News Archive

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island

Several spells of showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today (11), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  5:38 am

Mattala Airport still years away from being flight-ready – Minister

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, stated that it will take several more years to make the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) fully operational for commercial flights. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  12:44 pm

Substandard drug imports: Indictment proceedings against Keheliya postponed

The Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar has postponed the serving of indictments on former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and other accused in the case concerning the import of substandard Human Immunoglobulin vials. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  11:32 am

Hearing of case against Yoshitha and his grandmother adjourned

The Colombo High Court has directed the Attorney General to recall the case filed against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his grandmother, Daisy Forest, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  12:51 pm

“Let’s build a nation rooted in historical heritage” – President Dissanayake

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that a society cannot progress without a meaningful connection to its historic heritage and that the nation’s development path must be chosen accordingly. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  11:57 am

2024 O/L Exam Results: 13,392 students obtain 9A passes

The Commissioner General of Examinations, A.K.S. Indika Kumari, announced that a total of 237,026 students have qualified for the G.C.E. Advanced Level based on the results of the 2024 G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  8:50 am

2025 G.C.E. A/L exam dates announced

The Commissioner General of Examinations, A.K.S. Indika Kumari has announced that the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination is scheduled to be held from 10th November to 5th December 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  8:42 am

2024 O/L Exam results released

The results of the 2024 G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination have been released online, the Department of Examination announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  5:47 am

Shooting incident reported in Panadura, one injured

An individual has sustained injuries in a shooting incident reported in Hirana, Panadura earlier today (11), police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  6:33 am

US trade tariff: Sri Lanka must diversify export products and markets - expert

U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a reciprocal tariff of 30 percent on imports from Sri Lanka will come into effect on August 01, 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  2:51 pm

Donald Trump announces 35% tariffs on Canada

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a 35% tariff rate for goods imported from Canada, starting August 1. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  7:05 am

Original Birkin bag sells at auction for record $10 million

The original bag custom-made for actress Jane Birkin, which became one of the era-defining designs of the 20th century, was sold in Paris on Thursday for a record 8.6 million euros ($10.04 million), auctioneer Sotheby’s said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  9:47 am

UK trade reforms set to boost Sri Lankan apparel exports and jobs

Sri Lanka stands to benefit significantly from the UK’s latest trade reforms, as the British government unveiled a series of upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) on 10 July. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 11, 2025  10:31 am

Energy Minister-Trade union reps discuss draft legislation on CEB restructuring

A discussion has been between trade union representatives and Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody regarding the draft legislation and process related to the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), at the Ministry of Energy premises. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  7:01 pm

Mahathir Mohamad turns 100, Ex-President Ranil extends birthday wishes

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has extended his birthday wishes to former Prime Minister Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad, who turned 100 on Thursday (July 10). MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  7:59 pm

Trump’s 30% tariff will be in addition to existing duties on Sri Lankan exports to US – Hulangamuwa

The reciprocal 30% tariff proposed by the US President Donald Trump yesterday (09), will be in addition to the existing duties imposed on products exported from Sri Lanka to the US, said the Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Duminda Hulangamuwa. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  2:44 pm

Brazil vows to match US tariffs after Trump threatens 50% levy

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has said he is ready to match any tariffs imposed on Brazil by the United States. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  9:16 pm

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island

Several spells of showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE...

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  6:37 am

Bangladesh proposes to increase imports from US in tariff talks

Bangladesh has proposed to increase imports from the US on the first day of tariff talks between the two countries, a Bangladeshi official said on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  7:34 pm

Wife of ‘Harak Kata’ among arrested with ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’ and ‘Commando Salinda’ in Malaysia

The wife of Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, alias “Harak Kata”, who is also believed to be the mistress of “Kehelbaddara Padme”, has reportedly been arrested by Interpol along with her child in Malaysia. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  2:59 pm

Shallow earthquake of magnitude 4.4 jolts Delhi-NCR

A relatively mild earthquake of magnitude 4.4 jolted Delhi and nearby areas on Thursday morning. The earthquake originated around Jhajjar in Haryana and was felt across the National Capital Region. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  3:06 pm

Musk’s Starlink receives India’s final regulatory nod for launch

India’s space regulator on Wednesday granted Starlink a licence to launch commercial operations in the country, clearing the only remaining regulatory hurdle for the satellite provider to enter the market. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  9:31 pm

Today is Esala Full Moon Poya Day

The Esala Full Moon Poya Day falls today (July 10). MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  7:52 am

8,355 ‘Dansal’ registered for Esala Poya

A total of 8,355 ‘Dansal’ have been registered across the island in line with Esala Full Moon Poya Day, according to the Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU). MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  9:47 am

Imported milk powder prices increased

The price of a 400g pack of imported milk powder has been increased by Rs. 100, according to the Milk Powder Importers’ Association. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  10:08 am

“Exports worth US$ 3 billion to US hang in the balance” - Sajith

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa has accused the present government of failing to conduct proper discussions with representatives of the United States and substantially reduce the tariffs proposed by US President Donald Trump on products exported by Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  1:58 pm

