Global visa processing service, VFS Global, says it had communicated to the Office of the Auditor General in November 2024, offering to provide full support and any information which may be required for its special audit related to the online visa issuance system. VFS Global has issued a statement in response to recent media reports on the “Special Audit Report on the Online Visa Issuance Methodology of the Department of Immigration and Emigration”. “GBS Technology Services & IVS Global FZCO (IVS-GBS), V F Worldwide Holdings Ltd (VFS Global), and the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka entered into…
The Sri Lankan Report
Minister of Transport and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake has inspected the proposed site of the new multi-purpose logistics and warehousing centre in Veyangoda, Gampaha. The government has proposed establishing the logistics and warehousing centre with the aim of minimizing delays and damages during goods transportation. This initiative is part of the President’s budget proposals and the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development’s sustainable planning strategy to improve the efficiency of freight services. As part of this national program to modernize and strengthen Sri Lanka’s transport sector and revitalize import-export operations, Minister Bimal Rathnayake visited the proposed site yesterday (28). During…
The full video of the Police operation conducted to arrest Ishara Sewwandi, the suspect wanted over the murder of underworld figure ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’, has been released to the media. It is reported that an individual known as ‘Jaffna Bhai’, who was arrested alongside Ishara Sewwandi, had assisted in the arrest in Nepal. The video footage shows ‘Jaffna Bhai’ luring Ishara Sewwandi for a meeting, after which she was arrested. (Newswire) The post Full Video of Ishara Sewwandi’s arrest in Nepal released appeared first on Newswire.
The Sri Lankan Rupee has appreciated slightly against the US Dollar at commercial banks in Sri Lanka today (29), compared to Tuesday. At Seylan Bank, the buying rate of the US Dollar has increased from Rs. 300.50 to Rs. 300.90, while the selling rate has also increased from Rs. 306 to Rs. 306.40. According to NDB Bank, the buying and selling rates of the US Dollar have reduced from Rs. 301.05 to Rs. 300.90 and from Rs. 307.55 to Rs. 307.40, respectively. People’s Bank reports that the buying rate of the US Dollar has reduced from Rs. 300.75 to Rs.…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has issued a notice adding renewable energy generation or storage systems, to a list of capital goods allowed to be imported with duty exemptions. The gazette said capital goods ‘for the purpose of construction of renewable energy storage” facilities” during their construction. The tax exemptions will apply for renewable energy generation or storage facilities or 1MW or higher. Sri Lanka has advertised for battery energy storage systems on a build operate own basis and also wind and solar plants. The concession will apply to new facilities or extensions of existing ones. (Colombo/Oct29/2025)
A group of individuals, including foreign nationals, have been rescued after being trapped due to the fire that broke out at an apartment complex in Narahenpita today. It was reported that the blaze originated on the fifth floor of the building on Dabare Mawatha in Narahenpita. Several fire trucks were dispatched to douse the fire, during which individuals, including residents trapped inside the building, were rescued. According to reports, the fire has been brought under control. (Newswire) The post Narahenpita fire : Residents & foreigners rescued (Video) appeared first on Newswire.
