New SOP introduced to streamline shrimp re-export industry in Sri Lanka

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry introduced a comprehensive new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for shrimp re-export operations, aiming to address longstanding challenges and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in the global shrimp market.

S Jaishankar meets Xi Jinping in China, first since 2020 Galwan clash

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from the SCO member nations on Tuesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Still not decided on accepting position in SJB: Dayasiri

Referring to a news report being circulated on social media that he is to be appointed as the Assistant Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said he is yet to finalise any decision on his political future.

Trump announces trade agreement with Indonesia, including 19% tariff

President Donald Trump said Tuesday the United States has reached a trade agreement with Indonesia after speaking with the country’s President Prabowo Subianto.

Gen Z delays parenthood over economic hardships

Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012, is in the habit of postponing child births due to economic barriers such as rising living costs and economic uncertainty looming over the country, eventually leading to the low birth rate, a top scholar said.

Foreigners misusing tourist visas engage in spas and brothels

Sri Lankan immigration authorities have raised alarm over the growing number of foreign nationals entering the country, especially on tourist visas and engaging in unauthorized businesses, particularly operating or working in spas, massage parlours, and suspected brothels, posing a serious concern for law enforcement and immigration control.

Reggae legend Alpha Blondy arrives

World-renowned reggae artist Alpha Blondy arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this morning (16) ahead of his much-anticipated concert in Colombo.

Fewer school-age children vaping in Australia since ban, study says

School-age children in Australia are vaping less, research suggests, a year after a government ban on disposable vapes came into effect.

Shooting incident reported in Weligama

A shooting incident was reported in the Udukawa area of Weligama early this morning, the Police Media Division confirmed.

July start signals even tougher climb to reach 3 mn tourist arrivals by year-end

Sri Lanka’s ambitious goal of welcoming 3 million tourists in 2025 faces further pressure after a lackluster start to July.

LIOC posts muted 1Q as pump prices dip

The June quarter earnings season got underway with Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC) reporting lower top and bottom-line performance for the quarter caused by the repeated cuts to fuel prices in line with the softened global oil prices.

Village-based tourism can help protect wild elephants: AWC

Promoting tourism in rural areas while providing facilities to local communities could play a key role in protecting Sri Lanka’s wild elephants, the Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) claimed.

Environment Ministry orders tough action against elephant killings

The Environment Ministry has directed the Wildlife Conservation Department Director General to take maximum legal action against individuals involved in the shooting of wild elephants, following a rise in such incidents in recent weeks.

Gradual privatization of Eastern Terminal underway: FLSP

The Front Line Socialist Party (FLSP) has alleged that the government has initiated a covert move to privatize the Eastern Terminal, following a recent cabinet decision to establish a limited liability company to manage it.

Customs seize largest gold smuggling attempt at BIA worth Rs. 1.1 billion

Sri Lanka Customs today seized the largest gold consignment ever attempted to be smuggled into the country by an air passenger, Customs Media Spokesperson and Additional Director General Seevali Arukgoda said.

Applications open for O/L 2024 (2025) re-scrutiny process

The Examinations Department has commenced accepting applications for the re-scrutiny of results for school and private candidates who sat for the 2024 (2025) GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examination.

Sri Lankan delegation to visit U.S. for trade talks

A Sri Lankan government delegation is set to depart for the United States on Friday (18) to hold negotiations aimed at reducing tariffs on Sri Lankan exports, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said today.

SJB secures control of Seethawakapura UC

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has taken control of the Seethawakapura Urban Council (UC), following the 2025 Local Government Elections.

16 govt forests declared as reserves under National “Vanaspathi” Conservation program

A gazette notification has been issued today officially declaring 16 government forests as protected reserves under the national “Vanaspathi” forest conservation program.

MoU signed to establish internationally accredited laboratory in Sri Lanka

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed this morning (15) at the Presidential Secretariat between U.S.-based STEMedical and the Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC) to establish a laboratory with internationally recognised accreditation.

Thai woman given suspended sentence for walking topless in Arugam Bay

A 26-year-old Thai national has been handed a five-year suspended prison sentence by the Pottuvil Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to charges of indecent behaviour and causing a public disturbance in Arugam Bay.

Jaffna prison officer’s home set ablaze by unidentified group

An unidentified group set fire to the home of a prison officer attached to Jaffna Prison in the early hours of today (15), before fleeing the scene.

CSE crosses 19,000 during trading session reflecting continued investor activity

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed a historic session today as the All Share Price Index (ASPI) crossed the 19,000 mark for the first time, closing with a gain of 107.88 points at 19,012.41.

Young suspect protesting against Israel released after nine months

A young man who had been on remand for nine months on suspicion of protesting against Israel through social media was released on bail today by Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate Hemali Halpathdeniya.

Over 140,000 Sri Lankans migrate for work amid male worker surge

A total of 144,379 Sri Lankans have migrated overseas for employment between January and June 2025, with male workers making up a significantly higher proportion, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.

Madras High Court stays order directing Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission to reinstate former employee

A Division Bench of the Madras High Court has stayed the operation of an order passed by a single judge directing the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Chennai, to reinstate a former employee with back wages. The Bench has also decided to examine in detail as to whether diplomatic missions would fall under the definition of the term ‘industry’ under the Industrial Disputes Act of 1947.

Cabinet nod to procure five power sets

The Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation for the procurement of five power sets to engage in services for suburban and long-distance train travel.

Trial against ’Harak Kata’ begins before Colombo High Court

The trial against Nandun Chinthaka, also known as ’Harak Kata,’ a notorious drug trafficker and other accused has commenced before the Colombo High Court in connection with a robbery that allegedly took place at a house in the Meethotamulla area.

No deal with political parties to form councils: Nalinda

In the wake of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) supporting the National People’s Power (NPP) to form the administration of the Beruwala Urban Council, Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the NPP has not struck any deals with any political parties.

Supreme Court to hear AG’s appeal against quashing of Janaka Bandara indictments

A Special Leave to Appeal application filed by the Attorney General, challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision to quash the indictments filed against former Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon before the Kandy High Court over an alleged murder that took place in 1999, has been fixed for support by the Supreme Court.