Ex-Bangladesh leader authorised deadly crackdown, leaked audio suggests

A deadly crackdown on student-led protests in Bangladesh last year was authorised by then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, according to audio of one of her phone calls verified by BBC Eye.

15-year-old child contracts HIV

Badulla Division ASP G.W.B.S. Palipana said a 15-year-old child had contracted HIV and that it was a matter of serious concern.

Schools turn into mosquito havens, students’ lives at stake

Many schools in the country have become mosquito breeding grounds, putting the lives of students in danger.

Sri Lanka continues engagement with U.S. for favourable outcome

In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump firing off letters to 14 countries announcing new reciprocal tariff rates while delaying the implementation of the same for other countries till August 1, Sri Lanka continues to remain engaged with the U.S. authorities for a positive outcome, according to a Minister.

CAASL inspires students...

Temu imports linked to Rs. 35–50mn daily duty fraud

A significant duty fraud scheme involving courier imports from popular e-commerce platforms like Temu is causing a daily loss of between Rs. 35 to 50 million in tax revenue to the Sri Lankan government, industry leaders claimed at a press conference held in Colombo this week.

Dhammika Perera acquires majority stake in East West Properties for over Rs 3.2bn

Business leader Dhammika Perera has acquired a controlling stake in East West Properties PLC, purchasing approximately 77.40 percent of the company’s shares in a significant transaction valued at over Rs.3.2 billion.

CRTA warns of declining output as rubber sector confronts climate and trade challenges

Sri Lanka’s rubber industry is at crossroads at present with changes taking place in trade, climate, and global consumer expectations, and these have contributed to the falling output, the Ceylon Rubber Traders’ Association (CRTA) said.

Students explore airport operations

CSE appoints new CRO

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) yesterday announced the appointment of Nilupa Perera as the Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO), effective 9 July 2025 succeeding Renuke Wijayawardhane, who retires after a 31-year career at the CSE.

Prestigious Bocuse d'Or Sri Lanka 2025 returns

'Give concessions to import vehicles below 1,500cc'

The Inland Revenue Staff Officers’ Association (IRSOA) urged the government to grant tax concessions for importing vehicles with engine capacities below 1,500cc instead of prioritising the import of higher-capacity vehicles that drain more foreign exchange.

Supreme Court rules police violated Fundamental Rights of two farmers during 2018 protest

The Supreme Court ruled that the police have violated the Fundamental Rights of two farmers who participated in a 2018 protest, by causing their remand custody through the submission of an unlawful report and moving for remand based on arbitrary reasons.

No issues with vehicle imports, fear unnecessary: Cabinet Spokesman

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa dismissed concerns over vehicle imports, stating that undue fear is being created unnecessarily.

Market continues to slide amid strong turnover

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the trading day on a negative note, despite witnessing heightened trading activity. Within the first half of the session alone, the market generated approximately LKR 5.00 billion in turnover, primarily driven by a series of significant crossing trades that dominated the day’s proceedings.

President accelerates push for Customs digitization

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to fast-track the digitization of the Sri Lanka Customs Department, highlighting it as a priority for establishing a digital economy by 2030.

Medical students protest against privatisation

Vehicle prices may rise if conditions imposed on balance USD 200 million allocation

The local vehicle market could face sharp price hikes if the government imposes any conditions on utilising the remaining USD 200 million allocated for vehicle imports, Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) President Prasad Manage warned.

Wimal summoned to CID

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has been summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Special Investigations Unit 4 tomorrow (09) at 9:00 a.m.

Sri Lanka among top Summer Travel Hotspots for 2025

Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the most sought-after travel destinations for the 2025 summer season, according to new data released by Emirates.

Suspect arrested over Ami Upul shooting

The main suspect in connection with the recent shooting of Ami Upul, a known associate of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa, has been arrested by the Ragama Police.

Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday told President Donald Trump he had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, handing Trump a nomination letter during a meeting at the White House.

Cabinet nod to probe irregularities at Central Cultural Fund

The Cabinet has granted approval for the appointment of a three-member committee to investigate irregularities reported at the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) between 2017 and 2020.

New Commissioner General of Excise to be appointed

M.B.N.A. Premarathne, a retired Commodore of the Sri Lanka Navy, is to be appointed as the new Commissioner General of Excise.

Nearly 1,000 to be sued over mosquito breeding places

Legal action is to be initiated against 982 individuals following a nationwide mosquito control campaign carried out by the Ministry of Health from June 30 to July 5.

Cabinet approves allowance for religious school teachers

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to provide an annual allowance of Rs. 7,500 to teachers serving in registered religious schools, starting in 2026.

Sri Lanka, Canada to tackle cross-border crime

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sri Lanka Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Cabinet approves: Sri Lanka Navy to conduct maritime security operations

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the Sri Lanka Navy to independently conduct maritime security operations under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence.

Parcel with mobile phones thrown into Boossa Prison premises

Boossa Prison authorities recovered a parcel containing eight mobile phones that had been thrown into the prison premises early this morning.

Government to introduce Property Tax by mid-2027

Sri Lanka plans to introduce a property tax by the first half of 2027, according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).