The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announces the postponement of the remaining eight matches of the HBL PSL X. The last 24 hours have seen a worsening of the situation on the LOC, increased incursion of 78 drones, and the firing of surface to surface missiles from India. The decision to postpone has been taken pursuant to advice received from the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif who has kept in view the reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan. The PCB and its players stand resolutely in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and our security personnel defending the nation. The PCB recognizes the efforts and support of its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organizers in having ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament thus far, however; cricket while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause when the country is facing such callous opposition. We, at the PCB, also have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home. The post India- Pakistan issue : PSL postponed appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has called for reports from the Bambalapitiya and Kotahena Police Stations following the death of a 16-year-old schoolgirl, who allegedly died by suicide after being sexually abused by a teacher. In a statement issued on Thursday, the NCPA acknowledged the widespread public concern surrounding the case and noted that many incidents of abuse often go unreported due to fears of damaging a school’s reputation or discouraging victims from speaking out. To address these issues, the NCPA has informed the Education Ministry Secretary and Provincial Directors of Education of the legal and procedural responsibilities in handling such cases. The guidelines include: 1.? ?Immediate reporting of any child abuse case to the NCPA via its 1929 hotline, email, or postal mail, with instructions for all schools to comply. The 16-year-old girl had died by suicide in Kotahena recently, after which her parents alleged that her death was linked to her being sexually abused by a male teacher at the school and also being humiliated at a private tuition institute in front of fellow students over the incident. A protest was held in front of the school yesterday, seeking justice for the 16-year-old girl. The protesters called for the immediate suspension and arrest of the accused male school teacher, while they also shared displeasure over the school principal, whom they have accused of having shielded the perpetrator. (Newswire) The post NCPA calls for Police reports, issues guidelines following schoolgirl’s death appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
Today’s News Digest: Your go-to summary of the key events and headlines that shaped the day. From major developments to breaking news, we bring you everything that happened today, all in one quick and easy read. Six killed in SLAF Bell 212 helicopter crash
A Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir during a demonstration for a Special Forces passing out parade, resulting in six fatalities. A nine-member committee has been appointed to investigate the incident.
Sri Lanka collects Rs. 970.58 Bn in Q1 2025 tax revenue
In the first quarter of 2025, Sri Lanka collected Rs. 970.58 billion in tax revenue. However, with total government spending at Rs. 1,562.94 billion, the country faced a fiscal deficit of Rs. 498.28 billion.
CTU criticizes Minister Paulraj over remarks on schoolgirl’s death
The Ceylon Teachers’ Union condemned Minister Saroja Paulraj for her comments regarding the suicide of a Grade 10 student following alleged sexual abuse. The union labeled her remarks as “conceited” and criticized the lack of prompt action. 79 shooting incidents reported over past 7 months
Sri Lanka recorded 79 shooting incidents between September 2024 and May 2025, resulting in 52 deaths and 260 arrests. Most incidents were linked to organized criminal gangs, according to Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala.
Government auctions 27 luxury vehicles
The government has opened bidding for 27 luxury and decommissioned vehicles from the Presidential Secretariat, including models like BMWs, Land Rovers, and a Porsche Cayenne. This move aims to reduce public expenditure and promote fiscal discipline. Trending Video of the Day
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 8th May 2025. Colombo. • Q1 25 Revenue recorded at Rs 43.3Bn, up 4% YoY; Core Revenue up 20% YoY Dialog Axiata PLC announced its consolidated financial results for the three months ended 31st March 2025. Financial results included those of Dialog Axiata PLC (the “Company”) and of the Dialog Axiata Group (the “Group”). The Group delivered a strong performance across Mobile, Fixed Line, Digital Pay Television and Tele infrastructure businesses recording a positive Revenue growth of 4% Year on Year (“YoY”) to reach Rs43.3Bn for Q1 2025. On a Quarter on Quarter (“QoQ”) basis Revenue declined by 5% owing to conscious scaling down of low margin international wholesale business amounting to Rs1.7Bn for Q1 2025. Group Core Revenue was recorded at Rs41.4Bn for Q1 2025, up 20% YoY albeit declining 2% QoQ due to days impact. Group Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”) recorded a growth of 45% YoY to reach Rs19.7Bn albeit declining 7% QoQ due to moderate decline in core Revenue. Headline EBITDA margin improved 12.8 percentage points as compared to Q1 2024. The Group Net Profit