Columnist

Constitutional dictatorships – OR: is the era and ethos of ‘strongman’ governments gone for good? (1/4)

Saturday, 4 October 2025 00:10

Fools, knaves and narratives

Saturday, 4 October 2025 00:00

Sri Lanka-born strategist Prof. Patrick Mendis to meet corporate and national leaders

Saturday, 4 October 2025 00:00

Beyond degrees: Creating future-ready workforce for Sri Lanka

Friday, 3 October 2025 01:36

Growing the pool of billion-dollar companies in Sri Lanka

Friday, 3 October 2025 01:31

Financial institutions at crossroads: Redefining risk management in the age of climate change

Friday, 3 October 2025 01:26

Energy diplomacy: How Sri Lanka can bridge trade gap with United States

Friday, 3 October 2025 01:22

Anura, Mahinda, Premadasa: Who is progressive, who isn’t and why?

Thursday, 2 October 2025 00:40

CMA Sri Lanka Budget proposals for promotion and development of MSME sector

Thursday, 2 October 2025 00:20

Lacklustre Government, blessed by the Opposition

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 01:30

Gotabaya: Untold achievements

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 00:22

Confirmation bias: Silently destroying meritocracy, objectivity and fairness

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 00:20

Can Gaza be saved by the UN General Assembly through a 1950 Resolution?

Tuesday, 30 September 2025 00:01

Budget 2026: Smiles in every rupee

Tuesday, 30 September 2025 00:01

Justice delayed and institutional credibility: Lessons from Easter Sunday case

Tuesday, 30 September 2025 00:01

Ranil’s resolve to end rule of law

Tuesday, 30 September 2025 00:01

Cultivating circular futures: Youth as agents of change

Monday, 29 September 2025 00:24

First year of AKD Government: Is it RW in driving seat with a difference?

Monday, 29 September 2025 00:22

COPE, oversight, and boundaries of power: Necessary caution

Monday, 29 September 2025 00:20

Politics of Tamil-Muslim relations

Saturday, 27 September 2025 00:10

Govt. commits to anchor recovery on fiscal discipline, reforms and digitalisation

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery will continue to be anchored on fiscal discipline, with the Government preparing a set of governance, legislative and ..

Govt. announces 2025 5G spectrum auction

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:13

The Government yesterday formally issued the Notice of Assignment (NoA) for the 2025 5G spectrum auction, setting in motion the long-anticipated proce ..

Beira Lake water aerodrome opens for Colombo–Katunayake flights

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:12

Flights between Katunayake and Colombo resumed yesterday with the opening of a new water aerodrome at Beira Lake, an initiative aimed at expanding dom ..

World Bank calls for urgent energy, public sector and PPP reforms to drive growth

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:11

A World Bank delegation has called for urgent reforms in Sri Lanka’s energy sector, public sector workforce and investment framework, warning that t ..

IMF reviews Sri Lanka program, sees ‘impressive’ progress

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:09

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission is in Colombo for the fifth review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF), with the country’s pr ..

“Economic growth alone cannot solve gender inequality” – Satkunanathan

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:08

Human rights advocate Ambika Satkunanathan has cautioned that when economic growth and financial tools do not automatically solve gender inequality, i ..

Alcohol and tobacco usage in SL decline, reveal latest surveys

Saturday, 4 October 2025 00:00

Alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka has shown a decade-long downward trend, with a new 2024 survey revealing that fewer than 30% of men are current drink ..

Premadasa urges IMF to halt SVAT withdrawal, warns of export sector fallout

Friday, 3 October 2025 02:09

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reconsider the Government’s decision to abolish the Simp ..

Bucket Life before Bucket List

Friday, 3 October 2025 02:07

nMany have a ‘bucket list’—a collection of experiences they hope will deliver a rush of excitement or fulfilment. Some are fuelled by passion, o ..

Hayleys, LOLC and Carson Cumberbatch headline latest LMD 100 rankings

Friday, 3 October 2025 02:06

In an exclusive pre-publication release to the Daily FT, the publisher of leading business magazine LMD, Media Services, unveiled the top 20 line-up i ..

