Former Deputy Speaker appears before Bribery Commission

Former Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption this morning.

Govt tightens tourist safety measures as peak season begins

As Sri Lanka enters its peak tourism season, the government has issued strict directives to police and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of foreign visitors, the Daily Mirror learns. The move comes as the country anticipates over two million tourist arrivals by the end of 2025.

Sri Lanka’s greatest threat to tourism is us!

Last week, Sri Lanka went viral and sadly, for all the wrong reasons. A friend sent me a video that was spreading rapidly on Instagram. It showed a female tourist driving a tuk-tuk in the Arugam Bay area, filming herself, most likely for TikTok. Minutes into her ride, she said she was being followed by a local man on a motorbike. When she pulled over, he stopped too and walked right up to her while the camera was still rolling.

Reform’s Zia Yusuf in heated clash with presenter over parents migration from Sri Lanka

Reform’s head of policy, Zia Yusuf, clashed with a Sky News presenter during a debate on immigration, after being asked about his parents’ decision to move to the UK from Sri Lanka in the 1980s.

International group defrauds Sri Lanka Postal customers of foreign currency

The Sri Lanka Postal Department has revealed that an international organization has been defrauding postal customers of foreign currency for over two years, exploiting the Department’s name to carry out financial scams.

Political conspiracy behind return of Thai-gifted elephants, says minister

Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi has alleged a political conspiracy behind the proposed return of two elephants gifted to Sri Lanka by Thailand.

Patients hit hard by shortage of antibiotics and testing facilities – Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa

Patients in major hospitals are facing serious difficulties due to a shortage of strong antibiotics, laboratory chemicals, and radiological testing facilities, Chairman of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

Asia New Zealand Foundation visit boosts Sri Lanka–New Zealand ties

The Asia New Zealand Foundation, a non-partisan not-for-profit organisation, is New Zealand’s leading provider of Asia-focused insights and experiences. Recognising Asia’s growing importance to the future of New Zealand’s prosperity, the Foundation works to build understanding and capability so that New Zealanders can engage confidently and meaningfully in Asia.

Thousands to be affected as health services come to a standstill

With the key medical professional body declaring a trade union action from today (17), the patients are once again held to ransom, leaving them to face the fallout of stalled services.

Sinner beats Alcaraz to defend ATP Finals crown

Jannik Sinner signed off his 2025 season in style by overcoming world number one Carlos Alcaraz in two tight sets to defend his ATP Finals crown in Turin.

Pakistan Crush Sri Lanka 3–0 After Six-Wicket Win in Rawalpindi

Pakistan wrapped up a dominant ODI series with a six-wicket victory in Rawalpindi, completing a 3–0 whitewash on Sunday. Captain Shaheen Afridi hailed his team’s “discipline and depth” as Pakistan continued their strong run with another all-round display.

South Africa Leapfrog India in Updated WTC Standings

South Africa have jumped to third in the World Test Championship standings after their victory over India at Eden Gardens, swapping places with Shubman Gill’s side.

Man arrested after video of tourist harassment goes viral

Police have arrested a 23-year-old man sought over an incident involving a foreign tourist in Thirukkovil, after a video of the harassment went viral on social media.

Israel rejects US-backed push for “pathway” to Palestinian state

Jerusalem on Sunday rejected a joint statement coordinated by the United States and signed by several countries, which called for a “pathway” – a possible route – to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. Several Israeli cabinet members emphasized that Israel would not permit a Palestinian state in either Judea and Samaria or the Gaza Strip.

MP Vithana declines budget-allocated cab

MP Jagath Vithana has informed the government that he will not accept the cab allocated to him under the 2026 Budget proposal, which includes importing vehicles for all Members of Parliament.

School Development Officers accuse government of failing to honor promises

The School Development Officers’ Association has accused the government of making pre-election promises to secure their votes, only to neglect absorbing them into the teachers’ service.

Drug prevention committees to be set up in all govt. institutions

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala said that a circular will be issued tomorrow to establish drug prevention committees in all government institutions.

Harmer stars as South Africa stun India in low-scoring Test

Spinner Simon Harmer claimed a match haul of eight wickets to lead South Africa to a thrilling 30-run win over India inside three days of a low-scoring opening Test on Sunday.

Tourism sector needs regulation to protect visitors, Says Entrepreneurs’ Association

The Small and Medium Scale Tourism Entrepreneurs Association has urged the government to introduce stronger regulations to safeguard tourists, following several recent incidents of harassment.

DMT resumes driver’s licence printing after shortage

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has restarted the printing of driver’s licences after production was halted for weeks due to a shortage of printing cards.

Foreigners without valid permits prohibited from driving in Sri Lanka: Police

Police Media Spokesperson ASP F. U. Wootler has reminded that foreign nationals who do not possess a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) or a domestic driving licence from their home country are not permitted to drive any vehicle in Sri Lanka.

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.