IMF FDMD Gita Gopinath to stepdown

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva announced today that Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director (FDMD), would be leaving the Fund at the end of August to return to Harvard University, where she will be the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics in the Department of Economics.

Jagdeep Dhankhar resigns as Vice President of India, citing medical reasons

Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar has officially resigned from his post with immediate effect, citing health reasons and the need to follow medical advice. The resignation, addressed to the President of India, was tendered under Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution.

Medicines in short supply hit patients hard

Sri Lanka is facing a deepening public health crisis as a critical shortage of essential medicines continues to affect both the public and private healthcare sectors.

Sri Lanka’s economic output tipped to surpass pre-pandemic peak in 2026 – Bloomberg Economics

Sri Lanka’s economy is poised for a significant rebound, with projections indicating that the nation’s output will exceed its 2018 pre-pandemic levels by next year.

National consumer prices rise 0.6% in June on electricity tariff hike

Sri Lanka’s consumer prices, measured nationally, rose by 0.6 percent in June from a month ago levels, picking up from 0.5 percent in May, as the upward revision to the electricity prices in June sent the non-food prices higher.

Central Bank likely to ease rates further as economy slows – First Capital Research

The Central Bank is expected to cut its key interest rates at its monetary policy meeting today, with a 60 percent probability for a reduction, according to a pre-policy analysis by First Capital Research (FCR).

Man injured in Seeduwa shooting

Seeduwa, July 21 (Daily Mirror) - A man has been injured and hospitalized following a shooting incident in the Rajapaksapura area of Seeduwa this evening, police said.

Former army Chief-of-Staff files petition over carrom board indictments

Former Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, (Rtd) Major General Nanda Mallawaarachchi has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal, challenging the Attorney General’s decision to indict him over the import of carrom boards and checker boards in 2014.

Consider past proposals on education reforms: Opposition

The government should consider earlier proposals pertaining to education reforms and include suitable changes, some opposition elements said today.

Foreign travel ban issued on Rohitha Abeygunawardena’s daughter

A foreign travel ban was issued on former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardenas’s daughter Rochelle Melanie Abeygunawardena and her husband by the Matugama Magistrate’s Court today.

2025 Grade five exam on August 10

The Examinations Department announced the date for holding the Grade 5 scholarship examination for 2025.

Restaurant owner fined Rs. 75,000 for selling insect-infested food

Maligakanda Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrama Weerasinghe imposed a fine of Rs. 75,000 on a restaurant owner in Kollupitiya, after he pleaded guilty to selling insect-infested food.

CSE ends mixed as investors eye policy signals and trade talks

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a mixed note on July 21st, 2025, following a volatile trading session. The ASPI initially surged by nearly 155 points in early trading but faced selling pressure mid-session, dropping around 81 points before recovering to end with a gain of 70.38 points (+0.37%) at 19,044.08. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 index dipped 8.44 points (-0.15%), settling at 5,646.99.

Injuries leading cause of hospitalizations; 12,000 deaths annually: Health Ministry

Injuries have emerged as the leading cause of hospitalizations in Sri Lanka, with over one million people admitted to state hospitals each year due to injury-related incidents, the Health Ministry revealed in a communiqué issued recently.

Japan faces rice shortage as South Korea battles oversupply

Japan is grappling with rice shortages and price hikes, forcing it to ramp up imports.

1,241 individuals arrested within a day for drug-related offenses

A total of 1,241 individuals were arrested for drug-related offenses, including illegal alcohol during a special operations conducted yesterday covering the entire island, Police said.

’’Nilantha Jayawardene did his job’’; Dayasiri defends former SIS chief

Former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Chief Nilantha Jayawardene has done his job as he has disseminated all information on events which led to the Easter Sunday attacks since 2015, MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said.

Sri Lanka will continue to benefit from IMF’s support: President expresses confidence

While expressing his gratitude for the support extended to Sri Lanka by the IMF, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed confidence that Sri Lanka would continue to benefit from the IMF’s support in ensuring long-term economic stability and consistency in policy direction.

Boating resumes at Gregory Lake despite weather warnings

Despite a temporary ban imposed on boating activities at Gregory Lake due to severe weather conditions, boat operators resumed services today, citing continued economic pressure and dwindling tourist numbers.

One dead, 33 affected due to high winds: DMC

One person has died and 33 individuals from nine families have been affected in the Kalutara and Ratnapura districts following incidents caused by high winds and falling trees, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported.

Tree fall cuts power in Talawakelle amid severe weather

A large tree fell onto a 33,000-watt high-voltage power line running from Hatton to Senclair in the Talawakelle area, causing extensive damage and widespread power outages, the Hatton Electricity Customer Service Center Electricity Superintendent Nimal Samarakoon said.

Sri Lanka to launch e-NICs by April 2026

Electronic National Identity Cards (e-NICs) are expected to be issued by April 2026, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne said.

At least one dead after fighter jet crashes into Bangladesh college campus

A Bangladesh Air Force training jet has crashed into buildings at a college campus in the capital Dhaka, killing at least one person and injuring others on the ground.

Close shave for Air India Plane during Mumbai touchdown, engine damaged

An Air India flight flying in from Kochi had a close shave while landing in Mumbai this morning after it veered off the rain-soaked runway. Pictures accessed by NDTV show a clump of grass stuck to the rear part of the aircraft and signs of damage on one of the engines. The runway, too, has been damaged. All passengers aboard the aircraft are safe, airport authorities have said.

U.S. reaffirms support for Colombo Plan’s Global Anti-Drug mission

The United States has been a consistent partner, supporting technical assistance to the Colombo Plan, promoting evidence-based approaches and regional cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung said.

Catholic Church does not want Nilantha Jayawardene sentenced to death: Fr. Cyril Gamini

Referring to a comment made by Director, Mass Communications, Catholic Church of Sri Lanka Fr. Jude Krishantha that DIG Nilantha Jayawardene who was expelled from the police service should be subjected to death sentence, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Colombo, Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando said today that it is not the official stance of the Catholic Church.

No exceptions for Dudley Sirisena in tank reservation clean-up: Lal Kantha

Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lal Kantha denied claims that a hotel owned by businessman Dudley Sirisena was spared from the government’s programme to remove illegal structures from irrigation tank reservations.

Fishermen warned to stay ashore as red alert issued for coastal waters

The Department of Meteorology has issued a ’Red Warning’ for strong winds and rough seas in several coastal regions of Sri Lanka urging the public especially fishing and naval communities to exercise extreme caution.

Colombo’s Port City to feature Big Ben-inspired Grand Clock

A large-scale project is planned for construction in Port City Colombo, with an investment of over USD 540 million. The development aims to feature what could become the world’s largest art piece, complete with a 15-metre Grand Clock inspired by London’s Big Ben, and is expected to be submitted for recognition by the Guinness World Records.

Medical specialists raise red flag over new drug purchase rules

Medical specialists have expressed serious concerns regarding the circular issued by the Ministry of Health outlining guidelines for the purchase of drugs, surgical items, by state hospitals from third parties.