CSE falls as both ASPI and S&P SL20 weaken

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed lower today, reflecting a subdued market sentiment. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) dropped nearly 80 points in the first half of trading before making a mild recovery, yet remained in negative territory by the close, declining 46.83 points (-0.23%) to 19,928.67.

Foreign cannabis cultivation plan draws ADIC warning

The Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) has voiced strong concerns over the government’s decision to allow seven foreign investors to cultivate cannabis in Sri Lanka under the Board of Investment (BOI).

Deadly wildfires cause chaos across Europe as thousands evacuated

Farm animals and pets rushed to safety as Greek wildfire plagues port cityScroll back up to restore default view.

SSP Satish Gamage remanded

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sathish Gamagedara, attached to the Cultural Division of the Police Field Force Headquarters, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, was ordered to be remanded until August 19 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Pavithra Sanjeewani Pathirana.

IGP vows legal action against politicians linked to underworld

Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya revealed that politicians supporting underworld figures and drug traffickers have already been identified and will face legal action in due course.

New Chairmen for BOC, ITN and state bodies

The Committee on High Posts has approved several high-level appointments, including the appointment of four new chairmen to major state institutions.

Another statutory body chairman resigns

Janatha Estates Development Board (JEDB) Chairman Jayantha Thilakarathne has tendered his resignation, effective August 15.

Major renovations begin at Parliament after 42 years

Large-scale renovations of the Parliament of Sri Lanka have commenced for the first time in more than four decades, under the guidance of Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne and with Cabinet approval.

400 containers of salt stuck at port

The Sri Lanka Salt Producers Association (SLSPA) has urged the government to enforce the country’s packaging law on Indian salt packets currently distributed locally and to immediately release 400 containers of salt that have been held at the Colombo Port for 45 days.

Army donates laptops to university students

The Directorate of Welfare of the Sri Lanka Army conducted a special donation programme at Army headquarters to provide laptops to government university students who are children of serving Army personnel.

Over 5,000 T56 cartridges unearthed from Getalawa canal bed

Galenbindunuwewa Police have recovered a cache of ammunition from the bed of the Getalawa Canal during a search operation launched following public information.

Bribery Commission arrests SSP Satish Gamage

Acting Director of the Police Cultural Division, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Satish Gamage, has been arrested by officers from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

President suspends Mannar Wind Power Projects amid local concerns

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered the temporary suspension of two proposed wind power plants in the Mannar area a 20 MW facility and a 50 MW project despite tenders being called and contracts already awarded.

Three National Hospitals run without Directors

Three major national hospitals in Sri Lanka have been operating without permanent directors for more than six months, health sector sources said.

Elderly man beaten to death over a stolen chocolate

A 67-year-old man with a fondness for chocolates was brutally assaulted to death in Peradeniya after allegedly stealing a small slab of chocolate from a shop.

WhatsApp hacking wave hits Sri Lanka: many targeted in OTP scam spree

A sharp rise in WhatsApp account hacking has alarmed digital security authorities in Sri Lanka, with the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) reporting 64 complaint cases so far this year. Officials believe the actual number is far higher, as many incidents go unreported.

‘Kandalama Hedakaraya’ dies after months of treatment

The wild elephant known as ‘Kandalama Hedakaraya,’ who had been receiving treatment in the Kandalama area under the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), has died this evening, the Department said.

Islandwide program launched to promote seat belt use on expressways

A program aimed at sensitizing drivers and passengers on the enforcement and practical use of seat belts was held today at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) exit of the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway. The event was conducted under the patronage of Harsha Abeywickramanea, Chairman of Airports and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt.) Ltd.

Lost cup or poisoned chalice:

Commercial stakes, pride, egoism and influence could be conflicting with discipline at schools rugby in general which has now grown to the extent that players have become sought after celebrities having to cater to the whims and fancies of the demanding kind and the syndrome may even be taking its toll.

CSE ends trading session on mixed performance

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a volatile trading session today, with both the All Share Price Index (ASPI) and the S&P SL20 Index reflecting mixed momentum. By market close, the ASPI posted a marginal gain of 2.71 points (+0.01%) to end at 19,975.50, while the S&P SL20 Index declined by 10.92 points (-0.19%) to close at 5,815.64.

Daily Mirror Brief: Daily News Recap, Top Headlines & Must-Read Stories - 13th August

Daily Mirror Brief is your daily news digest—bringing you the top headlines, key updates, and essential stories you may have missed across politics, tech, culture, and global affairs. Quick, clear, and curated—your trusted news recap, whenever you’re ready.

Minister Wasantha Samarasighe should be removed from Cabinet: Navin

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe should be removed from the Cabinet for violating the collective responsibility of the Cabinet, Navin Dissanayake, a senior UNPer said today.

Foreigners can use train tickets purchased from agents till August 31: Deputy Minister

In the wake of the ticket controversy on the Ella Odyssey train, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena said foreigners who had purchased tickets from agents at higher prices could travel in the train until August 31 after proving their identity and paying the due penalty.

All museums to remain closed on Mondays

All the museums under the purview of the Department of National Museums including the National Museum, Colombo will be closed on Mondays from September 1, 2025, the Department of National Museums announced.

Public invited to submit views on amending Online Safety Act

The Ministry of Justice has called on the public, including both local and international media, to submit observations, comments, recommendations and suggestions on proposed amendments to the Online Safety Act No. 09 of 2024.

July remittances hit record high at US$697.3 million

According to data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Sri Lankan migrant workers sent home US$697.3 million in July 2025, marking the highest monthly remittance in the first seven months of the year. The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said this reflects a 19.5% increase compared to US$566.8 million in July 2024

Ravindra Padmapriya appointed new Railways General Manager

Ravindra Padmapriya has been appointed as the new General Manager of the Railways Department, the Transport Ministry said.

Proteas all-rounder penalised for ICC Code of Conduct breach

The incident involving the South African all-rounder occurred during the second T20I against Australia in Darwin.

Five Chinese nationals deported over suspected cyber fraud links

Five Chinese nationals involved in cyber fraud activities were deported by Immigration and Emigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to enter Sri Lanka.

Former Prison Health Services Deputy Director remanded

Former Deputy Director of Prison Health Services, Dr. Hemanta Ranasinghe was today ordered to be remanded till August 19 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Ratnayake.