Jul 1 (NW) A group of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) activists have filed a complaint with the CID over recent claims linked to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Malwathu Maha Viharaya in Kandy. Speaking to reporters, the SLPP activists said that it was claimed on social media that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had made a request from the Malwathu Maha Viharaya in Kandy seeking its intervention to prevent the arrest of former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa. more..

Jul 1 (DM) Minister Bimal Rathnayake has urged bus owners to ensure seat belts are installed and used while transporting passengers for maximum safety and advised those unwilling to comply with the law to seek employment in another industry. Minister said that the mandatory use of seat belts for both drivers and front-seat passengers was introduced on Oct 1, 2011, under the Motor Traffic Act. However, while this regulation more..

Jul 1 (AD) Maureen Neliya Ballard (née Hingert), professionally known as Jana Davi, has passed away. Born on 9 January 1937, she was a SL actress, dancer, model, and beauty pageant titleholder. She gained international recognition after being crowned Miss Ceylon 1955 and becoming the second runner-up at the Miss Universe 1955 pageant — marking the first time a representative from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) received an award at the prestigious international competition. more..

Jul 1 (NW) Former Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, Nishantha Wickramasinghe, has been further remanded until 15 July 2025. He was further remanded after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today. Wickramasinghe, who is the brother of former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation by the Bribery Commission. Three corruption-related charges have been filed against Wickramasinghe related to incidents more..

Jul 1 (EN) CIABOC arrested a former Commissioner General of the Dept of Motor Traffic (DMT) and two others over authorizing the issuance of a number plate to a vehicle without Customs clearance. CIABOC in a statement said it arrested former Commissioner General of the DMT Nishantha Weerasinghe for irregular approval, Brahmana Wasala Priyantha Bandara Iriyagama (Assistant Director, Information Technology – Retired) more..

Jul 1 (CT) Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga yesterday directed the Cinnamon Gardens Police to submit a report to court on 8 December after obtaining the Attorney General’s advice regarding the case against former MP Hirunika Premachandra and 14 others. The case concerns allegations that the accused violated the Police Ordinance and the Motor Traffic Act by staging a street drama at Independence Square without prior approval. more..

Jul 1 (NW) NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa says he has been summoned by the Bribery Commission to record a statement regarding an ongoing investigation. Addressing the media, former minister said that the investigations pertain to the sale of some shops during his tenure as the Minister of Housing and Construction. “I was issued a date to report to the Bribery Commission. I informed them via a letter that I would not be able to report on the said date due to a court case. more..

Jul 1 (AD) The SL Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has invited applications for scholarships for the school-aged children of SL migrant workers who are registered with the SLBFE and have been employed or are permanently employed abroad. These scholarships are available to children whose parents were employed abroad and registered with the Bureau between Jan 1, 2019, and Sept 15, 2024. Children who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the scholarship program: more..

Jul 1 (CT) Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar yesterday ordered that the case against former Defence Ministry Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and former IGP Pujith Jayasundara be recalled on 28 July. The case pertains to allegations of dereliction of duty and failure to take appropriate action to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019. The case was heard before the Trial-at-Bar comprising Justices Namal Balalle and Mohammed Irshadeen. Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana more..

Jul 1 (MB) The recent sightings of the ageing leopard limping and in visible distress have triggered public sympathy where some wildlife lovers have urged wildlife authorities to step in and provide veterinary support. Among them is Wasiri Gajaman, a medical professional and passionate wildlife photographer. “Neluma is more than a wild animal as he is an icon of Wilpattu and a symbol of SL’s natural heritage. He deserves care more..

Jul 1 (DM) Cabinet approval was granted today to implement the govt’s online traffic fine payment programme islandwide, expanding on the pilot project currently in operation, Minister Bimal Ratnayake said. Speaking to the media following an awareness programme near the Kottawa Expressway entrance, on the importance of wearing seat belts for vehicles using the expressway, Minister said steps have been taken to simplify the process of paying traffic fines. more..

Jul 1 (EN) Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals increased 21.8% from a year ago to 138,241 in June 2025, with visitors from Pakistan and Bangladesh increasing. There were 37,934 visitors from India in June 2025, making up 27.4% of total arrivals, followed by the UK with 11,628 which made up 8.4% of arrivals. Visitors from neighboring Pakistan and Bangladesh had increased, possibly due to an international Bohra conference taking place in the island’s capital Colombo, and a test match. more..

Jul 1 (AD) In a significant step towards strengthening good governance and transparency in Sri Lanka, Govt of Japan has extended a grant of USD 2.5 million to support a new anti-corruption initiative implemented by the UNDP. “Corruption undermines sustainable development, the well-being of its citizens, their trust in institutions and tax morale. The cost of corruption is felt by all segments of society and the economy. more..

