COPF proposes regulating lotteries under Gambling Authority Bill

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has proposed improvements to the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, while advocating for the inclusion of the National Lotteries Board and Development Lotteries Board within the regulatory framework of the said authority.

Tourism revenue figures disputed as Minister’s claim contradicts CBSL data

A mismatch between official statistics and government statements has sparked controversy over Sri Lanka’s reported tourism revenue for 2025.

PUCSL to hold public hearing on February’s island-wide power failure on August 5

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) will conduct a public hearing tomorrow (5), to investigate the island-wide power failure that occurred on February 9, 2025.

Two petitions challenging legality of Sri Lanka-India MoUs dismissed by SC

Two Fundamental Rights petitions filed seeking an order to invalidate the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between Sri Lanka and India, were today dismissed by the Supreme Court.

Accident involving President’s Secretary’s car injures four

Four members of the same family, including two children, were hospitalised following an accident involving the official vehicle of President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake in Thalangama.

Does Minister live on Aswesuma?: Nandana

One wonders whether Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe lives on Aswesuma as they contribute their salaries to the party, former MP Nandana Gunathileke said.

Govt aims to solve housing issue in 5 to 10 years: Minister Samarasinghe

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe says the government is committed to resolving Sri Lanka’s longstanding housing crisis within the next five to ten years.

Naked man caught on camera riding bicycle through Kandana town

A man riding a bicycle completely naked through the middle of Kandana town has sparked public concern after being caught on a vehicle’s dashboard camera.

Okkampitiya OIC remanded over bribery allegations

The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Okkampitiya Police Station, who was arrested over allegations of soliciting and accepting a bribe was ordered to be remanded till August 18 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga today.

Severe lightning, thundershower alert issued for 10 districts

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department has issued a severe lightning alert for 10 districts in the Northern, North-Central, and Eastern provinces.

8-year-old boy dies after falling into toilet pit in Bhagwanthalawa

Bhagwanthalawa, August 4 (Daily Mirror) - An eight-year-old boy tragically died yesterday after falling into a six-foot-deep toilet pit near his home in the Bhagwanthalawa Kiw Estate, police said.

Sri Lankan envoy says talks underway to further reduce U.S. tariffs

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe said that diplomatic discussions are ongoing to further reduce U.S. tariffs on Sri Lankan exports.

CID summons ex-President’s secretary over trip funds

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has summoned Sandra Perera, the personal secretary to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, to provide a statement in connection with an investigation into a foreign trip allegedly funded using financial allocations from the Presidential Secretariat.

SLTB driver arrested for drunk driving with passengers onboard in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, August 4 (Daily Mirror) - A driver attached to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) was arrested by Nuwara Eliya police yesterday for driving a passenger bus under the influence of alcohol.

‘Happy Streets’ event leaves Marine Drive covered in trash

The “Happy Streets” event, held on August 3 from 6 AM to 11 PM along the Colpetty stretch of Marine Drive, ended with streets covered in garbage, leaving many disappointed the next morning.

Another elephant found dead

The body of a wild elephant was discovered in a swamp near the Karametiya Tank in the Dahaiyagala area, within the Hambegamuwa Police Division, officials confirmed today.

Bribery Commission warns of legal action over assets declarations

Legal action will be taken against any Executive Grade State official who fails to submit their assets and liabilities declarations by August 31, 2025, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) said.

IGP ordered to appoint an official to supervise actions on custodial deaths

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) on Friday (01) ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to appoint an official to supervise the actions taken in terms of the guidelines pertaining to the death of individuals died in custody and to submit a report in this regard on August 28.

76 shooting incidents this year, leaving 41 dead and 43 injured

A total of 76 shooting incidents have been reported across the country so far in 2025, resulting in 41 deaths and 43 injuries, according to police sources.

’’I will die, but not alone, if my pension is touched’’ - Ex. JVP MP Nandana Gunathilake warns

’’I will die, but not alone, I was a guerrilla,’’ former JVP Parliamentarian and candidate for the 1999 Presidential election Nandana Gunathilake has warned in a Facebook post, citing his possible predicament in case the government deprives the former MPs of their pension.

PM vows strong action against university harassment

All forms of harassment, sexual harassment, violence, and undue pressure against university students must end immediately. She affirmed that the government is prepared to take the strongest possible measures to ensure student safety and dignity on campuses, Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

Health Ministry intervenes to settle Kalutara hospital dispute

Plans to set up professorial units for the University of Moratuwa’s Faculty of Medicine at the Teaching Hospital Kalutara are now back on track after a week of tensions between hospital consultants and university officials, health sources said.

More than 60 migrants die off Yemen in boat capsize

More than 60 migrants died when a boat carrying around 150 people sank off the coast of Yemen in bad weather on Sunday.

Weak immigration laws pose a threat to Sri Lanka’s free visa policy for foreigners

In the wake of the poor enforcement of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act, concerns are being raised whether the government’s attempt to open the country for free visa entry for nationals from 40 more countries will encourage unlawful foreign owned businesses here further.

Namal slams govt over ‘politicization’ of Youth Services Council

SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of politicizing the National Youth Services Council (NYSC) and suppressing independent youth activism, following the arrest of a district youth leader.

Back to school...

President needs security and relaxation: Opposition MP

The President needs security while he should enjoy recreation, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S.M. Marikar said today.

Validity of taxpayer PIN extended

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced that the validity of the Personal Identification Number (PIN) issued to taxpayers has been extended until November 30.

Close associate of ’Dubai Sudda’ arrested

A close associate of notorious underworld figure Prasad Chathuranga Kodagoda, also known as “Dubai Sudda,” has been arrested by the Panadura Division Crime Investigation Unit, police said.

Iran fully reopens airspace after ceasefire with Israel

Iran has lifted all remaining restrictions on its airspace that were imposed at the onset of its 12-day conflict with Israel, the country’s Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) announced Saturday.