August 11, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has confirmed that the initial phase of evaluating scripts for the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination is officially underway from today (11), following the successful administration of the test across the island on the previous day.
Commissioner General of Examinations Indika Liyanage, reported that the examination was held simultaneously at 2,787 centres spread throughout the country. A total of 379,951 pupils had qualified to participate in this highly competitive assessment, which serves as a gateway to academic opportunities for young learners.
All logistical arrangements and marking protocols have been fully established in advance. The formal marking process is slated to begin on August 22 and will continue until August 27 at 43 specialised centres equipped for the task. Authorities anticipate that final results will be made public by September 20, in line with the department’s academic calendar.
Meanwhile, the application period for the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Examination is drawing to a close, with the submission window officially ending at midnight tomorrow (12). The Department of Examinations has streamlined the process this year, enabling students to apply online via a dedicated portal, in an effort to ensure wider accessibility and efficiency.
The A/L examinations are scheduled to take place from November 10 to November 05. Educational authorities have urged eligible candidates not to delay, as no extensions to the application deadline will be granted.
Marking process for National Scholarship Exam set in motion
Adithya Weliwatte Brings Home Prestigious Tourism Crown After Stellar Performance in Philippines
August 11, Colombo (LNW): Adithya Weliwatte, a celebrated figure in Sri Lanka’s music scene, has made headlines once more — this time not for her musical achievements, but for earning international acclaim on the beauty and tourism stage.
She returned to the island in the early hours of Sunday, having clinched the top title at the 2025 Miss Tourism Universe pageant held in the Philippines.
The grand event, which unfolded in the bustling city of Manila from July 30 to August 08, featured 17 contestants representing an equal number of nations. Weliwatte distinguished herself not only by claiming the coveted overall crown — formally titled “Queen of the International Tourism” — but also by securing two individual honours: Best National Costume and Most Beautiful Photogenic.
Her elaborate national costume, inspired by elements of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, reportedly drew admiration from both judges and international audiences. Meanwhile, her photogenic accolade reflected a commanding presence throughout the competition’s promotional campaigns and media engagements.
Weliwatte, whose reputation in the music industry spans several years and has earned her recognition both at home and abroad, landed at Bandaranaike International Airport shortly after midnight. Arriving on Thai Airways flight TG-307 from Bangkok at approximately 12:20 a.m., she was welcomed by family, supporters, and officials, many bearing flowers and national flags in celebration.
Photo: Daily Mirror
Court Orders Respondents to File Defence by November in Rs. 15 Bn ‘City of Dreams’ Casino Dispute
By: A Special Correspondent
August 11, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Commercial High Court has commenced hearings on a high-profile legal dispute involving prominent Sri Lankan casino magnate Ravi Wijeratne and Rank Entertainment Holdings, who have filed a case against John Keells Holdings PLC and four other parties over alleged breaches of agreement linked to the newly launched “City of Dreams” casino in Colombo.
The case was first heard on August 05 before Commercial High Court Judge M.Y.M. Isadeen.
The plaintiffs—Mr. Wijeratne and Rank Entertainment—are seeking Rs. 15 billion in damages, citing significant harm caused by the defendants’ alleged failure to uphold contractual obligations and by their concealment of critical information relating to the project.
The respondents named in the case are: Waterfront Properties Private Limited (1st respondent), John Keells Holdings PLC (2nd respondent), Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited, a Hong Kong Stock Exchange-listed entity (3rd respondent), and Blue Heaven Services Private Limited (4th respondent).
The court has directed all respondents to submit their statements of defence on or before November 25, 2025.
According to the plaint, the dispute centres on a long-standing commercial relationship between the plaintiffs and John Keells Holdings, dating back to 2013. The plaintiffs claim that, under a contractual arrangement, they were to operate a casino within the Cinnamon Life integrated resort complex, using a casino licence held by Rank Entertainment for that specific purpose.
Rank Entertainment asserts that since 2013 it has maintained a valid casino licence at considerable expense, solely for the proposed venture at Cinnamon Life, and has not utilised the licence for any other activity. Mr. Wijeratne and Rank Entertainment claim to have made substantial financial investments in planning and developing the casino hall within the joint hotel premises, relying on the express terms of the agreement with stakeholders, including John Keells.
They further allege that despite their longstanding engagement and investments, they have been denied access to operate the casino at Cinnamon Life. Instead, the space is now occupied by Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited and its subsidiary, Blue Heaven Services, both of which are currently operating under a different casino licence.
