Immigration unearths major boarding card swap scam to send Lankan men to UK for asylum

In a rare detection, the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) officials at the airport yesterday arrested a Mullaitivu resident bound for Mumbai and uncovered a sophisticated scam of exchanging their boarding passes to go to the UK and allegedly to claim asylum afterwards.

Fuel prices increased

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) has announced a revision of fuel prices, which will come into effect from midnight today (30).

Former Minister Gamini Lokuge passes away

Former Minister Gamini Lokuge passed away in a private hospital this evening.

Not much progress despite scores of lives lost annually: Specialist

The Multisectoral Strategic Action Plan on Injury Prevention and Management, a mechanism introduced in 2021 to minimise accidents, is yet to see tangible progress despite scores of lives being lost, a specialist said.

’Have faced many fears, challenges in life’: Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who marked 50 years of religious life today, reflected on his spiritual journey, acknowledging the many fears and challenges he has faced over the decades.

Indian team in Washington extends stay for trade talks

Officials from India will extend their Washington visit to try to reach agreement on a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and address lingering concerns on both sides, two Indian government sources said on Monday.

Dengue breeding sites: Over 140 face legal action

Legal action was taken against 143 individuals for maintaining environments conducive to mosquito breeding, the National Dengue Control Unit said, marking the launch of National Mosquito Control Week.

Traders face Rs. 5Mn fine for overpricing rice

A fine of up to Rs. 5 million will be imposed on traders selling rice above the government’s gazetted maximum retail price, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) warned.

Sajith warns of Parate Law impact, urges protection for MSMEs

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on the government to urgently introduce sustainable solutions to support micro, small, and medium-scale entrepreneurs, warning that many in the sector are in distress and confusion.

Sri Lanka the only Asian nation in talks with US on tariffs: Minister

Sri Lanka is the only country in the Asia region currently engaged in discussions with U.S. officials to renegotiate tariffs imposed under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando told Parliament today (30).

Archuna spreads false information in Parliament based on AI-generated images

Member of Parliament Archuna Ramanathan has reportedly conveyed false information to Parliament based on an AI-generated model of a skeleton.

Handunetti’s presentation at World Economic Forum not an issue: Opposition MP

The shortcomings pertaining to Minister Sunil Handunetti’s language skills in his presentation at the World Economic Forum is not an issue, Opposition MP S.M. Marikar told Parliament today.

MP Shanakiyan concerned over handling of Chemmmani mass grave

Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has voiced serious concerns over the ongoing exhumations at the Chemmmani mass grave site in Jaffna questioning the transparency and security of the process.

Court orders swift probe into misuse of “Million for Ishaq” fundraiser

The Mulleriyawa Police informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Kasun Kanchana Dissanayake today that an investigation has been launched into individuals suspected of misusing the ’’Million for Ishaq’’ fundraising campaign initiated to support ailing veteran artist Ishaq Baig to fraudulently collect money from foreign nationals.

CSE closes June quarter with ASPI surpassing 18,000 mark

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the month on a historic high, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) surpassing the 18,000 mark for the first time. This achievement reflects a continued wave of investor optimism and strong market momentum, supported by active participation across multiple sectors.

Govt launches concessionary loan scheme for paddy millers

The Ministry of Finance has launched a Rs. 6.5 billion concessionary loan scheme for SME paddy millers and cooperative societies to purchase paddy during the 2025 Yala season, from July 1 to November 15.

MS Dhoni files for trademark of iconic nickname ’Captain Cool’

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has filed a trademark application for ‘Captain Cool’, a name that fans have lovingly used for years to describe his ice-cool style of leadership.

Handunneththi says remarks at China Forum misrepresented

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunneththi told Parliament today that his recent speech at the World Economic Forum in China had been misrepresented by some individuals to suit their personal agendas.

Arjun Aloysius, two others charged over Rs. 1 billion VAT fraud

The Department of Inland Revenue filed legal action before Colombo Additional Magistrate Pavithra Sanjeewani Pathirana against Arjun Aloysius, Anthony Randev and Jinendra John, directors of Mendis Company, over allegations of evading the payment of Value Added Tax (VAT) amounting to over Rs. 1 billion due to the government.

Sri Lanka, Malaysia bolster leisure travel partnership

Strengthening tourism ties between the two nations, Tourism Malaysia and SriLankan Airlines have embarked on a joint promotion drive aimed at increasing leisure travel between Sri Lanka and Malaysia, with both countries eager to showcase their diverse attractions to each other’s travellers.

Fake job scam on YouTube, Facebook: SLBFE alerts

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) says it has received information about a fake foreign job scam being run through social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook.

Egg production at risk despite lower market prices: Producers

Even though consumers are currently benefiting from reduced egg prices, the All Island Egg Producers Association (AIEPA) has raised concerns that the country’s egg production sector is under serious threat.

Malwathu Maha Viharaya denies claims of intervention request by Mahinda Rajapaksa

The Malwathu Maha Viharaya in Kandy has denied claims circulating on social media that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa sought the temple’s intervention to prevent the arrest of former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa.

ASPI crosses 18,000 mark

The Colombo bourse saw the All Share Price Index (ASPI) cross the 18,000 milestone for the first time in history today.

Lorry carrying explosives seized on Habarana-Trincomalee Road

Police have seized a lorry transporting explosives along the Habarana-Trincomalee main road.

CSD officer named Anura Kumara Disanayake trampled to death by wild elephant

A Civil Security Constable attached to the Wilpattu Civil Security Department camp, named D. M. Anura Kumara Disanayake (47) was trampled to death by a wild elephant in the Pemaduwa area under the Mahawilachchiya police division on Sunday (29).

Sharp rise in reports of child abuse in Eastern Province, over 300 cases recorded

A significant surge in child abuse cases involving children under the age of 16 has been reported from the Eastern Province with 304 incidents being recorded in 2024, Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara pointed out.

Indictments served on Lakshman Yapa over alleged misuse of BOI funds

The Colombo High Court today served indictments on former Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and former Director General of the Board of Investment (BOI), Jayanta Edirisinghe, over the alleged misuse of BOI funds in 2014.

Six couples in Meegoda officially tie knots in community wedding ceremony

Six unmarried couples from Hettiyawatta, Meegoda, who had been living together as family units with their children for many years, officially entered into legal marriage in a special community wedding ceremony held recently.

New Police Media Spokesman appointed

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler has been appointed as the new Media Spokesman for the Sri Lanka Police with effect from today, Police Headquarters said.