Govt has inherited this problem: Jaishankar on arrest of fishermen in Lanka

Responding to queries regarding the plight of Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka during the question hour in the Rajya Sabha, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the government has inherited this problem due to events that can be traced back to 1974 and 1976.

Court orders Police to submit report on Beecoin ban by Central Bank

Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to submit a report on when the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) had officially banned the allegedly illegal pyramid financial scheme known as Beecoin, which was accused of defrauding public funds under the guise of poverty alleviation projects.

Special trains for school vacation, Sri Pada pilgrimage

The Railways Department has made special train arrangements during the school vacation and the Sri Pada pilgrimage.

MP Chamara Sampath remanded in separate bribery case

Badulla district MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who was previously granted bail in two bribery cases, has now been remanded until April 1 in a separate bribery case.

Chamara Sampath granted bail

New Democratic Front (NDF) Badulla District MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who was arrested by the Bribery Commission, has been granted bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court a short while ago.

Six dead after tourist submarine sinks off Egyptian coast in Red Sea

Six are feared dead after a tourist submarine sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt, according to local reports. At least nine more are said to have been injured.

Physical inactivity causes non-communicable diseases: Consultant

Health authorities warn that lack of physical inactivity can cause non-communicable diseases, and that regular exercise is essential to maintain overall health and prevent these conditions.

24% salary hike for MPs in Indian parliament

The Central government Monday notified a 24 per cent hike in the salaries of members of Parliament, with retrospective effect from April 1, 2023. An MP will now get Rs 1.24 lakh per month as salary as against Rs 1 lakh per month they received so far.

First BYD deliveries begin in Sri Lanka

BYD, a global leader in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), has commenced its first customer vehicle deliveries in Sri Lanka following the lifting of import restrictions.

Gigil: The new word in the dictionary for overwhelming cuteness

Ever found yourself speechless in the presence of overwhelming cuteness, like your baby nephew or the cat video you saw on Instagram? There’s now a word for it: gigil.

Severe lightning advisory issued for several places

The Meteorology Department warned of thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva Provinces and in the Kurunegala, Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya and Ampara districts.

Three-day Dengue Prevention programme launched in eight districts

The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) launched a special three-day Dengue prevention programme in eight districts.

Chamara Sampath arrested

Badulla District parliamentarian Chamara Sampath Dassanayake was arrested by the Bribery Commission a short while ago.

Two killed in road accident at Kalawana

The driver and his assistant died and another was seriously injured when a bowser veered off the road at the Ambalamahena Bridge on the Kalawana-Matugama road early this morning.

Schoolchildren grapple with sleep- related problems: Medical specialist

Sri Lanka is grappling with an increase over sleep- related problems, raising concerns as 63% of schoolchildren are not getting enough sleep, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Chiranthika Vithanage said.

High Court Judge Manjula Thilakarathna recuses from Namal’s Krrish case

Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Tilakaratne recused himself from hearing the case against Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, who is accused of laundering Rs. 70 million through the Krrish transaction.

SLAF aircraft crash- Aviation Minister’s statement not valid: Former Deputy Defence Minister

While highlighting that the statements made by Minister of Civil Aviation Bimal Ratnayake on the recent crash of a Sri Lanka Airforce (SLAF) aircraft in Wariyapola is not valid, former Deputy Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennekoon said the Minister should tender an apology to the SLAF.

Colombo High Court acquits former ASP Udugampola in Millenium City case

The Colombo High Court today acquitted former Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kulasiri Udugampola, who was previously indicted for allegedly disclosing information regarding military intelligence officers residing in a security residence at the ’’Millennium City’’ housing complex in Athurugiriya.

India surpasses Sri Lanka to become second largest tea exporter

According to data released by the Tea Board of India, India has exported 254 million kg of tea in 2024, thus becoming the second-highest exporter in the world. While Kenya retained the first spot in global tea exports, India surpassed Sri Lanka to take the second spot. Kenya exported over 500 Mkg of tea in 2024.

Trump announces 25% tariffs on car imports to US

US President Donald Trump has announced new import taxes of 25% on cars and car parts coming into the US in a move that threatens to widen the global trade war.

Rise in foreigners driving three-wheelers sparks accidents in SL

Sri Lanka Police said that there has been a noticeable increase in the trend of foreigners driving three-wheelers in Sri Lanka, accompanied by a rise in related fatal and other accidents in recent times.

Current monetary policy stance is appropriate: CB

The Central Bank, as widely expected, left the key policy rate unchanged at its second monetary policy review held earlier this week, as it reiterated that the current monetary policy stance is appropriate in achieving its desired inflation target of 5 percent, while supporting the ongoing recovery in the economy.

6.8 million TINs issued for easier access to government services

A total of 6.8 million Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs) have been issued so far for the citizens in the country, making it easier for them to obtain government services, Inland Revenue Commissioners Association President and Senior Commissioner M.A. Priyanka sai

Hypocrisy is that Britishers ignore their own atrocities – Karannagoda on UK sanctions

In response to the UK sanction on the Sri Lankan officials including three former military leaders, former Navy Commander, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda has accused the UK of hypocrisy, stating that while British colonial atrocities in Sri Lanka and India remain unaddressed, the UK is targeting Sri Lanka with human rights sanctions.

How can the UK sanction military leaders for ending a war against terrorism?: Mahinda Rajapaksa

Former President and leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Mahinda Rajapaksa has strongly criticized the United Kingdom for imposing sanctions on Sri Lanka’s former military leaders, questioning how the UK could penalize those who ended a war against terrorism.

FMM asks Govt. to ensure accountability in proposed reforms to state media

The Free Media Movement (FMM) today asked the government to ensure accountability in implementing proposed reforms to the three state media institutions and disclose it to the public if there’s any.

Exposition of Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha will ensure religious harmony: Cardinal

The exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha will ensure religious harmony in Sri Lanka while it helps safeguard Buddhism which is the backbone of national heritage, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said today.

Need to create trend to encourage tax payments: Deputy Minister

A trend must be created in the country to motivate people to pay their taxes, Deputy Minister of Labour and Economic Development A. Anil Jayanta Fernando said.

No proven ways to stop crocodiles from reaching shore: Official

It is not practical, nor is there a scientifically proven method to prevent crocodiles from arriving at the coastline, and it has become a common occurrence, a Wild Life Department official said.

StanChart to exit wealth & retail banking business in SL

Standard Chartered Group, as a part of its strategy, said it is exploring the sale of its Wealth & Retail Banking (WRB) business in Sri Lanka, subject to regulatory approvals.