LOLC Insurance makes strategic leadership appointments

Friday, 3 October 2025 02:02

LOLC Insurance yesterday announced two key leadership appointments aimed at driving sustainable growth, strengthening governance, and enhancing operat ..

Vehicle imports near $ 1 b mark

Thursday, 2 October 2025 00:27

Sri Lanka’s import of vehicles is nearing the $ 1 billion mark as per latest data released by the Central Bank. It said vehicle imports in the firs ..

Sri Lanka woos Japanese investors for neutral South Asia AI Data Centre

Thursday, 2 October 2025 00:25

Sri Lanka this week wooed Japanese investors to be part of the proposed neutral AI Data Centre to be set up for the benefit of South Asian countries. ..

Fitch affirms Sri Lanka at ‘CCC+’

Thursday, 2 October 2025 00:22

Fitch Ratings yesterday affirmed Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘CCC+’. Fitch typically does not assign O ..

IMF flags Sri Lanka macro-bond risks

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 00:30

Sri Lanka could face additional debt service payments of between $ 150 million and $ 270 million a year from 2028 if its economy grows faster than pro ..

CSE sets new benchmark, crosses 22,000 points

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:12

Colombo stock market extended its rally into 14th session and closed the week yesterday with the ASPI crossing the 22,000-point barrier for the first ..

Rasamanickam slams Govt. over stalled Palaly, KKS development amid donor funds on offer

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:11

Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam yesterday accused the Government of neglecting critical economic infrastructure in the ..

NSB pays Rs. 6 b dividend to Treasury

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:10

The National Savings Bank (NSB) has approved a dividend of Rs. 6 billion to its sole shareholder, the General Treasury, following robust financial res ..

No FT on Monday

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:09

In view of Poya holiday and the long weekend, the Daily FT will not be published on Monday 6 October. ..

Govt. rules out LGBTQ tourism push, pledges quality-driven industry growth

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:07

Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath on Thursday clarified that the Government has no plans to promote LGBTQ tourism as part of its strategy, stressing tha ..

Shippers’ Council sees SVAT abolition diverting FDI away from Sri Lanka

Friday, 3 October 2025 02:10

Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) yesterday urged the Government to urgently reconsider the abolition of the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) sche ..

Dr. Gitanjali first woman President of Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates’ Association

Friday, 3 October 2025 02:08

The Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates’ Association (SLHGA), the largest body of professional hoteliers, marked a historic milestone with the appointme ..

Vehicle importers challenge Treasury’s 35% surcharge proposal in court

Friday, 3 October 2025 02:07

Vehicle importers yesterday objected to a Treasury proposal requiring a 35% surcharge for the release of vehicles currently detained by Sri Lanka Cust ..

CIABOC warns against false propaganda, pledges legal action to protect integrity

Friday, 3 October 2025 02:04

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday expressed deep concern over what it described as baseless and mi ..

Current account surplus hits new peak at $ 2 b YTD

Thursday, 2 October 2025 00:30

Sri Lanka’s current account surplus expanded in the first eight months of 2025, reaching $ 2.04 billion on the back of stronger remittances, service ..

Balendra tells Japanese companies SL seeing economic revival; time to be part of next growth wave

Thursday, 2 October 2025 00:26

By Nisthar Cassim in Tokyo Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Krishan Balendra this week told Japanese investors that Sri Lanka is seeing economic r ..

AKD calls on Japan’s Emperor Naruhito

Thursday, 2 October 2025 00:24

President Anura Kumara Disanayake called on Japan’s Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace on Tuesday during his State visit. Upon his arrival at t ..

Indian arrivals drive best-ever Sept. tourism numbers

Thursday, 2 October 2025 00:20

The tourism industry recorded its highest-ever September arrivals this year, driven largely by Indian visitors, boosting optimism for a strong winter ..

