Luxury vehicle in Ella accident lacked recording facility in camera system - Agent

The luxury car involved in the recent fatal accident with a bus at Rawanaella on the Ella–Wellawaya Road was not equipped with recording facilities in its security camera system, its agents have confirmed.

Estimated Govt. expenditure to go up by a further 3 billion in 2026

The total estimated government expenditure for 2026 has shot up by a further Rs. 3 billion, compared with the current year, according to the Appropriation Bill for 2026.

Taliban ban books written by women from Afghan universities

The Taliban government has removed books written by women from the university teaching system in Afghanistan as part of a new ban which has also outlawed the teaching of human rights and sexual harassment.

Customs’ forfeiture of Panama-flagged vessel carrying salt challenged before court

A writ petition was filed before the Court of Appeal challenging the decision of the Sri Lanka Customs to forfeit the MV Stella Beauty, a Panama-flagged cargo vessel carrying a consignment of six million kilograms of iodised white granular salt imported from India.

Nabi offers condolences to Wellalage after father’s death

Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has extended his heartfelt condolences to Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage following the death of his father, Suranga Wellalage.

“It’s our time to shine”: Athapaththu

Playing at a World Cup isn’t something you get to do every day, and it is an opportunity that we will not take for granted.

Dunith Wellalage’s father passes away during Asia Cup match

Suranga Wellalage, father of Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, passed away in Colombo after suffering a cardiac arrest. On the same day his father died, Dunith took the field for Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup encounter against Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh reach Asia Cup Super Fours

Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan to qualify for the Asia Cup Super Four stage, eliminating their opponents in the process.

Sri Lanka’s third Nano-satellite to be placed in orbit tomorrow

Sri Lanka’s third Nano-satellite will be placed in orbit tomorrow, marking another milestone in the country’s space technology development, the Ministry of Science and Technology said today.

Landmark court ruling orders disability-friendly upgrades at railway stations from Vavuniya to Mahawa

The Anuradhapura High Court yesterday has issued a landmark ruling requiring the renovation of railway stations between Vavuniya and Mahawa to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. The decision comes after a petition highlighted the failure to comply with accessibility regulations during recent station upgrades.

Nabi’s late blitz lifts Afghanistan to 170 after Thushara’s magic

Mohammad Nabi produced a stunning late assault to rescue Afghanistan, smashing 49 runs in the last two overs to power his side to 170. The highlight was a breathtaking 32-run 20th over, showcasing the veteran’s big-hitting prowess at the death.

Atletico and Uefa to review ’spit’ footage during Liverpool match

Atletico Madrid will launch an investigation into the mass confrontation that marred their 3-2 Champions League loss at Anfield, with a member of their backroom team appearing to spit into the crowd.

Chinese national falls to death in Dehiwala

The Dehiwala Police recovered the body of a Chinese national who is suspected to have fallen from an apartment complex in Dehiwala.

Daniel Katz proposed as IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), today proposed the appointment of Daniel Katz as First Deputy Managing Director, effective October 6, 2025.

Women Parliamentarians seek UK support to encourage young women’s political participation

The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus discussed potential pathways for UK support to the Caucus with representatives of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and held discussions regarding intergenerational dialogue for encouraging young women’s political participation with the representatives of the Law and Society Trust (LST).

Court orders PNB Director to appear before court over Backhoe Saman’s wife’s case

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered the Director of the Police Narcotics Bureau to personally appear before court on September 25 and present submissions regarding the charges filed under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance against Shadhika Lakshani, wife of ’Backhoe Saman’.

CSE extends bullish streak for third day; ASPI nears 21,000

The Colombo Stock Exchange extended its bullish run for the third consecutive session today with the ASPI advancing 189.84 points (+0.91%) to close at 20,965.26, while the S&P SL20 climbed 68.30 points (+1.16%) to settle at 5,971.30. Market activity remained healthy, recording a turnover of LKR 6.86 Bn on a volume of 254.63 Mn shares.

Earth tremor recorded off Trincomalee

A minor earth tremor with a magnitude of 3.9 was recorded in the sea area, about 60 kilometres northeast of Trincomalee, at 4.06 p.m. today (18), the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) said.

Four arrested with counterfeit Rs. 5,000 notes

Four suspects were arrested in Habarana, Anuradhapura, and Pihimbiyagollewa with a large stock of counterfeit Rs. 5,000 currency notes, Police said.

Two injured in acid attack during police inquiry

Two people were hospitalized following an acid attack that occurred during a police inquiry at the Kalawana Police Station today (18), police said.

Tharanga seventh at World Athletics Championships, finishes ahead of defending champion

Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga finished seventh in the Men’s Javelin event at the ongoing World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.

Athapaththu aiming high with Sri Lanka at Women’s World Cup

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu believes the fact that the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will be played on the sub-continent will prove advantageous for her side.

Alleged contempt of court remarks: Municipal councillor released on bail

Kotte Municipal Councillor Harshani Sandaruwani, who was produced before court on charges of contempt of court during proceedings in a case filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, was released on bail by Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththiikumara.

Former Sabaragamuwa Minister remanded

Former Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Minister Athula Kumara Rahubadda has been remanded until October 2 over allegations of misappropriating state funds.

Sri Lankan passport almost in par with North Korea, Palestine

The Sri Lankan passport which ranked at 91 among 105 countries dropped a further 6 spots since March this year to 97, further weakening the standing of Sri Lankan passport holders to travel to other countries.

Ambulance collides with lorry in Norwood, driver arrested

An ambulance met with an accident in the Norwood Wensher Watta area along the Hatton–Bogawantalawa main road today, police said.

New service station to be opened at Udukawa on Southern Expressway

Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake said that a new, small-scale service station is expected to be launched by the end of September at Udukawa, along the Southern Expressway.

Reports about stranded worker in Israel: Embassy clarifies

The Sri Lankan Mission in Israel has clarified that recent reports on Facebook and other social media claiming that a Sri Lankan worker has been stranded in the country are misleading.

Traffic in Colombo amid CEB workers’ protest

Heavy traffic congestion was reported along Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha in Colombo today (18), stretching from the Lake House roundabout to Slave Island, owing to a protest demonstration staged by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) workers.

Fire destroys polythene stock at Dambulla market shop

A fire erupted in the early hours of this morning (18) at a shop unit inside the Dambulla market premises, administered by the Dambulla Municipal Council.