They pointed out that they are of over three decades of experience in operating casinos in Sri Lanka and have committed themselves into collecting, compiling and maintaining undisclosed sensitive information and commercially and personally sensitive information for the above project.
The plaintiffs argue that neither John Keells Holdings nor the Cinnamon Life Hotel possessed prior expertise in the casino sector in Sri Lanka, and that they depended entirely on sensitive business information provided by Mr. Wijeratne and Rank Entertainment. The claim asserts that this commercially confidential information—developed and compiled over decades—was misused without authorisation. The plaintiffs argue that such conduct constitutes a violation under the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003.
The claimants are therefore seeking Rs. 15 billion in compensation from the defendants for the financial loss, reputational harm, and misappropriation of confidential business information.
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India and Sri Lanka explore closer ties in Textile Sector through industry delegation visit
August 11, Colombo (LNW): Efforts to deepen trade relations between India and Sri Lanka in the textile sector have gained new momentum, following a recent visit by a high-level Indian industry delegation aimed at fostering long-term collaboration and sustainable growth within the regional fabric and garment industries.
Led by the Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL), the delegation comprised senior representatives of India’s fabric and home textile export sector.
The group engaged in a series of meetings with Sri Lankan stakeholders, including textile importers, apparel manufacturers, and industry associations, with a focus on building direct trade channels, forming business-to-business linkages, and participating in future trade events and exhibitions.
K. Sakthivel, Chairman of PDEXCIL, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to cultivating enduring trade partnerships across South Asia. In a statement issued following the visit, he emphasised that closer cooperation between the two neighbouring nations could bring mutual benefit, particularly in the areas of innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and market access.
Mr Sakthivel was also acknowledged for his longstanding contributions to cross-border textile engagement, particularly through his decade-long involvement in Intex South Asia, one of the region’s prominent industry platforms.
During the visit, the delegation held discussions with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Industries, focusing on strategies to encourage joint ventures, improve supply chain integration, promote skill development, and adopt environmentally responsible textile practices.
The talks also touched on the importance of bilateral knowledge-sharing and the need to modernise logistical frameworks to enhance competitiveness in global markets.
In Colombo, the Indian delegation was received by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka. The meeting served as an opportunity to highlight India’s strengths in the textile domain—especially in powerloom and home textile production—whilst reinforcing the vision of deeper regional economic engagement.
Amongst the delegates were PDEXCIL Vice Chairman Chandrasekar, Export Panel Convener Bharath Chhajer, and key members of the Fabric Exporters Association, all of whom represent some of India’s leading textile exporters.
*With inputs from The Hindu
Dates announced for 2025 A-Level and O-Level examinations in Sri Lanka
August 11, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has officially announced the schedule for the 2025 GCE Advanced Level and Ordinary Level examinations, allowing students and educators across the country to begin preparations in earnest.
According to Commissioner General of Examinations AKS Indika Kumari Liyanage, the Advanced Level (A-Level) examinations are set to take place over nearly four weeks, commencing on November 10 and concluding on December 05, 2025. The exam period will span across a broad range of academic streams, including Science, Commerce, Arts, and Technology, with hundreds of thousands of students expected to sit the papers.
In an effort to provide clarity and consistency in academic planning, the Commissioner General also confirmed that the GCE Ordinary Level (O-Level) examinations for the 2025 academic year will be conducted in early 2026, running from February 17 to 26. These exams serve as a crucial benchmark in Sri Lanka’s education system, often determining pathways into A-Level study, vocational training, or entry into the workforce.
The announcement was made during a briefing yesterday (10).
Light showers to occur in several districts (Aug 11)
August 11, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of light showers will occur in the Western, North-western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (11).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m.
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:
Showers are likely at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be 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 Kalpitiya to Mullaittivu via Mannar and Kankasanthurai, and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Mullaittivu via Mannar and Kankasanthurai, and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota may be rough at times.
Robust Revenues Push Sri Lanka beyond IMF Targets despite Monetary Concerns
By: Staff Writer
August 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has exceeded key fiscal benchmarks under its International Monetary Fund (IMF) program for June 2025, with robust tax revenue and restrained spending driving a much larger-than-expected primary budget surplus. However, analysts caution that recent monetary policy moves could undermine the country’s ability to sustain reserve accumulation and meet future targets.
