Market pauses decline

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) saw a modest rebound on Tuesday, as the market took a breather after a prolonged downward trend, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) closing marginally higher. Investor sentiment remained mixed, however, as gains in the broader market contrasted with a slight decline in the S&P SL20, reflecting selective buying amid cautious participation.

Indian External Affairs Minister wraps up Sri Lanka visit

Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar concluded his official visit to Sri Lanka today.

Namal criticises IGP over alleged attacks on police officers

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has strongly criticised the Inspector General of Police (IGP), questioning whether he should feel ashamed to serve a government whose Members of Parliament allegedly attack police officers on the streets.

Over Rs. 106 Mn released to support industrialists affected by Ditwah

The Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development announced that financial assistance has already been provided to industrialists affected by severe weather caused by Cyclone Ditwah, under the first phase of the government’s relief programme.

Temporary driving licence facility extended to Sri Lankans at BIA

The Department of Motor Traffic has expanded its temporary driving licence service to include Sri Lankan citizens and Sri Lankans with dual citizenship through its office at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Customs seize Rs. 60 mn worth of Kush at Central Mail Exchange

Sri Lanka Customs officers attached to the Central Mail Exchange seized 6.201 kilograms of the narcotic drug “Kush,” with a street value exceeding Rs. 60 million, during an inspection of foreign parcels at the EMS Division today (23).

University Teachers’ Association opposes postponement of appointments

The University of Sri Jayewardenepura Teachers’ Association has opposed a decision by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to delay appointments to vacant positions of Heads of Departments and Deans of Faculties.

Special traffic plan for Colombo on Christmas eve

Police has announced a special traffic plan to ease congestion in Colombo on Christmas Eve, December 24, in anticipation of large crowds and increased vehicular movement.

Visiting Indian Minister stresses transparency in using Indian disaster assistance

Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, who met Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa today, stressed the need for transparency in using the Indian disaster assistance.

US$48m monthly income losses of workers put 16% of GDP at risk: ILO

Up to 374,000 workers in Sri Lanka have been affected by floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah, with potential income losses estimated at US$48 million per month, according to a new brief by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Over 150,000 tourists arrive in Sri Lanka within 21 days in December

Despite critical weather conditions in the country, Sri Lanka recorded 154,609 tourist arrivals in just 21 days this December.

Five wickets in an over: Indonesia all-rounder achieves world first in international cricket

Priandana’s achievement stands alone — he is the first bowler to take all five wickets himself in a single over at the international level.

Gunmen abduct 28 Muslim travellers in central Nigeria

Armed men have kidnapped 28 people travelling to an annual Islamic event in Nigeria’s central Plateau state, local sources have told the BBC.

Cabinet approves tariff relief on milk fish imports to support local production

The Cabinet has approved a proposal by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources to provide tariff relief on the import of Milk fish until local production can fully meet demand.

CMC Mayor says her mandate remains unchanged as second reading to follow

Despite the setback, Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar said the budget would proceed to a second reading, during which amendments could still be proposed if necessary.

Government approves procurement of LPG cylinders for Litro Gas Lanka Limited

The government has approved the procurement of LPG cylinders required by Litro Gas Lanka Limited, including 120,000 2.3 kg cylinders, 185,000 5 kg cylinders, 450,000 12.5 kg cylinders, and 7,000 37.5 kg cylinders.

Government approves Suraksha student insurance programme for 2025/2026 with key amendments

The government has approved the implementation of the Suraksha Student Insurance Programme for the year 2025/2026, following a review of issues identified during its previous rollout. Circular instructions will be issued to guide the programme’s execution with key amendments.

Cabinet approves plastic ban for Sri Paada pilgrimage from 2025

Cabinet approval has been granted to minimize the use of plastics and polythene during the Sri Paada pilgrimage season, effective from 2025, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Chinese delegation arrives in Sri Lanka

A Chinese delegation led by Wang Junzheng, Member of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Secretary of the CPC Committee of Xizang Autonomous Region, arrived in Sri Lanka today.

Government prioritises housing complexes for affected people: Environment Minister

The government has given high priority to construct housing complexes for people displaced by cyclone Ditwah, Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabedi said today.

Revision of 2025 academic year end dates for schools

The Education Ministry has announced a revision to the end dates of the 2025 academic year for government and government-approved private schools, including Pirivenas.

Train services resume on Eastern Line to Batticaloa

Train services on the Eastern Line between Colombo Fort and Batticaloa have resumed, restoring an important transport link for commuters and travelers.

NBRO issues landslide alerts despite lifting of red notices

National Building Research Organization (NBRO) geologist Suminda Ratnayake has urged the public to avoid visiting landslide-affected areas, even though red notices have been lifted following a decrease in rainfall.

Sri Lanka, Israel sign MoU to expand employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, currently on an official visit to Israel, held a Joint Technical Evaluation and Progress Review Coordination Committee meeting with officials of the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) yesterday (22) to discuss employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers.

375 shops face legal action in festive season unsafe food raids

Health authorities have launched 1,190 continuous raids across the country to identify vendors selling unsafe and unsuitable food during the festive season.

Urgent relief measures for Cyclone Ditwah victims discussed in Mullaittivu

Urgent issues faced by residents displaced and affected by Cyclone Ditwah in the Mullaittivu district were reviewed at a special disaster committee meeting held yesterday at the Mullaittivu District Secretariat.

BASL urges President to appoint permanent Auditor General without delay

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take immediate steps to appoint a permanent Auditor General in accordance with the Constitution, stressing that such an appointment is essential to safeguard the integrity of the National Audit Office and to maintain the confidence of citizens as well as international partners in the State’s financial governance.

SLTB launches special bus service for festive season

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has launched a special bus service with 107 additional buses from December 24 to 27 to cater to increased passenger demand during the festive season, SLTB Chairman Sajeewa Nandana said.

Key to probe England’s 'stag-do' drinking on Ashes beach break

England managing director Rob Key pledged Tuesday to investigate whether players’ drinking on a mid-Ashes beach break went too far, after reports said it had been like a ’’stag-do.’’

Four new entry lanes open at Seeduwa Interchange

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has opened four new entry lanes at the Seeduwa Interchange on the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway, effective December 23, 2025, to improve traffic flow and commuter convenience.