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.

Colombo aims to keep visitors for 72 hours, says Balthazaar in China

Colombo is planning to transform itself from a transit stop into a vibrant destination where tourists are encouraged to stay for up to 72 hours, Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar announced at the Annual General Meeting of the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities in Quanzhou, China.

Majority drug addicts in Sri Lanka are not O/L passed

A recent study has revealed that most drug addicts including ICE addicts in Sri Lanka have education levels below the Ordinary Level (O/L) and have now become a burden to the state as they require intense rehabilitation and remain unemployed.

Indian Navy Chief meets SL defence top brass

SLPP issues stern warning to Thisakutti Arachchi

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam has issued a stern warning to former Member of Parliament Thisakutti Arachchi, urging him to refrain from making irresponsible and controversial statements at public meetings.

Nasa plans first crewed Moon mission in 50 years for February 2026

Nasa has said it hopes to send astronauts on a ten-day trip around the Moon as soon as February.

President arrives in the United States

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has arrived in the United States to attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Indian market growth momentum drives 31% spike in Sept. tourist arrivals

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has kicked off the autumn season with a 31 percent surge in arrivals, welcoming 111,823 tourists in the first three weeks of September 2025.

August exports top US$ 1.6bn as apparel falters

Sri Lanka’s exports maintained steady momentum in August 2025, with total earnings climbing 2.6 percent year-on-year (YoY) to US$ 1.61 billion, showing resilience across key sectors even as apparel shipments softened.

Ireland bowler to step away from international cricket

Freya Sargent has decided to take an indefinite break from international cricket for personal reasons.

ICC suspends USA Cricket’s membership

The International Cricket Council has suspended USA Cricket’s membership, as it builds safeguards to protect athletes and the sport’s Olympic aspirations.

Former umpire 'Dickie' Bird dies aged 92

Former Test umpire Harold ’’Dickie’’ Bird, one of the most famous officials of his era, has died at the age of 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced on Tuesday.

Pakistan stay alive in Asia Cup with win over Sri Lanka

Pakistan kept their Asia Cup campaign alive with a hard-fought five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a Super Four clash in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.