Jul 1 (AD) Three-wheeler operators say they expected a considerable reduction in prices of fuel as promised by the National People’s Power (NPP) during the election stage. Secretary of the National Joint Three-Wheeler Drivers and Industrial Workers Association Rohana Perera stated that although the NPP promised to reduce the prices of a litre of fuel by Rs. 160, the govt led by the same party has not taken any meaningful decisions to ease the burden of three-wheeler operators. more..

Jul 1 (NF) Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawela, Chairman of the CIABOC, has underscored the critical importance of enforcement in SL’s anti-corruption efforts, calling for collective action and institutional strength to uphold integrity in governance. “Enforcement is at the heart of any credible anti-corruption strategy,” Justice Iddawela stated. “It is not enough to pass laws or launch awareness campaigns. Laws must be enforced, violations must be investigated & justice must be served more..

Jul 1 (NW) The brother of the victim, who was shot dead in Kahawatta yesterday, has alleged that the murder had taken place due to their objections to drug peddling being carried out in their area of residence. The man revealed that a distant relative was involved in the drug business and that complaints had been filed with the Kahawatta Police in this regard. He further said that despite many complaints being filed, Police officers had not taken any form of action to curb drug activities. more..

Jul 1 (DM) SL authorities are raising concerns as most complaints are related to Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok with 90% of them involving Facebook and issues connected to AI. SLCERT engineer Charuka Damunupola, speaking to a popular TV channel, said there has been an increasing number of incidents linked to social media misuse, with 7 million people using the internet in SL and 90% of them active on social media. more..

Jul 1 (MB) For centuries, barefoot pilgrims have walked through the arid jungles and lush forests of SL’s east and south, following a sacred route to a fabled shrine in Kataragama in the deep south, in what is popularly known as a pilgrimage on foot, or Pada Yatra. What began as an eco-friendly tradition with just a few hundred devotees of the deity Skanda, who is believed to reside within the famous shrine, has now grown significantly in scale, more..

Jul 1 (EN) The relationship with India and Sri Lanka is strong and the business community and take links further, High Commissioner Santosh Jha said in Colombo speaking to a group of visiting Indian chief executives and local business leaders. India had so far given US$ 7 billion in development aid to SL including 800 million dollars in grants. Recently 100 million dollars in loans were written off into grants. “And there is, of course, the debt restructuring and the softening of the loans more..

Jul 1 (CT) CIABOC has received over 2,000 complaints within the first five months of this year, according to its latest progress report. The Commission reports that from 1 January to 31 May 2025, a total of 2,138 complaints were submitted. With the addition of unresolved complaints from 2024, the total number of pending complaints currently stands at 2,221. Of these, 224 complaints have been approved for formal investigation. Meanwhile, 524 complaints have been more..

Jul 1 (NW) The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Harsha Illukpitiya, who has been in remand custody for over 10 months, on Tuesday unconditionally apologized to the Supreme Court after being charged with contempt for failing to execute a court order tied to the controversial VFS e-visa deal. The Supreme Court has scheduled his sentencing for July 24. Illukpitiya admitted to disregarding the court’s directive, more..

Jul 1 (EN) SL will pay its citizens over 60 years an additional 3% interest on their fixed deposits of up to a million rupees. Fixed deposits under this scheme can be opened from July 1, to Dec 31, and must have a 12-month tenure. “Senior citizens will be entitled to receive the higher of the published fixed deposit rate of the bank or Average Weighted Fixed Deposit Rate (AWFDR) plus 3% per annum,” the ministry said in a statement. “Interest under this scheme must be withdrawn monthly.” more..

Jul 1 (NW) New regulations introduced by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) for all Sri Lankans seeking foreign employment in non-domestic sectors for the first time come into effect from today (01 July). Accordingly, all Sri Lankans seeking foreign employment in non-domestic sectors for the first time must obtain certification of their employment contracts from the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in the respective country before registering with the SLBFE. more..

Jul 2 (DM) Last week, Minister Sunil Handunnetti participated in the World Economic Forum in Tianjin and spoke in a panel discussion. His performance is a target of ridicule on social media nowadays. Minister Handunnetti claims his political opponents have distorted and misrepresented his speech. “I saw on social media that the speech I delivered at the World Economic Forum is being twisted to serve certain agendas… Our country’s intelligent youth are migrating abroad. more..

Jul 2 (DM) For some time after Israel commenced attacking Palestine in October 2023, our govt, though of socialist bent, had been following a somewhat ambiguous policy on events taking place there. Despite thousands of civilians being consciously killed, including children being targeted by snipers, according to doctors from Médecins Sans Frontières, our govt remained silent on the issue. This, even though the UN itself was condemning Israel’s attacks on civilians, more..

