Thieves break into Colombo DIG’s office auditorium

Thieves have reportedly broken into the auditorium on the sixth floor of the Colombo DIG’s office on Olcott Mawatha, Pettah, and stolen copper wiring from the electrical system.

Former army officials to be arrested over Easter Sunday attacks: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks are continuing and advancing and that one or two former Army officials are expected to be arrested over the incident.

Namal proceeds with legal action against Deputy Minister Watagala

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser MP Namal Rajapaksa has proceeded with legal action against Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala over what he described as defamatory remarks.

Court allows Sampath Manamperi to be detained for 90 days

The Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court today (26) granted permission to detain and interrogate Sampath Manamperi, who is currently in remand custody, for a period of 90 days.

Manusha Nanayakkara seeks protection from arrest in bribery probe

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama today (26) issued notice to the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), directing him to appear before court on October 03 and present submissions regarding the bail application filed on behalf of former Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara.

Court orders probe into attempted sale of Nepal Embassy land

Colombo Additional Magistrate Liyan Warusha Withana directed the Colombo Crimes Division to conduct an immediate investigation and report to court regarding an incident where a group of unidentified individuals had allegedly entered into a plot of land belonging to the Embassy of Nepal and attempted to unlawfully survey and sell the property.

Mention of CIABOC DG causes argument in Parliament

Heated arguments erupted when Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman mentioned that the current Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations on Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has been working for the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Legal Affairs Unit.

Fire at clothing factory in Egypt kills at least eight and injures 35

A fire broke out Friday morning at a clothing factory in northern Egypt, killing at least eight people and injuring 35 others, the Egyptian Health Ministry said.

Belarus, Sri Lanka preparing to launch direct flights

Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxim Ryzhenkov met with Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Viditha Herath on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Watagala sends letter of demand to Namal

Deputy Minister of Public Security, Sunil Watagala, has sent a letter of demand seeking Rs. 2 billion in compensation from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka endorses project to promote LGBTIQ tourism

Sri Lanka Tourism has officially endorsed a project initiated by rights organisation EQUAL GROUND to promote and develop LGBTIQ tourism in the country.

Appropriation Bill 2026 presented to Parliament

The Appropriation Bill which underscores the total government expenditure for the year 2026 was presented to Parliament by Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha today.

President concludes US visit, departs for Japan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake concluded his visit to the United States, where he attended the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, and left for Japan from John F. Kennedy International Airport on the night of September 25.

Namal demands fair trial, says crucial documents withheld

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, who has been indicted in connection with the alleged Krrish deal, raised concerns today over the prosecution’s failure to provide several documents requested by the defence to ensure a fair trial.

Central Expressway to be completed by 2028: Minister

The government intends to complete the Central Expressway by 2028, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake told Parliament today.

Rainfall to gradually decrease after October 3: Met Dept.

The prevailing rainy conditions are expected to gradually ease in the coming days, the Department of Meteorology said.

Tree falls on bus in Olcott Mawatha

A tree fell on to a bus travelling along Olcott Mawatha in Colombo this morning, near the Railway Headquarters, causing traffic congestion in the area.

Three National Hospitals still run without directors

Three of Sri Lanka’s National Hospitals have been operating without permanent directors for more than eight months, health sector sources said.

Driving licence, number plates with new features soon: Minister

Driving licences and number plates with new features will be issued by the Department of Registration of Motor Traffic (DMT) soon, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake told Parliament today.

Trump signs order declaring TikTok sale ready and values it at $14 billion

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday declaring that his plan to sell Chinese-owned TikTok’s U.S. operations to U.S. and global investors will address the national security requirements in a 2024 law.

Vehicle roadworthiness vital to reduce accidents: Sajeev Rajaputhra

In the wake of the recent bus tragedy in Ella and a spate of road accidents across the country, SAS3 Trading Company has urged the government to implement a comprehensive vehicle roadworthiness project to ensure safety standards in Sri Lanka’s transport sector.

Parliament kitchen needs minor repairs: MP

Opposition MP Prasad Siriwardana, who was on an inspection tour of the Parliament kitchen on Thursday, said it needs minor repairs.

South Korea legalises tattooing by non-medical professionals

South Korea has legalised tattoo artistry by non-medical professionals for the first time in more than 30 years, following a campaign by members of the profession to work without fear of prosecution or harassment.

Govt launches first provincial digitalization, AI programme in Kandy today

The first provincial-level programme to brief government executives on the government’s digitalization agenda and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be held today (26) at the Kandy District Secretariat, the President’s Media Division (PMD) announced.

President meets UN Secretary-General in New York

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is in New York to attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters yesterday (25), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Local agent tells SC it lacks resources for first tranche payment

Sea Consortium Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the local agent of the MV X-Press Pearl, has informed the Supreme Court through an affidavit that its directors and principal executive officers, on their own, lack the ability and resources to raise a sum of USD 250 million to make the first tranche payment required by the Supreme Court judgement delivered in connection with the X-Press Pearl disaster.

Sri Lanka yet to heed India’s request for appointing chief negotiator

Despite requests by India, the Sri Lankan government is yet to appoint a chief negotiator for the resumption of talks on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) which is now at a standstill after 14 rounds of discussions carried out under different successive governments in the past for expansion of trade and investments with India, an informed source said.

SLAF showcases culinary excellence in Sigiriya

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) once again brought its culinary excellence to the forefront with the successful hosting of the second edition of the SLAF Culinary Art Competition recently at the historic city of Sigiriya.

Showers expected in several provinces over next 24 hours

The prevailing showery condition over the southwestern parts of the island is expected to continue during the next 24 hours, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Kandamby backs Sri Lanka batters to tackle India’s spin threat

Sri Lanka batting coach Thilina Kandamby says his batters will need to play with a positive mindset to tackle the spin threat from India in their inconsequential Asia Cup match here on Friday.