Tourism industry on edge as travel advisories mount

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is bracing for challenges, following a series of travel advisories issued by several key markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia and New Zealand.

Eastern Container Terminal Project given ‘special project’ status

The government announced efforts to accelerate the development of the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) at the Port of Colombo, a highly anticipated initiative managed by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

Visa issues, election concerns cut SL’s 2024 tourist arrival target

Sri Lanka is expected to attract around two million tourists this year, falling short of its initial target of 2.3 million by 11.6 percent, according to a report by Softlogic Stockbrokers (SSB).

Government should reappoint a National Security Advisor: Sagala

A National Security Advisor should be reappointed to the country to prevent potential threats from terrorist groups, former Presidential advisor Sagala Rathnayaka said.

Will change any law hindering equal application to all communities: President

The government is committed to build a country with a law which is applied to all Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims equally, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Security of all foreigners ensured; no threat of attack on locals: Police

Security has been beefed up in special areas on suspicion that foreign groups in Sri Lanka could face an attack following intelligence reports on potential threats to Sri Lanka from terrorist groups by October, after the escalation of the war situation in the Middle East, Acting IGP Priyantha Wijesuriya said today.

More countries issue travel advisories

Several countries have issued travel advisories for their citizens travelling to Sri Lanka, urging a high degree of caution.

Sri Lanka Tourism invites global travellers for upcoming season

Sri Lanka Tourism warmly invites travellers from around the world to visit the island during the upcoming tourist season.

Israel calls on its citizens to leave some tourist areas in Sri Lanka

Israel’s national security council on Wednesday called on Israelis to immediately leave some tourist areas in Sri Lanka over the threat of a possible terrorist attack.

What is needed is a strong govt, not an opposition, fill Parliament with NPPers - Prez

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his recent electoral meeting in Katunayake, said the need of the hour is a strong, powerful government but not an opposition and therefore urged people to take steps to fill Parliament with his NPP (National People’s Power) representatives at the November 14 General Election.

Russian embassy urges citizens to stay vigilant in Arugam Bay

The Russian Embassy has urged its citizens to remain vigilant and avoid large crowds in response to potential threats against foreign tourists in Arugam Bay.

Ranil demands immediate implementation of salary raise for public workers

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the legal Cabinet decision taken by him as Finance Minister to increase the salaries of public servants should be implemented immediately.

Cannot forcibly, illegally occupy our lands - SJB candidate tells Israelis

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Rehan Jayawickrama today cautioned against Israeli nationals running illegal business activities in some parts of Sri Lanka.

Johnston arrested

Former Minister Johnston Fernando had been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Mobile coconut sale from today at Rs. 100-120 each

Following a mobile coconut sales programme, the Coconut Development Authority (CDA) will provide coconuts at a retail price between Rs. 100 and Rs. 120 from today.

Robber who entered Ratmalana CGR workshop shot at

A gang of six robbers, armed with sharp weapons, entered the Ratmalana Railway Workshop yesterday and attempted to steal a stock of wire. Security officers opened fire, injuring one of the robbers.

McDonald’s burgers linked to E. coli outbreak in the US

A McDonald’s sandwich has been making people sick in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Let NPP govern country for a year to reveal its true nature: Anuradha Jayaratne

The National People’s Power (NPP), led by President Anura Dissanayake, should be allowed to govern freely for at least a year to reveal the true nature of the current government, former State Minister Anuradha Jayaratne said.

Boeing-made satellite breaks up in space

A communications satellite designed and built by embattled aerospace giant Boeing has broken up in orbit.

Police respond to potential threats to tourists in Arugam Bay

Sri Lanka Police addressed the situation in the Arugam Bay area following the US Embassy in Colombo’s travel advisory for its citizens.

Musk v Ambani: Billionaires battle over India’s satellite internet

The race between two of the world’s richest men, Elon Musk and Mukesh Ambani, is intensifying as they prepare to face off in India’s satellite broadband market.

Heavy rains today in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Northern Provinces

Heavy showers above 75 mm are likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Northern Provinces, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Police to implement special security program for foreign tourists

In anticipation of an influx of foreign tourists during the upcoming tourism season, the Sri Lanka Police said that steps have been taken to implement a special security program aimed at ensuring their safety.

Johnston arrives at CID

Former Minister Johnston Fernando arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning to provide a statement regarding a luxury car, allegedly owned by him, that was found unregistered and parked at a star-class hotel in Colombo.

US Embassy issues travel warning for Arugam Bay

The US Embassy in Colombo said it has received credible information on a potential attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area. As a precaution, the Embassy has imposed an immediate travel restriction on its personnel to Arugam Bay until further notice.

Leave of all postal workers cancelled till November 14

The leave of all postal workers has been canceled from today till November 14, the Postal Department said.

LRT project cancellation shocked Japan

Outgoing Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki said the cancellation of the LRT (Light Rail Transit ) project during the time of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was typical case of ‘a very non-transparent decision’, and after that, it was difficult for him to secure assistance from Japan from Sri Lanka.

Kelaniya university student falls to death from hostel

A fourth-year student at Kelaniya University has died after falling from the upper floor of the university’s C.W.W. Kannangara Hostel early this morning.

India-Sri Lanka ferry service operates smoothly

The passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province is currently operating smoothly, IndSri Ferry Service Pvt. Ltd Managing Director, S. Niranjan Nandagopan said.

SL eyes sustainable and niche tourism

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is poised for transformation as it seeks to balance the preservation of the country’s authenticity with the exploration of sustainable tourism and niche markets, such as culinary tourism, according to a senior official.