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.

Cabinet approves 2025 Budget presentation

The Cabinet has given its approval for the presentation of the 2025 budget to Parliament, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Canned fish makers seek VAT removal to cut prices and support low-income families

Sri Lanka’s canned fish manufacturers are seeking the removal of the 18 percent VAT imposed on locally produced canned fish to ensure accessibility for low-income families to the cheapest source of protein in order to tackle malnutrition among lower-income households.

Don’t let school children be exposed to sun

Do not send school children out in the sun as they should not be exposed to hot weather conditions prevailing today, Secretary Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa said yesterday.

All eyes on NPP government’s maiden budget today

Sri Lankans eagerly awaits the maiden budget of the NPP government which is expected to be presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today.

Govt. inaction stalls local pharma growth, SLPMA warns

The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (SLPMA) urged the government to create a level playing field for domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers to compete with imported pharmaceutical products.

Tourist arrivals continue momentum in February

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka continue to maintain momentum, with over 115,000 visitors entering the country within the first 13 days of February.

SSC on the verge of losing first-class status

Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), one of Sri Lanka’s topmost cricket-playing domestic clubs, are in a spot of bother as they are on the verge of losing their first-class status after their lacklustre performance in the ongoing Major Club three-day cricket tournament.

Ella bush fire spreading

Huge boulders in the Rock Hill forest reserve have cracked and are at risk of rolling down onto the Ella-Wellawaya main highway due to the intense heat of the bush fire in the forest reserve that has spread for more than two days.

Sri Lanka Army personnel below rank of Major asked to hand over passports

All Sri Lanka Army personnel below the rank of Major have been instructed to hand over their passports to their respective Regiments.

Can Asalanka make Test return after stellar ODI show?

Charith Asalanka led the Sri Lanka ODI team to a thumping 2-0 win over Australia after the home team had been embarrassed in Galle in the Test series by Steven Smith and co.

Tissa Attanayake withdraws from committee appointed to confer with UNP

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organiser Tissa Attanayake said he has withdrawn from the committee appointed by party leader Sajith Premadasa to confer with the UNP.

Groom dies on horse moments after dancing at baraat, bride faints

BHOPAL (Times of India) : A 27-year-old groom collapsed and died while still sitting on a mare in MP’s Sheopur district on Friday night.

President reviews final draft of 2025 Budget

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reviewed the final draft of the 2025 budget ahead of its presentation in Parliament tomorrow (17).

Drug trafficker, wife extradited to Sri Lanka

A drug trafficker and organised criminal, along with his wife were brought back to Sri Lanka after being arrested abroad.

Ranil mets Jaishankar at Indian Ocean Conference

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar during the 8th Indian Ocean Conference.

Naval personal arrested over missing T-56 since 2021

A Naval personal has been arrested in the Ilukhena area of Kuliyapitiya for possessing a T56 firearm that went missing from a Navy armory in 2021.

At least 18 killed in New Delhi station crush

A crush at New Delhi Railway Station has left at least 18 people dead and a further 10 injured.

Canadian woman arrested at BIA with Rs. 360 Mn ’hashish’

A foreign woman was arrested at Katunayake Airport with a consignment of ’’hashish’’ worth approximately Rs. 360 million.

Sri Lankan duo caught smuggling foreign currency in India

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel stationed at Kempegowda International Airport in India arrested three passengers including two Sri Lankans attempting to smuggle foreign currencies worth Rs 2.12 crore.

NPP MP injured in road accident

Jaffna District National People’s Power (NPP) MP K. Ilankumaran was injured in a road accident earlier today at Chavakachcheri in Jaffna, police said.

PHI arrested for accepting Rs. 200,000 bribe to renew hotel license

A Public Health Inspector (PHI) was arrested by the Bribery Commission for accepting a bribe of Rs. 200,000 to renew a hotel’s license.

No issue with Harsha: Sajith

Talking of his decision for retaining the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Colombo District leadership for himself in addition to his party leadership, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa said he has no issue with MP Harsha de Silva.

Sri Lanka likely to be warmer than before in March, April

Sri Lanka, currently facing dry conditions, is expected to last for the next two weeks with low rainfall expected afterwards, and there is a possibility of temperatures being higher than the previous year during March and April an official from the Department of Meteorology said.

Ranil, Maithri once again in common political discussion

Former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with other party leaders in the opposition, have met to discuss the current political situation of the country and the way forward.

Govt. seeks report from NGO Secretariat on USAID funding

In the midst of controversy over USAID funding in Sri Lanka, the government has sought a report from the National NGO Secretariat in this regard, a Minister said yesterday.