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Sunday Island - August 31, 2025

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In this issue

August 31, 2025

CEB severance packages could cost consumers dearly

Electricity Consumers' Association has raised concerns that recent amendments to the Electricity Act could burden consumers with higher tariffs.

1 mins

Three former ministers and MPs remanded in separate cases

Three former ministers and MPs were remanded on Friday as authorities intensified investigations into alleged misconduct spanning decades.

1 mins

Colombo to host South Asian Travel Awards in September

Colombo is set to host the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, the region’s premier platform recognising excellence in travel, tourism and hospitality. Scheduled for September 19-20 at Cinnamon Grand, the event will draw hoteliers, airline partners, tour operators and industry leaders from across South Asia.

1 mins

SANASA Life Insurance wins top honour at NBEA 2025

SANASA Life Insurance was named winner in the 'Large Category, Excellence in Business & Financial Results' at the National Business Excellence Awards (NBEA) 2025, organised by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.

1 mins

‘Jeevithya Nawathila’ and ‘Heta Deegayana Diyaniyata’ released

The poetry collection “Jeevithya Nawathila” and the essay compilation “Heta Deegayana Diyaniyata”, authored by provincial correspondent Chandrasiri Gunasekara, were officially launched at a ceremony held at the Royal Rose Hotel, Elpitiya.

1 mins

Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe earns ‘A’ grade in Global Finance's Central Banker Report Cards 2025

The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, has been awarded a prestigious “A” grade in Global Finance’s 2025 Central Banker Report Card.

1 mins

India faces first legal challenge against online money games ban

An Indian gaming company has challenged the government's ban on online money-based games, a legal filing shows, in the first case against a law that led to the sudden shutdown of popular contests and has thrown the industry's future into doubt, agency reports said on Friday

1 mins

India is on track to become the world's second largest economy by 2038

India could become the world's second-largest economy by the year 2038, reported EY, a British multinational professional services network. With strong economic fundamentals, a young population, and a sustainable fiscal position, India is expected to continue its robust growth despite global uncertainties.

2 mins

Rohingya refugees charge: 'India put us on boats like captives. Then we were thrown in the sea near Myanmar'

India picked up 40 Rohingya refugees living in squalid slums in Delhi, flew them to Andaman & Nicobar Islands, put them in boats, and left them in the sea 100 metres from the shores of civil war-ravaged Buddhist-majority Myanmar, the BBC claimed on August 29.

6 mins

Data debunks spike in elephant killings, points at media hype

(Mongabay) In recent months, elephants have stolen the spotlight yet again in Sri Lanka’s mainstream and social media.

5 mins

Jayakody pitches Lanka as regional clean energy investment hub

Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a clean energy investment hub in South Asia, pledging to deliver “profitable, reliable, and quality energy solutions” while driving down emissions and cutting reliance on fossil fuels, Power and Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody said on Friday.

1 mins

"Each scar also wrote a story— not of defeat, but of endurance."

A patient’s journey through brain tumor treatment, multiple surgeries, and lifelong complications—where despair turned into resilience and survival became a story of hope.

2 mins

Equality Before the Law

On August 22, 2025, at the Colombo Fort magistrate's court, a Sri Lankan citizen named Ranil Wickremesinghe(RW) arraigned before the presiding judge, the Honourable Ms Nilupuli Lankapura, was committed to remand custody, pending investigations in to charges of alleged misuse of public funds for a private purpose, whilst holding a public office of the highest sensitivity, responsibility, prominence and importance.

6 mins

Forgotten PC polls

The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) has called upon the NPP government to hold the Provincial Council (PC) polls, which the UNP-led Yahapalana government caused to disappear without a trace about eight years ago.

3 mins

L-Board arrest in Colombo and seasoned mayhem in Washington

In Ranil Wickremesinghe’s parlance a cynic would probably describe the former president's predicament as being the result of an L-Board arrest. Mr. Wickremesinghe himself might have described it as such had he not been weakened and silenced owing to excessive dehydration during and after his police questioning and long court hearing last Friday.

9 mins

How rare minerals are reshaping geopolitics

Who truly commands the foundations of the 21st-century economy? Which states possess the leverage to dictate the supply of critical minerals that underpin modern defence systems, renewable energy technologies, and digital infrastructure? How did a single nation come to dominate a market indispensable to the West's industrial and military ambitions?

