President arrives in Parliament

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in Parliament a short while ago.

More raids launched to seize poachers’ illegal firearms

The Wildlife Conservation Department has intensified its operations to seize illegal firearms used by poachers and individuals targeting wild animals, including elephants.

Rohini Kaviratne apologises to Speaker but wants action against Leader of the House

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rohini Kaviratne tendered an apology today to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne for asking him to shut his mouth on Wednesday.

SJB member elected chairman of Weligama PS

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) member Lasantha Wickramasekara was today elected as the new Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha (PS), following a closely contested vote.

Attempted shooting at health official fails in Dehiwala

An attempted shooting targeting a health administration officer near the S. De S. Jayasinghe Stadium in Dehiwala failed this morning.

Contempt of court application against Harsha Ilukpitiya postponed for September 23

The contempt of court application filed against former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Harsha Ilukpitiya has been postponed for September 23 by the Supreme Court.

36,000 cancer patients admitted to Apeksha Hospital within six months: Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni revealed today that 36,000 cancer patients have been admitted to the Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama within the first six months of this year, from January to June 30, 2025.

Namal welcomes Central Bank’s move toward cryptocurrency recognition

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has expressed support for the Central Bank’s recent initiative to open dialogue on recognizing cryptocurrency as a legitimate transaction method.

Govt committed to digital integration in mental health services: PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating digital health solutions into the country’s existing mental health services, aligning with its broader digitization agenda.

Expedite setting up of International Trade office: Harsha

Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance Dr. Harsha de Silva said in Parliament today that setting up of the International Trade Office is an urgent need.

Spy cockroaches and AI robots: Germany plots the future of warfare

For Gundbert Scherf - the co-founder of Germany’s Helsing, Europe’s most valuable defence start-up - Russia’s invasion of Ukraine changed everything.

Upper Kotmale spillway opens, other reservoirs near overflow

A spill gate of the Upper Kotmale Reservoir has been opened as water levels in the Maussakelle and Castlereagh reservoirs approach overflow levels due to continued heavy rains on the western slopes of the Central Hills, the Nuwara Eliya District Disaster Management Unit said.

Thai and Cambodian troops clash at disputed border

Troops from Thailand and Cambodia have clashed at a disputed portion of their border early on Thursday, with both sides accusing each other of firing the first shot.

Ravi questions SVAT abolition, warns of export sector risks

UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake yesterday (23) questioned the government’s decision to abolish the Simplified VAT (SVAT) scheme from October 1, 2025, warning that the move could severely affect Sri Lanka’s export sector.

Banned ‘Spas’ back in business: Who gave them the license to re-open?

The spas and wellness centers that were shut down earlier for operating as brothels under the guise of Ayurvedic treatment in Negombo, Seeduwa, and Kochchikade have re-opened and resumed their operations, the Daily Mirror learns.

Abusive language in paper shocks students in Anuradhapura

Teachers have raised serious concerns over a printing error in the scholarship mock examination paper distributed to Grade 5 students in the Anuradhapura education zone on Monday (22), saying it caused significant confusion and distress to both students and teachers.

Knuckles Spring Water enters the Bahrain market

Knuckles Spring Water, produced by Sri Lanka’s Cargills (Ceylon) PLC, has officially entered the Bahraini market with the support of the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This marks the first time a Cargills-manufactured product has been introduced to Bahrain.

Hrithik Roshan to attend grand opening of City of Dreams

Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan is set to visit Sri Lanka for the much-anticipated grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka on August 2, 2025, stepping in as the special guest following the withdrawal of Shah Rukh Khan.

Central Bank stays pat on key policy rate as economic indicators move in right direction

The Central Bank left its key policy rate unchanged at its fourth monetary policy announcement yesterday, as Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said all macroeconomic indicators are moving in the right direction, capturing the sentiments of the Monetary Policy Board, which decided the current policy stance is just about at the right level to accomplish their mandate in maintaining price stability.

Bangladesh central bank honours Sri Lankan bank for foiling 2016 cyber heist

Bangladesh’s central bank (Bangladesh Bank) hosted a special award ceremony at its headquarters in Motijheel on 17 July, to formally recognise officials from Sri Lanka’s Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC for their role in preventing a US$ 20 million fraudulent transaction during the infamous 2016 Bangladesh Bank reserve heist incident.

No record of 1988/89 Dalada Maligawa attack: Govt

The government does not possess any records of the 1988/89 attack on the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala revealed in Parliament today.

Current deputy Defence Minister maintained deafening silence on Zahran’s activities as then Eastern Commander: MP

Dropping a bombshell in Parliament, opposition MP Nizam Kariapper today said current Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera who was one time Security Force Commander in the east neglected prior information received on activities of Zahran who led the Easter Sunday attacks since 2015.

Women activists’ legal battle ended after lifting ban on women in alcohol industry

A Fundamental Rights petition filed by several women activists and women’s organizations was settled before the Supreme Court following the issuance of a new gazette notification permitting women to purchase liquor from any licensed outlet, work in establishments engaged in liquor production, and consume liquor at retail premises.

Government will not reverse gazette on cross border vehicle imports: Minister

Claiming that a clear violation of regulations has occurred in the import of vehicles under cross-border Letters of Credit (LCs), Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha said today the government will not reverse the gazette issued on cross border imports.

Court holds back rugby’s caretaker

Western Province Rugby Union wins Enjoining Order against Sports Ministry’s Working Task Force.

Vets ready to lead rabies eradication once programme moves to Animal Health dept.

The Government Veterinary Officers’ Association announced that veterinary professionals are prepared to take on the challenge of eradicating rabies in Sri Lanka, following the planned transfer of the National Dog Sterilisation and Rabies Vaccination Programme to the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH).

Meta expands teen account protections and child safety features

Meta has announced a range of updates to bolster efforts to protect teens from potentially unsafe or unwanted contact and shared new data on the impact of its latest safety tools.

CSE Advances Following CBSL’s Decision to Maintain Policy Rate

The Colombo Stock Exchange opened positively today following the Central Bank’s decision to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged at 7.75%. Investor sentiment remained upbeat throughout the session, driving the All Share Price Index (ASPI) up by 151.15 points (+0.79%) to close at 19,243.08, while the S&P SL20 also gained 32.00 points (+0.57%) to settle at 5,689.62.

CC approves Preethi Padman as new Chief Justice

The Constitutional Council today approved the name of Supreme Court judge Preethi Padman Surasena as the new Chief Justice.

No plans to restrict vehicle imports: Central Bank Governor

Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said that there are no plans to reimpose restrictions on vehicle imports, assuring that the market will remain open.