PHIs visit Galle Face Hotel after food poisoning complaints

A section of the main kitchen at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo was temporarily ordered to be closed by the Public Health Department of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) following complaints of suspected food poisoning.

Half-naked Thai tourist transitioned from male to female four years ago

The Thai woman who made headlines for walking topless near a hotel in Arugam Bay, had undergone a sex reassignment surgery four years ago, transitioning from male to female.

Why roll the dice on foreign casino investors when locals are ready to play?

The speculated opening of a foreign owned casino centre in Colombo’s ‘City of Dreams’ has raised serious questions as to why a foreign based gaming giant was awarded the contract when local expertise was available for years.

Shah Rukh Khan cancels Sri Lanka visit

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who was scheduled to perform at the launch of City of Dreams Sri Lanka later this year, will no longer be attending the event due to unforeseen and unavoidable personal reasons, organizers confirmed today.

Half-naked Thai tourist in Arugam Bay: Male or female?

A legal controversy is brewing following the sentencing of a Thai tourist in Arugam Bay, after a social media post questioned how the court interpreted gender in a topless incident involving the foreign national.

Bribery Commission indicts Keheliya, four family members

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) filed an indictment before the Colombo High Court against former Minister of Mass Media, Health and Environment Keheliya Rambukwella and four of his family members, over the alleged acquisition of illicit assets amounting to Rs. 97 million.

Dynastic politics no longer rules the roost in SL

Dynastic politics which once dominated Sri Lankan politics as in other South Asian countries, is no longer a factor for voters in the exercise of their franchise, a survey funded by the European Union found.

Shani Abeysekara named as witness in Ekneligoda disappearance case

The Attorney General has informed the Colombo Trial-at-Bar Judges Namal Balalle, Mahesh Weeraman and Sujeewa Nishshanka that the current Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Shani Abeysekara, has been named as a witness in the ongoing case concerning the abduction and disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda on January 25, 2010.

“I don’t want to be under pressure all the time’’: Jayasuriya

While acknowledging some shortcomings, particularly in the batting department, Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya said the team is not under any pressure ahead of the final T20 against Bangladesh in Colombo, despite their embarrassing defeat in the second match in Dambulla on Sunday.

Foreigners misusing tourist visas engage in spas and brothels

Sri Lankan immigration authorities have raised alarm over the growing number of foreign nationals entering the country, especially on tourist visas and engaging in unauthorized businesses, particularly operating or working in spas, massage parlours, and suspected brothels, posing a serious concern for law enforcement and immigration control.

Thai woman given suspended sentence for walking topless in Arugam Bay

A 26-year-old Thai national has been handed a five-year suspended prison sentence by the Pottuvil Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to charges of indecent behaviour and causing a public disturbance in Arugam Bay.

Cabinet approves online passport system for overseas Sri Lankans

The Cabinet approved a joint proposal to implement an online system for Sri Lankans abroad to apply for foreign passports through selected Sri Lankan missions and offices overseas.

Sri Lanka seeks U. S. tariff reduction to 20 percent

In its fresh attempt for renegotiation of tariffs, Sri Lanka is trying hard to get the current rate reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent for its products to be competitive in the U.S. market, a source familiar trade negotiations said.

Three officials arrested over illegal vehicle registration

Three officials, including a former Assistant Secretary of the Department of Motor Traffic, have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with the illegal registration of a vehicle.

Colombo Mayor’s dance act goes viral

The participation of Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar in a traditional Japanese dance at a public function has become one of the most sought after stories in social media.

Adani, Sri Lankan authorities to be entangled in legal wrangle ?

India’s Adani Green Energy and the government authorities are poised to be involved in a legal wrangle over the reimbursement of initial expenses made by the company before it withdrew from the renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka.

Piyumi Hansamali’s son arrested over assault in Rajagiriya

The Welikada Police have arrested the son of popular model Piyumi Hansamali over an assault incident reported in the Kalapaluwawa area of Rajagiriya.

Mother of Ishara Sewwandi dies in custody

The mother of Ishara Sewwandi, the main suspect in the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, has died while in remand custody at Welikada Prison.

Fire destroys tourist resort under construction in Ella

A tourist resort under construction in the Kandekumbura area in Ella was destroyed by a fire, police said.

Reciprocal tariff SL firm against U.S. proposed restrictive trading with China

In the conduct of negotiations for the reduction of reciprocal tariffs, the U.S. authorities have proposed some restrictive measures on trading with China, but Sri Lanka has declined to do so in principle in conformity with its neutral foreign policy, the Daily Mirror learns.

SC affirms conviction and sentence against fugitive mastermind in South Asia’s largest VAT scam

In view of the withdrawal of the Special Leave to Appeal application filed by Mohammed Kamil Kuthubdeen, the 8th accused in South Asia’s largest Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud case, the Supreme Court today affirmed the majority judgment of the Court of Appeal, which had upheld the convictions and sentence imposed against him over the VAT fraud case.

Bribery Commission can arrest former Minister Rajitha without a warrant: Magistrate

Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kakunawela today informed the Bribery Commission that there is no need to obtain a court-issued arrest warrant to apprehend former Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne, as he is already named as a suspect in the ongoing investigation.

Deputy Minister hints at bilateral trade agreement with US before August 1

Sri Lanka hopes to go for a bilateral trade agreement with the USA on or before August 1, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha hinted in Parliament today.

UK unveils package of reforms to simplify imports from Sri Lanka

The UK government has unveiled a package of reforms to simplify imports from developing countries like Sri Lanka, the British High Commission said in a statement.

Trump’s Tariff Blow and the Free Trade Myth: Sri Lanka’s Economic Trap Exposed

In a shocking move that sent tremors through Sri Lanka’s export sector, U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced a 30% tariff on Sri Lankan apparel imports into the United States. With over 45% of the country’s merchandise exports tied to the apparel sector, the announcement is more than a trade adjustment - it is a strategic body blow to the Sri Lankan economy.

Hashan Tillakaratne’s wife Apsari in hot water after her interview, clad in AirLanka saree

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Hashan Tillakaratne’s wife Apsari, who was once an airhostess of SriLankan airlines is in hot water after her interview with a website, clad in a saree worn by airhostess of the SriLankan airlines formerly known as AirLanka.

Sri Lanka will not retaliate against U.S. tariff hike: Presidential Advisor

The Government has no plans to retaliate by increasing tariffs on U.S. goods in response to the 30 percent tariff currently imposed on Sri Lankan exports, Senior Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa said.

Trump corrects AKD’s name

U.S. President Donald Trump has reposted his official letter to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, after correcting a name error in the initial version that mistakenly referred to the President as “Aruna.”

Doctors afraid to prescribe medicines from private pharmacies, delaying vital surgeries

Doctors in leading state hospitals are showing reluctance to prescribe medicines, surgical items to be purchased from private or third parties in light of the recent allegations made against Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, a leading neurosurgeon, informed sources said.

US slaps 30% tariff on Sri Lanka

U.S. President Donald Trump has added Sri Lanka to his growing list of trade targets, issuing a letter on Wednesday announcing a new 30% tariff on all imported goods from Sri Lanka.