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.

Air Force intelligence corporal arrested with Rs. 20 million worth of gold at BIA

The Narcotics Control Unit of Sri Lanka Customs arrested a Sri Lanka Air Force intelligence corporal at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday (18) while he was allegedly attempting to smuggle gold into the country.

No forgiveness for corrupt politicians: Minister Ramalingam

Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar made a strong statement against corruption, stating that there will be no forgiveness for politicians who have engaged in bribery, fraud and looting of public assets.

Suspected gunman in Dan Priyasad shooting arrested

The gunman suspected to be involved in the shooting of activist Dan Priyasad has been arrested along with two other suspects.

Sajith request more time to declare assets and liabilities

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has made a written request from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to submit his assets and liabilities in a digital format.

Local expertise crucial for Kadawatha–Mirigama Expressway project – SLCA

The recently resumed construction of the Kadawatha–Mirigama section of the Central Expressway can be completed more effectively with the active involvement of local engineers, Sri Lanka Construction Association (SLCA) President Susantha Liyanarachchi told the Daily Mirror.

Special police unit set up to tackle foreign employment fraud

A special investigation unit comprising police officers was inaugurated yesterday (18) at the head office of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) to investigate and swiftly resolve complaints related to foreign employment. The unit includes 16 police officers, led by a Chief Inspector.

US blocks UN call for Gaza ceasefire for sixth time

The US has for the sixth time vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

Woman dies after allegedly poisoning her three sons

A tragic incident took place in Hapudanduwala, Ududumbara, where a mother reportedly poisoned her three children before consuming poison herself.

Shashindra Rajapaksa further remanded

Former State Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa, who is currently in remand custody, was today ordered to be further remanded till September 22 by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

Delay in probes into drug regulatory and passport fraud suspicious – MTUA Chairman

Medical Trade Union Alliance (MTUA) Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa yesterday (18) raised concerns over the delay in investigations into the data fraud at the Drug Regulatory Authority and the alleged irregularities in passport printing tenders, calling the situation “suspicious.”

Ali Roshan jailed for 15 years, fined Rs. 20.6 mn over elephant trafficking

A three-judge bench of the High Court today sentenced Niraj Roshan, alias ’Ali Roshan’ to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 20.6 million, after finding him guilty of unlawfully keeping five elephants without valid permits.

CEB trade unions to launch third phase of trade union action from Sunday

The Sri Lanka Electricity Board (CEB) trade unions will commence the third phase of their ongoing trade union action at midnight on Sunday (21), Sri Lanka Electricity Board Technicians’ Association Chairman Kosala Abeysinghe told the Daily Mirror.

Spa owners want laws to legalize and regulate their business expedited

Spa owners have called for expediting the legalization and regulating of their business so that it would become an official industry in Sri Lanka.