Tax fears likely fuelling Sri Lanka’s cash surge, hindering digital shift

The fear of taxation may be contributing to the recent increase in cash circulation, highlighting Sri Lanka’s long journey towards a less cash-dependent society.

Kamindu Mendis bows out of honeymoon for IPL duty

Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis is preparing to arrive in India very soon to play the IPL. With him is likely to be his newly married wife, Nishni. All-rounder Kamindu Mendis married his long-time girlfriend, Nishni, on Monday.

ASP’s motorcar in fatal accident

One died and three others including the ASP Eastern Province State Intelligence Service were injured when the motorcar transporting the ASP collided with another motorcar at Dodangoda passing Welipenna changeover on the Southern Expressway.

Gunman in Middeniya shooting arrested

The main suspect in the Middeniya shooting, where three persons including two children were killed, was arrested today.

Stop your fishermen from destroying Sri Lankan fishing industry: Bimal tells India

The Central government of India and the state government of Tamilnadu should enforce the law on its fishermen who are destroying the livelihood of Sri Lankan fishermen in the North, Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake told Parliament today.

New Ministry Secretary appointed

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed W.P. Senadheera as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Health workers too postpone TU action

The Federation of Health Professionals (FHP) has decided to call off its planned token strike scheduled for tomorrow following discussions with Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Joint Convenor Ravi Kumudesh said.

Daisy Forrest released on bail

Daisy Forrest, also known as ’Daisy Achchi’, the grandmother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, was released on bail by the Kaduwela Magistrate today.

Naked motorcycle rider further remanded

The man who was arrested for riding a motorcycle from Colombo to Kandy while naked was further remanded till March 19 after being produced before the Kandy magistrate today.

Sugath Wasantha de Silva takes on Dayasiri

NPP MP Sugath Wasantha de Silva today took to task Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara, who was reported to have insulted him recently.

Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage, SJB MP Wedaarachchi engage in showdown

Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage and SJB MP Dilip Wedaarchchi engaged in a showdown during Parliament sessions today.

Sri Lanka Cricket Spends Decade without ICC Silverware

The ongoing Champions Trophy is the first ICC tournament in decades that Sri Lanka are not taking part. The island nation’s poor showing in the last fifty over World Cup meant that any chances of qualifying for the Champions Trophy 2025 was gone.

Suspect facing 96 cases for Rs. 140 million foreign job scam further remanded

A person against whom 96 cases have been filed for allegedly defrauding Rs. 140 million by promising foreign jobs in Canada, has been further remanded today till March 19 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali.

Dayasiri tenders apology to NPP MP

SJB MP Dayasiri Jayasekara today tendered an apology to NPP Member of Parliament Sugath Wasantha de Silva and all differently abled persons if they felt insulted through his recent comment.

Court revokes travel ban on Pastor Jerome Fernando

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today lifted the travel ban imposed on Pastor Jerome Fernando.

Yoshitha’s grandmother Daisy Forrest arrested

Daisy Forrest, also known as ’Daisy Achchi’, the grandmother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka in April?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to Sri Lanka in April. The visit, according to Sri Lankan sources, is still firming up and could happen around 5th April, with focus on a range of issues, including connectivity and economic ties.

Trudeau slams Trump for starting a trade war with Canada

Justin Trudeau has claimed the aim of a “dumb” trade war launched by Donald Trump is to usher in the “complete collapse” of the Canadian economy and make it easier for the United States to annex Canada.

Australia great announces retirement from ODI cricket

In the aftermath of Australia’s Champions Trophy exit, captain Steve Smith on Wednesday announced his retirement from the ODI format.

Govt. to go ahead with animal census despite pushback

Notwithstanding significant criticism from relevant stakeholders including environmentalists, the government has decided to go ahead with the proposed animal census covering the entire country.

Contaminated coconut oil in the local market: Minister

Contaminated coconut oil which is unsuitable for human consumption has entered the local market, Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe told Parliament today.

12 killed, 30 wounded in Pakistan military base attack launched by suicide bombers

Two suicide bombings breached a wall at a military base in northwestern Pakistan before other attackers stormed the compound and were repelled in violence that killed at least 12 people and wounded 30 others, according to officials and a local hospital.

Passenger arrested with Kush worth Rs. 52 million at BIA

A 34-year-old male passenger was arrested early this morning at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with 5.2 kilograms of Kush cannabis.

World’s biggest iceberg runs aground off South Georgia

The biggest iceberg in the world, named A23a, appears to have run aground after drifting around the Southern Ocean near Antarctica since 2020.

Govt. to woo top ten shipping liners in world for Colombo port expansion

The government will call for Expression of Interest (EOI) from the top ten shipping companies in the world next month for the expansion of the Colombo Port by implementing the Colombo North Port project and the phase II of the West Container Terminal (WCT), a Minister said yesterday.

SL economy still vulnerable despite positive developments – IMF mission chief

Despite positive developments and recovery expected this year, Sri Lanka’s economy is still vulnerable, and it is critical to sustain the reform momentum for long-term growth, a top International Monetary Fund (IMF) official said yesterday.

NPC rejects Acting IGP’s allegations of interfering in Police affairs

In response to Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya’s criticism of the National Police Commission (NPC) over certain appointments, the NPC has addressed the issue, rejecting allegations of interference in the internal affairs of the Police Department.

Rs. 1.2 Mn reward for information on ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder suspect

The Sri Lanka Police have announced a Rs. 1.2 million reward for information leading to the arrest of a female suspect linked to the killing of underworld figure ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’.

EPF, ETF funds to be used to bring in more benefits to workers

Labour Minister Anil Jayantha today pledged to use EPF and ETF funds to bring in more benefits to the working people instead of unproductive investments that it had made in the past.

Government secures Cabinet approval for Korean E-8 visa programme

While there was confusion earlier regarding the legality of agreements involving intermediaries, the government has now secured Cabinet approval for the Korean E-8 visa programme, Deputy Minister of Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra said.