Drug addiction on the rise, prisons overflow

Sri Lanka is facing increasing challenges with drug addiction and prison overcrowding. Authorities are struggling to provide effective rehabilitation for the growing number of people affected by substance abuse.

CAA directs traders to charge for plastic bags from November 1

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued a new directive under Section 10(l)(b)(ii) of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act No. 9 of 2003, stating that traders are prohibited from providing certain plastic bags free of charge to consumers.

Musk becomes world’s first half-trillion-dollar man

Tesla boss Elon Musk has become the first person ever to achieve a net worth of more than $500bn (£370.9bn), as the value of the electric car company and his other businesses have risen this year.

Israeli naval ships intercept Gaza-bound flotilla

The Israeli navy has intercepted boats carrying aid to Gaza and detained the activists aboard, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

Gazette issued making seat belts mandatory for all expressway passengers

Drivers and passengers, including those seated in the back seats of vehicles, are now required to wear seat belts when travelling on expressways, following an extraordinary gazette notification issued by the government.

Top business chambers challenge VAT collection without refund system

Three leading business chambers in Sri Lanka have filed a writ application in the Court of Appeal, challenging the Inland Revenue Department’s (IRD) move to collect the Value Added Tax (VAT) from October 1, without first implementing the legally mandated automated refund mechanism.

Tourist arrivals hit record high in September

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector celebrated a historic milestone, recording its highest-ever number of tourist arrivals for the month of September, primarily fuelled by a remarkable surge in visitors from neighbouring India.

India 'welcome' to collect trophy from me, says Asian cricket boss

’’If they truly want it, they are welcome to come to the ACC office and collect it from me.’’

Australia power past New Zealand in Women’s Cricket World Cup

Australia beat New Zealand by 89 runs to kickstart their Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign on Wednesday in a one-sided affair between the two rivals.

World Rugby Issues Ultimate Warning Sri Lanka to be Banned

Sri Lanka Rugby has now entered a phase where it will definitely be banned come October 19 if no election of office bearers takes place and the sport’s affairs not governed under a new Constitution in keeping with World Rugby requirements.

Tamim Iqbal withdraws nomination from BCB elections

Former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal has withdrawn his candidature from the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election, scheduled for October 6.

Fresh warning issued on WhatsApp & online fraud risks

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has urged the public not to join unknown WhatsApp groups, avoid engaging in financial transactions with strangers, and refrain from purchasing goods from unverified sources.

Sri Lanka grants first individual investor residence visa

Sri Lanka has issued its first residence visa under the Individual Investor Category, introduced under the amended Immigration and Emigration Regulations (Extraordinary Gazette No. 2360/24 dated 27 November 2023).

CSE kicks off october on a positive note amid robust turnover

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) opened October with sustained positive momentum, supported by a robust turnover of LKR 6.46 Bn.

Public assistance sought to find Pakistani national wanted over drug smuggling

The Police have sought public assistance to find a Pakistani national wanted over smuggling of more than 111 kilograms of heroin into Sri Lanka in 2016.

Crimes like Thajudeen’s murder not committed by Siripala or Gnanaratnam in the village: Bimal

Crimes like the murder of Wasim Thajudeen were not committed by Siripala or Gnanaratnam in the village, but by rulers who governed the country, Minister Bimal Ratnayake said today.

Weligama Municipal Council officials protest over alleged threats by Deputy Chairman

Officials of the Weligama Municipal Council refrained from performing their duties, claiming that Deputy Chairman Arindra Sanath Kumara had threatened the Municipal Council Accountant, a senior official said.

Decision on bus fare revision tomorrow: Bimal

The government will reveal by tomorrow whether the bus fare can be reduced as per the recent fuel price reduction, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayakae said.

Teaching service recruitment awaiting Appeal Court verdict

The Education Ministry said that several Supreme Court cases concerning the competitive examination held on March 25, 2023, for the admission of graduate officers in government services, including development officers working in schools — into the teaching service, have been concluded.

Opposition will intervene to safeguard agriculture in Sri Lanka: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Tuesday pledged the full support of the Opposition to revitalise and protect Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.

Anuradhapura set to become first district to eradicate rabies: Dr. Nanayakkara

Anuradhapura will soon be recognized as the first district in Sri Lanka to eradicate rabies, with the district’s flag set to be hoisted to mark the milestone, Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) Executive Committee Member Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara announced.

Politicisation of Thajudeen’s death an insult to his departed soul: Namal

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said the government should conduct an impartial and comprehensive investigation into the death of former rugby player Wasim Thajudeen without trying to make it a political slogan for its ends and otherwise, it would be an insult to his departed soul.

Ministry submits bill to ban corporal punishment of children

The Women and Child Affairs Ministry has submitted a bill to Parliament seeking to amend the Penal Code to address the corporal punishment of children, the Education Ministry said.

Teacher assaulted by student in Moneragala

A teacher of a leading school in Moneragala town was assualted by a Grade Elevan student today and was hospitalised.

Probe launched after stock of weapons found near Weheragala reservoir

Kataragama Police have launched an investigation after a stock of weapons was discovered near the sluice gate of the Weheragala Reservoir.

South African ambassador found dead in Paris

The police are investigating the death of South Africa’s ambassador to France as a possible suicide, after he was found dead outside a Paris hotel on Tuesday, according to the French authorities.

LAUGFS gas domestic cylinder prices remain unchanged

LAUGFS Gas announced that there will be no price revision for domestic gas cylinder refills in October.

Father lodges complaint after son suffers brain damage in Colombo Swimming Club pool

The father of an eight-year-old boy has lodged a complaint against the Colombo Swimming Club, alleging negligence after his son fell into the pool and suffered brain damage.

Three-wheeler registration made mandatory in Western Province from today

The registration of three-wheelers used for passenger transport in the Western Province has been made mandatory from today, according to the National Three-Wheeler Association of Sri Lanka Self-Employed Professionals.

India-Sri Lanka CWC25 opener sets new attendance record

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 got off to a historic start in Guwahati with the opener between India and Sri Lanka setting a new opening day attendance record at any Women’s Cricket World Cup.