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Sri Lanka introduces on-arrival driving licences for foreign visitors at airport

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August 03, Colombo (LNW): International travellers arriving in Sri Lanka can now obtain temporary driving licences upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, under a newly launched initiative aimed at improving transport access for tourists.

This move marks a significant shift in policy, as previously, visitors had to travel to the Department of Motor Traffic in Werahera to secure a local permit. The new facility at the airport is expected to streamline the process, particularly for those renting vehicles near the arrival terminal and looking to explore the island independently.

The initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Transport and Highways, caters mainly to tourists who opt for motorcycles or small private vehicles during their stay. Permits issued at the airport will, however, be limited to motorcycles and light vehicles. Visitors intending to drive heavy vehicles or three-wheelers must still go through the conventional application channels outside the airport.

To qualify, foreign nationals must hold a full, valid driving licence from their country of origin. Temporary, provisional, probationary, or learner permits will not be accepted under the new scheme. If the licence is not issued in English, applicants must provide a certified translation. A valid passport with an appropriate visa is also required for processing.

Additional criteria include the stipulation that the original foreign licence must remain valid for at least 12 months beyond the date of its conversion into a temporary Sri Lankan permit. Any existing conditions tied to the original licence—such as the use of spectacles, automatic transmission only, or hearing assistance—will be carried over to the Sri Lankan permit without exemption.

The temporary licences will be valid for up to five months, with fees set at Rs. 2,000 per month. This means visitors planning longer stays or extended travel around the island will have the flexibility to obtain coverage without excessive administrative burden.

Prime Minister Urges United Effort for Overhaul of National Education System

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August 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s education system is set to undergo a far-reaching transformation, with Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dr Harini Amarasuriya calling for a united national effort to bring meaningful change to the way children are taught and supported throughout their schooling journey.

Addressing an awareness event held on the 2nd of August, Dr Amarasuriya stressed that the reforms being proposed are not confined to the agendas of government ministries or political leadership alone. Rather, she framed them as a collective national mission, urging citizens from all walks of life to take ownership of the process.

“The present education system is not inspiring hope or confidence in our students. Many complete school with a sense of disillusionment rather than anticipation about their future. That is not acceptable,” she said, noting the emotional and psychological toll the current framework has on young learners.

Dr Amarasuriya outlined a vision centred on creating learning environments that prioritise both academic success and personal development. She emphasised that the system must go beyond traditional exam-based outcomes and foster creativity, curiosity, and resilience in students. The aim, she said, is to nurture not just scholars, but capable and compassionate individuals—doctors, engineers, scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs—with practical skills that can serve both society and the economy.

Equity was a recurring theme in her remarks. The Prime Minister insisted that all regions, including historically marginalised or underfunded districts, must receive fair attention in the rollout of the reform. Equal access to quality education, she argued, is a fundamental requirement if the nation is to move forward as a whole.

She outlined key infrastructure priorities, including the need to equip every school with up-to-date digital tools, functioning sanitation facilities, reliable water supplies, laboratories, arts and innovation spaces, and properly maintained classrooms and sports grounds. Addressing the persistent shortage of teachers was also highlighted as a top priority.

While the government has developed a structured, phased approach—with changes to Year 1 and Year 6 curriculum set to begin in 2026—Dr Amarasuriya made it clear that long-term success hinges on broad public involvement. “This reform belongs to the people. It cannot be something handed down from above—it must be shaped through ongoing dialogue and active participation from educators, unions, parents, universities, and civil society.”

She also acknowledged the complexity of the task ahead, noting that piecemeal change will not suffice. “This is not a cosmetic adjustment. What we are embarking on is a complete reimagining of how education is delivered in this country.”

Closing her remarks, she issued a powerful appeal for solidarity: “Every child in this country is our collective responsibility. Let us work together—not just to fix a system, but to give our children the future they deserve.”

Magistrate Thilina Gamage suspended amid allegations involving misconduct

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August 03, Colombo (LNW): Judicial authorities in Sri Lanka have suspended the official duties of Thilina Gamage, who held dual appointments as Magistrate and District Judge in Moratuwa, following the emergence of serious allegations involving misconduct.