After Tax (“NPAT”) was recorded at Rs4.1Bn for Q1 2025 up 49% YoY albeit declining 39% QoQ. Dialog Group continued to be a significant contributor to state Revenues, remitting a total of Rs14.8Bn to the Government of Sri Lanka (“GoSL”) during Q1 2025. Total remittances included Direct Taxes and Levies amounting to Rs4.5Bn as well as Rs10.3Bn in Consumption Taxes collected on behalf of the GoSL. The Group continues to remain steadfast to meet growing demand from both retail and corporate sectors, whilst also ensuring seamless experience and leadership in Sri Lankas’ Broadband and ICT sectors. Dialog mobile network was recognised by third party network monitoring platform as the leader across 5G Experience, Coverage and Overall Experience. The Capital expenditure (“Capex”) for Q1 2025 reached Rs3.7Bn representing an increase of 36% YoY. As a result of improved performance and controlled Capex, the Group recorded Operating Free Cash Flow (“OFCF”) of Rs12.3Bn for Q1 2025 up 71% YoY and >+100% QoQ. In the recent quarter, Dialog was honoured as the ‘Telecommunication Brand of the Year’ for the 14th consecutive year and the ‘Service Brand of the Year’ for the 4th time at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards 2025, held on March 18, 2025. This recognition, awarded based on the voice of the people, reflects the strong affinity with Sri Lankans over the years. Dialog was also recognized at the ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards 2024, winning the ‘Non-Financial Services Category’ for its exemplary commitment to sustainability and transparency. This achievement reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into its business strategy and operations. At an entity level, the Company continued to contribute a major share of Group Revenue (74%) and Group EBITDA (72%) during the quarter. Company Revenue was recorded at Rs32.3Bn up 26% YoY due to consolidation of Airtel business and stable pricing in the consumer space. On a QoQ was down 1% owing to days impact. EBITDA was recorded at Rs14.2Bn for Q1 2025 representing a growth of 63% YoY on the back of strong revenue performance and moderation in cost increase. On a QoQ basis EBITDA declined by 21% due to higher Network and Manpower costs. The Company NPAT was recorded at Rs2.9Bn for Q1 2025, up 78% YoY albeit declining 64% QoQ. Dialog Television (“DTV”), continued to consolidate its leadership position in the Digital Pay Television space, maintaining a strong subscriber base of over 1.6Mn as of end Q1 2025. DTV Revenue reached Rs3.1Bn for Q1 2025, remaining stable YoY albeit declining 6% QoQ due to slow down in subscription revenue and days impact. DTV EBITDA was recorded at Rs475Mn a growth of 3% YoY whilst declining 29% QoQ largely in line with the revenue movement. NPAT was recorded at a negative Rs367Mn for the quarter. Dialog Broadband Networks (“DBN”) featuring the Group’s Fixed Telecommunications, Broadband and International Businesses recorded Revenue of Rs9.0Bn for Q1 2025, down 38% YoY and 17% QoQ. The headline Revenue decline was due to the scaling down of low margin international wholesale business. The Core Fixed Business recorded a Revenue of Rs7.8Bn for Q1 2025, up 6% YoY and 2% QoQ. The EBITDA for DBN grew 24% YoY and 82% QoQ to record at Rs5.0Bn for Q1 2025, driven by decline in Network and Manpower costs. NPAT reached Rs1.6Bn for Q1 2025 increasing 72% YoY. More details are available at the following links: The post Dialog Delivers a Strong First Quarter Performance appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
Sri Lanka has recorded 79 shooting incidents over the past seven months, resulting in 52 deaths and 260 arrests, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament on Friday. The shootings occurred between September 21, 2024, and May 8, 2025. Wijepala said 62 of the incidents were linked to organized criminal gangs, while 17 were classified as other types of shootings. Of the 260 arrested, 229 were connected directly to organized crime, the minister said. Wijepala said the government has implemented measures to combat organized crime and maintained that crime rates have not risen significantly compared to 2022 and 2023. He acknowledged that any loss of life is tragic but rejected claims of a sharp increase in shootings since the new administration took office. (Newswire) The post 79 shooting incidents over the past 7 months appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit today (09 May 25). The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions. The 80.65m long ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ is a Hydrographic Vessel commanded by Commander BERTHEAU Dimitri and she is manned by 58 crew members. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer and a group of crew members of the ship are scheduled to call on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance. During the stay in the island, crew members of the ship will explore some tourist attractions within the country and the ship is scheduled to set sail from Colombo on 13 May. (Navy) The post French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ arrives in Colombo appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
