Indian High Commission to handle visas directly from November 3

The High Commission of India in Colombo has announced that the outsourcing service provider IVS Lanka for visa, passport and consular services will operate only till October 31, 2025.

Verité Research presents key findings at multiple international forums in October

Verité Research, building on its international reputation, strengthened its global presence in October by delivering high-level presentations at over half a dozen international forums and events.

Colombo District Court employee arrested while accepting bribe

The Bribery Commission arrested an office assistant of the Colombo District Court on charges of accepting a bribe of Rs. 10,000 today.

England cricket legend James Anderson knighted at Windsor Castle

Former England cricketer James Anderson has been knighted at Windsor Castle.

High-Level discussion on releasing lands utilized by the military

A high-level meeting was convened yesterday at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence in Colombo to review progress and address ongoing challenges related to the release of private lands situated within the Jaffna-Palali area to their rightful owners.

Government may be preparing to introduce Russian or Chinese type system in SL: MP

The government may be planning to introduce a Russian or Chinese type system of governance, opposition MP Sujith Sanjaya Perera said today.

Firearm found in Mount Lavinia court premises; one arrested

A pistol-type firearm suspected to have been brought to commit a crime was discovered within the Mount Lavinia court premises.

Trump meets South Korean leader as trade deal remains elusive

US President Donald Trump has met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung as part of the final leg of his whirlwind trip across Asia.

Bangladesh’s fugitive ex-leader warns of mass voter boycott in 2026 polls

Bangladesh’s fugitive former leader Sheikh Hasina has warned that excluding her Awami League party from next year’s elections would deepen divisions in the country as millions of her supporters are set to boycott the vote.

20kg of spoiled fish destroyed in Nawagamuwa raid

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) took action to destroy 20 kilograms of fish unfit for human consumption during a surprise raid at a shop in the Nawagamuwa area.

Further hearing of Ranil’s case fixed for January 28

The case filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe over the alleged misuse of state funds by undertaking a private visit under the pretext of an official tour was today ordered to be recalled on January 28 for the submission of further investigation reports.

England opt to bowl against South Africa in Women’s World Cup semi-final

England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and elected to field against South Africa in the first semi-final of the Women’s World Cup in India’s Guwahati city on Wednesday.

CID continues hunt for woman over Rs. 150 Mn fraud

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is still searching for a woman wanted in connection with a financial fraud involving Rs. 150 million.

Droupadi Murmu becomes first Indian President to fly in Rafale

President Droupadi Murmu made history as she took off from the Ambala Air Force Base in Haryana for a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet. The Ambala base holds immense significance for India’s recent defense operations and strategic missions.

Ranil Wickremesinghe appears before court

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived at the Fort Magistrate’s Court a short while ago to appear in connection with the case filed against him under the Public Property Act.

Government onion rules favor importers, farmers charge

The government’s newly imposed criteria on the purchase of onions are impractical and designed to protect importers while harming local farmers, National Farmers’ Union Chairman Anuradha Thennakoon alleged yesterday.

Brazil police raid on Rio drug trafficking gang leaves at least 64 people dead

A massive raid on a drug-trafficking gang in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday sparked shootouts that left at least 60 suspects and four police officers dead, officials said.

Court issues warrant on MP Jagath Manuwarna for failing to appear before court

Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara today issued a warrant on Parliamentarian Jagath Manuwarna for failing to appear before court in connection with two cases filed in 2008.

Three soldiers hospitalised after grenade explosion during training

Three Army soldiers were hospitalised following a hand grenade explosion during a military training exercise at the Maduru Oya Army Training Camp this morning (29), police said.

Case against Ranil Wickremesinghe to be heard today

The case filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe under the Public Property Act is scheduled to be taken up again today (29) before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Colombo gold market sees price drop

The price of gold in Sri Lanka has dropped by Rs. 2,000 compared to yesterday (28), according to market data.

Lawyer who gave Penal Code for Ishara Sewwandi detained 72 hours

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has obtained a 72-hour detention order for a lawyer arrested in connection with the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder, police said.

IMF projects 3.1% economic growth for Sri Lanka in 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Sri Lanka’s economy will grow by 3.1% in 2026, reflecting a gradual return to its long-term trend, officials said.

Pony handler granted bail over alleged sexual harassment of six year old girl

A pony handler who was arrested over an allegation of inappropriately touching a six-year-old girl at the Viharamahadevi Park was produced before the Magistrate’s Court today.

Two dead after drinking liquid found floating in Sea

Two individuals have died in Puttalam after consuming an unidentified liquid from a bottle that had been found floating in the sea, police said.

Fire breaks out at Narahenpita apartment complex; several rescued

A fire has broken out on the fifth floor of an apartment complex on Dabare Mawatha in Narahenpita, authorities said.

Is threat of Malaria spread looming?

Health authorities have raised concerns over a possible resurgence of malaria in Sri Lanka, as imported cases among returning travellers continue to rise.

Faster bureaucracy, corruption free policy can attract more German investments - Ambassador

German Ambassador Dr. Felix Neumann, asserting that around 300 German brands are currently present in Sri Lanka, said more investments could flow from his country if bureaucracy acts faster, the “corruption-free policy” continues, and investments are properly protected.

Nine-Arch Bridge lighting delayed over land issues: Central Cultural Fund

The Central Cultural Fund (CCF) has announced that the much-anticipated lighting project of the Demodara Nine-Arch Bridge, a major attraction for both local and foreign tourists, has been delayed due to obstructions caused by private landowners.

Israeli strikes kill 33 in Gaza, Hamas-run civil defence says, as Trump insists ceasefire remains

At least 33 Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli air strikes in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run Civil Defence agency and hospital officials.