The Judicial Service Commission, the body responsible for overseeing the conduct of judicial officers, has confirmed that Gamage has been formally removed from active service while an inquiry is underway. He has been instructed to provide a written explanation regarding the accusations within a 21-day period, as stipulated in a letter issued by the Commission.

The suspension relates to an ongoing investigation centred around Gamage’s alleged role in unlawful activities concerning the custody of a baby elephant. The Commission formally served him a charge sheet earlier this year, with the matter gaining renewed attention in recent weeks.

At the heart of the investigation are claims that Gamage unlawfully kept a young elephant named “Sakura” using documentation that was allegedly forged. The elephant in question was originally seized and returned to the Department of Wildlife Conservation in 2015, following a probe by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The incident triggered a high-profile inquiry into the use of falsified permits to privately own protected wildlife.

The Attorney General’s Department has since filed an indictment consisting of 25 separate charges linked to the incident. These include serious breaches under the Public Property Act and other relevant statutes aimed at protecting Sri Lanka’s wildlife heritage.

Health Sector faces disruption as doctor transfers mishandled: GMOA

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August 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s healthcare system is reportedly facing operational strain due to widespread irregularities in the transfer process of medical officers, with the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) blaming the Ministry of Health’s Medical Services Unit for bypassing established protocols.

The annual rotation of medical professionals—typically governed by a transparent, guideline-driven process—has been marred by significant deviations this year, according to union spokesperson Dr Chamil Wijesinghe.

The GMOA claims that the Medical Services Unit acted without adequate consultation, ignoring the existing administrative framework that outlines how transfers should be managed.

The result, according to the GMOA, is a deeply flawed deployment landscape affecting the placement of more than 23,000 doctors across the island. Of this number, over 10,000 medical professionals are reportedly in limbo, awaiting the implementation of their official transfer orders. The backlog has led to misallocation of critical staff and operational inefficiencies across numerous hospitals.

Dr Wijesinghe further highlighted that close to half of Sri Lanka’s government-employed doctors are currently not stationed where they are officially assigned. This mismatch is said to be undermining patient care, especially in rural and underserved regions, where staffing gaps are now becoming more pronounced.

The union warns that if corrective action is not taken promptly, the consequences could ripple through the entire public health network, impacting service delivery and morale within the sector. While the annual transfer process is intended to maintain fairness, ensure career progression, and balance staffing levels, the GMOA claims that recent developments have turned what should be a routine administrative exercise into a source of institutional dysfunction.

Healthcare professionals have called for urgent intervention by higher authorities, demanding that the Ministry revisit and rectify the transfer process in line with the established policies. They argue that trust in the system is essential not only for the effective functioning of the medical workforce, but also for maintaining the public’s confidence in the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Resilient Surge: Sri Lanka’s Apparel Exports Climb Amid European Market Strength

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August 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s clothing export industry continued to demonstrate resilience in June 2025, with overseas shipments of garments rising by 5.2 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Export revenues for the month totalled US $439.39 million, up from US $417.71 million in June 2024, driven primarily by solid demand from European buyers.

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the industry’s coordinating body, attributed the upswing to a notable increase in orders from both the United Kingdom and the broader European Union. Sales to the UK climbed significantly, surging by 20.4 per cent year-on-year to reach US $67.33 million.

Meanwhile, exports to EU countries (excluding the UK) grew by an even more impressive 23.1 per cent, bringing in US $142.92 million.

These gains managed to offset declines in other major markets. Shipments to regions outside Europe and North America dipped by 9.3 per cent to US $64.75 million. The United States, traditionally Sri Lanka’s top apparel destination, also saw a downturn, with exports falling 5.7 per cent to US $164.39 million for the month.

Looking at the broader picture, apparel exports for the first half of 2025 (January through June) showed a healthy 8.95 per cent year-on-year increase, rising from US $2.26 billion in 2024 to approximately US $2.46 billion this year. Within that six-month span, exports to the United States posted a modest gain of 4.1 per cent, totalling US $910.92 million.

Exports to the EU surged by 16.7% to US $769.89 million, while other global destinations saw an 8.9 per cent increase, amounting to US $413.60 million. The UK also showed steady growth during this period, recording a 6.45 per cent rise to US $366.53 million.

JAAF noted that the strong performance in European markets underscores the sector’s adaptability and the continuing trust in Sri Lankan manufacturing. Industry stakeholders have been actively working to diversify their export destinations and improve competitiveness amid a challenging global environment.

