Sep 15 (TM) SL’s vacant ministerial and presidential bungalows – prime properties in Colombo with significant historical value – remain in limbo, even as the Govt considers leasing them out. Despite discussions about repurposing these elite residences for embassies, NGOs, or int'l organisations, no Cabinet paper has yet been presented, according to Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath. He said that while the Govt was considering more..

Sep 15 (DN) Sri Lanka will take on Nepal in the curtain raiser of the South Asian U-17 Football Championship 2025, organized by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), today at 7 pm under floodlights at the Racecourse Stadium in Colombo. The two-week tournament, running from September 15 to 27, will feature seven nations – Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and host Sri Lanka – battling for regional honours. The tournament is divided into two groups. more..

Sep 15 (AD) A total of 631 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in criminal activities and also over illicit liquor and drug-related offenses during a special island-wide operation conducted yesterday (13). As part of the operation, 25,774 persons were subjected to inspection. Police have identified 22 individuals directly linked to criminal activities while 332 suspects with outstanding warrants were arrested during the operation, police noted. more..

Sep 15 (SO) A number of judges facing allegations of misconduct are set to resign from the Judicial Service ahead of possible suspension, sources said, as the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) intensifies its probe into complaints against members of the Judiciary. The resignations are to come amid growing concerns over the challenges of returning to the legal profession after being interdicted. In recent months, several Magistrates, District Court Judges & Additional District Court Judges have been more..

Sep 15 (NW) Ministry of Education has issued an announcement regarding examinations scheduled for 2026. The 2025 (2026) GCE O/L exam will be held from 17 to 26 Feb 2026. The GCE A/L examination is scheduled to take place from 10th August to 5th September 2026, while the Grade 5 Scholarship examination will be held on 9th August 2026. In addition, the announcement states that the 2026 GCE O/L examination will be conducted from 8th to 17th Dec 2026. more..

Sep 15 (TM) Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) urged the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) to take tougher action against the CEB, including withholding approval for electricity tariff revisions, until the CEB signs fuel supply agreements (FSAs) with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). ECA General Secretary, Sanjeewa Dhammika said that CEB has repeatedly ignored directives to enter into FSAs more..

Sep 15 (DM) A Security Officer at BIA was arrested by airport customs officers on Sunday morning for attempting to smuggle gold biscuits worth Rs. 215 million. The 54-year-old resident of Kadawala, Negombo, also serves as the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Security Services Organization. He was apprehended at 6:50 a.m. on September 14 while leaving the airport through the special business departures window. Customs officials said he had wrapped 51 24-carat gold biscuits—totaling more..

Sep 15 (DM) Former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the current govt seeks revenge not only against the Rajapaksas but also against anyone perceived as a threat. ‘That is not a problem for us,’ he added. Speaking after moving from the official residence in Wijerama Mawatha to Carlton House, Rajapaksa said he remains happy regardless of circumstances and does not see challenges as problems. “I never thought this government would make me and other former presidents leave our homes, more..

Sep 15 (DN) The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) has confirmed that the majority of chemicals discovered in Middeniya are essential precursors used in the manufacture of crystal methamphetamine (ICE). According to the NDDCB’s report submitted to the Western Province North Crimes Division, laboratory analysis revealed that 17 out of 20 collected samples contained substances commonly more..

Sep 15 (FT) In a recent talk show titled Modern Talk hosted by Channel 7 television, successor to the former YA Television, the young talk show hostess Nimna Perera asked me whether the current central bank management had been doing its job properly in managing the economy. As a journalist, she was voicing the sentiments of the public openly in that talk show. There should not be objection to this approach because that is the duty of an anchor-woman by her viewers. more..

Sep 15 (FT) Interestingly, some in mainstream media last Saturday said, Shushila Karki former Chief Justice had been unanimously agreed upon by Gen-Z on Friday as PM of the Nepali Interim Govt, and was sworn in the same day. Wonder how Gen-Z, only a popular label given to a population between the ages of 15 and maximum 30 years, is largely flotsam and live on social media, decide unanimously on anything. Worst is, in accepting few unknown youth with no idea about more..

Sep 15 (AD) An attorney representing Sampath Manamperi informed the Court of Appeal today that his client is prepared to surrender to the relevant Magistrate’s Court in connection with the discovery of two concealed containers in Middeniya, suspected to contain chemical substances used in the production of Ice. Following this statement, the Court of Appeal ordered the IGP to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of Sampath Manamperi after his surrender and more..

