Supreme Court orders CID probe into AG’s decision on X-Press Pearl legal action

The Supreme Court yesterday ordered the CID to conduct investigations into matters arising from the Attorney General’s unreasonable, irrational, and arbitrary decision to institute civil legal action against the X-Press Pearl group of companies in a Singapore court, instead of initiating proceedings in the High Court of Sri Lanka under its Admiralty jurisdiction.

Vyavasaya 2025

Govt.’s learning curve ending, project momentum building: Construction sector

A top construction industry leader voiced cautious optimism for Sri Lanka’s construction sector, suggesting the government’s initial “learning curve” is now over and is anticipating a new sense of urgency in project

US wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies aged 71

Hulk Hogan, one of America’s best-known wrestling stars, has died at the age of 71, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has confirmed.

Sri Lanka has identified five potential sites for first nuclear power plant

Sri Lanka is making progress in establishing nuclear infrastructure and has already identified potential new-build sites as it embarks on the development of its nuclear power programme, according to an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review mission.

India resumes visas for Chinese tourists amid thawing ties

India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals after a five-year gap as the two countries continue to explore ways to mend their strained relationship.

CID probes suspect hiding with unlicensed T-56

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena that investigations are underway to arrest a suspect who is in hiding in connection with the possession of a T-56 firearm without a valid license.

Nigerian man arrested after eight years over gift parcel scam

A Nigerian man, Christopher Ikekwuaku Kanu was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department after evading authorities for nearly eight years.

Parliament to debate removal of suspended Deshabandu

Parliament is set to debate the resolution to remove suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon from office on August 5.

CSE extends uptrend as market confidence strengthens

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) continued its upward momentum today, with the market displaying a positive trend from the start of trading. The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) gained 136.16 points (+0.71%) to close at 19,379.24, while the S&P SL20 index edged up by 37.75 points (+0.07%) to end at 5,727.37.

Rohitha’s son-in-law remanded, Jagath Vithana’s son released on bail

Former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena’s son-in-law was remanded till August 1 over an illegally assembled vehicle case, while SJB MP Jagath Vithana’s son, accused in the same case, was released on bail by the Mathugama Magistrate’s Court.

Close associate of Kanjipani Imran arrested at BIA

Mohamed Manilar Mohmed Arshad, a 45-year-old underworld figure and close associate of notorious gangster Kanjipani Imran, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Australia to lift import ban on US beef after Trump tariffs tiff

Australia will lift restrictions on the import of beef from the US, a trade barrier which had angered the Trump administration.

Sub-Inspector arrested for alleged bribery

A Sub-Inspector attached to the Kompannavidiya Police Station was arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on charges of soliciting a bribe.

Credentials to President

Sri Lanka Teams for GYM FOR LIFE 2025

Sri Lankan migrant worker endures trauma following workplace humiliation in Korea

A Sri Lankan migrant worker said he continues to suffer from trauma months after co-workers tied him to a forklift and mocked him at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla, in an incident that has fueled national outrage and triggered a government investigation into the abuse of foreign laborers.

Government to decide on Grade 5 scholarship examination in 2029: Deputy Minister

The government will take a decision on the Grade 5 scholarship examination in 2029, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madura Seneviratne said today.

Sri Lanka to tour England for white-ball series in September

Sri Lanka National Men’s Team will tour England in September 2026 for a white-ball series, the Sri Lanka Cricket said.

I have become a social media hit: Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe told Parliament today that he has become a social media hit after going wrong when reciting ‘Lowada Sangarawa’ which is a Sinhala verse, the other day.

Sri Lankans to get seasonal jobs in South Korea

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) says that many seasonal job opportunities in South Korea are now available for Sri Lankans following an agreement between the two governments.

Over 500 kilos of bananas wasted daily at Thambuttegama Economic Centre

More than 500 kilos of bananas are wasted every day at the Thambuttegama Economic Centre, Chairman Sunil Seneviratne said.

More foreign-trained specialist doctors choosing to stay in Sri Lanka: Health Minister

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says more specialist doctors who have completed training abroad are now choosing to stay in Sri Lanka instead of leaving the country.

No survivors in Russian passenger plane crash

All 49 people on board the Angara Airlines An-24 passenger plane which crashed in Russia’s far east Amur region have died, TASS news agency reported citing preliminary information from emergency services.

Prisoner breaks free at hospital, attacks officer with bottle

A suspect in custody at the Colombo Remand Prison attempted to escape yesterday while being escorted to the psychiatric clinic at the Colombo National Hospital.

Rohitha Abeygunawardene’s son-in-law appears in court

The son-in-law of former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardene appeared before the Mathugama Magistrate’s Court today in connection with an ongoing investigation into an illegal vehicle assembly operation.

Rise in rambutan-related accidents

Experts have raised concerns over a growing number of accidents involving people falling from rambutan trees, raising safety concerns during the fruit-picking season, the Health Promotion Bureau said.

No child should have to drop out of school: President

An education reform is required to ensure a 13 year continuous education where no student needs to drop out of the school system, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

X-Press Pearl disaster: SC orders non-state parties to pay USD 1 Billion

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court today ordered the non-state parties involved in the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster to make an initial payment of USD 1 billion within one year as compensation for the damage caused.

Russian plane goes missing with nearly 50 aboard

Air traffic controllers lost contact on Thursday with an An-24 passenger plane carrying about 50 people in Russia’s far east, and a search was under way, the regional governor said.