Dr. Bellana dismisses social media claims

Colombo National Hospital (CNH) Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana today dismissed claims circulating on social media that he is the hospital’s Director General and that he was responsible for organizing the medical care of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

CSE gains as investor activity picks up

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a positive note today, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) gaining 139.82 points (+0.68%) to settle at 20,753.21, after an early rally of nearly 152 points. The S&P SL20 also advanced modestly by 13.64 points (+0.23%) to 6,062.44.

Nissan marks final R35 GT-R production

After 18 years, Nissan today commemorates the end of production for the R35 GT-R, as assembly for the Japan domestic market - the final sales region for the model - concludes.

US combat ship USS Tulsa arrives in Colombo

An Independence-class littoral combat ship of the United States Navy- USS Tulsa arrived in Colombo Port today, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka announced.

Joint opposition decides to appoint legal team to deal with political victimisations

Joint opposition parties which met at the Opposition Leader’s office decided to appoint a legal team to deal with political victimisations, the Opposition Leader’s office said.

Former Minister Gammanpila under CID probe over ICCPR

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today informed Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura that an investigation has been started against former Minister Udaya Gammanpila.

Chief suspect in container scam appointed as Customs DG: SJB MP

The main Opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has strongly criticised the government’s decision to appoint Seevali Arukgoda as the new Director General of Sri Lanka Customs, alleging his involvement in a recent container scam.

Work on Ruwanpura Expressway to commence next year

Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake said that allocations have been included in the 2026 Budget for the construction of the Ruwanpura Expressway up to Ingiriya.

No change in Kachchatheevu’s status, Says Foreign Minister

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath today reaffirmed that there has been no change either by the Indian central government or through diplomatic channels regarding the ownership of Kachchatheevu Island.

Mason arrested for abduction and rape

A mason who raped and impregnated a 13-year-old schoolgirl was arrested by the Hali-ela police this morning.

Dr Bellana in hot water over comments on Ranil’s health

A disciplinary investigation has been initiated against Deputy Director Dr Rukshan Bellana for making public statements to the media regarding the health condition of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Deputy Minister of Health announced today.

Brain is enough to rule a country: Dr. Bellana

Deputy Director of the Colombo National hospital, Dr. Rukshan Bellana, said that “the brain is the only thing needed to rule a country” and claimed that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is suffering from non-communicable diseases.

No diplomatic objections to Ranil’s arrest: Foreign Minister

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath said that no foreign diplomats or diplomatic organisation have raised objections regarding the recent arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Former Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugetenne further remanded

Polgahawela Magistrate’s Court today (27) ordered the further remand of former Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Admiral (Rtd) Nishantha Ulugetenne, until September 10.

South Korea bans phones in school classrooms nationwide

South Korea has passed a bill banning the use of mobile phones and smart devices during class hours in schools - becoming the latest country to restrict phone use among children and teens.

Two arrested at BIA with Rs. 100 million worth of mobile phones

Two Sri Lankan passengers attempting to smuggle a consignment of mobile phones worth Rs. 100 million into the country were arrested this morning (27) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Green Channel.

Govt approves renovation of Southern Expressway stretch between Kottawa and Dodangoda

The government has granted approval for the renovation of the Southern Expressway (E-01) from the 19th to the 34th kilometer, covering the stretch between Kottawa and Dodangoda.

Deshabandu released on bail

Former Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Deshabandu Tennakoon, who was arrested in connection with the attack on peaceful protesters at Galle Face on May 9, 2022, was released on bail today.

Elephant calf dies after truck collision in Habarana

A 10-year-old elephant calf died this morning (27) after being hit by a container truck transporting cement in the Hirivadunna area of Habarana, police said.

Levy on imported potatoes and big onions raised

The Ministry of Finance announced that the Special Commodity Levy on imported potatoes has been increased from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 per kilogram with effect from yesterday (26).

Latest health condition of Ranil Wickremesinghe

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Colombo National Hospital for at least two more days on the advice of specialist doctors, Deputy Director of the hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana said today (27).

World Cup-winning captain diagnosed with skin cancer

Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Clarke shared a health update through a post on his Instagram handle. He had been initially diagnosed with the same in 2006.

Trump hits India with punishing 50% tariff, among the highest the US charges

President Donald Trump made good on his threat to double tariffs on imports from India to 50%, a move that could endanger relations with one of America’s most important trading partners and send consumer prices higher.

Sajith Premadasa seeks Prince William’s help to save elephants

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has appealed to Britain’s Prince William to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to protect its wild elephant population, citing the growing human–elephant conflict as a critical threat to both lives and biodiversity.

Three arrested over Rs. 45 million cigarette smuggling attempt

Three Sri Lankan passengers were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning while attempting to smuggle in a stock of foreign-made cigarettes worth Rs. 45.9 million.

Three killed, 13 injured in school van-lorry collision in Kuliyapitiya

Three people, including two children and the driver of a school van, were killed while 13 others sustained injuries following a collision between a school van and a lorry in Dummalasooriya, Kuliyapitiya, this morning, police said.

Nutrition physicians concerned over removal of key posts in Food Control Unit

The Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians (SLCNP) has expressed strong concern over attempts to remove Consultant Nutrition Physician (CNP) posts from the Ministry of Health’s Food Control Administration Unit, warning that the move would seriously weaken public health safeguards, sources said.

Supporters commend Ranil Wickremesinghe’s release

What began as a tense and emotionally charged protest turned into a scene of jubilation yesterday at the Fort Magistrate’s Court, as news broke that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had been granted bail in a case related to the alleged misuse of public funds.

Listed lenders rake in bumper earnings

Sri Lanka’s listed commercial banks posted strong earnings for the June quarter, boosted by loan growth, lower provisions for bad loans and higher fee income, though margins narrowed, Capital Trust Securities said in a report.

Ceylon Tea exports gain momentum in July

Tea exports continued its upward trajectory in July 2025, reaching 24.04 million kilograms, up 2.68 million kilograms from the 21.36 million kilograms shipped in the same month last year.