The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a public notice alerting both local and international audiences about a series of illegal pyramid and prohibited investment schemes operating under various company names and online platforms. Following an investigation conducted under Section 83(C) of the Banking Act No. 30 of 1988, the CBSL confirmed that…
Sri Lanka’s Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability has recommended that the government explore the production of environmentally friendly paper bags as an alternative to polythene bags. The proposal comes as authorities consider imposing a charge on polythene bags at points of purchase. Committee Chairman MP Hector Appuhamy emphasized the need to…
Sri Lanka recorded total tourism earnings of US$2,659 million from January to October 2025, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). Earnings for October alone amounted to US$186.1 million. The CBSL noted that this reflects a 4.9% increase compared to the US$2,533.7 million earned during the same period in 2024, underscoring continued recovery…
Sri Lanka has restarted the printing of driver’s licenses after months of delays caused by a shortage of printing cards, the Department of Motor Traffic announced. The printing process resumed last week, with the department now producing approximately 6,000 licenses per day. The shortage had created a significant backlog of nearly 350,000 pending licenses. With…
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 annual information update for people registered under the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefit scheme has begun. https://eservices.wbb.gov.lk The Welfare Benefits Board says that all families and individuals who first registered in 2023 must update their details — even if they are not currently receiving benefits. However, those who submitted grievances in 2024 do not need to…
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…