Record Primary Surplus
The central government’s primary balance — revenue minus expenditure excluding interest payments — reached a surplus of Rs. 859 billion by June, far surpassing the IMF’s target of Rs. 130 billion. Such a large surplus reflects both strong tax collections and lower-than-expected capital spending.
While a primary surplus is rare in economies with low inflation and interest rates, in IMF-backed stabilization programs it becomes necessary as interest costs rise sharply following monetary tightening to restore currency stability. In Sri Lanka’s case, the adjustment has largely come from curbing non-interest spending, an area directly controlled by the government.
Observers note that past external debt problems partly stemmed from non-priority capital projects, such as large-scale government buildings, which contributed little to economic resilience. Moving forward, critical infrastructure maintenance — particularly rural roads — and investment in the electricity grid to handle renewable energy integration remain key priorities.
Strong Revenue Performance
Tax revenue up to June totaled Rs. 2,152 billion, well above the Rs. 1,650 billion IMF floor. The next test will be tougher: the September target is Rs. 2,750 billion, and the year-end goal is Rs. 4,350 billion.
A significant share of Sri Lanka’s fiscal intake comes from taxes on imported vehicles, which carry levies of over 200–300 percent. However, when the central bank lowers interest rates while injecting liquidity, import controls often restrict vehicle inflows to protect the balance of payments. This can erode revenue and force further monetary expansion, creating what some critics describe as a “cascading policy error” — higher deficits, more money printing, and renewed exchange rate pressures.
Reserve Risks and Monetary Policy
While Sri Lanka outperformed its March reserve accumulation target, part of the reported gross reserves stem from dollar-rupee swaps — short-term arrangements that create contingent liabilities and do not count toward IMF reserve metrics. Without a cap on the central bank’s domestic assets in the revised program, some analysts warn of a risk of missing reserve targets, especially if debt repayment needs rise.
Recent history has shown that premature rate cuts, particularly during strong credit growth and slow reserve build-up, have preceded currency instability — as in 2012, 2015–16, 2018, and 2019–22. Critics argue that maintaining a higher interest rate “buffer” is essential to sustain reserve accumulation under a stable exchange rate, even if it temporarily restrains growth.
For now, Sri Lanka’s fiscal overperformance provides a cushion in its IMF program. But with tougher revenue targets ahead and monetary easing already under way, policymakers face the challenge of balancing growth ambitions with the discipline needed to safeguard reserves and ensure debt sustainability.
Sri Lanka Launches Online Ticketing to Ease National Park Queues
By: Staff Writer
August 10, Colombo (LNW): Visitors to Sri Lanka’s national parks can now purchase entry permits online, following the launch of a new digital ticketing system by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). The move aims to eliminate long queues and delays that have frustrated tourists, particularly during peak seasons.
The system went live today on the DWC’s official website, allowing both local and foreign visitors to check availability, reserve dates, and make secure online payments. Once booked, visitors receive a QR-coded permit, which can be scanned at park entrances for faster entry.
Kaudulla Delays Trigger Action
The launch follows heavy criticism yesterday, when large crowds at Kaudulla National Park endured long waits to buy tickets. Many tourists reported missing their scheduled safaris, while others abandoned plans altogether due to the delays. Kaudulla, famous for its elephant gatherings, sees peak visitation from July to September, making smooth entry vital.
DWC officials said the online system will help manage visitor flow by capping bookings to each park’s daily capacity and allowing tourists to plan trips in advance. It will also provide real-time data to improve staffing and resource allocation.
Rising Tourist Pressure
Sri Lanka’s national parks have experienced a surge in popularity in the past decade. In 2018 alone, over 1.1 million foreign and 1.6 million local tourists visited parks such as Yala, Udawalawe, Horton Plains, and Kaudulla, generating more than USD 11 million in tourism revenue.
However, overcrowding remains a significant concern. Studies show that 65% of all visits are concentrated in just four parks, leading to congestion, environmental damage, and negative visitor experiences. For example, Yala has been reported to host over 400 safari jeeps in a single day, causing traffic jams inside the reserve and disturbing wildlife.
Issues Beyond Ticketing
While online booking is expected to solve queuing problems, other challenges persist. Some parks, including Minneriya, still require visitors to collect physical tickets despite prior reservations. Inconsistent processes, poor waste management, and unethical practices—such as tour operators taking guests to areas outside park boundaries—have also been reported.
