Highlight, Local News
October 16, 2025
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IMF Urges Sri Lanka to Strengthen Institutions and Governance to Prevent Future Crises

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on Sri Lanka to strengthen its institutional framework and improve public investment management to prevent a repeat of the country’s recent fiscal crisis. Responding to a question by News 1st’s Zulfick Farzan, Thomas Helbling, Deputy Director of the IMF’s Asia Pacific Department, acknowledged that a range of factors […]

Local News, Politics
October 15, 2025
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Former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara Arrested by Bribery Commission and Produced Before Court Over Alleged Corruption in Israeli Job Scheme

Former Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara was arrested earlier today (15) by officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with alleged irregularities in the foreign employment program involving the deployment of Sri Lankan workers to Israel. Nanayakkara, who was taken into custody this afternoon, was […]

Local News
October 15, 2025
42 views 12 secs 0

Govt Unveils New Tourism Measures to Boost Visitor Experience Ahead of Peak Season

The government has introduced a series of new initiatives to enhance facilities and streamline services for tourists ahead of the upcoming travel season. The Special Task Force, appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to fast-track tourism promotion efforts, convened for the second time yesterday (14) at the Presidential Secretariat. Key discussions centered on improving visa […]

Local News
October 15, 2025
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Watawala Tea Pulls Short Film After Public Outcry Over Alleged LGBTQI Themes

Watawala Tea has withdrawn its short film “Him, Her and Them” following widespread backlash from the public, who accused the brand of promoting LGBTQI themes under the guise of family storytelling. In a statement, the company explained that the film was meant to reflect “the everyday emotions of family life and the balance between strength […]

Highlight, Local News
October 15, 2025
37 views 39 secs 0

Attorney Gunaratne Wanninayake Granted Bail in Police Obstruction Case

Attorney-at-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake was released on bail today (15) by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, in connection with a case where he is accused of obstructing police duties on court premises. The Magistrate granted bail on two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each. Wanninayake appeared before court this afternoon, accompanied by Bar Association of Sri Lanka […]

Local News
October 15, 2025
40 views 58 secs 0

Met Department Issues Severe Weather Warning as Island Braces for Widespread Heavy Rain

The Department of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning, forecasting intense rainfall and strong winds across several parts of Sri Lanka over the coming days due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone and prevailing atmospheric disturbances. According to the advisory, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central, Uva, and North-Western provinces are likely to experience heavy showers exceeding […]

Local News
October 14, 2025
38 views 44 secs 0

Gotabaya Rajapaksa Denies Ownership of Controversial Kataragama Property

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has publicly denied any ownership or connection to a building near the Manik Ganga in Kataragama, following renewed media reports linking him to the property. In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Rajapaksa said the reports were false and clarified that the property in question did not belong to […]

Local News
October 14, 2025
39 views 26 secs 0

Rs. 730 Million in Criminal Assets Seized in 2025: Over 4,000 Suspects Arrested

Sri Lanka Police have seized and frozen assets worth Rs. 730 million so far this year, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organized criminal networks operating across the island, Police Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler announced. The confiscated assets include 354 pounds of gold, 72 vehicles, 35 houses, 37 acres of […]

Local News
October 14, 2025
40 views 2 mins 0

Ishara Sewwandi Arrested in Nepal, to Be Extradited to Sri Lanka Tomorrow

After months on the run, Ishara Sewwandi — the prime suspect in the murder of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa — has been arrested in Nepal along with six others. Police confirmed that Sewwandi and her accomplices will be brought back to Sri Lanka tomorrow. The arrests were made during a special joint operation led by […]