Tourism success questioned as Sri Lanka leans on volume over value

​Sri Lanka’s tourism sector recorded a historic 2.3 million international arrivals in 2025 but the industry analysts are urging a pivot in how success is measured within the island’s economic framework.

Apparel sector flags urgent policy window as 1Q exports fall 8%

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry yesterday warned of a narrowing policy window to stabilise the exports, after the shipments fell 8 percent in the first quarter (1Q26), with the rising energy costs, shifting US trade dynamics and looming European market risks threatening to deepen the slowdown, unless immediate action is taken.

’Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund’ is safe: Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha said today there is no threat to funds received by the ’’Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund’’ established to provide relief to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Biker gang hunts down referee in high drama

Schools rugby which according to experts is the next best commercial commodity after the Sri Lanka cricket team was rocked in its very first week of the League championship with another referee assaulted or escaping serious bodily injury by a whisker after Saturday’s match involving DS Senanayake College who suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of a promising Sri Sumangala College team.

Asanga Seneviratne pulls out a rabbit

In a most shocking election result Asanga Seneviratne was elected as the new president of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka for the 2026–2030 term, winning by a margin of five votes at a closely contested election held at the Olympic House Auditorium on Saturday.

Putin pledges support for Iran in talks with Araqchi in Russia, says he wants peace soon

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Iranian Foreign ​Minister Abbas Araqchi in St. Petersburg on Monday and told him ‌he hoped the Iranian people would weather what he described as a ’’difficult period’’ and that peace would soon prevail.

BOC confirms Rs. 263 mn erroneously remitted to contractors due to ‘system error’: Namal

Despite the government’s refusal of the allegations of the Road Development Authority (RDA) payments being duplicated, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa said a Bank of Ceylon ‘Recall of Funds’ notice confirms that Rs. 263 million was erroneously remitted to contractors due to a ‘system error.’

President meets Inland Revenue officials; discusses boosting Department capabilities

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and officials of the Department of Inland Revenue have held discussions on programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity of the Inland Revenue Department, including broadening tax revenue, maximising tax compliance and recovering outstanding tax arrears.

MP Ramanathan Archchuna remanded

The Mallakam Magistrate’s Court ordered that Member of Parliament Ramanathan Archchuna be remanded in custody until 29 April.

Wildlife office to be established at Mattala airport

An agreement has been signed to establish a Wildlife Office at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to address animal-related threats and ensure the safety of airport operations.

Daily Mirror raises concern over unauthorized use of exclusive content

The Daily Mirror has expressed regret and concern over the unauthorized use of its exclusive news content by several online and social media-based news platforms.

Pirates seize another vessel off Somali coast as threat level increased

Maritime authorities are warning of an increased threat to ships off the coast of Somalia after a cargo ship became the latest vessel to be seized in a suspected act of piracy.

Supreme Court judge declines to hear Wilpattu case

Supreme Court Judge A.H.M.D. Nawaz today recused himself from hearing an appeal petition filed by former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen in relation to the Wilpattu judgment.

Court of Appeal calls for urgent action on human-elephant conflict

The Court of Appeal today stressed the urgent need to address the escalating human-elephant conflict in the country, highlighting the importance of immediate and effective intervention by relevant authorities.

Sajith invites UNP for joint May Day rally

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today officially invited the United National Party (UNP) for a joint May Day rally.

Special traffic plan in Colombo for ‘Walk for Peace’ programme

The Colombo Traffic Division has announced a special traffic plan to facilitate the ‘Walk for Peace’ programme scheduled to be held in Colombo tomorrow (28).

Investigations launched into drug smuggling suspects at Katunayake Airport

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said investigations have been initiated into individuals arrested with a large consignment of narcotics at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

WhatsApp to end support for older Android devices — check if yours is on the list

WhatsApp will stop working on certain older Android devices from September 8, 2026. Users running Android 5.0 or 5.1 will lose access to the app. The company is advising affected users to back up their chats and upgrade their devices or operating systems to continue using the service.

Lawyer linked to courtroom killing remanded

Suspect attorney arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting the murder of an individual named Ganemulla Sanjeewa inside a Colombo Magistrate’s Court was today produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama by the Criminal Investigation Department.

Health Ministry goes on alert over potential measles outbreak

The Ministry of Health has directed all medical professionals to immediately report any suspected cases of measles through the national surveillance system.

Colombia road bombing death toll rises to 20

The death toll from a bombing on a Colombian highway on Saturday has risen to 20, with another 36 people injured, including minors.

State ceremony of the “Walk for Peace” to be held tomorrow in Colombo

The state ceremony of the “Walk for Peace” programme is scheduled to be held tomorrow (28) at 4.00 p.m. at Independence Square under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

CAA conducts raids in Kandy over sale of Keeri Samba above MRP

Acting on information that Keeri Samba rice was being sold above the stipulated Maximum Retail Price (MRP) at several shops in the Bokkawala area of the Kandy District, officials of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) carried out a series of special inspections on April 24, 2026.

Crude oil prices surge to $106 a barrel amid US-Iran deadlock

Crude oil prices on Monday climbed once again after falling to $100 per barrel amid rising uncertainty in West Asia.

Joint opposition to lodge complaint with CIABOC on Diesel scam today

Representatives of some opposition political parties is to lodge a complaint with Commission to Investigate Allegations on Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on alleged Diesel scam today , official sources said yesterday.

Warehouse fire raises concerns over Keheliya drug case evidence

A warehouse containing medicines, samples, and key documents related to a medical supply company linked to the substandard drug case involving former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has suddenly caught fire, raising serious concerns over the possible destruction of important evidence.

MP Ramanathan Archchuna arrested

Member of Parliament Ramanathan Archchuna was arrested a short while ago.

Iranian foreign minister heads to Russia, Trump says ’call us’ to negotiate

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran could telephone if it wants to negotiate an end to ​their two-month war, as Tehran’s foreign minister landed in Russia on Monday to seek support from President Vladimir Putin.

Labour officer sentenced to prison for bribery

A Labour Officer who stood indicted with a charge of bribery was sentenced to six year imprisonment by Colombo High Cout Judge Mohamed Mihail.

‘Sagarika’ train resumes operations after derailment

The Railway Department announced that the ‘Sagarika’ train, which derailed last week, will resume normal operations from today (27).