AKD holds talks with JICA President; BIA project to resume soon

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 00:28

President Anura Kumara Disanayake, during his official visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Government, held discussions yesterday with J ..

Govt. announces 2025 5G spectrum auction

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:13

The Government yesterday formally issued the Notice of Assignment (NoA) for the 2025 5G spectrum auction, setting in motion the long-anticipated proce ..

CSE sets new benchmark, crosses 22,000 points

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:12

Colombo stock market extended its rally into 14th session and closed the week yesterday with the ASPI crossing the 22,000-point barrier for the first ..

Beira Lake water aerodrome opens for Colombo–Katunayake flights

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:12

Flights between Katunayake and Colombo resumed yesterday with the opening of a new water aerodrome at Beira Lake, an initiative aimed at expanding dom ..

Rasamanickam slams Govt. over stalled Palaly, KKS development amid donor funds on offer

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:11

Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam yesterday accused the Government of neglecting critical economic infrastructure in the ..

World Bank calls for urgent energy, public sector and PPP reforms to drive growth

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:11

A World Bank delegation has called for urgent reforms in Sri Lanka’s energy sector, public sector workforce and investment framework, warning that t ..

NSB pays Rs. 6 b dividend to Treasury

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:10

The National Savings Bank (NSB) has approved a dividend of Rs. 6 billion to its sole shareholder, the General Treasury, following robust financial res ..

IMF reviews Sri Lanka program, sees ‘impressive’ progress

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:09

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission is in Colombo for the fifth review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF), with the country’s pr ..

No FT on Monday

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:09

In view of Poya holiday and the long weekend, the Daily FT will not be published on Monday 6 October. ..

“Economic growth alone cannot solve gender inequality” – Satkunanathan

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:08

Human rights advocate Ambika Satkunanathan has cautioned that when economic growth and financial tools do not automatically solve gender inequality, i ..

Govt. rules out LGBTQ tourism push, pledges quality-driven industry growth

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:07

Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath on Thursday clarified that the Government has no plans to promote LGBTQ tourism as part of its strategy, stressing tha ..

Alcohol and tobacco usage in SL decline, reveal latest surveys

Saturday, 4 October 2025 00:00

Alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka has shown a decade-long downward trend, with a new 2024 survey revealing that fewer than 30% of men are current drink ..

Shippers’ Council sees SVAT abolition diverting FDI away from Sri Lanka

Friday, 3 October 2025 02:10

Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) yesterday urged the Government to urgently reconsider the abolition of the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) sche ..

Premadasa urges IMF to halt SVAT withdrawal, warns of export sector fallout

Friday, 3 October 2025 02:09

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reconsider the Government’s decision to abolish the Simp ..

Dr. Gitanjali first woman President of Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates’ Association

Friday, 3 October 2025 02:08

The Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates’ Association (SLHGA), the largest body of professional hoteliers, marked a historic milestone with the appointme ..

FT FUNTOON

Cartoon 02.10.2025

Thursday, 2 October 2025 00:00

Cartoon 01.10.2025

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 00:00

Cartoon 29.09.2025

Monday, 29 September 2025 00:00

Cartoon 27.09.2025

Saturday, 27 September 2025 00:00

Cartoon 24.09.2025

Wednesday, 24 September 2025 00:00

FT TV

International Tourism Leaders’ Summit held in Colombo

Friday, 3 October 2025 22:55

The International Tourism Leaders’ Summit (ITLS) was held yesterday (02) at the BMICH, Colombo, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissan ..

