Minister blasts Irrigation Dept. over ‘illegal’ demolition notices

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe slammed the Irrigation Department for acting outside government policy by issuing demolition notices on settlements within tank reserves.

Police sergeant arrested for misusing suspect’s bank card

The Matara–Hambantota Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau has arrested a police sergeant for allegedly purchasing goods using a bank card belonging to a suspect arrested by the Gandara Police.

Trump to impose $100,000 fee per year for H-1B visas, in likely blow to tech

The Trump administration said on Friday it would ask companies to pay $100,000 per year for H-1B worker visas, potentially dealing a big blow to the technology sector that relies heavily on skilled workers from India and China.

Russia still open for nuke cooperation with Sri Lanka, but won’t force: Ambassador

Russia remains open for cooperation with Sri Lanka in the development of nuclear energy, but will not impose anything in this regard since it is the sovereign right of the country, Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan said.

Some SJBers attend UNP convention defying party decision?

Several Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) members attended the United National Party (UNP) convention despite reports that the party having decided that only General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara should represent it.

Dunith Wellalage vows to fulfill late father’s wish by excelling for Sri Lanka

Young Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage said his late father’s only wish was for him to become a good player and represent the country, a promise he is determined to fulfill.

Showers expected in Uva, Ampara and Batticaloa after 1 p.m.

The National Meteorological Centre announced that showers are expected at a few places in Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m. today.

US vaccine advisers abandon broad COVID shot support

A panel of vaccine advisers named by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Friday said that COVID-19 shots should be administered only through shared decision-making with a healthcare provider, scrapping a broad recommendation but maintaining access through health insurance.

Former TNA MP Thanmanpillai Kanagasabai passes away at 86

Former Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian for the Batticaloa District, Thanmanpillai Kanagasabai, passed away yesterday (19) at the age of 86.

Parliament kitchen uninspected for 40 years, Speaker raises food safety concerns

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne revealed that the Parliament kitchen had not been inspected by any Public Health Inspector (PHI) in the 40 years since the establishment of Parliament, leading to serious concerns over food safety.

Trump and Xi discuss future of TikTok in US

US President Donald Trump has said he and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping approved a deal on the future of TikTok’s US operations during a phone call on Friday, although there was no confirmation from Beijing.

UNP to hold its convention today

The United National Party (UNP) convention will be held today with the participation of a few other political parties, which are expected to express their well wishes.

Sri Lanka’s food production sees unsteady path

Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, crop cultivation and animal husbandry see an unstable path with some sectors seeing a shift in production for the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year due to adverse weather and market conditions, according to the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS).

SL revises 2025 tourist arrival target to a minimum of 2.6mn

Sri Lanka yesterday announced the revision of its ambitious tourist arrival forecast for 2025.

Wellalage returns for Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 Clash vs Bangladesh

Sri Lanka will look to extend their unbeaten run into the Super Four when they face Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2025 opener on Saturday (20).

TISL urges full financial independence for CIABOC

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has raised concern over the failure to grant the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) full financial and operational independence, cautioning that the delay undermines its credibility as the country’s lead anti-graft institution.

India beat valiant Oman in Asia Cup T20

World champions India overcame a gutsy Oman team to win the last group match of the Asia Cup by 21 runs on Friday and stay unbeaten in the T20 tournament.

CSE marks fresh all-time high as investor optimism strengthens

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed at a new all-time high on Friday, with the ASPI gaining 119.83 points (+0.57%) to end at 21,085.09, while the S&P SL20 advanced 24.86 points (+0.42%) to 5,996.16. Market momentum remained firm throughout the session, fueled by renewed investor optimism following encouraging GDP figures and improved confidence in macroeconomic stability.

Royal College admission of CIABOC chief’s child under scrutiny

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has confirmed that its Director General, Ranga Dissanayake, admitted his child to Royal College in full compliance with the law.

Wellalage to rejoin team ahead of super four clash

Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage is set to rejoin the national squad tomorrow morning (19) ahead of their Super Four clash against Bangladesh in the UAE, Sri Lanka Cricket announced.

Middeniya chemical samples confirmed as ICE ingredients

The Government Analyst’s Department has informed Police that the chemical samples recovered from Middeniya have been confirmed as substances used in the production of Methamphetamine (ICE).

Gotabaya visits Mahinda at Carlton House

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited his brother, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at Carlton House in Tangalle today (19).

Sri Lanka foreign currency ratings raised to ’CCC+/C’ from ’SD’

On Sept. 19, 2025, S&P Global Ratings raised its long- and short-term foreign currency sovereign credit ratings on Sri Lanka to ’CCC+/C’ from ’SD/SD’. We also affirmed our ’CCC+/C’ long- and short-term local currency ratings.

President attends Industry Expo 2025 at BMICH

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the Industry Expo 2025 exhibition held this morning (19) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo.

Respect Dunith’s privacy: Mahela tells media

Former Sri Lanka cricket captain Mahela Jayawardena has urged the public and media to respect the privacy of national cricketer Dunith Wellalage and his family following the sudden passing of his father, Suranga Wellalage.

Court of Appeal orders Jaffna MC to curb air pollution

The Court of Appeal today directed the Jaffna Municipal Council to take necessary measures to reduce air pollution in the municipal area, particularly by refraining from burning garbage.

Sri Lanka dips further in latest Global Innovation Index

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 with Sri Lanka positioned at the 93rd spot.

’’I’ll be there like a father’’ – Sanath to Dunith

Sri Lanka Cricket coach and former captain Sanath Jayasuriya shared a heartfelt message following the passing of Suranga Wellalage, father of rising cricket star Dunith Wellalage.

Inaugural Ceylon Gemlogue to promote Ceylon gems globally

Sri Lanka’s centuries-old gem trade, steeped in heritage yet alive with modern innovation, is about to take the spotlight in a way never seen before. Ceylon Gemlogue 2025, presented by Ceylon Gem Chronicles, and endorsed by key industry Associations, the Ceylon Gem & Jewellery Traders Association (CGJTA)| GemSriLanka and the Lanka Gem Dealers

19 paddy warehouses opened in Polonnaruwa; 4,500 MT purchased

Nineteen paddy warehouses have been opened in the Polonnaruwa district, and 4,500 metric tons of paddy have already been purchased by farmers, Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) Chairman Manjula Pinnalanda told the Daily Mirror.