Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited Hindu College, University of Delhi, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, during her ongoing official visit to India. The Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by the College administration, faculty members, and current students. In recognition of her achievements, the College inaugurated a new research facility named the “Harini Amarasuriya Social & Ethnographic Research Lab.” During the visit, the Prime Minister revisited the classrooms where she once studied and shared reflections on her time as a student, recalling how her education at Hindu College shaped her academic journey and lifelong commitment to social…
The Sri Lankan Report
The price of a 24-carat gold sovereign in Sri Lanka has surpassed Rs. 400,000 for the first time. According to the All-Island Gold Jewellers’ Association, the price of a 24-carat gold sovereign has risen to Rs. 410,000, as of this morning. Similarly, the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign has increased to Rs. 379,200. The Association further stated that compared to yesterday, gold prices have risen by Rs. 15,000 today. (Newswire) The post Gold in Sri Lanka : New record price appeared first on Newswire.
A schoolboy and the principal of a leading school in Nikaweratiya have been released on bail after being arrested over an incident involving the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create nude images of three female students. The Nikaweratiya Magistrate’s Court ordered the release of both suspects on cash bail of Rs. 100,000 each and surety bail worth Rs. 1 million each. The court also directed that their sureties be close relatives and ordered the suspects to appear again on October 23. The suspects were arrested by the Crimes Investigation Unit of the Nikaweratiya Police Division. The principal was accused…
An Agricultural Research and Production Assistant has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption for allegedly soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs. 1.2 million to allocate a portion of state land for cultivation. The arrest was made following a complaint lodged by a resident of the Mahawa area. According to reports, the suspect had issued a receipt for lease payment on approximately 12 acres of a 20-acre plot of state land that had been unlawfully acquired and cultivated, in order to facilitate farming activities for the complainant. A total of Rs. 3.5 million had…
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Chief Security Officer, Neville Wanniarachchi, who was arrested in connection with the accumulation of illicit assets, has been remanded. The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today dismissed the bail application of Neville Wanniarachchi and remanded him until 31st October 2025. Neville Wanniarachchi was arrested on 02nd October by the Bribery Commission in connection with investigations into the alleged accumulation of illicit assets and properties worth Rs. 28 million. (Newswire) The post Illicit assets : Mahinda Rajapaksa’s ex-Chief Security Officer further remanded appeared first on Newswire.
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s diversified Hayleys group has bought into Harischandra Mills, a public listed consumer goods company from Senthilverl Holdings, market sources said. Senthilverl Holdings has had a 40 percent stake (779,123 shares) in the firm for many years. The stock traded around 3,300 rupees, spiking to 5,250 Thursday with 779,000 shares traded by mid-morning, Colombo Stock Exchange data showed. Sri Lanka has seen some M&A activity with the central bank missing its inflation target, allowing interest rates to fall and keeping costs stable for companies. (Colombo/Oct17/2025 – Update II)
Test Twenty is cricket’s newest and most balanced innovation – the “Fourth Format” of the sport. The new format was launched on Thursday (October 17), which vows to dedicate itself for the promotion of youth talents worldwide, aged 13 to 19 years. Designed especially for youth players, Test Twenty encourages complete cricketing education: skill, patience, and temperament. It rewards intelligent play over raw power and teaches decision-making under pressure. The tournament was endorsed glowingly by cricket legends such as former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, South Africa legend AB de Villiers, Aussie great Matthew Hayden and India’s spin maestro Harbhajan…
A multi-day fishing vessel suspected of transporting a consignment of narcotics has been taken into custody by the Sri Lankan Navy in the southern waters. The Navy stated that the vessel was taken into custody along with five individuals aboard. The seized boat is being brought to the Galle Harbour, the Navy added. (Newswire) The post Navy nabs fishing vessel suspected of transporting drugs appeared first on Newswire.
Seven fatal road accidents have been reported in various parts of Sri Lanka on Thursday (16), resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, according to the Police Media Division. A 52-year-old man from Padukka died after his motorcycle collided with a lorry in the Madampe area. The driver of the lorry has been arrested in connection with the accident. Meanwhile, a 59-year-old man from Ellappiddy was killed in a bus-motorcycle crash in Kayts. The driver of the bus has been arrested. In Habaraduwa, a 50-year-old female pedestrian was fatally injured when a motorcycle hit her on the Hadivatta–Giniga Road. The rider…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka can combat fake Ceylon Tea and get better prices in markets like Europe with Geographical Indication (GI) certification, officials said at the conclusion of an initiative supported by France. “The GI status of Ceylon Tea is a powerful tool that protects the original identity, combats imitation and positions Ceylon Tea at a premium in the international markets,” Raaj Obeysekere, Charman Sri Lanka Tea Board said. “More importantly, it empowers our producers and it brings long-term value to rural communities across the country.” The GI certification of Ceylon Tea was supported by a million Euro grant from…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee was quoted at 303.15/25 to the US dollar on Friday, weaker from 303.00/10 the previous day, while bond yields were broadly steady, dealers said. A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 was quoted at 8.30/40 percent, up from 8.30/35 percent. A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 was quoted flat at 8.75/85 percent. A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 was quoted at 9.25/30 percent, down from 9.25/32 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.70/75 percent, up from 9.70/73 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 10.50/65 percent, up from 10.50/60 percent. A bond maturing on…
Showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of Sri Lanka after 1.00 pm today, according to the Department of Meteorology. As such, fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-central and North-western provinces. Showers may occur in the Western and Southern provinces in the morning too. Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas around the island Winds will be south-westerly or variable, and wind speed will be 20-30 kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 45 kmph at times in the sea areas…
The government has planned to introduce a mechanism to recruit drug addicts for employment in government and private sectors after giving them vocational training on completion of the rehabilitation programme, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala said today.
The Committee on Public Enterprise (COPE) has found fault with the Construction Industries Development Authority (CIDA) for harassing workers on personal grounds and for incurring exorbitant expenses for lawyers appearing in a court case filed against an employee attached to the institution.
United Arab Emirates have claimed a ticket to next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, securing a top-three spot at the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Oman.
India’s foreign ministry has said it is ’’not aware’’ of a phone call in which US President Donald Trump claimed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has declared an emergency disaster response period from October 16 to 18, 2025.
The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka announced that partial disruptions to the Lanka Government Cloud (LGC) services continue, though critical systems remain secure and no data loss or security breaches have occurred.
Eroding the previous day’s losses, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) generated a significant turnover of LKR 8.87 billion today. Both the All Share Price Index (ASPI) and the S&P SL20 maintained a steady rally throughout the session, with minor fluctuations, reflecting sustained investor optimism. Market volatility remained elevated, with the ASPI moving within the 22,300 to 22,450 range.
Three individuals belonging to an organised gang were arrested for defrauding millions of money by posting on Facebook the photos fraudulently taken of children who are receiving treatment at the Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama.