Nov 2 (NW) Former Senior DIG Ajith Rohana has warned that approximately 20 people are becoming addicted to drugs every day in Sri Lanka, according to unofficial estimates. Speaking at an event, the retired senior police officer said drug addiction had become a serious national concern, with the problem now extending into the country’s school system. He claimed that nearly 200,000 people in Sri Lanka were addicted to drugs, according to official and unofficial information. more..

Nov 2 (Island) CCTV cameras would be installed at every police station across the country to strengthen monitoring and oversight of police activities, ASP F.U. Wootler said. He said procurement for the project was already under way and arrangements would be made to monitor police stations through footage recorded by the cameras. The move is expected to improve transparency and accountability at police stations, particularly amidst concerns over the treatment of suspects in police custody. more..

Nov 2 (DM) SL has the most expensive cigarettes in the world when measured against purchasing power parity (PPP), according to the latest WHO data cited in a new Oxford Economics assessment that questions the effectiveness of the WHO’s global tobacco tax incidence benchmark. Assessment argues that national economic realities, rather than a uniform global target, should guide tobacco taxation policies, more..

Nov 2 (NW) Long queues have been reported at Inland Revenue Department (IRD) offices across Sri Lanka as members of the public rush to obtain Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) following the introduction of new mandatory requirements. Meanwhile, several members of the public have complained of difficulties accessing the department’s online registration system, with reports of the website becoming unresponsive and experiencing disruptions amid increased demand. more..

Nov 2 (DM) The body of an elephant, believed to have died about a week ago, was found with its left tusk removed in a forest area near the Kayagollewa Tank in Kahatagasdigiliya, Department of Wildlife Conservation said. The carcass was discovered yesterday by wildlife officers in a forest patch bordering a paddy field in the Meeminnawala Grama Niladhari Division. Wildlife officials suspect that the elephant's left tusk had been removed using a weapon after its death. more..

Nov 2 (NW) SL’s anti-corruption authorities are investigating 16 former Cabinet ministers over allegations of abuse of power and financial irregularities. Police Assets Investigation Division has handed over investigation files relating to the assets of nearly 20 politicians, including former ministers and MPs, to CIABOC. Minister Ananda Wijepala was quoted as saying that all information uncovered during the police investigations more..

Nov 2 (DM) A UNP and SJB alliance does not spell victory, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said. “Some anticipate that a UNP-SJB alliance would be a political success, as such an alliance would win future elections. Such an anticipation could be wrong, as politics has changed today,” Wickremesinghe told party members. "One has to look into the thinking patterns of Millennial and Gen Z generations. I have had discussions with the members of these generations. more..

Nov 2 (AD) Minister K.D. Lal kantha has instructed officials to take steps to reclaim govt-owned agricultural lands that have been leased for cultivation but remain uncultivated, and allocate them for productive agricultural projects. Attention has been drawn to the fact that although govt agricultural lands have been leased to individuals and institutions for various cultivation projects and investments, some of these lands remain idle & are not being used for their intended purposes. more..

Nov 2 (NW) Athletes have set 30 new records, including 21 new swimming records, at the 36th National Youth Sports Festival held at the Diyagama Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium. The two-day event, held on Oct 31 and November 1 under the theme Empowering Youth, Celebrating Unity, was organised by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, National Youth Services Council and SL Federation of Youth Clubs. Gampaha and Kandy districts shared the overall championship after more..

Nov 2 (AD) The govt aims to eliminate disparities in the education sector by ensuring quality education and equal educational opportunities for every child, Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi has stated. He made these remarks while addressing a programme held at the Ratnapura District Secretariat to recognise outstanding students from the Ratnapura and Kegalle districts who excelled at the 2025 GCE A/L Exam. Minister stressed that education should go beyond imparting academic knowledge more..

Nov 2 (AD) Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development has stated that the liquidation process for 33 selected State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) is currently underway. Ministry noted that, in accordance with Cabinet approval, a specialised unit for State-Owned Enterprise Reform was established under the Ministry of Finance, in March this year. Accordingly, unit is currently overseeing the liquidation more..

