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Leopard rescued from Norwood snare recovering, to be released into wild
By Newswire Editorial The three-and-a-half-year-old female leopard rescued from a snare in Norwood is recovering at the Randenigala Veterinary Unit
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LAUGFS Gas shipment of over 3,000 metric tonnes arrives in Sri Lanka
A vessel carrying more than 3,000 metric tonnes of gas has arrived in Sri Lanka, and LAUGFS Gas PLC says it will resume supplying gas cylinders to domestic and business customers in several phases.
Government engineers launch nationwide strike over 2027 Budget allowance dispute
By Newswire Editorial The Government Service Engineers’ Association has announced a nationwide token strike today (13), protesting the government’s failure
Imprimatur without inquiry: What the Supreme Court ignored in the PSTA Bill
By Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa, Senior Researcher On 28 September 2026, I wrote to the Daily FT about the unprecedented, and
Aussie cricket spat gets ugly as Cummins, Khawaja and Warner clash
Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has strongly rejected Usman Khawaja’s allegations over the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, prompting a sharp response
More developments
Sri Lanka targets FDI with new agency and 200-pct tax write-off
Proposed investment agency will be a 100-percent Treasury-owned company offering market-aligned salaries and allowances
Suspect who escaped police custody arrested over murder of woman at Nuwara Eliya lodge
By Newswire Editorial A 27-year-old suspect who had escaped from police custody has been arrested in connection with the recent
Central Bank warns public against fake AI-generated videos impersonating Governor
By Newswire Editorial The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has warned the public against fake AI-generated videos and advertisements
2027 Budget debate begins in Parliament today
By Newswire Editorial The Second Reading debate on the 2027 Budget will commence in Parliament today (13), following the presentation
SLC welcomes Supreme Court determination on Cricket Bill as major milestone for reforms
By Newswire Editorial Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s determination on the Sri Lanka Cricket Bill, describing
Brooklyn building collapse : 2 children among the dead as search concludes
Two children and six adults, including two construction workers, were killed as a three-story apartment building collapsed in Brooklyn, New
Balangoda Kassapa Thera & 6 others remanded, ordered to undergo psychiatric & drug tests
Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero and six others who were staging a fast-unto-death protest in the Anuradhapura Sacred City have been
Govt. likely to enter into another agreement with IMF, Deputy Finance Minister says
Latest reporting on Govt. likely to enter into another agreement with IMF, Deputy Finance Minister says. Open the original publisher’s report for the full account, sourcing and any subsequent updates.
Sri Lanka Customs officer arrested for accepting Rs. 30,000 bribe
A Sri Lanka Customs Security Officer was arrested on November 12, 2026, for allegedly soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs. 30,000 to provide documents needed to clear two motorcycles imported from Japan. The post…
Rs. 3 Billion to Replace Aging Ambulances, 100 New Vehicles for Suwa Seriya
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced a major overhaul of the country’s emergency medical transport network in the 2027 Budget Speech delivered in Parliament today (12). Sri Lanka’s emergency response has…
Free dual citizenship proposed for spouses, children & grandchildren of Sri Lankans
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced plans to launch a new “Global Sri Lankan Heritage Citizen” programme aimed at second and third-generation members of the Sri Lankan diaspora. Unveiling the proposal in…
2027 Budget Second Reading Debate Begins Today; Deficit Projected at Rs. 1.753 Trillion
The debate on the Second Reading of the 2027 Budget begins in Parliament today (13 November), with proceedings starting at 9.30 a.m. The debate follows the presentation of the Budget by President Anura Kumara…
Personal tax relief in Budget 2027
Latest reporting on Personal tax relief in Budget 2027. Open the original publisher’s report for the full account, sourcing and any subsequent updates.
A temporary reduction in showery conditions is expected today
WEATHER FORECAST FOR 13 NOVEMBER 2026 Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 13 November 2026 by the Department of Meteorology A temporary reduction in showery conditions is expected today. Misty conditions canMisty conditions can…
BIMSTEC offers more trade, investment and regional cooperation opportunities for SL
Latest reporting on BIMSTEC offers more trade, investment and regional cooperation opportunities for SL. Open the original publisher’s report for the full account, sourcing and any subsequent updates.
