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View all(41)📈 Sri Lanka Exports Hit Record US$ 7.39 Bn in First 5 Months
Sri Lanka’s export sector has achieved its highest-ever performance for the first five months of the year, signaling resilient economic recovery despite global headwinds. • Overall Performance: Total export earnings surpassed US$ 7.39 Bn, reflecting a strong year-on-year (YoY) growth of 7.56% compared to the same period last year. • Sector Dynamics: While traditional sectors like apparel & textiles face minor headwinds due to soft global demand (e.g., major manufacturers like Teejay Group reported a 10% YoY revenue dip), diversification efforts are picking up. • New Growth Engines: The Export Development Board (EDB) is heavily focusing on expanding petroleum-related and logistics exports, aiming to leverage national infrastructure to double future growth. • Bilateral Milestones: Currency developments show the Sri Lankan Rupee appreciating further against the US Dollar. Additionally, the EDB expects proposed Rupee-denominated trade mechanisms with India to lift bilateral commerce by 40% over the next two years. _Note: Figures are based on the latest provisional export data released on June 25, 2026._
🏛️ Parliamentary Committee Room Dispute Halts CoPF Proceedings
Based on statements made in Parliament yesterday by Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) Chairman MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, the vital oversight work of the committee has effectively ground to a halt due to a logistical dispute over meeting spaces. • The Conflict: The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has sought exclusive use of the designated Parliament committee room from Tuesday to Friday, from morning until evening. • The Impact: This scheduling arrangement leaves almost no room for the CoPF to conduct its regular proceedings and fulfill its public finance oversight responsibilities. • The Appeal: Dr. de Silva emphasized that committees do not own rooms in Parliament, urging an immediate resolution to the resource clash so that critical reviews of public finance and governance issues can resume. _Note: There was no immediate response from COPE regarding the matter in Parliament._
🇨🇦 High Commission of Canada Relocates to Colombo 7
• Strategic Move: The High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and the Maldives has officially relocated its Chancery from 5th Lane to newly renovated premises in Colombo 7. • Purpose: According to official statements, the relocation reflects Canada's continued commitment to strengthening diplomatic, social, and economic engagement with both the government and the public of Sri Lanka and the Maldives. • Key Dates & Location: All appointments, services, and official correspondence have shifted to the new address effective from 24 June, 2026. • New Address: No. 6, Srimath R. G. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka. • Visitor Advisory: The High Commission urges the public to schedule appointments in advance and consult their official website for updated program details and consular services.
⚖️ Former Intelligence Chief's Detention: Bishop Urges Due Process Over Premature Claims
• Context: Rev. Asiri P. Perera, Retired President Bishop of the Methodist Church Sri Lanka, issued an open letter to Manohary Sallay, wife of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Suresh Sallay. • Key Issues Raised: • Legal Integrity: The Bishop emphasized that innocence or guilt must be determined by the legal system, not public declarations. He noted that asserting innocence prematurely risks undermining judicial integrity and dismissing the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. • Political Manipulation: The letter questioned whether disgruntled politicians are using the family's situation as a pawn to advance their own agendas under the guise of "persecution." • Transparency: The Bishop critiqued Mrs. Sallay's choice to remain masked during daily media statements, suggesting it impacts her credibility and raises questions about transparency. • Spiritual Concerns: Addressing Suresh Sallay's refusal of food and water, the Bishop suggested it may stem from unresolved internal conflict rather than a "fast unto death." He urged the family to seek pastoral or clergy visits to encourage reflection and repentance. • Conclusion: The open letter closed with an appeal to prioritize national truth and justice over marital loyalty, urging the family to let the ongoing investigation and courts proceed without interference.
⚖️ Suresh Sallay Detention: Culpability vs Political Scapegoating
A political and legal debate has intensified in Sri Lanka following the 100+ day detention of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Suresh Sallay under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) over his alleged links to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Following a hunger strike, Sallay's health deteriorated, leading to his transfer to the Colombo National Hospital ICU. • The Core Allegations: Sallay's detention stems from testimony by Azad Maulana (former aide to Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan), who alleged he arranged a 2018 meeting between Sallay and extremist groups linked to Zahran Hashim. Maulana claimed Sallay suggested the Rajapaksas needed a security disaster to secure the presidency. • Political & Public Fallout: Nationalistic political forces accuse the current NPP Government of unfairly targeting Sallay to appease Catholic Church leaders for political mileage. Conversely, the government maintains the move is strictly to deliver justice to the families of the 270 victims. • Narrative Contradictions: The report notes inconsistencies in the political manipulation narrative. The SLPP had already won the 2018 local elections convincingly (40% SLPP, 12% UPFA) 14 months before the attacks, driven by the unpopularity of the Yahapalana government. Furthermore, the claim that radical Islamic extremists would orchestrate an attack to benefit Gotabaya Rajapaksa—who was viewed unfavorably by the Muslim community due to his links with the Sinhalese Buddhist nationalist Bodu Bala Sena—remains highly debated. • Credibility Concerns: The credibility of the key witness, Azad Maulana, has also faced scrutiny following a police complaint by his second wife regarding a false identity, post the release of the Channel 4 documentary. The final outcome relies heavily on judicial evidence free from political pressure.
📝 Sri Lanka G.C.E. O/L Results Highlight Urgent Need for Education Reform
A total of 450,000+ students recently sat for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations, sparking fresh discussion on national education restructuring to support the modern marketplace. • Key Statistics & Funnel Effect: • 73% of candidates (~328,500 students) qualified to pursue Advanced Level (A/L) studies. • Only around 40,000 students eventually secure placement in State universities annually, leaving a vast majority to navigate alternative pathways. • Market Gaps & Economic Context: • Traditional pathways over-index on academic competencies while under-delivering on practical skills, communication, and adaptability required by modern industries. • Employers report significant readiness gaps even among university graduates, limiting immediate employment efficiency in a rapidly changing economy. • Reform Priorities & Strategic Diversification: • A shift away from high-stakes exam ranking toward holistic development including technology, sports, and leadership. • Call to elevate the dignity, visibility, and structured support for non-traditional corridors including technical & vocational training, ICT/digital skills, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship support. • The Prime Minister personally holding the education portfolio signals high-level state prioritization for these structural reforms.