Nov 2 (NW) Ministry of Environment has launched an islandwide operation named Hasthi Sena to protect elephants from life-threatening dangers and minimise human-elephant conflict. The operation was launched today in Galkiriyagama, in the North Western Wildlife Zone, with an initial focus on 17 elephants identified as being at risk. The programme is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment, the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Tri-Forces. more..

Nov 2 (NW) A SriLankan Airlines flight travelling from Melbourne to Colombo declared an emergency before landing at BIA following the activation of a smoke warning in the aircraft’s cargo hold. In a statement, SriLankan Airlines confirmed that Flight UL605, which was scheduled to arrive in Colombo at 11.20 p.m. on Nov 1, declared the emergency prior to landing. The airline said the aircraft landed safely at BIA, with all passengers and crew disembarking without incident. more..

Nov 2 (DM) CB Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe said that the financial policies necessary for the country must be implemented decisively, regardless of whether the public favours or opposes them. He said that avoiding necessary economic policies simply because they are unpopular could cause serious harm to the country in the long run. Speaking at a lecture at Uni of Kelaniya, he said that with more..

Nov 2 (Island) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday accused the govt of attempting to curtail the fundamental and human rights of the people through two new Bills, aimed at combating terrorism and organised crime. Addressing an event at the Sri Subodhirajarama Viharaya, in Gallalla, Polonnaruwa, Premadasa said citizens had the right to practice their religion, hold political beliefs, join political parties, express their views, hold meetings and engage in peaceful protests. more..

Nov 2 (NW) Former Secretary to the Ministry of Cooperatives and Internal Trade, Gamini Kithsiri Dias Amarawardhana, has been arrested by the CIABOC over alleged corruption involving the purchase of chairs for the Polgolla Mahinda Rajapaksa Hospital. The former Ministry Secretary was arrested by its investigation officers at around 9.45 a.m. today. The arrest follows allegations that the suspect arranged for chairs to be purchased from a private company having submitted more..

Nov 2 (DM) SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has questioned the protection afforded to people in State custody, alleging that individuals are being beaten, tortured and dying while under State custody. In a post on X, Rajapaksa said that although a person's freedom could be restricted, their fundamental rights to life, dignity and protection could not be taken away. He stressed that the State has s duty to protect every life in its custody and that duty is not optional. more..

Nov 2 (EN) State-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has raised fuel prices effective from November 2, pushing key transport fuel prices higher. Under the revised pricing, 92 Octane Petrol increased by 10 rupees to 424 rupees per litre, while 95 Octane Petrol rose by 15 rupees to 490 rupees per litre. Auto Diesel was raised by 5 rupees to 397 rupees per litre, Super Diesel advanced by 15 rupees to 543 rupees per litre, while kerosene remained unchanged at 285 rupees per litre. more..

Nov 2 (DM) Clarifying media reports suggesting widespread damage to vehicles parked at Hambantota port due to lightening strike, a statement by the Port said the lightning strike severely damaged one vehicle and caused minor damage to three others. Statement said that Hambantota Int'l Port’s (HIP) Emergency Response Unit (ERU) promptly extinguished a vehicle fire caused by a lightning strike, preventing it from spreading more..

Nov 2 (NW) Further details have emerged regarding the death of a 27-year-old remand prisoner who was shot by a prison officer at the Dumbara Prison in Pallekele, Kandy, with relatives raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding his death. Prisons Commissioner Senaka Pallathtenna stated that the inmate was shot while allegedly attempting to seize a firearm from a prison officer. Incident occurred at around 8 p.m. on Sunday, when the prisoner reportedly attempted to escape more..

Nov 2 (FT) Overseas Realty (Ceylon) said it has launched the development of Havelock City Residences, the fifth and final phase of Havelock City, bringing the vision of one of Colombo’s iconic integrated mixed-use projects closer to completion. Official launch of Havelock City Residences was celebrated at a glamorous launch event held on 29 Oct 2026 at Hilton Colombo, attended by an exclusive gathering of invited guests. Demonstrating strong market confidence even before more..

