Cabinet approves new method for G2G procurement of pharmaceuticals

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for a new methodology to procure pharmaceuticals and medical appliances under government-to-government arrangements, in a bid to address shortages in the local healthcare system.

Police warns against use of offensive language on its Facebook page

Action will be taken against individuals who use offensive or abusive language when commenting on its official Facebook page, the Sri Lanka Police announced

Indictments served on Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Daisy Forest

The Colombo High Court today (02) served indictments on Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his grandmother Daisy Forest in connection with a money laundering case.

Suspect nabbed with counterfeit US Dollars

A man was arrested with six counterfeit US$100 notes at a bank in Minuwangoda Town, police said.

PUCSL holds talks on renewable energy challenges

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) will hold a public consultation today (July 2) to identify and address the challenges faced by renewable energy developers in the country.

Rayhan Wanniappa appointed acting DG and CEO of CAASL

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has announced the appointment of Rayhan Wanniappa as the Acting Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer.

Over 1.1 Mn tourist arrivals in first half of 2025

The total number of tourist arrivals in the first half of 2025 stands at 1,168,044, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reported.

Malaysia mulls visa-free travel for Sri Lankans

Malaysia’s tourism authorities are throwing their weight behind a proposal for visa-free travel for Sri Lankan citizens as part of broader efforts to strengthen tourism ties between the two countries, a senior official from Tourism Malaysia revealed.

Trump threatens Japan with tariff up to 35% as deadline looms

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a ’’30% or 35%’’ tariff on Japan if a deal between the two countries is not reached before a deadline next week.

Trump says Israel has agreed to conditions for 60-day Gaza ceasefire

Israel has agreed to the ’’necessary conditions’’ to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, US President Donald Trump has said.

Qantas data breach exposes up to six million customer profiles

Qantas is contacting customers after a cyber attack targeted their third-party customer service platform.

Rs. 20 million worth whisky, cigarettes seized at BIA

Two Sri Lankan businessmen were arrested last night at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle a consignment of whisky and cigarettes valued at Rs. 20 million through the airport’s Green Channel.

Official: Shah Rukh Khan to visit Sri Lanka on August 2

Colombo is set to witness a star-studded evening as Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan will attend the grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka on August 2.

Ex-SriLankan Airlines Chairman accused favouring flight attendant in ongoing corruption case

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate court that former SriLankan Airlines Chairman Nishantha Wickramasinghe misused his authority by repeatedly assigning a female flight attendant to multiple international flights and granting her extra allowances, despite having no familial connection to her.

Five students secure 13 wins at World Junior Tourism Meet

Five young students representing Sri Lanka at the 2025 World Junior Tourism Ambassador (WJTA) Competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, returned to the country last night (July 1) with an impressive haul of 13 awards.

NPP Govt. dreams nuclear energy, yet treads cautiously over geopolitics involved

Sri Lanka, under the new government led by the National People’s Power (NPP) has identified nuclear power in its generation plan while phasing out coal power plants, Daily Mirror learns.

Don’t panic! Banks tell SMEs as parate relief ends

Licenced commercial banks have pushed back against what they describe as attempts by a small group of borrowers to stir “alarm and confusion” over the potential use of parate laws, saying there is no plan to initiate widespread property seizures following the end of the debt relief period.

June tourist arrivals surge with Bohra Convention

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector witnessed a significant uptick in arrivals this June, propelled by the influx of devotees for the Bohra Convention.

Sri Lanka’s first wax museum to open at historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy

The country’s first and only wax museum is set to open in a few days at the historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy, marking a significant addition to Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape.

UNFPA, Japan and ADT empower 2,000 Sri Lankan women and youth

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Government of Japan and the Alliance Development Trust (ADT), launched a programme to strengthen the capacities of over 2,000 women and young people across Sri Lanka on social cohesion, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and climate action.

Vavuniya home destroyed after petrol used to light oil lamp

A devastating fire broke out at a residence in Vavuniya after petrol was mistakenly used to light an oil lamp in the household shrine room, authorities said.

Import of rice to manufacture liquor now permitted - Minister

Minister of Agriculture, Land, Irrigation and Livestock Development K. D. Lal Kantha said the import of rice for liquor manufacture would be allowed and facilities for it provided.

IMF approves next $350 million tranche

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the fourth review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, allowing Sri Lanka to draw approximately US$350 million.

Corrine Almeida obtains injunction against Romaine Willis and DJ Mass on song ’’Eh Yaye’’

The Colombo Commercial High Court has issued an interim injunction, restraining popular artistes Romaine Willis and Mass Ramli Miskin alias DJ Mass from performing, reproducing and distributing the song titled ’’Eh Yaye’’ and “Api Natamu’’.

CSE begins July with slight pullback but investor activity remains strong

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) commenced the month of July with a slight decline in both All Share Price Index (ASPI) and S&P SL20 and , following a period of sustained gains. Despite the market’s modest pullback, investor activity remained strong, reflecting continued confidence and interest.

Red notices issued for over 500 premises in mosquito control raid

Red notices have been issued on 553 premises following inspections carried out today (July 1) under the ongoing National Mosquito Control Week, the Ministry of Health said.

Indian companies explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka

Indian entrepreneurs state that they are currently directing their attention towards new investment prospects in Sri Lanka, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure, the digital economy, tourism and agriculture, as well as on enhancing entrepreneurial capacity.

Commissioner Sarangika’s conduct at Seethawaka PS challenged before Court of Appeal

A writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal seeking an interim order to prevent the respondents, including Western Province Local Government Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara, from conducting a secret vote for the election of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha.

LG Commissioners entitled to exercise powers in the council: EC

The Local Government Commissioners are entitled to exercise his or her powers in the council, Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake said.

Man, 92, jailed for 1967 murder and rape

A 92-year-old man has been jailed for life with a minimum of 20 years after being convicted of the rape and murder of a woman in Bristol 58 years ago.