Govt rejects claims of cover-up in Negombo prison unrest
Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa rejected allegations that the government was concealing the truth behind the deadly unrest at Negombo Prison that claimed 32 lives. “This narrative about this event has been created to humiliate the country in the eyes…
Escalating Middle East Conflict Pushes Oil to Four-Week High
Global oil prices climbed to a four-week high on Tuesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East heightened concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies. Brent crude futures rose above $86 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI)…
Electricians, Welders in Short Supply as Sri Lanka Needs 10,000 Skilled Workers
Sri Lanka may have to recruit skilled workers from overseas as the country’s rapidly expanding construction sector faces a growing labour shortage, Deputy Minister of Construction T.B. Sarath said. Speaking at a public event, the Deputy Minister said it has…
Sri Lanka plans to boost tourist spending beyond US$148 a day
Sri Lanka aims to increase the average spending by foreign tourists by improving the quality of tourism experiences, Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe said. Speaking at a media briefing, the Deputy Minister said the average tourist visiting Sri Lanka currently…
Singapore court orders Bloomberg to pay $356,000 to ministers in defamation case
A Singapore court has awarded Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng damages of S$230,000 (US$177,874) each for defamation by news organisation Bloomberg and its reporter, Mr Low De Wei. In a judgment released on Tuesday…
Court of Appeal postpones hearing of Suresh Sallay’s petition
The Court of Appeal has ordered that further consideration of the petition filed by former State Intelligence Service Director Suresh Sallay, challenging his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with investigations into the Easter…
No VIP Security for Gnanasara Thera, 10 others: Minister
Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said not all individuals named in a recent media report on VIP security are currently receiving police protection. Responding to a question during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, Jayatissa said a report submitted by the…
Cabinet approves $7.26 Mn contract for BIA terminal expansion
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved awarding a contract to M/s Maga Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd to complete the expansion of the departure terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). The project involves constructing a new building with 36 check‑in counters and…
Cabinet awards Rs. 4.99 Bn contract for Warakapola bypass completion
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the awarding of a contract to complete the remaining works of the Warakapola Bypass Road, under the National Highways Widening and Improvement Program. Following the National Competitive Procurement Procedure, six bids were received. Based…
Fourth BIMSTEC Agriculture Summit in 2027 to be held in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will host the Fourth BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting and Senior Officials’ Meeting on 17 and 18 March 2027, following Cabinet approval of a proposal presented by the Minister of Agriculture. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi‑Sectoral Technical…