Annual information updates begin for ‘Aswesuma’ beneficiaries

The annual information update process for recipients of the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefit scheme is now underway.

Sri Lankan expertise strengthens ties with Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group

Sri Lankan professionals are making a notable impact on the regional healthcare industry through their contributions to the Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group’s development centre in Colombo, a collaboration that is now paving the way for deeper investment and partnership opportunities.

Syria’s Sharaa arrives in US for Trump talks after sanctions lifted

Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa has arrived in Washington for an official visit, just two days after the US formally revoked his status as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

Plantation workers pledge support to President following wage increase

Following the government’s decision to raise the daily wage of plantation workers to Rs. 1,750 under the 2026 Budget, workers in the Agarapathana area prepared and shared milk rice on Saturday (09) to express their gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Philippines evacuates 100,000 people as Fung-wong intensifies into super typhoon

The Philippines evacuated over 100,000 residents across its eastern and northern regions as Fung-wong intensified on Sunday into a super typhoon ahead of its expected arrival later in the day, threatening to unleash torrential rains, destructive winds, and storm surges.

Army intelligence leads to major drug and wallapatta seizures

Swift action based on intelligence received by the Army Intelligence Unit led to the arrest of several suspects involved in illegal drug trafficking and the possession of wallapatta (Gyrinops walla) during two separate joint operations conducted, the Army said.

Couple filming nude content for UK website arrested in Rajagiriya

A married couple who had uploaded nude videos of themselves to a subscription-based adult website in UK have been arrested by officers of the Nugegoda Divisional Children and Women’s Bureau.

More than 1,400 flights cancelled as US air traffic cuts enter second day

More than 1,400 flights to, from, or within the US were cancelled on Saturday after airlines were told this week to cut traffic during the federal government shutdown.

Macroeconomic stability a result of continuity with IMF programme- Ali Sabry

Making his remarks on the budget , former Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry said that the current macroeconomic stability is only a result of continuity with the IMF programme and the government should be congratulated for keeping intact .

UPS and FedEx ground some cargo planes after Kentucky air disaster

American delivery firms UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded part of their fleets of cargo planes after a mid-take-off crash in Kentucky on Tuesday left at least 14 people dead.

Met Department warns of severe lightning in several areas

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory warning of thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning in several parts of the country, including the North-western, Uva, Central, and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as the Anuradhapura, Mannar, Ampara, and Hambantota districts.

Central Bank revises vehicle leasing limits

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has revised the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratios applicable for vehicle leasing facilities. According to the new guidelines, the maximum leasing percentage for commercial vehicles has been set at 70%, while the maximum for private vehicles has been limited to 50%.

World’s biggest spider’s web discovered in cave

Scientists have discovered 100,000 spiders living in what could be the biggest spider’s web in the world.

Indo-Lanka FTA - bilateral trade grown, but Sri Lanka lags behind: Ravi K

The Indo-Lanka bilateral trade volume has grown exponentially, but Sri Lanka appears to be a loser with a trade gap heavily in favour of India, Parliament was informed today.

Indian authorities on high alert as Dawood Syndicate, LTTE join hands in South India drug trade

Indian intelligence agencies have issued a serious alert over a new alliance forming between the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate and remnants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Officials say the D-syndicate is now exploiting South Indian and Sri Lankan routes to expand its drug trade after suffering major losses in western and northern India.

Turkey issues ‘genocide’ arrest warrants against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials

Turkey on Friday issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and dozens of other Israeli officials on “genocide” charges.

Govt’s anti- corruption drive ok, politicization is problematic- Harsha de Silva

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr.Harsha de Silva, who opened the budget debate, said that he supports the government’s anti-corruption drive, but it should not be driven with political interests.

Speaker gets mixed up, causes confusion

All MPs and others in the gallery were in confusion for a few minutes when Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne gave the microphone over to Chief Government Whip Nalinda Jayatissa to open the second reading of the debate on the budget, breaking the tradition of giving the opportunity to the Opposition to kick it off.

Millions of dollars provided by ADB for renovation of drainage, solid waste disposal gone missing

More than USD 50 million provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for drainage and solid waste disposal have gone missing since 2010, Minister of Public Administration and Provincial Councils A.H.M.H. Abeyratana told Parliament yesterday.

DNA pioneer James Watson dies at 97

Nobel Prize-winning American scientist James Watson, one of the co-discoverers of the structure of DNA, has died aged 97.

Security plan for Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe cricket series 2025 finalized

The Punjab Home Department has completed the security arrangements for the upcoming three-nation cricket series 2025 between Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.

It is an IMF-dictated budget: Opposition Leader

The 2026 budget is a clearly IMF-dictated budget, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.

Minister to seek Defense Ministry clarification on helicopter repair tender

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said he would discuss the helicopter repair tender with the Ministry of Defense and provide a detailed response next week.

Shooting in Kotahena linked to underworld rivalry

Police suspect that underworld rivalry was the motive behind a fatal shooting reported in the 16th Lane area of Kotahena, in which a 43-year-old man was killed last night.

Thousands of US flights cancelled or delayed over government shutdown cuts

More than 5,000 US flights were cancelled or delayed on Friday, in the first day of new mandates forcing airlines to reduce air traffic during the government shutdown.

Budget 2026 bets big on building back investor base

In a signal to the investors weary of Sri Lanka’s uneven playing field, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday used Budget 2026 to draw a line under what he called an era of “cronyism, racketeering and nepotism”.

Gampola Divisional Secretary ordered to pay Rs.100,000 to Ambuluwawa cable car project company

Gampola Udapalatha Divisional Secretary Athma Dilrukshi Jayaratne was ordered yesterday by the Appeal Court to pay compensation of Rs. 100,000 to the construction company in charge of the Ambuluwawa cable car project, for obstructing the project through undue interference in her official capacity.

Your Weekend Sports Round-Up: Football, Cricket, and Formula 1

Sri Lankan sports fans have plenty to look forward to this weekend. Whether it’s Premier League football, top-level cricket, or the thrill of Formula 1 in Brazil, there’s a full line-up of matches and moments waiting to be enjoyed.

President jests at MP over ‘property takeover’ remark

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during his budget speech today, took a brief detour from fiscal matters to make a light-hearted remark aimed at an opposition MP.

NPP-controlled Soranatota Pradeshiya Sabha budget voted out

The budget of the NPP–controlled Soranatota Pradeshiya Sabha was voted out today by three votes.