Original Birkin bag sells at auction for record $10 million

Scuffed, scratched and stained, this black leather Birkin bag just sold for €8.6 million ($10 million), with fees, becoming the most expensive handbag to ever sell at auction. The hammer fell at a winning bid of €7 million ($8.2 million).

Over 7,000 dansals inspected on Esala Poya Day: PHI union

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) carried out inspections at 7,067 dansals across the country yesterday in connection with the Esala Poya Day, Union Secretary Chamil Muthukuda announced.

2024 (2025) O/L results released

The results of the 2024 (2025) GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination were released today, Examinations Department Commissioner General A.K.S. Indika Kumari Liyanage said.

Tariff tensions tighten thread in SL’s textile trade

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, a key pillar of the island’s export economy, yesterday raised red flags over the United States’ move to impose a 30 percent reciprocal tariff on all Sri Lankan products starting 1 August

Sri Lanka’s recovery at risk without growth commission: CEPA

A new report from a group of eminent economic thinkers has proposed the formulation of an independent growth commission to guide Sri Lanka towards sustained economic recovery and transformation.

Govt should be ashamed over mishandling of U.S. tariff deal: Dayasiri

Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara today accused the government of mishandling tariff negotiations with the United States, claiming Sri Lanka had failed to secure meaningful benefits from the recent tariff reductions announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Sri Lanka awaits details on underworld arrests in Malaysia

Despite reports that several Sri Lankans, including notorious underworld figures Manudinu Padmasiri Perera alias ’Kehelbaddara Padme’ and ’Commando Salintha’, have been arrested in Malaysia, local authorities are yet to receive official confirmation, the Daily Mirror learns.

Hashan Tillakaratne’s wife Apsari in hot water after her interview, clad in AirLanka saree

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Hashan Tillakaratne’s wife Apsari, who was once an airhostess of SriLankan airlines is in hot water after her interview with a website, clad in a saree worn by airhostess of the SriLankan airlines formerly known as AirLanka.

Nothing agreed upon to get tariffs reduced: Central Bank Governor

Claiming that Sri Lanka has not agreed to offer anything to the United States to get the tariff reduced to 30 percent from the 44 percent, Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said today it is a recognition of good faith negotiations to bring benefits to both countries.

Milk powder prices surge following U.S. tariff announcement

The price of imported milk powder has risen sharply in the country, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new 30% tariff on all goods imported from the country.

Emirates expands Premium Economy to Sri Lanka, deploys new Boeing 777

Emirates is enhancing the way passengers travel to the Maldives and Sri Lanka by expanding its popular Premium Economy offering to even more flights on these routes.

Strangled male body found with blows to head in Homagama

Homagama Police found a strangled body of a male with blows to the head, dumped in a shrub jungle off Katuwana Road this morning.

U.S. 30% tariffs a wake-up call for Sri Lanka’s export economy, says former ambassador Kananathan

The United States yesterday”s announcement of a 30% tariff on Sri Lankan imports marks a significant blow to the country’s export sector, with estimated losses projected between USD 1.2 to 1.5 billion over the next 12 months. However, former Ambassador Kananathan has emphasized that this development should serve not just as a setback but as a critical turning point.

Excavation work at Chemmani mass grave temporarily suspended, 65 human skeletons recovered

The second phase of excavation work at the Chemmani mass grave, which had been ongoing continuously for the past 15 days, was temporarily suspended this afternoon, Thursday.

Govt to set up national daycare network for children with autism

The government has taken a decisive step towards enhancing support services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions, with plans to establish a national network of specialised daycare and therapy centres.

Over 48,000 tourists arrive during first eight days of July

Sri Lanka recorded 48,300 tourist arrivals during the first eight days of July 2025, according to the latest data issued by the tourism authorities.

Vijitha Herath attends 58th ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath arrived in Kuala Lumpur today to take part in the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), which runs from July 8 to 11 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Tickets sold out for Sri Lanka-Bangladesh T20I series opener

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that tickets for the opening T20 International between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy have been completely sold out.

US tariff: Sri Lanka has paid the price for poor negotiation skills: Sajith

’’The 30% U.S. tariff on Sri Lankan exports is the price we pay for poor negotiation,” Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said in his X message.

Sri Lanka will not retaliate against U.S. tariff hike: Presidential Advisor

The Government has no plans to retaliate by increasing tariffs on U.S. goods in response to the 30 percent tariff currently imposed on Sri Lankan exports, Senior Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa said.

Linda Yaccarino departs as boss of Musk’s X

Linda Yaccarino, the boss of Elon Musk’s social media site X, has announced she is stepping down after two years.

Search for survivors after Houthis sink second Red Sea cargo ship in a week

Six crew members have been rescued and at least three others killed after a cargo ship was attacked by Yemen’s Houthis and sank in the Red Sea, a European naval mission says.

Sri Lanka among nations receiving highest U.S. tariff cuts

Sri Lanka has been identified as one of the countries to receive the highest tariff reductions from the United States among the nations involved in recent trade negotiations, Finance Ministry Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma announced.

Trump corrects AKD’s name

U.S. President Donald Trump has reposted his official letter to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, after correcting a name error in the initial version that mistakenly referred to the President as “Aruna.”

President holds talks on U.S. tariff proposal

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a high-level meeting this morning (10) at the Presidential Secretariat to review Sri Lanka’s stance on the proposed U.S. import tariffs on local exports.

Imported milk powder prices increased

Milk powder importers have announced a price increase for imported milk powder, with the 400g packet rising by Rs. 100, the Sri Lanka Milk Powder Importers Association confirmed.

Over 8,000 Dansals registered for Esala Poya festival

A total of 8,355 Dansals have been registered across the island in celebration of the Esala Poya festival, the Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Union announced.

US tariff hits SL at 30%

The United States will impose a 30 percent tariff on all goods exported from Sri Lanka starting 1 August, softening its earlier proposal of a 44 percent levy announced in April under its reciprocal tariff strategy.

’Shoot in the leg, but don’t kill’ - Kenyan leader orders police to curb protests

Kenya’s President William Ruto has ordered police to shoot protesters targeting businesses in the legs, ensuring they are incapacitated but not killed.

Doctors afraid to prescribe medicines from private pharmacies, delaying vital surgeries

Doctors in leading state hospitals are showing reluctance to prescribe medicines, surgical items to be purchased from private or third parties in light of the recent allegations made against Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, a leading neurosurgeon, informed sources said.