New State Intelligence Chief assumes duties

Major General Nalinda Niyangoda has officially assumed duties as the new Chief of State Intelligence Service.

Police probe video recording of Weligama shooting suspect’s arrest

The Special Investigation Unit has launched an investigatigation into the police officers who were involved in video recording the suspect who was arrested over the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabah Chairman’s shooting, Police Spoeksman F.U. Wootler said.

Sri Lankan arrested at BIA with Rs. 25 million worth of Kush

A 29-year-old Sri Lankan national from Grandpass, Colombo, was arrested today at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle over 2.5 kilograms of Kush cannabis into the country.

12 feared dead in Kenya light aircraft crash

A small plane travelling from Kenya’s coast has crashed, according to the country’s aviation authority, with the 12 people on board feared dead.

GovPay launches online traffic fine payment in Northern Province

The Northern Province officially launched on-site traffic fine payments through Gov Pay at the Kilinochchi District Secretariat under the patronage of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala today.

Government to recruit 8,547 to state sector

The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Prime Minister to grant approval to the relevant Departments and institutions

Cabinet approves mandatory seat belts on expressways

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Acting Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development to submit to Parliament for approval the directives prepared under the Motor Vehicle Act, making it compulsory for all passengers traveling in vehicles on expressways to wear seat belts.

Cabinet approves four new high courts in Colombo 7

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the establishment of four new high court premises in Colombo 7 with immediate effect. This move aims to support the Ministry of Justice and National Integration in executing its activities under the Anti-Corruption National Action Plan (2025–2029).

Sri Lanka introduces QR code mapping for rubber farms to meet EU rules

Sri Lanka has launched a nationwide initiative to map all small-scale rubber plantations using geographic coordinates in order to comply with new European Union regulations on deforestation-free imports.

Gunman wanted for three murders arrested in Anuradhapura

Three suspects, including a gunman wanted for three murders in the Southern Province were arrested with heroin worth Rs. 2.5 million in Anuradhapura.

British tourist’s death in Ella caused by sudden heart attack

The post-mortem has revealed that the death of the British national who was celebrating his daughter’s 34th birthday while hiking at Ella Rock has been due to a sudden heart attack.

SJB will decide soon on participating in joint opposition campaign: MP

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will discuss the proposed joint opposition campaign and will make a final decision of being a part of it after studying the situation, MP Kavinda Jayawardene said today.

Mandhana Extends Lead in ICC Women’s Rankings

The ICC Women’s Player Rankings saw major movement following a busy week at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

Michael Kors donates $2.7M to support Sri Lanka’s school meals programme

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a US $2.7 million contribution from global fashion brand Michael Kors to strengthen Sri Lanka’s National School Meals Programme.

Court rejects anticipatory bail of Isolace Biotech Pharma owner

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today rejected an anticipatory bail application filed by Sugath Janaka Fernando, the owner of Isolace Biotech Pharma, who is facing serious allegations of importing substandard antibody vaccines into the country.

Two new deputy governors appointed to Central Bank

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (BCSL) has announced the appointment of two new Deputy Governors, confirmed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance.

Coconut prices surge as intermediaries profit from auction sales

The Coconut Cultivation Board has revealed that intermediaries are earning profits of around Rs. 40-50 by selling coconuts purchased at Rs. 134 for Rs. 180 at the coconut auction.

Strict new rules for alcohol tax payments

A new gazette notification has been issued amending the rules applicable to the payment period and levy of taxes on alcoholic products.

Jamaica braces for world’s strongest storm of 2025 as death toll rises to 7

Jamaica is bracing for the world’s strongest storm of 2025 after Hurricane Melissa was blamed for seven deaths across the Caribbean.

No egg donation at Castle Street Hospital for Women

Responding to recent media reports, Dr. Ajith Dantanarayana, Director of the Castle Street Hospital for Women in Colombo, clarified that there is no ova (egg) donation programme currently in progress at the hospital.

Sri Lanka vehicle market to face unprecedented price hike if Govt. taxes industry further

The prices of all vehicle models in Sri Lanka could increase beyond affordable limits following the government’s proposal to impose a 15 per cent tax on vehicles, Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) Chairman Prasad Manage warned.

Sri Lanka, Interpol team up to tackle Chinese scam network

Sri Lanka has teamed with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) to curb scamming activities involving Chinese nationals who arrive here mostly on tourist visas and deport them back for legal action in terms of the Chinese law, a Minister said yesterday.

Major General Ruwan Wanigasooriya retires as Chief of National Intelligence

Major General Ruwan Wanigasooriya, Chief of National Intelligence (CNI), relinquished his duties at the Ministry of Defence yesterday upon reaching the age of 60 years.

SLNA rejects minister’s statement on Muslim nursing attire

The Sri Lanka Nurses’ Association (SLNA) has strongly opposed a statement made by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, allowing nurses to change their uniforms according to Muslim attire as they wish.

Canadian nabbed at BIA with Rs. 182.5 million worth of hashish

A 21-year-old Canadian national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to smuggle a consignment of hashish valued at Rs. 182.5 million.

Tourist arrivals grow 21.8% in 26 days of October, attracting 137,876 tourists

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector demonstrated continued year-on-year growth in October, welcoming 137,876 tourists in the first 26 days of the month.

Sri Lanka advances efforts to ratify ILO convention on workplace violence

Sri Lanka is intensifying its efforts to protect workers’ rights and ensure safer workplaces by moving toward ratifying the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 (C190), the landmark treaty addressing workplace violence and harassment.

Ishani Apsara to officiate at King of the Ring in Sweden

Sri Lanka’s internationally acclaimed boxing referee Ishani Apsara has been selected once again to officiate at the King of the Ring Boxing Tournament, one of Europe’s most prestigious amateur boxing events, scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 2 in Borås, Sweden.

Accra Court grants bail to 11 accused of defrauding Sri Lankan MP of $2 million gold scam

Modern Ghana - The Accra Circuit Court Eight has granted bail to eleven persons accused of defrauding a Sri Lankan Member of Parliament of USD2 million under the pretext of supplying gold.

Colombo Land Registry letter goes missing, court orders probe

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama yesterday directed the Cinnamon Gardens Police to conduct an investigation and report to court regarding an incident in which a letter contained in an official file of the Colombo Land Registry had allegedly gone missing.