The recent closure of the NEXT garment factory in Katunayake’s Free Trade Zone has dealt a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s apparel industry and its broader economy. Announced on May 19, 2025, the shutdown has resulted in the loss of around 1,400 jobs, nearly half of the company’s 2,800-strong workforce. The company cited rising operational…
In the wake of a severe salt shortage and soaring prices in Sri Lanka, opposition MP Mujibur Rahuman (SJB) has accused a government-appointed director of a state-owned salt company of importing bulk salt and reselling it at inflated prices through his private firm. Speaking in Parliament on May 21, Rahuman revealed that Dr. Ravi Liyanage,…
The long-delayed competitive examination for recruitment to Grade III of the Management Assistant Service, for which applications were called in 2019, will finally be held on Sunday, May 18. The exam, postponed for over six years, has caused concern among thousands of applicants who were under the maximum eligible age of 35 at the time…
Marking World Hypertension Day on May 17, health authorities are raising urgent alarms about the hidden danger of high blood pressure in Sri Lanka, with one in every three citizens affected—and nearly half of them unaware they are living with the condition. “It is known as the silent killer,” warned Dr. Shilanthi Mettananda, Consultant Community…
The World Bank has pledged US$1 billion to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, focusing largely on private-sector-led investments that aim to create jobs and modernize key sectors such as energy, agriculture, tourism, and regional development. The funding package, to be delivered over three years, is expected to unlock significant private capital, especially in renewable energy…
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga will visit Sri Lanka on Wednesday, May 7—the first visit by a World Bank president to the country in nearly two decades. The trip, made at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, comes as Sri Lanka navigates a challenging path toward economic recovery. Banga is expected to meet…
Two major Chinese-backed projects in Sri Lanka — the Sinopec oil refinery in Hambantota and the Colombo Port development — have reportedly been delayed. According to sources, Sinopec has requested to increase the originally agreed local market supply quota of 20% for its oil products. The massive export-oriented refinery project, which involves an investment of…
This Vesak season, Daily Reporter, Impactus and the Right to Life Human Rights Centre are calling on all Sri Lankans to make a small but powerful choice: buy locally made Vesak decorations and help a struggling family earn a living. In recent years, Chinese-made lanterns and LED lights have flooded the Sri Lankan market. They…
Vehicle imports to Sri Lanka have resumed following the lifting of the import ban on February 1, but high taxes continue to limit sales, market sources say. New vehicle importers are currently processing orders, and it typically takes about four to six months for a new vehicle to arrive. Importers are required to register imported…
Sri Lanka is ready to tax the digital services supplied by non-Sri Lankans from October 1. This was legalised by the certification of VAT (amendment) Act No. 4 of 2025. Inland Revenue Department said in a press release that procedures for registration, payment and compliance would be specified by the Commissioner General in due course….
