Press "Enter" to skip to content

The Sri Lankan Report

Nobel Prize in physics goes to trio of US-based scientists

A trio of US-based scientists, John Clarke of the UK, Michel Devoret of France, and John Martinis of the US, have won the Nobel Prize in physics for their work in the field of quantum mechanical tunnelling, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced in Stockholm on Tuesday. Why was the prize awarded? The prize was awarded for “the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit,” according to the award-giving body. “This year’s Nobel Prize in Physics has provided opportunities for developing the next generation of quantum technology, including quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and quantum sensors,” it said in…

Read the full article →

Opposition calls for Select Committee to probe release of 323 containers

Opposition MPs today handed over a motion seeking to appoint a Select Committee to investigate the controversial release of 323 containers from the Port of Colombo without undergoing mandatory physical inspection, in violation of established customs procedures. The motion notes that the irregular release of containers poses “serious risks to national security, revenue collection, and public safety,” as observed in a report by a Committee of Inquiry appointed by the Secretary to the Treasury on the instructions of the President. The inquiry followed media reports highlighting the alleged breach of customs regulations. According to the Opposition MPs, the Sri Lanka…

Read the full article →

Sri Lanka’s growth strong but uneven, warns World Bank

Sri Lanka’s recent economic performance has shown strong progress, but the country’s recovery remains incomplete, with growth still lagging behind pre-crisis levels and poverty remaining significantly high, according to the latest Sri Lanka Development Update released by the World Bank today.

Read the full article →

Gazette amending Betting & Gambling Levy published

The Gazette on Betting and Gambling Levy (Amendment) has been published, effective from 01st October 2025. Accordingly, the tax on gross collections for gambling businesses, including all persons conducting business of a bookmaker or gambling operator, has been increased from 15% to 18%. Additionally, the casino entry fee payable by Sri Lankan citizens has been raised to 100 US dollars, a 100% increase. (Newswire) The post Gazette amending Betting & Gambling Levy published appeared first on Newswire.

Read the full article →

Convention Against Doping in Sport Amendment Bill passed

The Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament without amendments. The second reading of the Convention against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill took place in Parliament today (07). The proposed legislation aims to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s legal framework in the global fight against doping in sports. (Newswire) The post Convention Against Doping in Sport Amendment Bill passed appeared first on Newswire.

Read the full article →

Murder at JVP meeting : SC upholds death sentence of Julampitiye Amare

The Supreme Court today (Oct. 7) upheld the death sentence imposed on G.G. Amarasinghe, popularly known as “Julampitiya Amare,” by the Tangalle High Court over a double murder committed in 2012. A bench comprising Justices Janak de Silva, Sobhitha Rajakaruna, and Sampath Wijerathne dismissed the appeal filed by Amarasinghe seeking to overturn his conviction, thereby confirming the death penalty. Amarasinghe had appealed through his legal counsel requesting to be acquitted and released, but the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal without taking it up for full hearing. He was convicted for shooting and killing two individuals and critically injuring another during…

Read the full article →

Rs. 1 million homes for low-income families handed over in Kalutara

Five newly built houses were handed over to low-income families in the Kalutara District under the government’s new initiative, “Thamange Theanak – Lassana Jeewithayak” (A Place of Their Own – A Beautiful Life). The program aims to support families unable to afford building their own homes, providing Rs. 1 million in financial assistance per beneficiary family. The handover ceremony was held yesterday (06) under the patronage of Health and Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. The houses were distributed among selected low-income families from the Millaniya, Bandaragama, and Horana Divisional Secretariat areas. In the Millaniya Division, three families from Venivelpitiya, Yatiyana, and…

Read the full article →

IMF delegation meets President AKD : Details

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) remains a vital partner in Sri Lanka’s accelerated journey from crisis to recovery, emphasizing that the government regards IMF support not merely as external assistance, but as an integral element of its comprehensive strategy for sustainable economic progress. Speaking at the fifth mid-point review meeting held today (07) at the Presidential Secretariat with an IMF delegation, the President stressed that the government’s reform agenda is focused on achieving long-term stability, inclusive growth, and investor confidence. The sixth tranche of IMF assistance is scheduled for release in December. During the…

Read the full article →

Gold hits record high above $3,900

Gold surged to an all-time high above $3,900 per ounce on Monday, buoyed by growing expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut this month, as well as economic and political uncertainty in the U.S., France and Japan.

Read the full article →

People’s Bank unveils ‘People’s Tower’ as new Head Office

‘People’s Tower’, the new head office building of People’s Bank, was ceremonially declared open today (07) at No. 374, Dr. Colvin R. de Silva Mawatha, Colombo 2. The building was declared open under the patronage of the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and the Secretary to the Treasury and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma. For over sixty-four years, People’s Bank has been deeply committed to the development of the nation by providing financial facilities to the public and making an unparalleled contribution to the country’s social and economic…

Read the full article →

CM Stalin’s Katchatheevu talk ’’pure political drama’’ to divert attention from Karur stampede: BJP’s Annamalai

Launching a scathing attack on the DMK government, BJP leader K Annamalai said that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is doing ’’pure political drama’’ by talking about retrieving the Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka to divert attention from the administrative failure of his government in handling the Karur stampede.

Read the full article →

07 students hospitalized after chemical exposure at school lab

Seven Grade 7 students from a school in Dambulla have been admitted to the hospital after coming into contact with a chemical substance. Among the affected students are five male students and two female students. It is reported that during the recent school holidays, monkeys had entered the school’s science lab.  When classes resumed today, students visited the lab and noticed damage to some of the items and a red-colored substance scattered on the floor. The students had mistaken the scattered iron-identifying chemical substance for chilli powder and attempted to examine it by tasting it. Following this exposure, they were…

Read the full article →

“Explore Sri Lanka” tourism photo exhibition held in Jordan

A four-day photo exhibition titled “Explore Sri Lanka” was inaugurated at the Royal Cultural Centre in Amman, Jordan, last week (01), presenting a captivating collection of photographs highlighting Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, pristine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant traditions. According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Amman, the exhibition was inaugurated by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Jordan, J.A.D.S. Priyangika Wijegunasekara, together with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture of Jordan, Nidal Ibrahim. The exhibition has been launched to inspire Jordanian audiences to experience the beauty and hospitality of Sri Lanka as a premier travel…

Read the full article →

Public warned of Telegram, WhatsApp online fraud

The Sri Lankan Police has warned the public of various fraudulent activities being carried out by exploiting social media platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, etc., via the internet. According to the Police, there are instances where fraudsters are obtaining the account details (Username/Password) of unsuspecting individuals through various methods, including QR codes, and subsequently blocking the original owners from their online accounts. The Police state these fraudsters are engaging in such activities by requesting money for fake job opportunities. As such, the public has been informed to remain vigilant of fraudulent schemes online and to be aware of such activities.…

Read the full article →

Lightning advisory : Red alert issued to 10 districts

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for severe lightning in the Northern, North-Central, Central, Eastern and Uva Provinces.  Per the advisory, effective until 11.00 pm today, red alerts have been issued to 15 districts, while amber alerts have been issued to 10 districts. The public has been advised to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused due to lightning activity. (Newswire) The post Lightning advisory : Red alert issued to 10 districts appeared first on Newswire.

Read the full article →