Newspaper
The Island
Trump threatens to ‘substantially' raise tariffs on Indian goods as it continues to buy Russian oil
President Donald Trump said on Monday (04) that he will “substantially” raise tariffs on India because it’s still buying Russian oil, according to CNN.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
SL'S SME sector targeted for major Rotary International assistance
Capacity-building programmes tailored for SME sector entrepreneurs, youth-led startups and micro/low-end SMEs help in identifying promising businesses and in understanding specific needs of the sector.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
Siraj five seals Oval epic as India level series 2-2
Mohammed Siraj starred in a stunning come-from-behind win at The Oval as India levelled the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2 with a thrilling six-run victory on an overcast fifth morning in London. England needed 35 runs with four wickets in hand, one of which was Chirs Woakes with a dislocated right shoulder.
2 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
'The First Fools' who saw Singapore through to independence
In a bold and timely release marking Singapore's 60th year of independence, a new book is shaking up the familiar narrative of nation-building by offering a surprising and deeply human portrait of the men behind the republic’s birth. ‘The First Fools: B-Sides of Lee Kuan Yew’s A-Team’ is a literary excavation of the 10 men who signed the 1965 Separation Agreement, offering fresh insight into their lives beyond the headlines and history books.
2 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
Trump should not pardon rapper Diddy ...
American journalist, attorney, political commentator and media personality Megyn Kelly is a Donald Trump supporter, but there is one thing Trump could do that the political commentator would definitely stand against: pardon Diddy.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
The missing voices in policy-making
The news from the US trade office was better than expected. Sri Lankans, who had been shocked by the sudden imposition of a 44 percent tariff by the U.S. authorities in April 2024, were relieved to see it reduced to 20 percent.
5 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
India redrawing its global trade map to bypass US tariffs
Faced with steep tariffs imposed by the United States government, India is huddling with export promotion councils and manufacturers to find a way to rework the country’s exports strategy, two government officials, aware of the development, said.
3 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
Bank of Ceylon crowned Sri Lanka's Most Valuable Brand in 2025
The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has been named Sri Lanka's Most Valuable Brand for 2025 by Brand Finance Lanka, with a brand value of Rs. 57.4 billion reflecting a 14.3% increase compared to the previous year, marking yet another significant achievement in its storied legacy.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
"Siva Friendship Cup" celebrates sports, unity and a life shaped by football
Gratitude for what sports made him become has inspired the birth of the “Siva Friendship Cup”, an annual football match between Jaffna Hindu College (JHC) and Zahira College, Gampola (GZC), the two alma maters of M. Sivakumaran, a respected sportsman and successful entrepreneur.
2 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
US White House Deputy Chief of Staff alleges India ‘financed’ Ukraine crisis by buying Russian oil
ANI: Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House has said that it is not acceptable for India to purchase Russian oil, alleging that it ‘financed’ the crisis in Ukraine.
2 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
Can beetroot juice fix blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects millions of people across the globe and remains one of the leading contributors to heart disease and stroke.
2 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
Wimal alleges LTTE backers seeking revenge from Navy
National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa has accused the NPP government of dancing to the tune of LTTE supporters residing overseas.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
Telugu film ‘Kingdom’ triggers protests by Tamils
A newly released Telugu film, titled ‘Kingdom’, has come under fire for its portrayal of ‘Eelam Tamils’, with widespread criticism erupting online and calls for the film to be banned.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
Big scene for JAYASRI TWINS
... Reggae festival in Colombo
2 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
BCCI steps up anti age-fraud drive; set to hire screening agency
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has intensified its drive against age-fraud and is in the process of hiring an external agency to verify the credentials of players.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
The maverick Buddhist genius of 20th Century Ceylonese Revival: G. P. Malalasekera
In a modest yet powerful way, Professor Gunapala Malalasekera (1899-1973) stands as a monumental figure in Sri Lankan Buddhist education and revival during the twentieth century.
