Latest Sri Lanka News and Top Stories

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.

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.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (October 20, 2026) granted bail to Sanjay Samarasinghe, the private secretary to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Sri Lanka has invited bids for a US$100 million domestic dollar bond auction, with a minimum investment of US$10,000.

One-hour power cuts will continue across Sri Lanka today (October 20, 2026), between 4:30 PM and 9:00 PM, as the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai remains out of operation.

Sri Lanka is seeking Japanese investment, technology transfer and partnerships to develop its mineral sector following a visit to Japan led by Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti.