Budget bodes well for economic improvement in the long run: Economist

Economist Talal Rafi said the budget presentation of the new government has positive aspects which can improve the economy in the long term.

Budget 2025: Key Takeaways

Budget 2025 sets out a total government expenditure of LKR 7,190 billion, marking a 17% increase from the LKR 6,131 billion allocated in 2024.

Public - private partnerships an option mulled by Govt. to revive state ventures

The government remains open for public - private partnerships as an option in reviving loss making state institutions, an informed source said.

Don’t let school children be exposed to sun: Ministry Secretary

Do not send school children out in the sun as they should not be exposed to hot weather conditions prevailing today, Secretary Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa said yesterday. Mr. Kaluwewa said the Ministry will issue a circular which comprises guidelines on holding inter-house sports meets.

I am subjected to threats and humiliation from those in my own party: Tissa

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organizer Tissa Attanayake yesterday said he is been subjected to threats and humiliation by those in his own party.

Sri Lanka Army personnel below rank of Major to surrender passports

All Sri Lanka Army personnel below the rank of Major have been instructed to hand over their passports to their respective regiments.

Final touches to the budget

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in conversation with Secretary Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana

PM assures quality education to children with less dependence on tuition

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the government’s strong commitment to introduce a quality education sector where children will not have to depend on tuition. She expressed these views during her visit to Jaffna Hindu College during the weekend.

Yoshitha, grandmother indicted

The Attorney General yesterday filed indictments against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his grandmother, Daisy Forrest, before the Colombo High Court on money laundering charges.

Motorcyclist killed in head-on collision with NPP MP’s vehicle

A motorcyclist died on the spot in a head-on collision with NPP Puttalam District Parliamentarian Mohamed Faisal’s motorcar at Haldanduwana in Koswatta in the early hours of yesterday morning. The parliamentarian had been on his way to attend parliamentary sessions.

CID launches probe into MP Namal’s Law College exam

A former student tried to expose the issue in 2012 but reportedly faced abduction threats

Govt. to pass Local Government Elections Bill with two-thirds majority

The government has decided to get the approval for the Local Government Elections (Special Provisions) Bill in its present form by a two-thirds majority, Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government A. H. M. H. Abayarathna said yesterday.

High salt prices Not a pinch of salt for dried fish producers

The cost of a 50kg bag of salt has risen from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 7,000–8,000

Ranil, Maithri once again in common political discussion

Former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with other party leaders in the opposition, have met to discuss the current political situation of the country and the way forward.

Unregulated private degree institutions flourish amid oversight gaps

Hundreds of private institutions conduct degree programmes in Sri Lanka, unchecked by the University Grants Commission (UGC), leading to queries if these degrees will be recognised in other parts of the world as well as locally, an official said yesterday.

Sri Lanka likely to be warmer than before in March, April

Sri Lanka, currently facing dry conditions, is expected to last for the next two weeks with low rainfall expected afterwards, and there is a possibility of temperatures being higher than the previous year during March and April an official from the Department of Meteorology said.

Teachers demand resolution to salary discrepancy in upcoming budget

The Teachers’ and Principals’ Association held a protest in front of the Ministry of Education yesterday, demanding that the remaining two-thirds of the teacher-principal salary discrepancy be paid from the upcoming budget. The new government’s first budget will be presented on February 17, 2025.

Speaker assures action on allegations of USAID funding in Sri Lanka

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne informed Parliament yesterday that he was planning to take necessary action over the requests made by MPs regarding the allegations of USAID funding in Sri Lanka. The Speaker told this in Parliament while responding to a question raised by Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara who raised a question on the matter.

Govt. seeks report from NGO Secretariat on USAID funding

In the midst of controversy over USAID funding in Sri Lanka, the government has sought a report from the National NGO Secretariat in this regard, a Minister said yesterday.

More customers to buy fresh red roses, a single red rose costs Rs.200

Florists on Ven Baddegama Wimalawansa Mawatha in Town Hall, Colombo, claimed more customers are purchasing roses for Valentine’s Day as compared to previous years.

Fire engulfs perfume factory at Boralugoda industrial zone

A perfume manufacturing factory located in the Boralugoda industrial zone in Horana caught fire last evening.

Tragic accident claims life of student in Polonnaruwa

A sixth-grade student from Palugasdamana Maha Vidyalaya tragically died after an iron pipe from a soccer goal net fell on his head while watching a cricket tournament at Thopawewa Vidyalaya in Polonnaruwa, according to police.

Lasantha Wickrematunge murder case: AG suspends discharge of three suspects

The Attorney General has informed the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court that the decision to discharge three suspects related to the abduction of Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickremetunge’s driver has been temporarily suspended.

Ruwanpura expressway suspended

The new government has suspended the construction of the Ruwanpura expressway which is meant to link Kahathuduwa in the Western Province with Pelmadulla via Ratnapura in the Sabaragamuwa Province, due to financial constraints, an official said.

Don’t rush to fix date for LG polls; Opposition tells EC

Opposition parties who met the chairman of the Election Commission and other members have informed them not to rush to fix a date for the Local Government election thus indicating that they are looking for a postponement of the election.

Water supply suspended in security quarters of MR’s Wijerama residence

Water supply has been disconnected in a section of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official Wijerama residence where security guards are stationed. The disconnection is reportedly due to unpaid water bills amounting to Rs. 429,000, officials confirmed.

Inauguration of Shirdi Sai Baba Ashram in Avissawella in March

A Shirdi Sai Baba Ashram, Meditation, and Community Service centre, dedicated to the teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba, will be inaugurated at Elston Estate, Puwakpitiya on March 9, 2025, organizers said.

Gangaramaya perahera a success

Minister of Buddhasasana and Cultural Affairs Sunil Senavi keeps the sacred casket on the elephant just before the Nawam Perahera began parading the streets for the final day. Below three elephants at the perahera.

SL, India reinforce commitment to regional stability and strategic collaboration

Sri Lanka and India reiterated their dedication to fostering regional stability and enhancing strategic collaboration between the two nations, Ministry of Defence said yesterday.

Political parties should strive towards safeguarding Sri Lanka’s culture - former President

All political parties should get together in preserving Sri Lanka’s rich culture irrespective of their political ideologies, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.