Don’t remind monkey incident all the time: Nalinda tells Opposition

Chief Government Whip Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the monkey incident is now over and requested the Opposition not to remind the monkey incident all the time.

Namal granted bail in Krrish deal case

The Colombo High Court today granted bail to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa after serving him with indictments in connection with the controversial Krrish deal case.

Moderate air quality recorded in major urban areas

A moderate level Air Quality Status was recorded yesterday in major urban areas in Sri Lanka while slightly unhealthy level air quality was recorded in Ratnapura and Embilipitiya.

Govt. still to determine cause for recent power breakdown: Chief Government Whip

The Government is still conducting investigations to determine the cause for the recent power breakdown, Chief Government Whip Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament today.

SriLankan Airlines wraps up maintenance work for Salam Air A321neo

The Engineering team of SriLankan Airlines wrapped up base heavy maintenance on an A321neo aircraft for long-term repeat customer Salam Air, ahead of the scheduled completion date.

All passengers and crew survive plane crash at Toronto airport

All passengers and crew on a flight which crashed and overturned while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada have survived, the airport’s chief executive has said.

Police to screen rejoining officers for drug use

The Acting Inspector General of Police has directed all senior officers and police OICs to ensure that any personnel seeking reinstatement after suspension or leaving the force undergo a mandatory drug testing.

Budget bodes well for economic improvement in the long run: Economist

Economist Talal Rafi said the budget presentation of the new government has positive aspects which can improve the economy in the long term.

Budget 2025: Key Takeaways

Budget 2025 sets out a total government expenditure of LKR 7,190 billion, marking a 17% increase from the LKR 6,131 billion allocated in 2024. As a share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), government spending is set to rise from 20.4% to 21.8%.

AKD’s maiden budget a bold reset for Sri Lanka

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivered his first budget speech in Parliament yesterday,outlining a financial roadmap that doubles as a manifesto for change.

Boost for digital economy with Rs.3bn budget allocation

The government has allocated Rs.3 billion for its digital transformation strategies this year, as part of its efforts to generate US $ 15 billion in revenue through the digital economy by 2030.

No rise in prices of demerit goods from this budget: Excise Chief

The prices of much talked about demerit goods of economy, alcohol and tobacco will not be raised from this budget as anticipated by potential consumers, Chief of the Excise Department told the Daily Mirror.

Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill approved by Parliament

Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill was passed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament today.

Court dismisses stay order application on BASL election

The Colombo District Court today dismissed an application for an enjoining order to stay the election for the post of President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), scheduled to be held on February 19, 2025.

’’Government has come with a large cake, it should be divided equally among people’’: Sunil Handunetti

Minister of Industries Sunil Handunetti likened the Budget 2025, proposed in Parliament by President Anura Kuamra Dissanayake earlier today, to a large cake, saying it should be divived equally among all people.

Amend budget during debate: Sajith

While highlighting that the budget 2025 has been prepared following the advice of the IMF, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the government should amend the budget at least during the budget debate.

Term of Acting President of Court of Appeal extended

The term of Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar has been extended.

President takes a swipe at foreign energy company

In an obvious reference to the Adani group moving out of the renewable energy project, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his budget speech, asked whether the unit price of USD 0.08 quoted by it is justifiable.

Government employees’ salaries to increase

The government has announced a salary increase for government employees, with the basic salary being raised from Rs 24,250 to Rs 40,000.

Government to lease underutilized state-owned land to SMEs for productive economic activities

The Government is proposing to lease underutilized state-owned land to SMEs for productive economic activities under the budget 2025.

SriLankan Airlines allocated Rs. 20 billion

The budget 2025 has allocated Rs. 20 billion for national carrier SriLankan Airlines, for the repayment of the principal and interest of its loan.

Assistant Divisional Secretary dies of burn injuries

The Assistant Dvisional Secreatary of Chavakachcheri Sathees Thamalini (35) died of serious burn injuries caused by a fire which broke out in her house.

Government to establish a state Development Bank to support SMEs

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced plans to establish a state-owned development Bank under 2025 budget proposals to support the country’s small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

Senior Citizens to receive higher FD interest rates

The Budget 2025 allocates Rs. 15 billion for higher interest rates to senior citizens.

2025 export target raised to US$ 19bn

President Dissayanake, in his budget speech today announced that the government expects to achieve an export revenue of US$19 billion in 2025.

SL expects 5% economic growth

Sri Lanka is aiming for an economic growth of 5 percent in the medium terms President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said presenting the Budget 2025.

June 15 deadline for Sri Lanka Rugby to reform or face sanctions

Sri Lanka Rugby has been granted a final extension of four months by World Rugby to resolve its governance crisis. The extension, running from February 15 to June 15, provides a last opportunity for Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) to enact constitutional reforms and hold elections, failing which severe sanctions will be imposed, including the potential exclusion of Sri Lanka from international rugby events.

SL to focus on promoting untapped destinations to promote tourism

Sri Lanka will focus on promoting untapped destinations across the island nation for tourism, President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said while presenting the budget 2025.

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, 24, found dead

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron has been found dead in Seoul, police have said.

Ten female apparel workers among injured in Kandaketiya crash

At least 12 people, including 10 women, were injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a van in Bopitiya, Kandaketiya.