August tourism earnings fall to US$ 259mn despite higher arrivals

Sri Lanka’s tourism earnings fell to US$ 258.9 million this August, an 8.2 percent decrease compared to the same month last year. This decline occurred despite a significant 20.4 percent year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals.

Government move surprised me, But I’m ready: Mahinda Rajapaksa

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a popular television programme that the current government seeks revenge not only against the Rajapaksas but also against anyone perceived as a threat. ‘That is not a problem for us,’ he added.

Bus crews on coastal line still using drugs, Gemunu says

Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) President Gemunu Wijeratne has alleged that not only drivers but also conductors are still using drugs while on duty, particularly along the coastal line.

Rare ladybird recorded in the UK for the first time

A ’’new’’ ladybird species has been recorded in the UK for the first time following the hot weather over the summer.

Gemunu warns of potential islandwide bus strike over Government policies on buses

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) has expressed strong criticism of the current government, accusing it of taking “continuous revenge” against private bus operators. LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne said there is growing anger within the industry over the government’s policies.

Lack of evidence leads to acquittal in Swiss national murder

The Tangalle High Court acquitted an accused in the murder case of Swiss national Hans Radeloff, who was found dead at his home in Seenimodara in 2004.

Boxing champion Ricky Hatton dies aged 46

British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has died aged 46, just weeks after announcing his return to the ring.

All leaders must unite to safeguard country’s future: Vajira Abeywardane

Former MP Vajira Abeywardane has urged all political leaders in Sri Lanka to come together on one stage to safeguard the country’s future and prevent the younger generation from being misled.

5.8 Earthquake Jolts Assam’s Guwahati, Tremors Felt In North Bengal, Bhutan

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake jolted Assam’s Guwahati at 4:41 pm, with tremors felt as far as North Bengal and neighbouring Bhutan. Its epicentre was in Udalguri district, the officials said. The depth of the quake was 5 km.

School disaster risk index launched to strengthen resilience

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has released the first version of the School Disaster Risk Index, a comprehensive tool designed to strengthen resilience in Sri Lanka’s education sector.

President to leave US and Japan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will leave for the United States on 22 September to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Police and protesters scuffle as 110,000 join anti-migrant London protest

More than 100,000 protesters marched through central London on Saturday, carrying flags of England and Britain and scuffling with police in one of the UK’s biggest right-wing demonstrations of modern times.

Severed body found on Marawila beach

Marawila Police said that a body, missing its head, arms, and legs, was found on Marawila Mudu Katuwa Beach, with only a portion of the torso clad in blue shorts remaining.

Airport security officer arrested for attempted gold smuggling

A Security Officer at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) was arrested by airport customs officers on Sunday morning for attempting to smuggle gold biscuits worth Rs. 215 million.

MP Nalin Bandara criticizes government’s first-year performance

Samagi Jana Balaya MP Nalin Bandara has criticized the current government’s pace of work, saying it is too slow to develop the country effectively.

Couple rides six hours to see Mahinda Rajapaksa

A couple from Galgamuwa, Kurunegala, undertook a six-hour motorcycle journey to Tangalle to visit former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at his Carlton House residence.

Middeniya chemical stash confirmed as ICE production material

Chemicals found in Middeniya have been identified as key ingredients for producing methamphetamine (ICE), the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board confirmed.

Public urged to stay hydrated as heat index rises

The Department of Meteorology has cautioned that the Heat Index — the temperature felt on the human body — is expected to climb to the ‘Caution level’ in parts of the Northern, North-Central and Eastern Provinces, as well as in the Moneragala district.

Six candidates to contest Diyawadana Nilame selection of Sri Dalada Maligawa

The number of candidates contesting the upcoming election for the position of Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy has risen to six.

Buddhism should be safeguarded to preserve sovereignty: Sajith

Buddhism should be preserved in order to safeguard the sovereignty of the country, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

CAA conducts nearly 3,000 raids over rice trade violations this year

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said that nearly 3,000 raids have been conducted so far this year in connection with irregularities in the rice trade.

Government to establish 1,000 community health centers within three years

A network of community health centers will be established across the country to provide early diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, and referrals to hospitals, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Education Ministry issues 2026 examination schedule

The Education Ministry has released the examination timetable for the year 2026.

Long-distance buses to face mandatory quality inspections from October

The government will launch a new initiative requiring all long-distance buses to undergo a basic quality inspection before commencing operations, with effect from October, the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) said.

Kadawatha–Mirigama Expressway work to resume on September 17

Construction work on section of the Central Expressway between Kadawatha and Mirigama, which had been stalled since mid-2022 due to the economic crisis, will resume on September 17.

PAFFREL urges Govt. to expedite Provincial Council elections

The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has called on the government to take immediate steps to hold the long-delayed Provincial Council elections, stressing that the continued delay has undermined democratic rights.

Report on recovered chemicals linked to ’ice’ submitted to police

A detailed report has been handed over to the police regarding the container containing chemicals allegedly used in the manufacture of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ’ice,’ discovered in Middeniya.

Trump ’ready’ to sanction Russia if Nato nations stop buying its oil

US President Donald Trump has said he is ready to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, but only if Nato countries meet certain conditions which include stopping buying Russian oil.

Circular permitting bus decorations cancelled

The Commissioner General of Motor Traffic announced that the circular allowing the use of decorations and accessories on passenger buses has been cancelled.

Sri Lanka cruise to six-wicket win over Bangladesh in Asia Cup T20

Former champions Sri Lanka launched their Asia Cup campaign in emphatic fashion on Sunday, cruising to a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.