Jul 1 (NW) New regulations introduced by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) for all Sri Lankans seeking foreign employment in non-domestic sectors for the first time come into effect from today (01 July). Accordingly, all Sri Lankans seeking foreign employment in non-domestic sectors for the first time must obtain certification of their employment contracts from the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in the respective country before registering with the SLBFE. more..

Jul 1 (EN) SL will pay its citizens over 60 years an additional 3% interest on their fixed deposits of up to a million rupees. Fixed deposits under this scheme can be opened from July 1, to Dec 31, and must have a 12-month tenure. “Senior citizens will be entitled to receive the higher of the published fixed deposit rate of the bank or Average Weighted Fixed Deposit Rate (AWFDR) plus 3% per annum,” the ministry said in a statement. “Interest under this scheme must be withdrawn monthly.” more..

Jul 1 (NW) The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Harsha Illukpitiya, who has been in remand custody for over 10 months, on Tuesday unconditionally apologized to the Supreme Court after being charged with contempt for failing to execute a court order tied to the controversial VFS e-visa deal. The Supreme Court has scheduled his sentencing for July 24. Illukpitiya admitted to disregarding the court’s directive, more..

Jul 1 (CT) CIABOC has received over 2,000 complaints within the first five months of this year, according to its latest progress report. The Commission reports that from 1 January to 31 May 2025, a total of 2,138 complaints were submitted. With the addition of unresolved complaints from 2024, the total number of pending complaints currently stands at 2,221. Of these, 224 complaints have been approved for formal investigation. Meanwhile, 524 complaints have been more..

Jul 1 (EN) The relationship with India and Sri Lanka is strong and the business community and take links further, High Commissioner Santosh Jha said in Colombo speaking to a group of visiting Indian chief executives and local business leaders. India had so far given US$ 7 billion in development aid to SL including 800 million dollars in grants. Recently 100 million dollars in loans were written off into grants. “And there is, of course, the debt restructuring and the softening of the loans more..

Jul 1 (MB) For centuries, barefoot pilgrims have walked through the arid jungles and lush forests of SL’s east and south, following a sacred route to a fabled shrine in Kataragama in the deep south, in what is popularly known as a pilgrimage on foot, or Pada Yatra. What began as an eco-friendly tradition with just a few hundred devotees of the deity Skanda, who is believed to reside within the famous shrine, has now grown significantly in scale, more..

Jul 1 (DM) SL authorities are raising concerns as most complaints are related to Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok with 90% of them involving Facebook and issues connected to AI. SLCERT engineer Charuka Damunupola, speaking to a popular TV channel, said there has been an increasing number of incidents linked to social media misuse, with 7 million people using the internet in SL and 90% of them active on social media. more..

Jul 1 (NW) The brother of the victim, who was shot dead in Kahawatta yesterday, has alleged that the murder had taken place due to their objections to drug peddling being carried out in their area of residence. The man revealed that a distant relative was involved in the drug business and that complaints had been filed with the Kahawatta Police in this regard. He further said that despite many complaints being filed, Police officers had not taken any form of action to curb drug activities. more..

Jul 1 (NF) Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawela, Chairman of the CIABOC, has underscored the critical importance of enforcement in SL’s anti-corruption efforts, calling for collective action and institutional strength to uphold integrity in governance. “Enforcement is at the heart of any credible anti-corruption strategy,” Justice Iddawela stated. “It is not enough to pass laws or launch awareness campaigns. Laws must be enforced, violations must be investigated & justice must be served more..

Jul 1 (AD) Three-wheeler operators say they expected a considerable reduction in prices of fuel as promised by the National People’s Power (NPP) during the election stage. Secretary of the National Joint Three-Wheeler Drivers and Industrial Workers Association Rohana Perera stated that although the NPP promised to reduce the prices of a litre of fuel by Rs. 160, the govt led by the same party has not taken any meaningful decisions to ease the burden of three-wheeler operators. more..

Jul 1 (AD) In a significant step towards strengthening good governance and transparency in Sri Lanka, Govt of Japan has extended a grant of USD 2.5 million to support a new anti-corruption initiative implemented by the UNDP. “Corruption undermines sustainable development, the well-being of its citizens, their trust in institutions and tax morale. The cost of corruption is felt by all segments of society and the economy. more..

