The United States Senate is holding a vote to advance a Republican stopgap funding package that could pave the way to end the longest government shutdown in the country’s history. The breakthrough on Sunday came after a group of centrist Democrats negotiated a deal to reopen the government through January if Republicans promise to hold a vote on expiring healthcare subsidies by December. The package also included bills to fund some parts of the government, including food aid and the legislative branch, until the end of the fiscal year. Some eight Democrats voted in favour of advancing the package. Al…
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Minister of Education, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, says discussions are underway to introduce an age-appropriate sex education program for children, with the objective of reducing sexual abuse. Addressing an event, PM Amarasuriya pointed out the increase in sexual abuse of children in Sri Lanka and the need to educate children in this regard. She further said that the Health Ministry, the Family Health Bureau, and the National Child Protection Authority have requested the Education Ministry to include sex education in the school curriculum. “We have introduced a health module for Grade 06. This teaches children about maintaining their health. The…
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Sri Lanka’s largest private sector representative, welcomed National Budget 2026, describing it as a blueprint of policy stability, fiscal consolidation and disciplined debt management that continues the trajectory needed for the country’s medium-term reform agenda.
Showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of Sri Lanka after 1.00 pm today, according to the Department of Meteorology. Fairly heavy falls of above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Uva, Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts. The public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers will occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few…
The BBC’s director general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness have resigned after criticism that a Panorama documentary misled viewers by editing a speech by Donald Trump. Davie, in the job for five years, had faced increasing pressure over a series of controversies and accusations of bias that have dogged the public broadcaster. The Telegraph published details of a leaked internal BBC memo on Monday that suggested the Panorama programme edited two parts of the US president’s speech together so he appeared to explicitly encourage the Capitol Hill riot of January 2021. UK political leaders expressed hope the…
A 41-year-old man died following an accident during a soft-ball cricket match at the Walagamba grounds in Aluthepola, Minuwangoda, today (Nov. 9), police said. The incident occurred when two fielders collided while attempting to catch a high ball. One player was critically injured and was admitted to the Minuwangoda Hospital, where he later died while receiving treatment. The deceased has been identified as a resident of Katuwallegama. His body has been placed at the Minuwangoda Base Hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination. Minuwangoda Police are conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire) The post Tragic end to friendly cricket game…
Budget 2026 has earned cautious praise from the apparel industry, which sees it as a step in the right direction towards rebuilding the export strength and investor confidence. However, this is provided the government follows through with consistent implementation.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US $ 100 million loan to address the complex and challenging structural reforms in Sri Lanka’s financial sector, through better governance, continued policy reforms and enhanced financial inclusion.
A five-year-old child has died after drowning in a swimming pool at a hotel in the Audangawa area in Sigiriya.
In a lightning move the newly elected administration of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has gone against tradition and possible fair play and converted the Premier League, giving it a knockout blow that has agitated the country’s most soughtafter entity, Kandy Sports Club.
The new and unique Be by Rainco umbrella collection Rainco, Sri Lanka’s trusted name in umbrellas and rainwear, unveiled Be by Rainco, an exciting and distinctive new brand of umbrellas that brings fashion and individuality to the forefront of everyday living. Designed for the new generation of consumers who value authenticity and self-expression, Be by Rainco embodies Rainco’s signature craftsmanship and transforms the everyday umbrella into a statement of personal style. Each umbrella in the newly launched sub-brand is more than protection from the weather and brings together beauty and utility in perfect balance. Combining unique designs with refined detailing,…
A fossil believed to be of a Triceratops, the three-horned dinosaur, has been excavated along the banks of the Sahansara River in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, according to a researcher.
Indian intelligence agencies have warned of a new alliance between a crime syndicate named Dawood Ibrahim syndicate and remnants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a former Sri Lankan rebel group, Indian media outlet Diya TV reported. The crime syndicate is allegedly exploiting routes through southern India and Sri Lanka to rebuild its narcotics trade after crackdowns in western and northern India, Diya TV said. For LTTE-linked elements, the arrangement offers a financial lifeline amid leadership gaps and funding shortages, Diya TV said. The LTTE was defeated militarily in Sri Lanka in 2009. Officials quoted in the report…
Sri Lanka’s imports have grown in excess of its export earnings, widening the balance of payments deficit ,and therefore, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s claim of stability in foreign exchange flows holds no water, Frontline Socialist Party (FLSP) Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda said.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said that seven Sri Lankan drug traffickers who are currently hiding in Middle Eastern countries have conveyed their willingness to surrender to local authorities.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck off Japan’s eastern coast at 0803GMT on Sunday, the US Geological Survey said.
The Vehicle Importers’ Association says that now is the right time for consumers to purchase vehicles as the market has stabilized following an earlier surge in prices. President of the Association, Indika Sampath Merenchige, said the recent upward pressure on vehicle prices has eased, and the market has reached a more balanced level. Commenting on the 2.5 percent Social Security Levy (SSL) referenced in the 2026 Budget, Merenchige clarified that it was not a new tax. He said the levy had been requested to be collected at the Customs point rather than after the vehicle sale. “This change was something…
ECONOMYNEXT – State-run SriLankan Airlines will be re-looked at if the plan by the new board and current management fails, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said delivering budget speech for 2025. “We all think there is a need for a national carrier,” President Dissanayake said. “The there is question before all of us whether this much of a cost should be borne by the people to keep it. The government has had discussions with the Board and Management. “They have given a strong plan. They have given confidence that this company can be re-built. If someone says to sell it, who…
Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath met with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during his visit to Riyadh to attend the 26th UNWTO General Assembly. During the meeting, the two ministers discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral political and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia. Minister Herath briefed his Saudi counterpart on Sri Lanka’s investment-friendly environment and invited the Saudi private sector to explore the growing opportunities available across various sectors in the country. He also noted that the first-ever Business Council between the Federations of Chambers…
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and several ministers of the National People’s Power (NPP) government visited the Jayaratne Respect Home in Borella to pay their last respects to Dr. Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, the father of Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam. Dr. Rasamanickam, a respected medical professional and the son of the late S. M. Rasamanickam, former Member of Parliament and Leader of the Tamil Arasu Kachchi, passed away on November 7, 2025, at the age of 67. (Newswire) The post President Anura pays last respects to MP Shanakiyan’s father appeared first on Newswire.