3 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
CoPF gives nod for increased thresholds for local companies to invest overseas
The Committee on Public Finance recently took into consideration an Order inclusive of updated guidelines on outward investments, introducing increased thresholds for local companies to invest overseas and streamlining processes to facilitate cross-border expansion, the parliament stated in a press release issued yesterday (4).
2 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
Census of fishing vessels amidst mounting environmental risks posed by discarded fibreglass boats nationwide
The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka programme, has launched a nationwide census of fishing vessels, with a focus on identifying fibreglass boats, many of which have been abandoned.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
Ayesh appointed to Rotary District Team for 2025-2026
Rotarian Ayesh de Silva has been officially appointed to serve on the Rotary District Team for the Rotary year 2025-2026.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
ASPI hits record 20,000 points but profit-takings emerge latterly
CSE recorded a positive market trend for the 11th consecutive day yesterday and the All Share Price Index topped 20,000 points, rising 99 points in early trading. Subsequently heavy profittakings were noted which pushed the market to a negative mood, market analysts said.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
A Thorium-based path to Sri Lankan energy sovereignty
Sri Lanka's National People's Power (NPP) government plans to phase out coal and embrace nuclear power in its 2025-2044 energy strategy. Although it is capital-intensive, the government views nuclear energy as essential for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It targets 70% renewables, nuclear supplementation, and a 500 MW HVDC interconnection by 2030. Legal frameworks are pending, while public engagement and long lead times remain key challenges.
5 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
Dharshana may shift focus to 2026 despite regaining form
Aruna Dharshana regained his form with an impressive sub 46 seconds performance in the 400 metres at the 103rd National Athletics Championship but the 26-year-old may not pursue for a place in the team for the upcoming World Championship.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
Ambassador Ajward and Regional Director UN Tourism explore cooperation in 'rural tourism promotion'
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad recently met Director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for Middle East based in Riyadh, Samer Al Kharashi to discuss ways and means of promoting rural tourism industry in Sri Lanka.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
HUTCH engages Esala Perahera 2025 with cared community-focused services
In celebration of one of Sri Lanka’s most revered cultural festivals, the Esala Perahera Mangalyaya in Kandy, HUTCH is proud to step forward once again in service of tradition, community, and connectivity.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
Dialog Enhances 5G Roaming, Now Covering 70 Countries and 150 Global Mobile Operators
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka's #1 connectivity provider, has expanded its 5G roaming footprint to 70 countries in collaboration with 150 global mobile operators reinforcing its commitment to delivering seamless mobile connectivity and high-speed data access for Sri Lankan travellers, whether flying for business or leisure.
1 min |
August 06, 2025
The Island
US game in the region
THERE is considerable euphoria in Pakistan over what is viewed as a marked improvement in its relations with the US administration under President Donald Trump and the trough that Washington-New Delhi ties seem to have hit.
4 min |
August 04, 2025
The Island
JSC suspends District Judge Gamage
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken steps to suspend Moratuwa District Judge Thilina Gamage.
1 min |
August 04, 2025
The Island
PM declares zero-tolerance policy on university ragging
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Saturday vowed stringent action against ragging and violence in universities, declaring a policy of zero tolerance, while reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting students’ right to protest and engage in politics.
1 min |
August 04, 2025
The Island
What young people want a year on from July Uprising
Why are so many young people unable to access opportunities? One word dominates their responses: nepotism. Over 54 percent of the youth cite nepotism as the primary barrier to employment, followed by inadequate formal education and a mismatch between academic content and labour market demands. For many, job applications lead nowhere: 45 percent reported that they had not received a single interview invitation in the past year.
4 min |
August 04, 2025
The Island
Sri Lanka can become Macau in South Asia-Casino magnate
Sri Lanka has the potential to become for India what Macau is to China, said casino magnate Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd., at the grand opening of the $1.2 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka on Saturday (02).
1 min |