Category: Local News

“Siri Dalada Vandanawa” begins today in Kandy after 16 years

The sacred “Siri Dalada Vandanawa” ceremony, offering devotees the rare chance to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, begins today (April 18) at the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy.



Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary orders tight security for Easter Sunday church services

Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), yesterday (April 17) instructed the heads of the Tri-Forces to implement strong and comprehensive security measures for Easter Sunday.



Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Industry shares first quarter progress report

Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, posted a detailed update on his official Facebook page this week, outlining the Ministry’s progress during the first quarter of 2025.



Gold prices in Sri Lanka hit record highs amid global surge

Gold prices in Sri Lanka have climbed to their highest levels in history today (April 17), reflecting a global trend that has seen the price of gold soar to new records.



Sri Lanka to extend Aswesuma welfare benefits to 400,000 additional families

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the government has decided to extend the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefits program to an additional 400,000 families starting from June 2025.



Sacred Tooth Relic exposition returns after 16 years on April 18, 2025

Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) visited the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa on April 16 to inspect the preparations for the upcoming special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic.



Udaya Gammanpila defends Pillayan, calls detention unjust and politically motivated

Attorney-at-Law and Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Prabhath Gammanpila has strongly defended former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Sivanesathurai Santhirakanthan or “Pillayan,” calling him a true patriot who played a key role in defeating LTTE terrorism in the Eastern Province.



Sri Lanka removes VAT on local liquid milk and yogurt

According to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), domestically produced liquid milk and yogurt have been exempted from VAT under the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill.



Ranil warns of job losses and economic crisis due to new U.S. tax policy

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has warned that the new U.S. tax policy, particularly the implementation of reciprocal taxes, poses a serious threat to Sri Lanka’s economy.



Police investigate shooting incident in Gampaha

Sri Lanka Police have launched an investigation into a shooting that occurred on Tuesday night (April 15) in Gampaha town, around 8:25 PM.



Heat stroke warning issued as temperatures reach caution level

The public is being urged to take extra precautions to avoid heat strokes as temperature rises to levels that can cause discomfort and health issues.



Sajith Premadasa accuses Govt of bowing to energy mafia

Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that, despite the potential to generate renewable energy at a low cost, the government has fallen prey to a mafia involving thermal, coal, and fuel power plants.



Main gunman in former Boossa prison chief’s murder arrested

The main gunman involved in the shooting and killing of former Superintendent of Boossa Prison, Siridath Dhammika, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).



Ranil Wickremesinghe’s request to meet Pillayan rejected

The request made by former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to hold discussions with former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Sivanesathurai Santhirakanthan or “Pillayan,” who is currently in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under a detention order, has been rejected.



Sri Lanka tourism revenue rises 9.4% in Q1 2025

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka states that total tourism earnings for the first three months of 2025 amounted to USD 1,122.3 million.



Sri Lanka’s expressways, SLTB see new year revenue boost

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year season has brought a significant boost in income for both expressways and public transport in Sri Lanka over the past few days.