The Government has announced the minimum purchase prices for paddy for the 2025/2026 Maha season, with the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) officially launching its procurement programme.
The Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill was considered and approved by the Committee on Public Finance.
The historic encounter between India and Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was held last night (15) at the R. Premadasa Stadium, widely known as Khettarama Stadium, drawing thousands of local and international cricket fans.
Women must step forward to carry the change we have begun
As we observe the sacred occasion of Maha Shivaratri, I extend my warmest greetings to the Hindu community of Sri Lanka and to devotees across the world.
The 2026 Navam Maha Perahera of the historic Horana Rajamaha Viharaya, located in the ancient aigam Koralaya, commenced on 14th of February with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Verité Research has revealed that the government’s approval rating stood at 65% in early February 2026, according to its latest Gallup-style “Mood of the Nation” poll.
The survey, conducted in partnership with Vanguard Survey (Pvt) Ltd, shows that approval ratings have remained statistically stable compared to the 62% recorded a year ago, within a ±3 percentage point margin of error. Meanwhile, the disapproval rating remained low and unchanged from February 2025.
For the first time in the poll’s four-year history, the proportion of respondents who rated current economic conditions as “good” or “excellent” exceeded those who described them as “poor.” Public perception of the economic outlook also showed notable improvement, with 64% stating that the economy is “getting better,” up from 55% a year ago. The percentage of those who believed the economy was “getting worse” remained largely unchanged, while the share of respondents with no opinion declined, indicating growing certainty and optimism about the country’s economic direction.
These sentiments are combined into an Economic Confidence Index ranging from -100 to +100. The index rose sharply to +36, a significant increase from +14 recorded last year.
Additionally, 59% of respondents expressed satisfaction with “the way things are going” in the country. This marks the first time in four years of polling that satisfaction levels have exceeded 50%.
When comparing the present administration with past governments, respondents gave the highest positive evaluation for efforts to reduce drugs and crime, surpassing even perceptions of anti-corruption measures.
The regularly conducted “Mood of the Nation” poll forms part of the Syndicated Surveys instrument of Verité Research, aimed at enriching its macro-political briefings. The platform also allows other organisations to incorporate survey questions to assess public sentiment.
The latest survey was based on a nationally representative, multi-stage, randomised sample of 1,048 Sri Lankan adults from separate households. It was conducted from 24 January to 03 February 2026, with a maximum sampling error margin of ±3.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Researchers note that error margins may be influenced by potential implementation lapses.
With the hope that the darkness of ignorance be dispelled and the light of wisdom be kindled, the sacred festival of Maha Shivaratri, devoutly observed by Hindus around the world, falls today.
The Government’s digital transformation drive has achieved a significant milestone with the successful implementation of the Electronic Birth, Marriage and Death (e-BMD) system across Sri Lanka’s overseas missions, enabling thousands of citizens living abroad to obtain vital civil documents swiftly and efficiently.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya addressed members of the Chief Executives Organization (CEO) during a session held on 13 February 2026 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, as part of CEO’s Pearl of the Indian Ocean: Sri Lanka programme.
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