Sep 15 (NW) Deputy Minister of Public Security, Sunil Watagala on Sunday denied allegations circulating on social media that he had purchased a luxury residence at the Cinnamon Life complex. Watagala said the claims were false and intended to damage his reputation, adding that all his assets and liabilities have been properly declared in his official asset disclosures. “These fabrications are part of a coordinated smear campaign,” Watagala said in a statement. more..

Sep 15 (TM) While the market appears to be acting on the belief that SriLankan Airlines will not be able to restructure its $ 175 million 7% Govt-guaranteed bonds, which matured on 25 June 2024, SriLankan remains adamant that it is not in a position to honour the bonds in full. A source with knowledge of the ongoing restructuring process of SriLankan Airlines’ bonds revealed that these bonds were now trading at around 105 cents more..

Sep 15 (DM) Referring to the large crowd that gathered to see former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa as he was leaving his Carlton House residence, former Prez Sirisena said he does not bring people. He made the remark while responding to a reporter’s question. Reporter: We saw a large crowd flock around Mahinda Rajapaksa. Hasn’t anyone come to see you as well? MS: No, no. I don’t bring people. Reporter: Which means, people are arranged, right? MS: I don’t bring people. more..

Sep 15 (AD) Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), Hemanta Samarakoon says the CAA has received information regarding the shortage of rice in the market. CAA Chairman expressing his views regarding the ongoing shortage of Keeri Samba and Samba rice in the country said through the issuance of a gazette notification, the govt has set a controlled price for rice, and if rice is being sold at prices exceeding that limit, CAA will take necessary legal action under existing more..

Sep 15 (AD) SC today granted permission to hear an appeal petition filed by the parents of 11 youth who were allegedly abducted and disappeared in 2008 from Colombo and surrounding areas. Petition requests that the decision made by the Attorney General to remove former Commander of SL Navy Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda—who had been named as a suspect in the case—be declared invalid. more..

Sep 15 (AD) A youth, who was arrested for allegedly defacing the World Heritage Site of the Sigiriya Mirror Wall (Kedapath Pavura) by the Sigiriya Police yesterday, has been remanded. The 21-year-old girl has been remanded until September 26 by the Dambulla District Judge Nilantha Wimalaratne. The suspect, a resident of Avissawella, is reported to have scribbled on the historic Mirror Wall using a hairpin while visiting Sigiriya with a group of others, said police. more..

Sep 15 (NW) Governor of Uva Province, Kapila Jayasekara, has expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Muslim community following the tragic bus accident on the Ella–Wellawaya road that claimed the lives of fifteen individuals. Following the accident, Muslim religious leaders and community members from areas including Diyatalawa, Bandarawela, Welimada, Bakinigahawela, and Badulla had offered free funeral transport services to carry remains more..

Sep 15 (FT) The Simplified VAT (SVAT) system is set to be discontinued effective 1 October. This decision will significantly impact many businesses, particularly exporters who rely on this system for upfront VAT refunds. EY Sri Lanka and Maldives Partner – Head of Tax Sulaiman Nishtar commented, “The discontinuation of the SVAT system by the Inland Revenue Dept represents a significant change that businesses will need to prepare for. This transition may lead to some uncertainty, more..

Sep 15 (AM) HNB General Insurance (HNBGI) has officially launched its new flagship CSR initiative, HNBGI Better Tomorrow, with a successful community clean-up event. This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and deeper community engagement. The clean-up targeted a neglected alley adjacent to Nawam Mawatha, a shortcut used daily by hundreds of commuters heading to the Slave Island more..

Sep 15 (Island) SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem, MP, has lambasted the NPP govt’s stand on the US-backed Israel military campaign against the Palestinians. Attorney-at-Law Hakeem declared that the recent statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, on behalf of the NPP, on the Israeli attack aimed at Hamas political leadership, was nothing but a disgrace. Israel carried out the attack on Hamas leadership last Tuesday. more..

Sep 15 (DM) The Magampura Port Management Company has failed to settle US dollars 18.82 million (Rs. 6,836 million) out of the US$ 24 million loan obtained from a private bank under a Corporate Guarantee of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), a Parliamentary Committee reveals. The company had obtained the loan from a private bank in 2014 and had settled around USD 6 million as of Dec 2023 but is yet to settle the outstanding amount of USD 18.82 million, it was revealed during more..

