Namal demands fair trial, says crucial documents withheld

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, who has been indicted in connection with the alleged Krrish deal, raised concerns today over the prosecution’s failure to provide several documents requested by the defence to ensure a fair trial.

Central Expressway to be completed by 2028: Minister

The government intends to complete the Central Expressway by 2028, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake told Parliament today.

Rainfall to gradually decrease after October 3: Met Dept.

The prevailing rainy conditions are expected to gradually ease in the coming days, the Department of Meteorology said.

Tree falls on bus in Olcott Mawatha

A tree fell on to a bus travelling along Olcott Mawatha in Colombo this morning, near the Railway Headquarters, causing traffic congestion in the area.

Three National Hospitals still run without directors

Three of Sri Lanka’s National Hospitals have been operating without permanent directors for more than eight months, health sector sources said.

Driving licence, number plates with new features soon: Minister

Driving licences and number plates with new features will be issued by the Department of Registration of Motor Traffic (DMT) soon, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake told Parliament today.

Trump signs order declaring TikTok sale ready and values it at $14 billion

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday declaring that his plan to sell Chinese-owned TikTok’s U.S. operations to U.S. and global investors will address the national security requirements in a 2024 law.

Vehicle roadworthiness vital to reduce accidents: Sajeev Rajaputhra

In the wake of the recent bus tragedy in Ella and a spate of road accidents across the country, SAS3 Trading Company has urged the government to implement a comprehensive vehicle roadworthiness project to ensure safety standards in Sri Lanka’s transport sector.

Parliament kitchen needs minor repairs: MP

Opposition MP Prasad Siriwardana, who was on an inspection tour of the Parliament kitchen on Thursday, said it needs minor repairs.

President meets UN Secretary-General

South Korea legalises tattooing by non-medical professionals

South Korea has legalised tattoo artistry by non-medical professionals for the first time in more than 30 years, following a campaign by members of the profession to work without fear of prosecution or harassment.

Govt launches first provincial digitalization, AI programme in Kandy today

The first provincial-level programme to brief government executives on the government’s digitalization agenda and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be held today (26) at the Kandy District Secretariat, the President’s Media Division (PMD) announced.

President meets UN Secretary-General in New York

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is in New York to attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters yesterday (25), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Local agent tells SC it lacks resources for first tranche payment

Sea Consortium Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the local agent of the MV X-Press Pearl, has informed the Supreme Court through an affidavit that its directors and principal executive officers, on their own, lack the ability and resources to raise a sum of USD 250 million to make the first tranche payment required by the Supreme Court judgement delivered in connection with the X-Press Pearl disaster.

Sri Lanka yet to heed India’s request for appointing chief negotiator

Despite requests by India, the Sri Lankan government is yet to appoint a chief negotiator for the resumption of talks on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) which is now at a standstill after 14 rounds of discussions carried out under different successive governments in the past for expansion of trade and investments with India, an informed source said.

SLAF showcases culinary excellence in Sigiriya

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) once again brought its culinary excellence to the forefront with the successful hosting of the second edition of the SLAF Culinary Art Competition recently at the historic city of Sigiriya.

Showers expected in several provinces over next 24 hours

The prevailing showery condition over the southwestern parts of the island is expected to continue during the next 24 hours, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Kandamby backs Sri Lanka batters to tackle India’s spin threat

Sri Lanka batting coach Thilina Kandamby says his batters will need to play with a positive mindset to tackle the spin threat from India in their inconsequential Asia Cup match here on Friday.

Coach urges Pakistan to ’focus on cricket’ for India Asia Cup final

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson called on his players to focus on cricket when they face India in the Asia Cup final on Sunday, after the previous two meetings between the sides caused tensions to run high.

CB sets record straight on year-end reserve target

The Central Bank set the record straight this week on where they have to end up in the external reserves by the end of the year as reports circulating are carrying various numbers claiming what the Central Bank

Pakistan down Bangladesh to set up Asia Cup final with India

Pakistan will face India in the Asia Cup final for the first time after their bowlers made amends for poor batting to upstage Bangladesh in an 11-run victory on Thursday.

SEC unveils 12-Pillar roadmap to transform Sri Lanka’s capital market

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) this week launched a comprehensive strategic roadmap aimed at transforming the nation’s capital market into a resilient, innovative, and globally

Karu Jayasuriya turns 85 with service, not celebration

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya will mark his 85th birthday on 29th September 2025, not with personal festivities, but with a day devoted entirely to public service, education, and national reconciliation.

CSE records strong gains with turnover surging to LKR 9.29 Bn

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) sustained its positive momentum on Thursday, with the ASPI advancing 182.61 points (+0.86%) to 21,521.06 and the S&P SL20 gaining 21.52 points (+0.35%) to 6,102.58. Investor activity remained robust, supported by a healthy turnover of LKR 9.29 Bn as 261.28 Mn shares changed hands.

Sri Lankan woman among two arrested for coastal stunt during typhoon

Hong Kong Police have arrested two South Asian women for allegedly taking a child wave-chasing in the Southern District during Typhoon Ragasa, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Three young women tortured and murdered by drug gang - all captured live on Instagram

Police believe the friends were tricked into going to a house at night, having been invited to a fake event.

SJB to bring No-Confidence Motion against Speaker

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said they would bring a No-Confidence Motion (NCM) against Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne, alleging that he is unfit to hold office due to his recent handling of Parliamentary procedures.

Rise in antibiotic use limits discoveries, warns Health Secretary

The discovery of new antibiotics has become increasingly rare due to their widespread use in humans, animals, foods and soil—a trend that poses a serious concern for the country, Health and Mass Media Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.

Officers who ignored Easter attacks intel engage in repeat performance: Namal

Two intelligence officers who neglected the prior warnings on the Easter Sunday bomb attacks have engaged in a repeat performance by neglecting prior warnings on two containers comprising narcotic drugs, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa told Parliament today.

Over 1,000 children fall ill from free school lunches in Indonesia

More than 1,000 children have fallen ill from free school lunches in Indonesia this week, according to authorities – the latest in a string of mass food poisoning events linked to President Prabowo Subianto’s multi-billion-dollar nutritious meals programme.