Moody’s raises Sri Lanka’s rating

Christmas gifts are continuing to come Sri Lanka’s way, with Moody’s Ratings (Moody’s) upgrading the island nation’s long-term foreign currency issuer rating to Caa1 from Ca. The outlook is stable. Previously, the rating was on review for upgrade.

Wayside bandits haunt people travelling Malabe-Ambathale road in Colombo

Special security measures have been introduced in response to multiple complaints from residents regarding frequent robberies, including vehicle thefts, along Chandrika Kumaratunga Mawatha, which runs from Malabe to Ambathale in Colombo.

Over 370 jumbos perish in 2024

Sri Lanka has recorded a staggering 375 elephant deaths in the past eleven and a half months due to a plethora of causes, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Probe underway as child dies after surgery at J’Pura hospital

A nine-year-old boy reportedly died after undergoing surgery at the Sri Jayawardenepura Hospital raising concerns over potential medical negligence.

Abuse of President’ Fund: Dayasiri vows to reveal JVPers who sought assistance from it before 2010

Adding further controversy to the misuse of the President’s Fund, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera yesterday said some of its members also sought assistance from the President’s funds prior to 2010, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera alleged yesterday.

China to reveal info on AKD’s planned visit ‘in a timely manner’ – Chinese FM

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that it would disclose details about Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s planned official visit to China in mid-January “in a timely manner.”

Licence ready, Elon Musk’s Starlink yet to import devices to start operation

Despite Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite unit of SpaceX, being granted licence to operate in Sri Lanka, the organization is yet to apply for the import of devices to be used in connecting to the service, a top source said.

Main schools in Colombo without principals

Some seven schools in Colombo including Royal is running without principals currently, the Education Ministry said yesterday.

Can funds disbursed through President’s Fund be refunded?

In the wake of the recent revelation of politicians receiving money from the President’s Fund, many have questioned whether such disbursed funds can be refunded.

Economic crisis stalls five high-rise buildings

Construction work of five high-rise buildings have been ground to a standstill because of the economic crisis that hit the country in 2022, and the Ministry of Urban Development is now at a loss to decide how to resume them since the project companies have either been declared bankrupt or mutually terminated projects, a top source said.

Special security measures for Churches holding Christmas services

Special security measures will be enacted by the Police and tri forces for all churches across the country holding Christmas services.

Dayasiri defends use of President’s Fund, rejects misuse allegations

There are no legal provisions which prevent politicians from seeking assistance from the President’s Fund, as it has been set up to assist all Sri Lankan citizens, MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said yesterday.

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

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

Suspect dies after collapsing in Chilaw Police custody

A suspect who collapsed unconscious in the Chilaw Police cell was pronounced dead after admission to hospital on Thursday night.

Understanding Sri Lanka’s seasonal rice shortage: An analytical perspective

Sri Lanka’s recurring rice shortage during December and January has become a predictable yet pressing issue. This challenge is rooted in the country’s reliance on its two main paddy cultivation seasons, Maha and Yala, alongside structural inefficiencies in production, distribution, and storage systems. Understanding the statistical trends and underlying causes provides clarity on the situation and highlights actionable solutions.

crisis spirals, Govt. extends deadline for imports till January 10

Amidst irregularities in rice supply and shortages in some places, the government, upon request by importers, has decided to extend the deadline till January 10, 2025 for imports, a top source said. The previous deadline ended yesterday.

Over 200 trees felled near Yala National Park

About 200 trees, including Satin, Margosa, Palu, and Weera, have been felled at Galara in Tissamaharama, which is adjacent to Yala National Park, according to the Lunugamvehera Wildlife Conservation Office. The raid was conducted based on a tip-off given by local residents.

High Court notifies death sentence on DIG Vaas Gunawardena, son Ravindu

The Colombo High Court yesterday notified the accused in the businessman Mohamed Shyam murder case that the Supreme Court’s five-judge bench has affirmed the death sentence and conviction of former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena, and four police officers for the murder of millionaire businessman Mohamed Shyam.

Deport Israeli military personnel residing in Sri Lanka: FLSP

The Frontline Socialist Party (FLSP) yesterday called on the government to deport Israeli military personnel currently in Sri Lanka without valid visas.

Special crimes investigation units to be set up covering all provinces

In a fresh bid to curb the crime wave and to restructure the Sri Lanka Police, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said that Special Crimes Divisions, similar to the Colombo Crimes Division, will be established in each province to address the rising crime rates.

60 civil society - media orgs, TUs request President to repeal PTA and repressive laws

The Coalition against the Repressive Laws (CARL) comprised of more than 60 civil society and media organisations as well as trade unions and professional associations have requested President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to repeal repressive laws including the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Extension of continental shelf beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone Sri Lanka, India seek to reach understanding on overlapping claims

Sri Lanka has since held 11 rounds of talks with the sub-commission

18th SIP Abacus National Competition 2024 held in Colombo

The 18th SIP Abacus and Mental Arithmetic National Competition 2024 was held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo Saturday December 14 under the patronage of SIP Abacus Sri Lanka Country Manager Rishard Raheem. Picture shows Sri Lanka Country Manager Rishard Raheem presenting a token of appreciation to the Principal of Zahira College Trizviy Marikar and Hassim Omar Foundation Chairman Hassim Omar at this ceremony. SIP Abacus Manager, Inte

Masked woman questions MP Kottahachchi about hidden money in Uganda

A masked woman at a cultural event was seen lobbing questions at NPP MP for the Kalutara District Nilanthi Kottahachchi whether her government plans to recover stolen assets allegedly stashed in Uganda as mentioned by her during the election campaign period.

Minister’s parliamentary seat challenged over alleged unconstitutional occupation

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. According to the writ petition, this claim arises from the fact that he remained an employee of the University of Ruhuna at the time he was decla

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

Abuse of President’s Fund: None were given over Rs.1 million outside procedure except on one occasion : RW

In response to allegations about reimbursements of medical expenses of political representatives from the President’s Fund, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said there were numerous requests at personal levels for financial benefits, but none was paid in excess of Rs.1 million and outside the procedure except on one occasion.

The media is not to blame, Prime Minister!

Last week, the government faced a diplomatic blunder when Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya accepted a consignment of school uniforms from China and ended up thanking the ‘Republic of China’ which Taiwan is officially known as instead of the ‘People’s Republic of China’,in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador and other officials. Taiwan has been China’s arch rival and Sri Lanka too has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan and in fact does not recog

I will resign if proven I did the law exams alone in a hall: Namal

I will resign from Parliament if it is proven that I did the examination alone in the room and that I earned the law degree in a fraudulent manner. The Minister should resign from his post if he is unable to prove his allegation,” MP Rajapaksa told Parliament yesterday.

India- Sri Lanka land bridge project abandoned or put on hold?

India – Sri Lanka land connectivity project has been dropped from the joint statement issued after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra in New Delhi last Monday, triggering doubts whether the project is put on hold or abandoned.