Vehicle prices will rise initially, then gradually decrease: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said yesterday that though there will be a price increase upon resuming vehicle imports in February, after a five-year pause, the prices will gradually decrease depending on market behaviour.

Coconut chamber urges govt. to import 200 Mn nuts to prevent crisis

The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI), the umbrella organisation for Sri Lanka’s coconut industry, yesterday urged the government to expedite the proposal to import 200 million nuts urgently to avert a looming dual crisis.

Foreign fuel distributors in dilemma

The US-based petroleum products distributor ‘Shell-RM Parks’ which entered Sri Lanka’s retail market by running dealer-operated filling stations is now involved in a dilemma since some dealers are non-cooperative, and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPP ) finds it impossible to intervene due to loopholes in the agreement signed during the time of former Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, an official said.

Bishop asks Trump to show mercy to LGBT people and migrants

The direct appeal to President Trump at the start of the first full day of his presidency was a remarkable moment at a National Cathedral event that traditionally has not been political.

President says no personal revenge in reclaiming former presidents’ residences

The issue of handing over the Presidential residence came to the forefront when the government started fulfilling its election promises. However, this is not a personal issue or an act of revenge against anyone, President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said in a television programme last night.

Over 12,000 traffic violations identified via CCTV in Colombo

Since February last year, a total of 12,918 motorists have been identified for violating traffic rules through the CCTV system in Colombo.

Sonal Dinusha set to be in Sri Lanka squad

Sri Lanka’s 24-year-old Sonal Dinusha is in line for the call up for the 17-member squad for the Test series against Australia, it is learnt. According to the well-placed sources close to the selectors, the 24-yearbowling all rounder is likely to have been asked to join the preparatory camp to begin today.

December inflation records 2% YoY dip, extending deflationary trend to fourth consecutive month

Sri Lanka’s National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) recorded a 2.0 percent year-on-year decline in December 2024, extending the deflationary trend to its fourth consecutive month.

Tourist arrivals cross 100,000 mark within first 2 weeks of January

Tourist arrival crossed the 100,000 mark within the first two weeks of January, recording a Year-on-Year (YoY) increase of 22 percent.

WHO ’regrets’ Trump decision to pull US from organisation

The World Health Organization said Tuesday it regretted US President Donald Trump’s decision — just hours after taking power — to withdraw his country from the UN agency, saying it hoped he would ’’reconsider.’’

Why did Western Province Governor fund illumination of Galle Face during Christmas, asks MP

Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake questioned in Parliament today as to why Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof funded Christmas light displays at Galle Face and Duplication Road.

Better if MR leaves his residence without waiting till asked to: Nalinda

It is better for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to leave his residence without waiting till he is asked to do so, Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

No evidence to prove I engaged in human trafficking: Manusha

Former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara said today that there is no evidence to prove he had engaged in human trafficking.

FCID to be launched next week: Public Security Minister

The Financial Crime Investigation Division (FCID) will be established next week to handle cases related to financial crimes, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said in Parliament.

Mahinda facing mudslinging, but lions don’t whine: Ven. Saddatissa Thera

A mudslinging campaign is underway against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and everyone is saying that he is whining. But lions do not whine like puppies do, Ven. Iththakande Saddatissa thera said.

Several politicians linked to company which supplied Papaverine injection at higher prices: Nalinda

Claiming that several polticians are linked to the comapny which had supplied Papaverine injection at an exorbinat price from 2019 to 2023, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today that an investigation will be conducted into the incident.

MP Archchuna Ramanathan to be arrested?

The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court ordered the police to carry out further investigations into the incident involving MP Archchuna Ramanathan who allegedly obstructed the duties of police personnel in the Rambewa area of Anuradhapura, the police spokesman said.

Bribery Commission files 75 cases under new Anti-Corruption Act

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption announced that it has filed approximately 75 court cases under the newly enacted Anti-Corruption Act within the past nine months.

STF arrests suspect with ICE, cash in Hanwella

The Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested a suspect in Hanwella, seizing nearly two kilograms of ICE narcotic, valued at Rs. 35 million, along with Rs. 100,000 in cash.

Over 380 elephants killed in 2024

Sri Lanka witnessed the death of 386 elephants in 2024 due to an array of causes, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Cabinet approval granted to provide Rs. 3,000 gift voucher for school children, student monks

The Cabinet approved a Rs. 3,000 gift voucher for selected schoolchildren, student monks, and lay students in Pirivenas to purchase shoes and to Seela Mathas, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Cabinet approves new appointments to key government posts

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the appointment of two Commissioners to the Lands and Agriculture sectors and the Director General for the Department of Civil Defense.

Bi-partial civil aviation agreement between Sri Lanka, Italy

The Cabinet approved a proposal to sign a bi-partial civil aviation agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Italy to operate air passenger services and air cargo services, Cabinet spoksman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Immigration official arrested for soliciting Rs. half-million bribe

An immigration officer from the Department of Immigration and Emigration has been arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe of Rs. 500,000 to secure the release of an individual detained over a visa violation.

Fire at ski resort hotel kills 10, injures 32

A fire erupted early Tuesday at a hotel in a popular Turkish ski resort in the northwestern province of Bolu, killing 10 people and injuring 32, Agence France-Presse reported, citing the interior ministry.

Ready to probe obtaining Rs. 50 mn to offer Parliamentary seat, if complained: Justice Minister

A certain political party has obtained Rs. 50 million from a person to offer him a Parliamentary seat and the government is ready to investigate into it if a complaint is lodged, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said today.

Gammanpila questions President’s remarks on Trincomalee oil tanks

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila has raised concerns over the President’s recent remarks in Katukurunda regarding the development of the 99 oil tanks in Trincomalee.

Price drop in imported vehicles challenges market amid tax hike

There will be a price drop in certain vehicles, challenging the existing vehicle market prices, as vehicles are imported into the country following an increase in taxes, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said.

Court directs Tissa Attanayake to respond to PM’s defamation claim

The Colombo District Court today directed the defendant parties, including Samagi Jana Balawegaya National Organiser Tissa Attanayake, to file answers in connection with a defamation case filed by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

Malinga unveils book titled ’Killer’

Sri Lanka’s legendary fast bowler Lasith Malinga unveiled his maiden book, titled ’Killer’, at a grand launch event held in Colombo yesterday.