Pilleyan had prior knowledge of Easter attacks: Minister

Investigations have revealed that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias ’Pilleyan’ had prior knowledge of the Easter bomb attacks when he was in the Batticaloa prison.

Pakistani actress Humaira Asghar, 32, found dead

Pakistani actress and model Humaira Asghar Ali was found dead in her Karachi apartment this week, in a tragic incident that has shocked fans and the entertainment industry alike. Her decomposed body was discovered by police and court officials after she failed to respond to eviction notices stemming from unpaid rent.

Gujarat bridge collapse kills 10 in India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his deep sorrow over the tragic bridge collapse. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Over 35,000 new cancer patients diagnosed annually in Sri Lanka: NCCP

The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) revealed that between 35,000 and 40,000 new cancer cases are identified in Sri Lanka each year.

Taj Samudra alerted SIS on Easter attacker day before bombing: Minister

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today that the Taj Samudra Hotel had alerted the State Intelligence Service (SIS) via email just minutes after Easter Sunday bomber Abdul Latheef Mohamed Jameel had checked in to the hotel on April 20, 2019, a day before the attacks.

Complaint filed over tender irregularities in e-ID equipment procurement

The Movement for People’s Struggle has lodged a complaint with the Bribery Commission regarding alleged irregularities in the awarding of a tender for electricity distribution units required by Divisional Secretariats for the electronic identity card (e-ID) process.

Nissan has halted production of three models for Canada at two US plants

Nissan Motor (7201.T), opens new tab has suspended production of three vehicle models for Canada at its Tennessee and Mississippi plants amid mutual tariffs imposed by the U.S. and Canada on auto exports, the Nikkei reported on Wednesday.

Thushara Upuldeniya released on bail

Former Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya was released on bail over allegations involving the forgery of documents to secure Presidential pardons to ineligible inmates.

Hasaranga ruled out of Bangladesh T20I series

Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh after sustaining a hamstring injury on his right leg.

Animal Welfare Coalition complains on misuse of rabies control funds

The Animal Welfare Coalition Sri Lanka has lodged a formal complaint with the Bribery Commission against senior Health Ministry officials, alleging the misuse of Rs. 200 million allocated for the National Rabies Control Programme in the 2024 and 2025 national budgets.

Speaker’s official residence to be transformed into knowledge centre

The official residence of the Speaker will be transformed into a knowledge centre providing information to all members representing all layers of governance in the country, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramanayake said.

Dr. Maheshi’s daughter released on bail

Hemali Wijerathna, the daughter of specialist doctor Maheshi Wijerathna of the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, was released on bail over allegations of issuing death threats to the Assistant Director and an Investigating Officer of the Bribery Commission.

Student held under PTA for nine months to be produced in court

The case of a 21-year-old student detained for nearly nine months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be taken up in court today (July 9).

Nishantha Jayaweera sworn in as MP

Nishantha Jayaweera was sworn in as a National List MP for the NPP before Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne a short while ago.

Specialists urge probe into anti-doctor remarks online

The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has raised serious concern over the growing trend of non-medical individuals publicly commenting on complex medical and surgical decisions warning that such irresponsible behaviour is damaging public trust in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system.

SC orders authorities to implement anti ragging guidelines in universities

In a landmark judgment aimed at curbing ragging in higher educational institutions in Sri Lanka, the Supreme Court today directed the relevant authorities, including the University Grants Commission (UGC), to implement the guidelines formulated to prevent ragging incidents in state universities.

Ravi warns of severe impact from renewable energy policy shifts

UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake yesterday (08) warned in Parliament that Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector risks collapse if the government’s recent tariff reductions and withdrawal of duty concessions are not urgently reviewed.

Ex-Bangladesh leader authorised deadly crackdown, leaked audio suggests

A deadly crackdown on student-led protests in Bangladesh last year was authorised by then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, according to audio of one of her phone calls verified by BBC Eye.

15-year-old child contracts HIV

Badulla Division ASP G.W.B.S. Palipana said a 15-year-old child had contracted HIV and that it was a matter of serious concern.

Schools turn into mosquito havens, students’ lives at stake

Many schools in the country have become mosquito breeding grounds, putting the lives of students in danger.

Sri Lanka continues engagement with U.S. for favourable outcome

In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump firing off letters to 14 countries announcing new reciprocal tariff rates while delaying the implementation of the same for other countries till August 1, Sri Lanka continues to remain engaged with the U.S. authorities for a positive outcome, according to a Minister.

Temu imports linked to Rs. 35–50mn daily duty fraud

A significant duty fraud scheme involving courier imports from popular e-commerce platforms like Temu is causing a daily loss of between Rs. 35 to 50 million in tax revenue to the Sri Lankan government, industry leaders claimed at a press conference held in Colombo this week.

Dhammika Perera acquires majority stake in East West Properties for over Rs 3.2bn

Business leader Dhammika Perera has acquired a controlling stake in East West Properties PLC, purchasing approximately 77.40 percent of the company’s shares in a significant transaction valued at over Rs.3.2 billion.

CRTA warns of declining output as rubber sector confronts climate and trade challenges

Sri Lanka’s rubber industry is at crossroads at present with changes taking place in trade, climate, and global consumer expectations, and these have contributed to the falling output, the Ceylon Rubber Traders’ Association (CRTA) said.

CSE appoints new CRO

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) yesterday announced the appointment of Nilupa Perera as the Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO), effective 9 July 2025 succeeding Renuke Wijayawardhane, who retires after a 31-year career at the CSE.

'Give concessions to import vehicles below 1,500cc'

The Inland Revenue Staff Officers’ Association (IRSOA) urged the government to grant tax concessions for importing vehicles with engine capacities below 1,500cc instead of prioritising the import of higher-capacity vehicles that drain more foreign exchange.

Supreme Court rules police violated Fundamental Rights of two farmers during 2018 protest

The Supreme Court ruled that the police have violated the Fundamental Rights of two farmers who participated in a 2018 protest, by causing their remand custody through the submission of an unlawful report and moving for remand based on arbitrary reasons.

No issues with vehicle imports, fear unnecessary: Cabinet Spokesman

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa dismissed concerns over vehicle imports, stating that undue fear is being created unnecessarily.

Market continues to slide amid strong turnover

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the trading day on a negative note, despite witnessing heightened trading activity. Within the first half of the session alone, the market generated approximately LKR 5.00 billion in turnover, primarily driven by a series of significant crossing trades that dominated the day’s proceedings.

President accelerates push for Customs digitization

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to fast-track the digitization of the Sri Lanka Customs Department, highlighting it as a priority for establishing a digital economy by 2030.