Writ petition filed challenging endorsement of LGBTIQ tourism projects in Sri Lanka

A writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal challenging the legality of an alleged endorsement by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) of projects aimed at promoting and developing LGBTIQ tourism in Sri Lanka.

ASPI Eases After Early Rally

The market closed in negative territory today, with both indices declining gradually throughout the session. Despite an initial 113-point surge in early trading, the indices lost momentum as profit-taking pressure intensified, leading the ASPI and S&P SL20 to close lower by the end of the day.

Belavia and Red Wings Airlines to begin winter flights to MRIA tomorrow

With the onset of the 2025 winter season, flights to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) will commence from tomorrow.

Opposition alliance is better, people can now defeat fraudsters altogether: Deputy Minister

Aligning of the opposition parties is better as people can defeat those involved in fraud and corruption altogether as a single group, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe said today.

Accurate data system must be maintained when selecting Aswesuma beneficiaries: World Bank

World Bank representatives have emphasised that an updated and accurate data system must be maintained when selecting eligible beneficiaries for the Aswesuma Social Security Programme.

Sri Lanka, Australia enter into bilateral agreements on external debt restructuring

The Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Australia have entered into bilateral agreements on external debt restructuring, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to restore debt sustainability and revamp its economy, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said.

Government ends political interference in foreign employment: Minister

The new government has ended the practice of political interference in providing foreign employment and introduced a transparent system to ensure only deserving candidates secure jobs abroad, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said.

Argentina’s Milei wins big in midterms with ’chainsaw’ austerity

Argentina’s president Javier Milei has led his party to a landslide victory in Sunday’s midterm elections, after defining the first two years of his presidency with radical spending cuts and free-market reforms.

Shreyas Iyer out of ICU, condition stable after spleen injury

India batter Shreyas Iyer is ’’recovering well’’ in hospital after suffering a lacerated spleen while taking a catch in the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on Saturday.

British national dies on Ella Rock while celebrating daughter’s birthday

A British national who arrived in Sri Lanka with his daughter to celebrate her 34th birthday died under mysterious circumstances in Ella, police said.

Jaffna among Lonely Planet’s top 25 cities to visit in 2026

Jaffna has been named one of the 25 best cities to visit in the world in 2026 by global travel publisher Lonely Planet.

Driver granted bail after a year in remand over murder of female lawyer

The Colombo High Court today granted bail to a driver who had been held in remand custody for over a year in connection with the killing of a 36-year-old female lawyer at her residence in Mirihana in 2024.

Connecting me with underworld is fishy: Jagath Vithane

Denying that he has connections with the underworld, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Vithane said today that the move by the police to connect him with underworld figure Mathugama Shan is fishy.

Police sergeant dies in Wellawaya road accident

A 36-year-old police sergeant died following a road accident in Adawelayaya along the Wellawaya–Thanamalwila main road, police said.

From Ceylon to the Louvre: The Rs. 31 Billion Heist That Stole More Than Jewels

France has been shaken by one of the most spectacular museum robberies in recent memory — a daylight Louvre heist that stripped the nation of priceless royal jewellery worth more than €88 million (around Rs. 31 billion).

Deputy Minister issues Letter of Demand over defamatory YouTube claims

Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, has issued a Letter of Demand (LOD) to Waruna Rajapaksha over alleged defamatory statements made on YouTube concerning a distillery licence.

Joint opposition officially announces joint campaign against government

The Joint Opposition which comprises parties such as the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), United National Party (UNP), National Freedom Front (NFF) and others, today announced a joint campaign starting from Nugegoda on November 21 where a giant rally is to be held.

Nepal interim PM adds popular youth figures to cabinet

Nepal’s Prime Minister Sushila Karki expanded on Sunday her interim cabinet which was formed in the wake of youth-led uprising last month, inducting two ministers seen as popular among young people.

Experts warn of disease outbreaks across Sri Lanka

As torrential rains lash Sri Lanka, health experts are sounding the alarm over a surge in waterborne diseases.

Sharp decline in marriages, births, and population growth in the country

Sri Lanka has recorded a significant drop in marriages, live births, and overall population growth, according to newly released data from the Department of Population and Statistics.

Mr. President, please look after our local investors!

Since gaining independence in 1948, Sri Lankans have endured much as a nation — from war and economic hardship to racism and social division. Yet time and again, we have risen together, setting aside our differences and rebuilding with resilience.

MP Jagath Withana death threats linked to underworld connections, says IGP

Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya said that investigations have revealed that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Withana, who recently claimed he was receiving death threats, has alleged connections with those involved with underworld figures.

India and China resume direct flights as ties improve

Direct flights between India and China have resumed as relations between the countries appear to be thawing.

Rs. 645 million spent on vehicle repairs at Presidential Secretariat in 2024

The Annual Detailed Management Audit Report (2024) pertaining to the Presidential Secretariat has revealed that over Rs. 645 million (a total of Rs. 645,336,774) was spent on vehicle repairs during the year 2024.

Bimal in China: NPP seeks inputs over China’s growth, governance, stability

In a bid to deepen ideological and political engagement with Beijing, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) — a key constituent of the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) — has stepped up its interaction with the Communist Party of China (CPC), seeking to learn from China’s experience in achieving economic growth

Indian caught smuggling heroin at BIA

An Indian national has been arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle a large quantity of heroin into Sri Lanka.

Dr. Chamal urges CID probe into massive loss from expired medical supplies

Chairman of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, has called on the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to launch an immediate investigation into the alleged negligence and corruption behind the expiration of a large consignment of medical supplies valued at billions of rupees.

Rain curtails India run chase against Bangladesh

Rain once again played spoilsport in the Women’s Cricket World Cup as the final league match between India and Bangladesh was abandoned at Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

'No doubt' England make World Cup final - Hartley

There is ’’no doubt’’ that England will reach the Women’s World Cup final, said former spinner Alex Hartley after Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side thrashed New Zealand to conclude the group stage.

Chamod, Safiya Crowned South Asia’s Fastest Sprinters

Sri Lankan athletes Chamod Yodhsingha and Safiya Yamic emerged as South Asia’s fastest man and woman at the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championship 2025, which concluded today in Ranchi, India.