CSE declines sharply as Middle East tensions worsen

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a negative note today, recording a significant decline from the start of the trading session, as both the ASPI and S&P SL20 indices fell sharply. The downturn was primarily driven by escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel, which continue to deteriorate. Investor sentiment remains highly cautious, particularly amid growing concerns over U.S. involvement in the conflict.

Ceremonial handing over...

Police warn against misusing Police Emergency Hotline 119

Steps have been initiated to take legal action against those who misuse the 119 hotline service by making false complaints, which minimises the accessibility to the Police Hotline 119 in an emergency situation, the Police Media Division said.

Briefed former President on plans to fight organised crime: Deshabandu

He briefed former President Ranil Wickremeisnghe of the programme he had in his mind to fight organised crime and drug related offences, IGP Deshabandu Tennekoon told the commission probing allegations against him.

Court of Appeal stays Wanathawilluwa Pradeshiya Sabha inaugural meeting

The Court of Appeal today issued an interim order suspending the inaugural meeting of the Wanathawilluwa Pradeshiya Sabha, which was scheduled to be held tomorrow (24).

US Embassy in India mandates public social media for visa applicants

The U.S. Embassy in India has announced that, effective immediately, all individuals applying for F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas must set their social media accounts to public as part of the vetting process required under U.S. immigration law.

Bicycle rally for Israel

TISL files Supreme Court challenge against Companies (Amendment) Bill

The Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has filed legal action in the Supreme Court challenging the proposed Bill to amend the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007, citing serious concerns over the transparency and effectiveness of its provisions on beneficial ownership disclosure.

Iran’s supreme leader asks Putin to do more after US strikes

Iran’s supreme leader sent his foreign minister to Moscow on Monday to ask President Vladimir Putin for more help from Russia after the biggest U.S. military action against the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution over the weekend.

Over 1.6 Mn drug tablets confiscated so far

Over 1.6 million drug tablets have been confiscated so far as Sri Lankan authorities ramp up a comprehensive national programme aimed at preventing drug use and supporting recovery efforts islandwide, according to the Government Information Department.

Sri Lanka grants access to FAO research vessel

Sri Lanka has granted clearance for a research vessel operated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to conduct studies in the country’s waters from August 15 to 20, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said.

Nissanka Senadhipathi leaves Bribery Commission

Chairman of Avant Garde Maritime Services, Nissanka Senadhipathi, appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (23).

Plate printing halt hits 15,000 vehicles

The disruption in license plate printing has resulted in a backlog of approximately 15,000 vehicles awaiting number plates since May 1 this year, according to the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).

US asks China to stop Iran from closing Strait of Hormuz

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

Big names return as Bangladesh reveal ODI squad for Sri Lanka

A host of key players have been named as Bangladesh announced a strong squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Prison officials meet Justice Minister

Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara convened a special discussion this morning with Prison Commissioners and all prison superintendents islandwide at the Ministry of Justice.

Two tonnes of heroin, ICE seized within five months: Minister

Nearly two tonnes of heroin and ICE (Crystal methamphetamine) drugs have been taken into custody by the law enforcement authorities during the last five months, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said today.

Arrest warrant issued against Sajin de Vass Gunawardena

Colombo Additional Magistrate Pavithra Sanjeewani Pathiraja today issued an arrest warrant against former Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena for failing to appear in court in connection with a case filed by the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue over unpaid income tax amounting to Rs. 36.9 million.

Harshana Suriyapperuma appointed Secretary to Finance Ministry

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma has been appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, filling the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Mahinda Siriwardana.

SJB secures Hambantota Municipal Council

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) managed to secure the administration of the Hambantota Municipal Council, the office of party leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Sri Lanka calls upon all parties to take concrete steps to de-escalate situation in Middle East

Sri Lanka has called upon all parties to take concrete steps to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East region, claiming that Sri Lanka is gravely concerned about the latest developments in the Middle East.

U.S. issues ‘worldwide caution’ security alert

The U.S. Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution Security Alert on Sunday, advising American citizens overseas to exercise increased caution due to escalating instability in the Middle East following intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran.

Drug shortage puts medical professionals in quandary

In the wake of Daily Mirror’s reports on the prevailing shortage of critical drugs, medical specialists have raised serious concerns over the lack of clear directives from the Ministry of Health regarding how doctors should act when essential medical items are not available within the public health system.

Traffic disruptions due to dense fog in the central hills

Traffic disruptions have occurred in the water catchment areas on the western slopes of the Central Hills since the early hours of the morning of (23).

Doctors’ Union calls for full probe into drug scandal under ex-health minister

The Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights is calling for a full investigation into all officials involved in the substandard drug scandal that happened during the time of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

Suicide bombing at Damascus church kills 22, Syrian authorities say

At least 22 people have been killed and 63 others wounded in a suicide bomb attack at a church in Damascus, Syria’s health ministry has said.

Russia and China push for a ceasefire as UN Security Council meets on Iran

The UN Security Council met on Sunday to discuss US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites as Russia, China and Pakistan proposed the 15-member body adopt a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East.

Sri Lankans in Israel asked to be vigilant after US attacks on Iran

Sri Lankan Ambassador in Israel Nimal Bandara has requested the Sri Lankan expatriates to be vigilant and follow safety instructions issued by the Israeli government following missile attacks by Iran in the Northen and Central parts of Israel last morning.

Sri Lanka to turn to Nigeria for fuel imports amid global uncertainty

In the midst of escalation of tension in the Middle-East and concerns over further disruption in fuel supply chain , Sri Lanka has decided to explore the possibility of importing petroleum products from Nigeria, an official said yesterday.

SLTDA unlocks 3,000 acres for tourism development via new digital land bank

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is set for a major investment drive with the launch of the ‘Land Bank Management Information System (LBMIS)’, an automated platform making over 3,000 acres of state and privately-owned land available for development.