The Minister in Parliament said that the parents of the Grade 10 student, who died by suicide following alleged sexual abuse by a teacher, had not yet met her or submitted a petition. She also noted that a formal complaint has not been filed with the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), despite her request. “The girl has died. What is this minister’s conceitedness? She is egoistical to say that the parents didn’t come to meet her. What is this joke? Nobody should go to anyone. When it is a case concerning a child, one complaint is enough. In this case the complaint was made by the Judicial Medical Officer and no-one else. The person who should have complained regarding this was the principal, whereas the principal chose to hide the issue,” Stalin said. Responding to questions about possible political interference, Stalin said the union had received assurances that the investigation would proceed without political influence, despite the accused teachers’ alleged links to the governing National People’s Power party. (Newswire) The post CTU slams Minister Paulraj over “conceited” remarks on schoolgirl’s death appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
The Ministry of Public Administration has directed the closure of all slaughterhouses, meat vendors, meat sales at supermarkets, casinos, race bookies and clubs across Sri Lanka during the state Vesak Festival. According to a circular issued on April 29, the order will be in effect from May 12 to May 14, 2025. Authorities have instructed relevant institutions and businesses to comply with the directive during the festival period. (Newswire) The post Liqour, meat shops, casinos & clubs to close for Vesak appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
Nations Trust Bank PLC is pleased to announce the return of the Nations Trust Bank Golf Championship, which will take place on May 24th, 2025, at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC). The annual tournament has become a much-anticipated tradition for the Bank’s valued customers and partners, offering an active and engaging environment to connect through a shared love of golf. The event will see the participation of 230 players who are golf enthusiasts and high net worth customers of Nations Trust Bank. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony and evening fellowship, offering a festive atmosphere for players and guests. Trophies and prizes will be awarded in several categories, including Men’s and Ladies’ Winners, Runners-Up, Masters, and Seniors. Commenting on the upcoming tournament, Nations Trust Bank’s Executive Vice President of Consumer Banking, Sheahan Daniel said, “We are excited to host the Nations Trust Golf Championship 2025 in partnership with the Royal Colombo Golf Club. More than a tournament, this event is an opportunity to connect with our customers through the sport that many enjoy. It’s this spirit of camaraderie that makes the experience special each year.” Captain of the Royal Colombo Golf Club, Gehan Siribaddana said, “The Nations Trust Golf Championship is a very popular and much-anticipated event on our annual golf calendar. This tournament brings excitement, fun and a strong sense of comradery among our membership.” In keeping with its commitment to inclusive engagement, the Bank will also host a Junior Golf Championship on May 23rd. This event will bring together young members from Nations Trust Bank’s Private Banking clientele and the Royal Colombo Golf Club, encouraging the next generation of golf enthusiasts. Nations Trust Bank has partnered with the Royal Colombo Golf Club for the golf championship for over a decade and it remains a special event on the Bank’s event calendar. Nations Trust Bank PLC serves a wide range of customers across consumer, commercial, and corporate segments through various physical and digital channels. The bank focuses on digital empowerment with advanced digital banking technologies and pioneered FriMi, Sri Lanka’s leading digital banking experience. Nations Trust Bank PLC is the issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka, with a strong presence in the premium segments. The post The Nations Trust Bank Golf Championship 2025 to Tee Off at Royal Colombo Golf Club appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
The second phase of bidding has commenced for the sale of 27 luxury and decommissioned vehicles from the Presidential Secretariat. These vehicles, manufactured between 1991 and 2016, include a range of high-end and utility models: two BMW cars, two Ford Everest SUVs, one Hyundai Terracan SUV, two Land Rover SUVs, one Mitsubishi Montero, three Nissan petrol cars, two Nissan-type motor cars, one Porsche Cayenne, five SsangYong Rexton SUVs, one Land Cruiser Sahara SUV, six V08 vehicles and one Mitsubishi Rosa air-conditioned bus. Tender documents are available from the Finance Division, located on the second floor of the Sema Building at the Presidential Secretariat, on working days between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. until 14th May. Interested parties may also inspect the vehicles at the Salusala premises, No. 93, Jawatta Road, up to the same date. This auction follows the successful first phase of the programme, during which 14 luxury vehicles, six decommissioned vehicles and various spare parts were sold. That phase included the auction of 15 vehicles, including nine Defender Jeeps. The initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to reducing public expenditure and ensuring fiscal discipline. It is important to note that the vehicles on offer were not allocated to the permanent staff of the Presidential Secretariat. They were utilised by advisors and other individuals appointed under Article 41(1) of the Constitution during the tenure of the previous President.
