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The Sri Lankan government has increased the agricultural cultivation subsidy to Rs. 60,000 per hectare for 13 crops, up from Rs. 30,000, as announced by Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne. The subsidy applies to up to two hectares and includes new eligibility for farmers cultivating additional crops on previously used paddy land.
The District Development Committee is implementing measures to prevent flooding in Colombo and surrounding areas ahead of expected heavy rainfall, following instructions from Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Actions include improving canal networks, removing waste, and maintaining drainage systems.
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Sri Lanka's Road Development Authority has started importing bitumen from alternative sources such as Kazakhstan, Bahrain, China, India, Malaysia and Thailand to address a shortage caused by the Middle East conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which halted previous Iranian imports; however, shipping companies and insurers are hesitant due to U.S. sanctions and security risks.
Sri Lanka has joined the international “No Fees/No Tolls” Pledge, announced by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, to uphold UNCLOS and keep key sea lanes free from unlawful fees or restrictions. The declaration, signed by 34 countries including Sri Lanka, reaffirms support for the rule‑based maritime order and opposes coercive actions that threaten navigation. It aims to protect global trade, energy flows and food security by preserving open access to vital straits.
COLOMBO (News 1st); A Chinese national identified as Shen Richard, who was arrested in Sri Lanka, has been identified as a suspect linked to child abuse, rape and cybercrime offences, according to investigators. Authorities said the Chinese government had issued warrants against the suspect on two occasions, with the first warrant dating back to 2017.
COLOMBO (News 1st); A special committee appointed to review prison regulations has recommended amendments that would allow incarcerated Buddhist monks to wear their robes when required to leave prison premises, as part of broader reforms being proposed under Sri Lanka's Prisons Ordinance. The recommendations were included in an interim report handed over to Secretary to the President Dr.
COLOMBO (News 1st); The interim report of the special committee appointed to review and update the rules, regulations and standing orders under Sri Lanka's Prisons Ordinance was handed over to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday.
COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's experience in navigating the 2022 economic crisis and implementing wide-ranging public finance reforms offers valuable lessons for other South Asian countries pursuing digital transformation and stronger financial governance, senior government officials said at an International Monetary Fund forum. Speaking in response to a question from at an IMF event in…
COLOMBO (News 1st): A suspect has been arrested for committing financial fraud via WhatsApp using the name of SriLankan Airlines. This arrest followed an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) based on a complaint received.
COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has welcomed the decision by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia to set aside the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, describing it as a significant relief for the Sri Lankan worker, his family and all those who closely followed the case. In a statement posted on X, the President said the decision reflects the value…
COLOMBO (News 1st); International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned that the global economy is being shaped by two powerful and opposing forces, with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East driving up energy prices while the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is boosting economic activity and investment. Speaking on the global economic outlook, Georgieva said…
(AFP) The International Monetary Fund warned on Tuesday (13) that while low-income developing countries were dealing with the disproportionate impacts of the Iran war-fuelled energy shock, many had "no choice" but to cut spending or potentially face debt restructuring. Speaking to AFP on the sidelines of the organisation's Annual Meetings in Bangkok, IMF deputy director of research Petya Koeva…
COLOMBO (News 1st); SriLankan Airlines has announced the temporary suspension of all flights operating from Riyadh and Dammam to Colombo until October 18, 2026. In an operational update issued on Wednesday, the national carrier said the decision was taken in view of prevailing conditions affecting commercial flight operations, while emphasizing that the safety and security of passengers and crew…
COLOMBO (News 1st); The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court that investigations have been completed in the money laundering case filed against Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa and two other suspects. The case was taken up before Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena on Wednesday, during which investigating officers informed court that the…
COLOMBO (News 1st); The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has set aside the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra in a facebook post on Wednesday (14). Hemachandra described the decision as a major relief for Sivarasa and his family, noting that the ruling followed sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by the…
Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe assured Sri Lanka that the country will avoid returning to the Financial Action Task Force grey list during its critical mutual evaluation. He highlighted recent legislative reforms, including the Anti-Corruption Act and CLIMAC, designed to strengthen the nation's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks. The government aims to successfully navigate the assessment and prevent a third grey listing.
COLOMBO (News 1st); The prolonged debt crisis experienced by Sri Lanka has become a key reference point in ongoing efforts to strengthen the global sovereign debt restructuring system, according to the G24 Secretariat. Responding to a question from News1st's Zulfick Farzan during a media briefing, G24 Secretariat Director Iyabo Masha said excessive debt levels continue to be a major constraint on…
Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena ordered the arrest of former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa over alleged misuse of Rs. 7.8 million from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, directed to be used for an election campaign in Uva Province instead. The CID's Illegal Assets Investigation Unit was instructed to issue warrants in both Sinhala and English to facilitate obtaining an Interpol Red Notice.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath will lead a delegation to the 7th CICA Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he will deliver a statement on connectivity, digitalization and sustainable growth and hold bilateral talks with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other officials. The summit aims to strengthen regional cooperation and explore economic partnerships with Central Asian economies. The visit underscores Sri Lanka’s effort to expand its diplomatic and investment ties across Asia.
Police have warned of strict legal action against creators of false and unverified social media posts, stating offenders will be prosecuted under the Computer Crimes Act and Penal Code, while urging the public not to be misled.
