Sep 9 (NW) The two containers linked to crystal methamphetamine (ICE) production were released through the authorized Customs process, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. “These containers were examined and cleared by Customs. However, Customs has launched an internal inquiry into potential gaps and malpractices, while the CID is also investigating the matter. These inquiries will determine whether the release was premeditated,” he said. more..

Sep 9 (EN) A group of SL media personnel currently visiting Israel on a tour sponsored by the Israeli govt are traveling privately, with no involvement from the SL govt, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. “They are on a private tour, there is no govt involvement,” Jayatissa told reporters who questioned him about allowing journalists to go to Israel when it is accused of killing over 270 journalists. “The govt will not bear any responsibility.” “Anyone is free to go to Israel, there is no ban on visiting,” more..

Sep 9 (TM) National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) stated that in cases where there is doubt about the quality of a certain medicine, the use of such medicines is immediately suspended for the benefit of patients, and if it is confirmed after further tests that they are not harmful, instructions will be given for their re-use. NMRA Chairperson Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said that when doubts arise, the use of more..

Sep 9 (AD) Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne has been granted bail after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court this morning. Magistrate ordered Senaratne’s release on a cash bail of Rs. 50,000 and two sureties of Rs. 2 million each. An overseas travel ban was also imposed on the former minister. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka Bodaragama issued the order after considering the facts presented by officials from the Bribery Commission and more..

Sep 9 (AD) Minister Nalinda Jayatissa reveals that Sampath Manamperi, who is accused of concealing two container loads of raw materials allegedly used to manufacture the drug ‘Ice’ and belonging to underworld figure Kehelbaddara Padme, has been identified as a former police intelligence officer. Minister said that the absconding suspect has also been identified as a suspect in the murder of the late Nadarajah Raviraj, a former TNA MP. The minister further stated, more..

Sep 9 (BBC) We’ve been verifying footage posted online during a second day of unrest in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu. Protesters who turned out yesterday to demonstrate against a now-lifted social media ban have returned to voice their anger over claims of corruption in the country. In one video, from Kathmandu, riot police are seen on a street full of protesters. Using Google Maps and Street View, we could match more..

Sep 9 (AD) Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill has been approved after consideration by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection. The approval was granted by the Committee during a meeting held in Parliament under the chairmanship of MP Dr. Najith Indika, today. Commenting on the Bill, officials of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration said that, as stated in the Govt Policy Statement, the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill more..

Sep 9 (FT) Some are more equal than others is a paradoxical phrase from George Orwell’s allegorical novel Animal Farm that highlights societal hypocrisy, where the concept of equality is proclaimed but a privileged few receive preferential treatment Theatrics in Sri Lankan politics has reached a crescendo with the arrest, remanding and bail out of Ranil Wickremesinghe, former President, Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament since 1977. more..

Sep 9 (FT) When Aragalaya broke out in 2022 its immediate demands were captured in two slogans: Gota Go Home and No 225. They were an uncompromising vote of no confidence on the ones governing the country and all elected members in the legislature of the time. But the real demand of the rebels went far beyond those two. Aragalaya in essence, was a revolt against a system of governance which since 1978, if not earlier, had reduced parliamentary democracy into a more..

Sep 9 (NW) SL Police has highlighted the serious risks associated with the indiscriminate use of sky lanterns during festive seasons and special celebrations across the island. Issuing a statement, the Police said that it has been observed that many individuals release sky lanterns of different sizes, which are propelled into the sky using an open flame. Stating that while these lanterns may appear entertaining, the Police warned that they pose a significant fire hazard as more..

Sep 9 (FT) Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday assured the UNHRC that the Govt is committed to reconciliation, human rights, and democratic reforms through national institutions, adopting a conciliatory stance towards international partners even as he firmly defended the country’s sovereignty against external accountability mechanisms. Speaking at the 60th session in Geneva in response to the report on SL more..

