It is ironic that JVP-led Govt. signing defence pact with India on the anniversary of its rebellion in 1971

Traditional JVPers who stood for socialism should not be silent spectators on the signing of the proposed Defence Pact with India, Front Line Socialist Party (FLSP) which is a breakaway group of JVP said yesterday.

Sun directly over Sri Lanka for 9 days

The sun is expected to be directly over Sri Lanka from April 5 to April 14, as a result of its apparent northward relative motion, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Cut our tax to 6% or drop tariffs to counter US move: Kalugamage

The best and only solution to the new tax rate imposed by the US is to either completely remove the taxes we have placed on them or reduce our tax rate to 6%, said Sarath Kalugamage, Executive Officer of the Ratata Hetak Organisation.

CRTA warns US tariff hike will devastate Sri Lanka’s rubber industry

The Colombo Rubber Traders Association (CRTA) joined the bandwagon in expressing deep concern about the recent imposition of a 44 percent blanket tariff by the United States on all imports from Sri Lanka and said it is particularly worried on the “devastating impact” it would have on Sri Lanka’s natural rubber industry.

Excise earns record revenue of Rs.61Bn in 2025 first quarter

One of the three main revenue-generating arms of the country and the competent authority regulating the liquor industry, the Excise Department of Sri Lanka has earned a record revenue of Rs.61 billion during the first quarter of this year.

Modi in Sri Lanka…

CSE dips again amid ongoing global trade tensions

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) extended its losses as uncertainty over global tariff negotiations continued to weigh on investor sentiment. The latest U.S. tariff impositions have triggered widespread economic turbulence, further dampening the Sri Lankan market.

Sri Lanka expresses willingness to strengthen trade ties with U.S. amid tariffs

The Government of Sri Lanka today reaffirmed its strong commitment to deepening economic relations with the United States, as concerns mount over a newly proposed 44% reciprocal trade tariff that could impact Sri Lanka’s $3 billion annual exports to the U.S.

Probe launched into suspicious death of youth in Police custody

The Nugegoda Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau has initiated an inquiry into the suspicious death of 26-year-old Sathsara Nimesh, who died while in police custody at the Welikada Police Station.

PM Modi arrives in Sri Lanka for official visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) a short while ago for a three-day official visit.

Only star-class foreigners can enjoy liquor during this Avurudu

Only foreign tourists residing in star-class hotels are entitled to be served or to purchase alcoholic beverages during the two dry days of April 13–14, during this Sinhala and Tamil New Year, as ordered by the Department of Excise.

Transfer of Bingiriya OIC cancelled by National Police Commission

The National Police Commission (NPC) has cancelled the recent transfer of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Bingiriya Police Station, which had been ordered by the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) without prior approval from the Commission or the Elections Commission.

Colombo Shopping Festival…

Government loses Rs. 2.42 billion from vehicle import duty scam: COPA

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) disclosed that a grave scam has taken place in issuing permits for the import of fully electric vehicles to Sri Lankans employed abroad, based on foreign remittances.

Rejection of nominations: SC dismisses 59 petitions

The Supreme Court today dismissed 53 writ petitions and six fundamental rights petitions filed by various political parties and independent groups challenging the rejection of nomination papers submitted for the Local Government elections.

LG polls to be held as scheduled: EC Chief

The National Election Commission confirmed that the 2025 Local Government Elections will be held as planned on May 6, despite ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the rejection of nomination papers.

Illegally imported cigarettes seized…

Minister says US tariffs a blow to Sri Lanka’s export goals

Referring to the United States’ recent decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on Sri Lankan goods, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi voiced strong concern, describing the move as both unexpected and damaging to the country’s economic ambitions.

China announces 34% retaliatory tariffs on US imports

China has announced it will impose additional tariffs of 34 per cent on imports from the US in retaliation for duties of the same amount unveiled by President Donald Trump this week as part of his aggressive trade agenda.

Security beefed up at Katunayake airport for Modi’s arrival

Preparations are currently underway at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka today (04) for a three-day official visit.

Inmate hacked to death at Boossa Prison

An inmate at the Boossa High Security Prison in Galle has been reported dead after being allegedly assaulted with a sharp weapon.

Controversial visa deal: SC rejects bail for Harsha Ilukpitiya

The Supreme Court rejected a bail application filed on behalf of Harsha Ilukpitiya, the former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration. He has been in remand custody for nearly six months due to contempt of court proceedings.

Two fall to death in gem mine

Two workers engaged in digging a gem mine at Dambuluwana in Elapatha off Ratnapura on Thursday evening (03) fell to death when the mine they were digging cut across an abandoned earlier gem mine.

Reciprocal tariff: IMF appeals US to work constructively to resolve trade tensions

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appealed to the United States and its trading partners to work constructively to resolve trade tensions and reduce uncertainty due to the reciprocal tariff imposed by the US.

Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar dies at 87

Veteran Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar has died at the age of 87 in India’s financial capital, Mumbai.

Red alert warning issued for lightning in 18 districts

A severe lightning warning has been issued today for eighteen districts, the Meteorology Department said.

Lankan nabbed at airport with latest mobile phones worth over Rs. 100 million

A Sri Lankan passenger was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with latest mobile phones worth more than Rs. 100 million while attempting to smuggle them into the country.

14 suspects further remanded over Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s murder

The 14 suspects who were arrested over Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s murder were further remanded till April 11 by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today.

AFC to help build modern football stadium in Sri Lanka

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said that steps will be taken, in conjunction with the Sports Ministry, to provide Sri Lanka with an international football stadium featuring modern facilities to promote the sport.

All set for Modi's visit