Oct 7 (DM) Lawyers in Jaffna staged a strike today in protest against the police, accusing them of unlawfully entering and searching the home of a lawyer without any court authorization. The incident occurred amid ongoing police investigations against several lawyers allegedly involved in land deed fraud in Jaffna. On Sunday, police officers reportedly entered the residence of one such lawyer — accused of land fraud — with the intention of arresting him, and carried out a search more..

Oct 7 (Island) Head of the PAFFREL organization Rohana Hettiarachchi, recently appreciated the role played by former PM Dinesh Gunawardena, as Leader of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) and as the longest-serving chairman of the Parliamentary Elections Reforms Committee in spearheading efforts to introduce electoral reforms. The meeting was held at the Paffrel headquarters in Kirulapone. A number of proposals were discussed to elevate SL’s electoral system to a freer, more..

Oct 7 (Island) World Bank has warned parliament over SL’s continuing failure to implement urgently required energy sector reforms. The WB has pointed out that for want of energy sector reforms, the country experienced significantly higher energy costs than other countries in the region. World Bank delegation has also underscored the need for pruning the public sector and improving overall productivity, pointing out that SL maintains more..

Oct 7 (AD) The price of gold has surpassed USD 3,950 per ounce for the first time in history, global market data indicates. In response to the surge, gold prices in Sri Lanka have increased by approximately Rs. 8,000 compared to Saturday’s rates. As of this morning, the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign in the Colombo Pettah market has risen to Rs. 290,500, up from Rs. 283,000 recorded on Saturday. Meanwhile, the price of a 24-carat gold sovereign, which stood at Rs. 306,000 on Saturday, more..

Oct 7 (CT) Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has announced that legal action is being taken against more than 100 shops across the country for selling rice at prices higher than the Govt-approved rates. According to the CAA, 135 traders have already been charged following raids conducted islandwide over the past month. The Authority further stated that operations targeting traders who overprice or hoard rice will continue. CAA explained that under the existing regulations, an individual trader more..

Oct 7 (AD) Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says that although the Former Presidents’ Entitlements Act has been repealed, this does not mean that necessary measures will not be taken to ensure their security. Minister made this statement during Parliament proceedings today. Minister further noted that some former Presidents have already returned the vehicles previously used for their security, but emphasised that this does not fall under the scope of the repealed entitlements law. more..

Oct 7 (AD) A main suspect and three others have been arrested in connection with the brutal killing of a couple using sharp weapons at a house in Wadigala, Hungama. Hungama Police stated that the suspects were taken into custody this morning (07). The main suspect in the murder, known as Andupelana Bindu, has been identified as a person involved in drug trafficking in the area. The double homicide took place at approximately 12:45 a.m. today (07). more..

Oct 7 (AM) The Supreme Court on 7 October upheld the death sentence imposed on Geegana Gamage Amarasiri, better known as Julampitiya Amare, by the Tangalle High Court following his conviction for murder. Amare’s lawyers had appealed seeking his acquittal and release, but the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal without a hearing, confirming the original sentence. The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising more..

Oct 7 (EN) Ruling NPP-led govt under its ambitious Clean Sri Lanka has organized a one-day training for three-wheel drivers to enhance their ethics when they deal with tourists. The one-day training is scheduled to be held on Wednesday in Colombo at Hector Kobbekaduwa Agriculture Research Center. The move comes as the behaviours of some SL three-wheeler drivers, commonly known as tuk-tuk drivers, have increasingly come under scrutiny for negatively impacting SL’s tourism image. more..

Oct 7 (CT) NFF Leader and former MP Wimal Weerawansa did not appear at the Tangalle Divisional Crime Investigation Unit yesterday to provide a statement as requested by the Police. Police said, that Weerawansa had informed them he was unable to appear on the scheduled date and had requested an alternative date to record his statement. He was summoned to provide a statement regarding comments he made about a suspect named Sanath Weerasinghe, more..

Oct 7 (DM) A Southern California cardiologist flying Qatar Airways from Los Angeles to Sri Lanka was denied the vegetarian meal he had ordered, then died after choking on a piece of food while attempting to eat around the meat in meal he was given instead, according to his grieving family. The pilot couldn’t make an emergency landing to get 85-year-old Asoka Jayaweera to a doctor because the plane was more..

