Daily FT - April 11, 2025
Daily FT - April 11, 2025
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In this issue
April 11, 2025
COPE uncovers massive losses in BIA expansion
Exposes misuse of billions in public funds due to poor planning and overpayments Conducts field investigation at BIA THE Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), chaired by MP Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, has unearthed significant financial mismanagement in the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
2 mins
National Tourism Commission to streamline sector governance
TOURISM Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe on Wednesday announced that the concept paper for the establishment of a National Tourism Commission has been submitted to the Cabinet Office for approval, with a decision expected next week.
1 min
BOI initiates dialogue with top 50 exporters on reciprocal US tariffs and way forward
THE Board of Investment (BOI) yesterday initiated discussions with top exporters on the high 44% reciprocal tariffs on Lankan products by the United States and charting the way forward.
1 min
JAAF commends Govt. for proactive leadership on US tariff issue
THE Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) this week extended its appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and President Anura Kumara Disanayake for their swift and decisive engagement in addressing the recent announcement of US tariffs.
1 min
All-party meeting brainstorms way out of high US tariffs
President Anura Kumara Disanayake briefs party leaders on findings of special committee appointed to study implications of new US tariff regime ■Party leaders discuss findings of a special committee and agree on urgent diplomatic engagement with the US ■MPs call for trade diversification and bilateral deals based on HS codes to protect key exports ■Proposals from meeting will be reviewed by Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministries for follow-up action ■SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva says dialogue with President Disanayake as \"successful\"; insists ECTA India is urgent
2 mins
US tariff pause propels Colombo stock market
Value of CSE soars by Rs. 221 b with ASPI rising by 4.7% and S&P SL20 by 6.7% on Rs. 7 b turnover
2 mins
Sri Lanka sees strong tourism surge in early April
SRI Lanka's tourism industry continues to build momentum in 2025, with over 56,000 arrivals in the first nine days of April alone—a 12% increase compared to the same period last year.
1 min
Matara Magistrate's Court grants bail to Deshabandu
THE Matara Magistrate’s Court yesterday granted bail to suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Thennakoon.
1 min
NPP’s Bimal vows in Parliament to prosecute Ranil for Batalanda
LEADER of the House Minister Bimal Rathnayake yesterday in Parliament during the debate on the Batalanda Commission Report said that all possible investigations within the law will be conducted to bring Ranil Wickremesinghe to justice.
1 min
Insurance Association highlights importance of safety during festive and holiday season
AS the festive and holiday season is here, the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL) yesterday urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritise safety while embracing the spirit of celebration. This special time of year brings families and communities together, marked by joy, tradition, and travel. However, it also presents a higher risk of accidents, injuries, and other unforeseen events that can dampen the festive cheer if precautions are not taken.
1 min
ICT Lawyers Guild to help more efficient cyber law enforcement
ICT Lawyers Guild (ICTLG) Chairman, Dr. Sunil Abeyratne addressing the third Annual General Meeting last week in Colombo said the organisation will help a more efficient cyber law enforcement in Sri Lanka.
1 min
UNDP Sri Lanka and National Police Academy partner to stem sexual and gender-based violence
TO support a more effective response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) against women and girls, UNDP Sri Lanka has established a formal partnership with the National Police Academy of Sri Lanka
3 mins
University of Kelaniya's Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies donates Rs. 10 m to Myanmar earthquake victims
IN response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, which has claimed over 3,000 lives and left more than 5,000 individuals missing, the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya has donated Rs. 10 million to support those affected.
1 min
Govt. extends $ 1 m financial assistance to Myanmar
THE Government extended a $1 million financial assistance to provide relief to the people of Myanmar affected by the recent earthquake.
1 min
Sri Lanka participates in 6th BIMSTEC Summit and related meetings in Bangkok
THE sixth Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), along with the 20th Ministerial Meeting and the 25th Senior Officials Meeting, was held from 2 to 4 April in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme “Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC.” The summit was chaired by the Kingdom of Thailand.
