Anti-corruption drive key to Sri Lanka growth: IMF chief

With the current government committed to good governance and anti-corruption reforms, visiting Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva said that Sri Lanka now has a unique opportunity to

Japan seeks further improvement of business climate in Sri Lanka

In order to attract investment and encourage market entry into Sri Lanka, Japan has emphasized that it is essential to further improve the business environment by addressing challenges faced by Japanese companies operating in the

Sri Lanka emerges as cheapest place to retire in 2026

Sri Lanka has been named the most affordable destination to retire in 2026 by the prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine.

Foreign tourist visiting Sigiriya trampled to death by wild elephant

A foreign tourist on a visit to Sigiriya had been trampled to death by a wild elephant at Pidurangala area. Victim Prof. Joe Anton, 67, was a Hungarian tourist.

No grounds to remand: Court frees officers in Jinthupitiya case

Colombo Additional Magistrate Oshadha Migara Maharachchi yesterday ordered that a Police Sergeant and a Police Constable, who were produced before court on suspicion of failing to prevent a shooting incident in the Jinthupitiya

Two suspects detained

The two suspects taken into custody in connection with the murder of Attorney at Law Buddhika Mallawarahchci and his wife at Akuregoda in Thalangama were produced yesterday before Kaduwela Magistrate Indrajith Buddhadasa and

Vehicle importers warn SSCL changes could raise taxes despite Govt. claims

The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has hit back at recent remarks by Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha, warning that changes to the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) could dramatically increase taxes on

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka seal Super 8

Public urged to complain without fear against dirty eateries

Health officials say their hands are often tied when it comes to taking action against unhygienic food outlets, as many customers who raise concerns on social media fail to lodge formal complaints.

High influx of Indian tourists for T20 World Cup boosts tourism for February

Due to the highly anticipated India against Pakistan T20 cricket match, which was held on February 15, a large group of Indian tourists have entered Colombo, which increased tourism for February compared to the previous years, with a total of 18,819 Indians entering Colombo from 1 - 12 February, according to data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Sri Lanka turns more optimistic amidst strong government approval - Mood of the Nation poll

The approval rating of the government polled at 65% in early-February 2026, in the latest round of the Gallup style “Mood of the Nation” poll by Verité Research. With a ±3 percentage point error margin, the approval rating has remained statistically stable from the 62% polled a year ago. The polling partner was Vanguard Survey (Pvt) Ltd.

Rock rolls down the hill crushing two workers to death

A huge boulder which had rolled down a hill had crushed two workers who were blasting rocks in a quarry about 300ft below at Mapitiya in Bandarawela on Saturday (14). Their bodies were recovered by the police with the help of the army.

I will reveal who is preventing unity within the opposition soon: Ravi K

Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake yesterday said he will name the few people who are preventing unity within the opposition in the coming weeks.

Power tariff hikes are temporary : Deputy Minister

Government to implement a long term plan for reducing electricity tariffs over a three year period as promised.

NPP lawyers demand swift justice for attorney and wife brutally killed

While condemning the assassination of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawaarachchi and his wife, lawyers of the National People’s Power (NPP) urged the government to accelerate its efforts to restore public safety and the rule of law. They said in a statement that they expect that the National People’s Power government, elected for the dignity and well-being of all citizens, will fulfil its responsibility.

GMOA halts submitting vital data to Health Ministry, threatening national healthcare sector

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to further intensify its ongoing trade union action, a move that is increasingly disrupting public healthcare services and posing a threat to the national health system while inconveniencing patients.

BASL to boycott courts today over Akuregoda lawyer killing

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has decided to abstain from court proceedings across the country today (16) following the recent shooting of a lawyer and his wife at Akuregoda. The decision was taken at a General Assembly meeting held in Colombo yesterday (15), where members convened to discuss the next course of action in response to the killings. Addressing the media after the meeting, BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya said the General Assem

Akuregoda killing Government has failed to ensure public security: Opposition

A number of opposition parties, referring to the killing of a lawyer in Akuregoda yesterday, said the NPP government has failed to guarantee public security in keeping with its electoral pledge to ensure safety and uphold the rule of law.

Meteorologists warn of torrential rain and dangerous storms

The Meteorology Department has issued a startling forecast for the next 36 hours, warning of heavy downpours, thundershowers, and localised storms across Sri Lanka that could disrupt daily life and raise safety concerns.

Sri Lanka’s strategic location offers it outsized importance: top U.S. official

U.S. Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Paul Kapur, a key official of the Trump administration, said Sri Lanka’s strategic location offered outsized importance and can make it a target for coercion.

Husband released from remand allegedly kills wife, sets house on fire

A man strangled his wife to death and set their house on fire yesterday morning.

Former Maldivian President says Green Growth Plan for Sri Lanka now under review

Mohamed Nasheed, former President of the Maldives and a globally recognised climate advocate, said the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) created a Climate Prosperity Plan for Sri Lanka, which is now under review by the new

Surge in vehicle demand reported in Sri Lanka amid rising Japanese auction prices

The Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has reported a surge in demand in the local vehicle market, driven mainly by rising vehicle auction prices in Japan.

Hayleys PLC Shines at CA Sri Lanka’s TAGS Awards Diamond Chapter with Grand Honour of Excellence for 2025

As the curtains fell on a landmark celebration of corporate excellence, the prestigious TAGS Awards marked its 60th anniversary with a grand finale that recognised organisations ranging from top corporates to SMEs for their exceptional corporate reporting.

Proposed Counterterrorism law a ‘death knell’ for democratic freedoms - fmr. Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris

Sri Lanka’s Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), published on the Ministry of Justice website in late December, would severely undermine democratic freedoms and expose the country to serious international and economic repercussions if enacted in its present form, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday.

Outcry over alleged baby snake found in Pilawoos meal; probe launched

A video circulating on social media has sparked controversy after a man claimed he found a baby snake in a rice and curry plate served to him at the Pilawoos restaurant in Bambalapitiya.

Elephant chases after Russian woman

A Russian woman who attempted to take a photo of a wild elephant frequenting the Buttala – Kataragama road on Tuesday evening (10) received serious injuries when the jumbo charged her.

Through Olympic Winter Games, Italy seeks to address the world as a builder of peace, growth, international cooperation

Milano-Cortina 2026 will be a global event, bringing to Italy 3,500 athletes from over 90 countries, competing in 304 events, with an estimated worldwide audience of three billion people. Today’s opening ceremony in Italy will also be attended by around 50 Heads of State and Government from across the world.

RDA leaves 9,000 km of national roads off balance sheet

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has failed to capitalise nearly 75 percent of the Class A and B road network it manages, leaving billions of rupees worth of state assets off its statement of financial position.

Piumi Hansamali’s son, five others remanded over assault case

Six suspects, including the son of actress Piumi Hansamali, who were arrested by the Welikada Police in connection with an alleged assault on a three-wheeler driver following a road accident in the Kalapaluwawa area, were ordered to be remanded till February 16 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Nuwan Kaushalya yesterday.