Importance of BIMSTEC for Sri Lanka in the era of Trump’s tariffs new ways to get out of the jam

In the emerging era marked by Trump’s tariffs and politically motivated sanctions, the Global South, which has been struggling to come out of isolation and poverty, has no option but to reduce its dependence on the Global North. It has to seek ways of banding together and helping each other grow. For this, they have to suspend mutual animosities, rivalries and reservations.

Repeal of the Online Safety Act vital for the Economic Salvation of Sri Lanka

While the economy of Sri Lanka has achieved some degree of stabilisation after the most dire crisis in history, progress along a growth trajectory remains a clear imperative. Fragility of the current situation has been massively increased by the devastating tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration, making our country’s exports to the United States—especially apparel and rubber products—starkly vulnerable.

For a greener tomorrow Sri Lanka marks Intl. Mother Earth Day today

As the vibrant hues of pink and yellow flowers paint the island nation in the month of April and the celebration of Avurudu is still on, Sri Lanka joins the global community in commemorating International Mother Earth Day on April 22, 2025. This year’s observance is urging for a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship amidst mounting local, national and global challenges.

Easter Sunday carnage : Interest groups question why crucial information on extremists was ignored by authorities

Six years have elapsed since the deadly Easter Sunday carnage left a permanent scar on the country’s political and national security domain.

Defence Pacts with India and Need for Openness

In April 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka resulted in the signing of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between New Delhi and Colombo.

Bandung to Colombo: Non-Aligned Movement and our Times

The excitement around Sri Lanka’s World Cup victory in March 1996 that created overwhelming interest in cricket. The great Aragalaya protests in July 2022, when hundreds of thousands of people on the streets of Colombo chased away an authoritarian president.

Six Years Gone..., Yet Justice Worn...!

Six years have elapsed since the horrific Easter Sunday carnage on April 21, 2019, that ripped through churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, leaving a trail of devastation and loss.

Amidst Govt. restrictions….. Uncertainty looms over Kimbulapitiya’s creative fireworks industry

Government’s restrictions on the issuance of chemical components to licensed firecracker manufacturers have kept small and medium scale manufacturers in the dark over the past few years. For Priyantha Henry Peters (53), a medium scale fireworks manufacturer from Kimbulapitiya, these restrictions have taken a toll on his business.

Navigating Sri Lankan ‘canned fish’ through the Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka has potential to be self-sufficient in paddy and fish. One look at the island’s geography and this is confirmed. But we do import rice and fish; even if such business activities can embarrass ‘us’ in the eyes of the global world.

Voice of the People Mixed sentiments by shoppers ahead of Avurudu

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, or Avurudu, is one of the most significant and cherished celebrations in Sri Lanka. This festival, which falls in April annually, is marked by cultural rituals, family gatherings, and a strong community bond. However, as Sri Lanka approaches Avurudu celebrations, there is a growing concern about how the current cost of living may affect the spirit of the New Year season. In this context, it’s important to grasp how

96th Birth Anniversary of Late Dr. A.C.S. Hameed

Dr. A.C.S. Hameed entered Parliamentary politics in March 1960, representing the Akurana Parliament seat, which was later changed to the Harispattuwa electorate.

Activists, rights groups raise alarm bells on custodial deaths

On April 1, Sathsara Nimesh (26) was arrested by the Welikada Police following a complaint on unauthorised entry into a house in Nawala. But on April 2, Nimesh was pronounced dead.

Foreign investors and firms that stood with SL through thick and thin

Having served in a role focused on attracting investment into Sri Lanka during one of its most challenging periods, what stood out to me was the commitment of a few remarkable investors -those willing to risk their capital for long-term returns, largely because of their deep connection and love for the country.

After U.S. tariffs, will Sri Lanka lose GSP+?

After U.S. President Donald Trump slapped tariffs on exports, Sri Lanka is struggling hard to deal with the fallout of such actions with geo-economic implications.

