institutions that have long served as economic lifelines for thousands of rural Sri Lankan families. Speaking at a gathering of sugarcane farmers and factory workers at Sri Chandra Madhuraramaya in Buttala on August 2, Premadasa described…
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…
- BUSINESS | CONSUMER | ECONOMY | TOP STORIES
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…
