Colombo stock market ends in red after extended bull run

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed a reversal in momentum today, breaking its recent bullish streak as investor sentiment shifted during midday trading. The market, which opened on a positive note, saw the All Share Price Index (ASPI) gain 82 points early in the session before reversing sharply, declining by 179 points to close the day lower by 80 points.

Ishara Sewwandi brought back

Ishara Sewwandi, the main suspect in the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa and the other suspects, were brought back to the country a short while ago.

Manusha Nanayakkara released on bail

Former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara was released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama today.

PC polls to be held either under old system or after enacting new electoral system: Lal Kantha

While reiterating government’s assurance to hold the Provincial Council elections next year, Minister Lal Kantha said the election will be held next year either under the old system or after enacting a new electoral system.

New secretaries appointed to two Ministries

Two new secretaries have been appointed to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs by the President.

Government dispensers to launch island-wide strike on Oct. 22

The Society of Government Dispensers has announced that it will launch an island-wide strike on Wednesday (22), protesting the failure to recruit dispensing officers to major government hospitals managed by the central government and opposing what they described as unfair interference in transfer decisions made by the Health Ministry.

Traffic disruptions due to dense fog in central hills

Traffic disruptions have occurred in the catchment areas on the western slopes of the central hills due to dense fog and heavy rains which lashed the area this afternoon.

Attorney Gunaratne Wanninayaka released on bail

Attorney-at-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake, President of the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court Bar Association, was released on bail today over allegations of verbally abusing and threatening a police officer who was on duty within the court premises.

CID ordered to verify quality of creams marketed by Piumi Hansamali

Colombo Additional Magistrate Nuwan Kaushalya today directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to obtain a report from the Government Analyst regarding the quality standards of cosmetic creams distributed islandwide by Loliya Skin Company, owned by popular actress and model Piumi Hansamali.

UNP officially calls all Opposition political parties to unite

The United National Party (UNP), in an official statement, called on all Opposition political parties to come to a single platform while safeguarding their own identities.

Lawyer Gunaratne Wanninayake appears before court

Attorney-at-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake, who was involved in an incident with a police constable at the Mount Lavinia Court premises, appeared before the Mount Lavina Magistarte’s Court today.

SJB ready for any election

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is ready to face any litmus test anytime and is ready to face any election, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

National policy on occupational safety, health in the offing: Labour Ministry

A national policy on occupational safety and health is being drafted and is expected to be published soon, the Ministry of Labour said.

Over 12 civilians killed in Pakistani attack, Afghan Taliban say

More than 12 civilians were killed in Afghanistan as fresh fighting broke out between Afghan and Pakistani forces on Wednesday, the Taliban said, rupturing a fragile peace that had briefly taken hold after weekend clashes between the countries killed dozens.

Eyewitness claims police harassment after revealing assault on lawyer

An eyewitness to the recent altercation between Attorney-at-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake and a Police Constable at the Mount Lavinia Court premises has alleged that he is now being harassed by the Police for speaking out.

Sinopec assures speedy commencement of new Hambantota refinery

A high-level delegation from China’s Sinopec Group has assured Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, that the company will expedite the commencement of the proposed oil refinery project in Hambantota.

Manusha Nanayakkara arrested

Former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara was arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption a short while ago.

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga dies aged 80

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80, family sources have told the BBC.

Kopay Police withdrawn after court ruling

The Kopay Police have been temporarily withdrawn from the area following an order issued by the Jaffna District Court.

Prime Minister to visit India from October 16–18

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya is scheduled to undertake an official visit to India from October 16 to 18, 2025.

Wanninayake to surrender before Magistrate’s Court

Attorney-at-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake, through his counsel today informed the Court of Appeal that he would forthwith surrender before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court in connection with an incident involving a police constable at the Mount Lavinia Court premises.

Namal urges government to keep promises made to the people

Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa yesterday warned the government to fulfill the promises made to the people, saying that “enough lies have been told.”

PNB Director Hemal Prashantha transferred

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hemal Prashantha, Director of the Police Narcotics Bureau, has been transferred as the Acting Commanding Officer of the Police Field Force Headquarters.

COPA slams CMC over unauthorized funeral parlour on Borella Kanatte land

Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has taken Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to task for its failure to take action against an unauthorized funeral parlour on the land allocated for the construction of quarters for the administrator of Borella Kanatte.

Former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara appears before bribery commission

Former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today to provide a statement.

Sewwandi fled by boat, spent three weeks in India before reaching Nepal

Police investigations have revealed that Ishara Sewwandi, the main suspect in the murder of organized crime figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa, fled Sri Lanka by boat from Jaffna and spent about three weeks in India before travelling to Nepal by road, spending nearly Rs. 6.5 million on her escape.

Limited export base restrains Sri Lanka from fully benefiting from EU’s GSP+ scheme

Sri Lanka’s limited export diversification and narrow production base have constrained the country from fully capitalizing on the benefits of the GSP+ (Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus) trade facility with the European Union (EU), Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka’s wildlife parks face dual threat of overcrowding and neglect, audit reveals

Sri Lanka’s lucrative wildlife tourism sector, a cornerstone of its economic recovery, is facing a critical challenge of imbalance.

EV demand fades amid Customs fiasco

Amid the government’s push to promote electric vehicles (EVs) as a key step toward reducing air pollution and advancing renewable energy, public interest in EVs is reportedly declining, the Electric Vehicle Owners Association (EVOA) has warned.

New plantation sector wage hike plan lacks economic logic: PA

Plantation companies yesterday pushed back against President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s bid to raise estate worker wages, warning the move has no firm economic logic and would saddle the sector with an additional Rs. 13 billion burden per year.