4 mins

THE ELEPHANT TRANSIT HOME AT UDA WALAWE:

A Jewel in the Crown of Sri Lankan Conservation

6 mins

Reflections on the end of a lifelong cherished friendship

Circumstances, both tragic and the vagaries of old age and ill-health, have prevented me from writing my regular weekly column, usually about US politics for a few weeks, probably to the relief of what I loftily call \"my reading public\", usually a smattering of folks who are interested that Sri Lanka is not the only nation plummeting to hell in a handbasket.

3 mins

"Reflections..."

Thus, Kadirgamar’s opposition to violence was both principled and pragmatic.

2 mins

FAREWELL BELOVED SUBO

- a wonderful, loyal and loving cousin

3 mins

Library of Things

An article in the NYT by Cara Buckley reporting from Brunswick, Maine, on August 20, got me on my favourite topic: Libraries.

4 mins

Margins to Mainstream – A Review Note

It is 200 years ago that British plantation owners in Ceylon brought indentured labour from South India to work on tea and coffee estates.

2 mins

Lanka's Poornaka Delpachitra honoured as PATA Sustainability Leader

Intrepid Travel is celebrating the recognition of Poornaka Delpachitra, Country General Manager for Sri Lanka, as a 2025 PATA Face of the Future awardee.

1 mins

Orange Electric launches “Hasarella” to uplift nation’s electricians

Orange Electric last week unveiled “Hasarella,” the rebranded version of its flagship Orange Electricians Society, symbolizing laughter, smiles, and shared joy.

1 mins

Amana Takaful sweeps four golds at SLIBFI Awards

Amana Takaful Insurance emerged a dominant force at the 14th Sri Lanka Islamic Banking and Finance Industry (SLIBFI) Awards 2025, held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. Organised by UTO EduConsult and adjudicated by KPMG, the annual event honours excellence in Islamic finance.

1 mins

Omega Line crowned Asia’s Best Employer

Omega Line has been named Asia’s Best Employer Brand at the 20th Employer Branding Awards, held on 11 August 2025 at Pan Pacific, Singapore.

1 mins

OPA hosts 38th Annual Conference and 4th National Apex Award

The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) held its 38th Annual Conference and 4th National Apex Awards on 19-20 August 2025 at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, highlighting professional excellence and fostering dialogue on national development.

1 mins

BOI seals landmark US$ 171 Mn. investment with CEAT OHT Lanka

In a landmark development for Sri Lanka's manufacturing and export sector, CEAT OHT Lanka (Private) Limited has signed an agreement with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) to formalise a US$ 171 million investment, one of the largest recent investments from India into the country.

1 mins

Kapruka posts 94% surge in operating performance as platform strategy drives growth

Kapruka Holdings PLC (CSE: KPHL) reported strong financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, with consolidated revenue rising 14% year-on-year to LKR 448.52 million and gross profit up 30% to LKR 171.19 million.

1 mins

ComBank becomes the first Sri Lankan bank to cross US$ 1 Bn. in market cap

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC’s milestone of becoming the first bank in Sri Lanka with a market capitalisation of more than US$ 1 billion was celebrated at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), where the Bank was invited to ring the ceremonial bell.

1 mins

Kelum Lakmal Dissanayake named Lanka’s top pet groomer

Kelum Lakmal Dissanayake, founder of Miracle Pet Care in Pannipitiya, was named the Most Outstanding Pet Groomer at the Global Business Excellence Awards 2025, held recently at BMICH, Colombo.

1 mins

Companies Act amendment aligns it with global standards: Deloitte

ECONOMYNEXT - Changes to Sri Lanka's Companies Act passed recently will help align the country's legislation with international standards, enhance transparency and improve regulatory framework for businesses, Deloitte Sri Lanka and Maldives, a multidisciplinary professional services firm, has said.

5 mins

Reunion of St. Benedict's College footballers

On the hallowed grounds of St. Benedict’s College, Colombo 13, where generations of young men once chased dreams and footballs with equal fervour, a remarkable event is set to unfold.

2 mins

Memories of Zimbabwe 2004

Cricket in Harare between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka invariably stirs memories of that fateful tour 21 years ago, a series that put Sri Lanka on the world map for more reasons than one.

