Daily FT - April 26, 2025

Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD

Read Daily FT along with 9,000+ other magazines & newspapers with just one subscription View catalog

1 Month $14.99

1 Year$149.99

$12/month

(OR)

Subscribe only to Daily FT

1 Year $17.99

Buy this issue $0.99

Gift Daily FT

7-Day No Questions
Asked Refund Policy

ⓘ

Digital Subscription
Instant Access

ⓘ

Verified Secure
Payment

ⓘ

In this issue

April 26, 2025

Fitch says State banks' capital vulnerable despite profit gains

Expects loan-book expansion, especially in higher-risk private-sector lending, is expected to pressure capital positions Anticipates sovereign exposures to moderate in medium term as private-sector lending grows, but State exposure remains key factor in banks' overall risk profile

2 mins

Media Festival 2025 opens new chapter in Sri Lanka-India media ties says Minister Dr. Jayatissa

MASS Media Minister and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday declared the inaugural Media Festival 2025 a pivotal moment in the region's media landscape, highlighting it as a platform to promote media excellence and deepen Sri Lanka-India cooperation.

2 mins

Sri Lanka and US hold high-level talks in Washington over reciprocal tariffs

THE Government yesterday announced a high-level Sri Lankan delegation held key discussions with the US Trade Representative's (USTR) Office on Tuesday (22), in Washington D.C., following Trump administration’s decision to impose a steep 44% tariff on Sri Lankan exports—marking a significant step forward in strengthening trade relations between the two countries.

2 mins

IRD targets Rs. 2.1 t revenue for 2025

THE Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is grappling with a critical shortfall in taxpayer inclusion, even as it chases a hefty revenue target of Rs 2,195 billion for 2025.

1 min

IMF backs Sri Lanka's stability push with fresh approval

INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday said a staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the fourth review of the four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF)-supported program was reached with Sri Lanka enhancing the prospect to receive a fresh $ 334 million in financing, bringing the total to $ 1,722 million since March 2023.

1 min

Former President Ranil to appear before Bribery Commission on Monday

FORMER President Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on Monday (28), in connection with a statement he made regarding corruption charges against MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake.

1 min

Customs seizes Rs. 30 m worth mobile phones and tablets at BIA

SRI Lanka Customs officials yesterday seized a stock of 228 brand-new mobile phones and tablet computers, valued around Rs. 30 million at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.

1 min

First anniversary commemoration of Sarvodaya Founder Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne on Monday

THE first anniversary commemoration of Sarvodaya founder Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, who dedicated his entire life to social development for more than half a century as a humanitarian and visionary, will be held at the Sri Lanka Foundation on Monday (28).

1 min

President makes surprise inspection visit to Kandy to address issues around “Siri Dalada Wandanawa”

PRESIDENT Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted a late-night inspection tour of Kandy city on Wednesday (24), focusing on issues surrounding the ongoing “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” pilgrimage and ensuring adequate facilities for the large number of devotees arriving for the sacred event.

1 min

HNB Gami Pubuduwa Avurudu Pola 2025 concludes on high note

SRI Lanka's leading private sector bank, HNB, successfully concluded the Gami Pubuduwa Avurudu Pola 2025, held on 5 and 6 April at the BMICH for the sixth time, drawing a large number of visitors and generating strong sales for over 150 microfinance entrepreneurs from across the island.

1 min

Govt. launches pilot project in Southern Province to strengthen regional contribution to export development

■Systematic program to develop exports at Divisional Secretariat level

1 min

Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council conducts CSR initiative in Maldives

THE Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMLBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative on Faresmaathoda Island, a remote fishing community 465 km from Malé.

1 min

Hambantota International Port promotes coral incubation within harbour

TAKING an innovative step aligned with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) vision, Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) launched its inaugural Coral Reef Protection Project, the first of its kind for a Sri Lankan port.

3 mins

Donate to Emirates Airline Foundation and double your impact to improve lives of children

EMIRATES is doubling down efforts to support children in need and build on the gains it has made over the last two decades to bolster support for 13 community-based organisations and grassroots NGOs that safeguard the health and wellbeing of children.

3 mins

Serendib Flour Mills CSR initiatives nurture children through educational support and environmental awareness

SERENDIB Flour Mills (SFML), demonstrating a commitment to nourishing the nation' and towards social responsibility, undertook two significant initiatives focused on children's education and environmental awareness recently.

1 min

Delving into the world of energy healing

What do we mean by 'education'?

10 mins

Community building at MMCA Sri Lanka

WITH a steadfast goal of introducing new careers in the museum sector to young professionals in Sri Lanka, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) is committed to train and build up expertise and knowledge among local communities.

2 mins

Sri Lanka at International Orange Blossom Festival Türkiye

THE Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara participated in the 13th International Orange Blossom Festival held in Adana in April for three days.

1 min

Govt.'s Easter 'rabbit out of a hat' leg-pull

'WE will serve justice to the people who have languished in agony without hope for so long.\"

3 mins

Rising India-Pakistan tensions worrying for region

THE escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the terror attacks at Pahalgam in Kashmir in which 26 persons were killed is reaching dangerous levels.

3 mins

Climate finance and new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage

CLIMATE-INDUCED loss and damage comes in a multitude of forms and is often highly localised and context-specific. For example, it includes direct damages to infrastructure, properties, and livelihoods caused by extreme weather events and other climate-related disasters.

3 mins

2025 Local Government Election and future of local governance

UPCOMING 5 May, the Election Commission is preparing to elect more than 8,700 members to more than 330 local government bodies. Voters will be putting an X in front of the name and symbol of a party or independent group on their ballot paper. Will you as a voter pay attention to the person behind the party symbol when casting your vote? Or will you vote for a party which is riding a popularity wave or even a dissenting wave? Will the NPP be able to secure the 50% or more vote threshold that would mark the victory in this election?

7 mins

Winning start for DS and Wesley

BOTH D.S. Senanayake College and Wesley College started off their Dialog President Trophy Knock-out Pre-quarters encounters with a winning start yesterday in Colombo.

1 min

Galle to defend title against high riding Dambulla

4th National Super League tournament final at SSC tomorrow

3 mins

Zimbabwe repeat 2018 heroics with thrilling Test win in Sylhet

ZIMBABWE sealed a historic win against Bangladesh, marking their first Test victory over the Tigers since 2018 coincidentally at the same venue in Sylhet.

2 mins

Day of Rathnayakes as Sri Lanka 'A' win Tri-Nation Series

IT was the day of the Rathnayakes as three of them came up with outstanding performances that saw Sri Lanka ‘A’ beat Ireland Wolves by five wickets and crown themselves champions of the Explore Afghanistan Tri-Nation Series in the final played at Abu Dhabi yesterday.