CCB asks for security after officers threatened in Matara tree-cutting program

The Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB) has asked the Defense Ministry to provide security for its officers who are cutting down 5,000 diseased coconut trees in the Matara District.

Second reading of Budget 2026 approved; three opposition MPs voted in favor

The second reading of the 2026 Budget was approved in Parliament with a majority of 118 votes, as 160 MPs voted in favour and 42 voted against.

Commuters can now pay fares using credit, debit cards

Commuters will be able to pay bus fares using bank-issued credit and debit cards on buses fitted with ticket-issuing machines from November 24, 2025, Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake announced today (14).

SLMC wants doctors to fix their handwriting

The Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) has issued a reminder to all medical professionals to strictly follow official guidelines when writing and recommending prescriptions, citing growing concerns over patient safety.

Ex-world champion Parker fails drugs test for cocaine

Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is facing a possible ban from boxing after testing positive for cocaine.

Over 16,000 nabbed in nationwide anti-drug operation

More than 16,000 people have been arrested during the countrywide anti-narcotics operation “Nation United – National Drive,” launched to eradicate drug trafficking and related crimes.

Ronaldo receives first red card in 22 years; risks ban at World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo is at serious risk of being banned for the first game of the 2026 World Cup if Portugal qualifies as expected.

US and SL sign MoU to formalize Montana National Guard Partnership

The United States and Sri Lanka today formalized a new phase of security cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Montana National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard District 13, and the Sri Lanka Armed Forces under the State Partnership Program (SPP).

British envoy meets Tilvin Silva

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick held discussions with Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva during a visit to the party’s headquarters in Pelawatta, Battaramulla.

Sri Lankan stabbed to death in Israel

A Sri Lankan man working in Israel has been tragically killed in a stabbing incident. The victim has been identified as K.K. Tharindu Shanaka, 38, a father of two from Batapola, Kondagala in Galle, who had arrived in Israel in September 2025 to work as a carpenter in the construction sector.

Australian schools shut over asbestos risk in children’s sand

About 30 schools in Australia have been fully or partially closed after a warning over asbestos risks in children’s sand.

Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Nepal presents credentials to President Paudel

Ruwanthi Delpitiya, the newly appointed Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal, presented her Letters of Credence to President Ramchandra Paudel at a formal ceremony held at Rastrapati Bhavan in Kathmandu yesterday.

Hundreds of illegal lunch sheet factories operating across the country, Industry Association warns

The All Ceylon Small Industries Association has raised alarm over the existence of between 400 and 500 illegal factories manufacturing substandard and banned lunch sheets used for wrapping food across the island.

1990 Suwa Seriya Ambulance fleet to be expanded to 500 units

Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the government has begun implementing plans to expand the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance fleet to 500 vehicles, with upgrades incorporating the latest global technologies to modernize emergency medical services.

ITAK will abstain from voting for 2026 budget: Shanakiyan Rasamanickam

The Ilamkai Thamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) will abstain from voting for the second reading of the budget, MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam told Parliament today.

Self-check-in services to be launched at BIA

SriLankan Airlines’ Airport and Ground Services has planned to launch a self- check-in service at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for passengers of customer airlines ahead of the winter travel high season which is expected to bring over 300,000 tourists to the island in December alone.

No ban on releasing drug raid information to media: Minister

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala today refuted the allegations that a circular has been issued prohibiting the release of information on drug raids to the media after the arrest of National People’s Power (NPP) Urban Councillor’s husband for drug smuggling.

India state offers menstrual leave to all working women

The southern Indian state of Karnataka, which is also home to some of the world’s biggest IT firms, has become the first in the country to offer paid menstrual leave to all working women in formal jobs.

Sri Lankan film ‘Riverstone’ wins best Director at KIFF

Sri Lankan movie ’Riverstone’, directed by Lalith Rathnayake, won the Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Award for Best Director in the International Competition at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), which concluded on Thursday.

World’s top YouTuber MrBeast launches Saudi theme park

Cristiano Ronaldo. Naomi Campbell. Sofia Vergara. And the latest celebrity brought to Saudi Arabia in the kingdom’s push to become a global entertainment destination: MrBeast, the most popular YouTuber on the planet.

One-third of Sri Lanka’s SOEs record losses in first half of 2025

Sri Lanka’s state-owned enterprise (SOE) sector is once again under scrutiny as new fiscal data reveals persistent structural weaknesses, with nearly one-third of major state entities running losses in the first half of 2025. The Mid-Year Fiscal Report released by the Ministry of Finance paints the picture of a sector struggling under years of mismanagement, political interference and mounting liabilities—despite repeated restructuring efforts.

SJB PS member resigns following alleged insults by chairman

SJB councillor Nikini Ayodhya has decided to step down from politics, citing repeated alleged insults from Arachchikattuwa NPP Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman S.J.M. Jayaratne.

KDU refutes abolishing 50% concession granted to children of service personnel

The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) has categorically denied the media report that a decision has been made to abolish the 50% concession granted to the children of service personnel.

Court of Appeal quashes order mandating all SJB nominees be women in two Pradeshiya Sabhas

The Court of Appeal ruled that the directives issued by the Returning Officers of the Kekirawa and Galnewa Pradeshiya Sabhas, requiring all nominated members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to be women, are arbitrary, irrational and unreasonable.

Male, female MPs battle in Parliament

A male-female battle was witnessed in Parliament today with MP Sujeewa Senasinghe confronting female MPs Lakmali Hemachandra and Hiruni Wijesinghe over some remarks made on an earlier day.

Railway gate operator arrested in Kollupitiya for being drunk on duty

Railway security officers yesterday arrested a railway gate operator at the Uttarananda railway crossing in Kollupitiya for being under the influence of alcohol while on duty, Railway Spokesman Asanka Samarasinghe confirmed.

Rasika Peiris appointed as new Commissioner General of Elections

Rasika Peiris, a Special Grade Officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, has assumed duties as the new Commissioner General of Elections this morning.

Hotel staffer arrested for stealing from Dutch tourist

A hotel employee has been arrested by the Fort Police after a Dutch tourist reported the theft of foreign currency from her wallet.

Govt. intensifies crackdown on illegal fishing and maritime crimes

In a decisive move to curb rising incidents of illegal fishing and maritime poaching in Sri Lankan waters, top government and security officials convened a high-level meeting to strengthen enforcement and coordination efforts.

BBC apologises to Trump over Panorama edit but refuses to pay compensation

The BBC has apologised to US President Donald Trump for a Panorama episode that spliced parts of his 6 January 2021 speech together, but rejected his demands for compensation.