Global promotion gaps put SL’s 2030 tourism targets at risk

Sri Lanka’s ambitious plan to attract five million tourists and generate US$ 10 billion in annual revenue by 2030 is under threat as bureaucratic delays stall a critical global promotional campaign, industry leaders said.

ITAK expresses disappointment over government’s stance at UNHRC

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has voiced strong disappointment over the statement made by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), accusing the government of failing to deliver on promises of accountability and reconciliation.

Qatar Airways says operations remain unaffected by recent events in Doha

Qatar Airways has confirmed that its operations remain unaffected by the recent unfortunate events reported in Doha.

No reason to raise human rights concerns in Sri Lanka, Russia responds to OHCHR

Russia, in response to the OHCHR report on Sri Lanka, said that it sees no reason to raise concerns about the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, whose authorities demonstrate their readiness to build mutually respectful cooperation with international human rights mechanisms.

Signboards to be installed along railway tracks to prevent elephant-train collisions

A programme to install signboards along railway tracks to prevent elephant-train collisions was launched today (9), following the recommendations of a special parliamentary committee headed by Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi and Minister of Civil Aviation and Highways Bimal Rathnayake.

“Is Namal trying to become the President of Iceland?” Bimal asks

Responding to claims made by former Minister Namal Rajapaksa on the government’s failure to curb the drug trade, Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake alleged that Rajapaksa and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna were tied to the importation and trade of narcotic ‘ICE’.

Sri Lankans in Nepal safe amid violent unrest: Acting Foreign minister

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Arun Hemachandra said that no Sri Lankans have been reported harmed amid the violent unrest unfolding in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal.

Wife of ex-Nepali prime minister burnt alive

The wife of former prime minister of Nepal Jhala Nath Khanal has died after she was burned alive when her home was set on fire amid violent anti-government protests in the country, regional media reported.

Senior Hamas member killed in the airstrikes in Doha, Qatar

Israel launched airstrikes on Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, targeting senior Hamas officials, Al Arabiya reported citing Israeli officials. Preliminary reports suggested that Hamas’ chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, was killed in the attack.

Multiple explosions heard in Qatar’s Doha

Reuters reports an explosion in the Qatara neighborhood of Doha, the capital of Qatar. The IDF shortly afterward confirmed that strikes were conducted in the city targeting the Hamas leadership in Qatar.

Sudden floods cause heavy traffic in Kandy

A sudden flood was reported this evening in the Mahayiyawa area along the Kandy–Katugastota main road following heavy rainfall.

Janith Liyanage added to Sri Lanka squad for Asia Cup

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Selection Committee has named middle-order batter Janith Liyanage in the national squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

Nepal’s Parliament, Supreme Court and ministers’ homes set on fire

Nepal’s Parliament building, Supreme Court, and residences of several senior leaders were set ablaze on Tuesday as anti-government protests spiralled out of control, minutes after Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned.

Parliament grounds to be open to public: Government MP

The Parliament ground which had been out of bound for the public is to reopened, Government MP Asitha Niroshana told Parliament today.

Hilton Hotel set on fire in Nepal

’’As the prime minister’s resignation has already been accepted by the president, we call upon all to restrain and not to allow more loss to life and property in this difficult situation,’’ they said.

Court allows CID to record further statements from wife of ’Backhoe Saman’

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today granted permission to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to record further statements inside prison from Sajika Lakshani, alleged to be the wife of organised crime group member ’Backhoe Saman,’ who was arrested in Indonesia while associating with members of a notorious drug trafficking and criminal gang and later remanded upon being produced before court.

Sri Lankans in Nepal advised to remain indoors amid unrest

Sri Lankans residing in Nepal have been advised to remain indoors and take necessary precautions in view of the prevailing unrest in the country, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kathmandu announced today.

Police warn against using sky lanterns during festivities

The Sri Lanka Police cautioned the public on the serious risks of fire associated with the release of sky lanterns during festive seasons and special celebrations.

PUCSL to seek public views on proposed 6.8% electricity tariff hike

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced that it will seek public opinion on the electricity tariff revision proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for the final quarter of 2025.

Amadyapa Maha Sabha to launch drug counseling program

The Amadyapa Maha Sabha, under the leadership of its Chairman, Most Venerable Dr. Ittapane Dhammalankara Thera, has commenced specialized programs on Buddhist Psychology, Drug Prevention, and Counseling at its newly established headquarters in Thalapatpitiya, Sri Jayewardenepura.

Rawalpindi, Lahore to host SL tour matches in November

Sri Lanka’s National Men’s Cricket Team is set to tour Pakistan in November 2025 for a bilateral One Day International (ODI) series, followed by T20 International Tri-Nation tournament featuring hosts Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Court orders disputed JVP–FLSP office to be placed under police custody

The Gampaha Magistrate’s Court (Court No. 02) today ordered that the political office currently occupied by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and claimed by the Frontline Socialist Party (FLSP) be vacated and handed over to the police until the dispute is settled.

Cabinet appoints Capt. Rambukwella as CAASL DG & CEO

The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Captain Daminda Rambukwella as the new Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).

CAA destroys over 4.5 metric tons of expired dried fish and dates

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has destroyed more than 4.5 metric tons of expired dried fish and dates seized from three business premises in Wattala and Hendala, following successful prosecutions at the Welisara Magistrate’s Court.

Nepal PM Oli quits as anti-corruption protests spiral

Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned today, his aide said, as anti-corruption demonstrators defied an indefinite curfew and clashed with police, a day after 19 people died in violent protests triggered by a social media ban.

Shooting in Ambalangoda: Murder suspect injured

A group of individuals travelling in a three-wheeler on Heenatiya Road in Ambalangoda came under gunfire in a shooting incident.

MR not targeted in President’s Entitlements Repeal Bill: Nalinda

The President’s Entitlements Repeal Bill was not introduced targeting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

iPhone 17 lineup to be unveiled tonight at Apple’s event: What Sri Lankans need to know

The wait is almost over. Apple will unveil the highly anticipated iPhone 17 lineup tonight, September 9, 2025, at its “Awe Dropping” event. For many Sri Lankans, this could be Apple’s biggest iPhone launch since the iPhone X reshaped the smartphone world nearly a decade ago.

Four prime ministers in one year: What led to France’s government collapse

France’s government collapsed after Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a parliamentary confidence vote on Monday (local time). The 74-year-old centrist, appointed less than nine months ago, was defeated by a wide margin of 364 to 194 in the National Assembly, forcing him to tender his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron.

Protesters set Nepal Parliament on fire, Kathmandu airport cancels all flights

Fresh tension erupted in Kathmandu on Tuesday, as hundreds of youngsters took to the streets to protest against corruption, a day after a similar agitation against a ban on social media left 19 people dead.