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Borella road reopened after 50-year-old drainage pipeline repaired within 24 hours: CMC
Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar says repairs to a major drainage pipeline on Dudley Senanayake Mawatha in Borella have been
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SriLankan Airlines eyes Perth, China and Africa routes to boost tourism
SriLankan Airlines is exploring opportunities to expand its network to Perth, China and Africa, with CEO Vipula Gunatilleka Mishra saying
Deputy Finance Minister assures parliament “there is no gas shortage”
Addressing the Parliament on Wednesday (Oct.21) Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando assured the public that
Sri Lanka’s NCPI inflation holds steady at 8.1% in September 2026
National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) headline inflation stood at 8.1% year on year in September 2026, remaining unchanged from August
Two spill gates opened at Upper Kotmale reservoir following heavy rain
Engineers in charge of the Upper Kotmale Reservoir have opened two spill gates on October 21 due to continuous heavy
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Postman arrested over 2080 undelivered letters dating back to 2021
A postman attached to the Haldummulla Soragune Post Office has been arrested during an inspection conducted on information that he
Suspect arrested over Rs. 12.6 million online business scam on Telegram
The North Western Province Unit of the Computer Crime Investigation Division arrested a suspect on October 19, 2026, in connection
Pakistan arrests man accused of $126 million US postal scam
Pakistani authorities have arrested a 33-year-old man accused of operating a massive online counterfeit postage scheme that allegedly caused losses
BASL raises concerns over PSTA and Organised Crimes Bills, warns of expanded executive powers
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has issued a formal statement raising concerns over the newly gazetted Protection of
Today’s News Digest – October 21
Today’s News Digest: Your go-to summary of the key events and headlines that shaped the day. From major developments to
Even unlawful second marriages could fall under proposed organized crime law: FSP
Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda has raised concerns over Sri Lanka’s proposed organized crime legislation, claiming that
Sri Lanka reaffirms commitment to regional security cooperation at BIMSTEC meeting in India
Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala represented Sri Lanka at the inaugural BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting held in
Who approved the Rs. 13 wheat flour price hike? CAA demands answers
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has launched islandwide raids following a Rs. 13 increase in wheat flour prices without prior
Chathuranga Abeysinghe to discuss Sri Lanka’s Economic Reset at NDTV World Summit 2026
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe is scheduled to speak on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, stability and
How a 21-year-old used fake Muslim identities to spread threats against Buddhist religious sites
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament that a 21-year-old man had been arrested for allegedly creating fake social media
SLPP’s “Gamin Gamata” Meetings to Kick Off Next Week – Namal Rajapaksa
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will launch its “Gamin Gamata” (Village to Village) electoral division meetings starting next week, announced the party’s National Organizer, Member of Parliament…
Faizer Musthafa Says He Has No Ambition to Become Speaker of Parliament
Faizer Musthafa, a National List MP representing the New Democratic Front (NDF) and a President’s Counsel, has stated that he has no intention of becoming the Speaker of Sri Lanka’s Parliament. Musthafa made the…
Sri Lanka’s IRD, Excise Dept sign MoU to prevent tax evasion, money laundering
The move comes after Sri Lanka's third mutual evaluation against money laundering, terrorist financing
Crystal Palace urged to retire bald eagle mascot
An animal rights group is urging Crystal Palace to retire their live bald eagle mascot with immediate effect, saying a “bright stadium filled with boisterous fans is no place for animals”. In a letter to…
SOLUTIONS GROUND DISRUPTS SRI LANKA’S C-SUITE HIRING MARKET
Solutions Ground Pvt. Ltd., an international boutique business consultancy providing
Sri Lanka’s Industrial Asphalts put on CSE Watch List over auditor disclaimer
The firm is disputing auditor's findings and has outlined a 6-month window to resolve disputes before trading suspension
Sri Lanka-Vietnam Business Council formed to drive trade
Ceylon Chamber launches Sri Lanka-Viet Nam Business Council to drive bilateral trade and investment
Sri Lanka Must Secure Its Electricity, Water, AI, Cloud & Digital Lifelines in 21st Century Before Next Failure Trouble Entire Nation
By Jithendra Antonio  Sri Lanka’s greatest strategic vulnerability in the artificial intelligence age may not be a shortage of algorithms, foreign investment or technological ambition. It may be the inability to…
Faizer Musthafa Considered for Speaker of Sri Lanka’s Parliament?
