People living in tents face severe hardship, move back to homes in endangered areas

More than 25 Ditwah affected families living in tents in Wewandon estate in Kotmale have been burdened with further hardship due to the prevailing heavy rains.

Construction sector on brink as 40% of firms become inactive -Sri Lanka Construction Association President

About 40 percent of businesses in Sri Lanka’s construction sector have become inactive due to continued changes in tax policies, the increase in VAT and the depreciation of the rupee, President of Sri Lanka Construction Association Susantha Liyanaarachchi said.

‘1990’’ under military rule: Suwa Seriya employees launch protest

For the first time in its history, employees of the ‘1990’ Suwa Seriya emergency ambulance service have launched a street protest yesterday in Colombo. Staff members gathered to voice their strong dissent against what they described as a newly imposed “military-style administration” and arbitrary workspace transfers that undermine the welfare of workers.

Meningitis in Deniyaya Water sources polluted with human waste, contained constituents unfit for human consumption

Laboratory tests carried out by the health authorities have revealed that the spread of Meningitis in the Deniyaya area recently was due to the use of polluted water. It has been revealed that the people in the affected area depend on natural water resources including fountains and the community water supplies to meet their requirements of drinking water. Laboratory tests have established that these water resources are polluted with human waste a

AG objects to five psychiatric reports on Sallay

Appearing on behalf of the Criminal Investigation Department, Additional Solicitor General (ASG)Dileepa Peiris informed Court that a specialist forensic medical board should be appointed through the Director General of Health Services to assess the health condition of the suspect while he remains under detention and interrogation. He accordingly sought an appropriate Order from Court.

First-ever Public Property Act changes sought over Deega Danthu’s death

Authorities are taking steps to invoke the Public Property Act for the first time in Sri Lanka against a suspect accused of causing the death of the iconic tusker Deega Danthu, who was fatally electrocuted after becoming entangled in an illegally installed high-voltage electric fence.

Fresh move to restructure two State Banks? : Ravi K

Highlighting that there is a fresh move to restructure two State Banks by offering shares to the public, Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake yesterday urged the Government to come out with the actual position with regard to the two institutions.

RDB Bank Delivers Exceptional Q-1 Performance, Setting the Pace for a Transformational Year

Regional Development Bank (RDB) has commenced FY 2026 on a strong footing, delivering an exceptional first-quarter performance that reflects the successful execution of its transformation agenda, disciplined financial management, and unwavering commitment to empowering communities and driving inclusive economic growth.

More troubles ahead: Harsha

Member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Harsha de Silva yesterday predicted more trouble when it comes to the Sri Lankan economy.

Former SIS chief Suresh Sallay suffers from PTSD, anxiety and depression : court told

Former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Suresh Sallay, who has been named as the third suspect in the investigation into the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression, his counsel informed Colombo Fort Magistrate yesterday.

Fuel price crisis: Govt weighs options to reduce daily diesel consumption by 500 tonnes

In dealing with the fallout of the Middle East crisis, the government urgently needs to reduce diesel consumption by another 500 tonnes a day, but no specific measure has been agreed upon yet, a Minister said yesterday.

Basic cost of living in Sri Lanka tops Rs. 17,000 per person

As the cost of everyday essentials continue to rise, Sri Lankans now need at least Rs. 17,117 a month per person to meet their basic needs, according to the latest official figures.

What is next in the treasury bond case after Supreme Court verdict?

The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on Monday (1), which set aside a High Court-at-Bar order discharging several accused, including Perpetual Treasuries Ltd. and former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, from charges

Sri Lanka must stop fearing investment

A friend of mine in Bengaluru recently made a remark that stayed with me.

Rare flying object creates panic among some people in Puttalam

A brilliant object flying across the sky over the Puttalam town in the early hours of yesterday morning caused much panic, and the people dashed out of their homes to catch a glimpse. Several of them have been able to take photos of it.

IMF should ensure that monies lent to SL are utilised for proper purposes: GL

The Joint Opposition said yesterday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had a responsibility to ensure its monies lent to Sri Lanka are utilised for proper purposes.

Treasury bond case back on track after Supreme Court ruling

The Supreme Court yesterday set aside a High Court-at-Bar order that had discharged several accused including including Perpetual Treasuries Ltd., former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran from key charges in the Central Bank Treasury bond issuance case and ruled that a company can be prosecuted under the Offences Against Public Property Act.

E-passport tender cancelled with immediate effect

The government has decided to cancel the procurement process for the controversial e-passport project with immediate effect, former Minister and current Member of Parliament Ajith Perera said.

TikTok row turns deadly: 14-year-old boy arrested over death of younger sister in Eravur

Broaden tax base without counting too much on motor vehicle import duties: IMF

Cardinal calls for rethinking open economic policies and IMF programme

Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, has urged the government to reconsider the country’s open economic policies and reassess its engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Vested interests behind move to setting up of a Dhammadhikaranaya: UNP

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday alleged that the government is trying to fulfil vested interests by its proposal to amend the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance of 1931 and by setting up a sanga court.

Colombo port expansion plans gather pace with US$ 2Bn pipeline

​The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has unveiled an ambitious investment pipeline reaching up to US$ 2 billion over the next one to three years, aimed at transforming the country’s maritime and logistics sector.

American crude arrives in SL for the first time

A stock of American crude oil arrived in the country for the first time yesterday, steadying the fuel supply despite a possible price hike expected soon, an official said yesterday.

Force may be used against those evading checkpoints, says Police

Sri Lanka Police have urged the public to fully cooperate with law enforcement officers during vehicle inspections and residential searches, warning that attempts to evade police checkpoints or obstruct official duties could result in legal action and the use of necessary police force.

7-year-old boy Wanted to see parents in Colombo found alone at Hatton bus stand

A seven-year-old schoolboy who had reportedly planned to travel alone to Colombo to meet his parents was rescued by police after being found waiting at the Hatton bus stand.

Over 5000 unprotected children in Anuradhapura

A recent survey has revealed 5780 children in the Anuradhapura district are vulnerable to sexual harassment or rape. DIG North Central Province T.B.Sugathapala told the meeting of the District Coordinating Committee that they are underage children less than 16 years of age.

Amnesty International Report reveals ‘serious labor abuses’ endured by Malaiyaha Tamil workers in private tea estates

A new report launched by Amnesty International found that members of the Malaiyaha Tamil community in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province suffered multiple and widespread forms of abuse including intimidation and threats, physical violence, debt bondage, restrictions on movement and poor working and living conditions.

Why a simple “Digital Nomad Visa” might create more demand for the rupee than a million kilos of export goods

For the last several years, Sri Lanka’s economic orthodoxy has failed. We continue to export the same basket of goods tea, rubber, coconut that financed the 19th century. From the 1980s to the present day, we added garments.

20-day-old infant allegedly sold for Rs. 100,000; mother and woman arrested

A 25-year-old mother accused of selling her 20-day-old infant for Rs. 100,000, along with a woman alleged to have bought the baby were arrested by officers attached to the Puttalam Divisional Crime Investigation Unit, the Sri Lanka Police said.