Dayasiri, Bimal Ratnayake in showdown

In a dramatic turn of events in Parliament today, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera alleged that Minister of Transport, Ports and Aviation, Bimal Ratnayake, had ordered the release of 309 red-labelled containers—an accusation that sparked uproar across the chamber.

CSE surpasses 18,500 mark to hit all-time high as U.S. Tariff reduction fuels investor optimism

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) soared to All-Time High on Friday, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) jumping 379.77 points or 2.09% to close at a record high of 18,541.26. The S&P SL20 inclined by 127.86 points or 2.39% closing at 5,486.5.

SC affirms conviction and sentence against fugitive mastermind in South Asia’s largest VAT scam

In view of the withdrawal of the Special Leave to Appeal application filed by Mohammed Kamil Kuthubdeen, the 8th accused in South Asia’s largest Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud case, the Supreme Court today affirmed the majority judgment of the Court of Appeal, which had upheld the convictions and sentence imposed against him over the VAT fraud case.

Shooting in Kosgoda leaves one injured

One person was wounded after two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at a three-wheeler in the Kosgama ares this evening, Police said.

New Excise Commissioner General assumes duties

Sri Lanka Navy Commodore (Retired) M.B.N.A. Premaratne assumed duties as the new Excise Commissioner General at the Sri Lanka Excise Department Headquarters in Rajagiriya this morning.

Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Brazil after spat with Lula

U.S. President Donald Trump said that the U.S. would impose a 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil after a spat this week with his Brazilian counterpart who called him an unwanted ’’emperor.’’

Young man rescued after climbing lamp post in Fort

A young man who climbed to the top of a street lamp post in the Fort area on Friday was safely rescued following a joint operation by the Fire Brigade and Police.

SC grants leave to proceed in case challenging gender-based recruitment for station master posts

The Supreme Court today granted leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights petition filed by two women, challenging the Sri Lanka Railway Department’s decision to limit applications for Station Master positions to male candidates only.

ITAK seeks international oversight in Chemmani mass grave probe

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take urgent steps to uphold truth, justice, and international cooperation in the investigation into the Chemmani mass graves, where over 65 skeletal remains - including those of infants - have been uncovered to date.

Bribery Commission can arrest former Minister Rajitha without a warrant: Magistrate

Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kakunawela today informed the Bribery Commission that there is no need to obtain a court-issued arrest warrant to apprehend former Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne, as he is already named as a suspect in the ongoing investigation.

Reach out to White House directly over tariff deal: Sajith tells government

The government must initiate direct negotitiations with the White House over the tariff deal without focusing only on negotiations with the US Department of Commerce and Trade representatives, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Deputy Minister hints at bilateral trade agreement with US before August 1

Sri Lanka hopes to go for a bilateral trade agreement with the USA on or before August 1, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha hinted in Parliament today.

'Imprison me if I am linked to releasing containers': Bimal tells opposition

Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake today urged the Opposition to lodge complaints with the police and provide all the information they possess if he is linked to the release of containers as alleged.

UK unveils package of reforms to simplify imports from Sri Lanka

The UK government has unveiled a package of reforms to simplify imports from developing countries like Sri Lanka, the British High Commission said in a statement.

Maithripala, Ranil, entire Yahapalana Cabinet in hot water over SLIIT scam: Minister

Former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena, Ranil Wickremesinghe and the entire Cabinet of the Yahapalana government are in hot water over an alleged scam pertaining to SLIIT, which is an entity under the Mahapola Scholarship Fund, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe informed Parliament today.

73.45% qualify for A/Ls, 2.34% fail all at O/L exam

Following the release of the 2024 (2025) G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination results, 2.34% of candidates failed all subjects, while 73.45% of students who sat for the exam qualified for the G.C.E. Advanced Level, Commissioner General of Examinations A.K.S. Indika Kumari Liyanage announced today.

Sri Lankans among 149 arrested in ’scam call centre’ raid in Pakistan

Pakistan police have arrested 149 people including two Sri Lankans in a raid on a scam call centre, the country’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) said on Thursday.

2025 A/L exam dates announced

The Commissioner General of Examinations, A.K.S. Indika Kumari, has announced that the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Examination will be held from November 10 to December 5, 2025.

Trump’s Tariff Blow and the Free Trade Myth: Sri Lanka’s Economic Trap Exposed

In a shocking move that sent tremors through Sri Lanka’s export sector, U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced a 30% tariff on Sri Lankan apparel imports into the United States. With over 45% of the country’s merchandise exports tied to the apparel sector, the announcement is more than a trade adjustment - it is a strategic body blow to the Sri Lankan economy.

Original Birkin bag sells at auction for record $10 million

Scuffed, scratched and stained, this black leather Birkin bag just sold for €8.6 million ($10 million), with fees, becoming the most expensive handbag to ever sell at auction. The hammer fell at a winning bid of €7 million ($8.2 million).

Over 7,000 dansals inspected on Esala Poya Day: PHI union

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) carried out inspections at 7,067 dansals across the country yesterday in connection with the Esala Poya Day, Union Secretary Chamil Muthukuda announced.

2024 (2025) O/L results released

The results of the 2024 (2025) GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination were released today, Examinations Department Commissioner General A.K.S. Indika Kumari Liyanage said.

Tariff tensions tighten thread in SL’s textile trade

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, a key pillar of the island’s export economy, yesterday raised red flags over the United States’ move to impose a 30 percent reciprocal tariff on all Sri Lankan products starting 1 August

Sri Lanka’s recovery at risk without growth commission: CEPA

A new report from a group of eminent economic thinkers has proposed the formulation of an independent growth commission to guide Sri Lanka towards sustained economic recovery and transformation.

Govt should be ashamed over mishandling of U.S. tariff deal: Dayasiri

Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara today accused the government of mishandling tariff negotiations with the United States, claiming Sri Lanka had failed to secure meaningful benefits from the recent tariff reductions announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Sri Lanka awaits details on underworld arrests in Malaysia

Despite reports that several Sri Lankans, including notorious underworld figures Manudinu Padmasiri Perera alias ’Kehelbaddara Padme’ and ’Commando Salintha’, have been arrested in Malaysia, local authorities are yet to receive official confirmation, the Daily Mirror learns.

Hashan Tillakaratne’s wife Apsari in hot water after her interview, clad in AirLanka saree

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Hashan Tillakaratne’s wife Apsari, who was once an airhostess of SriLankan airlines is in hot water after her interview with a website, clad in a saree worn by airhostess of the SriLankan airlines formerly known as AirLanka.

Nothing agreed upon to get tariffs reduced: Central Bank Governor

Claiming that Sri Lanka has not agreed to offer anything to the United States to get the tariff reduced to 30 percent from the 44 percent, Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said today it is a recognition of good faith negotiations to bring benefits to both countries.

Milk powder prices surge following U.S. tariff announcement

The price of imported milk powder has risen sharply in the country, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new 30% tariff on all goods imported from the country.

Emirates expands Premium Economy to Sri Lanka, deploys new Boeing 777

Emirates is enhancing the way passengers travel to the Maldives and Sri Lanka by expanding its popular Premium Economy offering to even more flights on these routes.