1 min
Rough Clothing: Pioneering style and substance for 27 years
ROUGH Clothing celebrated 27 years as a trailblazer in Sri Lanka’s fashion industry — and three impactful years in the dynamic retail landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
1 min
Moose Clothing: Redefining essentials with innovation and purpose
MOOSE Clothing Company CEO Hasib Omar shares how the brand's dedication to quality basics is propelling its regional growth. Unlike the rapid cycles of fast fashion, Moose is carving a niche as a trusted provider of thoughtfully crafted essentials that resonate beyond fleeting trends.
2 mins
Australia’s MDF and Tree of Life resort unveil Sri Lanka's first immersive ‘Coffee Heritage Trail’
TREE of Life Nature Resort, in partnership with Australia's Market Development Facility (MDF), launched Sri Lanka's first 'Coffee Heritage Trail' on 4 April at the resort's property in Kandy. The trail will allow tourists to explore the rich heritage of Sri Lanka's coffee sector, from cultivation to brewing.
2 mins
AgriFI Sri Lanka set to strengthen sustainable farming finance
IN a green leap towards sustainable farming finance, the European Union delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives officially launched the AgriFI Sri Lanka Country Window ina vibrant event on Wednesday at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, Colombo.
2 mins
SLT-Mobitel drives innovation at IESL Robo Games 2024 showcasing Sri Lanka's robotics revolution
IN a pioneering display of technological excellence, SLT-Mobitel transformed the ‘IESL Robo Games 2024’ competition into an inspiring technological showcase, with the grand finale held recently, setting new benchmarks for robotics innovation in the country.
2 mins
Youth hackathon brings together young innovators from South Asia to tackle plastic pollution
Sri Lankan, Indian and Bhutanese teams emerge overall winners
2 mins
Web of corruption exposed at BOC involving former Chairman Gamini Wickramasinghe
DOCUMENTS disclosed by Bank of Ceylon (BOC) have exposed shocking evidence of its former Chairman Gamini Wickramasinghe’s culpability in pilfering a staggering Rs. 450 million during his tenure from 2007 to 2013 — by abusing his position and funnelling State funds into his own pocket, by awarding lucrative contracts to companies he personally owned.
3 mins
DC liquidates plaintiff’s deposit made in court to defendants on equal shares
IN a special civil suit filed in the Colombo District Court by four directors of a company who had obtained an enjoining by depositing Rs 50,000 as security against two defendants including a private bank was forfeited and ordered to pay the deposited money to the two the defendants on equal shares as liquidated damages.
1 min
Welcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year with National Savings Bank
THE Sinhala and Hindu New Year, one of the most awaited festivals of the nation, is around the corner, filling the hearts of the people with novelty and joy. The National Savings Bank is delighted to implement a special program in commemoration of this cherished cultural grandeur, which fosters a spirit of togetherness and hope for the year ahead.
3 mins
ComBank unveils new Corporate Branch at Head Office
Re-launches “Foreign Branch” as a one-stop financial hub for corporate banking
1 min
Major currencies strengthen against US dollar despite tariffs
THE currencies of most major economies have appreciated against the US dollar since the start of 2025, despite the massive jump in US tariffs, Fitch Ratings says in its new FX Market Monitor.
1 min
ComBank and Micro Cars come together to offer attractive leasing options
THE Commercial Bank of Ceylon has entered into a strategic partnership with Micro Cars Ltd. to offer attractive leasing options for the complete range of vehicles assembled or produced locally by the latter.
1 min
Secondary Bond market yields recover on renewed buying interest
THE round of Treasury Bond auctions conducted yesterday successfully raised the entire Rs. 100 billion at the first phase in competitive bidding.
2 mins
Durdans Hospital expands specialised care with launch of advanced urology clinic
DURDANS Hospital a trusted leader in specialised healthcare for over 80 yeas, announces the opening ofits state-of-the-art Urology Clinic further strength-ening its commitment to advanced diagnostic, minimally invasive proce-dures, and comprehensive post-surgical care.
1 min
Suwa Diviya calls on companies to lead workplace wellness
IN recognition of UN World Health Day, Suwa Diviya is launching the “Ready to Live a Healthier Life” campaign—an initiative designed to help companies prioritise employee health and create sustainable workplace wellness programs.
