Complaint lodged with Bribery Commission over 18 CPSTL TU members: Minister

A complaint was lodged with the Bribery Commission over an illegal payment of Rs. 1,067,000 to 18 trade union members of the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd., (CPSTL) as salaries and overtime payments, Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said today.

Sri Lanka among top 50 travel destinations for 2026

Sri Lanka has been named one of the “50 Best Places to Travel in 2026” by the magazine Travel + Leisure.

Yatiyanthota Pradeshiya Sabha 2026 budget defeated

The 2026 budget of the Yatiyanthota Pradeshiya Sabha, led by the National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated today by a margin of four votes.

Health authorities warn of rising misuse of antibiotics

Health authorities have raised alarm over the widespread and indiscriminate use of antibiotics, cautioning that such practices are accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and could render common treatments for infections increasingly ineffective.

27 Indian fishermen repatriated from Sri Lanka

A group of 27 Indian fishermen were repatriated to India today, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said.

Smoking among schoolchildren on the rise: Expert

Smoking among schoolchildren is on the increase, according to Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr. Duminda Yasaratne.

No decision to change nurses’ uniform: Heath Minister

The government has not taken any decision to change the uniform of the nursing officers, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Pressure mounts on Govt. as Easter Sunday probe lacks results

The recent remarks made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Parliament have cast doubt on the integrity of the investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks after he revealed that critical evidence had gone missing, potentially hindering the ongoing probe.

Three nabbed at BIA with Rs. 40 million worth of ’Kush’

Three passengers were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (19) after attempting to carry out of the airport a stock of ’Kush’ drugs valued at Rs. 40 million.

Sapugaskanda refinery to be developed on build, operate and transfer basis: Minister

The Sapugaskanda refinery development project, which will be on a build, operate and transfer basis (BOT), will begin soon, Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody told Parliament today.

Police to get DIG in charge of cyber crimes: Minister

The Sri Lanka Police will soon get a DIG in charge of cyber crimes, while a special division will also be established, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today.

Upcountry train services remain limited due to landslide

Train services on the upcountry line remain limited today following a landslide between Ohiya and Idalgashinna, affecting routes from Colombo to Nanu Oya and from Badulla to Bandrawela, the Railways Department confirmed.

SL’s healthcare system can save roughly Rs. 3.32 trillion with Tobacco reduction strategies

Sri Lanka’s healthcare system has the opportunity save up to GBP 8.2 billion in around 30 years, through comprehensive Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), a medical expert on tobacco regulation declared recently.

Nearly quarter million vacancies to continue in state sector in 2026

Nearly a quarter of a million vacancies are set to remain unfilled across Sri Lanka’s public sector as the government moves to limit new recruitments to the bare minimum for the upcoming fiscal year (2026).

Sri Lanka targets 4 million tourists, US$8 billion revenue by 2030: Minister

Sri Lanka aims to attract four million tourists and generate US$ 8 billion in revenue by 2030, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath announced during the India–Sri Lanka Tourism Relations programme in Colombo, yesterday (19).

Sri Lanka seeks Indian investors, filmmakers to boost tourism

Sri Lanka is inviting Indian investors and film producers to explore new tourism ventures and film projects in the country, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday (19).

IRD records highest tax revenue in its history

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced that it has achieved the highest tax revenue collection in its history, reaching Rs. 2,002,241 million as of November 17.

SEC warns rogue market influencers

The capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), yesterday sounded its sternest warning yet, as a new breed of self-styled “market gurus” tighten their grip on social media.

Hakimi and Chebbak named African players of the year

Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Rabat on a successful night for the host nation.

Sri Lanka Clash with Zimbabwe as Shanaka Takes Charge

The second match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 will see Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe on Today, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

'Tremendous honour' - Federer added to Hall of Fame

Roger Federer will become the first member of the ’Big Three’ of tennis to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Sri Lanka hits 17,000 annual IT graduate target as industry turns focus to AI upskilling

Sri Lanka has successfully bridged its long-standing gap in IT graduate numbers, with the annual supply now reaching approximately 17,000, according to top industry official Shehani Seneviratne.

Sri Lanka A clinch semi-final spot after thrilling 6-run win over Bangladesh A in Doha

Sri Lanka A sealed their spot in the semi-finals of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 with a tense 6-run victory over Bangladesh A in Doha, confirming a final four lineup featuring Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

CBSL declares 22 companies and apps as prohibited pyramid schemes

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has officially identified and declared 22 companies and mobile applications as prohibited pyramid schemes under Section 83(C) of the Banking Act No. 30 of 1988, as amended.

Profit taking weighs on ASPI: JFP.N debuts with strong gains

The Colombo Stock Exchange remained subdued on Tuesday (19th November 2025), with the ASPI closing in negative territory for the fifth consecutive session, recording a modest decline of 21.80 points (-0.09%) to 23,029.86. The S&P SL20 also retreated, falling 14.96 points (-0.23%) to 6,361.58, as volatility persisted and overall market activity remained muted.

Namal accuses govt. of double standards over Trincomalee Buddha statue removal

National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Namal Rajapaksa today accused the government of maintaining double standards and failing to provide a clear explanation regarding the recent removal of a Buddha statue from a well-known temple in Trincomalee.

Govt revises driving licence levy regulations for foreigners

The Transport Ministry introduced new changes to the Motor Traffic Act, Chapter 203, through Gazette No. 2463/04 issued on November 17.

ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup schedule announced

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today unveiled the match schedule for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026.

’President assures us that PC elections will be held’: Rasamanickam

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured the Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) this afternoon that the Provincial Council elections will be held, said MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam.

Probe 90% complete in case against Ranil Wikremesinghe: AG tells court

The Attorney General yesterday informed Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara that investigations into the case filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, over the alleged misuse of Rs. 16.6 million in State funds, will be completed within a month and that steps will thereafter be taken to institute proceedings before a higher court.