Jul 2 (TM) While a new regulation for self-directed migrant workers could curb human trafficking, a need exists to make processes clearer, industry stakeholders observe. From Tuesday (1 July), all those who are seeking self-directed employment in 13 countries are required to obtain certification for their service agreement from the SL embassies or envoys in those countries prior to registering with the SL Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). more..

Jul 2 (CT) Local Council elections were held in SL on 6 May to elect representatives to Municipal Councils, Urban Councils & Pradesheeya Sabhas. These representatives serve their communities on a four-year basis. Four major political parties: NPP (133 councils), SJB (13), ITAK (37), and SLMC (5), won overall control of 188 local councils. No one questions the legitimacy of these parties appointing Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Chairpersons, and Vice-Chairpersons in the councils they control. more..

Jul 2 (TM) Sri Lanka often boasts of a well developed free education system with education given a significant focus by the State and communities. However, there is much to improve and update in the existing structure, which has been found lacking in shaping the next generation of Sri Lankans to face the challenges of the future. One area which deserves attention for reforms is the often-overlooked early childhood education period. According to the World Bank, more..

Jul 2 (CT) The four-day official visit by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk to Sri Lanka last week was steeped in symbolism—but for many across the island, it reignited longstanding doubts about whether it would bring any real progress on the country’s most painful unresolved issues: the fate of the missing and the dead from decades of conflict, repealing of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), more..

Jul 2 (ST) It was that time of the day when Aldoris, the choon-paan karaya, drove his tuk-tuk down the lane with a vehicle filled with breakfast food. “Kohomada (How are you),” he asked the trio. “Api hodin innawa. Mata aranchi ela-valu mila adu wela kiyala. Eka oyata hondai nae (Well, we are fine. I am told that vegetable prices have come down. That must help you),” said Kussi Amma Sera. “Echchara nae (Not much),” he replied. “Mila adu wenney illuma adu nisada (Are prices coming down more..

Jul 2 (CT) CIABOC appears to be busier than ever. In the first five months of 2025 alone, it has received 2,138 complaints, bringing the total number of unresolved cases, including those carried over from 2024, to 2,221. That number isn’t just a sign of bureaucratic workload; it’s also an indicator of how deep-rooted corruption remains in this country. Whether the spike in complaints reflects a rise in public sector malpractice or an increase in civic consciousness is a question, more..

Jul 2 (GV) As I write this piece thousands of people are on a 100 km trek through the country, crossing the deep wilderness of Kumana and Yala national parks. Although starting points vary, most will find their journey ending under the shade of the Kataragama Devalaya. This is the final leg of a two month long Pada Yatra (foot pilgrimage) across the length of the country. I was at the Yala National Park early July last year conducting a multisite research on how local stakeholders perceive more..

Jul 2 (Island) The laws are said to fall silent in times of war. In this country, they fell silent during a popular uprising three years ago. Former Minister Dr. Sarath Weerasekera has revealed that a high-ranking-military officer prevented the armed forces from intervening to stop mob attacks on the houses of SLPP politicians and their family members. Appearing in a television interview on Monday, he said the late Minister Gamini Lokuge had told him, following arson attacks on the latter’s house, more..

Jul 2 (SO) As the sacred Esala season dawns, the town of Kataragama, is awakening to the rhythmic arrival of thousands of dust-covered feet across the temple threshold; feet that have traversed dense jungles, rugged terrain, and scorching plains, driven not by duty, but by devotion. These are the pilgrims of the Esala season, who each year, undertake one of SL’s oldest and most revered spiritual journeys; foot pilgrimage more..

Jul 2 (SO) The 36th Calin-Sarasaviya Film Awards lit up the BMICH in dazzling style on Tuesday (24), in a grand celebration of excellence in SL cinema. The glittering night brought together the island’s finest — renowned filmmakers, beloved actors, iconic musicians, and masterful technicians — all under one roof. Steeped in nostalgia, patriotic pride, and cinematic splendour, the ceremony served as a powerful tribute to the enduring spirit of local Sinhala and Tamil cinema, uniting the industry more..

Jul 2 (Island) SL has solidified its position as a pivotal market for Malaysian tourism, with arrivals skyrocketing by 122% compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Leading attractions like SplashMania Waterpark are capitalising on this momentum, offering SL travellers a unique mix of adrenaline-pumping rides, eco-friendly leisure sites, world-class shopping, and affordability. Vincent Koh, Assistant Manager of PR & Social Media at Gamuda Land (a leading regional property developer), more..