New Zealand mother jailed for life over ‘suitcase murders’ of her children

A New Zealand woman who murdered her two children and hid their bodies in suitcases at a storage facility has been sentenced to life in prison.

Losses incurred by government from bond scam yet to be determined: PM

The losses the country has suffered as a result of the famous bond scam in 2015 are yet to be determined, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today.

Allocation for education will be increased gradually: PM

Funds allocated for education will be gradually increased to 6 per cent of the GDP, Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today.

China donates Rs. 43 million worth of materials to support women and children in Sri Lanka

The All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF) has donated materials valued at 1,000,000 RMB (approximately Rs. 43 million) to support the wellbeing and development of women and children in Sri Lanka. The donation includes equipment for a mother-and-baby room, a childcare centre for children of Parliament staff, and women’s hygiene products to be distributed through the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus.

Upcountry train services adjusted due to weather

The Railways Department has announced adjustments to Upcountry train services today due to adverse weather conditions.

Railways propose daytime operation of night mail trains to protect wild elephants

The Sri Lanka Railway Department is considering shifting certain night mail trains to daytime operations in areas frequently visited by wild elephants, following safety concerns raised by train drivers and unions.

Heavy rains, floods loom as low-pressure system intensifies

A developing low-pressure system near the South Andaman Sea is set to bring torrential rains and raise flood risks across several provinces, authorities warned. With major rivers already at high levels, residents in low-lying areas are being urged to stay alert and follow official flood warnings.

10 factories caught making Madana Modaka illegally

The Ayurvedic Medicines Regulatory Authority (NAMR) says that about 10 places in the country are making Madana Modaka illegally. These factories use too much hemp, more than what is allowed by law.

Altered LTTE flags used abroad to evade legal action

In a bid to circumvent legal restrictions abroad, pro- LTTE Tamil diaspora activists have reportedly been using versions of the organisation’s insignia that are only slightly altered, making them appear similar to the original while attempting to avoid scrutiny from foreign authorities, an informed source said.

Sri Lanka HIV cases surge, despite decline in global cases

While the world has made major progress in reducing HIV, Sri Lanka is moving in the opposite direction, according to the latest data.

UN committee to conduct torture prevention visit to SL

Sri Lanka has been included in a new round of country visits planned by the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) for 2026, the body announced following its latest session in Geneva.

Thai woman’s cremation stopped as knocking on coffin heard, temple staff say

A woman thought to be dead, who was about to be cremated at a Buddhist temple in the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, has been found alive by staff.

UDA to lease Pettah Floating Market to Japanese for $160 million

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) is preparing to lease the Pettah Floating Market Complex to a Japanese investor for US$160 million.

Govt. must stop the blame game and protect the nation

Recent events in the United Kingdom, where JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva was met with coordinated protests by pro-LTTE separatist groups, should serve as a wake-up call to the Government of Sri Lanka.

Officials justify stagnant tourism revenue while industry awaits concrete strategy

Sri Lanka is on track for a record year in tourist arrivals, but revenue from the sector remains flat. Senior officials this week acknowledged the issue. However, they went on to attribute the shortfall to structural issues and exchange rate fluctuations, rather than admitting gaps in policy or strategy.

Three arrested at BIA with Rs. 178.5 million worth of illegal cigarettes

Airport Police have arrested three passengers attempting to smuggle a large consignment of foreign-made cigarettes valued at Rs. 178.50 million through the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (25).

CBSL keeps the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged

The Monetary Policy Board, at its meeting held yesterday, decided to maintain the Overnight Policy

Nissanka’s magnificent 98 keeps Sri Lanka Alive in Tri-Series Thriller

Sri Lanka must now defeat Pakistan on Thursday in order to prevent Zimbabwe from advancing to the final by virtue of superior net run-rate.

Exports break US$ 14.4bn barrier in 10 months

The local export sector extended its recovery streak into October, pushing cumulative earnings for the first ten months of 2025 to US$14.43 billion, up 6 percent from a year earlier, data released by the Export Development Board (EDB) showed.

Indian Army chief to visit Sri Lanka

Chief of the Army Staff of India, General Upendra Dwivedi, is set to visit Sri Lanka on a two-day trip from December 1 to 2.

Fixtures, groups announced for Men’s T20 WC 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially released the fixtures and group allocations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to bowl off on February 7 and run until March 8, featuring 20 teams, 29 days of action, and eight iconic venues across India and Sri Lanka.

Transport for children, teachers when school time is extended: PM

Arrangements are being made to provide transport for children and teachers once the school time is extended, Prime minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today.

Fixtures, groups released for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

The next edition of the T20 World Cup will begin on February 7, with the 20-team tournament to run all the way up until the final on March 8.

President orders new laws for instant drug destruction

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Ministry of Justice to draft new legislation enabling the immediate destruction of seized dangerous drugs at the point of detection.

ASPI recovers strongly as market rebounds from recent sell-off

The Colombo Stock Exchange staged a recovery on Tuesday (25th November 2025), as the ASPI climbed 175.03 points (+0.77%) to close at 22,819.91, retracing part of the sharp sell-off seen in the previous session. Improved investor sentiment supported the rebound, with buyers stepping in to take advantage of lower prices following the near 5% market correction.

Afghanistan vows retaliation against Pakistan for deadly strikes

Afghanistan’s Taliban government vowed Tuesday to ’’respond appropriately’’ to overnight strikes it blamed on neighbouring Pakistan that killed 10 people, as tensions spiked the day after a suicide bombing in a Pakistani city.

Govt to boost paddy production by limiting rice imports

The attention of the governmnet was drawn to increasing paddy production by limiting rice imports and formalizing the rice purchasing mechanism, while ensuring high-quality rice at affordable prices and protecting farmers.

Man questioned over Easter bombings seeks asylum in UK

A suspected man questioned over bombings that killed 269 people in Sri Lanka is seeking asylum in the UK.

Appoint special select committee to probe international schools: MP

Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera called for the appointment of a special select committee to look into international schools.

Former SLBFE Chairman Hilmi remanded

Former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), A.M.M. Hilmi, was today ordered to be remanded until December 9 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.