Sevangala sugar factory to be turned into a public-private partnership: Deputy Minister

The Sevangala sugar factory is to be converted into a public-private partnership in order to make the maximum use of the available resources of the entity, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe told Parliament today.

Gammanpila appears before Bribery Commission

Udaya Gammanpila, leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya and former Member of Parliament, appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning.

IMF reaches staff-level agreement with Sri Lanka on fifth review

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Sri Lankan authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the Fifth Review of Sri Lanka’s reform program under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

Former envoy warns: ’This rally won’t last forever’

Gold fever has gripped the globe once again. The metal that built empires and calmed crises has smashed through $4,000 an ounce, its highest level in history — the boldest surge since the 1970s.

Bribery DG’s wife worked for Arjuna Mahendran : MP

The opposition yesterday came out with yet another serious allegation against Committee to Investigate Allegations on Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) Director General Ranga Dissanayake stating that his wife had worked for one time Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran.

Preschooler drowns during swimming lesson

A 5-year-old child studying at a private school in Mirihana died after drowning during a swimming lesson.

Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza ceasefire and return of hostages

Israel and Hamas said they had agreed to a long-awaited ceasefire and hostage deal, the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end a war in Gaza that has killed more than 67,000 people and reshaped the Middle East.

Vehicle imports surge – Less takers

Vehicle importers have reported a slowdown in demand for new vehicle purchases following a surge in imports over the past several months. They said the influx of vehicles brought in to meet pent-up demand after years of restrictions has now led to a cooling-off period, as the initial rush of buyers have subsided.

2024 G.C.E. (O/L) re-exam results released

The Department of Examinations has announced that the re-examination results of the 2024 G.C.E. (Ordinary Level) Examination have been released.

Mooney ton rescues Australia in stunning World Cup win over Pakistan

A superb century from Beth Mooney dragged defending champions Australia back from the brink of disaster before they completed a crushing 107-run win over Pakistan in a Women’s World Cup clash in Colombo on Wednesday.

Pavithra Fernando New Rugby Chief

Former Sri Lanka rugby forward Pavithra Fernando was elected as the President of Sri Lanka Rugby at an election of office bearers held at the Duncan White Auditorium of the Ministry of Sports in Colombo today defeating Lasitha Gunaratne who held the top post some years ago.

Energy Minister silent over Daily Mirror report

Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody did not respond to the question raised in Parliament by MP Ravi Karunanayake under the headline “Threat of power cuts looms?” published in today’s Daily Mirror.

Bangladesh clubs to boycott matches over cricket board election

A group of leading cricket clubs announced Wednesday a boycott of all domestic competitions, alleging widespread irregularities and government interference during the recent election of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Rugby and Cricket Blacklisted

In what may be another alltalk and no action or more talk and less action scenario, Deputy Sports Minister Sugath Tillekaratne revealed that 67 toplevel sportsmen and women from 11 sports have been involved in using banned performance-enhancing substances.

Germany to allow police to shoot down drones

Germany will grant police the power to shoot down rogue drones like those that have disrupted airports across Europe and that some European leaders have attributed to a hybrid war being waged by Russia.

Bribery Commission acted on political influence: Defence alleges

Sepalika Saman Kumari, former Director General of the Office for Reparations and current Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, was released on bail.

CSE pulls back after three weeks of bullish momentum

After three consecutive weeks of bullish performance, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed a pullback, as investors opted to book profits following the recent market rally. The ASPI declined by 65.24 points (-0.29%) to close at 22,097.99, while the S&P SL20 fell 28.32 points (-0.46%) to 6,163.22, with a turnover of LKR 7.32 Bn.

’’Looking forward to participating in NDTV world summit’’: PM Harini

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya will take part in the NDTV World Summit when she arrives in India next week. This will be the 55-year-old South Asian leader’s first official visit to the country.

Monk begins hunger strike in Tangalle over MR’s security

Theripahala Siridhamma Thera of Rathupaswala commenced a hunger strike in Tangalle this afternoon (08) to protest the government’s decision to withdraw the security detail of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Long-distance bus quality test begins tomorrow

A pilot project to assess the quality of buses operating on routes exceeding 100 kilometers from the Bastion Road Passenger Bus Terminal is scheduled to commence tomorrow (09) morning.

Pavithra Fernando elected new President of Sri Lanka Rugby

Former Sri Lanka and Ceylonese Rugby & Football Club (CR & FC) captain Pavithra Fernando has been elected as the new President of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR).

Govt launches new results-based framework for ministries

The government has rolled out a new Ministerial Results Framework for 22 line ministries and affiliated institutions to strengthen results-based management in the public sector over the period 2025–2029.

India finds serious testing lapses at pharma firms after cough syrup deaths

A state health official sticks a notice outside the Sresan Pharmaceutical factory whose Coldrif cough syrup has been linked to the deaths of 17 children in Madhya Pradesh, in Chennai, India, October 7, 2025.

Former Reparations DG Sepalika Saman Kumari granted bail

Sepalika Saman Kumari, former Director General of the Office for Reparations and current Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, was released on bail today.

Bombay High Court bars Shilpa Shetty from travelling to Sri Lanka

Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty has once again been stopped from leaving the country. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday refused her request to travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a YouTube event scheduled between October 25 and 29, citing pending fraud allegations worth Rs 60 crore.

Wildlife Office to be established at Mattala Airport

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the establishment of a dedicated Wildlife Department office at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota.

Denmark to ban social media for under-15s to protect children from ’unleashed monster’

Denmark will ban social media for children under 15, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced, accusing digital platforms of “stealing our children’s childhood.”

Cabinet approves Rs. 3 Bn airfield facility at Rathmalana Airport

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the construction of a new airfield facility complex at the Colombo International Airport in Rathmalana.

BIA records 14% rise in flight traffic in first eight months

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has recorded a 14.4 percent increase in flight traffic during the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Namal accuses government of not taking vote on resolution adopted at UNHRC

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa today accused the government of not taking a vote for the resolution adopted without a vote at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.