Sanae Takaichi set to become Japan’s first female prime minister

Japan’s ruling conservative party has elected Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, positioning the 64-year-old to be Japan’s first female prime minister.

One injured in lorry-train collision

One person was seriously injured when a lorry collided with the Beliatta bound train from Maradana at the Kabalana railway crossing in Ahangama this morning.

Tunisian sentenced to death for Facebook posts criticising president

A Tunisian man has been sentenced to death on charges of insulting the president and assaulting state security through posts on social media, the head of the Tunisian League for Human Rights and his lawyer said on Friday.

Bribery Commission cracks down on hidden assets under new crime act

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is probing several properties, including a hotel and multiple houses connected to public officials, under Sri Lanka’s new Proceeds of Crime Act, Director General Ranga Dissanayake said.

Fresh probes on Thajudeen launched based on Manamperi’s disclosures: Nalinda

Fresh investigations into the death of ruggerite Wasim Thajudeen have been launched based on the disclosures made by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) local politician Sampath Manamperi, who was remanded over a drug case, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.

Government refutes increase in President’s expenses for 2026

The Finance Ministry refuted certain media reports on the President’s expenditure head in the Appropriation Bill for 2026 which claimed that the President’s expenditures had gone up by three times.

Govt out to abolish Aswesuma: Sajith alleges

The Government is out to abolish the Aswesuma social security programme soon, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Trump to Israel: ‘Stop Bombing Gaza’; Hamas agrees to release hostages

The US leader had earlier warned he would unleash ’’all hell’’ if Hamas did not respond to his proposals.

China, U.S. Japan show interest in petroleum refinery in Sri Lanka

Twenty foreign companies, including those from China, the United States (U.S.), and Japan, have expressed interest in investing in the expansion of Sri Lanka’s Sapugaskanda oil refinery, an official said yesterday.

ZeroPlastic Movement demands Rs.10 minimum price for plastic bags, cites flaw in new regulation

The ZeroPlastic Movement is calling on the government to impose a minimum price of at least Rs.10 on all plastic shopping bags, warning that a new gazette set to take effect on November 1, 2025 may fail to reduce plastic pollution, due to a significant loophole.

Chinese EXIM Bank increases interest rate from 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) which said that EXIM Bank of China had increased the interest rate from the initially agreed 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent for the loan extended to finance the Kadawatha -Mirigama stretch of Central Express Way, requested the government to re-negotiate it.

Domestic flights with 70-seater aircraft could take off in six months- Peter Hill

Sri Lanka could see the launch of a scheduled domestic airline service using 50-70-seater aircraft within the next six months, a move that could solve a long-standing barrier to tourism growth, according to aviation veteran and former SriLankan Airlines CEO Peter Hill.

Sri Lanka Women look to end Australia’s unbeaten streak

Sri Lanka Women will be looking to bounce back when they face defending champions Australia in their second ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday.

Weekend Sports Action for Sri Lankans: Premier League Blockbusters, Women’s World Cup Thrills, and the Singapore Grand Prix

Sri Lankan sports fans are in for a blockbuster weekend as football, cricket, and Formula One combine to deliver non-stop action. From the Premier League’s heavyweight clashes to the ICC Women’s World Cup in Colombo and the Singapore Grand Prix under the lights, it’s a weekend guaranteed to keep fans glued to their screens and stadiums buzzing.

Namibia and Zimbabwe qualify for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Namibia and Zimbabwe have secured their places in the 20-team ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

World Bank team engages in high-level consultations with key finance oversight committees of Parliament of Sri Lanka

A World Bank team, led by Country Manager Gevorg Sargsyan, held a consultation meeting on September 25, 2025 with Committee on Public Finance Chair Dr. Harsha de Silva and its members.

Smith and spinners send England to big win over South Africa

Linsey Smith and England’s spinners put South Africa to the sword in a comprehensive 10-wicket victory.

Trump issues Sunday ultimatum for Hamas to accept Gaza plan

US President Donald Trump has given Hamas a deadline to accept a US peace plan for Gaza or face ’’all hell’’.

Further revisions to Penal Code possible: President

Further revisions to the Penal Code may be made if necessary, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today (3), noting that although amendments had already been prepared and presented to Parliament, they have not yet been passed.

ASPI surges past 22,000 mark with strong turnover

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) reached a new milestone as the ASPI surged above the 22,000 mark, closing at 22,094.89, supported by strong turnover and active volumes.

Kehelbaddara Padme’s mother files petition against detention order

The mother of alleged notorious organised criminal Mandinu Padmasiri, alias ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’ has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal seeking an order by way of Habeas Corpus and Writ Jurisdiction declaring that the detention order issued against her son is unlawful.

Police launch new hotlines for reporting narcotics activities

The police today (03) launched a series of new telephone hotlines, allowing the public to directly report information on narcotics activities across Sri Lanka.

Tourism policy will safeguard heritage, values: President

In response to recent discussions on promoting LGBTQ tourism, which sparked significant public backlash, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (3) reaffirmed that the Government will avoid initiatives that could harm the country’s values and traditions.

NPP refutes President visiting ’’Puwakdandawe Sana’s’’ home

Refuting allegations by former MP Wimal Weerawansa, the National People’s Power (NPP) said that the NPP has no political connection with recently arrested ’’Puwakdandawe Sana’’ as claimed by Weerawansa.

Woman named Archbishop for first time in Church of England history

A woman has been named to the post of Archbishop of Canterbury for the first time in the history of the Church of England.

Sri Lanka issues notice for 2025 5G spectrum auction

The Notice of Assignment (NoA) for the long-awaited 2025 5G spectrum auction was officially announced today (October 3) at a special media briefing held at the Information and Communication Technology Agency.

Appeal Court sets date for verdict in women’s seat nomination at Praseshiya Sabha elections

The Court of Appeal today fixed October 23 for the delivery of the judgment regarding two writ petitions challenging the legality of the Returning Officers of the Kekirawa and Galnewa Pradeshiya Sabhas in implementing their letters requesting the nomination of women members for the seats obtained by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) under the proportional representation system at the Kekirawa and Galnewa Pradeshiya Sabha elections.

Are those in the government suffering from distorted minds?

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today questioned whether members of the government are suffering from distorted minds.

Sabina Yousaf crowned Mrs. Sri Lanka World 2025

Sabina Yousaf was crowned Mrs. Sri Lanka World 2025 at the grand finale held on Thursday (03).

India and China to resume direct flights after a five-year ban

India and China will restart direct flights between the countries this month, India’s foreign ministry has said, in another step towards ties being gradually normalised.