Sep 9 (DM) A private security officer, accused of allegedly video recording the vehicle carrying Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, was ordered to be remanded till Sept 10 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama today. Police told the court that the incident occurred when the Chief Justice, accompanied by his security officers, visited his residence in the Gregory’s Road area of Colombo and returned. According to investigators from the Cinnamon Gardens Police, more..

Sep 9 (FT) SL settled $ 1.36 billion in external debt servicing in the first half of 2025, covering 55% of the $ 2.45 billion due for the full year, according to data from the Central Bank of SL (CBSL). This leaves $ 1.09 billion to be met in the second half of the year. Debt servicing accelerated in the second quarter, with total repayments of $ 952 million compared with $ 406.6 million in the first quarter. In Q2, principal payments amounted to $ 715 million and interest payments $ 237 million. more..

Sep 9 (TM) In the wake of the Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) observing that the continued involvement of regular Police officers at the Chemmani mass grave site is likely to prejudice the relevant investigations’ outcome, Ministry of Public Security stated that it is not practical to frequently rotate or assign different Police officers to the excavation. Minister Ananda Wijepala said that Police officers from nearby more..

Sep 9 (DM) The Cinnamon Gardens police arrested a person and produced him before court over allegations of harassing a university girl in a passenger bus while seated behind her. A 27-year-old university student was allegedly harassed while travelling from Horana to Colombo in a private bus, when the suspect seated behind her discreetly pressed against her back on several occasions, police told court. The suspect was produced before court by the police following his arrest. more..

Sep 9 (FT) The Embassy of Japan has said that Ambassador Akio Isomata handed over infectious waste management equipment to 15 hospitals in the country at a ceremony at the Trincomalee General Hospital. The equipment has been provided under the Project for the Improvement of Infectious Waste Management, for which the Exchange of Notes was signed in April 2023 with a grant assistance of JPY 503 million (approx. $ 3.7 million) by the Govt of Japan. Under this project, more..

Sep 9 (DM) An individual travelling from Colombo to Welimada who fell asleep in the bus had missed the destination and alighted from the bus at an unknown area, only to be severely assaulted by the villagers who mistook him for a robber. Having seen the video footage of him being assaulted released to social media, he had committed suicide. The victim Ramachandran Puwaneswaran alias Murali (34), was a resident of Rothschild Estate in Pussellawa. Investigations revealed that his parents more..

Sep 9 (DM) Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne called on the public to closely observe the facial reactions of MP Namal Rajapaksa when responding to questions. “During his speech, when the camera zooms in, you can see him sweating, with fear showing in his eyes. Despite those expressions, MP Rajapaksa insisted he was not frightened,” he said. Deputy Minister further claimed that many issues are surfacing in connection with recent incidents. “If this country continues to move forward more..

Sep 9 (DM) Looking at the politicians who panicked during the arrest of notorious organised criminal Mandinu Padmasiri, alias Kehelbaddara Padme, and his associates, shows the connections between drugs and the underworld, Mass Media and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. He urged the media to examine the politicians who panicked during the arrest of underworld gangsters and drug dealers. more..

Sep 9 (SO) Environment Ministry has stepped up protection in the country’s forest reserves after a direct call from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for stronger measures against the rising number of elephant deaths, human–elephant conflict, and poaching. Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi said that the Cabinet has approved a proposal to provide new vehicles to the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) to strengthen patrols and monitoring operations. more..

Sep 9 (NF) NPP MP Sunil Ratnasiri dismissed allegations of political revenge in connection with the recent discovery of massive chemical stockpiles linked to methamphetamine production. He said the crackdown reflects the public mandate to hold wrongdoers accountable, not a political witch-hunt. “People told us not to let thieves roam free. That was part of the mandate we received,” Ratnasiri said, stressing that the chemicals used to produce crystal meth were imported in large containers, more..

