UK backlash after boys convicted of teen rape avoid jail time
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described as “appalling” a case in which three teenage boys convicted of raping two girls were spared custodial sentences, as pressure mounts for the decision to be reviewed. The case involves two girls,…
Police issue clarification on temporary vehicle number plates
Legal action is being taken only against vehicles displaying distorted or non-compliant temporary number plates amid the ongoing shortage of official vehicle number plates in Sri Lanka, Police said. Sri Lanka has been facing a severe number plate shortage after…
Sri Lanka to offer free tourist ETA for 40 countries from May 25
Sri Lanka will grant free tourist visas for nationals of 40 countries from 25 May 2026, according to a circular issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. The circular, issued by Controller General I. Chaminda Pathiraja, states that the…
10 injured after Cathay Pacific flight hit by severe turbulence
Cathay Pacific has confirmed that one of its flights from Australia to Hong Kong encountered severe turbulence, leaving 10 people with minor injuries. The incident occurred on Cathay Pacific Flight CX156, operated by an Airbus A350-900, travelling from Brisbane Airport…
CBSL introduces maximum loan value for gold collateral
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued new directions imposing a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 70% for credit facilities secured by gold collateral, in a move aimed at strengthening financial system stability and mitigating systemic risks. Under…
CBSL cuts vehicle financing caps again from May 25
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has announced a fresh tightening of vehicle financing regulations, further reducing the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratios that banks and finance companies can offer for vehicle purchases. The new regulations, issued under Directions No….
Tuk-tuk driver held for allegedly fleecing tourists of Rs. 180,000
A three-wheeler driver has been arrested after allegedly attempting to overcharge two foreign tourists visiting Colombo on a brief stopover from a cruise ship. According to reports, the tourists had hired the tuk-tuk for a city tour covering several locations,…
Only USD 200 found from missing USD 2.5 million – Report
Sri Lankan authorities have reportedly recovered only USD 200 from the missing USD 2.5 million that was transferred to scammers following a cyber breach linked to the Ministry of Finance computer system. According to Sunday Times newspaper, Sri Lankan authorities…
“No one can stop AKD becoming President again in 2029″
Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage says no one can stop President Anura Kumara Dissanayake from being re-elected in 2029, claiming the government has stabilised the country’s economy and increased public confidence. Addressing a public gathering, the Minister said Sri Lanka had…
Husband arrested over petrol attack on wife in Angoda
Police have arrested a 41-year-old man in connection with an incident in which a woman was set on fire using petrol. The suspect, a resident of Angoda, Meegahawatta, was taken into custody in the Mulleriyawa police division on Tuesday (22)….