2 mins

PNG player charged with robbery during CWC Challenge League tournament

Papua New Guinea player Kipling Doriga has been charged with robbery following an incident in the early hours of Monday morning (25th August) in St Heliers, the capital of Jersey.

1 mins

Bradman baggy green bought for over $400,000

A cap worn by Sir Donald Bradman during the 1946-47 Ashes series has been bought by the National Museum of Australia for AU$438,500 (approx US$286,700).

1 mins

Lanka-born copper artist makes waves in Hawaii

The master copper artist known as Sooriya not only inspires many with his larger-than-life sculptures of whales and dolphins in N n kuli, but also with his peaceful messages of caring for the earth and serving others with aloha.

5 mins

India must become the next global hub

For three consecutive years, Switzerland has been ranked the best country in the world by U.S. News & World Report. Among the many reasons behind this consistent achievement — its quality of life, political stability, and economic strength — stands one defining feature: neutrality. That centuries-old commitment has transformed the Alpine nation into the headquarters of more than 200 international organizations, ranging from the United Nations' European headquarters in Geneva to the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne and the Bank for International Settlements in Basel.

4 mins

The Priesthood of Poverty: A Polemic Against Neoliberal Economics

I have walked the villages of Lanka with Farmer Mudiyanse Tennekoon and Manik Sandrasagra. I have sat in homes where people live their entire lives within a few square miles, where a woman in Matara had never seen the sea though it thundered just beyond her horizon. I have been received with hospitality, kindness, and cultural education by those who had almost nothing, yet gave everything.

3 mins

Why We Sing - A Celebration of Music, Memories, and Community

\" A sound of hope, a sound of love, a sound of peace.\" The heartfelt lyrics of Why We Sing filled the air at the debut concert of the Soul Sounds Senior Community Choir, touching hearts and stirring nostalgia. Nearly 400 guests gathered at the Havelock City Community Hall on Saturday, August 23, to witness this moving performance. The evening was nothing short of magical—an affirmation of music’s power to unite, heal, and uplift.

2 mins

Vanishing Voices in the Mist:

How Tea Country's Birds Are Losing Their Sky

4 mins

Culinary journey and cultural celebration

Hilton Colombo came alive with the colours, aromas and traditions of Vietnam in a 10-day culinary showcase held at Graze Kitchen Presented in partnership with Hilton Da Nang, the festival featured an authentic Vietnamese dining experience curated by two of its celebrated chefs, Nguyen Dac Khoa and Tran and Van Toàn.

1 mins

When style meets strength: WCIC fashion show

As one of Sri Lanka’s most respected women entrepreneurs, Nayana Karunaratne brings her characteristic vision and energy to the chamber under her stewardship, WCIC continues to nurture startups, mentor its women leaders and open avenues for young women to access global markets. It is a mission deeply aligned with Nayana’s personal philosophy that true beauty has the strength, independence and confidence to lead.

4 mins

From regimental roots to city rhythm

Beats of bravery

2 mins

Unlock your natural glow

Tired of dull, lacklustre skin? The Body Shop invites you to discover the power of Vitamin C: a skincare essential range, designed to brighten, protect and revitalize your skin.

1 mins

Host unforgettable outdoor events

Make your next celebration effortless, stylish and memorable with The Kingsbury Colombo's outdoor catering services said a press release.

1 mins

Where glamour meets confidence

InSri Lanka's world of beauty and style, few names carry as much influence and legacy as Raman Fernando. For over three decades, she has been a trail blazer shaping not only how women and men look but also how they feel about themselves. Today as trends shift faster than ever - driven by global influences, social media and the increasing demand for individuality. Ramani remains at the forefront balancing timeless elegance with contemporary expression. Through changing decades, Ramani Fernando has not only kept pace with international beauty but has set benchmarks locally. From introducing contemporary techniques to training a new generation of stylists, her influence has shaped Sri Lanka's beauty industry into a professional world class field. As trends evolve one thing remains constant, Ramani's philosophy of creating beauty that lasts beyond the season. Today, as beauty evolves faster than ever, Ramani continues to lead the way in interpreting changing trends while staying true to timeless elegance

2 mins

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