Sri Lanka

Maldives President arrives in Sri Lanka for high-level bilateral talks

Asian TribuneMay 4, 2026

By Staff Writer Colombo, Sri Lanka The President of the Maldives, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, has arrived in Sri Lanka for a significant official visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two Indian Ocean neighbours. The visit, which comes at a crucial time for regional security and trade, saw the Maldivian leader received...

World Press Freedom Index: Sri Lanka’s ranking slips amid legal and safety concerns

Asian TribuneMay 4, 2026

By Staff Writer Colombo, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has seen a decline in its standing on the World Press Freedom Index for 2026, as international monitors warn of a “stifling” environment for independent journalism in the island nation. The annual report, compiled by the global watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ranks countries based on the...

Sri Lanka Treasury: Investigation launched after 2.5 million rupees ‘goes missing’

Asian TribuneMay 4, 2026

By Staff Writer Colombo, Sri Lanka A high-level investigation has been launched by the Sri Lankan Treasury after it was discovered that 2.5 million rupees ($8,300) had allegedly been stolen from its premises. The discrepancy was reportedly uncovered during a routine internal audit and cash reconciliation process at the Treasury’s high-security headquarters in Colombo. Officials...

Sri Lanka inflation climbs to 5.4% as food prices surge

Asian TribuneMay 4, 2026

By Staff Writer Colombo, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka’s headline inflation rate rose to 5.4% in April, according to the latest government data, driven largely by a sharp increase in the cost of food and essential services. The figures, released by the Department of Census and Statistics, show a notable jump from the previous month. The...

Sri Lanka’s solar homeowners face uncertainty over new billing rules

Asian TribuneMay 4, 2026

By Staff Writer Colombo, Sri Lanka Owners of rooftop solar systems in Sri Lanka have expressed alarm over proposed changes to the country’s net-metering and billing structures, which critics claim could discourage the shift toward renewable energy. The Ministry of Power and Energy is reportedly considering a revision of the “Net Accounting” and “Net Plus”...

Sri Lanka Cricket: New ‘DNA’ programme aims to revive national fortunes

Asian TribuneMay 4, 2026

By Staff Writer Colombo, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has unveiled an ambitious new high-performance strategy, dubbed the “Cricket DNA” programme, in a bid to standardise coaching and player development across the island. The initiative is designed to create a uniform playing philosophy—or “DNA”—that will be taught at every level of the game, from...

Controversial coal shipment unloaded ‘discreetly’ amid transparency concerns

Asian TribuneMay 4, 2026

By Staff Writer Colombo, Sri Lanka A shipment of coal imported by the multinational conglomerate Hayleys has arrived in Sri Lanka and is being unloaded under a veil of secrecy, according to local reports. The vessel, which reached the port earlier this week, has drawn intense scrutiny due to the unconventional nature of its arrival...

Prageeth Ekneligoda: New judges appointed for missing journalist case

Asian TribuneMay 4, 2026

By Staff Writer Colombo, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice has appointed a special permanent Trial-at-Bar bench to hear the long-running case involving the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda. The case will be presided over by a panel of three High Court judges: Nayana Seneviratne, Nalin Hewawasam, and Lakmali Hewawasam. The move marks a significant...

Sri Lanka officials protest ‘political’ appointments to national clean-up project

Asian TribuneMay 4, 2026

By Staff Writer Colombo, Sri Lanka A government initiative to clean up Sri Lanka has sparked a backlash from civil servants, who claim the appointment of hundreds of “coordinators” is a politically motivated move that threatens the independence of the state service. The “Clean Sri Lanka” national programme, launched under the vision of a “beautiful...

Anura Karunathilake Sworn In as New Minister of Energy

Asian TribuneApril 21, 2026

In a strategic cabinet move, Anura Karunathilake was sworn in as the new Minister of Energy before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today, April 20, 2026. The ceremony took place at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. Key Highlights: