Sri Lanka must lift investment rate above 30% for faster growth: Indian economist

Sri Lanka must actively explore avenues to raise its investment rate to above 30 percent, if it is to return to a growth trajectory of 6 percent to 7 percent, as the current level of around 20 percent is insufficient for rapid expansion, a top Indian economist said.

LGC services fully restored – ICTA confirms no data loss

The Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) announced that the technical issues which caused the recent disruption to the Lanka Government Cloud (LGC) services have been fully resolved. All affected online government services are now fully operational and accessible to the public.

West Indies beat Bangladesh in super over after setting ODI spin record

West Indies bowled a full 50 overs of spin in their second ODI against Bangladesh on Tuesday, a first in one-day international cricket history, as the visitors emerged victorious at the end of a super over.

If eviction orders implemented properly, about a third of Colombo would be homeless – Justice Minister

If all pending eviction orders were to be implemented, about a third of Colombo’s population would be left homeless, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said.

AG to decide on Catholic Church’s request on the Chapel at Wilpattu Park

As the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka is yet to confirm that there has been a traditional monthly service at Pallakandal Church located within the Wilpattu National Park, the Attorney General will have to decide on the request made by the church authorities.

Colombo Stock Market Extends Gains as Banking Sector Drives Momentum

Kicking off the week on a strong note, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) continued its upward trajectory, supported by persistent investor optimism and robust trading activity. The market recorded a healthy turnover of LKR 7.42 billion, while the All Share Price Index (ASPI) edged closer to the 22,800 mark, reflecting sustained buying interest across key sectors.

Pizza Hut UK to close 68 restaurants, 1,210 jobs to go

Pizza Hut UK will shut 68 restaurants and 11 delivery sites, resulting in the loss of 1,210 jobs, after the company behind its British venues entered administration, according to administrator FTI Consulting.

Dengue risk rises as mosquito density increases

The density of mosquitoes has increased across Sri Lanka due to the prevailing rainy weather conditions, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Preshila Samaraweera said.

French ex-president Sarkozy goes to jail for campaign finance conspiracy

Nicolas Sarkozy has become the first French ex-president to go to jail, as he starts a five-year sentence for conspiring to fund his election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Upcountry train services suspended until tomorrow

The Railway Department has announced that train services on the Upcountry Railway Line will remain suspended until 12.00 noon tomorrow (22) due to adverse weather conditions.

Gazette to increase casino levy, entrance fees tabled in Parliament

The gazette under which the levy charged from casino owners will be increased to 18 per cent from the existing 10 per cent with effect from October 1 this year was tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya today.

No decision to remove doctors’, lawyers’ vehicle passes: Nalinda

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today that the government has not taken any decision to remove the vehicle passes of doctors and lawyers as reported.

Sri Lankan man denies indecent exposure in Southampton

Sukirthan Thangrasha, of New Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, also denied a charge of common assault at Portsmouth Crown Court today, but did plead guilty to a count of assault by beating.

Turn promises into justice for Malayaga people: Barath Arullsamy urges President

Barath Arullsamy, Vice President of the Democratic People’s Front and the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), commended the President for inaugurating the second phase of the 10,000-housing project funded by the Government of India, while candidly asserting that “nothing concrete has been done for the Malayaga community during the past year.

Namal Rajapaksa meets Korean Deputy Speaker during personal visit

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, who is currently on a personal visit to South Korea, met with Joo Ho-young, Deputy Speaker of the Korean National Assembly, for a cordial discussion on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Harin appointed UNP Deputy Secretary - General Political Mobilisation

Former Minister Harin Fernando has been appointed as the United National Party’s (UNP) Deputy Secretary General - Political Mobilisation, an official statement from the party said today.

Bollywood actor Govardhan Asrani, famous for cult Sholay role, dies aged 84

Veteran Indian actor Govardhan Asrani, better known simply as Asrani, has died. He was 84.

Sri Lanka named among world’s best food destinations in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

Sri Lanka has made its mark on the global culinary map, earning a spot among the top 10 food destinations in the world in the 2025 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.

Harsha harming himself by opposing government’s effort to develop Suwa Seriya: Nalinda

Claiming that those who introduced some project must be pleased when it is upgraded with global trends and carried forward, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said MP Harsha de Silva is harming his own self by opposing the government’s effort to develop the Suwa Seriya ambulance service.

Japan’s parliament votes in country’s first ever female PM

Sanae Takaichi won 237 votes in the 465-seat lower chamber of parliament, and is also set to secure a majority in the less powerful upper house before being sworn in later today.

Govt. to fast-track bond scam probe under new unit: Minister

Claiming that some major scams including Central Bank Bond scam are in the hands of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said yesterday the newly established Proceeds of Crime Investigation Division would facilitate and expedite investigations into such major financial crimes.

Vegetable prices set to rise due to inclement weather

Inclement weather conditions that are prevailing in Sri Lanka currently will increase vegetable prices, a trader in the Manning Market said yesterday.

NBRO issues landslide warnings for 11 districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) today issued early landslide warnings for eleven districts.

Energy Minister rules out privatisation of CEB

Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody in Parliament today ruled out the privatisation of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) but said all employees will be placed under four companies which will be set up under the unbundling programme.

Spike in panic attacks reported among young women and schoolgirls

Health professionals have raised concerns over a rising number of panic attack cases reported among young women and schoolgirls across the country, Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Assistant Secretary Dr. Palitha Rajapaksha said.

Man arrested with intoxicant tablets valued Rs.100Mn smuggled from India

A consignment of more than 359,000 intoxicant tablets was seized in transit, and a suspect was arrested during a raid at Mandimuruppu yesterday.

Sewwandi assisted in killing in hope of going to Europe

Ishara Sewwandi, arrested for her role in the murder of underworld figure “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” told investigators that she assisted in the killing in the hope of being sent to a European country, police sources said.

Sri Lanka to sign several agreements with Vatican: Minister

Sri Lanka is to sign a number of agreements with the Vatican in the near future, Foreign Minister Vijitha Hearth told Parliament today.

MPs to wear pink tomorrow to mark breast cancer month

All MPs are expected to wear pink tomorrow in order to mark breast cancer month.

Contaminated Indian cough syrups: Is Sri Lanka at risk?

Deadly cough syrups recently linked to child deaths in India have set off alarm bells across the region, with Sri Lankan authorities on alert to keep unsafe medicines out of local markets.