Gold prices rise as Dollar weakens amid uncertainty with Trump Tariffs

Gold prices rose on Thursday, driven by the weakness of the U.S. dollar amid heightened global trade tensions, following President Donald Trump’s imposition of reciprocal tariffs on several countries. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  4:07 pm

Sri Lanka gets largest US tariff cut, says Deputy Foreign Minister

US President Donald Trump has decided to impose a 30% reciprocal tariff on all goods imported from Sri Lanka. The White House has issued an official letter informing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of this decision. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  9:50 am

Trump threatens Brazil with 50% tariff and demands Bolsonaro’s trial end

US President Donald Trump said he was planning to impose a 50% tax on goods made in Brazil, escalating his fight with the South American country. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  7:02 am

US pledges to continuously support Sri Lanka’s health and mass media sectors

A meeting between Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J. Chung, was held this afternoon (10), at the Ministry of Health premises. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  9:01 pm

President holds talks with officials on US tariff policy

A special discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (10) between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and senior Sri Lankan officials involved in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, regarding the new tariff policy imposed by the US. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  12:51 pm

Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka exceed 36,000 in first six days of July

Over 36,000 tourists have arrived in the country in the first six days of July 2025 alone, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  12:19 pm

Decision on petition over Seethawaka PS chairman election to be delivered on July 14

The Court of Appeal has announced that the order on the petition filed against the holding of a secret ballot to elect the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, will be delivered on July 14. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  8:04 am

Eight youth seriously injured after van plunges off precipice in Nanu Oya

A total of eight individuals sustained serious injuries when a van veered off the road and plunged about 70 feet down a precipice in Nanu Oya. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  3:52 pm

US issues sanctions against UN investigator probing abuses in Gaza

The Trump administration announced Wednesday that it is issuing sanctions against an independent investigator tasked with probing human rights abuses in the Palestinian territories, the latest effort by the United States to punish critics of Israel’s 21-month war in Gaza. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  1:21 pm

Ceylon Chamber urges continued engagement to secure further US tariff reduction

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has welcomed the reduction by the United States in the reciprocal tariff rate from 44% to 30% and urged the government to continue discussion with US authorities. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  3:11 pm

Lesotho declares state of disaster amid US tariff uncertainty

Lesotho has declared a national state of disaster over the country’s “high rates of youth unemployment and job losses” as uncertainty over US tariffs hits the landlocked nation. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  2:08 pm

Trump Tariff: Exports volume will reduce but real challenge is rates of Sri Lanka’s competitors – expert

The reduction in US reciprocal tariff on exports from Sri Lanka to 30% from previously announced 44% is positive news for local businesses, however the rate is a substantial increase from the existing 10% duty, Economist Dhananath Fernando stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  5:53 pm

Dilith Jayaweera calls for strong economic model amidst US tariff hike

Commenting on US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 30% reciprocal tariff on all goods imported from Sri Lanka, the leader of the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance and Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera said the move further underscores the urgent need for Sri Lanka to adopt a strong economic model.. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  11:06 am

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry alarmed by US tariff of 30%, hopes for cut

Distress is in store for Sri Lanka’s garments sector if the island nation is unable to clinch a tariff lower than the 30% figure U.S. President Donald Trump has clamped on imports from Colombo, a top industry body warned on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  11:32 am

Nvidia’s stock market value hits $4 trillion on AI dominance

Nvidia briefly reached a market capitalization of $4 trillion on Wednesday, making it the first company in the world to reach the milestone and solidifying its position as one of Wall Street’s most-favored stocks. MORE...

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  10:33 am

Govt to allocate Rs. 250M for national programme to support children with autism

The government has taken a decision to move forward with plans to establish a national network of daycare and therapy centres for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions, according to the PMD. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  4:50 pm

Navy responds to incident that stirred tensions in Kalpitiya

The Sri Lanka Navy has issued a response regarding the protest held in Kalpitiya earlier today (10). MORE..

(0)Comments | July 10, 2025  9:58 pm

Fuel distribution crisis?

The Ceylon Petroleum Private Bowser Owners’ Association says fuel distribution activities have been arbitrarily handed over to another party. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 9, 2025  8:17 am

More than 160 people still missing after deadly Texas floods

There are 161 people still missing in Texas in the aftermath of last weekend’s deadly flash floods, the state’s governor has said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 9, 2025  7:11 am

Shooting incident reported in Borella

A shooting incident has been reported in Borella last night (08), police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 9, 2025  7:02 am

Several spells of showers expected in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces

Several spells of showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today (09), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 9, 2025  5:42 am

Trump sends out tariff letters to 6 more countries but avoids major US trade partners

President Donald Trump sent out tariff letters to six smaller U.S. trading partners on Wednesday with a pledge to announce import taxes on other countries later in the day. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 9, 2025  10:26 pm

President directs officials to address growing concerns surrounding e-commerce

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on officials to address the growing concerns surrounding e-commerce and deliver efficient, fair and customer-centric solutions to the issues currently faced in this area. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 9, 2025  6:11 am

Sheikh Hasina authorised deadly Bangladesh crackdown, leaked audio suggests

A deadly crackdown on student-led protests in Bangladesh last year was authorised by then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, according to audio of one of her phone calls reportedly verified by the BBC. MORE..

(0)Comments | July 9, 2025  6:43 am