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COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka's tourism sector has staged a remarkable recovery in recent years, but the country's focus must now shift beyond simply attracting more visitors and towards creating a higher-value tourism industry that generates broader economic benefits, saod Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. Addressing a tourism-related forum, the Minister highlighted the strong growth in tourist…
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COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka's Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has launched a nationwide initiative to collect data on fruit growers, wholesalers, collectors and retailers as part of a broader effort to regulate fruit ripening practices and improve food safety standards. The move comes amid growing concerns over the use of harmful chemicals in the fruit ripening process and aims to promote…
COLOMBO (News 1st) - Two individuals who allegedly posed as doctors using forged documents have been arrested in Meegalewa, Kurunegala, along with a stock of medicines valued at around Rs. 1.5 million. The raid was conducted by officers of the Walana Central Anti-Corruption Unit with the assistance of the Kurunegala Regional Director of Health Services.
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COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sugeeshwara Bandara, the former Private Secretary to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was further remanded until October 21 by the Fort Magistrate's Court today. The order was issued after the suspect was produced before Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena.
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COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Attorney General today (7) filed indictments before the Matara High Court against former Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon and seven others in connection with the shooting incident at the W15 Hotel in Weligama. When the matter was taken up before the High Court, the court ordered that all nine accused be released on bail.
COLOMBO (News 1st) - The United States Navy's USS Tulsa (LCS 16) arrived at the Port of Colombo on October 7, marking its second visit to Sri Lanka in just over a year. The visit of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship comes as both nations continue efforts to strengthen cooperation in maintaining peace, security and stability across the strategically important Indian Ocean region.
COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka's economy is continuing its recovery from the country's worst economic crisis in decades, but the benefits of that recovery have yet to fully reach many households, with poverty levels remaining significantly above pre-crisis levels despite steady growth, according to the World Bank. Speaking to News 1st following the release of the latest Sri Lanka Development…
COLOMBO (News 1st) - The government today (7) provided a detailed explanation in Parliament regarding the challenges currently affecting Sri Lanka's fuel market, as concerns continue to grow over reduced fuel distribution by several private fuel suppliers. The issue was raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP S.M.
COLOMBO (News 1st) - A three-judge bench of the Colombo High Court today (7) sentenced two men convicted over the illegal possession and storage of explosives in Wanathawilluwa, Puttalam, in 2018, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The Trial-at-Bar ordered that the prison term be implemented after deducting the period the two convicts had already spent in detention and remand custody.
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COLOMBO (News 1st) - Fourteen people were injured after a private bus veered off the road and overturned in the Galkulama area of Thirappane along the A9 road early this morning. The bus was traveling from Nikaweratiya to Anuradhapura when the accident occurred.
US soldiers stationed in Okinawa have been ordered under a month-long curfew and alcohol ban following the alleged murder and robbery of a local woman by a Marine. The incident has renewed tensions regarding the US military presence in Japan and could complicate strategic relocation plans vital to regional security. Japanese and US officials stressed that maintaining trust is essential for the alliance amid geopolitical concerns involving China and Taiwan.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa defended Sri Lanka's 2021 fertilizer import ban as a bold step toward organic agriculture, but a senior World Bank economist now calls it a bad decision that contributed to the country's economic crisis. The abrupt policy caused production difficulties, farmer uncertainty, and broader economic instability, prompting calls for consistent, evidence‑based agricultural reforms. Five years later, the debate remains a key case study shaping Sri Lanka's agricultural and economic policy discussions.
Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was arrested by CIABOC on bribery and corruption charges, including obtaining Rs. 10 million from a state bank and alleged misuse of public property. The arrest took place at the Kirulapone residence where former President Mahinda Rajapaksa stays. The case involves investigations under the Public Property Act.
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India's Supreme Court directed fishermen not to cross into waters near Katchatheevu while hearing petitions by AIADMK and DMK Fishermen's Wing seeking the island's return. The court emphasized maritime boundary awareness, while the Union Government ruled out reopening the agreement, citing diplomatic ties and warning of possible arrest by Sri Lankan authorities.
The scholarships of 11 students from Sabaragamuwa University's Faculty of Technology were revoked after an investigation found that ragging contributed to the suicide of second-year student Charith Dilshan. Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor S.A. Ariyadore said the University Council acted on a committee's recommendation. Charith Dilshan died by suicide on April 29, 2023 after reportedly being subjected to ragging.
The Ministry of Digital Economy announced that the government will issue official email addresses to all government officials to improve communication efficiency and support digitalization efforts.
Gammadda handed over a fully equipped building to Lokananda Maha Vidyalaya in Puttalam, addressing a long-standing classroom shortage and replacing a fire-damaged temporary structure to improve student learning conditions.
The 2027 Appropriation Bill will be presented to Parliament, estimating total government expenditure at Rs. 4,992.77 billion. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will deliver the Budget Speech on November 12, with Second Reading debates from November 13-20 and Third Reading from November 21-December 14.
COLOMBO (News 1st); As night fell over the capital, one of Colombo's most recognizable landmarks took on a new colour and a powerful message. The Colombo Municipal Council building was illuminated in pink yesterday (5) to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, internationally recognized every October as "Pink October", a global campaign dedicated to promoting awareness, early detection and support…
COLOMBO (News 1st); The Attorney General informed court this afternoon that a medical board, including the Director of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, has recommended that former State Intelligence Service Director Suresh Salley, who was receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital, is fit to be discharged. When this case was previously taken up, the Director of the National Hospital…