The association also highlighted that steady consumer confidence in Sri Lankan apparel — underpinned by ethical production standards and reliable supply chains — remains a critical factor in sustaining this upward trajectory.

Cloudy skies expected over most parts of island: Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm likely in several districts (Aug 03)

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August 03, Colombo (LNW): Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (03).

Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Northern, North-Central, Eastern Central, and Uva provinces and in Hambantota and Kurunegala districts after 1.00 p.m.

Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in these areas.

Several spells of showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
Several spells of showers may occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Matara via Galle.

Winds:
Winds will be westerly to south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.

Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Galle.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Galle will be rough at times.

The wave height may increase about 2.5 m in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Galle (this is not for land area).

Hatton National Bank PLC and Nucleus Software Collaborate to Enhance Transaction Banking Experience with FinnAxia®

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Sri Lanka- 30th July,2025: HNB PLC, one of Sri Lanka’sleading and most forward-looking financial institutions, has implemented FinnAxia®, the advanced Transaction Banking Suite from Nucleus Software, as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen its leadership in digital banking and meet the growing needs of its corporate and SME clientsacross Sri Lanka and around the globe.

In a highly competitive market where customer expectations are evolving rapidly, HNB recognized the need for a robust, scalable and integrated platform to deliver world-class, transaction banking services. The rollout of FinnAxia® marks a decisive move to future-proof HNB’s cash management business, deepen client relationships, and enhance revenue streams.

Strategic Business Impact and Objectives

Implementation of FinnAxia® enables HNB to:

• Expand its transaction banking offerings through a seamlessly integrated global-standard suite.

• Gain competitive edge without prolonged implementation cycles for corporate clients.

• Attract and retain high-value clients by deliveringpersonalized digital solutions.

• Ensure frictionless onboarding of clients across Corporate, SME, and Institutional segments.

• Optimise operational efficiency and minimize manual intervention to focus on strategic relationship management.

“We are reimagining our transaction banking strategy to not only retain our leadership position in the payments and cash management space but to significantly expand our presence in the SME and corporate banking segments,” said DamithPallewatteManaging Director Chief Executive Officer, HNBFinnAxia® gives us the technology edge to offer a comprehensive, digital-first experience, enabling our customers to seamlessly manage their global payments, receivables, liquidity, supply chain finance and trade services through a unified platform.”

Since going live, HNB has already experienced a 10Xincrease in customer onboarding and a 6X jump in transaction volumes

With this transformation, HNB is offering its corporate clients a sophisticated platform providing real-time dashboards, automated reconciliation, and enhanced cash visibility across global operations – giving treasuries the tools to make informed decisions.

At Nucleus Software, we believe that the future of transaction banking lies in a modular, intelligent platform—one that is agile, deeply integrated, and purpose-built to scale with dynamic business ecosystems,” said Mr. Vishnu R. Dusad, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Nucleus Software. “Our partnership with HNB reflects a shared ambition—to redefine digital transaction banking in Sri Lanka. With FinnAxia®, we are not just delivering technology, but building a competitive advantage.

FinnAxia®, an advanced, modular transaction banking platform from Nucleus Software, provides a clear value proposition – to enable HNB Bank to operate with precision, create compelling client experiences, increase revenue potential, and control risk proactively.

About HNB

With 254 customer centers, HNB stands as one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most technologically innovative private sector banks. Most recently, the bank was recognized as the Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka for the 15th year at the Asian Banker Global Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards 2024.

HNB was also recognized as ‘The Best Bank – Sri Lanka’ at the second Emerging Asia Banking Conclave and Awards, organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). HNB’s accolades in 2024 also include recognition at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence, where it was named Best Bank in Sri Lanka and Best SMEs Bank in Sri Lanka.

HNB was ranked the Number 1 Company in Sri Lanka by Business Today in its Top 40 Businesses ranking for 2023-24. HNB was recognized as one of the Top 25 Corporates at the LMD Awards which was held honouring 25 most awarded Sri Lankan Corporates. 

About Nucleus Software

Nucleus Software Exports Ltd. Is a publicly traded (BSE: 531209, NSE: NUCLEUS), software product company that provides lending and transaction banking products to global financial leaders.

