Economy

Anudi makes history for Sri Lanka in Miss World Multimedia Challenge

Published

1 year ago

May 30, 2025

Anudi Gunasekara has made history for Sri Lanka by clinching the title of First Runner-Up from Asia in the Miss World Multimedia Challenge, marking a proud and unprecedented achievement for the nation at the 72nd Miss World Festival held in Telangana, India.

Anudi’s outstanding performance placed her among the Top 20 global finalists in the prestigious challenge, and she is the first Sri Lankan contestant ever to reach this milestone in the Multimedia Challenge category.

With this achievement, she also secures a prestigious spot among the Top 8 global winners of the Multimedia Challenge, selected from 108 participants.

Notably, her accomplishment also secures Sri Lanka’s place in the Top 20 of three fast-track events — Talent, Head-to-Head Challenge, and Multimedia — for the first time in Miss World history.

In the Asia and Oceania region, the Top 5 Multimedia finalists featured representatives from New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, reflecting a highly competitive field.

Thailand ultimately claimed the top spot, with warm congratulations extended for their well-deserved win.

The Multimedia Challenge highlights contestants’ influence and ability to drive meaningful narratives through digital platforms. From sharing stories of advocacy and social change to offering behind-the-scenes glimpses into their Miss World journeys, these young women have leveraged social media with creativity, authenticity, and consistency.

Contestants were evaluated on their digital engagement across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and the official Miss World app. Judges reviewed their content, which documented their preparations at home and their experiences during the festival in Telangana.

Economy

Vehicle imports generate Rs. 512.5 billion in tax revenue

Published

1 day ago

September 8, 2026

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Sri Lanka imported 316,000 vehicles during the first six months of 2026, generating Rs. 512.547 billion in tax revenue, according to officials from Sri Lanka Customs.

The figures were revealed during a review of the operations and revenue performance of Sri Lanka Customs by the Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means.

Of the total tax revenue generated through vehicle imports, motor vehicles imports accounted for the largest share, contributing Rs. 386.726 billion.

Petrol-powered cars with engine capacities below 1,000cc emerged as the highest revenue-generating category, contributing Rs. 137.4 billion in Customs revenue. This represented 9.96% of total Customs revenue.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Customs recorded total revenue of Rs. 1.379 trillion by June 30, 2026, against an expected revenue of Rs. 1.061 trillion for the period, representing 130% of the targeted revenue.

Officials informed the committee that customs revenue had exceeded monthly targets throughout the year and had recorded higher revenue compared with the corresponding months of 2025.

Economy

Rs. 5.8bn World Bank-backed project to rehabilitate 296 irrigation tanks

Published

3 days ago

September 6, 2026

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Sri Lanka has begun rehabilitating 296 minor irrigation tanks under a World Bank-funded programme aimed at strengthening irrigation infrastructure and improving climate resilience.

More than Rs. 5.8 billion has been allocated for the work under the Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project (IRDCRP), which is planned to continue until 2029.

Of the 296 tanks, 290 are located across 18 districts and were damaged by Cyclone Ditwah. About Rs. 5.58 billion has been allocated for their rehabilitation under the project’s Contingent Emergency Response Component.

The largest number of affected tanks is in Badulla, where 97 are being rehabilitated, followed by Ratnapura with 29, Mannar with 24 and Kurunegala with 19. Fifteen tanks each are being rehabilitated in Kandy and Vavuniya.

A further six minor irrigation tanks in Polonnaruwa, Hambantota and Jaffna are also being rehabilitated at a cost of about Rs. 256.2 million.

Economy

Sri Lanka exports to India grow 7.2% to USD 669mn in first seven months

Published

5 days ago

September 4, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports to India increased by 7.22% year-on-year during the first seven months of 2026, reaching US$669.36 million, according to data from the Export Development Board (EDB).

Exports to India during the January-July period rose from US$624.31 million recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.

In July alone, exports to India increased by 9.12% year-on-year to US$129.51 million, compared with US$118.69 million in July 2025.

The EDB said the cumulative growth in exports to India was mainly supported by increased shipments of boilers, piston engines, pumps and vacuum pumps, petroleum oils, animal feed and base metal products.

The growth also came amid a broader expansion in Sri Lanka’s exports to the South Asian region.

Exports to South Asian markets increased by 11.98% year-on-year to US$916.55 million during the January-July 2026 period.