Briefing the President...

Second reading of Budget 2025 approved

The second reading of Budget 2025 was approved by a majority of 109 votes in Parliament a short while ago.

CID to probe drug regulatory data fraud, passport procurement irregularities

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been requested to investigate into allegations of bribery and corruption related to data fraud at the Drug Regulatory Authority and irregularities in the procurement of passports.

Namal questions Govt.’s double standards on PTA

In the wake of Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala’s remarks in Parliament that the government will not use the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to curb underworld activities, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa, referring to the incident of PTA being used against youth from the North and South for Facebook posts, criticized government’s double standard.

Chemical contamination reported at Moratuwa Uni laboratory

Four fire engines and a team of 15 firefighters have been dispatched to contain a chemical contamination reported at a laboratory of the University of Moratuwa, according to the Fire Service Department.

President, top Army officials discuss current security situation

A discussion on Sri Lanka’s current security situation was held today (25) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

SriLankan Airlines to increase its fleet to 51 aircraft by 2030: Deputy Minister

SriLankan Airlines is slated to increase its fleet to 51 aircraft from the current level of 22, Deputy Minister of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma told Parliament today.

NASA gives massive update on ’city-killing’ asteroid

NASA has given a major update on the ’city-killing’ asteroid which has been hurtling towards Earth – and it finally makes for pleasant reading.

Legal barrier hinders efforts in extradicting Arjun Mahendran: Nalinda

The government admitted today that a legal barrier has hindered efforts in brining down former Central Bank Governor Arjun Mahendran to Sri Lanka.

Cabinet nod to establish Gambling Regulation Authority

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to establish a Gambling Regulation Authority as an independent establishment with a broad and complete subject arena to standardise gambling institutions, minimise social damage, promotion of tourism sector and ensure economic growth.

ICRC pledges support for new Government initiatives

The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society has agreed to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to strengthen the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

US sides with Russia in UN resolutions on Ukraine

The US has twice sided with Russia in votes at the UN to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the Trump administration’s change of stance on the war.

Heated arguments in Parliament after two MPs come up with murder allegations

Heated arguments erupted in Parliament today with ruling party MP Gamagedara Dissanayake and Opposition MP Rohini Kaviratne coming up with murder charges during the 1989 insurrection.

Colombo High Court grants bail to Gnanasara Thera

The Colombo High Court ordered the release on bail of the General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) organisation, Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, who was sentenced to simple imprisonment for insulting the religion of Islam.

Hydropower capacity reduced to 20 per cent due to dry spell: Official

Due to the prevailing dry weather conditions in Sri Lanka electricity generated by using hydropower has reduced due to high levels of heat, an official from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said.

Let us decide on LG polls date independently: EC to political parties

The date for the declaration of the Local Government (LG) elections, followed by the call for nominations, will be announced only after the budget debate is concluded, the Election Commission (EC) stated.

People begin to age in their 30s: Lifestyle Medicine Physician

Contrary to popular people’s belief that they start ageing later in life, Dr. Aruni Malwatta, a Lifestyle Medicine Physician, broke the misconception that the period of people beginning to age is as early as their 30s.

Bar Association urges IGP to launch inquiry

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday announced that extrajudicial killings could never be a solution to addressing the rise in criminal activity and that crime could be best curbed when the State adhered to the rule of law.

Mother, brother of female suspect arrested over Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder

Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

Indirect taxes continue to rip off people

Heavy reliance on indirect taxes is continuing to push up the cost of living, despite repeated efforts by successive governments to ease the financial strain by increasing the percentage of direct taxes instead.

Probe launched after suspicious death of Chinese national in Colombo

The Slave Island Police have launched an investigation after a Chinese national died suspiciously in a hotel at Slave Island.

Two books penned by Sanjeewani Weerasinghe launched...

UNP, SJB alliance sans Sajith?

It is likely that a large number of Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) MPs will form an alliance with the United National Party (UNP) leaving out SJB leader Sajith Premadasa, former MP Rajitha Senaratne said today.

How mighty SSC have fallen like Rajapaksas

Sinhalese Sports Club’s (SSC) staggering relegation from the top division could only be compared to the incredible fall of Rajapaksas in recent times. Like Rajapaksas who dominated politics for decades, SSC were the top dog of Sri Lanka’s first class cricket for such a long period until last week when it was confirmed they were relegated to Division 2.

Govt. to provide packs of essential food items to low-income earners

The government is focusing on providing packs of essential food items to low-income earners in preparation for the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Harini appointed as chief of Committee on High Posts

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has been appointed the chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on High Posts, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne announced today.

Will provide security to MPs if required after threat assessment: Minister

Necessary action will be taken to provide security to Members of Parliament, if required after receiving the threat assessment reports, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said.

Chandana Sooriyabandara appointed Media Advisor to President

Senior journalist Chandana Sooriyabandara has been officially appointed as the Media Advisor to the President.

New DG appointed to President’s Media Division

Prasanna Perera has been appointed as the Director General of the President’s Media Division (PMD).

73-year-old Indian national nabbed with Kush at BIA

A 73-year-old Indian national who attempted to smuggle 1.908 kilos of Kush Cannabis was arrested at the Katunayake Airport this afternoon, Police said.