Nucleus Software delivers disruptive Fintech Solutions to 200+ Banks and Financial Institutions across 50 countries supporting Retail LendingCorporate & SME FinanceIslamic FinanceAutomotive Finance, Captive Automotive Finance, Cash Management, Mobile & Internet Banking, Transaction Banking and more. Our solutions manage $15+ trillion value of yearly transactions, with over 26 million transactions each day through our globally integrated transaction banking platform. Our lending platform manages $1.2 trillion value of loans globally, while enabling 500,000+ users to log in daily.

Our Flagship Products FinnOne Neo® and FinnAxia® are backed by more than 4 decades of BFSI domain expertise and an inbuilt AI powered platform to realize the digital transformation goals of FIs worldwide.

FinnOne Neo®: The next-generation digital lending platform, designed to revolutionize the lending process. FinnOne Neo® is built on an advanced technology platform, empowering financial institutions to streamline their lending operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive business growth.

FinnAxia®: An integrated global transaction banking suite, trusted by banks worldwide to optimize their transaction banking processes. With FinnAxia®, financial institutions can efficiently manage their cash management, trade finance, liquidity management, and other transaction banking activities on a single platform, thereby improving operational efficiency, visibility, and enhancing client relationships.

PaySe®: The world’s first online and offline digital payment solution, created with the vision to democratize money. This innovative payment solution offers users a seamless and convenient way to conduct digital transactions, both online and offline, facilitating financial inclusion and empowering individuals and businesses.

Nucleus Software Digital Services: Our comprehensive suite of digital services is tailored to assist banks and financial institutions in their digital transformation journey and maintain an optimal technology infrastructure. Through Nucleus Software Digital Services, we offer a holistic approach to digital transformation, enabling organizations to deliver seamless customer experiences, achieve operational and cost efficiencies, and gain actionable insights to drive strategic decision-making.

These offerings collectively underline Nucleus Software’s commitment to driving innovation and empowering financial institutions to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The caption for the image is as follows:
Mr. Damith Pallewatte, Managing Director & CEO of HNB, and Mr. Vishnu R. Dusad, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Nucleus Software.

McLarens, which excels in its support for badminton, undertakes the weight of another international competition.

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For several years, the Sri Lankan badminton sport has been guided by the McLarens group. We have seen them present at every national-level competition in Sri Lanka, as well as at every international competition organized in the country, showcasing their skills on the badminton court. This is not due to any privileges granted, as the head of the McLarens was also the head of badminton; rather, because he carried the weight of badminton on his business acumen and moved forward.
Once again, this sponsoring love has been received by the International Badminton Championship organized in Sri Lanka. Instead of the work and love dedicated to a titled chair, but to the subject matter, McLarens had shown its all-encompassing space in its heart towards Badminton. Although not the warmth of the titled presidency, the warmth of McLarens love has reached this International competition. The competition at hand is the 2025 Sri Lanka Junior International Badminton Championship, showcasing the abilities of young players who excel in badminton cultures that have gained a name in the world on Sri Lankan soil.
Even though it is not uncommon for a household prominence of McLarens which reigns high in Sri Lanka’s prominent business sector, to present itself as the main sponsor of the 2025 Sri Lanka Junior International Badminton Championship, scheduled to be held from August 5 to 8 at the New Sanirō Sports Complex in Naiwala, it must be remembered that this is always a lovely intervention that should be talked about.
This prestigious international tournament, hosted by the Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) and endorsed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton Asia (BA), will shine with the upcoming stars of the sport at the New Saniro indoor sports arena in Naywa. Furthermore, this event will also provide an opportunity to showcase another valuable Sri Lankan indoor facility to the world, making it an invaluable asset for New Saniro.
This competition, held as contests for categories below 19 years, below 17 years, below 15 years, and below 13 years, in male and female singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, serves as an event that influences world rankings in accordance with BWF’s official rules and regulations. It is undoubtedly a great opportunity for numerous young players in Sri Lanka, as well as the world’s talented young players, to enhance their badminton careers and aim for world rankings.

Importers Warn of Shutdowns as Government Moves to Protect Local Industry

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Sri Lanka’s new trade protection regulations, approved this week by Parliament, have sparked fierce opposition from local importers, who warn that the measures could force them to shut down their businesses altogether. The contentious rules, introduced under the Anti-dumping and Countervailing Duty Act No. 2 of 2018, aim to protect local producers from what the government calls “unfair trade practices” and an influx of low-priced imports.

