The Sri Lanka Police have launched a special investigation into the Police officers involved in the arrest of the suspect wanted over the murder of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, Lasantha Wickramasekara, it was reported. According to the Police Spokesman, ASP F.U. Wootler, the probe has been launched, focused on the recording and publishing of video footage on social media of the arrest. He further said that the IGP has focused special attention on the matter and has instructed the probe to be conducted under a special investigation unit. The Police Spokesman noted that presenting a suspect in a case…
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As Sri Lanka explores new ways to enhance the value of its agricultural and artisanal heritage, Geographical Indications (GIs) are emerging as a promising pathway. GIs are distinctive signs that identify products whose quality and reputation are intrinsically linked to their place of origin. More than a label, they are powerful tools for sustainable rural development, market competitiveness and heritage safeguarding. Many world-renowned products including French Champagne, Greek Feta, and Darjeeling Tea hold Geographical Indication status. Recent progress, from the EU registration of Ceylon Cinnamon to the establishment of a national GI framework and the ongoing application for Ceylon Tea,…
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved two key directives under the Motor Vehicles Act as part of its continued effort to strengthen road safety and legal enforcement mechanisms. These measures aim to address rising concerns over drug-impaired driving and passenger safety on expressways, paving the way for more structured and accountable transport regulations. Firstly, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented to submit to Parliament for approval the Motor Vehicle (Drug) Directive No. 1 of 2025, under the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act (203 Authority), enabling drivers suspected of taking drugs to be checked. According to the government, the…
Major General Nalinda Niyangoda RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc PhD MSc (DM) MSc (NSWS) PGDM has assumed duties as the new Chief of National Intelligence (CNI) today (28 October) at the Ministry of Defence in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. He officially took office following the receipt of his appointment letter from Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) The post Major General Nalinda Niyangoda new Chief of National Intelligence appeared first on Newswire.
Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development Sunil Handunnetti says a new Investigations and Raids Unit will be established within the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of Sri Lanka’s mineral resources. The announcement was made during a special discussion held today (28) at the GSMB headquarters in Nawala, attended by officials of the Bureau and the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development. The GSMB, which was previously under the Ministry of Environment, was brought under the purview of the Industries Ministry on October 18. Established in 1903 as the Ceylon Mineral Survey,…
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (BCSL) has announced the appointment of two new Deputy Governors, confirmed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance.
The Coconut Cultivation Board has revealed that intermediaries are earning profits of around Rs. 40-50 by selling coconuts purchased at Rs. 134 for Rs. 180 at the coconut auction.
A new gazette notification has been issued amending the rules applicable to the payment period and levy of taxes on alcoholic products.
This week, a high-level delegation from the Parliament of Sri Lanka, led by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, is visiting the United Kingdom. The four-day visit, facilitated by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and funded by UK International Development, focuses on institutional frameworks and practices that promote transparency, accountability, and effective legislation. The delegation includes Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne, Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj, and Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Hansa Abeyratne. The delegation met with Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for…
A Sri Lankan National has been arrested at the Katunayake Airport for attempting to smuggle in 2.5kg of the narcotic ‘Kush’, valued at over Rs. 25 million. According to Sri Lanka Customs, the suspect, a 29-year-old resident of Grandpass, had arrived from Thailand this morning. He was found to be in possession of 2.523 kilos of cannabis, which were concealed in false compartments within his luggage and backpack. The suspect and the seized narcotic have been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigation and legal action. (Newswire) The post Man nabbed at BIA attempting to smuggle…
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the statement made by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding MP Jagath Withana has violated both his civil and parliamentary privileges. Premadasa charged that the IGP’s remarks, which implied links between the MP and underworld figures, demonstrate how the police have become “highly politicized,” with certain investigations now being turned into political and media spectacles. He said the IGP’s comments have placed serious challenges before MP Withana in carrying out his duties both inside and outside Parliament, and stressed that such irresponsible statements by a public officer have undermined the rights of an elected…
Jamaica is bracing for the world’s strongest storm of 2025 after Hurricane Melissa was blamed for seven deaths across the Caribbean.
Prisons Commissioner Jagath Weerasinghe says 230,980 school students from the Colombo District in the Western Province were found to be addicted to drugs. Jagath Weerasinghe said, however, the Southern Province boasts a higher number, and is the area pushing the country towards this situation. The Prisons Commissioner further said that the South takes the number one position for underworld activities. “A high number of children are in prison at present. There are 42 children below the age of 05 due to the wrongdoings of their mothers. The child is allowed to stay with the mother until the age of 05.…
The National People’s Power (NPP) has filed a case at the Colombo District Court seeking compensation of Rs. 100 million from former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Tissa Attanayake, for making a false statement about the government. Speaking to the media, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala said PM Harini Amarasuriya had filed a case at the court against Tissa Attanayake in September 2024. “He made false statements against the NPP before the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. One such statement made on social media was that the NPP government was going to suspend the Kandy Perahera. In August 2024,…
Sri Lankan sprinter Fathima Shafiya Yamick received a grand welcome in her hometown in Kandy following her historic performance at the 2025 South Asian Athletics Championship in Ranchi, India. Yamick, 26, made history by winning gold in the women’s 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events, setting new championship records in all three. She clocked 11.53 seconds in the 100m, 23.58 seconds in the 200m, and anchored the relay team to a 44.70-second finish—marking one of the most outstanding individual performances by a Sri Lankan athlete at the regional meet. Addressing a cheering crowd in Kandy, Yamick expressed her gratitude for…
Responding to recent media reports, Dr. Ajith Dantanarayana, Director of the Castle Street Hospital for Women in Colombo, clarified that there is no ova (egg) donation programme currently in progress at the hospital.
The corruption case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the first Executive President of Sri Lanka to be arrested and remanded, is scheduled to be taken up at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (Oct. 29). Wickremesinghe was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in August 2025 over the alleged misuse of approximately Rs. 16.9 million in public funds during an official visit to the United Kingdom in late 2023. The trip was part of a broader visit to the United States, and he was reportedly accompanied by a delegation funded by the Sri Lankan government. Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli…
The prices of all vehicle models in Sri Lanka could increase beyond affordable limits following the government’s proposal to impose a 15 per cent tax on vehicles, Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) Chairman Prasad Manage warned.
Sri Lanka has teamed with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) to curb scamming activities involving Chinese nationals who arrive here mostly on tourist visas and deport them back for legal action in terms of the Chinese law, a Minister said yesterday.
The Castle Street Hospital for Women in Colombo is not conducting an egg donation program, Dr. Ajith Dantanarayana, Director of the hospital said. He confirmed that only a sperm donation program is currently in operation. Since its recent launch, the sperm bank has registered more than 150 male donors. According to Dr. Dantanarayana, ten women have conceived through the program, and over 200 others are receiving support. He refuted media reports claiming an egg donation program had been initiated, stating that no such program exists at the hospital. Dr. Dantanarayana said the sperm donation initiative is intended to support couples…