The Government of Sri Lanka has received Cabinet approval to secure a USD 100 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the implementation of the Sustainable Tourism Sector Development Programme (STSDP). The initiative, previously approved by the Cabinet, aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s tourism industry through sustainable practices and infrastructure development. Following successful…
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) surpassed the 23,000-point mark for the first time in history, during this morning’s (04) trading session. At around 09.37 a.m. today, the index stood at 23,000.54 points.
The Teachers’ and Principals’ Trade Union Alliance in Sri Lanka has given the government until November 7 to reverse its decision to extend the school term. The alliance warned that if authorities fail to withdraw the move, it will launch island-wide trade union action in the first week of December.Joseph Stalin, General Secretary of the…
In line with the island-wide anti-drug operation being conducted under the theme “Nation United – National Drive” to eradicate narcotics, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has introduced a new 24-hour hotline. The ‘1818’ hotline, established at the request of the national anti-drug initiative, enables the public to provide accurate and timely information…
Sri Lanka has announced that tourists will no longer be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving in the country. The Department of Immigration and Emigration said in a statement that the ETA requirement, which had been introduced on October 15, has now been withdrawn. All visa and ETA services will continue…
The Government of Sri Lanka has finalized a USD 90 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Second Integrated Road Investment Program (iRoad 2) – Tranche 5. According to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the initiative aims to improve road transport efficiency by enhancing connectivity between rural communities…
Sri Lanka continues to see strong growth in its tourism sector, with 153,063 international visitors recorded between October 1 and 29, 2025, according to the latest data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). India remained the leading source market during this period, contributing 44,741 arrivals—accounting for 29.2% of total visitors. The United Kingdom…
Sri Lanka’s overall inflation, measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) on a year-on-year basis, rose to 2.1% in October 2025, up from 1.5% in September, according to the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). The CCPI for all items increased slightly to 193.8 in October from 193.7 the previous month. Food inflation accelerated…
The Department of Examinations of Sri Lanka has announced a temporary ban on all tuition classes, lectures, and seminars related to the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Examination, effective from midnight on November 4. The restriction will remain in force until the completion of the examination period, a measure aimed at ensuring fairness and preventing…
Sri Lanka has officially signed the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime (UNCC) in Hanoi, Viet Nam—joining the global community’s collective effort to combat cybercrime and promote a safer digital environment. The signing, approved by Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers, followed a joint proposal from the Ministry of Digital Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of…
