Three nabbed at BIA with Rs. 40 million worth of ’Kush’

Three passengers were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (19) after attempting to carry out of the airport a stock of ’Kush’ drugs valued at Rs. 40 million.

Sapugaskanda refinery to be developed on build, operate and transfer basis: Minister

The Sapugaskanda refinery development project, which will be on a build, operate and transfer basis (BOT), will begin soon, Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody told Parliament today.

Police to get DIG in charge of cyber crimes: Minister

The Sri Lanka Police will soon get a DIG in charge of cyber crimes, while a special division will also be established, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today.

Upcountry train services remain limited due to landslide

Train services on the upcountry line remain limited today following a landslide between Ohiya and Idalgashinna, affecting routes from Colombo to Nanu Oya and from Badulla to Bandrawela, the Railways Department confirmed.

SL’s healthcare system can save roughly Rs. 3.32 trillion with Tobacco reduction strategies

Sri Lanka’s healthcare system has the opportunity save up to GBP 8.2 billion in around 30 years, through comprehensive Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), a medical expert on tobacco regulation declared recently.

Nearly quarter million vacancies to continue in state sector in 2026

Nearly a quarter of a million vacancies are set to remain unfilled across Sri Lanka’s public sector as the government moves to limit new recruitments to the bare minimum for the upcoming fiscal year (2026).

Sri Lanka targets 4 million tourists, US$8 billion revenue by 2030: Minister

Sri Lanka aims to attract four million tourists and generate US$ 8 billion in revenue by 2030, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath announced during the India–Sri Lanka Tourism Relations programme in Colombo, yesterday (19).

Sri Lanka seeks Indian investors, filmmakers to boost tourism

Sri Lanka is inviting Indian investors and film producers to explore new tourism ventures and film projects in the country, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday (19).

IRD records highest tax revenue in its history

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced that it has achieved the highest tax revenue collection in its history, reaching Rs. 2,002,241 million as of November 17.

SEC warns rogue market influencers

The capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), yesterday sounded its sternest warning yet, as a new breed of self-styled “market gurus” tighten their grip on social media.

Hakimi and Chebbak named African players of the year

Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Rabat on a successful night for the host nation.

Sri Lanka Clash with Zimbabwe as Shanaka Takes Charge

The second match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 will see Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe on Today, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

'Tremendous honour' - Federer added to Hall of Fame

Roger Federer will become the first member of the ’Big Three’ of tennis to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Sri Lanka hits 17,000 annual IT graduate target as industry turns focus to AI upskilling

Sri Lanka has successfully bridged its long-standing gap in IT graduate numbers, with the annual supply now reaching approximately 17,000, according to top industry official Shehani Seneviratne.

Sri Lanka A clinch semi-final spot after thrilling 6-run win over Bangladesh A in Doha

Sri Lanka A sealed their spot in the semi-finals of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 with a tense 6-run victory over Bangladesh A in Doha, confirming a final four lineup featuring Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

CBSL declares 22 companies and apps as prohibited pyramid schemes

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has officially identified and declared 22 companies and mobile applications as prohibited pyramid schemes under Section 83(C) of the Banking Act No. 30 of 1988, as amended.

Profit taking weighs on ASPI: JFP.N debuts with strong gains

The Colombo Stock Exchange remained subdued on Tuesday (19th November 2025), with the ASPI closing in negative territory for the fifth consecutive session, recording a modest decline of 21.80 points (-0.09%) to 23,029.86. The S&P SL20 also retreated, falling 14.96 points (-0.23%) to 6,361.58, as volatility persisted and overall market activity remained muted.

Namal accuses govt. of double standards over Trincomalee Buddha statue removal

National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Namal Rajapaksa today accused the government of maintaining double standards and failing to provide a clear explanation regarding the recent removal of a Buddha statue from a well-known temple in Trincomalee.

Govt revises driving licence levy regulations for foreigners

The Transport Ministry introduced new changes to the Motor Traffic Act, Chapter 203, through Gazette No. 2463/04 issued on November 17.

ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup schedule announced

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today unveiled the match schedule for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026.

’President assures us that PC elections will be held’: Rasamanickam

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured the Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) this afternoon that the Provincial Council elections will be held, said MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam.

Probe 90% complete in case against Ranil Wikremesinghe: AG tells court

The Attorney General yesterday informed Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara that investigations into the case filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, over the alleged misuse of Rs. 16.6 million in State funds, will be completed within a month and that steps will thereafter be taken to institute proceedings before a higher court.

NPP requests police to facilitate its rally in Tangalle: Opposition MP

The National People’s Power (NPP) has sought the assistance of the police to facilitate its rally to be held in Tangalle tomorrow, Opposition MP D.V. Chanaka alleged today.

UK reaffirms commitment to protect religious freedom in Sri Lanka

The United Kingdom has reiterated its continued support for religious freedom and the protection of the rights of all faith communities in Sri Lanka, Parliamentary Under-Secretary Seema Malhotra told UK Parliament.

Fleet of vehicle to be imported includes 700 other essential vehicles: Minister

The fleet of vehicles that the government is planning to import includes 700 other essential vehicles required for the Local Government institutions throughout the country, Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said today.

Writ petition against alleged demolition of section of Trincomalee temple to be heard on December 16

The writ petition filed by the Chief Incumbent of the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya in Trincomalee, Venerable Kalyanawansa Tissa Thera, seeking an order to prevent the demolition of a section of the temple premises, has been fixed for December 16 by the Court of Appeal.

‘When Media Minister quotes an unknown website, it shows the fear the govt has against us’ - Namal slams govt.

National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa today called on the government to concentrate on fulfilling its long overdue pledges made to the public rather than focusing on spinning lies against the opposition members.

Submit list of SJB MPs who reject cabs: Bimal tells Madduma Bandara

Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake requested Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secrerty Ranjith Madduma Bandara to submit a letter with the names of the SJB MPs who do not require cab vehicles to be provided by the government.

Police warn against false reports on police clearance

The Sri Lanka Police have clarified that reports circulating in the media claiming that a character certificate from the Chairman of the Civil Security Committee is required to obtain a police clearance report are false.

China to suspend imports of Japanese seafood amid diplomatic row: Reports

China will again ban all imports of Japanese seafood as a diplomatic dispute between the two countries escalates, Japanese media report.