AI will redefine banking, drive economic and social value: CBSL

Local banks are accelerating their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to improve efficiency, expand financial inclusion, and support sustainable finance, according to the financial sector regulator, the Central Bank said.

Imported spices may mask true Ceylon flavour: PA cautions

Imported spices could dilute Sri Lanka’s globally recognised ‘Pure Ceylon Spices’ brand, the Planters’ Association (PA) warned yesterday, cautioning that the government’s decision to allow spice imports threatens decades of work in building the island’s reputation for premium quality.

Rajapaksa politics no longer valid: Minister Viddyarathna

The politics of the Rajapaksas is no longer valid in this country, as people have recognized the true nature of politics, Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Viddyarathna said.

All allegations against Rajapaksa’s worth less than Wasantha Samarasinghe’s declared assets - Cassilingam

Jaffna District Organizer and SLPP Political Bureau Member G. Cassilingham has claimed that the total value of all allegations made against Rajapaksa family over the past decade does not even come close to the declared assets of Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe.

UK aristocrat, partner jailed 14 years for killing daughter

A British woman from an aristocratic family and her partner were sentenced on Monday for the manslaughter of their newborn daughter, with the court handing both of them 14-year prison terms.

RDA launches modernization of 119,000 km road network

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has commenced the systematic development of Sri Lanka’s 119,000-kilometre road network, including the modernization of rural roads in Pradeshiya Sabha areas with financial and technical assistance from the Authority, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena announced today.

Keheliya, others granted bail in substandard medicine case

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and several co-defendants indicted over the alleged misappropriation of government funds in the purchase of substandard medicines were released on bail by the Colombo High Court today.

CSE rebounds strongly as banking counters and capital goods drive gains

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) staged a strong recovery on Tuesday, with the ASPI advancing 263.98 points (+1.30%) to close at 20,619.37, while the S&P SL20 gained 69.27 points (+1.19%) to 5,868.11.

Talks on condom use education in schools hits a dead end

The discussion on introducing condom use into Sri Lanka’s school curriculum has stalled, with no progress made since the initial round of talks, the Daily Mirror learns.

Indian fishermen return following release from Sri Lankan custody

Fishermen from Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the maritime boundary while fishing returned to Chennai after being released upon payment of a fine of Rs. 5 lakhs each.

Govt to resume Gatambe flyover construction

The government has approved the completion of ground-level roads using local funds through the current contractor and the resumption of construction work on the Gatambe flyover.

Namal meets Indian High Commissioner

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa met with Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha in Colombo, where the two discussed ongoing developments in both countries and ways to further enhance bilateral relations.

DNA urges President to reconsider reappointment of Diyawadana Nilame amid allegations

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to reconsider the potential reappointment of Nilanga Dela as the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, citing serious allegations against him.

Cabinet approves amending laws to enable Sri Lankans overseas to cast their votes

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to take action to appoint a committee to study particulars relevant to amending the laws and formulating new laws to safeguard the voting rights of Sri Lankan citizens overseas.

President to sign Rs. 1.94 Bn Japanese grant agreements during state visit

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to sign key bilateral agreements during his upcoming state visit to Japan, securing a total grant of 963 million Japanese yen (approximately Rs. 1.94 billion) from the Government of Japan.

Cabinet approves obtaining additional funds to purchase paddy in Yala season

The government has allocated Rs. 6,000 million for the programme to purchase paddy for the 2025 Yala season, and the Paddy Marketing Board has already purchased 43,891 metric tons of paddy, incurring Rs. 5,288 million in 16 districts.

9-hour water cut in Colombo on Thursday

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 9-hour water cut in Colombo on Thursday, September 18.

Govt approves feasibility study to ease traffic at Colombo’s Lotus Roundabout

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to conduct a detailed feasibility study to address increasing traffic congestion at the Lotus Roundabout, one of Colombo’s most congested intersections during peak hours.

UN inquiry finds Israel’s war on Gaza to be genocide

A United Nations inquiry has found that Israel’s war on Gaza is a genocide, a landmark moment after nearly two years of war.

NPP Ministers growing in wealth is eighth wonder: SJB MP

Ministers including Wasantha Samarasinghe increasing their wealth is the eighth wonder of the world, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Kavinda Jayawardene said today.

Admissions open for 2025 Korean language proficiency test

The issuance of admissions for the Korean Language Proficiency Test (KLPT) for employment opportunities in South Korea’s manufacturing and fisheries sectors has commenced, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced.

CEB Engineers’ Union to intensify protest against restructuring plan

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Engineers’ Association has decided to step up its protest against the government’s proposal to divide the CEB into four separate entities.

Government expands school nutrition program covering 1.4 million students

The government’s national school nutrition program is now being implemented across all 100 education zones in every province, with Rs. 32 billion allocated for 2025 to support the initiative.

SL Navy rescues six victims abandoned by human smugglers

During a search operation off the Sand Dunes area in Talaimannar, the Sri Lanka Navy rescued six Sri Lankan nationals who were victims of human smuggling and were abandoned.

Digital signatures introduced for public officials

The Ministry of Public Administration has introduced digital signatures for public officials in a move aimed at streamlining administrative processes and enhancing efficiency across government services.

Trump says he will sue the New York Times for $15bn

Donald Trump has announced he will file a $15bn lawsuit for defamation and libel against the New York Times, calling it a virtual “mouthpiece” for the Democrats.

Man accused of pouring hot water on dog in Bhagwanthalawa

A shocking incident of animal cruelty has been reported from Bhagwanthalawa, where security camera footage captured a dog being chased away with hot water while it was sleeping in front of a shop yesterday (15).

Risk of low-quality medicines reaching the public

Testing of certain medicines sold at unusually low prices in private pharmacies has confirmed that some do not contain the correct ingredients, raising serious concerns about patient safety, Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, President of the Professional Association of Doctors for Medical and Civil Rights, told the Daily Mirror.

One dead, six injured in Southern Expressway crash

A 35-year-old woman died and six others, including three children, have been injured in a road accident on the Southern Expressway early this morning.

US says ’framework’ for TikTok ownership deal agreed with China

Washington has reached a ’’framework’’ deal with China on TikTok’s US operations, paving the way for American ownership, as the world’s two biggest economies negotiate a trade deal.