Sri Lanka’s Welfare Benefits Board has extended the deadline for recertifying information under the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefit scheme, citing the ongoing disaster situation in the country. Originally scheduled from November 10 to December 10, the recertification period will now run until December 31. The Board stated that all families and individuals—whether they currently receive benefits…
The Government of Sri Lanka has introduced a streamlined process to fast-track the clearance of essential goods donated by overseas contributors for communities affected by recent floods. Under the new system, all such humanitarian aid will be exempt from import taxes and levies. The move follows numerous requests and inquiries from international organizations, foreign donors,…
Sri Lanka has officially launched bank-issued credit and debit card payments for bus fares, marking a major step toward modernizing public transport. The system was introduced this morning (24) at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Center under the patronage of Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake. The rollout includes expressway routes connecting Makumbura with Matara, Galle, Badulla, and…
Sri Lanka has introduced a new programme to convert old fuel-powered three-wheelers into electric vehicles, Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena announced. The initiative aims to cut fuel costs, reduce emissions, and extend the lifespan of the country’s widely used three-wheeler fleet. According to Minister Abeysena, converting a petrol-powered three-wheeler to electric offers major…
Sri Lanka’s economy recorded robust growth in October 2025, with both the manufacturing and services sectors expanding, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The Manufacturing PMI rose to 61.0, supported by broad-based improvements across all sub-indices. The Central Bank noted that business sentiment remains upbeat,…
Sri Lanka’s Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability has recommended that the government explore the production of environmentally friendly paper bags as an alternative to polythene bags. The proposal comes as authorities consider imposing a charge on polythene bags at points of purchase. Committee Chairman MP Hector Appuhamy emphasized the need to…
Sri Lanka commemorated its 81st Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Flower Ceremony on 16th November, at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo. Organized by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association in partnership with the Armed Forces, the annual event honored the service and sacrifice of Sri Lankan military personnel who lost their lives…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is assessing Sri Lanka’s newly announced 2026 budget—including its ambitious 7% economic growth target—to determine whether it meets the requirements of the country’s ongoing bailout program. At a press briefing yesterday (13), IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack said staff are “reviewing the published budget documents to evaluate whether the 2026…
Five newly appointed envoys formally presented their credentials to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (13), marking the beginning of their diplomatic assignments in the country. The diplomats who presented credentials were: President Dissanayake welcomed the new envoys and expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with each of…
Sri Lanka’s Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has introduced a new insurance scheme designed to protect seed paddy producers from major cultivation risks. The initiative was developed in response to repeated requests from farmers seeking greater security against climate- and wildlife-related threats. Under the scheme, farmers can insure their seed paddy production for a premium…