Budget 2027: President sets out economic transformation agenda
Roadmap unveiled for economic transformation beyond stabilisation Salary and allowance increases for public sector employees Public debt projected to fall to 87% by 2032 PAYE tax-free threshold to rise to Rs. 162,500…
SC: PSTB can be passed by simple majority subject to four committee-stage amendments
The Supreme Court had determined that several provisions of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act are inconsistent with the Constitution, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced in Parliament…
SC rules two clauses of proposed Sri Lanka Cricket Bill inconsistent with the Constitution
The Supreme Court has determined that two clauses of the proposed Sri Lanka Cricket Bill are inconsistent with the Constitution and would require a two-thirds majority in Parliament to be passed in their present…
Four monks in custody after Ruwanweli Seya brawl
Four Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, who were staging a fast-unto-death near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura, were taken into police custody following a tense confrontation at the…
Contempt of court case against Dilith, Wimal, Udaya, three others heard for second day
A complaint filed by the Fort Magistrate alleging contempt of court against six individuals, including ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ leader and MP Dilith Jayaweera and former MPs Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, was taken…
Public warned of deadly rat fever threat
Nearly 7,000 cases already reported so far this year during prevailing monsoon rains Health authorities have warned of an increased risk of Leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, with the onset of the Maha…
A Budget for all
Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday in Parliament presented Budget for 2027, touted by many as a Budget for all, and the best Budget by any recent Govt. While the Budget raises total spending by Rs. 624 billion to Rs. 7.9 trillion, it spreads the increase…
Farmers, fishermen query lack of subsidies
Farmers have expressed disappointment with the 2027 Budget, saying it has failed to provide adequate support to improve agricultural infrastructure and strengthen the sector�s contribution to national production, despite this being a requirement identified by…
Books and printed material to be exempted from VAT under 2027 Budget
Books and several categories of printed material, including exercise books, dictionaries, encyclopedias and children's picture books, will be exempted from Value Added Tax (VAT) under proposed amendments to the VAT Act, President Anura Kumara announced in…
Budget 2027: Govt bets on Rs 2 tillion capital spend
President presented a Budget for 2027 that cuts income tax for a second time and raises allowances across the public service. It also commits a record Rs 2,000 billion to capital spending, while allowing the deficit to widen to fund reconstruction after…
SC determines: Simple majority will suffice for PSTA
Supreme Court (SC) has determined that the Bill for the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) can be passed by a simple majority in Parliament, subject to four amendments being incorporated at the Committee Stage. Speaker of Parliament Jagath…
Sajith calls Budget 2027 a parrot-like speech without solutions
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has strongly criticised the govt�s 2027 Budget, claiming it fails to address the rising cost of living, poverty and unemployment while offering no meaningful relief to millions of struggling Sri Lankans. Speaking to the…
No future for Gen Z and Millennials in Budget 2027: UNP
UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena has criticised the govt�s 2027 Budget, claiming it fails to address the country�s pressing economic challenges or provide meaningful relief to the public. Abeywardena said the Budget lacked proposals to secure the future of…
Budget 2027 spending: where Sri Lanka�s money goes
The 2027 budget sets aside Rs. 2,000 billion for public investment in 2027, or 5.12% of GDP, including Cyclone Ditwah rebuilding. Highways, expressways and railways receive Rs. 251 billion; social protection, including Aswesuma, Rs. 230 billion, and the first…
Five-day business name registrations now possible after 108-year system overhaul
The pilot project of the simplified and Unified Business Name Registration (BNR) process, introduced with the aim of making business name registration in SL simpler, more efficient and accessible, was officially launched on Tuesday in Anuradhapura by Deputy…
ICC Women�s Emerging Nations Trophy: Hasini, Vishmi guide SL to 10-wicket win
SL women made an impressive start to the ICC Women�s Emerging Nations Trophy cricket tournament, beating Ireland by ten wickets with seven overs to spare in their opening match played in Ajman, UAE, yesterday. Openers Hasini Perera and Vishmi Gunaratne scored…
Sri Lanka eyes hosting next SAFF Championship after setback
Football Federation of SL (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar has apologised to the nation following Sri Lanka�s disappointing SAFF Championship campaign, promising a stronger comeback within eight months while revealing plans to host the next South Asian football…
Sri Lanka�s 2027 budget unveils middle class tax relief, eyes record capital spending
Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented his govt�s third fiscal blueprint as the island nation�s finance minister, eyeing economic transformation from hard-gained stability under an IMF deal. Budget seeks to capitalize on hard-won macroeconomic stability.…
Sri Lanka secures 3,500 places for 2027 Hajj pilgrimage