Sources indicate that Faizer Musthafa, a Member of Parliament representing the New Democratic Front (NDF) and a President’s Counsel, is being considered for appointment as the Speaker of Sri Lanka’s Parliament. The…
Resus Energy green bond listed on Luxembourg bourse
Listed its green bond on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE), creating a dual listing for the debt security,
Sri Lanka Tourism Stumbles Without Strategy, Investment Reforms
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is confronting a fundamental contradiction: the country possesses internationally admired beaches, diverse wildlife, cultural heritage and established hospitality expertise, yet continues…
Mineral Sands Monopoly Bid Raises Stakes Over Sri Lanka’s Wealth
Sri Lanka’s bid to transform its mineral wealth into a major source of industrial growth has entered a critical phase, with State-owned Lanka Mineral Sands Ltd. (LMSL) seeking exclusive mining rights over 68 grids…
BOI Courts Foreign Investors to Rescue Sri Lanka’s Untapped Agro-Wealth
Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) is intensifying its campaign to attract foreign direct investment by repositioning the country’s traditional agricultural exports as premium ingredients for the global…
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Northern and Southern provinces and in Anuradhapura district.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR 21 OCTOBER 2026 Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 21 October 2026 by the Department of Meteorology   A low level atmospheric disturbance near Sri Lanka is likely to develop into a low-pressure area…
Sri Lankan Hospitality Suppliers Target Maldives’ Tourism Boom for Export Growth
Sri Lankan companies supplying the hospitality industry are seeking to expand their commercial footprint in the Maldives, opening a potentially valuable export avenue that could strengthen foreign exchange earnings,…
Sri Lanka Welcomes 97,825 Tourists in October So Far
Sri Lanka has welcomed 97,825 tourists during the first part of October, according to the latest figures released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). India remained the leading source market,…
Indian Business Delegation to Participate in Sri Lanka Expo 2027
A business delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has accepted an invitation to participate in Sri Lanka Expo 2027, reflecting growing interest in strengthening trade, investment and commercial…
Low-quality coal causes power cuts: Ex-LECO Chief
By Shamindra Ferdinando The use of low quality coal, over a period of time, had led to the developing crisis at the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant (LVPP) at Norochcholai that compelled the boastful NPP government to…
GL stresses importance of post-war Shangri-La investment after CIABOC questions him
By Shamindra Ferdinando Prof. G. L. Peiris yesterday said he had not been concerned at all about being arrested when the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) summoned him to record…
Coal inquiry gets extension until 16 December
The Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing alleged irregularities in Sri Lanka’s coal imports and coal-fired power generation has been granted an extension until December 16, 2026, to submit its final report.…
Dilshan, Hirupama named best athletes at All Island Schools Games Athletics Championships
Hurdler Kaveesha Dilshan of Kularathna MV, Godakawela and sprinter Risansa Hirupama of Lyceum International, Wattala were named best athletes for their outstanding performances at the All Island Schools Games…
Over 2,000 undelivered letters found under postman�s bed
Police have discovered 2,078 undelivered letters hidden under the bed of a postman in Haldummulla, where they had allegedly been kept for more than six years. The discovery was made during a police raid on the suspect�s residence in Harankahawa, Soragune, on…
Low-pressure area has developed near Sri Lanka: Warning from Met Department
Dept of Meteorology has warned of increased rainfall across Sri Lanka after a low-level atmospheric disturbance near the island developed into a low-pressure area. According to the weather forecast issued at 4 p.m. on Wednesday (21), the system is expected to…
Sri Lanka�s top 100 listed companies record 20% revenue growth in 2025/26
SL�s 100 leading listed companies have recorded a combined revenue increase of approximately 20% during the 2025/26 financial year. Media Services, the publisher of LMD, revealed the top 20 companies in the forthcoming 33rd edition of the LMD 100 rankings,…
Attempting to mislead the court : Magistrate takes Contempt of Court action against IGP
Gampaha Magistrate Bandula Gunaratne has referred a case file to the President of the Court of Appeal to initiate contempt of court proceedings against IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya over his failure to comply with a court order. Magistrate ruled that the IGP had…
