Sri Lanka has been named one of the “50 Best Places to Travel in 2026” by the magazine Travel + Leisure.
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Sri Lanka and India held bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the 7th National Security Advisers-level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), held in New Delhi from November 19 to 20, 2025. The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, while India was represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, KC. The two sides held a constructive dialogue on a range of security-related issues, focusing on strengthening cooperation across the CSC’s five key areas: maritime safety and security, counterterrorism and radicalization, combating trafficking and transnational organized crime, cybersecurity, and humanitarian assistance and…
The 2026 budget of the Yatiyanthota Pradeshiya Sabha, led by the National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated today by a margin of four votes.
Health authorities have raised alarm over the widespread and indiscriminate use of antibiotics, cautioning that such practices are accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and could render common treatments for infections increasingly ineffective.
A group of 27 Indian fishermen were repatriated to India today, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said.
Twelve classic Sri Lankan films will be showcased at the Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes, France, from Nov. 21–29, as part of the “France India Sri Lanka Cinema Heritage” project, the French Embassy in Colombo said. Supported by the French Embassy in Colombo, the program, titled “On the Roads of the Golden Age of Sri Lankan Cinema,” celebrates the island’s cinematic legacy on an international stage. The Festival explores Sri Lankan cinema with an exceptional programme of rare works, some of which have been restored, from one of South Asia’s least known film industries. This retrospective is the result…
President Anuara Kumara Dissanayake says the government will not be distracted from its mission to eradicate the drug menace and will not be deterred by opposition efforts. He made these remarks at the launch of the “A Nation United” national anti-drug operation in the Southern Province, in Tangalle a short while ago. Calling on the security forces to continue what he described as extremely challenging work, the President assured them of the government’s full support. “Start work. We will support you,” he said. The national initiative “A Nation United”, aimed at combating the country’s drug crisis was launched at Tangalle…
Smoking among schoolchildren is on the increase, according to Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr. Duminda Yasaratne.
Thirty kilograms of Kush cannabis, valued at approximately Rs. 150 million, have been discovered at the Central Mail Exchange in Colombo. The haul was recovered during an operation carried out by officers of the Police Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB). Police said the stock of narcotics was found inside a consignment at the mail exchange and has since been taken into custody. Further investigations are underway to trace the recipients and identify the network involved. (Newswire) The post Major drug bust at Colombo Central Mail Exchange: 30kg Kush seized appeared first on Newswire.
The Ministry of Science and Technology and the University of Vavuniya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch an Incubation and Innovation Development Project, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, research commercialization, and startup growth in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. The agreement, signed by University Vice Chancellor Prof. A. Atputharajah and Ministry Secretary Y. L. Mohomed Navavi, includes an initial allocation of Rs. 4 million to establish a food product testing laboratory at the university. An additional Rs. 15 million will be provided through the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) program to expand the facility. The laboratory will offer testing and…
Sri Lanka commemorated World Children’s Day and the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child with the launch of Little Amaya – See Me, Hear Me, an interactive child rights exhibition at Lotus Tower. The initiative, led by UNICEF Sri Lanka, together with the Department of Probation and Child Care Services (DPCCS) and the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), was launched this morning in the presence of Emma Brigham, UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative and senior officials from the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs (MoWCA), DPCCS, and NCPA. Designed to bring child rights to life in a…
Jayasanka Sadun Jayasuriya, the first Sri Lankan student delegate to participate in the Youth Address at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) in Belém, Brazil, met with Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Pattabendi on Nov. 19. A student of Environmental Management Studies at Rajarata University, Jayasuriya was recognized by the minister for his international representation and contributions to climate change research. The minister affirmed the ministry’s continued support for youth engagement in environmental policy and international forums. Jayasuriya, who has received the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Student Researcher, also presented a book he authored to the minister. Deputy…
Sri Lanka Police has announced that a special traffic plan will be implemented on Friday, Nov. 21, due to a public rally at the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre in the Mirihana Police Division. A special traffic and security plan will be in place to ensure the safety of Members of Parliament, dignitaries, political party leaders, representatives, supporters, and the public, the Police Media Division said. From 2 p.m. until the end of the event, vehicular movement will be restricted along Nawala Road, from the High Level Junction near the Nugegoda Flyover to the Nawala Roundabout, in front of the…
MP D. V. Chanaka questioned the government today on contradictory statements by its ministers on the requirements to obtain a Police clearance certificate. Addressing Parliament, MP Chanaka said that yesterday, the Minister of Public Administration accepted that there was a requirement for a certificate from the Public Security Committee of an area for a person to obtain clearance certificates from the Police. “This morning we have Ministers Nalinda Jayatissa and Ananda Wijepala saying that it is not a requirement,” Chanaka said. “When you’re lying, the ministers must first discuss it amongst themselves. Which one are we to believe? We will…
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has issued a strong warning against individuals and groups publishing investment-related content on social media without proper authorisation. In a notice issued today, the regulator said that any content amounting to investment recommendations must not be made unless the person is a Registered Investment Advisor or an entity licensed by the SEC. It said such posts, made without a proper basis or licence, mislead the public and carry significant legal consequences. The SEC said it will take strict action against those who violate these requirements, adding that anyone contravening Part 5…
Is your organization driving change through innovation and sustainability? Here’s your chance to be recognized on a national stage! The SLIIT Business School proudly presents the ICSDB Excellence Awards 2025, held as part of the 4th International Conference on Sustainable and Digital Business (ICSDB 2025). The awards celebrate organizations that are redefining Sri Lanka’s business landscape through impactful, forward-thinking, and tech-driven sustainable initiatives. Open to businesses across industries, the ICSDB Excellence Awards provide a unique platform to showcase how your organization integrates digital transformation with environmental and social responsibility. Entries are evaluated through the ICSDB Index, which assesses performance across…
A dramatic Indian Rs 7.11-crore cash robbery — valued at roughly USD 850,000 — has taken on the shape of a high-precision “money heist,” with investigators confirming that the gang behind the operation used multiple vehicles, fake number plates, and rapid switching techniques to evade detection. Karnataka’s Home Minister G. Parameshwara said the men who intercepted a cash-transport van on November 19 executed their plan with meticulous coordination, complicating the police investigation. According to officials, the suspects posed as central bank officers and stopped the cash van near Jayanagar before diverting it towards Dairy Circle, where the money was seized…
MP Ravi Karunanayake has raised concerns in Parliament over an alleged Rs. 80 million vehicle ordered for the former Chairman of Lanka Electricity Company (LECO). “There had been a vehicle worth Rs. 70 million available in the showroom, which was grey in colour. But a black vehicle was chosen instead, costing Rs. 80 million. In addition, 10 BYD cars were purchased at a total cost of Rs. 200 million,” Karunanayake said. He acknowledged that, as an independent entity, LECO has the authority to make vehicle purchases, but questioned Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe’s recent claim that government spending on vehicles had been…
The Sri Lankan Rupee has depreciated further against the US Dollar today (19), compared to Wednesday. According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the buying rate of the US Dollar has slightly increased from Rs. 304.34 to Rs. 304.44. Meanwhile, the selling rate of the Sri Lankan Rupee has also increased from Rs. Rs. 311.91 to Rs. 312.00 The Sri Lankan Rupee has also depreciated against a basket of foreign currencies, while it has appreciated slightly against the Gulf currencies. (Newswire) The post Today’s CBSL official exchange rates appeared first on Newswire.
Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur in Uva province and Ampara district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity. The post Severe lightning: High risk alert for 3 districts appeared first on Newswire.