Senthil Thondaman survives Kathmandu hotel fire, rescues others

Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) President Senthil Thondaman, who was in Nepal recently, had a narrow escape when the hotel he was staying at was set ablaze by protesters during the uprising.

New EU laws after 2027 set to pose fresh hurdles for Sri Lanka’s exports

In the wake of Sri Lanka facing headwinds in its export growth because of U.S. tariffs and GSP+, it is now poised to encounter further challenges to overcome in accessing the European Union market because of new laws that will come into effect after 2027, according to a German expert.

SL’s financial system confidence improves short term: CBSL survey

Confidence in Sri Lanka’s financial system has improved in the short term but concerns over medium-term risks persist, with the market participants flagging global economic and geopolitical tensions as the biggest threats, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said in its latest systemic risk survey.

Exporters seek urgent reforms, labour solutions in Budget 2026

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has submitted a comprehensive package of proposals for the upcoming national budget, calling for bold reforms to strengthen the export sector, attract investment and enhance the country’s global competitiveness.

Synchronous expansion pushes 2Q GDP up 4.9%

Gross domestic product (GDP), the value of the total goods and services produced by the economy, in the second quarter of 2025 rose by a robust 4.9 percent. This is a pickup from the 4.8 percent growth seen in the first quarter, reflecting the persistent strength in the economy for the last eight quarters straight, since the economy broke the declining spiral two years ago.

Nissanka fifty helps SL edge sloppy HK in a thriller

Sri Lanka were made to work much harder than they would have liked before sealing a nervy four-wicket win over Hong Kong China in their second Asia Cup match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium last night.

14th world record & third world title for Duplantis

History-maker Armand Duplantis soared to his 14th world record with his final attempt as the Swedish superstar continued his pole vault domination by winning a third consecutive world title.

Sri Lanka survive Hong Kong scare in Dubai; Snuryakumar’s men proceed to next round as UAE beat Oman

UAE beat Oman by 42 runs in Abu Dhabi in the first of the twin Asia Cup clashes on Monday (15). The result meant that India secured a place in the Super Four with a match in hand while making the UAE-Pakistan clash on September 17 a virtual knockout.

Politician not bound by feelings with people can never become peoples’ leader: MR

A politician who is not bound by feelings with the people can never become a peoples’ leader, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today.

Poacher dies after gun misfires in waist

A 33-year-old poacher from Radaniara in Walasmulla died yesterday morning after a gun he was carrying in his waist accidentally misfired while he was riding a bicycle.

Namal denies allegations over drug containers

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa, responding to media questions today, condemned reports regarding two containers of raw materials allegedly intended for the production of “ICE” (Crystal Methamphetamine), which had left the port after being detected by the security forces.

Sri Lankan seniors win silver

Sri Lanka enjoyed a historic outing at the BWF World Senior Championships 2025, clinching three silver medals at the prestigious tournament held at the Eastern National Sports Training Centre in Pattaya, Thailand.

Education Minister explains delay in issuing interim circular on school admissions

The interim circular on the admission of children was issued late because the Ministry was working to resolve multiple issues while formulating the new policy, with the aim of minimising pressure on the children, Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

More time for budget debate this time: Bimal

It has been decided to allocate more time for the budget debate especially during the committee stage, Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake said today.

CSE slumps over 250 points as banking counters weigh heavily

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended sharply lower on Monday, extending its negative run and delivering a weak start to the week. The ASPI fell 257.01 points (-1.25%) to close at 20,355.39, while the S&P SL20 declined 74.28 points (-1.26%) to 5,798.84.

Expert committee’s report on BYD due within next few weeks: AG informs Court

The Attorney General today informed the Court of Appeal that the expert committee’s report on the engine capacity of BYD vehicles is expected within the next few weeks.

PUCSL calls for public consultation on proposed 3rd electricity tariff revision

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced a public consultation on the proposed third electricity tariff revision for the fourth quarter of 2025, submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

Magampura Port Management Company defaults USD 18.82 mn to private bank

The Magampura Port Management Company has failed to settle US dollars 18.82 million (Rs. 6,836 million) out of the US dollar 24 million loan obtained from a private bank under a Corporate Guarantee of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), a Parliamentary Committee reveals.

Plans to modernise Maradana Railway Station

Plans are afoot to modernise the Maradana Railway Station in a manner that preserves its historical and architectural heritage, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Time for Opposition in Parliament being curtailed: Sajith

Time allocated in Parliament for the Opposition to raise real issues faced by the people is being curtailed, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleged today.

Sampath Manamperi announces plan to surrender before court

Sampath Manamperi, who is wanted in connection with the discovery of two containers of chemicals suspected to be used in the manufacture of the drug “Ice” in the Middeniya area, today informed the Court of Appeal through his lawyer that he intends to surrender before the Magistrate’s Court.

PCB threatens Asia Cup pullout over referee handshake row

The board accuses referee Andy Pycroft of neglecting duties as India-Pakistan handshake row sparks major tournament dispute

HDA officer arrested in Pitigala over Rs. 50,000 bribe

A Housing Development Authority (HDA) technical officer was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000 in Pitigala

“I don’t arrange people to visit me” – Maithripala

Referring to the large crowd that gathered to see former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as he was leaving his Carlton House residence, former President Maithripala Sirisena said he does not bring people.

Sunil Watagala denies allegations of purchasing luxury residence

Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala denied allegations circulating on social media that he had purchased a luxury residence at the Cinnamon Life complex.

Rasamanickam raises concern over Mylathamadu Farmers’ protest

Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) Parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has expressed concern over the continuing farmers’ protest in Mylathamadu, Batticaloa, which entered its second year today.

Another suspected ICE production factory uncovered in Hambantota

Another suspected crystal methamphetamine (ICE) production factory operating from an apartment complex in Hambantota, has been discovered by the Kalutara Crimes Investigations Division.

Plans afoot to set up 50 multimodal transport centres by 2029

The government aims to establish at least 50 multimodal transport centres across the country by 2029, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake announced today.

Rs. 2,000 note gradually enters circulation: CBSL

The Rs. 2,000 commemorative currency note, issued recently, will be gradually released into circulation through licensed commercial banks, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.

Rising seas will threaten 1.5 million Australians by 2050

One and a half million Australians living in coastal areas are at risk from rising sea levels by 2050, a landmark climate report has warned.