Sri Lanka has officially signed the Hajj agreement with Saudi Arabia for the 2027 pilgrimage, securing a quota of 3,500 pilgrims. The accord was signed on Monday, Nov 9, in Jeddah on the sidelines of the annual Hajj Exhibition and Conference by Sri Lanka�s…
Sri Lanka�s IMF crossroads puts major-power balancing act in focus
Sri Lanka�s decision on whether to continue with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), after its current programme, would test its ability to navigate competition among major powers, former Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha said. Delivering the Gamani…
We will never forget what you did : Anojan�s family thanks President AKD
The family of SL national Anojan Sivarasa, who was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia before being cleared of all charges, has expressed gratitude to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his intervention in securing Sivarasa�s release. Sivarasa�s family members…
Air Arabia plans engineering recruitment event in Colombo this month
Sharjah-based airline Air Arabia is preparing to conduct an invitation-only engineering recruitment event in Colombo between November 17 and 19, creating a potential employment pathway for suitably qualified SL aviation professionals interested in working in…
Buddhist sermons from AKD amid Budget speech to Opposition on right path
Assuring the 2027 Budget focusses on prosperity for future generations, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake used sermons from Buddhism in Parliament to drive home the point how the Opposition should conduct itself. In concluding his 2027 Budget presentation, Prez…
Sri Lanka�s $ 5 b ICT/BPM export target by 2030 under spotlight
Sri Lanka�s aim to achieve its $ 5 billion ICT/BPM exports in terms of the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026�2030 came under spotlight recently, at a high-level review involving the Export Development Board (EDB) and the Digital Economy Ministry…
Aitken Spence records strong 1H performance with PBT up 71%
Aitken Spence said it recorded a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 2.8 billion for the six months ended 30 Sept 2026, an increase of 71.4% over the corresponding period of the previous financial year. Earnings before interest expenses, tax, depreciation and…
New-car registrations drop by a third as vehicle market cools
SL�s vehicle registrations fell 12.1% in October from a month earlier, with the two-wheelers accounting for more than three-quarters of the decline as fewer cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were also registered, the data compiled by JB Securities showed…
Echoes of Buddhism betrayed? Gnanasara thero & Evolution of modern Bhikku activism
The socio-political history of Sri Lanka in the early twenty-first century cannot be evaluated without examining the rise of activist Buddhist monasticism, a phenomenon that dramatically reshaped the nation�s governance, civil relations, and collective…
Robes of Resposibility: The Bhikkhu in a changing society
The role of the Bhikkhu in contemporary SL society has increasingly become a subject of public discussion and debate. Questions are frequently raised about the responsibilities of the Sangha, the extent of its involvement in national affairs and, perhaps most…
Judicial Sanction vs. Public Acceptance
Supreme Court (SC) has determined that the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTB) can be passed by a simple parliamentary majority subject to four amendments at the Committee Stage. The amendments include requiring police applications for extended…
Anuradhapura sacred area development plan
According to the History of the National Physical Planning Department, the Anuradhapura Conservation Ordinance , established in 1942, can be considered as the first legal cover presented for the preparation and implementation of plans for any identified area…
'Sri Lanka needs a federal constitution'
Former Jaffna District MP and DTNA Co-Leader Suresh Premachandran has been in the spotlight amid renewed efforts by Tamil political parties to coordinate their positions on issues affecting the Tamil community. He has been involved in discussions between the…
In search of an unfound beginning
At this political moment, from a Right-Wing perspective, SL carries a mass of vicious minds. Many appear barren of conscience, and their Right-Wing political sentiment seems hollow. Most have become Judas-like local hypocrites, presenting themselves as the…
The fall of a giant: How the SLFP lost its recognition
Elections Commission has informed the factions fighting for the leadership of the SLFP that the SLFP will no longer be considered a recognised political party, due to ongoing leadership disputes. The Commission stated last Friday that the core reason for this…
'Economic stability is not enough, Sri Lanka needs jobs'
Sri Lanka may have achieved a degree of macroeconomic stability following its unprecedented economic crisis, but the recovery has yet to translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary people, according to SJB MP Harsha de Silva. In an…
Grounded by our own red tape
On Wednesday, Sri Lanka�s first passenger drone taxi lifted off at the Colombo Port City carrying two Ministers, and for three minutes the country seemed to be keeping pace with the future. Yet by the time the aircraft settled back on the ground, the story…
Streamline road safety & save people�s lives
Despite repeated awareness programmes and setting up of committees, road accidents continue to claim the lives of Sri Lankans. According to Sri Lanka Police, over 2000 road a cidents have been recorded for 2026 alone, claiming the lives of over 2300 people.…
JXG, Ceylon Chamber launch new initiative to support entrepreneurs
Latest reporting on JXG, Ceylon Chamber launch new initiative to support entrepreneurs. Open the original publisher’s report for the full account, sourcing and any subsequent updates.
