Bandula's book on Sri Lankan Policies released

The book Sri Lankan Government Policies and Challenges, written by former Minister Bandula Gunawardena, was launched today (16) at the Rajagiriya Bank Piyasavanagada under the patronage of former MPs and Ministers. Pix by Jayamal Chandrasiri

At least 18 killed in New Delhi station crush

A crush at New Delhi Railway Station has left at least 18 people dead and a further 10 injured.

Canadian woman arrested at BIA with Rs. 360 Mn ’hashish’

A foreign woman was arrested at Katunayake Airport with a consignment of ’’hashish’’ worth approximately Rs. 360 million.

Sri Lankan duo caught smuggling foreign currency in India

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel stationed at Kempegowda International Airport in India arrested three passengers including two Sri Lankans attempting to smuggle foreign currencies worth Rs 2.12 crore.

NPP MP injured in road accident

Jaffna District National People’s Power (NPP) MP K. Ilankumaran was injured in a road accident earlier today at Chavakachcheri in Jaffna, police said.

PHI arrested for accepting Rs. 200,000 bribe to renew hotel license

A Public Health Inspector (PHI) was arrested by the Bribery Commission for accepting a bribe of Rs. 200,000 to renew a hotel’s license.

No issue with Harsha: Sajith

Talking of his decision for retaining the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Colombo District leadership for himself in addition to his party leadership, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa said he has no issue with MP Harsha de Silva.

Sri Lanka likely to be warmer than before in March, April

Sri Lanka, currently facing dry conditions, is expected to last for the next two weeks with low rainfall expected afterwards, and there is a possibility of temperatures being higher than the previous year during March and April an official from the Department of Meteorology said.

Ranil, Maithri once again in common political discussion

Former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with other party leaders in the opposition, have met to discuss the current political situation of the country and the way forward.

Govt. seeks report from NGO Secretariat on USAID funding

In the midst of controversy over USAID funding in Sri Lanka, the government has sought a report from the National NGO Secretariat in this regard, a Minister said yesterday.

Inflation set to climb this year, expected to peak in mid-2026: CBSL

Sri Lanka’s inflation is expected to increase “sizeably” in the third quarter this year (3Q25), with the possibility of it hovering around 2 percentage points above the inflation target in mid-2026, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said in its monetary policy report that was released yesterday.

Less buying intensity at Colombo Tea Auction this week

The Colombo Tea Auction this week saw less buying intensity, due to a combination of relatively higher volumes for the time of year and qualitative factors, a report from Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said.

Market activity rises but yields hold their ground

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has announced a T-Bill auction totaling LKR 115.0Bn, scheduled for 19th Feb-25. CBSL aims to raise LKR 25.0Bn from 3M, LKR 60.0Bn from 6M, and LKR 30.0Bn from 12M T-Bills respectively. Today, the secondary market experienced a volatile trading session, marked by strong buying interest among market participants. As a result, secondary market trades witnessed high trading volumes, however the yield curve remained broad

Experts renew call for tax ombudsman to improve trust in system

The need for a tax ombudsman in Sri Lanka sparked renewed calls from experts this week, who advocated for the establishment of the position to improve trust, fairness and efficiency placed on the tax system.

Navin Dissanayake appointed Vice Chairman of UNP

Former Minister of Sports, Tourism, and Plantation Industries, as well as former Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Province, Navin Dissanayake has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of the United National Party (UNP).

MullenLowe and Unilever Sri Lanka make a big impact at the Effie’s

MullenLowe secured major wins at the prestigious Effie Awards Sri Lanka 2024, taking home ‘Agency of the Year’ and ‘Brand of the Year’ for Unilever’s Close-Up.

Image Expo 2025

Pope to be admitted to hospital

Pope Francis will be admitted to hospital in Rome to undergo treatment and tests for bronchitis, the Vatican has said.

New National Sports Council appointed

Minister of Sports Sunil Kumar Gamage appointed the new National Sports Council today (14).

Türkiye extends official invitation to President

The Republic of Türkiye (Turkey) has extended an official invitation to President Anura Kumara Disanayake for an official visit to Türkiye in April this year, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Rajarata University gets new Chancellor

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Most Ven. Dr. Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera as the Chancellor of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.

Teachers demand salary adjustment

AG files criminal charges against Yoshitha, his grandmother

The Attorney General has filed indictments against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his grandmother, Daisy Forrest, before the Colombo High Court on money laundering charges.

Sri Lanka secures historic ODI victory over Australia

Sri Lanka continued their dominance over Australia in the second ODI of their bilateral series, clinching a 174-run victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Ukraine says Russia drone attack hits Chernobyl nuclear plant

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a Russian drone struck the destroyed nuclear power plant at Chernobyl on Thursday night.

SLPP meets Julie Chung: Discusses USAID funding to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) briefed U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung on the SLPP’s proposal for a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate into the use of USAID funds by both registered and unregistered NGOs in Sri Lanka, with a focus on ensuring transparency in the allocation of U.S. taxpayer resources.

Judge orders US to restore funds for foreign aid programmes

A federal judge ordered the administration of US President Donald Trump to restore funding for hundreds of foreign aid contractors who argued that they were negatively impacted by a 90-day blanket freeze, a court filing showed late on Thursday.

’’Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Strengthening global ties with Diaspora leadership

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) took place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, celebrating the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the nation’s growth and development. This year’s theme, ’’Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,’’ underscored the importance of the global Indian community in shaping India’s future.

CID launches probe into MP Rajapaksa’s Law College exam

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into allegations surrounding MP Namal Rajapaksa’s participation in an examination at the Sri Lanka Law College.

Businessman nabbed for attempting to smuggle phones, tablets

A 45-years-old businessman who illegally brought a stock of mobile phones and tab computers worth Rs. 300 million was arrested by Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).