Parliament approves resolution to remove Deshabandu as IGP

The resolution to remove IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon was approved by a majority of 177 votes in Parliament a short while ago.

President’s fund misused by two sitting MPs, several others: Deputy Minister

The President’s Fund has been used to assist relatives of politicians in the past, Deputy Minister Anura Karunathilaka told Parliament today.

‘Import American vehicles duty-free’ U.S. tells Sri Lanka

The United States (U.S.), in its tariff negotiations, requested Sri Lanka to grant duty-free access to American vehicles, including Electric Vehicles (EVs), in its bid to narrow the trade gap, a source familiar with trade talks said.

COPF proposes regulating lotteries under Gambling Authority Bill

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has proposed improvements to the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, while advocating for the inclusion of the National Lotteries Board and Development Lotteries Board within the regulatory framework of the said authority.

Accident involving President’s Secretary’s car injures four

Four members of the same family, including two children, were hospitalised following an accident involving the official vehicle of President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake in Thalangama.

Sri Lankan envoy says talks underway to further reduce U.S. tariffs

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe said that diplomatic discussions are ongoing to further reduce U.S. tariffs on Sri Lankan exports.

Weak immigration laws pose a threat to Sri Lanka’s free visa policy for foreigners

In the wake of the poor enforcement of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act, concerns are being raised whether the government’s attempt to open the country for free visa entry for nationals from 40 more countries will encourage unlawful foreign owned businesses here further.

Foreign tourists can now get driving licenses at BIA

Foreign tourists arriving in Sri Lanka can obtain temporary driving licenses directly at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at Katunayake from today.

Lax visa enforcement sparks illegal foreign businesses, unlawful activities in SL

The poor enforcement of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act has led to foreign nationals from countries such as Israel, India and Russia engaging in employment activities and business operations in blatant violation of the law, the Daily Mirror learns.

Speaker’s residence to be transformed into center for parliamentary studies

The Parliamentary Staff Advisory Committee has agreed to a proposal to convert the official residence of the Speaker into a dedicated “Center for Parliamentary Studies and Research,” which will serve as a resource and training hub for Members of Parliament, Provincial Council members, and Local Government representatives.

Rishad urges Health Minister to uphold Muslim women’s right to wear Hijab in Trincomalee

All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Leader and Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen has called on Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa to intervene immediately and safeguard the constitutional rights of Muslim women working in the public health sector in Trincomalee.

UNP calls on government to make clear statement on trade, security arrangements with US

The United National Party (UNP) in a statement urged the government to make a clear statement on the ‘meaningful, trade and security arrangements arrived at with the US government.

President Trump lowers U.S. tariffs on Sri Lankan goods to 20%

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reducing import taxes on goods from Sri Lanka to 20%. This is a big drop from the 44% rate he announced in April, the White House said late Thursday.

Indictments to be filed against Piumi Hansamali, Thambugala for alleged tax evasion

The Department of Inland Revenue informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena that steps are being taken to file indictments before the Colombo High Court against model and actress Piumi Hansamali and Aura Lanka Chairman T.A.C.V. Thambugala for alleged tax evasion.

Draft bill to cut ex-Presidents’ perks gazetted

The gazette of the draft bill aimed at amending the Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986-reducing special privileges granted to former Presidents, their families, and retired Members of Parliament, has been released.

Chief Justice pledges to fast-track court digitalization

Newly appointed Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena stated today that he intends to fast-track the digitalization of the court system across the country, emphasising that the time has come to adopt technologically advanced methods in the administration of justice.

Fresh resolution to be moved in September

The United Kingdom, along with the other members of the core-group, will move a fresh resolution to be adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) at its upcoming session in September with the primary objective of pursuing the Sri Lankan Accountability Project and other remaining matters, Daily Mirror learns.

Motorists exceeding 120 km/h on expressways to face legal action

Motorists caught driving over 120 km/h on expressways will face court proceedings even if fines are paid through the GovPay app, DIG of Traffic and Road Safety, Range Indika Hapugoda said.

90-day free on-arrival tourist visa for Sri Lankan citizens visiting Maldives

The Government of the Maldives has announced that Sri Lankan citizens traveling to the Maldives for tourism purposes will be granted a free 90-day on-arrival tourist visa.

CID warns public of WhatsApp OTP scams

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has issued an urgent warning to the public about fraudulent schemes targeting WhatsApp users through fake calls and messages aimed at stealing One-Time Passwords (OTPs).

After X-Press Pearl, Sri Lanka targets another shipping line over marine pollution

In the wake of the landmark judgement delivered by the Supreme Court ordering $ 1 billion as interim compensation over the X-Press Pearl disaster, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) of Sri Lanka, along with other stakeholders, initiated action to claim similar payments over the disaster being caused by the Liberia-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3 that caught fire off Kerala, India recently, Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka ranked the Most Beautiful Island in the World

Sri Lanka has been crowned the most beautiful island in the world, taking the top spot on the list of ’’The 50 Best Islands in the World’’ compiled by global travel site Big 7 Travel.

Jayewardenepura Hospital chairman resigns

Chairman of the Sri Jayawardenapura General Hospital, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Jayanga Tilakaratna has tendered his resignation to the Minister of Health, the Daily Mirror learns.

Kuttiarachchi tenders unconditional apology to AKD over defamatory remarks

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) former Parliamentarian Tissa Kuttiarachchi today tendered his unconditional apology over an alleged defamatory statement he had made referring to the National People’s Power (NPP) and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in 2023.

IMF restrictions on tax exemptions stand in the way of attracting FDIs

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) restriction on granting tax exemption has kept key FDI (Foreign Direct Investments) projects on hold.

Red warrant obtained against Royal Park convict: AG

The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court yesterday that authorities have obtained a red warrant for the arrest of Jude Shamantha Jayamaha, who was sentenced to death in connection with the Royal Park murder case.

Former Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugetenne arrested

Former Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugetenne has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with an investigation into a kidnapping incident in the Pothuhera area.

President, Namal airborne together

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa happened to be on board the same flight to the Maldives today.

U.S. dispatches crude oil samples , but won’t reach Sri Lanka before August 1

In its bid to start fuel sale to Sri Lanka as part of efforts to reduce the trade gap, the U.S. has dispatched samples of its crude oil to be tested for viability here,an official said.

Passengers exit plane via emergency slide after aborted takeoff

Passengers on an American Airlines flight evacuated onto the runway via emergency slides after the plane aborted its takeoff on the runway in Denver on Saturday. One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, officials said.