President’s Media Division (PMD)
09-05-2025 The post 27 Luxury Govt vehicles put on sale: Bidding open appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. (Lake House) has given an undertaking to the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka to reinstate journalist Sumudu Jayawardana to her post as Deputy Editor of the Sinhala-language weekly Silumina. Jayawardana filed a fundamental rights petition after she was transferred to the Lake House Media Academy, alleging the move was unjustified and violated her constitutional rights. The undertaking was recorded before a bench comprising Justices Yasantha Kodagoda and Sampath Abeykoon, who also directed that progress on the reinstatement be reported to the court by June 5. The case cited 14 respondents, including the chairman and the board of directors of ANCL. Jayawardana was represented by attorneys Saliya Peiris, PC, Sudarshana Gunawardena, and Sarinda Jayawardena. (Newswire) The post Unlawful transfer : State media journalist wins court battle appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education of Sri Lanka have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the higher education sector. The MoU was signed by, Provost of NUS Aaron Thien, at a brief ceremony held at the NUS campus on 5 May 2025. The signed document was formally handed over to the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore Senarath Dissanayake, for onward transmission to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education of Sri Lanka for endorsement. During the ceremony, Professor Thien noted that the MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for academic cooperation, capacity-building, and research collaboration between NUS and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education. He emphasized that NUS, as a regional University, is pleased to offer Sri Lankan students access to a broad spectrum of academic opportunities, including enrolment in Master’s and Doctoral programmes, supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen human capital. High Commissioner Dissanayake, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the NUS leadership for their commitment in facilitating this timely partnership. He stated that the MoU will play a vital role in advancing Sri Lanka’s education reform agenda. Underscoring education as a key pillar of the longstanding bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Singapore, he reaffirmed the High Commission’s commitment to further strengthening institutional ties between the two countries. Under the terms of the MoU, a management committee comprising representatives from both parties is to be established to manage and oversee the collaborative activities outlined in this MoU. The handing-over ceremony was attended by Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the NUS Graduate School Jessica Pan, Deputy Dean of the NUS Graduate School Wong Lim Soon, Director of the Centre for Holistic Inquiry into Lifelong Learning (CHILL) Suranga Nanayakkara and Vice Dean for Outreach and Admissions Carolyn Lee. Minister and Head of Chancery Ahamed Razee and Minister Priyanga Nanayakkara, also joined the event, representing the High Commission. The post Sri Lanka signs agreement with National University of Singapore appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
 XpressJobs, Sri Lanka’s trendsetting recruitment technology platform, has officially partnered with UNISTEM Sri Lanka (formerly HRMI) to provide students and graduates with more targeted, real-time access to internships and job opportunities through a newly integrated career portal. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 7th May 2025 by Dr. Oshadie Korale, Co-Founder and COO of XpressJobs, and Gihan Talgodapitiya, CEO of UNISTEM.
