Nine-year-old among five killed in attack on German Christmas market

A nine-year-old child and four adults have been killed after a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg.

People have complete right to lie: Kottahachchi

People have the complete right to convince others that something true is false or something false is true, as it is a democratic right, NPP MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi said today.

Three killed in bus accident

Three people have died and at least 30 others injured in an accident that occurred this morning (21) when a bus veered off the road on the Hatton-Kandy main road.

Lotus Tower extends operating hours till January 2

The Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company (Private) Limited has announced extended operating hours for the festive season.

Over 90% of SL’s major disasters due to meteorological phenomena

The Department of Meteorology in a press release mentioned that Sri Lanka experiences more than 90% of its major disasters due to meteorological phenomena, with dozens of incidents occurring annually as a result of torrential rainfall.

SL exits ’Restricted Default’ rating

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ’CCC+’, from ’RD’ (Restricted Default).

Western province leads economic contribution to 2023 GDP with 43.7% share

The Western province continued to lead the provincial gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, albeit slipping from the 2022 levels while the North Western and Central provinces following as the distant second and third in the provincial distribution of Sri Lanka’s total economic output.

Government hoping to update FTA with India: Vijitha

The government is hoping to initiate discussions with India to update the Free Trade Agreement between India and Sri Lanka, which was signed several decades ago, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.

Halt harmful wildlife practices, adopt scientific solutions: CEJ urges President

The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka to immediately halt informal practices across the island that harm wildlife and to adopt a scientific approach to environmental management.

Shooting incident in Galle leaves one dead

A person who was killed in a shooting incident in Dadalla, Galle today, the police said.

President hints at time period for LG, PC polls

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the Local Government elections are expected to be held before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in 2025.

Cassilingham slams Govt. for following Ranil’s footsteps

Geethanath Cassilingham, the Jaffna District Chief Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), criticized the current government for failing to deliver on the promises it made during the election.

New national convenor appointed for SLPP

MP D.V. Chanaka has been appointed as the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) new National Convenor.

Mobile phones, laptops worth Rs. 50 Mn seized at BIA

Customs officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake arrested three individuals attempting to smuggle electronic devices worth Rs. 50 million into Sri Lanka.

Misuse of President’s Fund: Dayasiri responds to allegations

MP Dayasiri Jayasekera has rejected allegations that he improperly benefited from the President’s Fund.

Govt. defends Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka

While standing by former Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Canberra Himalee Arunatilaka, who faced a lawsuit over a salary issue of a domestic aide, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said Arunatilaka had not committed any financial fraud and that it was due to an issue with Sri Lankan salary scale.

Notorious underworld figure ‘Kudu Salindu’ granted bail

Salindu Malshitha Gunaratne, alias ‘Kudu Salindu,’ a notorious drug kingpin and underworld figure, was granted bail by the Panadura Magistrate’s Court today.

Hybrid vehicle import tax based on engine capacity will reduce costs, satisfy all

If hybrid vehicle imports are taxed based on their engine capacity, it will satisfy both consumers and the government, while reducing the prices of existing vehicles in the country, President of the Sri Lanka Business Council of Japan Jagath Ramanayake said.

Malaysia to resume search for missing MH370 plane

Malaysia’s Cabinet has agreed to a proposal to launch a new search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared mysteriously 10 years ago, the Transport Minister said today.

Lanka T10 match-fixing scandal: Indian team owner granted bail

The Colombo Chief Magistrate granted bail to Indian national Prem Thakur, the owner of the ‘Galle Marvels’ team in the Lanka T10 Super League Tournament, on heavy bail conditions.

SLC reduces voting members from 147 to 60 ahead of 2025 elections

Ahead of the 2025 Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) elections, SLC said that its membership at an extraordinary general meeting has decided to reduce the number of voting members from 147 to 60.

IMF to assess Sri Lanka’s tax revisions in upcoming staff report

The IMF Executive Board is expected to convene in the coming months to review the Staff-Level Agreement on the Third Review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement between Sri Lanka and the IMF.

Government to appoint committee to draft national policy on research vessels: Foreign Minister

The government is to appoint a special committee to prepare a policy framework on foreign research vessels entering Sri Lankan waters, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said today.

Govt. extends license-free rice import period until January 10

The government has extended the temporary lifting of rice import restrictions, allowing private importers to bring in rice without a license until January 10.

CBSL takes proactive measures against alarming increase in prohibited pyramid schemes

Central Bank (CBSL) yesterday said it has taken proactive measures to address the alarming increase in prohibited schemes under Section 83(C) of the Banking Act No 30 of 1988, as amended

Sri Lanka to issue new bonds today

Sri Lanka will issue US$ 10.4 billion in macro-linked bonds (MLBs), including US$ 1.6 billion in governance bonds and Rs. 155 billion in rupee bonds today.

Government decides to further ease capital controls

The government has decided to further ease certain restrictions imposed on outward remittances for a six month-period until June next year based on recommendation of the Central Bank (CB).

New labelling, advertising rules leave confectionery industry in sticky situation

The confectionery industry expressed serious concerns over a new set of rules, introduced for labelling and advertising packaged food in the country, which is set to take effect from January 2025.

Bangla Tigers lift Lanka T10 Super League Title

Hambantota Bangla Tigers produced a fine all-round performance to beat Favourites Jaffna Titans by 26 runs in the Inaugural Lanka T10 Super League Cricket Tournament final encounter played at the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy.

Names of more politicians who obtained money from President’s Fund to be released

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today he will release the list of politicians who had obtained money from the President’s Fund apart from the list of politicians he revealed in Parliament on Wednesday.