Sep 15 (NW) Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has demanded the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft after a controversy erupted over players from India and Pakistan not shaking hands during their Asia Cup clash in Dubai. Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council, lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, alleging Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, at the toss. more..

Sep 15 (EN) Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product expanded 4.9% in the second quarter of 2025, led by the industries sector followed by services and helped by restriction of vehicle imports and lower interest rates. The island nation grew at 4.1% in the same quarter last year. The economy recorded its eighth consecutive positive growth in the April-June quarter, signaling the continuous recovery. Industry grew 5.8% with more..

Sep 15 (TM) Reflecting on a remarkable three-decade journey of pioneering steps, benchmark achievements, and trailblazing initiatives in Sri Lanka’s Non-Banking Finance Industry (NBFI), Citizens Development Business Finance (CDB) marked its 30th anniversary with a series of meaningful celebrations. Commencing on Sept 4th with a Sarwa Rathrika Pirith ceremony and Heel Danaya the following morning, the events embraced both tradition and unity. more..

Sep 15 (DM) The Rs. 2,000 commemorative currency note, issued recently, will be gradually released into circulation through licensed commercial banks, Central Bank of SL said. The note, released on Aug 29, 2025, marks the 75th Anniversary of the CBSL. To ensure the smooth integration into the financial system, licensed commercial banks are currently in the process of calibrating their cash-handling machines. As this process continues, the note will be more..

Sep 15 (DM) A Housing Development Authority (HDA) technical officer was arrested by the CIABOC for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000 in Pitigala. He was arrested following a complaint from a resident who applied for Rs. 1 million in housing loan. The officer had allegedly demanded Rs. 50,000 to provide the necessary technical support and approval for the grant. On Aug 19, when the complainant received the first installment of Rs. 146,000, the officer allegedly obtained more..

Sep 15 (DM) ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has expressed concern over the continuing farmers’ protest in Mylathamadu, Batticaloa, which entered its second year today. Rasamanickam highlighted that Tamil farmers in the area have traditionally grazed their cattle on these lands for generations. He noted that in 2022, state authorities, including the Mahaweli and Forest Departments, attempted to seize the land under the guise of development, sparking the ongoing protest. more..

Sep 15 (AD) Another house believed to have been used by underworld figures Kehelbaddara Padme and Kudu Nilanga for manufacturing the drug Ice has been uncovered in Mayurapura, Hambantota by the Kalutara District Crimes Division. The house in question has been discovered following a revelation made by Embilipitiya Suranga, a close associate of Kudu Nilanga, after he was arrested by Kalutara District Crime Division more..

Sep 15 (AD) A gazette notification has been issued banning the import and sale of four invasive ornamental fish species by the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources, and Ocean Resources. Accordingly, the ban applies to Piranha, Knife Fish, Alligator Gar and Redline Snakehead. According to the notification, breeding, releasing the fish species into water systems, transporting, purchasing, selling or displaying for sale, possessing, importing and exporting are banned. more..

Sep 15 (DM) The govt aims to establish at least 50 multimodal transport centres across the country by 2029, Minister Bimal Rathnayake announced today. Speaking at the launch of the Colombo Central Bus Stand renovation project in Pettah, held under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Minister said 15 such centres are expected to be set up in Colombo by 2026. He explained that the new centres will be designed to provide bus, train and taxi services from one location, easing more..

Sep 15 (AI) As States begin deliberations at the 60th session of the UNHRC on a new resolution promoting human rights and accountability in Sri Lanka, INGOs call on delegations to support a strong resolution which renews the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)’s SL Accountability Project (OSLAP) for a minimum of two years. This is essential for it to carry out its work in more..

Sep 15 (TM) Ministry of Environment stated that illegal constructions along the country’s coastline are being systematically removed, and no new unauthorised structures are being built. Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody said that although it is not possible to remove all illegal constructions at once, the ministry is taking the necessary steps to address the issue. “The existing structures are being systematically removed. We are doing the required work to ensure compliance more..

Sep 15 (AD) Attorney General informed the Court of Appeal today that the report of the expert committee appointed to determine the motor capacity of BYD vehicles—which were previously detained by SL Customs and later released on bank guarantees—is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks. This statement was made by Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena, who appeared on behalf of SL Customs during the hearing of a writ petition filed by the John Keells CG Auto (PVT) Ltd, more..