Nalinda elected Chair of inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting
Latest reporting on Nalinda elected Chair of inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting. Open the original publisher’s report for the full account, sourcing and any subsequent updates.
Sri Lanka: Rights groups fear proposed anti-terror law could limit dissent, free speech
Latest reporting on Sri Lanka: Rights groups fear proposed anti-terror law could limit dissent, free speech. Open the original publisher’s report for the full account, sourcing and any subsequent updates.
This government is boastful and does not understand administration’ – Johnston Fernando
COLOMBO:Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Operations Chief Johnston Fernando has accused the Government of failing to manage the country’s economy, claiming that the cost of living is rising and several State…
Tourism Development Levy to be abolished from April 2027
Latest reporting on Tourism Development Levy to be abolished from April 2027. Open the original publisher’s report for the full account, sourcing and any subsequent updates.
Special Commodity Levy revised on essential food imports from November 13
Latest reporting on Special Commodity Levy revised on essential food imports from November 13. Open the original publisher’s report for the full account, sourcing and any subsequent updates.
Sri Lanka cuts import taxes on 3 essential foods, raises levy on sugar
The tax cuts on these foods will take effect from November 13, Dissanayake told parliament on Thursday.
Govt plans to invest over Rs. 1.2 trillion in electrifying 3 main railway lines
Latest reporting on Govt plans to invest over Rs. 1.2 trillion in electrifying 3 main railway lines. Open the original publisher’s report for the full account, sourcing and any subsequent updates.
Sri Lanka to cut CESS on 800 import items by 25-pct, scrap PAL on newsprint, solar batteries
CESS cut will result in an annual revenue loss of 10,000 million rupees, while changes to PAL will cost the state 350 mn
Budget 2027: President unveils Rs. 174 billion concessionary loan programme for businesses and women-led families
Latest reporting on Budget 2027: President unveils Rs. 174 billion concessionary loan programme for businesses and women-led families. Open the original publisher’s report for the full account, sourcing and any subsequent updates.
Budget 2027: Sri Lanka Slashes Import Levies on Sprats and Chilies, Raises Sugar Tax
Sri Lanka has announced targeted revisions to the Special Commodity Levy (SCL) on key imported food items as part of its 2027 Budget Speech, aiming to balance household cost-of-living relief with domestic market…
Budget 2027: Sri Lanka Exempts Books from VAT, Recognizes E-Invoices, and Refines Exporter Rules
Sri Lanka has unveiled a sweeping set of amendments to the Value Added Tax Act, No. 14 of 2002, in the 2027 Budget Speech, headlined by the removal of VAT on educational books and printed materials alongside key…
Sri Lanka to waive dual citizenship fees for spouses, children under heritage program
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka will stop charging dual citizenship fees for the spouses, second-generation children, and third-generation children of applicants under a new Global Sri Lankan Heritage Citizenship program,…
WINDFORCE DELIVERS STRONG FIRST-HALF GROWTH AND ACCELERATES RENEWABLE ENERGY EXPANSION
Consolidated revenue for the six months ended 30 September 2026 increased to Rs. 5.61 billion