Latest Sri Lanka News and Top Stories

Sri Lankan officials have discussed measures to strengthen dam safety, improve early-warning systems and enhance disaster preparedness for communities living downstream of dams.

The Department of Motor Traffic has stressed that motorcycles with engine capacities of 48cc or less than 50cc must be registered in Sri Lanka, warning that owners of unregistered motorcycles could face legal action and fines.

A low-pressure area near Sri Lanka is expected to bring increased rainfall across the island and surrounding sea areas today (October 22), with some areas likely to receive over 100 mm of rain.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged the Government to withdraw the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, warning that the proposed laws could weaken judicial oversight and threaten fundamental rights.

Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department and Excise Department have signed an agreement to share information and coordinate parallel investigations to detect tax evasion and money laundering.

Approximately 6.97 acres of land in Keppapilavu, in Sri Lanka’s Mullaitivu District, previously used by security forces, were released for public use on October 21, 2026.

Veteran Sri Lankan television and film actor Rahal Bulathsinhala has died at the age of 73.

A request to lift former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s overseas travel ban could be considered on humanitarian grounds, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris told the Fort Magistrate’s Court today (October 21).

A committee appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake began investigating the death of tusker Kawanthissa today (October 21), while discussing measures to protect wild elephants and establish a national elephant conservation programme.

The Sri Lanka Navy has generated approximately USD 3.32 million in foreign exchange earnings through its onboard maritime security support operations since independently undertaking the responsibility in October 2025.

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today (October 21, 2026) issued an open warrant for the arrest of former State Minister Premalal Jayasekara after he failed to appear before the court in a murder case linked to a fatal shooting at a 2015 presidential election campaign rally.

The price of wheat flour in Sri Lanka has increased by Rs. 13 per kilogram, while prices of short eats, including parathas and egg rotis, will rise by Rs. 5 from midnight today (October 21).

Sri Lanka’s new education reforms will recognise sports as an essential part of a child’s overall development, rather than merely an extracurricular activity, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has said.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has rejected claims that Sri Lanka’s proposed Organised Crime Prevention Bill would criminalise tattoos, long hair or certain clothing, saying the legislation is intended to identify and punish members of organised criminal gangs.

A timekeeping officer attached to the Road Passenger Transport Authority’s Gampaha Regional Office has been arrested for allegedly soliciting and accepting a Rs. 100 bribe to allow a Route No. 188 bus to leave Raddolugama for Colombo later than its scheduled departure time.