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,…
The Ministry of Education has decided to postpone the reopening of all schools until December 16 as adverse weather conditions continue to impact several parts of the country. The decision follows widespread flooding, disrupted transport networks, and safety concerns for students and staff. Schools in Sri Lanka, originally set to reopen on December 8, are…
The Department of Examinations has announced that the GCE Advanced Level Examination has been postponed indefinitely due to the prevailing severe weather and cyclone conditions affecting many parts of Sri Lanka. Commissioner General of Examinations stated that this decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and examination staff. Most A/L subjects scheduled from…
All preschools and early childhood development centers across the country will be closed from tomorrow (28) due to the prevailing adverse weather and associated disaster conditions, the National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development announced. It further stated that the closure will remain in effect until the current disaster conditions subsides.
Sri Lanka has allocated the highest education budget in its history for 2026, a move Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says will support long-term policy reforms and strengthen institutional frameworks across the sector. Addressing Parliament during the debate on budget allocations for the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, she emphasized that funding…
Sri Lanka expects significant benefits from co-hosting the 2026 ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup alongside India, including enhanced international visibility and an increase in foreign tourist arrivals, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD). A planning meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from Sri Lanka Cricket and the Secretary to the President,…
Sri Lankan lawmakers have underscored the urgent need to establish a Higher Education Commission to oversee and regulate private universities and other degree-awarding institutions in the country. The position was emphasized during a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital, chaired by Member of Parliament Hesha Withanage. Senior Professor K….
Sri Lanka’s latest defence cooperation move with the United States has entered the public domain after the Ministry of Defence’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Montana National Guard was formally tabled in Parliament by Deputy Defence Minister Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara. The agreement, signed on November 14 at the Ministry of Defence, establishes…
Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) reports that 200,000 new taxpayers have been added so far this year, alongside the registration of 18,000 new companies. Speaking at a media briefing, IRD Commissioner General Rukdevi Fernando said the department was assigned a revenue target 18% higher than last year — and has already surpassed expectations. “Last…
Sri Lanka has recorded its highest-ever export earnings for the January–October period, with total exports reaching USD 14,433.82 million in the first ten months of 2025, according to Sri Lanka Customs. The Export Development Board (EDB) confirmed that this is the first time the country has surpassed the USD 14 billion mark during this timeframe….
