President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced a major boost to Sri Lanka’s defence capabilities, confirming that the country will acquire two C-130 aircraft and 10 helicopters as part of an ongoing military modernisation program supported by international partners. Speaking during the parliamentary debate on budget allocations for the Ministry of Defence and Public Security, the […]
Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, his son Ramith Rambukwella, daughter Amali Nayanika Rambukwella, and a domestic aide were served indictments today (17) in two separate corruption cases filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). The indictments were presented before Colombo High Court Judge Mohomad Mihal. According to CIABOC, during his tenure […]
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry crossed a significant milestone today as total tourist arrivals for the year surpassed two million, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). The landmark arrival was recorded with the entry of a French couple at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), where officials held a special welcome ceremony to mark the […]
Sri Lanka Police have arrested a man in Negombo for possessing a highly concealable foreign-made firearm during a special operation. Acting on intelligence provided by the Colombo Crimes Division, officers intercepted the suspect and recovered a Czechoslovakian-manufactured mini gun, measuring approximately six inches in length. The 44-year-old suspect was produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court, […]
A married couple has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking during a police raid in the Hunuwala area, following a tip-off received by the Warakapola Police Anti-Corruption Unit. Police said the husband was initially apprehended with 5 grams of heroin, and information obtained during questioning led to the arrest of his wife, who was […]
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry has formally requested India to immediately hand over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, following their convictions in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal–Bangladesh (ICT-BD). In a statement issued on Monday, Dhaka said the two former officials—believed to be currently residing in India—must be returned under the […]
SLPP founder Basil Rajapaksa has been ordered to appear before the Matara Magistrate’s Court on Friday, November 21, over a case related to the alleged illegal acquisition of land using Rs. 50 million in unlawfully obtained funds. The court-issued summons requires his presence for the hearing, but it remains uncertain whether the former minister will […]
The second reading of the Appropriation Bill for the 2026 financial year was passed in Parliament today with a majority of 118 votes. A total of 160 MPs voted in favour of Budget 2026, while 42 voted against it. Eight MPs abstained from voting. Notably, four Opposition parliamentarians — Mano Ganesan, Palani Digambaram, Jeevan Thondaman, […]
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today attended the 36th Il Maha Viru Samaruma, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s annual Commemoration of November Heroes, held in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for the movement. The event took place this afternoon at the Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatre in Colombo, with JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva joining the […]
Colombo, November 14 — Senior Deputy Inspector General Sanjeewa Dharmaratne has been appointed as the Acting Inspector General of Police, effective today. Dharmaratne currently serves as the Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province. Police Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler confirmed that the temporary appointment was made due to the overseas travel of IGP Attorney-at-Law […]