Minister to seek Defense Ministry clarification on helicopter repair tender

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said he would discuss the helicopter repair tender with the Ministry of Defense and provide a detailed response next week.

Shooting in Kotahena linked to underworld rivalry

Police suspect that underworld rivalry was the motive behind a fatal shooting reported in the 16th Lane area of Kotahena, in which a 43-year-old man was killed last night.

Thousands of US flights cancelled or delayed over government shutdown cuts

More than 5,000 US flights were cancelled or delayed on Friday, in the first day of new mandates forcing airlines to reduce air traffic during the government shutdown.

Budget 2026 bets big on building back investor base

In a signal to the investors weary of Sri Lanka’s uneven playing field, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday used Budget 2026 to draw a line under what he called an era of “cronyism, racketeering and nepotism”.

Gampola Divisional Secretary ordered to pay Rs.100,000 to Ambuluwawa cable car project company

Gampola Udapalatha Divisional Secretary Athma Dilrukshi Jayaratne was ordered yesterday by the Appeal Court to pay compensation of Rs. 100,000 to the construction company in charge of the Ambuluwawa cable car project, for obstructing the project through undue interference in her official capacity.

Your Weekend Sports Round-Up: Football, Cricket, and Formula 1

Sri Lankan sports fans have plenty to look forward to this weekend. Whether it’s Premier League football, top-level cricket, or the thrill of Formula 1 in Brazil, there’s a full line-up of matches and moments waiting to be enjoyed.

President jests at MP over ‘property takeover’ remark

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during his budget speech today, took a brief detour from fiscal matters to make a light-hearted remark aimed at an opposition MP.

NPP-controlled Soranatota Pradeshiya Sabha budget voted out

The budget of the NPP–controlled Soranatota Pradeshiya Sabha was voted out today by three votes.

A budget presented by a confused government: Harsha

The President seems to be confused with his new neo-liberal free market ideology and his party’s protectionist industrial policy production economy concept, SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva said today.

ASPI surpasses 23,300 amid pre-budget optimism

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) saw a strong rally today, with the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) crossing the 23,300 milestone, fueled by investor optimism ahead of the upcoming GOSL 2026 budget discussions. Momentum was largely driven by blue-chip and heavyweight counters, sustaining bullish sentiment throughout the session.

Ape Janabala Party extends support to NPP Government

The Ape Janabala Party has announced its decision to extend full support to the current government led by the National People’s Power (NPP).

MP Archchuna busy sleeping during AKD’s budget speech

Opposition Member of Parliament from the Jaffna district Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna, was seen fast asleep during the budget speech, which concluded a short while ago.

President Anura Kumara’s Budget Speech 2026: Summary

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is currently presenting the Budget 2026 in Parliament, unveiling a series of allocations and reforms focused on economic stability, healthcare, digital transformation, and social welfare.

Full Budget speech- 2026

Following the historic mandate given to us by the Sri Lankan citizens, within a short time period of a year, we have taken many decisive steps with a clear vision to fulfill their aspirations.

Nilanga Dela re-elected as Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa

Former Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela was re-elected as the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, securing a majority of 145 votes at the election held this afternoon.

Vehicles to be provided on return basis after MPs’ term ends

Vehicles to be provided on the basis of return after the end of the parliamentary members’ term will be among the new purchases planned by the government to upgrade its outdated fleet of vehicles and machinery.

Rs. 342 Billion allocated for expressway development in 2026 budget

The government has allocated Rs. 342,000 million (Rs. 342 billion) in the 2026 budget for the development and completion of the country’s expressway network.

Fire breaks out at Colombo garbage dump

A fire broke out at a garbage dump on Vauxhall Street, Colombo, police said.

Three candidates qualify as voting begins to elect new Diyawadana Nilame

Voting to elect the new Diyawadana Nilame (lay custodian) of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy began, with only three candidates qualifying to contest.

Rs. 2,000 Million proposed to support rural bus services

The 2026 budget proposal includes an allocation of Rs. 2,000 million to support the continuation of essential bus services in areas where passengers face hardships due to reduced operations.

Rs. 1,000 million allocated for new drinking water projects

The government has allocated Rs. 1,000 million to address urban and rural drinking water needs across the country.

Mahapola Scholarship to be increased

Presenting the 2026 Budget in Parliament, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the Mahapola Scholarship will be increased by Rs. 2,500, bringing the total monthly allowance to Rs. 10,000.

Govt allocates Rs. 1,000 million for elephant conflict control

The government has allocated an additional Rs. 1,000 million to the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) to complete the construction of electric fences and undertake related measures to control human-elephant conflict.

Estate workers’ daily wage to increase by January 2026

The daily wage for estate workers will be increased from Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,750 by January 2026.

First digital ID card to be issued by March 2026

Presenting the 2026 Budget in Parliament today, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that Sri Lanka’s first digital national identity card will be issued by March 2026.

President claiming credit for PFM Act: Harsha

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is claiming credit for the change in economic management brought about through the Public Financial Management Act, which was introduced in early 2024, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva said.

Nine top organised criminals behind Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s murder plot, CID reveals to court

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) today informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama that nine prominent organised criminals were allegedly behind the plot to murder Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

Budget 2026; Inflation to be maintained below 5%

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presnting the Budget - 2026 in Parliament, pledged to maintain inflation below 5 percent and accelerate the country’s post-crisis economic recovery.

US $ 1.3 billion spent on vehicle imports so far this year

Sri Lanka has spent US $ 1.3 billion on vehicle imports by October 31, this year, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

7 Percent Growth Targeted – President

“The government is working with the target of achieving 7 percent economic growth,” President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.