🚨 Alert: Sophisticated NIC Scam via WhatsApp Exploiting DRP Identity
The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) has issued an urgent warning regarding a highly convincing phishing scam targeting citizens through WhatsApp. • The Tactic: Fraudsters send messages masquerading as official communications from the Department for Registration of Persons (DRP). They falsely claim recipients must verify their National Identity Card (NIC) data to enhance central database security. • How It Gains Trust: Messages include the victim's actual full name, address, and NIC number, alongside realistic details like biometric requirements, official-looking contact info, and the forged designation of the Commissioner General. • The Hook: Victims are given a sudden appointment and warned that failure to comply will result in a temporary suspension of services linked to their NIC. • The Payload: Panic leads victims to call the provided fraudulent helpline. Scammers then manipulate them into filling out fake forms and disclosing sensitive data, including bank passwords and One-Time Passwords (OTPs), resulting in immediate financial theft. ⚠️ Official Stance: Sri Lanka CERT stresses that the DRP never conducts identity or information verification via WhatsApp. Citizens must independently verify any such requests through official government channels before sharing any personal or financial information.
🧘♂️ 12th International Day of Yoga Celebrated in Colombo
The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated at Independence Square in Colombo under the theme _“Yoga for Healthy Ageing,”_ focusing on mobility, mental well-being, and holistic wellness. Organized by the Indian High Commission and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the event saw collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Administration. • Key Highlights & Participation: • Over 2,000 participants attended the main event, including Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Sri Lankan Ministers, MPs, and personnel from the Tri-Forces and Sri Lanka Police. • Parallel events were held by Indian Consulates and Assistant High Commissions in Hambantota, Jaffna, and Kandy to ensure island-wide coverage. • An AYUSH Information Kiosk was featured alongside free consultations from Siddhalepa Ayurveda medical professionals to promote traditional medicine. • Institutional Expansion: • A preliminary island-wide event on June 18 involved simultaneous yoga sessions across 112 Ayurveda hospitals in Sri Lanka. • The High Commission facilitated ~55 localized yoga events across key institutions, including the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the Colombo Municipal Council, and the Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka. _Note: Sri Lanka was an original co-sponsor of the 2014 UN General Assembly resolution establishing June 21 as the International Day of Yoga._
🎭 Sri Lankan Theatre Group Set for Historic Germany Tour After Final Colombo Show
The acclaimed Stages Theatre Group (STG) will perform its powerful production, "DCS: 7 Decades of Sri Lanka," at the Lionel Wendt Theatre in Colombo tomorrow (June 21) before embarking on a historic tour to Germany. • Cultural Export & Creative Industry: The production has been officially selected for Theater der Welt 2026 in Chemnitz, marking a major milestone for Sri Lanka's creative industries and performing arts sector on the global stage. • Tour Schedule: Following the Colombo staging, the ensemble will perform two shows in Chemnitz (June 26–27) before concluding the tour in Berlin at UfaFabrik on June 29. • Production Details: Directed by Ruwanthie de Chickera, the 90-minute trilingual performance (Sinhala, Tamil, and English) explores 70 years of Sri Lanka’s socio-political history from Independence to 2009. The script is uniquely built on oral histories and memories of senior citizens born in the 1930s. • Cast & Global Footprint: Features prominent actors like Sanjeewa Upendra and Nipuni Sharada. The play has previously toured India, Rwanda, and Abu Dhabi, showcasing the international scalability of Sri Lankan cultural productions.
KDA Intake 1 Marks 45 Years of Military Academic Excellence 📈
• Historical Context: Established in 1979 to elevate the intellectual calibre of Sri Lanka's officer corps, the Kotelawala Defence Academy (KDA) formally opened on 11th October 1980 following a 48-acre land donation by former Prime Minister General Sir John Kotelawala. • Intake 1 Breakdown: The historic first batch entered on 3rd March 1981, comprising 34 young men. The cohort balanced military training with civilian higher education, diversifying into critical technical fields: 19 cadets pursued Engineering degrees at the University of Moratuwa. 13 cadets pursued Physical Sciences (BSc) at the University of Colombo. 2 cadets specialized in Architecture. • Key Milestones: The first passing out parade was held on 2nd May 1984. Demonstrating the long-term human capital impact of the institution, five pioneering officers rose to top ranks (Major General, Rear Admiral, and Air Vice Marshal), contributing heavily to national infrastructure, engineering, and intelligence sectors. • Institutional Evolution: In 1988, KDA was elevated to full university status via a legislative amendment, becoming the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), blending disciplined military leadership with academic excellence.
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🚨 Probe Launched Into Police-Air Force Standoff During Kalpitiya Raid
• Incident Overview: Sri Lanka Police have launched an official investigation following a heated confrontation between police officers and Sri Lanka Air Force personnel during a maritime anti-smuggling operation along the Kalpitiya coastline. • The Conflict: The standoff occurred when police officers deployed to seize a suspected stock of illegally smuggled goods by sea were intercepted by Air Force personnel stationed in the area. The Air Force personnel intervened on the grounds that the coastal zone falls under their direct jurisdiction and operational authority. • Current Status: Police authorities are investigating the sequence of events and exact circumstances that led to the dispute between the two state security institutions. Based on provisional operational data, no injuries or arrests have been reported in connection with the incident.