RMIT discusses establishment of Innovation Hub in Sri Lanka

Thursday, 2 October 2025 15:47

Huawei donates IdeaHub devices to Teacher Training Colleges

Thursday, 2 October 2025 09:36

Sri Lanka Army seeks blessings at Kataragama ahead of 76th anniversary

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 09:10

ADB-funded vehicles handed over to Health Ministry

Tuesday, 30 September 2025 10:01

President Dissanayake officially welcomed in Japan

Monday, 29 September 2025 21:03

FT Click

Sri Lanka FinTech Summit 2025

Thursday, 25 September 2025 00:42

HNB showcases Club Elite Mastercard experience with Maldives preview

Thursday, 4 September 2025 03:35

FT Click Digital

Celebrity and entertainment spotlight at FT-Interbrand IWD gala

Tuesday, 11 April 2023 16:59

Daily FT-Interbrand International Women’s Day gala

Monday, 10 April 2023 15:57

IT / Telecom / Tech

Salesforce launches MuleSoft Agent Fabric

Friday, 3 October 2025 01:35

Dijital Team extends footprint to Kandy

Friday, 3 October 2025 01:34

Dialog AI empowers Sri Lanka’s SMEs to grow smarter

Friday, 3 October 2025 01:34

FT Lite

Launch of children’s book ‘Ollie Shoots for the Sun’

Saturday, 4 October 2025 00:00

‘Ollie Shoots for the Sun’, a children’s book written by Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya and illustrated by Danushri Welikala, was launched on 27 ..

Spa Ceylon, All About That Reef and Scope Cinemas spearhead ocean conservation

Saturday, 4 October 2025 00:00

Roger Menezes reflects on musical journey of hits and memories

Saturday, 4 October 2025 00:00

Opinion and Issues

Constitutional dictatorships – OR: is the era and ethos of ‘strongman’ governments gone for good? (1/4)

Saturday, 4 October 2025 00:10

It has been a year since a new government voted in by the people of Sri Lanka brought the issue of types of political leadership into the forefront of ..

Fools, knaves and narratives

Saturday, 4 October 2025 00:00

Alcohol and tobacco usage in SL decline, reveal latest surveys

Saturday, 4 October 2025 00:00

FT View - Editorial

Women’s status in SL needs more discussion

Saturday, 4 October 2025 00:00

The key findings and recommendations of the research conducted by the UN Women program on gender equality in Sri Lanka presented to the Women Parliame ..

Abolishing Executive Presidency; history repeats itself

Friday, 3 October 2025 01:36

President’s stance on death penalty

Thursday, 2 October 2025 00:00

Rising international recognition of Palestine statehood

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 00:00

Elephant in the room

Tuesday, 30 September 2025 00:01

Resetting Sri Lanka–Japan relations through President Disanayake’s visit

Monday, 29 September 2025 00:00

Special Report

Building trust in digital age: Sri Lanka’s roadmap to cybersecurity and data privacy

Wednesday, 16 July 2025 00:00

The first ever full-day Data Privacy and Protection Summit organised by the Daily FT in collaboration with CICRA Holdings Ltd., was held recently at ..

IODA pledges to support SL to make country diving hub

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 00:08

Forging unity through media: 2025 SCO Media Cooperation Forum in Xinjiang

Monday, 16 June 2025 02:35

Business News

Hayleys Travels wins Gold at South Asian Travel Awards 2025 as Leading Outbound Travel Agency

Rotary SME conclave positions boutique hotel SMEs as tourism revival catalysts

Sri Lanka strengthens trade, investment, and tourism ties at World Expo 2025 in Osaka

Hayleys Leisure appoints Rajitha Amarasinghe as Director of Operations – Amaya Resorts & Spas

Hayleys Fibre appoints Ajith Karunarathna to Board

ComBank’s sustainability leadership inspires UN Global Compact annual sessions in New York

Samara Perera joins The Kingsbury, Horana Plantations Boards

Telbedde Estate crowned Overall Gold Winner at Ceylon Specialty Estate Tea Awards 2025

SEVA project signals new trade and investment potential for Sri Lankan craft

Construction PMI increases in August

Lotus Tower sees revenue increase under new management

DSI Samson Group strengthens leadership with 14-member team

RMIT Sri Lanka Innovation Hub to boost R&D commercialisation

PRISL Awards 2025 applications open till 10 Oct.

