Vehicle loans surge to Rs. 1.16 trillion in first half of 2025 - Central Bank

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announced that by the end of the first six months of 2025, financial institutions in the country had granted a total of Rs. 1,161 billion (approximately) as vehicle-backed loans, reflecting strong demand following the easing of import restrictions earlier this year.

Body found near Adani Terminal at Colombo Port

The Colombo Port Police have launched an investigation after a body was discovered in the sea near the jetty of the Adani Terminal at Colombo Port, following a tip-off.

At least 20 dead as Hyderabad-Bengaluru bus catches fire near Kurnool

At least 20 passengers were charred to death, while 12 others escaped with minor injuries after a private bus was gutted in a fire near Chinnatekur village in Kallur mandal, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, early Friday, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

Comet ‘Lemon’ visible in evening skies: Scientist

Comet ‘C/2025 A6’, also known as Lemon, can currently be observed in the evening skies, space scientist Gihan Weerasekara announced.

Exports cross US$ 12.9bn in nine months

Sri Lanka’s export engine continued to gather pace this year with steady growth delivered across both goods and services.

NBA stars and mafia among dozens arrested in illegal gambling crackdown

An NBA player and coach are among dozens of people arrested as part of a sweeping FBI investigation into illegal sports betting and rigged, mafia-linked poker games.

Marathon record holder Chepngetich given three-year ban

Women’s marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich has been banned for three years after the Kenyan admitted to anti-doping rule violations.

Mandhana, Rawal tons make India clinch last semi-final spot

Superb centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal powered India to a 53-run win over New Zealand and into the Women’s World Cup semi-finals on Thursday.

Messi signs new Inter Miami contract through 2028: club

Lionel Messi has agreed a contract extension with Inter Miami which will see the Argentine superstar remain in Major League Soccer until the end of the 2028 season, the club confirmed on Thursday.

No arrested underworld figure will die in police custody: Justice Minister

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara today assured that no underworld figures who were arrested will die in police custody.

Another derailment on upcountry line

The night mail train travelling from Badulla Railway Station to Colombo Fort derailed at the Kithelella Sub-Station tonight, the Railways Department said.

Diyawadana Nilame election in crisis with lack of male Divisional Secretaries?

Issues pertaining to the election of a Diyawadana Nimale at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, including the non-eligibility of women Divisional Secretaries to vote, is to be discussed in Parliament tomorrow.

High-level meeting held to strengthen airport security

A high-level meeting was held today (23 October) at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, jointly chaired by Deputy Minister of Ports and Aviation, Janith Ruwan Kodituwakku and Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha.

Shritharan using CC membership to shield himself from bribery allegations: Chamara Sampath

Parliamentarian Chamara Sampath in a privilege issue raised serious concerns over the conduct of MP S. Shritharan, as a member of the Constitutional Council.

Don’t become a ghost, you scare us even now: Justice Minister tells Chamara Sampath

Responding to MP Chamara Sampath’s allegations of allegded plans to kill him, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said today the MP will not be killed and assured to protect him.

ASPI Rises as Banking Counters Lead Market Rally

The Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed a mixed trading session today, with the ASPI closing in positive territory, while the S&P SL20 ended marginally lower, reflecting a shift in sectoral momentum.

Legal action to be taken over fake education reform bill circulating online

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has announced that legal action will be taken against those responsible for circulating a fake draft bill on national education reforms for 2026 on social media.

Over 700 acres of land in North, East returned to public: Deputy Minister

Over 700 acres of land in the North and the East have been returned to the public, Deputy Minister of Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekera told Parliament today.

’If you kill me, I will haunt you and seek revenge’: Chamara Sampath tells Public Security Minister

Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayke, who dropped a bombshell in Parliament, alleged that there was a plan to kill him.

India’s next CJI calls for India-Sri Lanka collaboration to protect Indian ocean

India’s next Chief Justice of India (CJI), Justice Surya Kant, has called for strengthened collaboration between India and Sri Lanka to safeguard the Indian Ocean, emphasising that environmental cooperation is not a matter of charity or diplomacy but a necessity for survival

Suspects of Weligama PS Chairman's killing to be arrested soon: Minister

The suspects in the killing of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekera will be arrested within the next few days, Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today.

Fake Bribery Commission officer arrested in Polonnaruwa

A man posing as an officer of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) was arrested in Polonnaruwa yesterday.

Trump says Putin talks ’don’t go anywhere’ as he imposes new sanctions

The US has announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s two largest oil companies in an effort to pressure Moscow to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine.

Fire at Wadduwa tourist hotel: Guests rescued, one injured

A fire broke out on the second floor of a three-storey tourist hotel in Wadduwa.

Daily Mirror bags Silver Award at Presidential Environment Awards 2025

Daily Mirror deputy Features Editor Kamanthi Wickramasinghe has been recognised with a Silver Award in the Media Sector – Individual Category (English Medium) at the Presidential Environment Awards 2025.

Delhi’s air has become toxic once again

Every year, like clockwork, Delhi chokes. A thick, toxic haze settles over the city - stinging eyes, burning throats and sending air quality monitors into panic mode.

Islandwide preschool curriculum to be introduced from 2027: PM

A single national curriculum for all preschools across Sri Lanka will be implemented from 2027, Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced yesterday (22).

IOC to tell members not to host events in Indonesia

Indonesia said it would not grant visas to the Israel team for the ongoing World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta because of the country’s military offensive in Gaza.

Over 9,500 affected, four dead due to inclement weather

A total of 9,542 people from 2,395 families across 12 districts have been affected by adverse weather conditions, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

AI powered threat detection system to safeguard cyber security: Deputy Minister

The government has decided to use an AI powered threat detection system to safeguard state cloud services so that evolving threats could be known, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne told Parliament today.