2 mins
UNFPA and Government of Japan strengthen maternal healthcare in Sri Lanka with $ 5.3 m initiative
THE United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Government of Japan and the Health Ministry, has marked a significant milestone with the symbolic handover of essential medical and non-medical equipment, along with critical healthcare facility upgrades.
1 min
Hemas Hospital Wattala enters cardiac care with most advanced technology
HEMAS Hospital Wattala has launched anew Catheterisation Lab (Cath Lab), equipped with SriLankas most advanced technology, marking a major step forward in healthcare landscape.
2 mins
Mediquipment powers Sri Lanka’s healthcare with South Asia’s first AI-powered radiology equipment at Nawaloka Hospitals
MEDIQUIPMENT Ltd., a lead-ing provider of cutting-edge medical technology, has once again redefined healthcare standards in Sri Lanka with the successful installation of South Asia’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence-driven (AI) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner at Nawaloka Hospitals PLC. This milestone reflects Mediquipment’s unwavering commitment to advancing medical diagnostics by equipping healthcare providers with the most sophisticated and patient-centric technology.
2 mins
Trump's tariff wall was never about fairness or reciprocity
GLOBALISATION helped make the United States the most prosperous country in history, but many Americans apparently did not feel (or appreciate) it, so they voted to “liberate” themselves from the system that America built. US President Donald Trump is now delivering for them, and the consequences are reverberating around the world.
4 mins
How does Trump’s tax policy impact Sri Lankan economy?
RECENTLY, the United States government increased tax rates on imports from several countries, including Sri Lanka.
7 mins
Despair from Trump tariffs
BOLSTERING his image as the Disruptor-in-chief, last week, the eccentric US President Donald Trump imposed additional tariff rates on a plethora of States that run trade surpluses with the US apart from imposing a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries in response to what Trump called an economic emergency. Since Trump’s unprecedented announcement, global stock markets have lost trillions in value, causing shockwaves across the world. Perhaps, in view of the turmoil in global markets, he was forced to postpone the planned reciprocal tariffs by 90 days.
2 mins
Three 'As' to assess a tyro administration
IS the National People’s Power government really trying to keep its campaign-trail opposition-mode promises? Or has the NPP given up the ghost of manifestoes past in the face of the more nuanced reality it has encountered as a government?
4 mins
Muslim rage over a sticker
A young street-vendor Muhammad Rushdi’s sticker expressing his anti-Israel sentiment over what is happening in Gaza since October 2023 has provided the rationale for an incompetent Police department to arrest this youngster under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), originally introduced as a temporary measure in 1979 but made permanent in 1982 by the then President J.R. Jayewardene.
3 mins
Tug of giants in Indian Ocean: Will Sri Lanka choose to drift or steer?
THE Indian Ocean is fast becoming the world’s most contested geopolitical theatre. With two giants—India and China—promoting competing visions of regional order, Sri Lanka finds itself at the centre of a high-stakes maritime chessboard. India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for Allin the Region) and China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are more than development models—they are strategic blueprints shaping the 21st-century Indo-Pacific.
2 mins
Using a cannon to shoot a sparrow: Was Anura taken for a ride?
LET it be clear that the shocking Detention Order (DO) signed by President Anura Kumara Disanayake (AKD) to incarcerate Mohammed Rushdi (now released), a youth in his twenties under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, is purely an administrative act. Such actions are subject to the principle of proportionality thus ensuring that legal stand-ards are complied with before intruding into the rights of a person. Administrative powers are conferred with discretion to enable the authority to select the best possible action amongst the available alternatives.
4 mins
Maestro Lester James Peries and his movie treasure “Nidhanaya”
I have declared on more than one occasion that Lester James Peries is my favourite Sinhala film director. Lester’s 106th birth anniversary was on 5 April 2025. I have written about Lester and his films in the past. It is against this backdrop that this column deviates from its customary focus on politics and beams the spotlight — with the aid of earlier writings —on Nidhanaya and its creator Lester James Peries this week.
9 mins
Grindlays Regency honoured at National Industry Brand Excellence Awards
GRINDLAYS Regency Ltd, was recently honoured with the Best National Industry Brand — Service Industry Sector (Small Scale) award atthe National Industry Brand Excellence Awards 2024, Organised by the industrial Development Board under the Industries Ministry, the award ceremony took place inColombo.
