Digital payment app UPI launched for Sri Lankan pilgrims visiting India
A pilot initiative introducing the digital payment facility, UPI One World, for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims visiting India was launched on Monday (17). The initiative was launched by the SriLankan High Commission in India, in partnership with the National Payments…
Cabinet approves Bill to repeal Parliamentary Pension Entitlements
The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to present the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill to Parliament for its consent. Policy approval for repealing the Parliamentary Pensions Act No. 1 of 1971, which governs pensions for Members of Parliament, was granted…
Severe lightning advisory issued for 04 provinces
The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for severe lightning in the North-western, Western, Southern and Sabaragamuwa provinces today. Per the advisory, effective until 11.30 pm today, red alerts have been issued to 10 districts and amber alerts have…
Gambling Regulatory Authority Act to take effect on Dec 1
A gazette notification has been issued announcing that the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, No. 17 of 2025, will come into effect from 01 December 2025. The gazette has been issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, dated 16 November 2025. The…
Foreign Ministry moves to overhaul outdated government websites
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that measures are being taken to address issues related to the government’s outdated and non-functional official websites. According to Ada Derana, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Thushara Rodrigo said the websites of the Ministry of…
Ishara Sewwandi’s arrest reveals political links : Public Security Minister
Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says the Police have uncovered links to certain politicians following the arrest of Ishara Sewwandi, the chief suspect in the murder of underworld figure ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ in February this year. The minister said that…
Dollar rate in Sri Lanka today
The Sri Lankan Rupee has changed slightly against the US Dollar at commercial banks in Sri Lanka today (18), compared to Monday. At Seylan Bank, the buying rate of the US Dollar has increased from Rs. 303.75 to Rs. 304,…
GMOA to continue TU action despite meeting with President
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to continue with its ongoing trade union action, despite discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday. Following a discussion with the President yesterday, the GMOA said the President had informed them that…
“It’s a false statement”, Politician apologises to PC Ali Sabry for defamation
Former Chairman of the Nagoda Pradeshiya Sabha Ananda Lanerolle has issued a public apology to former Justice Minister Ali Sabry, after reaching a settlement over alleged defamatory statements made to the media in 2021. President’s Counsel Ali Sabry instituted legal…
Suitcase with Rs.110 Mn worth of Cannabis found at BIA warehouse
A suitcase containing over Rs. 110 million worth of Kush cannabis has been discovered in a warehouse at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake. According to reports, the bag was found in a storage facility used to hold unclaimed or…