Agreement signed to increase plantation workers’ salaries

The Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure and the Sri Lanka Planters’ Association today (30) signed an agreement to increase the salaries of plantation workers, the Ministry said.

Sri Lanka’s Sabina Yousaf named second runner-up at Mrs. World 2025

Sri Lanka earned international recognition at the 41st Mrs. World pageant as Sabina Yousaf was named Second Runner-Up, marking a proud achievement for the country at the prestigious global competition.

Former deputy Speaker alleged to have received Rs.200,000 in disaster compensation: MP

A former Deputy Speaker is alleged to have received Rs.200,000 as compensation, claiming that his business establishment was damaged during the recent disaster.

Nine child marriages and 79 teenage pregnancies recorded last year: NCPA

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) reported receiving a total of 10,455 complaints related to children last year, including nine cases of child marriage and 79 teenage pregnancies, highlighting ongoing concerns about child welfare in Sri Lanka. Of the total complaints, 8,514 fell under the NCPA Act, while 1,941 were outside its direct mandate.

Cyclone Ditwah donor conference in Sri Lanka still in limbo

The planned international donor conference to raise funds for rebuilding areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka continues to be delayed, with no fixed date finalised as of yesterday, government sources revealed.

“Beautiful country with huge potential”: IMF’s Dr. Srinivasan on Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery plans face new uncertainties after Cyclone Ditwah, but the International Monetary Fund (IMF) signalled continued support this week as it assessed the storm’s impact on the island

Archer named in England side for first T20

Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been named in England’s team to face Sri Lanka in the first T20 match after recovering from injury.

Sri Lanka boosts T20 World Cup security with eye on India–Pakistan games

Sri Lanka will deploy elite armed units to protect teams at next month’s T20 World Cup, part of enhanced security measures with a special emphasis on matches between perennial rivals India and Pakistan, officials have told AFP.

Sri Lanka keep semis hopes intact at U19 World Cup

A powerful display ensured that the second semi-final spot from Group 1 of the Super Six remains up for the grabs.

SLPP denies social media rumors on Rajitha Hiran’s political appointment

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has denied reports claiming that actor Rajitha Hiran, popularly known as Ping Pong, has been appointed as the party’s organizer for the Kesbewa constituency.

Businessman arrested for aiding and abetting money laundering

A businessman has been arrested on charges of aiding and abetting money laundering, following an investigation conducted by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Sri Lanka battles with rising cancer patients as daily deaths rise to 40

Sri Lanka is facing a silent epidemic as around 100 new cancer patients are diagnosed every day and nearly 40 succumb to the disease, with experts warning that lifestyle choices and environmental hazards are fueling the crisis.

Mano Ganesan says Ditwah disaster exposes marginalisation of Malaiyaha community

Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader and MP Mano Ganesan said the Ditwah disaster has once again highlighted Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to climate-related crises and the long-standing marginalisation of the Malaiyaha Tamil community in disaster relief, resettlement, and protection.

No child’s education will depend on parents’ wealth; PM vows equal future for every child

The government will never allow a child’s education to be determined by the financial capacity of parents, stressing that safeguarding every child’s future is a fundamental responsibility of the State, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

Nipah risk to Sri Lanka ‘Very Low’ amid regional cases, Health Ministry says

The Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, has reassured the public that the risk of the Nipah virus spreading to Sri Lanka is very low.

IMF Managing Director to visit Sri Lanka next month

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will send its Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, to Sri Lanka next month to review the country’s economic reform program and to demonstrate the Fund’s solidarity following recent natural disasters, IMF Asia and Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan said.

US Embassy condoles death of Sri Lanka Navy Lt. Koyan Chamitha

The United States Embassy in Sri Lanka has expressed its condolences over the passing of Sri Lanka Navy Lieutenant Koyan Chamitha.

Colombo market extends decline as sentiment remains subdued

The Colombo stock market closed on a negative note on Thursday, with both benchmark indices ending the session in the red, as investor sentiment remained cautious amid the ongoing consolidation phase.

Government to upgrade preschools ahead of 2027 policy implementation: Minister Paulraj

Plans underway to enhance the quality of early childhood education across the country ahead of the 2027 rollout of the National Policy on Preschool Education, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savitri Paulraj said.

Sajith visits HMGICS Singapore

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa visited the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre, Singapore (HMGICS) during his current tour to Singapore. Premadasa said the visit to HMGICS Singapore was a part of a fact-finding mission.

Court summons me, won’t hide Govt scams: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa today dismissed attempts to summon him before court, claiming they are part of a cover-up of government scandals, including the coal and container scams.

15-Year-old girl missing from detention centre

The Kuliyapitiya Police are seeking public assistance to locate a 15-year-old girl who has gone missing from a government detention centre in Meegahakotuwa.

Ancient Sinhala Vihare emerges from Lake Island in Andra Pradesh

Surrounded by forested mountains in Andra Pradesh in India just across the border of the Telangana state, what lies is the world’s third biggest man- made reservoir called Nagarjunasagar . The expansive lake is now bound to be an appeal for Sri Lankan Buddhists since the island sitting in it hosts the ruins of what is called ’ancient Sinhala Vihare’ built during the third century AD by Mahayana Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna Acharya.

Sri Lankan detainee’s death could have been prevented 3 times: Doctor

Sri Lankan detainee Wishma Sandamali’s life could have been saved at three different times before she died at an immigration facility in Japan in 2021, a doctor said in a court hearing on Wednesday.

Court upholds 10 years sentence on Pastor for rape of minor

The Court of Appeal upheld a sentence of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment imposed on a Pastor attached to a church at Kottukachchi in the Puttalam District, for raping a 15-year-old girl after developing an acquaintance with her and subsequently inviting her to serve god.

EC calls for applications from political parties for 2026 recognition

The Election Commission has called for applications from political parties eligible for official recognition in 2026.

Nalandians take to social media to clear school’s name

A group of past and present students of Nalanda College have taken to social media to defend the reputation of the school following the circulation of controversial footage on social media.

UK’s Starmer signals China reset in talks with Xi, eyes economic wins

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday that he wanted to build a ’’sophisticated relationship’’ with Beijing to bolster security and the economy, signalling a reset after years of strained ties.

Colombo Mayor supports Stephanie

Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar, who came out in defense of Stephanie Siriwardhana following her appointment to the six-member Prison Observation Committee, said women like herself must speak louder and more clearly against bullying on social media.

Plans afoot to establish National Film School

Plans are afoot to establish a National Film School in Sri Lanka by utilising existing resources of the Sri Lanka Foundation, which operates under the Ministry of Mass Media and the National Film Corporation.