Sri Lanka hotels seek Agoda, Booking.com restrictions on Unregistered Properties
The Sri Lanka Hotels Association has urged the government to take immediate action against the rapid growth of unregistered accommodation providers, warning that the trend is creating unfair competition within the tourism industry. Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo,…
Govt clarifies new Vehicle Tax amid public confusion
Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha has urged the public not to be misled by claims that vehicle prices will sharply increase following the government’s latest decision to impose additional taxes on vehicle imports. Speaking on the issue, he said…
Vehicle importers warn of sharp price hikes after 50% surcharge
The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has cautioned that the Government’s newly‑imposed 50% surcharge on vehicle imports will push prices up by at least Rs. 1.5 million, worsening affordability for consumers. VIASL Spokesperson Arosha Rodrigo told the media…
Ali Sabry backs vehicle import surcharge, says safeguard for external sector
Former Minister Ali Sabry has backed the Government’s decision to impose a 50% surcharge on vehicle imports, describing it as a prudent step to protect Sri Lanka’s fragile external sector amid global instability. “The Government’s decision to impose a 50%…
Namal calls for value-based modernization at Asian Cultural Forum
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa addressed the 2026 Asian Cultural Public Welfare Forum in Hong Kong on Friday (15), urging Asian nations to pursue modernization without losing cultural identity. Rajapaksa highlighted Asia’s growing role in the global…
Over 1.1 Mn cases pending across Sri Lanka’s courts – Report
Sri Lanka’s courts are burdened with a backlog of more than 1.1 million cases, it was reported. According to Mawbima newspaper, a report released by the Ministry of Justice shows that as of June 30, 2025, a total of 1,134,474…
Auditions for the next James Bond are finally underway
The name’s Bond, James Bond. But what’s the name of the next person who’ll be playing him? That’s the question fans have been asking for years — and the wait for an answer may soon be over. Auditions have finally…
Energy Minister outlines plan to cut electricity bills through renewables
Sri Lanka’s electricity sector is set for reforms aimed at reducing generation costs and lowering consumer bills, according to the Minister of Energy, Anura Karunathilake. The restructuring program includes measures to increase renewable energy contributions and enhance hydropower efficiency, which…
Sri Lanka’s premier tourism fair ‘Sancharaka Udawa’ 2026 kicks off in Colombo
The 13th Edition of Sancharaka Udawa 2026, Sri Lanka’s foremost Travel & Tourism Fair, was inaugurated at the BMICH in Colombo on Friday (15), under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. According to Sri Lanka Tourism, the inauguration marked…
Sri Lanka imposes 50% surcharge on imported vehicles for three months
The Ministry of Finance has announced a new tax measure imposing an additional 50 per cent levy on the existing customs duty for imported vehicles. Under the decision, the current 30 per cent customs import duty on motor vehicles will…