TPA urges EU to condition GSP+ concessions on tangible democratic, human rights reforms in Sri Lanka

The Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) has submitted a comprehensive five-point proposal to the visiting European Union GSP+ Monitoring Delegation urging that any future extension of the GSP+ trade concession to Sri Lanka be strictly conditioned on measurable and time-bound progress in areas of human rights, democratic reform and social justice.

CSE declines amid profit-taking pressure

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) concluded today’s trading session on a negative note, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) closing just below the 15,800 level.

Elephant falls on motorcar in road mishap

An elephant fell on a speeding motorcar that collided with it near the 6th kilometre post on the Puttalam–Anuradhapura road.

No April 30 deadline for WHT declarations: IRD Commissioner says

The Commissioner General of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) today denied a report circulating on social media claiming that April 30 is the last date for individuals subject to withholding tax (WHT) on interest income, but without taxable income, to submit their self-declaration to banks and financial institutions.

Vedda chief introduces new political culture

A new political culture in election propaganda campaigns was introduced yesterday by Vedda Chief Wanaspathi Uruwarige Vannila Ettho.

EU willing to continue supporting Sri Lanka

The Head of South Asia Division, European External Action Service of the European Union, Charles Whiteley stated that the European Union has a favorable perspective on the current GSP+ review process.

WhatsApp to stop working on select iPhones from May 2025

WhatsApp users with older iPhones will soon lose access to the messaging platform, as the company plans to withdraw support for devices running outdated iOS versions starting May 5, 2025.

Fire tears through hotel in Kolkata, killing at least 14 people

A fire tore through a hotel in the city of Kolkata in eastern India, killing at least 14 people, police said Wednesday.

Six die, more than 17,000 infected due to dengue

Sri Lanka has reported more than 17,000 dengue cases during the first four months of the year, highlighting a significant public health concern, Health Promotion Bureau.

DMT head office closed May 5, 6 for LG polls

The head office of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) will be closed on Monday (5) and Tuesday (6) to facilitate the local government elections scheduled to be held May 6.

11 million TINs registered, most yet to be issued: IRD

The number of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) registrations at the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has reached 11 million, but most of the TINs have not been issued to the respective individuals.

Five arrested in alleged gang rape of woman in Welipenna

The Welipenna Police have arrested five suspects in connection with the alleged abduction and gang rape of a 45-year-old woman inside a three-wheeler and a house.

Sri Lanka, Pakistan hold defence talks in Islamabad

Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), currently in Pakistan for the 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue, met with Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif yesterday.

Pakistan minister warns of possible Indian military strike in 24-36 hours

Pakistan’s minister for information and broadcasting says Islamabad has “credible intelligence” that India intends to launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, as tensions between the two countries escalate following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

SL recovery no “understatement”, says CB Governor

Sri Lanka may still be on the road to recovery, but its steps in correcting long-standing policy failures are now being recognised where it matters most—by key international lenders.

Pakistan expects Sri Lanka to remain neutral in case of war with India

Against the backdrop of escalation of tension with India following the Pahalgam incident and warning that the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will be suspended, Pakistan expects Sri Lanka to play a neutral, non-aligned role which is the trademark of its foreign policy, a top diplomatic source on the situation said yesterday on condition of anonymity.

Kottahachchi does it again!!

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa admitted that there seems to be a mistake in the figures presented by National People’s Power (NPP) MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi about the cost of text messages sent by the President for the New Year during the previous government.

President appoints Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne as acting AG

Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne has been appointed acting Attorney General by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Public urged not to panic over fake heat alert

The Meteorological Department denied the high alert warning currently circulating on social media about temperatures rising to 45 degrees Celsius and urged the public not to panic.

Market holds firm amid strengthening macroeconomic conditions

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) continued its positive trajectory for the fourth consecutive trading session, supported by a strong rebound in investor sentiment driven by a positive economic outlook.

Health Ministry launches 2025 NCD status survey

The latest survey on the status of non-communicable diseases (NCD), including diabetes, hypertension and related trends in Sri Lanka, will be conducted this year, the Health Ministry announced.

Largest container ship arrives at the Colombo Port

The MSC Mariella, known as the world’s largest container ship, arrived at the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port yesterday (28).

Batalanda Commission report referred to Attorney General after 25 years

The long-awaited Batalanda Commission report, which investigates into the alleged establishment of illegal detention centres and torture chambers at the Batalanda housing complex, has been referred to the Attorney General by the Presidential Secretariat following a directive from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Murderers, gangs now control society: Sajith

The law in the country has gone wild, and lawlessness has taken effect. Everything in our society is controlled by murderers, extortionists and drug dealers.

Chinese authorities say 22 people killed, 3 injured in restaurant fire in northern city of Liaoning

Chinese authorities say 22 people have been killed and 3 injured in a fire at restaurant in the northern city of Liaoning,according to the foreign media reports .

Colombo Strikers, Jaffna Kings franchise agreements terminated

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in collaboration with the event rights holder of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), the IPG Group, has officially announced the termination of the franchise partnerships of the Colombo Strikers and Jaffna Kings.

CCD hunts suspect in multi-million fraud

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) today released a photograph of a suspect wanted in connection with a financial fraud totalling Rs. 28.5 million.

Government to conduct economic census

The Cabinet has approved a proposal by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to conduct an economic census in 2025 and 2026, with agricultural activities being covered in 2025 and non-agricultural activities in 2026.

AKD only quoted social media post: Nalinda responds to Ranil

Claiming that summoning former President Ranil Wickremesinghe before the Bribery Commission was not a secret, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said today that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake only quoted Ranil’s social media post on his correspondence with the Bribery Commission.

President to visit Vietnam in May

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake an official visit to Vietnam from May 3 to 6, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said today.