 Through this collaboration, UNISTEM’s career platform (hrmi.lk/jobs) now features customized job listings powered by XpressJobs, allowing students to explore opportunities segmented by their fields of study. These include Internships, Human Resources, Travel & Tourism, Marketing, Accounting, Banking, Project Management, and Senior Management roles. XpressJobs, currently working with over 9,000 companies and having processed more than 5 million job applications, brings industry leading recruitment tech into the education space bridging the gap between academic learning and professional employment. Dr. Oshadie Korale, Co-Founder and COO of XpressJobs, stated: Gihan Talgodapitiya, CEO of UNISTEM, commented: As a company that believes deeply in collaboration, XpressJobs continuously seeks partnerships with forward-thinking institutions and organizations to advance career readiness across Sri Lanka. The post XpressJobs and UNISTEM Partner to Deliver Smarter, Segmented Career Access for Students appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
 The Colombo High Court has sentenced a Divisional Development Officer to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment after he was found guilty of soliciting a sexual bribe from a 30-year-old mother who sought government financial assistance for her 7-year-old child’s kidney surgery. Delivering the verdict, High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige ordered that the sentence be served within 10 years. Additionally, the judge instructed the Election Commission to revoke the civil rights of the convict, including his right to vote, and imposed a fine of Rs. 20,000. The judge noted that as a government official, the convict had a duty to fulfill his responsibilities with integrity, and soliciting a sexual bribe from a vulnerable woman was entirely unacceptable. Highlighting the severity of the offense, the judge stated there was no room for a lenient punishment. The incident occurred on March 31, 2015, when the officer allegedly demanded a sexual bribe in exchange for approving the required financial aid. He took the woman to a hotel in the Tissamaharama area, where officers from the Bribery Commission apprehended him. Following an extensive trial, the High Court determined that the charges had been proven beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the conviction and sentencing. (Newswire) The post Officer jailed 20 years for sexual bribe from helpless mother appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
The Sri Lankan Rupee has appreciated against the US Dollar today (08 May), compared to Thursday. According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the buying rate of the US Dollar has decreased from Rs. 295.07 to Rs. 294.88 while the selling rate has reduced from Rs. 303.56 to Rs. 303.24. The Sri Lankan Rupee has also appreciated against a basket of Gulf currencies. (Newswire)
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Police arrested a 31-year-old Sri Lankan national on May 3 after a Brazilian woman was found dead in an apartment that reportedly caught fire near Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture. The victim, Amanda Borges da Silva, 30, a researcher with a master’s degree in linguistics, departed her home country in March to travel around Asia. A huge motorsports fan, she arrived in Japan at the start of April in time for the F1 Grand Prix. On Instagram, da Silva uploaded pictures of her trip in Japan, informing her followers of how much she was enjoying the country. Her final update was posted on April 25. “Thank you Lord! For taking good care of me and allowing me to live special moments,” she wrote. “In love with this country!” Five days later, she reportedly spoke to her mother, saying “I feel safe in Japan.” The following day, her dream trip came to a tragic conclusion. Her body was discovered in a two-story apartment in Honsarizuka, Narita city at approximately 9 a.m. on May 1. According to her friend, James Fernandez, she was scheduled to leave Japan that evening. Her boyfriend lost contact with her a few hours before she was scheduled to depart. He then alerted her family, and the authorities were soon informed. The cause of da Silva’s death remains unclear. Police are investigating it as a potential murder robbery as her bag and cellphone were missing from the scene. The suspect, Abailija Patawadige Pathum Udayanga allegedly left the premises without extinguishing the flames. He reportedly told investigators that he was “too shocked to put out the fire.” Police are investigating the details of the suspect’s relationship with the da Silva. (TW) The post Sri Lankan man arrested after blaze kills Brazilian traveller in Japan appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
The Indian Premier League has been suspended amid mounting security concerns following the military escalation between India and Pakistan, the BCCI sources confirmed to Hindustan Times on Friday. The development comes after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals clash in Dharamsala was called off due to safety issues. The venue is located less than 100 kilometres from Pathankot, where air raid alerts were sounded, prompting the BCCI to take the call. We have decided to indefinitely suspend the IPL. The players’ safety is our utmost priority. Hence we decided to stop the tournament for now. We’ll decide later if and when the tournament can resume. Right now, national interest is of utmost importance,” sources in the BCCI told the newspaper. The post India-Pakistan issue : IPL 2025 suspended appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
The Sri Lanka Air Force has confirmed that six personnel lost their lives after a Bell 212 helicopter crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir this morning during a demonstration for the Special Forces passing out parade. The full statement from the Air Force is as follows: A Bell 212 helicopter of No. 7 Sqn crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir during a demo for the SF passing out parade. The Commander of the Air Force has appointed a special nine-member committee to conduct a detailed investigation. Regrettably, six personnel lost their lives following the incident.
The post Bell 212 Crash: SLAF issues official statement appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to expedite the drafting of a bill to establish the Sri Lanka Food Science and Technology Agency through an Act of Parliament. Originally founded in 2004 as a voluntary body of food scientists and technologists and currently operating as a company limited by guarantee, the agency is set to be formalized as a government-backed institution. Cabinet initially approved the legal framework in 2016, but the bill is yet to be tabled in Parliament. The latest decision, made at the Cabinet meeting held on June 11, 2024, has authorised the draft legislation to be finalised, incorporating amendments provided by the Attorney General, to strengthen the agency’s role nationally and internationally. (Newswire) The post Sri Lanka Food Science & Technology Agency Bill to be fast-tracked appeared first on Newswire. | ↑ |
