Galle Literary Festival 2026 postponed
The organisers of the Galle Literary Festival have announced that the 2026 edition of the event will be postponed. In a statement, they said the decision was made to allow time to review and strengthen the festival’s organisational structure and…
The 2026 Budget is a Betrayal of Promises, Built on False Narratives and ‘Joke’ Allocations – Harsha
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – November 8, 2025 – In my detailed response to the 2026 budget speech, I exposed a government that has not only failed to deliver on its core election promises but has presented a budget that is…
Maldives seizes Sri Lankan fishing vessel with 300kg of heroin & ICE ?
Maldivian authorities have reportedly seized a Sri Lankan fishing vessel carrying a massive haul of narcotics, including around 300 kilograms of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ICE). According to media reports, the vessel, with six Sri Lankans onboard,…
Couple arrested for uploading adult videos online
A married couple has been arrested by the Mirihana Police Children and Women’s Bureau for uploading obscene videos to adult websites. The arrest was made in the Rajagiriya–Welikada area. According to Ada Derana, the suspects, aged 37 and 36, are…
Central Bank revises leasing ratios for vehicles
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to revise the maximum leasing ratios applicable to vehicles. Accordingly, the maximum ratio for commercial vehicles has been reduced to 70 percent, while the limit for private vehicles has been set at…
18 Ceylon Chamber proposals incorporated to Budget 2026
Ceylon Chamber Says Budget 2026 Reinforces Policy Stability, Calls for Faster Implementation of Reforms to Achieve Growth Targets The National Budget 2026 maintains a clear trajectory of policy predictability, fiscal consolidation, and disciplined debt management, continuing the stability required for…
Advisory issued for severe lightning in several provinces
The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory warning of thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning in the North-western, Uva, Central, Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Anuradhapura, Mannar, Ampara, and Hambantota districts. Temporary strong winds are also expected during thundershowers. The…
‘Ratama Ekata’ operation: Over a thousand arrested on Friday
More than a thousand suspects were arrested during raids conducted across the country on Friday under the ongoing “Ratama Ekata” (Nation Together) national operation, according to the Sri Lanka Police. As of 7 November 2025, islandwide operations targeted various narcotics…
Joint Apparel Association Forum welcomes Govt’s 2026 Budget
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has welcomed the Government’s 2026 Budget, recognizing its emphasis on export-led growth, investment facilitation, and continued macroeconomic stability. Issuing a statement, the industry body commended the clear direction towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s external sector…
‘Kudu Salindu’ challenges INTERPOL red notice in Court of Appeal
A writ petition has been filed at the Court of Appeal by notorious organized criminal and drug trafficker Salindu Malshika Gunarathne, alias “Kudu Salindu”. It is reported that the writ petition has been filed requesting the court to suspend the…