ICFS to host UK study abroad open day on August 30

ICFS will host a UK Study Abroad Open Day on Friday, August 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at its head office in Nugegoda. The event is tailored for Sri Lankan students aspiring to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom, offering an affordable and accessible route to their academic ambitions.

Condom use to be included in school curriculum

The Ministry of Health’s National STD/AIDS Control Programme has recommended integrating HIV/STI prevention measures—including condom use, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)—into Sri Lanka’s school curriculum.

Kim Jong Un to join Putin and other leaders at China military parade

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un will attend a military parade in Beijing next week, China’s foreign ministry has said - in what is believed to be his first international level meeting of leaders.

CID, Interpol arrest Sri Lankan gang in Indonesia

Five members of a major Sri Lankan criminal gang including Kehelbaddara Padme and Commando Salintha have been arrested by Indonesian security forces, Police said.

Man shot dead in Panadura, Police suspect underworld conflict

A 55-year-old man was shot dead in the Alubogahawatta area of Panadura last night (27), police said.

Five arrested for running brothel disguised as spa in Mirihana

Five individuals, including three women, were arrested last evening for allegedly running a brothel under the guise of a spa in Embuldeniya, along Stanley Thilakaratne Mawatha, within the Mirihana police area, police said.

Trial needed before full rollout of joint long-distance bus timetable, Says Gemunu

Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne said that the new joint timetable for long-distance bus services cannot be implemented all at once and should be tested for at least a month to correct any errors.

PM calls for equal opportunities for women and girls

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that every woman and girl should be able to live with dignity, feel safe, and take part fully in the life of the country.

SLTB to launch countrywide trade union action tonight

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) employees are set to launch a countrywide trade union action tonight in protest against the implementation of the private–public joint timetable.

SL needs more tariff concessions to stabilise economy: Sajith tells US delegation

Sri Lanka needs more tariff concessions from the US to further stabilise the economy, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told a US delegation who met him in Colombo today.

Dr. Bellana dismisses social media claims

Colombo National Hospital (CNH) Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana today dismissed claims circulating on social media that he is the hospital’s Director General and that he was responsible for organizing the medical care of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

CSE gains as investor activity picks up

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a positive note today, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) gaining 139.82 points (+0.68%) to settle at 20,753.21, after an early rally of nearly 152 points. The S&P SL20 also advanced modestly by 13.64 points (+0.23%) to 6,062.44.

Nissan marks final R35 GT-R production

After 18 years, Nissan today commemorates the end of production for the R35 GT-R, as assembly for the Japan domestic market - the final sales region for the model - concludes.

US combat ship USS Tulsa arrives in Colombo

An Independence-class littoral combat ship of the United States Navy- USS Tulsa arrived in Colombo Port today, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka announced.

Joint opposition decides to appoint legal team to deal with political victimisations

Joint opposition parties which met at the Opposition Leader’s office decided to appoint a legal team to deal with political victimisations, the Opposition Leader’s office said.

Former Minister Gammanpila under CID probe over ICCPR

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today informed Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura that an investigation has been started against former Minister Udaya Gammanpila.

Chief suspect in container scam appointed as Customs DG: SJB MP

The main Opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has strongly criticised the government’s decision to appoint Seevali Arukgoda as the new Director General of Sri Lanka Customs, alleging his involvement in a recent container scam.

Work on Ruwanpura Expressway to commence next year

Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake said that allocations have been included in the 2026 Budget for the construction of the Ruwanpura Expressway up to Ingiriya.

No change in Kachchatheevu’s status, Says Foreign Minister

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath today reaffirmed that there has been no change either by the Indian central government or through diplomatic channels regarding the ownership of Kachchatheevu Island.

Mason arrested for abduction and rape

A mason who raped and impregnated a 13-year-old schoolgirl was arrested by the Hali-ela police this morning.

Dr Bellana in hot water over comments on Ranil’s health

A disciplinary investigation has been initiated against Deputy Director Dr Rukshan Bellana for making public statements to the media regarding the health condition of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Deputy Minister of Health announced today.

Brain is enough to rule a country: Dr. Bellana

Deputy Director of the Colombo National hospital, Dr. Rukshan Bellana, said that “the brain is the only thing needed to rule a country” and claimed that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is suffering from non-communicable diseases.

No diplomatic objections to Ranil’s arrest: Foreign Minister

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath said that no foreign diplomats or diplomatic organisation have raised objections regarding the recent arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Former Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugetenne further remanded

Polgahawela Magistrate’s Court today (27) ordered the further remand of former Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Admiral (Rtd) Nishantha Ulugetenne, until September 10.

South Korea bans phones in school classrooms nationwide

South Korea has passed a bill banning the use of mobile phones and smart devices during class hours in schools - becoming the latest country to restrict phone use among children and teens.

Two arrested at BIA with Rs. 100 million worth of mobile phones

Two Sri Lankan passengers attempting to smuggle a consignment of mobile phones worth Rs. 100 million into the country were arrested this morning (27) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Green Channel.

Govt approves renovation of Southern Expressway stretch between Kottawa and Dodangoda

The government has granted approval for the renovation of the Southern Expressway (E-01) from the 19th to the 34th kilometer, covering the stretch between Kottawa and Dodangoda.

Deshabandu released on bail

Former Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Deshabandu Tennakoon, who was arrested in connection with the attack on peaceful protesters at Galle Face on May 9, 2022, was released on bail today.

Elephant calf dies after truck collision in Habarana

A 10-year-old elephant calf died this morning (27) after being hit by a container truck transporting cement in the Hirivadunna area of Habarana, police said.

Levy on imported potatoes and big onions raised

The Ministry of Finance announced that the Special Commodity Levy on imported potatoes has been increased from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 per kilogram with effect from yesterday (26).