Sri Lanka commemorated its 81st Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Flower Ceremony on 16th November, at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo. Organized by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association in partnership with the Armed Forces, the annual event honored the service and sacrifice of Sri Lankan military personnel who lost their lives…
Sri Lanka will introduce nationwide drug-prevention committees across all schools, universities, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala announced on Sunday (16). Speaking at an event in Kalutara, the minister said the directive will be formalized through a circular to be issued today (17), as part of a broader national campaign to…
Commuters in Sri Lanka will soon be able to pay bus fares using bank-issued credit and debit cards, according to Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake. The new payment option will be available on buses fitted with electronic ticket-issuing machines starting November 24, 2025.
SriLankan Airlines’ Airport and Ground Services division— the exclusive ground handling provider at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)—has expanded its self-check-in options for passengers ahead of the busy winter travel season. Authorities expect more than 300,000 tourists to arrive in Sri Lanka in December, prompting efforts to streamline airport operations. Last month, 20 new self-check-in kiosks…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is assessing Sri Lanka’s newly announced 2026 budget—including its ambitious 7% economic growth target—to determine whether it meets the requirements of the country’s ongoing bailout program. At a press briefing yesterday (13), IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack said staff are “reviewing the published budget documents to evaluate whether the 2026…
A group of engineering students from the University of Ruhuna in Sri Lanka were hospitalized on November 14, after being attacked by a swarm of wasps, police said. The incident occurred at the Plantation Training Center in the Morar Estate, Bogawantalawa, where the students had arrived to attend a practical workshop. According to police, the…
Five newly appointed envoys formally presented their credentials to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (13), marking the beginning of their diplomatic assignments in the country. The diplomats who presented credentials were: President Dissanayake welcomed the new envoys and expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with each of…
Sri Lanka’s Department of Examinations has released the full schedule for major school examinations taking place in 2026. According to the official timetable, the 2025 GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination will run from 17–26 February 2026.The 2026 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination is set for 9 August, followed by the 2026 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) Examination,…
Sri Lanka’s Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has introduced a new insurance scheme designed to protect seed paddy producers from major cultivation risks. The initiative was developed in response to repeated requests from farmers seeking greater security against climate- and wildlife-related threats. Under the scheme, farmers can insure their seed paddy production for a premium…
The Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) has raised alarm over a sharp rise in dog bite incidents across Sri Lanka, linking the trend to a rapidly growing stray dog population. AWC Executive Committee Member Champa Fernando revealed that more than 250,000 dog bite cases are reported annually. Speaking at a media briefing in Kandy, she stressed…
