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.

First U.S. case of human bird flu in 9 months confirmed in Washington state

The person was infected with a strain that has previously been reported in animals but never before in humans.

Namal Rajapaksa briefs ITAK General Secretary on opposition rally

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa said he met Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran to brief him on the 21st public rally organised by the opposition against the National People’s Power (NPP) government.

Gold prices fall by Rs. 10,000 in local market

Gold prices in Sri Lanka saw a sharp decline today (15), dropping by Rs. 10,000 compared to the previous day, traders at the Colombo Pettah gold market said.

Pakistan’s army has always been influential - now its chief has new powers

Pakistan’s parliament has voted to give army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir new powers and lifetime immunity from arrest and prosecution, a move that critics say paves the way towards autocracy.

Select committee will be appointed to look into holding of PC elections: Leader of the House

A select committee will be appointed to look into the holding of Provincial Council elections and the system as a whole, Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake announced in Parliament today.

Some Railways Department officials have illegally leased out bungalows: Minister

Some officials attached to the Railways Department have unlawfully leased out railway bungalows to tourists, Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament today.

No legal obstacle to use state funds to pay estate workers’ incentives: Vijitha

Claiming that no legal bearing of opposition claims on allocating state funds for the payment of estate workers’ attendance allowance, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday Rs. 5,000 million was allocated to the Plantations Ministry and not to increase wages of workers in a private company.

Rs. 1Mn each allocated to district, divisional secretariats under ‘Praja Shakthi’

The Government has allocated Rs. 1 million to every District Secretariat and Divisional Secretariat across the country as part of the ‘Praja Shakthi’ National Programme aimed at modernising public administration.

Teamwork to Ignite Champs Kandy SC

’’We don’t have stars or big names, but we have a bunch of players who are ready to play for one another.’’

Seven killed, 27 injured in explosion at police station in India’s Kashmir, NDTV reports

At least seven people were killed and 27 injured when a large pile of confiscated explosives in a police station in India’s Kashmir detonated late on Friday, broadcaster NDTV reported, citing sources.

Govt is aware that some bureaucrats are corrupt, lethargic

The government is well aware that some bureaucrats are corrupt and lethargic but does not victimise them, Leader of the House Minister Bimal Rathnayake said.

Sex workers join force for legal recognition

Around 10,000 female sex workers of Sri Lanka have organised themselves under a common banner to push for their legal and social recognition.

2026 examination calendar released

The Examinations Department has announced the full timetable for national examinations in 2026, outlining what officials describe as one of the most tightly structured academic calendars in recent years.

Sri Lanka at an advantageous position to bring in value-addition for exports: Deloitte India

Sri Lanka is at an advantageous position to bring in value-addition stages for its exports but to do so, significant focus needs to be given to bring in the necessary policies, infrastructure and administrative measures, said Deloitte India Executive Director Direct Tax Policy Vijay Chauhan.

Azam ends century drought as Pakistan seal Sri Lanka ODI series

Babar Azam hit his first international century since August 2023 to lift Pakistan to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second day-night international on Friday.

PC elections will be conducted- Bimal

Leader of the House Minister Bimal Rathnayake said in Parliament today that the provincial council elections would be conducted for sure.

Father who raped his daughter sentenced to 12 years rigorous imprisonment

Colombo High Court sentenced a father who pleaded guilty to raping his 14-year-old daughter to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment. As the accused admitted to the charge before court, the sentence was imposed without any fine or compensation order.

Video of tourist sexually harassed by local man goes viral

A video showing a foreign female tourist being sexually harassed by a Sri Lankan man has gone viral on social media.

Namal accuses Govt. of repressing state employees, Urges public to join Nugegoda rally

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa today accused the government of engaging in severe repression against state sector employees and called on the public to remain patient during what he described as a challenging period.

Over 100mm rainfall expected as atmospheric disturbance persists

A low-level atmospheric disturbance lingering to the east of Sri Lanka is expected to bring widespread showers and thundershowers across several parts of the island in the coming hours, said the Meteorology Department.

ASPI rebounds from sharp intraday drop to close flat amid heavy volatility

The Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed a highly volatile trading session, with the ASPI plunging 187 points during the first hour before staging a strong recovery by midday. Despite continued fluctuations throughout the afternoon, the index ultimately closed nearly flat, down just 1.71 points, as investors navigated sharp intraday swings. In contrast, the S&P SL20 declined 22.22 points, reflecting selling pressure on key blue-chip counters.

Writ petition against alleged LGBTIQ tourism promotion fixed for Feb. 10

A writ petition challenging the legality of an alleged endorsement by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) of projects aimed at promoting and developing LGBTIQ tourism in Sri Lanka was today fixed for hearing on February 10 by the Court of Appeal.

ODEL launches ‘Christmas 2025

ODEL unveiled its Christmas 2025 theme, “The Stage Is Set,” in Colombo on Thursday (13), introducing a rock ’n’ roll–inspired festive experience across its stores.

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.