Seat belt rule for bus drivers enforced from today: NTC

The National Transport Commission (NTC) announced that it will be mandatory for bus drivers to wear seat belts starting from today (July 1), NTC Director General Nayomi Jayawardana said.

Indian Defence Ministry Company Set to Anchor Strategic Influence in colombo port

India is poised to secure another strategic investment in Sri Lanka with plans by its public sector company under the Indian Defence Ministry, ‘Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL)’ for acquiring a majority stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC).

Sri Lanka to resume seasonal employment opportunities in South Korea under E-8 visa

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) is taking steps to activate job opportunities for seasonal employment in South Korea under the E-8 visa category, Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe said.

Bus fare reduction suspended following fuel price hike

In the wake of the fuel price increase, the scheduled 2.5% reduction in bus fares, which was to take effect today, has been suspended, the National Transport Commission (NTC) said.

Youth killed, another injured in Kahawatta shooting

A 22-year-old youth was shot dead and another critically injured in a shooting incident in the Yainna area of Kahawatta, police said today.

Royal train to be cut in Palace cost-saving measure

The royal train is going to be taken out of service by 2027, in a cost-saving measure announced by Buckingham Palace.

Health Ministry yet to act on dog population control, veterinarian warns

Despite six months having passed, the Health Ministry has failed to take proper action to control the growing dog population in the country, a leading veterinary expert claimed today.

Indian Defence Ministry Company set to anchor strategic influence in Colombo Port

India is poised to secure another strategic investment in Sri Lanka with plans by its public sector company under the Indian Defence Ministry, ’Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL)’ for acquiring a majority stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC).

SME paddy millers, co-ops to get loans at 7% under Yala season credit scheme

The government would roll out a Rs.6.5 billion concessional loan scheme from today to support the small and medium-scale (SME) paddy millers and cooperative societies in purchasing paddy during the upcoming Yala season, the Development Finance Department said.

Colombo consumer prices fall 0.6% in June

Inflation in the Colombo district reached a tad closer to ending the months-long deflation, as the prices fell by 0.6 percent in June 2025 from a year ago, compared to a 0.7 percent decline in the prices in May.

Immigration unearths major boarding card swap scam to send Lankan men to UK for asylum

In a rare detection, the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) officials at the airport yesterday arrested a Mullaitivu resident bound for Mumbai and uncovered a sophisticated scam of exchanging their boarding passes to go to the UK and allegedly to claim asylum afterwards.

Fuel prices increased

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) has announced a revision of fuel prices, which will come into effect from midnight today (30).

Former Minister Gamini Lokuge passes away

Former Minister Gamini Lokuge passed away in a private hospital this evening.

Not much progress despite scores of lives lost annually: Specialist

The Multisectoral Strategic Action Plan on Injury Prevention and Management, a mechanism introduced in 2021 to minimise accidents, is yet to see tangible progress despite scores of lives being lost, a specialist said.

’Have faced many fears, challenges in life’: Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who marked 50 years of religious life today, reflected on his spiritual journey, acknowledging the many fears and challenges he has faced over the decades.

Indian team in Washington extends stay for trade talks

Officials from India will extend their Washington visit to try to reach agreement on a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and address lingering concerns on both sides, two Indian government sources said on Monday.

Dengue breeding sites: Over 140 face legal action

Legal action was taken against 143 individuals for maintaining environments conducive to mosquito breeding, the National Dengue Control Unit said, marking the launch of National Mosquito Control Week.

Traders face Rs. 5Mn fine for overpricing rice

A fine of up to Rs. 5 million will be imposed on traders selling rice above the government’s gazetted maximum retail price, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) warned.

Sajith warns of Parate Law impact, urges protection for MSMEs

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on the government to urgently introduce sustainable solutions to support micro, small, and medium-scale entrepreneurs, warning that many in the sector are in distress and confusion.

Sri Lanka the only Asian nation in talks with US on tariffs: Minister

Sri Lanka is the only country in the Asia region currently engaged in discussions with U.S. officials to renegotiate tariffs imposed under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando told Parliament today (30).

Archuna spreads false information in Parliament based on AI-generated images

Member of Parliament Archuna Ramanathan has reportedly conveyed false information to Parliament based on an AI-generated model of a skeleton.

Handunetti’s presentation at World Economic Forum not an issue: Opposition MP

The shortcomings pertaining to Minister Sunil Handunetti’s language skills in his presentation at the World Economic Forum is not an issue, Opposition MP S.M. Marikar told Parliament today.

MP Shanakiyan concerned over handling of Chemmmani mass grave

Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has voiced serious concerns over the ongoing exhumations at the Chemmmani mass grave site in Jaffna questioning the transparency and security of the process.

Court orders swift probe into misuse of “Million for Ishaq” fundraiser

The Mulleriyawa Police informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Kasun Kanchana Dissanayake today that an investigation has been launched into individuals suspected of misusing the ’’Million for Ishaq’’ fundraising campaign initiated to support ailing veteran artist Ishaq Baig to fraudulently collect money from foreign nationals.

CSE closes June quarter with ASPI surpassing 18,000 mark

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the month on a historic high, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) surpassing the 18,000 mark for the first time. This achievement reflects a continued wave of investor optimism and strong market momentum, supported by active participation across multiple sectors.

Govt launches concessionary loan scheme for paddy millers

The Ministry of Finance has launched a Rs. 6.5 billion concessionary loan scheme for SME paddy millers and cooperative societies to purchase paddy during the 2025 Yala season, from July 1 to November 15.

MS Dhoni files for trademark of iconic nickname ’Captain Cool’

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has filed a trademark application for ‘Captain Cool’, a name that fans have lovingly used for years to describe his ice-cool style of leadership.

Handunneththi says remarks at China Forum misrepresented

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunneththi told Parliament today that his recent speech at the World Economic Forum in China had been misrepresented by some individuals to suit their personal agendas.

Arjun Aloysius, two others charged over Rs. 1 billion VAT fraud

The Department of Inland Revenue filed legal action before Colombo Additional Magistrate Pavithra Sanjeewani Pathirana against Arjun Aloysius, Anthony Randev and Jinendra John, directors of Mendis Company, over allegations of evading the payment of Value Added Tax (VAT) amounting to over Rs. 1 billion due to the government.

Sri Lanka, Malaysia bolster leisure travel partnership

Strengthening tourism ties between the two nations, Tourism Malaysia and SriLankan Airlines have embarked on a joint promotion drive aimed at increasing leisure travel between Sri Lanka and Malaysia, with both countries eager to showcase their diverse attractions to each other’s travellers.