Govt. accused of secret plan to privatise fertiliser imports

The government is preparing to implement a secret plan to privatise the import of fertiliser and the supply chain, National Farmers’ Union Chairman Anuradha Tennakoon claimed.

Two male bodies found in Colombo

Police have launched investigations after two male bodies were discovered in separate incidents in Grandpass and Dehiwala yesterday.

School van–bus collision injures three children

Three schoolchildren and a van driver were injured this morning when a school van collided with a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus on Vauxhall Street, Colombo 02.

’Feminist Collective’ condemns attack on peaceful protestors in Mannar

The Feminist Collective for Economic Justice, Sri Lanka has condemned the attack on peaceful protestors in Mannar, claiming that many protestors, including women and children, have ended up in hospital.

University lecturers launch one-day strike over unresolved issues

University lecturers across the country have launched a one-day strike today, citing the government’s failure to address ongoing problems in the higher education sector.

Fuel station owners warn of closures over low commission

The Petroleum Distributors Association has warned that many petrol stations may have to close in the near future due to insufficient commissions paid by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association (SLPPTOA) joint Secretary D.V Shantha Silva said.

Shashindra Rajapaksa further remanded

Former State Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa, who is currently in remand, was today ordered to be further remanded until October 14 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.

Madagascar president dissolves government after ’Gen Z’ protests

Madagascar’s president has said he will dissolve his government, following days of youth-led protests over longstanding water and power cuts.

Wild elephant invades Govt. hospital, damages patient bed

A wild elephant that roamed into Minneriya Ayurveda Hospital in the early hours of last morning had pulled down a window and taken out and destroyed a bed and an iron box used by the patients to keep their belongings. Several elderly patients were under treatment in the ward.

DMT launches online system for driving license renewals

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) today (30) launched the first stage of an online system to make the renewal of driving licenses more efficient.

Institutional corruption persists even under new Govt- key U.S. report

Institutional corruption persists, particularly within sectors protected by entrenched vested interests, even under the current government, though high-level political bribery solicitation appears to have diminished, according to the U.S. statement on Sri Lanka’s investment climate.

Child pregnancy on the rise in Anuradhapura

Pregnancy of underage girls and the rate of child mothers have been increasing in alarming proportions in the Anuradhapura area, creating a serious social issue, much to the anxiety of the authorities.

False news alert!

Reports circulating on certain platforms claiming that Jamila Husain has resigned from her position as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Mirror are false and misleading.

Three Sri Lankans arrested for overstaying in Bengaluru

Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested three Sri Lankan men who were allegedly staying illegally in an apartment near Devanahalli. Police suspect they were involved in crimes in Sri Lanka and had been hiding in the city for several months.

Ticketing made mandatory on private buses from tomorrow

The Western Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authority (WPRPTA) announced that issuing and obtaining tickets on private buses will be mandatory from tomorrow (October 1).

Afghanistan telecom blackout as Taliban shut off internet

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has imposed a nationwide shutdown of telecommunications, weeks after it began severing fibre-optic internet connections to prevent what it calls immorality.

Businessman nabbed with 75 liquor bottles at BIA

A 38-year-old businessman from Puttalam, was arrested by Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) officers early yesterday (30) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to smuggle out 75 bottles of foreign liquor worth around Rs. 1 million.

Mrs. World 2024 in Sri Lanka

Restructuring alone not enough to sustain SL’s debt gains: IMF

Sri Lanka’s sovereign debt restructuring has eased the borrowing costs and restored investor access to financial markets. However, all is not rosy yet, as the country faces a complex post-restructuring debt portfolio that requires stronger public debt management and continued fiscal discipline, according to a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) working paper.

SVAT reversal threatens export competitiveness, SLFFA warns

The Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association (SLFFA) has joined the calls for urgent government action after the removal of the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) scheme, warning the move could squeeze cash flows and undermine the country’s export sector.

Nepal skittle Windies for 83 in historic series win

West Indies suffered a new low as they were bowled out for just 83 to lose their T20 series with minnows Nepal in the United Arab Emirates.

Batters to watch at ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

As the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 approaches, attention turns to those likely to be in contention for the top run scorer prize.

'We can win': Athapaththu on CWC25 opener against India

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu is confident about her side’s chances against India, ahead of their much-anticipated clash in Guwahati.

Ceylon Chamber urges investor-friendly reforms in draft PPP Bill

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) yesterday urged the government to strengthen the draft Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Bill to make it more investor-friendly, while welcoming the government’s effort to establish a framework for private sector participation in infrastructure and services.

New Sri Lanka-China ‘Trusted Trader’ programme aims to certify 200 local firms by mid-2026

The Sri Lanka China Business Cooperation Council (SLCBCC) has launched a new ‘Trusted Trader’ certification, projecting that 150 to 200 Sri Lankan companies will be certified by mid-2026

Minister says Sri Lankan tea wins Nobel Prize

In a bizarre statement, Industries Minister Sunil Handunnetti said yesterday that Sri Lanka had ‘won the Nobel Prize for tea’ after entering the Guinness World Records for producing the world’s most expensive tea.

England bowler Woakes retires from international cricket

Paceman Chris Woakes on Monday announced his retirement from international cricket after England indicated he was no longer in their plans.

12 garment factory workers injured in bus accident

At least 12 passengers were injuried when a private bus belonging to a garment factory met with an accident on the Randenigala road, police said.

Ravi demands clarity on sugar industry policy

UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake questioned the Government’s shifting stance on Sri Lanka’s sugar industry, warning that policy confusion was damaging farmers, investors and the economy.

Trump considering supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, Vance says

The US is considering a request by Ukraine for long-range Tomahawk missiles, US Vice-President JD Vance has said.