Tourism experts stress that technology alone will not resolve systemic issues. “E-ticketing is an important step, but sustainable visitor management, environmental protection, and service quality must go hand in hand,” said Dr. Perera, a wildlife tourism researcher.
How the System Works
Visitors can log on to the DWC website, select their preferred park and date, and pay via card. Once the park reaches capacity, booking automatically closes. The permit can be downloaded, reprinted, or confirmed by SMS before arrival, eliminating the need to wait at on-site counters.
Next Steps
Authorities plan to extend the system to all major national parks and integrate it with mobile payment platforms. The DWC is also reviewing visitor caps and park infrastructure to balance tourism growth with conservation.
For now, the online platform offers a welcome relief to travellers eager to explore Sri Lanka’s renowned wildlife without the frustration of ticket queues.
President to visit US and Japan in September for key diplomatic engagements
August 10, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to undertake two important overseas visits next month, reflecting Sri Lanka’s renewed diplomatic outreach and efforts to strengthen international partnerships.
The President will first travel to the United States to participate in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, before proceeding to Japan for a state visit and participation in a global expo.
According to Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, the President is scheduled to depart for New York on September 23. During his visit, he is expected to deliver his inaugural address to the UN General Assembly on September 24, where he will outline his administration’s overarching policy framework—including key stances on foreign affairs, climate cooperation, and sustainable development.
In addition to his speech, President Dissanayake will engage in a series of bilateral meetings with heads of state and senior officials from various countries, aimed at fostering new avenues of cooperation.
Following his engagements in the United States, the President will travel to Osaka, Japan, on September 27 to attend Expo 2025. During the event, Sri Lanka will host a special segment titled “Sri Lanka Day,” intended to highlight the island’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant tourism sector, and diverse trade and investment potential.
The occasion will serve as a platform to promote Sri Lanka’s economic priorities and showcase the country’s attractiveness as a regional hub.
President Dissanayake’s official state visit to Japan will commence on September 28, following an invitation extended by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The visit is expected to include high-level discussions focused on economic cooperation, regional security, and technological collaboration, as well as renewed commitments in development assistance and infrastructure partnerships.
Sri Lanka Customs Revenue Soars surpassing Targets amid Anti-Corruption Drive
By: Staff Writer
August 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Customs has reported a record-breaking surge in revenue in 2025, even as it accelerates anti-corruption reforms and grapples with fresh misconduct allegations.
By August 1, the department had amassed Rs. 1,227 billion, with July alone contributing a historic Rs. 231 billion—driven largely by taxes on over 28,000 imported vehicles. This performance surpasses the annual revenue target of Rs. 2,115 billion by Rs. 116 billion
These fiscal gains come at a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka Customs, which is rolling out a sweeping reform programme aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) 2025–2029. Key measures include establishing an Internal Affairs Unit to investigate corruption complaints, embracing digitalised systems to minimize manual interventions and bringing in risk-based assessments to channel up to 80% of shipments through expedited “green lanes”.
Draft legislation empowering Customs with full control over goods entering and exiting Special Economic Zones (SEZs) is expected by end-October 2025
Transparency is also being enhanced through a new quarterly reporting mechanism, starting Q2 2025, where Customs will publish progress on digitisation and automation via the finance ministry’s website.
Trade unions have thrown their weight behind the reforms, signaling a collaborative shift in the department’s integrity culture.
Nevertheless, the department is under scrutiny for alleged malfeasance. Investigations by CIABOC (the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption) have been launched into fraudulent vehicle registrations and unauthorised container clearances. Among the probes is a case involving undervalued duties on ten BYD vehicles, and the suspected release of 312 containers without proper inspection?
In addition, CIABOC has seized 12 more illegally registered vehicles, following earlier seizures totaling 15, which had cost the government roughly Rs. 597 million
Sri Lanka Customs has publicly denied suggestions of impropriety surrounding the release of 323 containers in January 2025, stating the contents were industrial raw materials cleared under established risk-management protocols. A post-clearance audit overseen by a committee appointed by the Finance Ministry and the CID is currently underway.
Customs has achieved impressive revenue growth, exceeding targets through reforms and digitisation. But concurrent allegations—ranging from suspicious container releases to fraud in vehicle registration—highlight the urgency of the integrity measures being enacted. The department’s ability to sustain its financial gains hinges critically on the effective implementation of NACAP directives and transparency-enhancing tools.