Germany to press Sri Lanka on PTA repeal during President visit

Germany will ask President Anura Kumara Dissanayake about steps being taken by his government for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), reconciliation and addressing wartime accountability issues during his upcoming visit there, the Daily Mirror has learnt.

National SME Forum 2025 opens new doors to global markets and growth opportunities

National SME Forum 2025, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, this week brought together over 200 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from across Sri Lanka,

IMF ties SL board review to electricity tariffs, financing commitments

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the timing of its Executive Board meeting to approve Sri Lanka’s next tranche of funding, under the Extended Fund Facility, would depend on the government’s ability to deliver on key reform commitments, including the electricity tariff adjustments.

‘SL a five-star island with three-star image’: Veteran hotelier calls for tourism reset

Veteran hotelier Hiran Cooray on Thursday called on Sri Lanka’s tourism industry to raise its standards, urging a shift from what he described as a “three-star mentality” to one that reflects the country’s “five-star” potential.

Deputy Labour Minister assures immediate action over ETF salary issues

Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe today assured swift action to resolve the salary-related grievances of employees at the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), following a heated protest and urgent discussions with trade union representatives.

Education Ministry revises school holidays for Hajj festival

The Ministry of Education announced today that Muslim schools will be in session on May 26 and 27, 2025, due to a revision in the school holiday schedule for the Hajj festival (Eid al-Adha).

Closure of NEXT factory in Katunayake FTZ violates labour law, says Deputy Minister

The sudden closure of the NEXT apparel manufacturing factory located in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has drawn strong criticism from Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, who said today that the move violates Sri Lanka’s labour laws due to the absence of prior notice.

Government firms up against genocide allegation: Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said the government will not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or groups who promote the idea that the Sri Lankan military committed genocide during the civil war.

Leave cricket before cricket leaves you!

Former Sri Lanka Captain Angelo Mathews today announced his retirement from Test cricket. The veteran is set to play his last Test match against Bangladesh next month.

SC orders Rs. 1.2 Mn in personal compensation from policemen for torturing youth in custody

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court today ordered six former police officers attached to the Thambuttegama Police Station to personally pay Rs. 1.2 million in compensation to a young man who was arbitrarily arrested and tortured in custody in 2012.

Sri Lankan delegation to engage in tariff talks in Washington

A Sri Lankan delegation is set to participate in discussions in Washington, D.C., focusing on tariff-related matters, following an invitation extended by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

CSE ends mixed as ASPI gains on continued rate cut optimism

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a mixed note today, reflecting an overall optimistic market outlook, as investor sentiment remained positive following the interest rate cut announced yesterday. The momentum continued into today’s session, with market participants showing renewed confidence in response to the Central Bank’s supportive monetary policy stance.

Trump threatens a 50% tariff on the EU

President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union, citing a lack of progress in current trade negotiations.

Opposition MPs call for probe into Leader of the House

A group of opposition MPs is set to request Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne to conduct a probe into Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake, whom they accuse of acting in an undemocratic manner during parliamentary sessions.

University of Colombo gets new Vice Chancellor

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Professor I.M. Karunathilake as the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo.

President to embark on official visit to Germany

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Germany commencing on June 10.

Over 15 senior police officers transferred with immediate effect

The National Police Commission has approved a series of immediate transfers and new appointments affecting 16 Officers-in-Charge (OICs) across various police stations and divisions in Sri Lanka.

DMT Deputy Commissioner among three arrested in Rs. 4 Mn bribery scandal

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has arrested three individuals, including a Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Motor Traffic for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs. 4 million.

Is Health Ministry blocking salt imports?

The Ministry of Health has firmly denied recent media reports suggesting that it is obstructing the importation of salt into Sri Lanka.

Parliament renovations to be done by police, army

The Parliamentary Staff Advisory Committee has approved the ongoing renovation works of the Parliament building to be carried out with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Army and the Sri Lanka Police.

NPP secretly approaching SLPP members to form councils

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP D.V. Chanaka said the National People’s Power (NPP) was secretly approaching members elected from the SLPP to seek their support to form councils.

Activists urge UN action on war-affected children

Foreign cigarettes worth Rs. 3.54 million seized

A consignment of foreign cigarettes valued at Rs. 3.54 million was seized and a Sri Lankan passenger who attempted to smuggle it into the country was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by the Airport Police in the early hours of this morning.

Angelo Mathews announces retirement from Test cricket

Veteran Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews has announced his retirement from Test cricket. Mathews conveyed his decision through a post on his official handle on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Stop meal price hike for non-executive staff in Parliament: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today urged the government to rethink about the meal price hike for non-executive staff in Parliament.

Ampitiye Sumanarathana Thera arrested

The Chief Incumbent of the Sri Mangalarama Viharaya in Batticaloa, Ven. Ampitiye Sumanarathana Thera has been arrested by the Ampara Police.

Katunayake factory offers to find jobs for those affected due to factory closure: Deputy Minister

The management of the Katunayake factory has assured to help find jobs for the employees who lost their jobs due to the factory closure, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe said today.

Sri Lankan teen wins prestigious International public speaking competition

Sixteen-year-old Sashane Dassanayake has brought global recognition to Sri Lanka by winning the 2025 International Public Speaking Competition, held at the English-Speaking Union (ESU) International Headquarters, Dartmouth House, London, from May 12 to 16.

ETF employees oppose 30% salary cut

Is salt crisis worsening?

Sri Lanka, an island nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean, is facing an unusual shortage of salt triggered by supply disruptions after heavy rainfall.