The regulations were formally endorsed during a joint meeting of the Parliamentary Committees on Trade and Public Finance, chaired by Labour Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe and opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva. The updated rules were previously gazetted in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2429/32 dated 27 March 2025.

Officials argue the move is essential to shield domestic industries from foreign competition, saying it would “provide relief regarding damages and threats caused by unfair trade activities and sudden imports.” These measures include the imposition of additional tariffs or restrictions on imported goods suspected of being dumped into the Sri Lankan market at below-market prices.

However, the decision has triggered a backlash from importers, especially those dealing in ceramic tiles, who claim the government’s actions favor a small group of influential businessmen at the expense of the broader importing sector. Some allege that the local tile industry is dominated by a handful of powerful individuals—including a prominent casino owner—who import raw materials, conduct minimal processing, and sell products under the label of “value addition.”

“These regulations are not about protecting an industry. They’re about protecting a monopoly,” said one importer, speaking anonymously due to fears of political repercussions. “Dozens of legitimate businesses will be wiped out just to safeguard the profits of two or three well-connected manufacturers.”

Importers also point out that Sri Lanka lacks the capacity to meet local demand for tiles, which will likely lead to a supply shortage, price hikes, and further strain on the construction sector already grappling with high costs.

The meeting also briefly addressed concerns in the cooperative sector, where it was revealed that no formal loan provision currently exists for cooperative societies. Minister Samarasinghe called for a formal inquiry into this issue and proposed summoning provincial commissioners and governors for a special parliamentary session.

As the government pushes forward with its trade defense agenda, calls are growing louder for a balanced approach that safeguards local production without strangling legitimate import-driven enterprises

BOC Tops List as Sri Lanka’s 100 Most Valuable Brands Hit Rs. 559 Billion

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Sri Lanka’s most valuable brands are showing strong signs of recovery and growth, mirroring the broader economic rebound underway in the country. According to the “Sri Lanka 100 – 2025” rankings released by Brand Finance, the collective value of the nation’s top 100 brands has risen to Rs. 559.4 billion, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous year.

 Following the country’s severe economic crisis in 2022 and a cautious rebuilding phase in 2023, a more stable macroeconomic environment and bold policy reforms in 2024 have enabled corporate confidence to return. Economic growth reached 5% in 2024, and leading brands have capitalised on this momentum, driven by digital transformation, strategic repositioning, and strengthened consumer trust.

 Bank of Ceylon (BOC) emerged as Sri Lanka’s most valuable brand in 2025, with a brand value of Rs. 57.4 billion. The bank’s strong financial performance, particularly an 84% rise in net interest income to Rs. 167.6 billion, has been key to this achievement. Its widespread recognition, extensive branch network of over 600 outlets, and trusted reputation in both urban and rural markets have cemented its place at the top.

 Commercial Bank and Dialog Axiata secured second and third place, with brand values of Rs. 46.6 billion and Rs. 35.4 billion, respectively. Notably, Keells was ranked Sri Lanka’s strongest brand, scoring a Brand Strength Index (BSI) of 90.2/100 and earning a AAA+ rating, thanks to its exceptional consumer familiarity and retail presence.

 Among the most exciting developments in the rankings is the debut of PickMe, the ride-hailing and digital services platform, which entered at 29th place with a brand value of Rs. 4.3 billion. Since its 2015 launch, PickMe has evolved into a full-fledged digital ecosystem with services spanning food delivery and logistics. Its successful IPO in 2024 underscored investor confidence in Sri Lanka’s homegrown tech sector. With over 100,000 rides completed daily and a 164% growth in ride volumes, PickMe is now an essential part of daily life for many Sri Lankans.

 Brand Finance Sri Lanka Chairman Ruchi Gunewardene noted that the rise in brand value reflects more than just numbers—it shows “a return of consumer confidence and trust.” He emphasized that brands excelling in accessibility, innovation, and relevance will be the ones to thrive in a competitive, post-crisis economy.

 As inflation stabilizes and policies remain predictable, Sri Lanka’s leading brands are now positioned not just for recovery—but for long-term, sustainable growth.