Sri Lanka reaffirms commitment to regional solar cooperation

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya today reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening regional solar cooperation and securing sustainable energy for the future, as she addressed delegates at the Seventh Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Asia and the Pacific.

Court bars YouTuber ’Sudaa’ from defaming Diyawadana Nilame

The Colombo District Court issued an enjoining order restraining YouTuber Sudantha Thilakasiri, also known as ’’Sudaa,’’ and another individual from publishing defamatory statements or content against the Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa, Pradeep Nilanga Dela.

Passenger nabbed at BIA with kush drug stock

A SriLankan air passenger was arrested this morning (16) by customs officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) after attempting to smuggle a stock of ’’Kush’’ drugs valued at over Rs. 31.17 million into the country.

Sujeewa Senasinghe released on bail over Rs. 100 Mm luxury vehicle case

Former State Minister and Parliamentarian Sujeewa Senasinghe was today released on a surety bail of Rs. 200,000 by Fort Chief Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura over a case involving the alleged illegal assembly of a luxury vehicle valued at approximately Rs. 100 million.

Driving under influence may lead to U.S. visa revocation: Embassy

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has issued a strong reminder to all U.S. visa holders and applicants that driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense under U.S. law, which could result in visa revocation or future ineligibility.

Parliament to use AI to prepare Hansard

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has successfully tested the Google AI integration system to prepare the Hansard, its Chairman Harsha de Silva said.

“I don’t want to be under pressure all the time’’: Jayasuriya

While acknowledging some shortcomings, particularly in the batting department, Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya said the team is not under any pressure ahead of the final T20 against Bangladesh in Colombo, despite their embarrassing defeat in the second match in Dambulla on Sunday.

Kandy perahera tickets sold at exorbitant prices

Alarming reports have surfaced that tickets for viewing the Kandy Esala Perahera are being sold at exorbitant prices ranging between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 65,000, prompting concerns from local authorities.

Trial on assassination attempt on Sarath Fonseka postponed

Colombo High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne today postponed the trial of three individuals accused of attempting to assassinate former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka in a 2006 suicide bomb attack at Army Headquarters.

Veteran actress robbed at National Hospital, Colombo

Someone had opened veteran actress Damayanthi Fonseka’s handbag while she was at the National Hospital, Colombo and stolen her cash, bank cards and national identity card.

New SOP introduced to streamline shrimp re-export industry in Sri Lanka

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry introduced a comprehensive new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for shrimp re-export operations, aiming to address longstanding challenges and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in the global shrimp market.

S Jaishankar meets Xi Jinping in China, first since 2020 Galwan clash

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from the SCO member nations on Tuesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Still not decided on accepting position in SJB: Dayasiri

Referring to a news report being circulated on social media that he is to be appointed as the Assistant Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said he is yet to finalise any decision on his political future.

Trump announces trade agreement with Indonesia, including 19% tariff

President Donald Trump said Tuesday the United States has reached a trade agreement with Indonesia after speaking with the country’s President Prabowo Subianto.

Gen Z delays parenthood over economic hardships

Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012, is in the habit of postponing child births due to economic barriers such as rising living costs and economic uncertainty looming over the country, eventually leading to the low birth rate, a top scholar said.

Foreigners misusing tourist visas engage in spas and brothels

Sri Lankan immigration authorities have raised alarm over the growing number of foreign nationals entering the country, especially on tourist visas and engaging in unauthorized businesses, particularly operating or working in spas, massage parlours, and suspected brothels, posing a serious concern for law enforcement and immigration control.

Reggae legend Alpha Blondy arrives

World-renowned reggae artist Alpha Blondy arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this morning (16) ahead of his much-anticipated concert in Colombo.

Fewer school-age children vaping in Australia since ban, study says

School-age children in Australia are vaping less, research suggests, a year after a government ban on disposable vapes came into effect.

Shooting incident reported in Weligama

A shooting incident was reported in the Udukawa area of Weligama early this morning, the Police Media Division confirmed.

July start signals even tougher climb to reach 3 mn tourist arrivals by year-end

Sri Lanka’s ambitious goal of welcoming 3 million tourists in 2025 faces further pressure after a lackluster start to July.

LIOC posts muted 1Q as pump prices dip

The June quarter earnings season got underway with Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC) reporting lower top and bottom-line performance for the quarter caused by the repeated cuts to fuel prices in line with the softened global oil prices.

Village-based tourism can help protect wild elephants: AWC

Promoting tourism in rural areas while providing facilities to local communities could play a key role in protecting Sri Lanka’s wild elephants, the Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) claimed.

Environment Ministry orders tough action against elephant killings

The Environment Ministry has directed the Wildlife Conservation Department Director General to take maximum legal action against individuals involved in the shooting of wild elephants, following a rise in such incidents in recent weeks.

Gradual privatization of Eastern Terminal underway: FLSP

The Front Line Socialist Party (FLSP) has alleged that the government has initiated a covert move to privatize the Eastern Terminal, following a recent cabinet decision to establish a limited liability company to manage it.

Customs seize largest gold smuggling attempt at BIA worth Rs. 1.1 billion

Sri Lanka Customs today seized the largest gold consignment ever attempted to be smuggled into the country by an air passenger, Customs Media Spokesperson and Additional Director General Seevali Arukgoda said.

Applications open for O/L 2024 (2025) re-scrutiny process

The Examinations Department has commenced accepting applications for the re-scrutiny of results for school and private candidates who sat for the 2024 (2025) GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examination.

Sri Lankan delegation to visit U.S. for trade talks

A Sri Lankan government delegation is set to depart for the United States on Friday (18) to hold negotiations aimed at reducing tariffs on Sri Lankan exports, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said today.

SJB secures control of Seethawakapura UC

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has taken control of the Seethawakapura Urban Council (UC), following the 2025 Local Government Elections.

16 govt forests declared as reserves under National “Vanaspathi” Conservation program

A gazette notification has been issued today officially declaring 16 government forests as protected reserves under the national “Vanaspathi” forest conservation program.

MoU signed to establish internationally accredited laboratory in Sri Lanka

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed this morning (15) at the Presidential Secretariat between U.S.-based STEMedical and the Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC) to establish a laboratory with internationally recognised accreditation.