Colombo’s first fully automated terminal opens

CWIT brings US $ 800mn boost to South Asia’s trade future

Should Sri Lanka not Arrest Tamil Nadu Fishermen Poaching in Northern Waters?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s week-end visit to Sri Lanka proved to be quite a success according to print and electronic media reports. The highlights of the two-day trip from Friday 4 April to Sunday 6 April were the signing of a Memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation that recognised the inter-linked nature of national security of both countries and the conferment of the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana’ award upon the Indian P

PPA: A United Voice for Sri Lanka’s Private Planters Association

Sri Lanka’s Plantation Agriculture sector covering: Tea; Rubber; Coconut; Palmyrah; Spice Crops; Sugarcane; Gliricidia; and Commercial Timber including Food and Fruit Crop sectors, has long been a cornerstone of our economy, with a stagnating GDP of around USD 80 Bn, shaping both our heritage and global reputation with unique Land and/or Soil: Bio-Geo-Chemical Identity (Geographical Identity -GI and Geographical Origin - GO) and Diverse-Agro-Ecol

Indo-Lanka Relations: Actioning the tryst with opportunity

Lakshman Kadirgamar once described India–Sri Lanka relations as one of “irreversible excellence.” Unfortunately, under some governments, they have been neither irreversible nor excellent.

Why is the Police silent?

Some disturbing events occurred over the course of last week; especially the death of a youth who succumbed to injuries while in custody at the Welikada Police.

Lankadeepa’s Yahampath honoured at Raigam Tele’es 2024

Veteran journalist and the Features Editor of our sister newspaper Daily Lankadeepa, Samantha Yahampath, was awarded with the first ever recognition given to a print media journalist at the recently concluded 21 Raigam Tele’es 2024 Tele award ceremony. Held recently.

‘‘PM Modi will come with important political, strategic messages’’: Indrani Bagchi

Ms. Indrani Bagchi, Chief Executive Officer of India’s Ananta Aspen Centre, in an interview with Daily Mirror speaks about its India-Sri Lankan bilateral ties. She was Associate Editor with The Times of India,

Litigants against harmful wind power project demand safety of Mannar Island

Mannar Island, which is home to some of the world’s most beautiful migratory bird species including flamingoes, was proposed as the potential location for a mega scale renewable energy project.

Assisting the Solar power debate in the Cabinet

The purpose of this article is to inform the Cabinet discussion on Solar Power proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB)

‘Diesel Mafia’ looms over Sri Lanka’s solar power sector again

The Federation of Renewable Energy Developers (FRED) Sri Lanka yesterday raised serious concerns about a resurgence of the ‘diesel mafia’, accusing it of systematically moving to cause a natural death to the country’s solar power sector.

Pest animal management “We have a problem, but we don’t know its magnitude” -Prof. Kotagama

A discussion on “Pest Animals Management” organised by the Committee for the Popularization of Science (CPS) of Sri Lanka Association of the Advancement Science (SLAAS) was held at the SLAAS auditorium on March 25.

How the NPP govt. stabilised the economy by not delivering ruinous election promises

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was quoted as saying in one of those election rallies: “It usually takes a decade for a bankrupt nation to make an economic comeback.

Our LG Nomination Lists are Questionable: Customary Legal Interpretation Vs. Grammar

In my final year of the Power Systems Course, I had a close friend who was the best in that subject in class. I learnt from him, but he failed at it and did not graduate with us because it was a core subject.

From Farmer to consumer: the wider impacts of Agro-chemicals

Much has been discussed and written about the use of agrochemicals and their significant impact on public health and the environment. Kidney ailments, a major health issue confronting the present generation, have been attributed to the pollution of drinking water caused by agrochemicals. Agro-chemicals have displaced traditional crop protection methods used by the Sri Lankan farmer from times immemorial and created a health hazard, suggesting

Focus on Asia Can social entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment lead to sustainable economic growth

Government programmes such as ‘Digital India’, ‘Start-up Bangladesh,’ ‘InnovaBiz Interest Relief Program’ in Sri Lanka and ‘Pakistan Vision 2025’ aim to create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering financial support, skill development and digital infrastructure that benefit female entrepreneurs. Women-led businesses are thriving on platforms like Meesho (India), Pickaboo (Bangladesh) and Daraz (Pakistan), which enable entrepreneurs t

Eid ul-Fitr A global celebration of faith, community and generosity

For Muslims around the world, Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting, prayer and reflection. It is one of the largest and most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar, bringing communities together in gratitude and festivity.