Sri Lanka tightens import remittance regulations

The Government has introduced new regulations aimed at strengthening the monitoring of outward remittances linked to import transactions through a Gazette Extraordinary issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969.

Three types of cardiac stents withdrawn immediately due to safety concerns

The Medical Supplies Division (MSD) have ordered the immediate withdrawal of three types of ’inferior’ cardiac stents and instructed hospitals across Sri Lanka to isolate all remaining stocks without using them, in a major nationwide safety alert affecting heart treatment services.

Middle East conflict puts global spotlight on Colombo Port, World Bank tells government

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has placed the Colombo Port under increased global attention, prompting the World Bank to urge the Sri Lankan government to exercise great care in its future development and management, during discussions with Civil Aviation and Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake at the Ministry premises.

Ghost’s children have entered UNP working committee: Ravi K

Ghost’s children have entered the United National Party (UNP) working committee while seniors have been kept out, MP Ravi Karunanayake said today.

Daily vehicle import bill drops below USD 4Mn

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando said that Sri Lanka’s daily foreign exchange outflow for vehicle imports has fallen to below USD 4 million following the introduction of a temporary surcharge on Customs Import Duties for vehicles.

No room for fuel price cut despite global price drop: Govt.

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said the government is currently unable to reduce domestic fuel prices despite the decline in global fuel prices, as Sri Lanka is still using fuel stocks purchased at higher prices.

Gotabaya’s writ petition fixed for tomorrow

The writ petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa seeking an order preventing his arrest in connection with the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks was today fixed for tomorrow by the Court of Appeal.

Bribery Commission arrests Yoshitha over Navy probe

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning (17) after appearing before the commission to provide a statement.

Hospitals under pressure as Dengue cases spike

Health authorities have raised concerns that Sri Lanka’s healthcare system could come under severe pressure if the current rise in dengue admissions continues.

Gotabaya files writ petition to prevent arrest over Easter Sunday probes

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal seeking an order preventing the CID from arresting him in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.

CID names political figures in alleged campaign to undermine Easter attacks probe

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed a report with the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court detailing an organized effort by several individuals to obstruct justice and commit contempt of court regarding the ongoing Easter Sunday bomb attacks investigations, police said.

Health Minister orders urgent dengue control drive across 14 high-risk districts

Health Minister and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has directed officials to urgently convene all relevant stakeholders, including District Secretaries from 14 high-risk districts, to strengthen measures against the ongoing dengue outbreak.

Sri Lankan Rupee strengthens against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee strengthened against the US Dollar today (15) after several days of depreciation, according to the latest exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

IMF asks Central Bank to be vigilant

In the wake of the multi-billion rupee fraud at the National Development Bank (NDB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked the Central Bank to strengthen the bank supervisory and regulatory mechanisms, according to the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF).

Court allows Tissa to seek answers from Prime Minister

The Colombo District Court on Friday (12) permitted Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organiser Tissa Attanayake to serve interrogatories on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, seeking answers regarding her educational background and her knowledge of the destruction allegedly caused by the JVP during the 1987–1989 insurrection, in connection with the defamation lawsuit filed by the Prime Minister against him.

CAA raids Kollupitiya supermarket over missing food labels

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has carried out a special inspection raid on a leading supermarket in the Kollupitiya area over the sale of imported packaged food products allegedly lacking mandatory labeling information.

Former MPs urge rule of law in Suresh Saleh case

A group of former Members of Parliament has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urging the government to uphold the rule of law amid growing controversy over the treatment of former State Intelligence Service Director General Major General (Retired) Suresh Saleh, who is currently in police custody.

CMTA warns of another Rs.40bn revenue leak from used vehicle tax break

Sri Lanka risks losing another Rs.40 billion in tax revenue this year, unless the authorities urgently scrap a long-contested concession granted on the used vehicle imports, according to the Ceylon Motor Traders’ Association (CMTA), which argued the measure is creating an unjustifiable advantage for the importers while depriving the Treasury of the much-needed funds.

Attorney General withdraws move to call judge as witness

The Attorney General gave an undertaking before the Court of Appeal that an Awissawella High Court judge would not be called as a witness before the Colombo High Court in relation to judicial decisions made in the course of his official duties.

Rupee weakens further against USD

The Sri Lankan rupee weakened further against the US dollar today (12), with several commercial banks recording higher exchange rates compared to Thursday.

Underworld turning to homemade guns as raids drain weapon supplies

Sri Lanka’s criminal underworld is increasingly relying on locally manufactured firearms and imitation weapons as sustained police operations continue to reduce access to military-grade firearms.

Sri Lanka on brink of dengue epidemic

Sri Lanka faces a high risk of a dengue epidemic as infections continue to rise sharply across the country, with nearly 39,000 cases reported so far this year and thousands of mosquito breeding sites detected during a nationwide eradication drive, health experts warned.

MRIA investment project EOI deadline extended until July 9

The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the “Project of Investments to Utilize Resources of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA)” has been extended until July 9, 2026, offering prospective investors additional time to participate in one of Sri Lanka’s key aviation development initiatives.

High Court rejects Shashi Weerawansa’s appeal, affirms sentence

Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne dismissed an appeal filed by Shashi Weerawansa challenging the two year prison sentence and fine imposed on her for possessing an irregularly obtained passport.

Death row inmate freed from a 30 year old murder case

The Court of Appeal has acquitted a man who had been sentenced to death for a double murder committed over 30 years ago, ruling that serious doubts existed regarding the reliability of the identification evidence relied upon by the prosecution.

Sri Lanka now second most peaceful in South Asia: Report

The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) has released its 20th annual Global Peace Index (GPI) report for 2026, revealing that Sri Lanka achieved the largest percentage improvement in peacefulness within the South Asia region.

Millions including NDB monies siphoned out of Sri Lanka under guise of importing goods

While Sri Lanka is grappling with a dollar crisis, investigations conducted by the police and Sri Lanka Customs have uncovered a massive scam where millions of US Dollars including the Rs.13 billion NDB fraud was siphoned out of the country under the guise of importing goods since 2023.

‘Corruption led to economic collapse’ - Court

While delivering the judgment, the High Court Judge underscored the far-reaching consequences of corruption in State institutions, observing that such misconduct not only damages the country’s economy but has also contributed to its economic downfall.

Sarana Gunawardena sentenced to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment

Former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena, who was found guilty in four corruption cases, was sentenced by Colombo High Court Judge Mohomed Mihal to four years’ imprisonment on each count.

Sri Lankans borrow more for survival

Sri Lankans have increasingly turned to personal and consumption-related borrowing over the past two years, with personal loans recording a sharp 35 per cent increase between December 2024 and March 2026, the latest data show.