1 min
Sanjiv Hulugalle appointed CEO/GM of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams
CINNAMON Life yesterday announced the appointment of Sanjiv Hulugalle as the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape.
2 mins
Thai Airways celebrates first anniversary of flights resumption with blood donation campaign
THAI Airways on 4 April celebrated the one-year anniversary of its resumed operations in Sri Lanka by organising a meaningful Blood Donation Campaign.
2 mins
Jetwing Hotels announces portfolio restructure to align with modern travel expectations
JETWING Hotels has unveiled a readjustment of its branding strategy, signalling a bold step forward in aligning its offerings with the evolving trends of modern travel. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to addressing the diverse needs and preferences of today’s travellers while reinforcing its position as a leader in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector.
2 mins
Feast of tradition, flavour and togetherness at Kingsbury this Avurudu
AS the joyous rhythms of Avurudu ring through the island, The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites all to step into a season of warmth, togetherness and gaiety. With an exquisite selection of festive offerings spanning across its famed all-day dining restaurant Harbour Court, the charming pâtisserie Churros, and the ever-convenient online delivery service Indulgence, this is a celebration that embraces every flavour and feeling of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
2 mins
Standard Chartered unveils partnership with Club ITC Culinaire for priority clients
STANDARD Chartered Sri Lanka has partnered with ITC Ratnadipa on their Club ITC Culinaire Sri Lanka Membership Program offering an exclusive package designed specifically for the bank's priority clientele comprising high-net-worth individuals.
1 min
Celebrate Avurudu by sea at Sheraton Kogoda Turtle Beach Resort
STEP into the spirit of Avurudu with sun, sand, and Sri Lankan traditions at Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort. This New Year, quests are invited to indulge in a vibrant cultural celebration like no other, where warm hospitality meets the charm of island heritage.
2 mins
Proud moment for Sri Lanka – Tasha Marikkar featured on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen Live
RENOWNED Sri Lankan chef, food curator and author, Tasha Marikkar, brought the vibrant flavours of her homeland to an international audience as she appeared on BBC One’s popular culinary show, Saturday Kitchen Live. This exciting feature marked another milestone in Tasha’s journey as she introduced the world to the rich and diverse cuisine of Sri Lanka through her debut cookbook, Jayaflava.
2 mins
Success of Hikkaduwa Sri Sumangala cricket, a testimony of MCC's generosity
THE Foundation of Goodness in a letter to the President of MCC Lord King of Lothbury has thanked the MCC for their invaluable support in establishing a Sri Sumangala MCC Lord's Cricket Ground in 2007, post tsunami.
1 min
Dharmaratne of CTSCC claims NSSF Skeet Open title
SHANKAR Dharmaratne of Clay Target Shooting Club of Colombo (CTSCC) maintained his authority to complete the mission of becoming champion of the NSSF Skeet Open Meet 2025 held at the CTSCC Shotgun Range in Payagala.
1 min
Sri Lanka's top female gamers shine at Pond's Women's Cyber Games powered by Anchor Newdale
THE Pond’s Women's Cyber Games 2025 powered by Anchor Newdale, organised by Gamer.LK, concluded successfully at One Galle Face Mall, Colombo, bringing together Sri Lanka's top female gamers and celebrating their talents across multiple game titles in a high-energy LAN setting. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, with spectators showing immense excitement and encouragement for the athletes throughout the day. Positive reactions and strong community backing reflected the growing impact of the event on the female gaming landscape in the country.
2 mins
Pushpika in supreme form at Sri Lanka Golf National Ranking Tournament
CHALITHA Pushpika with a total score of 219, emerged as the tournament leader, demonstrating consistency and skill to win the Sri Lanka Golf National Ranking Tournament which concluded at the Victoria Golf Resort at Rajawella.
1 min
Sri Lanka set for historic showdown against Malaysia on 19 April
SRI Lanka is poised for a landmark moment in its rugby history as the national XV a side team prepares to face Malaysia in a crucial Asia Rugby Championship 2025 play-off on 19 April at the Race Course International Stadium, Colombo.
1 min
Daily FT Newspaper Description:
Publisher: Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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