Oct 7 (FT) The SL Army has commenced a series of multi-religious blessing ceremonies in connection with its 76th Anniversary, falling on 10 October. These programs, held across the country, invoked blessings on the Army, its personnel, and the motherland, reflecting the nation’s rich religious and cultural traditions. The inaugural ceremony was held on 26 September at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura, under the patronage of Commander of the Army Lt General Lasantha Rodrigo. more..

Oct 7 (AD) In the wake of the tragic accident at the Na Uyana Monastery in Malsiripura, Kurunegala District, the Chinese Community in SL has extended a heartfelt gesture of solidarity and compassion toward the victims and the monastic community. On the night of Sept 25, 2025, a devastating accident occurred when one of the supporting cables of the monastery’s cable car snapped, sending it plunging down a steep slope. The incident claimed the lives of seven Buddhist monks, including more..

Oct 7 (FT) Yesterday was the Vap Poya (full moon) day. Today (7), the annual rains retreat (vassāvāsa) ends for Buddhist monastics across the Theravāda world, including those in Sri Lanka. In many temples and monasteries where the monastic residents have spent three months in retreat, following the Vinaya and ancient custom, it is time for the Kaṭhina, the ceremonial offering of a robe. Over the centuries the Kaṭhina has become one of the most significant religio-cultural events for Buddhists, more..

Oct 7 (FT) Aruni Shapiro, sociologist cum advocate for liberty, has published her 10th book introducing Adam Smith to SL’s Sinhala readers under the title Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations. Her previous books have been on diverse themes like guide to mental health, translation of fictions, translation of rare but valuable books on economics, and biographies. In 2015, as I have explained in a previous article2, she published the writings of the French economist and statesman more..

Oct 7 (NF) The resolution A/HRC/60/L.1/Rev.1 Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in SL was adopted without a vote at the UNHRC. During the 41st meeting of the 60th session of the UNHRC, SL rejected the resolution. On the 10th of Sept SL Core Group, comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia & UK, tabled a resolution at the 60th Session of the UNHRC, urging SL to more..

Oct 7 (NF) During the 41st meeting of the 60th session of the UNHRC, SL formally rejected the resolution A/HRC/60/L.1/Rev.1 on promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in the country. Despite SL’s opposition, the resolution was adopted without a vote, supported by a coalition of 30 nations. The resolution, initially tabled on Sept 10 by the SL Core Group—consisting of Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the UN—was presented in revised form on Oct 1 more..

Oct 7 (AD) A total of 32 Officers-in-Charge (OICs) have been transferred and appointed to new positions with the approval of the National Police Commission. The transfers have been approved by IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya and are to be implemented with immediate effect, according to Police HQ. Among the officers, 26 are Chief Inspectors of Police and six are Inspectors of Police. A total of nine Chief Inspectors and one Inspector have been reassigned to general duties. more..

Oct 7 (FT) Alcohol consumption in SL has shown a decade-long downward trend, with a new 2024 survey revealing that fewer than 30% of men are current drinkers. Another survey conducted has revealed that tobacco use has also recorded a significant reduction in SL and that the rate of current smokers among men has fallen to 21.6%. Both studies were conducted by the Alcohol & Drug Information Centre (ADIC) in 2024 and more..

Oct 7 (CT) Postal employees across Sri Lanka are set to observe World Post Day this year (9 Oct) as a day of protest, by reporting to work wearing black armbands, trade unions announced. Joint Convener of the Postal Trade Unions, Chinthaka Bandara, said the decision was taken in response to recent remarks made by the Postmaster General alleging that postal employees had fraudulently claimed overtime payments worth millions of rupees without using fingerprint attendance systems. more..

Oct 7 (DM) A newly constructed two-storey building housing the Archaeological Museum and the International Archaeological Research Institute at the historic Somawathi sacred area in Polonnaruwa was officially opened today under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The facility, developed under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology, follows guidance from the Chief Incumbent of Somawathi Raja Maha Vihara and Registrar of the Mahavihara Vansika more..