Sep 9 (EN) SL’s state-run CPC has called expression of interest from private investors to expand its 50,000 barrels per day refinery into 100,000 barrels or to set up an entirely new one in the same premises. “This Development and Expansion Project represents a strategic opportunity to establish a long-term partnership within SL’s energy sector,” EOI document said. “It will help strengthen the country’s energy security, reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum more..

Sep 9 (DN) SL skipper Charith Asalanka said after the heavy defeat in the second T-20 our team staged a fine come back to win the game in grand style and this win is a morale booster before the Asia Cup. We were chasing over 190 to win the game and it was not an easy target but our batters were able to achieve that target. The openers laid a good platform and then Kamil Mishara and Kusal Janith built up the innings very well. It was not easy to score 10 to 11 runs an over in the middle overs but more..

Sep 9 (FT) SL’s tourism sector has registered nearly 37,500 arrivals in the first week of September, surpassing 1.6 million visitors so far in 2025—a milestone reached a month earlier than last year. Tourism stakeholders view the 1.6 million milestone as a confidence booster for the industry, which is targeting 3 million arrivals by the end of 2025. With half of the year’s target already achieved in just over nine months, they insist more..

Sep 9 (Island) At a time when Sri Lanka were desperately searching for anchors in their brittle batting line-up, Kamil Mishara rose to the occasion with a match-winning knock that sealed the third and final T20 International against Zimbabwe on Sunday. Chasing 193 in the decider after a collapse in the previous game, Sri Lanka were under the pump, but Mishara – in tandem with his fellow Royalist Kusal Perera – steered the ship home with eight wickets in hand. more..

Sep 9 (ST) Provincial Council elections will be held once the delimitation process is completed, Govt has informed the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its written response to a report on the human rights situation in SL released by the office. This was in response to the Human Rights Commissioner’s observation that provincial council elections under the 13th Amendment have not been held since 2014. “In May 2025, the Govt made arrangements to hold more..

Sep 9 (DN) BB Gunasekara of Rahula College, Matara, produced a golden throw to light up the opening day of the 93rd Sir John Tarbat Senior Athletics Championship, in Diyagama, Homagama yesterday. The 17-year-old powered the discus 51.35 metres to smash the meet record in the Under-18 Boys’ Discus Throw final and win the gold medal. His performance set the tone for a day that saw four new meet records being established. In distance running, DL Achintha of Aloysius more..

Sep 9 (Island) It is popularly said in this country that if one kicks any wayside bush about a dozen public employees jump out. The state service is bursting at the seams thanks to numerous politically motivated recruitment drives under successive governments so much so that today there is one state employee for every 15 citizens! This extremely high state-official-to-citizen ratio has not benefited the public at all, as evident from their many complaints of lethargy, delays, etc., in state institutions. more..

Sep 9 (FT) Govt is preparing for a decisive round of talks with global online travel giant Booking.com later this week, as it steps up efforts to bring online travel agencies (OTAs) and digital accommodation platforms into the country’s regulatory and tax framework. Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe confirmed that representatives of Booking.com are expected in Colombo between 13 & 15 Sept, with discussions aimed at more..

Sep 9 (FT) Bar Association of SL (BASL) said it has signed a MoU to foster collaboration with the Computer Society of SL (CSSL). Under the MoU, CSSL commits to providing technical expertise to support BASL’s IT initiatives, digital transformation, and capacity-building projects. In return, BASL will extend its legal capacity-building creating a mutually beneficial partnership. This collaboration reflects a shared vision to integrate the strengths of both organisations, ensuring that BASL and more..

Sep 9 (FT) Minister Bimal Rathnayake and his delegation were received by the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and the Secretary General of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, the oldest Chamber in Saudi Arabia, on 4 Sept at its headquarters in Jeddah. Addressing the Chamber, Minister highlighted SL’s strategic geographic location in the Indian Ocean and presented investment opportunities and proposals in ports, logistics and civil aviation sectors. more..