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.

Stop removal of Army camps…

A protest was staged in Colombo on December 20, 2024, urging the government to stop the removal of Army camps nationwide. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

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.

Stop genocide in Palestine

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

An act to balance India and China – Will the govt. be successful?

As the new government begins to balance its ties with all foreign nations, it has noticed that two countries who need special attention in their balancing act is India and China.

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.

Only one firearm per person will be issued for personal protection: MOD

The Ministry of Defence said that it has decided to issue only one firearm per civilian for personal protection and it will be issued after considering intelligence reports.

Cardinal commends Govt. over Easter Sunday probe

Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, said he is confident and optimistic that the incumbent government will bring justice to the Easter Sunday bomb victims by uncovering the truth.

Masked woman questions MP Kottahachchi about hidden assets in Uganda

A masked woman was seen questioning NPP MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi about whether their government plans to recover stolen assets allegedly stashed in Uganda as mentioned by her during the election campaign period to woo votes.

Update issued on India and Pakistan hosted matches at ICC events

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 to be played across Pakistan and a neutral venue

Newly appointed Minister’s eligibility to Parliamentary seat challenged

Another writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal seeking an order declaring that the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage, is disqualified from being a Member of Parliament (MP) and therefore not entitled to hold office as an MP.

Britain’s most festive man

Sri Lankan authorities rescue over 100 Myanmar emigrants lost at sea

A multi-day trawler carrying more than 100 suspected illegal emigrants lost its course and drifted towards the sea off the Mullivaikkal coast in Mullaitivu.

Govt increases daily allocation for preschool breakfast to Rs. 100

The government has approved increasing the daily allocation to Rs. 100 to provide breakfast for children attending Early Childhood Development Centres and preschools, Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Man arrested for driving in wrong direction on Southern Expressway

A man was arrested by the expressway police yesterday for driving a vehicle in the wrong direction on the Southern Expressway (E01), the Expressway Operation, Maintenance and Management Division said.

Court issues arrest warrant on Gnanasara Thera over absence on judgment day

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today issued a warrant for the arrest of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galaboda Aththe Gnanasara Thera for failing to appear before court on the day the judgment was to be delivered over a case filed against him.