Govt. targets ’productivity villages’ nationwide by 2030

Sri Lanka aims to transform every village in the country into a “productivity village” by 2030, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Ms. Thilaka Jayasundara, said.

Govt. exempts Lanka Sugar Company from statutory payments: Minister

The government has decided to exempt the Lanka Sugar Company from all statutory payments starting January 1, Trade Minister Sunil Handunnetti announced.

AG’s Department Legal Officers’ Association opposes proposal to establish separate Public Prosecutions Office

The Legal Officers’ Association of the Attorney General’s Department has formally opposed the proposed establishment of an Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, asserting that such a move would undermine the department’s independence, efficiency and professional standards.

Heavy showers to continue in North, East

Prevailing rainy conditions are expected to continue in the Northern and Eastern Provinces due to the low-pressure area in the vicinity of the island, the Meteorology Department said.

SF backs Govt’s anti-corruption efforts, rejects Nov. 21 rally

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka says he is pleased with the direction of the current government, citing its stance against corruption despite limited economic improvement.

Doctors to limit key services islandwide from tomorrow

Doctors in all hospitals across the country will limit several key services from tomorrow (Monday, 17), including issuing prescriptions for medicines to be purchased from external pharmacies and recommending laboratory tests to be done at private facilities.

Govt has failed to fulfill promises to farmers: Namal claims

National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Namal Rajapaksa, criticized the government today, saying it has failed to deliver on promises made to the public during the election. He called on all opposition parties to join a protest in Nugegoda on November 21 to voice their dissent.

Education Ministry issues new timetable guidelines for muslim schools

The Ministry of Education has issued new recommendations for implementing revised timetables in Muslim schools as part of the ongoing education reforms.

Refugees to face 20-year wait to settle permanently under asylum reforms

People granted asylum in the UK will have to wait 20 years before they can apply to settle permanently, under plans due to be announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on Monday.

Southern Province Governor Bandula Harischandra passes away

Southern Province Governor Bandula Harischandra has passed away this morning (16) while receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.

Benn masterclass crushes Eubank in rematch

Conor Benn put on a dominant performance to earn revenge over bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr and seal a unanimous decision victory in their rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Pathirana Headlines IPL 2026 Squad Reveal!

IPL retentions 2026: Full list of retained, released and traded players ahead of auction

Arugam Bay alleged sexual assault: Police hunt suspect

Pottuvil Police are appealing to the public for assistance in locating a suspect involved in an alleged sexual assault of a foreign woman in the Arugam Bay area on October 25.

NPC orders major reshuffle in senior police ranks

The National Police Commission (NPC) has approved several transfers and appointments of senior police officers to strengthen key divisions within the Sri Lanka Police.

Oversight Committee recommends green substitute for sili sili bags

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability has recommended that the Ministry of Environment take the lead in producing an environmentally friendly paper bag to replace polythene “sili sili” bags.

COPE probes delays in East Container Terminal project

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has held extensive discussions on the prolonged delays in the construction of the East Container Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo Port and the issues arising from the setback.

Lalith Pathinayake’s acting role ends as NPC makes new appointments

The National Police Commission has approved the appointment of Senior DIG Sanjeewa Dharmaratne as the Senior DIG in charge of Police Administration.

UNP raises concerns over President’s remark at Maha Viru Samaruma

The United National Party (UNP) has raised concerns over a remark made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the 36th Il Maha Viru Samaruma, claiming that a key comment was deliberately excluded from the official record of the event.

China warns citizens against Japan travel as Taiwan spat escalates

China has warned its citizens against traveling to Japan as it escalates a backlash over comments by the country’s prime minister about the island of Taiwan.

Schoolgirl stabbed, ex-soldier found hanging

A 28-year-old former soldier, suspected of fatally stabbing a 16-year-old schoolgirl, has reportedly taken his own life by hanging himself, police said.

Watagala sends LOD over apartment claim

A demand letter seeking Rs. 10 billion in compensation has been issued against SLPP activist Mahinda Pathirana over an alleged defamatory statement made against Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala.

Shah Rukh Khan launches Dubai Tower named after him

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was recently honored with a skyscraper in Dubai named after him.

CAA tightens price controls on canned fish

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has imposed fresh maximum retail prices on several canned fish varieties in an effort to curb price volatility and strengthen regulatory oversight across the food sector.

IPL Retentions 2026: CSK set to release Matheesha Pathirana

Chennai Super Kings have decided to release Matheesha Pathirana into the auction pool, just a year after retaining him for Rs 13 crore last year. The Indian Express understands that the franchise continues to have concern around Pathirana’s fitness and the sort of impact his slightly remodelled action has caused to his bowling and given the uncertainty, releasing him to the auction pool will give them an opportunity to strengthen the squad.

Pelawatte party office not linked to government: PM

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) headquarters in Pelawatte is not linked to the government but a place where we discuss our political stability and where our party makes all political decisions,’’ Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said.

Deputy Minister lives in an apartment valued Rs.500Mn, says opposition MP

Opposition MP Chaminda Wijesiri, while firing allegations against ruling party members, said a certain deputy minister lives in an apartment valued Rs.500 million, and asked who donated it to him. However, he did not mention the deputy minister’s name.

TPA backs wage hike but calls for clear implementation – Barath Arullsamy

The Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) has expressed support for the 2026 Budget’s proposed daily wage increase for plantation workers, while urging clear implementation and wider structural reforms.

Rally on Nov. 21 only to remind govt of its promises – Namal

SLPP Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa says the opposition’s rally scheduled for November 21 in Nugegoda is aimed at reminding the government of the promises it made to the public.

Vijitha Herath ends minister’s list for overseas employment

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has announced that the Minister’s list will no longer be used to send workers abroad, highlighting the urgent need to retain talent in Sri Lanka.

Birthrate slows among elephant population in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population has seen a 21 per cent birthrate decline according to the latest consensus, compared with the last one conducted 13 years ago.