73 Sri Lankan pilgrims preparing to leave Nepal

A group of 73 Sri Lankan pilgrims currently stationed at the India–Nepal border is preparing to leave Nepal after completing their visit to the sacred city of Lumbini, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Supreme Court to decide if Trump’s global tariffs are legal

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments on whether the Trump administration’s sweeping global tariffs are legal.

India grants Rs. 600 mn for new A&E unit in Mannar Hospital

India has extended a grant of Rs. 600 million for the construction of a new Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit at the District General Hospital in Mannar.

No provisions to take up NCM against a Deputy Minister: Speaker

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne announced today that the no confidence motion against Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera cannot be taken up for debate as there is no provision to bring such a motion as he does not bear responsibility to Parliament as in the case of a Cabinet Minister.

AKD expected to participate in President ’s entitlement Repeal Bill debate today

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to participate in the debate on the President’s Entitlement Repeal Bill which is to be taken up today, Parliament sources said.

Spend smarter, WB cautions Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka must focus on smarter spending and fairer revenue collection to sustain its economic gains, the World Bank cautioned in a report published yesterday, as the country seeks to consolidate one of the sharpest fiscal adjustments in its history.

Hasaranga most wanted even half fit

Sri Lanka will be banking heavily on talismanic leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga when they open their Asia Cup T20 campaign against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on Saturday in what promises to be a defining early clash of the tournament.

Global promotion gaps put SL’s 2030 tourism targets at risk

Sri Lanka’s ambitious plan to attract five million tourists and generate US$ 10 billion in annual revenue by 2030 is under threat as bureaucratic delays stall a critical global promotional campaign, industry leaders said.

ITAK expresses disappointment over government’s stance at UNHRC

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has voiced strong disappointment over the statement made by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), accusing the government of failing to deliver on promises of accountability and reconciliation.

Qatar Airways says operations remain unaffected by recent events in Doha

Qatar Airways has confirmed that its operations remain unaffected by the recent unfortunate events reported in Doha.

No reason to raise human rights concerns in Sri Lanka, Russia responds to OHCHR

Russia, in response to the OHCHR report on Sri Lanka, said that it sees no reason to raise concerns about the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, whose authorities demonstrate their readiness to build mutually respectful cooperation with international human rights mechanisms.

Signboards to be installed along railway tracks to prevent elephant-train collisions

A programme to install signboards along railway tracks to prevent elephant-train collisions was launched today (9), following the recommendations of a special parliamentary committee headed by Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi and Minister of Civil Aviation and Highways Bimal Rathnayake.

“Is Namal trying to become the President of Iceland?” Bimal asks

Responding to claims made by former Minister Namal Rajapaksa on the government’s failure to curb the drug trade, Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake alleged that Rajapaksa and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna were tied to the importation and trade of narcotic ‘ICE’.

Sri Lankans in Nepal safe amid violent unrest: Acting Foreign minister

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Arun Hemachandra said that no Sri Lankans have been reported harmed amid the violent unrest unfolding in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal.

Wife of ex-Nepali prime minister burnt alive

The wife of former prime minister of Nepal Jhala Nath Khanal has died after she was burned alive when her home was set on fire amid violent anti-government protests in the country, regional media reported.

Senior Hamas member killed in the airstrikes in Doha, Qatar

Israel launched airstrikes on Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, targeting senior Hamas officials, Al Arabiya reported citing Israeli officials. Preliminary reports suggested that Hamas’ chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, was killed in the attack.

Multiple explosions heard in Qatar’s Doha

Reuters reports an explosion in the Qatara neighborhood of Doha, the capital of Qatar. The IDF shortly afterward confirmed that strikes were conducted in the city targeting the Hamas leadership in Qatar.

Sudden floods cause heavy traffic in Kandy

A sudden flood was reported this evening in the Mahayiyawa area along the Kandy–Katugastota main road following heavy rainfall.

Janith Liyanage added to Sri Lanka squad for Asia Cup

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Selection Committee has named middle-order batter Janith Liyanage in the national squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

Nepal’s Parliament, Supreme Court and ministers’ homes set on fire

Nepal’s Parliament building, Supreme Court, and residences of several senior leaders were set ablaze on Tuesday as anti-government protests spiralled out of control, minutes after Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned.

Parliament grounds to be open to public: Government MP

The Parliament ground which had been out of bound for the public is to reopened, Government MP Asitha Niroshana told Parliament today.

Hilton Hotel set on fire in Nepal

’’As the prime minister’s resignation has already been accepted by the president, we call upon all to restrain and not to allow more loss to life and property in this difficult situation,’’ they said.

Court allows CID to record further statements from wife of ’Backhoe Saman’

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today granted permission to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to record further statements inside prison from Sajika Lakshani, alleged to be the wife of organised crime group member ’Backhoe Saman,’ who was arrested in Indonesia while associating with members of a notorious drug trafficking and criminal gang and later remanded upon being produced before court.

Sri Lankans in Nepal advised to remain indoors amid unrest

Sri Lankans residing in Nepal have been advised to remain indoors and take necessary precautions in view of the prevailing unrest in the country, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kathmandu announced today.

Police warn against using sky lanterns during festivities

The Sri Lanka Police cautioned the public on the serious risks of fire associated with the release of sky lanterns during festive seasons and special celebrations.

PUCSL to seek public views on proposed 6.8% electricity tariff hike

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced that it will seek public opinion on the electricity tariff revision proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for the final quarter of 2025.

Amadyapa Maha Sabha to launch drug counseling program

The Amadyapa Maha Sabha, under the leadership of its Chairman, Most Venerable Dr. Ittapane Dhammalankara Thera, has commenced specialized programs on Buddhist Psychology, Drug Prevention, and Counseling at its newly established headquarters in Thalapatpitiya, Sri Jayewardenepura.

Rawalpindi, Lahore to host SL tour matches in November

Sri Lanka’s National Men’s Cricket Team is set to tour Pakistan in November 2025 for a bilateral One Day International (ODI) series, followed by T20 International Tri-Nation tournament featuring hosts Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Court orders disputed JVP–FLSP office to be placed under police custody

The Gampaha Magistrate’s Court (Court No. 02) today ordered that the political office currently occupied by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and claimed by the Frontline Socialist Party (FLSP) be vacated and handed over to the police until the dispute is settled.

Cabinet appoints Capt. Rambukwella as CAASL DG & CEO

The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Captain Daminda Rambukwella as the new Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).