Jul 1 (EN) Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals increased 21.8% from a year ago to 138,241 in June 2025, with visitors from Pakistan and Bangladesh increasing. There were 37,934 visitors from India in June 2025, making up 27.4% of total arrivals, followed by the UK with 11,628 which made up 8.4% of arrivals. Visitors from neighboring Pakistan and Bangladesh had increased, possibly due to an international Bohra conference taking place in the island’s capital Colombo, and a test match. more..

Jul 1 (DM) Cabinet approval was granted today to implement the govt’s online traffic fine payment programme islandwide, expanding on the pilot project currently in operation, Minister Bimal Ratnayake said. Speaking to the media following an awareness programme near the Kottawa Expressway entrance, on the importance of wearing seat belts for vehicles using the expressway, Minister said steps have been taken to simplify the process of paying traffic fines. more..

Jul 1 (MB) The recent sightings of the ageing leopard limping and in visible distress have triggered public sympathy where some wildlife lovers have urged wildlife authorities to step in and provide veterinary support. Among them is Wasiri Gajaman, a medical professional and passionate wildlife photographer. “Neluma is more than a wild animal as he is an icon of Wilpattu and a symbol of SL’s natural heritage. He deserves care more..

Jul 1 (CT) Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar yesterday ordered that the case against former Defence Ministry Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and former IGP Pujith Jayasundara be recalled on 28 July. The case pertains to allegations of dereliction of duty and failure to take appropriate action to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019. The case was heard before the Trial-at-Bar comprising Justices Namal Balalle and Mohammed Irshadeen. Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana more..

Jul 1 (AD) The SL Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has invited applications for scholarships for the school-aged children of SL migrant workers who are registered with the SLBFE and have been employed or are permanently employed abroad. These scholarships are available to children whose parents were employed abroad and registered with the Bureau between Jan 1, 2019, and Sept 15, 2024. Children who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the scholarship program: more..

Jul 1 (NW) NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa says he has been summoned by the Bribery Commission to record a statement regarding an ongoing investigation. Addressing the media, former minister said that the investigations pertain to the sale of some shops during his tenure as the Minister of Housing and Construction. “I was issued a date to report to the Bribery Commission. I informed them via a letter that I would not be able to report on the said date due to a court case. more..

Jul 1 (CT) Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga yesterday directed the Cinnamon Gardens Police to submit a report to court on 8 December after obtaining the Attorney General’s advice regarding the case against former MP Hirunika Premachandra and 14 others. The case concerns allegations that the accused violated the Police Ordinance and the Motor Traffic Act by staging a street drama at Independence Square without prior approval. more..

Jul 1 (EN) CIABOC arrested a former Commissioner General of the Dept of Motor Traffic (DMT) and two others over authorizing the issuance of a number plate to a vehicle without Customs clearance. CIABOC in a statement said it arrested former Commissioner General of the DMT Nishantha Weerasinghe for irregular approval, Brahmana Wasala Priyantha Bandara Iriyagama (Assistant Director, Information Technology – Retired) more..

Jul 1 (NW) Former Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, Nishantha Wickramasinghe, has been further remanded until 15 July 2025. He was further remanded after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today. Wickramasinghe, who is the brother of former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation by the Bribery Commission. Three corruption-related charges have been filed against Wickramasinghe related to incidents more..

Jul 1 (AD) Maureen Neliya Ballard (née Hingert), professionally known as Jana Davi, has passed away. Born on 9 January 1937, she was a SL actress, dancer, model, and beauty pageant titleholder. She gained international recognition after being crowned Miss Ceylon 1955 and becoming the second runner-up at the Miss Universe 1955 pageant — marking the first time a representative from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) received an award at the prestigious international competition. more..

Jul 1 (DM) Minister Bimal Rathnayake has urged bus owners to ensure seat belts are installed and used while transporting passengers for maximum safety and advised those unwilling to comply with the law to seek employment in another industry. Minister said that the mandatory use of seat belts for both drivers and front-seat passengers was introduced on Oct 1, 2011, under the Motor Traffic Act. However, while this regulation more..