Govt reviewing salary concerns of public service engineers: Minister Lal Kantha
The govt is paying close attention to the salary concerns of engineers employed in the public sector, including issues relating to inadequate remuneration and facilities, Minister K.D. Lal Kantha stated. Minister made the remarks while addressing the Annual…
BASL calls for withdrawal of terrorism, organised crime bills
Bar Association of SL (BASL) has called on the govt to withdraw the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill in their present forms, warning that the legislation could undermine fundamental rights and…
Sri Lanka�s national inflation steady at 40-month high of 8.1% in September
SL�s nation-wide inflation index, as measured by National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) on a year-on-year basis, was 8.1% in Sept 2026, steady from a month ago, data from the state statistics office showed. It stood at its highest since June 2023. NCPI, an…
Sri Lanka explores transport and road safety cooperation with Nordic countries
Minister Bimal Rathnayake has held discussions with ministers from Sweden, Finland and Norway to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation in SL�s transport, highways and urban development sectors. According to the SL Embassy in Stockholm, Minister…
SL hosts International Police Association World Congress for first time in Asia
Sri Lanka is hosting the 69th World Congress of the International Police Association (IPA), marking the first time the int'l event is being held in an Asian country. The Congress officially commenced in Colombo today, with Minister Vijitha Herath attending as…
Access Engineering weighs fallout of terminated logistics hub JV
Access Engineering PLC expects to recover about Rs. 1.45 billion of the Rs. 1.76 billion it invested in the South Asia Commercial and Logistics Hub, after the venture�s shareholders agreed not to proceed with the project, leaving the company to recognise a…
Proposed Anti-Terror Bill more dangerous than PTA, Counsel tells Supreme Court
Counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioners in the Special Determination petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Bill titled the Protection of the State from Terrorism yesterday informed the Supreme Court that the proposed legislation would…
Black Magic rituals targeting corrupt politicians: Deputy Minister responds
Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe has expressed support for the intentions behind recent demonstrations involving black magic rituals and curses in Colombo targeting individuals accused of harming the country. �Those who performed rituals and curses…
SriLankan Airlines denies claims of cyberattack on IT systems
SriLankan Airlines has denied media reports and public statements claiming that its information technology (IT) systems had been hacked or compromised, insisting that its systems were not under the control of hackers. The airline said the allegations stemmed…
Colombo Port Logistics Project cancelled over agreement concerns: Minister Bimal
Minister of Ports Bimal Rathnayake has revealed that concerns over the agreement to allocate 10 acres of land at the Colombo Port were among the reasons behind the govt�s opposition to the proposed USD 280 million logistics project involving a Chinese…
RD, Excise Dept sign MoU to prevent tax evasion, money laundering
SL�s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and the Excise Department (entered into an agreement to share intelligence information aimed at preventing tax evasion and money laundering, the Finance Ministry said. MoU will see a joint mechanism and conducting parallel…
Police investigate 14 over installation of Thileepan statue in Jaffna
SL Police have recorded statements from 14 individuals, including politicians, in connection with the installation of a statue of former LTTE member Rasaiah Parthipan, also known as Thileepan, in Nallur, Jaffna. Minister Ananda Wijepala, speaking in…
Rs. 50 mn for Rumesh? Sajith cites reward scheme, Minister says circular outdated
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage in Parliament over the delay in paying Rs. 50 million to Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesha Tharanga in recognition of his international achievements. Premadasa said the athlete…
Sri Lanka honours Courageous Loser Olympian Ranatunge Karunananda
A special commemorative postage stamp has been issued in honour of renowned SL athlete Ranatunge Karunananda, who gained international recognition for his determination and perseverance at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The stamp was officially issued yesterday at…
Proposed Prevention of Organised Crime law aimed at suppressing democracy: FSP