Nov 2 (NW) SL Air Force (SLAF) has successfully supported a high-risk hostage rescue operation in the Central African Republic, securing the release of three civilians who had been held captive for more than eight months. Operation was carried out recently by the SLAF Aviation Unit serving under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Three Mi-17 helicopters were more..

Nov 2 (EN) Fitch Ratings has taken the following actions on the National Long-Term Ratings of eight SL banks following recalibration of the agency’s SL national rating scale in the wake of the recent sovereign rating upgrade. The National Ratings of all other SL banks are not affected by this review. The banks’ National Ratings consider their creditworthiness relative to other issuers in the country. National scale ratings are a risk ranking of issuers in a particular market designed to more..

Nov 2 (DM) Patients seeking treatment at private hospitals and medical centres are at risk due to a shortage of essential and life-saving medicines, Consultant Physician Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa has warned. Dr. Sanjeewa, President of the Medical Professionals' Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, said several medicines needed to treat patients during emergencies were currently unavailable in the private sector. He said the shortage had affected medicines that private hospitals, nursing more..

Nov 2 (FT) This article explains in simple terms why tourism development is a complex task, far more challenging than many of the seemingly straightforward solutions being suggested today. It looks at the bigger picture and why successful tourism development requires much more than attracting more tourists, targeting high spenders or launching promotional campaigns There is much discussion these days about the future direction of Sri Lanka tourism. more..

Nov 2 (FT) Multilateral lenders such as the IMF and the World Bank continue to commend Sri Lanka’s recovery from the devastating crisis of 2022. From their macroeconomic—or bird’s-eye—view, the picture looks encouraging. Budgetary numbers are improving, reforms are progressing, inflation remains in single digits despite recently exceeding the Central Bank’s upper limit, foreign reserves are rising, and economic growth of 5% suggests a firm recovery. more..

Nov 2 (ST) The Govt will present a welfare-oriented budget for next year while factoring in additional expenditure due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia and the possible impact of El Niño, a senior govt official said. Budget 2027 will include a pay hike for public sector employees, with salaries expected to increase by Rs 20,000 for those in the lowest scales and up to Rs 80,000 in the higher scales, he said. more..

Nov 2 (TM) Met Dept warned fishing and naval communities against venturing into specified deep-sea areas as Cyclone Murasu is expected to intensify and bring strong winds and rough seas. In a warning issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3 p m yesterday, the deep depression over the south-eastern Bay of Bengal had intensified into a cyclone named Murasu. The system was located near latitude 12.1° North and longitude 85.3° East at 11.30 a.m. yesterday. more..

Nov 2 (AD) Ceypetco has announced a revision of fuel prices, effective from midnight today (1). Accordingly, the price of Auto Diesel has been increased by Rs. 5 to Rs. 397 per litre, and the price of Super Diesel has been increased by Rs. 15 to Rs. 543 per litre. Meanwhile, the price of Petrol 92 Octane has been increased by Rs. 10 to Rs. 424 per litre and Petrol 95 Octane has also been increased by Rs. 15 to Rs. 490. Meanwhile, price of kerosene also remains at Rs. 285 with no price change. more..

Nov 2 (FT) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged further tax cuts in next month’s Budget, saying the reductions would be made without jeopardising the Govt’s revenue target. Addressing the National Convention of the National Intellectuals Organisation (NIO) at the P.D. Sirisena Grounds in Maligawatta, Prez said the Govt had met its revenue targets, unlike in the past, when projected State income was not fully realised. more..

Nov 2 (NW) SL Police have sought public assistance to identify and arrest a suspect wanted in connection with the shooting death of a restaurant owner in Soysapura, Mount Lavinia. Restaurant owner was shot dead on Oct 20, and investigations are being conducted by the Mount Lavinia Divisional CIB. Police have released CCTV images and video footage of a suspect believed to be connected to the killing. Members of the public with information about the suspect have been requested to contact more..

Nov 2 (PMD) Appointment letters were presented to 2,819 trainee nurses from the 2020 student nursing cohort, who completed the three-year Higher Diploma course at nursing colleges under the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, recruiting them to the health service as Grade III nursing officers. The ceremony was held at Temple Trees this morning (1), under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The 2,819 nursing officers appointed today had sat GCE A/L Level exam more..