Jul 1 (NW) A group of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) activists have filed a complaint with the CID over recent claims linked to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Malwathu Maha Viharaya in Kandy. Speaking to reporters, the SLPP activists said that it was claimed on social media that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had made a request from the Malwathu Maha Viharaya in Kandy seeking its intervention to prevent the arrest of former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa. more..

Jul 1 (DM) The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that the annual bus fare revision will come into effect from July 4. According to the Commission, bus fares will be reduced by 0.55% this year. However, the minimum fare will remain unchanged. The NTC said that the revision was made in line with the annual fare adjustment mechanism, which takes into account fuel prices, operational costs, and other economic factors. Minimum fare remains at Rs 27. more..

Jul 1 (FT) Electricity reform is an essential element of Sri Lanka’s development effort and economic revival. It has been an unfulfilled need (amongst many others) for 20 plus years that was ultimately forced on us by the IMF. The previous Govt brought in a revised Electricity Act in haste, with minimal consultation. It was progressive, had its merits, with also many inconsistencies and errors which would have created future operational and legal nightmares. This had to be expected, more..

Jul 1 (FT) Serious questions about governance practices within Sri Lanka’s energy sector are emerging, as concerns grow over potential conflicts of interest, policy inconsistencies, and transparency gaps that could undermine the nation’s energy security and economic future. The concerns centre on a troubling pattern of individuals moving between private consulting roles and public regulatory positions without adequate safeguards. This raises fundamental questions about whether more..

Jul 1 (FT) SJB MP Mujibur Rahman alleged the Govt was concealing the findings of a critical Customs inquiry, warning that failures to follow mandatory scanning procedures for high-risk cargo could have jeopardised the country’s security, revenue, and public health. He charged that the administration had deliberately withheld the Inquiry Committee’s report from the legislators, prompting him to formally table it on the House floor. more..

Jul 1 (AD) A decision regarding the revision of bus fares, in line with yesterday’s fuel price adjustment, will be made within the next two days, the National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced. Naomi Jayawardena, the Director General of the NTC stated that the National Transport Commission is scheduled to convene and make a final decision on the matter. Although the annual bus fare revision was initially set to be implemented from today (01), Director General Jayawardena noted more..

Jul 1 (CT) Former Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and former Director General of the BOI, Jayantha Edirisinghe, were yesterday given indictments before Colombo HC Judge Pradeep Hettiarachchi by the CIABOC. The indictments relate to an alleged misuse of over Rs. 1.74 million from the BOI budget in 2014 to publish newspaper advertisements marking the second-term anniversary of then-Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa. The advertisements were published in several more..

Jul 1 (TM) SL’s target to bring its debt-to-GDP ratio below 95% by 2032 - announced yesterday with the unveiling of the govt’s mid-term fiscal strategy - has been described as ambitious by Uni of Peradeniya Economics Prof. Wasantha Athukorala, who cautioned that current debt trends do not point to such rapid improvement. “In terms of public debt-to-GDP being less than 95% of GDP in 2032, this differs from the steady targets more..

Jul 1 (DM) Ceypetco has announced a revision of fuel prices, which will come into effect from midnight today (30). The price of a liter of Lanka White Diesel will go up by Rs. 15, making the new price Rs. 289. The price of Octane 92 petrol will increase by Rs. 12, with the new price set at Rs. 305 per liter. In addition, price of Lanka Kerosene has been raised by Rs. 7, and the new price is Rs. 185 per liter. However, the prices of Octane 95 petrol & Lanka Super Diesel will remain unchanged. more..

Jul 1 (AD) Former Minister and veteran politician Gamini Lokuge has passed away a short while ago at the age of 82, according to family sources. Lokuge commenced his political career in 1960 as a member of the UNP. His first successful national-level campaign came in 1983, when he was elected by a clear majority to represent the Kesbewa Electoral District. He served as Minister of Tourism during the UNP-led govts in 1989 and 2002. In 2006, following personal disagreements with more..