Oct 7 (DM) A tragic incident occurred in the Doluwa area of Gampola today (6), where three women observing Poya Day were killed in a collision with a motor vehicle. Police suspect that the accident was caused by the reckless driving of the woman behind the wheel. The accident involved four elderly women who had been visiting the Doluwa Sri Bimbarama Temple. Around 1:30 p.m., they were walking along the side of the main road on their way to the temple toilets to take alms and more..

Oct 7 (DM) Certain laws and regulations have become an obstacle in resolving the current medicine shortage, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. He said this while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Vipassi Buddhist Center at the National Hospital, Colombo. The Health Minister said that although some laws and regulations date back to the British colonial era and added that they cannot be amended easily as most laws and regulations are interconnected. more..

Oct 7 (NW) Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka launched a scathing attack on former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa, accusing him of corruption, betrayal, and misuse of state property, while declaring that according to the Constitution, Rajapaksa deserves death by hanging. Commenting on a statement issued by Rajapaksa’s spokesperson regarding delays in handing over the former president’s official residence at Wijerama, Fonseka alleged more..

Oct 7 (NW) Authorities at the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens say that 32 pigeons have been stolen from the facility. Deputy Director Hemantha Samarasekara told reporters that the theft was discovered over the weekend and that a complaint has been lodged with the Dehiwala Police. The birds are believed to have been stolen either on Friday night or in the early hours of Saturday. It is suspected that the thieves broke open one of the cages to remove the pigeons. more..

Oct 7 (DM) Manika, the majestic tusker of Bellanwila Temple, passed away this afternoon at the age of 76. The elephant was a familiar and cherished presence at the historic Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya. Over the years, Manika played a prominent role in the temple’s annual procession, becoming an integral part of its traditions and winning the hearts of devotees and visitors alike. Manika was brought to the temple by the late Bellanwila Somarathana Thera, more..

Oct 7 (FT) Fifth AGM of the All Island Dairy Association (AIDA) was recently held at The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in Colombo, with Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalkantha as Chief Guest. Speaking at the AGM, AIDA President Asoka Bandara thanked the Govt for removing the Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on fresh milk from the last Budget. He explained the role of the AIDA, which represents the country’s leading dairy collectors and product processors, producers such as large- and more..

Oct 7 (FT) TNA MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has welcomed the Govt’s latest tourism promotion drive in Southern India, while urging authorities to strengthen connectivity through air, sea, and potential land routes to maximise its impact. Posting on ‘X’, the MP said: “We welcome the initiative by Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath and the Sri Lanka Tourism team on launching the 3-city roadshow in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai to promote Sri Lanka in Southern India.” more..

Oct 7 (TM) The Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) claimed that preparations are underway to re-hire retired senior officials of CEB to lead the four new institutions formed following the restructuring of the board. ECA General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika questioned how these individuals, who were unable to improve the performance of the CEB during their tenure, would now be able to make the newly established more..

Oct 7 (FT) Sri Lanka’s banking sector assets grew 14.9% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs. 23.8 trillion in the second quarter of 2025, up from Rs. 20.7 trillion a year earlier, according to the Central Bank of SL’s (CBSL) Financial Soundness Indicators (FSI) Report for Q2 2025. The report said the growth was primarily driven by increased investments, loans, and advances. Gross loans and receivables rose 11.4% YoY to Rs. 12.3 trillion compared to Rs. 11 trillion a year ago, while more..

Oct 7 (DM) Chinese investment in the renewable energy sector is the reason why people enjoy low-cost energy and helped Sri Lanka transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy, which currently produces over 50% of energy, an official said. Director General of SL Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) Harsha Wickramasinghe told the Daily Mirror that the lack of investment in renewable energy and land remains a key issue in the renewable energy sector in Sri Lanka. more..

Oct 7 (DM) In response to growing concerns over the spread of distorted and misleading versions of the four major religions, the govt has taken steps to prevent such misinterpretations by various fringe groups. Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake said that the Ministry has appointed advisory committees for each of the four main religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam & Christianity, to address the issue and ensure that more..