Halal Council Wins Gold and Top Achiever Awards at the CNCI Achiever Awards 2025 Presented by CNCI and Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development The Halal Assessment Council (Guarantee) Limited (HAC) was recognized with two awards at the CNCI Achiever Awards 2025 for Industrial Excellence, organized by the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development. Hon. Minister Sunil Handunnetti presenting the award to the Halal Assessment Council (HAC). From left to right: Mr. Usama (Head of Branding – HAC), Mr. Aakif (Director -CEO- HAC), Mr. Pradeep (Chairman – CNCI), Mr.…
Fifteen (15) Sri Lankan tourism stakeholders registered under the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) showcased their offerings at the JATA Tourism Expo 2025 held in Japan this week. According to the SLTPB, Sri Lanka Tourism successfully participated in the international travel fair held from 25th to 28th September 2025 at the Aichi Sky Expo (Aichi International Exhibition Center) in Nagoya. As one of Asia’s premier travel trade events, Tourism EXPO Japan, launched in 2014, brings together global stakeholders across all facets of the tourism industry. This year’s expo attracted participation from 82 countries and regions, represented by 1,350 companies…
The Israeli military has killed at least 20 Palestinians in attacks across Gaza after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered “powerful” strikes following an exchange of gunfire in southern Rafah, during which one Israeli soldier was wounded. The attacks on Tuesday marked the most significant flare-up in violence since a ceasefire brokered by United States President Donald Trump came into effect in the war-devastated territory on October 10. Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, accused Israel of violating the truce and said it would postpone the planned handover of the body of a missing captive. In a statement, it also warned…
Two individuals have been reported dead in Puttalam after consuming liquid from a bottle that was found floating in the sea. According to the Police, two others are currently receiving treatment at the Puttalam Hospital. The Police said the group of four had consumed the liquid while at a fishing hut in the Norochcholai area in Puttalam. Following the death of one individual in the hospital, the Police had launched a probe into the incident. Thereafter, the Police found the body of another individual at the fishing hut. The Police are conducting further investigations. (Newswire) The post 02 dead after…
A fire has broken out at an apartment complex located on Dabare Mawatha, Narahenpita. It is reported that the blaze originated on the fifth floor of the building. Five fire trucks have been dispatched to the scene to control the situation. (Newswire) The post Fire breaks out at Narahenpita Apartment Complex (Video) appeared first on Newswire.
In a move that could reshape online content creation, China has introduced a new rule requiring influencers to have official qualifications before discussing “sensitive” subjects such as medicine, law, education, or finance online. The new influencer law, which came into effect on October 25, mandates that creators must show proof of their expertise — such as a degree, professional license, or certification — if they wish to post about regulated topics, Morocco News reported. According to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the regulation aims to curb misinformation and protect the public from false or misleading advice. Platforms like Douyin…
Weather forecast for Wednesday: A few showers may occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North-western provinces today. Strong winds of about 50-60 kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces, and in the Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts. Weather forecast for sea areas: A few showers may occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kaluthara via Colombo. Winds will be westerly and speed will be 30-40 kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 60 kmph at…
James Anderson, England’s leading Test wicket-taker of all time, has received a knighthood.
A Saudi national aboard SriLankan Airlines flight UL266 from Riyadh to Colombo was caught on video assaulting a member of the cabin crew following a heated argument mid-air.
Photo courtesy of Saskia Fernando Gallery The new exhibition at the Saskia Fernando gallery, Tilda Swims the Channel, is a layered reflection on the search for safety and sustenance. Through sculpture, painting, and performance, Chudamani Clowes bears witness to the ever-evolving global structures that shape migration today. Clowes works with layered translucent materials to capture the sea’s duality; a beautiful vessel of hope and a site of hostility. The motifs of rice and coral anchor this exploration rice as staple of survival in the Global South and coral as a living witness to global climate crisis. Tilda rice packets are…
The Sri Lankan athletics team, which ended runners up to India at the South Asian Senior Athletics Championship returned with a tally of 40 medals that included 16 gold medals.
Cyclone Montha is likely to bring in some gushing winds which would go up to 60kmph over the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Northern, North-Central and North Western provinces during the coming days though the impact of it has reduced.
A video circulating on social media shows a tense mid-air incident aboard SriLankan Airlines flight UL266 from Riyadh to Colombo on October 26, where crew members are seen attempting to restrain a Saudi Arabian passenger who allegedly assaulted them. According to preliminary investigations by the Katunayake Airport Police, the altercation occurred as the aircraft was preparing to land. At that time, passengers are required to remain seated with seat belts fastened, but the suspect had reportedly attempted to go to the lavatory, violating safety regulations. When the cabin crew intervened, the passenger became aggressive, resulting in a confrontation captured by…
A married couple who had defrauded a man of nearly Rs. 300,000 by publishing a false newspaper advertisement claiming that they were seeking a groom for their daughter, pleaded guilty before the Colombo Chief Magistrate today.