New telephone numbers introduced to inform of dangerous drugs

Police have introduced new telephone numbers for the public to inform them of dangerous drugs such as heroin ICE, cocaine cannabis etc.

Foreign employment insurance compensation increased to Rs. 2 million

The insurance compensation paid to a worker employed abroad in the event of death while on duty has been increased to Rs. 2 million, The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced.

President meets Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is currently in the United States to attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, met with President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asian affairs, U.S. Ambassador to India and Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, Sergio Gor on 23rd afternoon, US time.

Electronic NIC to be launched by mid 2026

Digital Economy Minister Eranga Weerarathne announced today that the government is planning to issue the Electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) by the middle of next year.

Bimal proposes Rs. 5,000 for students after A/Ls to engage in recreational activities

Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake today proposed that students who complete their Advanced Level examinations be granted Rs. 5,000 to engage in recreational activities such as watching a movie or visiting the beach.

President meets South African President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is currently in the United States to attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the One Plaza in New York, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Grade 1 and 6 teacher training for modular education to conclude by November

The 2026 Grade 1 and Grade 6 school teacher training programs for modular education are scheduled to be completed by the end of November, Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said.

QR system to introduce for fertiliser subsidy distribution to tea smallholders

The Plantation and Community Infrastructure Ministry said that a QR code system will be introduced from Friday (26) to distribute fertiliser subsidies for tea cultivation.

Indian High Commissioner meets MR

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha met former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at his residence in Medamulana today.

CEB trade unions suspend planned strike, continue work-to-rule

Several trade unions of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have decided to temporarily suspend the strike that was scheduled for tomorrow (25) in protest against the government’s decision to divide the CEB into four entities.

Typhoon Ragasa bears down on China after killing 15 in Taiwan

Typhoon Ragasa, the world’s most powerful tropical cyclone this year, made landfall in southern China on Wednesday after killing 15 people in Taiwan and lashing Hong Kong with ferocious winds and heavy rains.

Dr. Vajira Dissanayake resigns as Sri Lanka Medical Council President

Dr. Vajira Dissanayake has tendered his resignation as the President Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC).

Minister wants Bollywood movie shown to MPs

Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake today requested the Parliamentary Caucus on Arts and Cultural Affairs to screen the Bollywood film ’Taare Zameen Par’ for the members of Parliament.

Education Ministry reviews progress of overseas digital training program

In line with the government’s new education reforms, the Information and Communication Technology Branch of the Education Ministry held a progress review meeting on the Overseas Training Program conducted in collaboration with the People’s Republic of China.

12th Galle Dialogue Maritime conference begins

First SLITA Runway event unveiled

Sri Lanka named world’s no. 1 destination to visit in October 2025

Sri Lanka has been ranked as the No. 1 travel destination for October 2025 by global travel guide Time Out.

Two aircraft restored to SriLankan fleet; another due next year

SriLankan Airlines announced that two aircraft, which had been grounded for a long period due to engine failures, have now been returned to service, while another aircraft is scheduled to rejoin the fleet early next year.

Banning corporal punishment aimed at saving children from emotional sufferings: Minister

Referring to the Penal Code amendment under which both physical and non-physical punishment are banned in schools, the Minister of Childcare Saroja Paulraj said it is aimed at preventing a child’s emotional suffering during and after a punishment.

Court to be notified if Gammanpila’s arrest becomes necessary: AG

The Attorney General today informed the Court of Appeal that if the necessity arises to arrest former Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila over his alleged offensive remarks, the Court will be notified by way of a motion.

Three arrested at BIA for smuggling Rs. 62 million worth of phones and tablets

Three passengers attempting to smuggle a consignment of high-end mobile phones and tablet computers worth Rs. 62 million were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today.

Protest over war heroes’ issues

Donald Trump mocks UN over broken escalator, bad teleprompter

US President Donald Trump criticised the United Nations after facing a broken escalator and a malfunctioning teleprompter at its New York headquarters.

President meets UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in New York

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is in the United States to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on the afternoon of September 23 (US time) at the Human Rights Council Auditorium of the United Nations Secretariat, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Almost all MPs who submitted oral questions fail to turn up in Parliament

Almost all MPs who had submitted oral questions that were to be raised in Parliament today were absent, raising serious concerns.

Met Dept issues advisory for naval and fishing communities

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department has issued an advisory urging naval and fishing communities to exercise caution in the Bay of Bengal deep-sea areas.

Oklahoma tiger handler was fatally attacked in front of family during show

The tiger handler who was fatally mauled in Oklahoma recently was killed as horrified onlookers – including his wife and daughter – watched during the end of a big cat show, local officials said Monday.

Recycling centres rolled out across local governments bodies

In line with the national ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, the Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry has launched a programme to establish recycling centres within local government institutions, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said. The centres will convert solid waste into reusable materials, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Bilateral ties highlighted as Sri Lanka, India meet at UNGA

A meeting between Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was held in the United States on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.

’I’m waiting in the street’: Blocked by presidential convoy in NY, Macron phones Trump

’’How are you? Guess what!’ It was not the most usual beginning to a telephone call between two heads of state but neither were the circumstances.