The proposed Prevention of Organised Crime legislation could be used to suppress dissent rather than combat organised crime, Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda says. Addressing a media briefing at the FSP office in Nugegoda,…
SL Police warn public of AI Deepfake scams
SL Police have warned the public about the growing threat of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered deepfake scams, cautioning that criminals are increasingly using sophisticated technology to deceive people, steal money and obtain sensitive personal…
SL to host England for white-ball series
England Women have confirmed a white-ball tour of SL with a T20I and ODI series set to take place in Feb and March 2027. The tour takes place on either side of the ICC Women's Champions Trophy in India, with a three-match T20I series scheduled for early…
What China Merchants Port�s exit means for Sri Lanka�s investment climate
The decision by China Merchants Port Holdings (CMPort) to officially pull out of the $392 million Colombo Port logistics hub joint venture marks a major turning point for SL�s post-crisis economic landscape. Originally hailed as a flagship foreign direct…
Transit visas denied: Sri Lankan woman stranded in Cook Islands for nearly 3 years
A 49-year-old woman believed to be Sri Lankan has been stranded in the Cook Islands for nearly three years after NZ and Australia refused to grant her transit visas, preventing her from returning to her home country. Woman arrived in the Cook Islands on Nov…
Expert committee begins probe into tusker Kawanthissa�s death
The expert committee appointed to investigate the death of tusker Kawanthissa and recommend a National Elephant Conservation Programme held its inaugural meeting at the Presidential Secretariat this morning, under the chairmanship of Presidential Chief of…
Why small faults are causing nationwide power failures
At about 11:45 on Saturday morning, SL�s electricity grid stopped. The National System Operator called it a total system failure; all three generators at the Norochcholai coal plant were reported to have shut down, water plants went offline and mobile and…
The role of economic science in an era of global power dynamics
If I were asked whether economic science, as it stands today, could play a positive role in an era of global uncertainty and structural crisis, my answer would be that it is unlikely to do so in its present form. Why do I say this? Let me begin with an…
Cabinet approves extension of Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme with...
Cabinet of Ministers has approved revising the existing agreement between the Education Ministry and SL Insurance Corporation for continued implementation of the Suraksha Student Insurance Program for the period from 1 Sept 2026 to 31 Aug 2027, with several…
SriLankan eyes 2031�32 fleet replacement
SriLankan Airlines expects a fleet replacement between 2031 and 2032, according to SriLankan Airlines CEO Vipul Misra, as global carriers such as Qatar Airways have retired the last of its A330 passenger jets ahead of schedule, due to rising fuel costs and…
Loss from inferior coal tops Rs. 18.3 b
Inferior-quality coal has led to losses amounting to Rs. 18.3 billion, Parliament�s Sectoral Oversight Committee Chairman, SJB MP S.M. Marikkar said yesterday, tabling an expert committee report on the losses. The report, dated 7 Oct, 2026, puts the…
Heshara, Shashen, Dilini among top performers
Heshara Jayasinghe, Shashen Rajapaksha and Dilini Rajapaksha were among the athletes who excelled creating meet records during the morning session of the final day of the All Island Schools Games Athletics Championship at Diyagama on Tuesday. Shashen…
Match-fixing at LPL 2020: Court to announce its stance on Sachithra�s objections
Hambantota High Court is set to announce its stance on 4 Dec, on ex-SL cricketer Sachithra Senanayake�s preliminary objections to his indictment over alleged match-fixing. HC Judge Duminda Mudunkotuwa scheduled the date for the pronouncement, with the…
China Merchants Port, Access Engineering & Sri Lanka Ports Authority Pull the Plug on South Asia Logistics Hub
China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited has officially terminated the South Asia Commercial and Logistics Hub project in Sri Lanka following a mutual agreement among all project partners. According to a company…
Stock of Firearms, Ammunition and Hand Grenades Seized from Cinema in Kirindiwela; One Suspect Arrested
Officers from the Colombo Crimes Division have arrested a 38-year-old man and seized an assortment of firearms, thousands of live rounds, and two hand grenades hidden inside a cinema hall in Kirindiwela.
Peshawar School Roof Collapse: Deadliest Building Tragedy in Pakistan's History
A tragic roof collapse at a Peshawar school killed 34 children and a teacher, exposing Pakistan's poor building safety standards and prompting urgent calls for reform.