Sri Lanka drops to 133rd in World Happiness Report

Sri Lanka has fallen to 133rd place in the World Happiness Report 2025, down from 128th in the 2024 edition.

SSP Buddhika Manathunga resigns as Police Media Spokesperson

SSP Buddhika Manathunga has resigned from his position as Police Media Spokesperson.

Inland Revune (Amendment) Bill approved by Parliament

The inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill which makes provisions for levying a 15 percent tax on IT service exports was passed in Parliament without a vote.

Customs misclassifying SUVs like Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Raize: VIASL

President of the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) Prasad Manage claimed today that an issue has arisen at the Sri Lanka Customs Department, as the Nissan X-Trail and Toyota Raize, classified as hybrid SUVs by Japan Customs, have been identified as non-hybrid vehicles by Sri Lanka Customs.

Validity of school shoes gift voucher extended till April 10

The validity period of the gift vouchers for school shoes for the year 2025 has been extended till April 10, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education announced.

Shani’s FR petition challenging CID’s investigations into Easter Sunday attacks fixed for support

A Fundamental Rights petition filed by former CID Director Shani Abeysekara seeking an order preventing the CID from arresting him in respect of the allegations mentioned at the Kuliyapitiya Magistrate’s Court was today fixed for support by the Supreme Court.

Suspect remanded for marriage scam impersonating CID officers

An individual who had multiple warrants issued on him nationwide, for defrauding victims through a marriage advertisement scam by impersonating a CID officer, was further remanded till April 3 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali.

Tension between registered and non-registered safari jeep owners at Yala

A heated argument broke out between registered and non-registered safari jeep owners in front of the Yala National Park, as the Wildlife Department continues its annual practice of registering new jeep batches, the Yala Safari Jeep Owners’ Association (YSJOA) said.

Adani refutes offering to revise pricing in energy project in SL

The Adani Group refuted media reports that they have offered to revise the pricing to 7 cents per kilowatt-hour in the wind power project in Sri Lanka.

Deshabandu further remanded

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon was further remanded till April 3 by the Matara Magistrate today.

UNP to decide on mayoral candidates next week: Sagala

The United National Party (UNP) will decide on its mayoral candidate next week, its National Organizer Sagala Ratnayake said today.

Govt. decision to arrest deserters of security forces unreasonable: Namal

The government’s decision to arrest deserters from the security forces on the basis of having links with underworld is unreasonable, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said today.

LG polls to be held on May 6

The Election Commission has announced that the Local Government elections will be held on May 6.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander in Sri Lanka

The Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, is in Sri Lanka on an official visit from March 19 to 21.

High Court rejects Keheliya’s request to unfreeze bank account

The Colombo High Court rejected a request made on behalf of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to lift the order freezing a bank account in the parliamentary branch of the former Minister.

ICFS hosts Ayubowan UK event for aspiring students

The International Center for Foreign Studies (ICFS) is excited to announce an exclusive event, Ayubowan UK, designed for Sri Lankan students who dream of studying in the United Kingdom. This event will offer vital financial support, including sponsorships and scholarships, to help students navigate the process of studying abroad.

Perpetual Treasuries paid funds worth Rs. 1.08 billion to various persons: Minister

Perpetual Treasuries owned by Arjuna Aloysius had paid cheques worth Rs. 1.08 billion to 108 persons, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe told Parliament today.

Price of milk tea to increase by Rs.10 from April

The price of a cup of milk tea will rise by Rs.10 from April 1 due to the increase in the price of a 400g imported milk powder packet, the All Island Canteen and Restaurant Owners’ Association (AICROA) said.

Bimal, Harsha exchange words in Parliament

Opposition MP Harsha de Silva and Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayke engaged in an exchange of words in Parliament today over affairs of the Public Finance Committee.

Tax on cigarettes must be increased: Harsha

The tax imposed on cigarettes is coming down over the past few years and a new decision must be taken in parliament regarding the cigarette tax, Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Dr. Harsha De Silva said today.

Digitalization can eliminate financial corruption: CSSL

Following the country’s rapid digitalization, all corruption related to financial management can be eliminated through digital procedures, Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) Vice President Indika De Zoysa said.

China executed four Canadians for drug crimes, says Ottawa

Four Canadians were executed in China on drug-related charges earlier this year, Canadian authorities have confirmed.

Gazette issued revising import export regulations

An extraordinary gazette notification has been issued, revising multiple import and export regulations, including a significant update permitting Bureau Veritas inspection certificates for vehicles imported from all countries.

Deshabandu is more dangerous than Harak Kata: ASG Dileepa Peeris

Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peeris yesterday informed the Matara Magistrate’s Court that Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon is a more dangerous organized criminal than Harak Kata and Makandure Madush.

CSE ramps up investor confidence

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is looking to build on its strong performance last year, when it ranked as the world’s second-best performing stock market in dollar terms, despite the signs of early 2025 market consolidation.

Urgent need to increase women’s participation in national economy: PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised the urgent need to increase women’s participation in the economic sector, both globally and in Sri Lanka.

ADB urges Sri Lanka to fast-track sustainable finance to attract global investment

Sri Lanka must accelerate the adoption of sustainable financing frameworks to attract the global investors and strengthen its long-term economic resilience, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said yesterday.

Startup Nation Initiative kicks off to elevate local entrepreneurial ecosystem

Sri Lanka this week saw the launch of Startup Nation Initiative, a revolutionary effort to elevate the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to next level.

AMS meets President to discuss key health sector reforms

The Executive Committee of the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss critical issues in the healthcare sector.

Expected paddy harvest dropped by 5 million metric tonnes this year: Minister

Claiming that the expected paddy harvest this year had diminished by 5 million metric tonnes, Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said yesterday the government may have to import rice again to meet the demand.