Japanese tech corporates seek to recruit Sri Lankan IT students

Sri Lanka Food Processors Association elects Executive Committee for 2026/2027

Trailblazing CA Sri Lankans shine at SAFA Women Leadership Awards 2025

Janek Jayasekara takes helm at International Distillers as new CEO

Sri Lanka issues first investor residence visa

New Vithanakande reinforces supremacy with Guinness World Record for Most Expensive Tea

Top Sri Lanka food and beverages companies participate at Saudi Foodex – 2025

OSC wins Gold at International ARC Awards in New York

Columnist

Constitutional dictatorships – OR: is the era and ethos of ‘strongman’ governments gone for good? (1/4)

Fools, knaves and narratives

Sri Lanka-born strategist Prof. Patrick Mendis to meet corporate and national leaders

Beyond degrees: Creating future-ready workforce for Sri Lanka

Growing the pool of billion-dollar companies in Sri Lanka

Financial institutions at crossroads: Redefining risk management in the age of climate change

Energy diplomacy: How Sri Lanka can bridge trade gap with United States

Anura, Mahinda, Premadasa: Who is progressive, who isn’t and why?

CMA Sri Lanka Budget proposals for promotion and development of MSME sector

Lacklustre Government, blessed by the Opposition

Gotabaya: Untold achievements

Confirmation bias: Silently destroying meritocracy, objectivity and fairness

Can Gaza be saved by the UN General Assembly through a 1950 Resolution?

Budget 2026: Smiles in every rupee

Justice delayed and institutional credibility: Lessons from Easter Sunday case

Ranil’s resolve to end rule of law

Cultivating circular futures: Youth as agents of change

First year of AKD Government: Is it RW in driving seat with a difference?

COPE, oversight, and boundaries of power: Necessary caution

Politics of Tamil-Muslim relations

Trending

Growing the pool of billion-dollar companies in Sri Lanka

DSI Samson Group strengthens leadership with 14-member team

DFCC Bank issues Sri Lanka’s first Blue Bond

Balendra tells Japanese companies SL seeing economic revival; time to be part of next growth wave

Lotus Tower sees revenue increase under new management

IMF flags Sri Lanka macro-bond risks

LOLC Insurance makes strategic leadership appointments

Hayleys, LOLC and Carson Cumberbatch headline latest LMD 100 rankings

Sri Lanka woos Japanese investors for neutral South Asia AI Data Centre

Current account surplus hits new peak at $ 2 b YTD

Business News

Hayleys Travels wins Gold at South Asian Travel Awards 2025 as Leading Outbound Travel Agency

Rotary SME conclave positions boutique hotel SMEs as tourism revival catalysts

Sri Lanka strengthens trade, investment, and tourism ties at World Expo 2025 in Osaka

Hayleys Leisure appoints Rajitha Amarasinghe as Director of Operations – Amaya Resorts & Spas

Hayleys Fibre appoints Ajith Karunarathna to Board

ComBank’s sustainability leadership inspires UN Global Compact annual sessions in New York

Samara Perera joins The Kingsbury, Horana Plantations Boards

Telbedde Estate crowned Overall Gold Winner at Ceylon Specialty Estate Tea Awards 2025

SEVA project signals new trade and investment potential for Sri Lankan craft

Construction PMI increases in August

Lotus Tower sees revenue increase under new management

DSI Samson Group strengthens leadership with 14-member team

RMIT Sri Lanka Innovation Hub to boost R&D commercialisation

PRISL Awards 2025 applications open till 10 Oct.

Japanese tech corporates seek to recruit Sri Lankan IT students

Sri Lanka Food Processors Association elects Executive Committee for 2026/2027

Trailblazing CA Sri Lankans shine at SAFA Women Leadership Awards 2025

Janek Jayasekara takes helm at International Distillers as new CEO

Sri Lanka issues first investor residence visa

New Vithanakande reinforces supremacy with Guinness World Record for Most Expensive Tea

Top Sri Lanka food and beverages companies participate at Saudi Foodex – 2025

OSC wins Gold at International ARC Awards in New York

FT NEWS

President urges Maha Sangha’s guidance to restore moral fabric