News Room : Manufacturing and Services Sectors Continue Growth Momentum in August
Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector maintained its growth trajectory in August 2025, with the Central Bank’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI – Manufacturing) rising to 55.2. According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), most sub-indices recorded month-on-month growth, contributing to the overall expansion of the PMI. The rise in new orders and production was largely driven by activity in the...
News Room : Another ‘meth factory’ raided – The Island
Police have raided what they describe as a factory used by an underworld gang, including Kehelbaddara Padme, Kudu Nilanga from Panadura, and Backhoe Saman, in collaboration with Iranian nationals, to produce crystal meth (ICE) in Hambantota. Chemicals, equipment, and other items, reportedly used in meth production was seized, a senior police officer said. Acting on information obtained during questioning of...
News Room : SLPP to Launch New Campaign: ‘Mahinda Sulagin Namal Suwanda’
According to sources within the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), the party is set to launch its latest political initiative, titled “Mahinda Sulagin Namal Suwanda”, in the near future. After stepping down from the official Colombo residence, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has remained active in Tangalle, conducting party meetings and other political activities, which resumed recently. A senior SLPP spokesperson noted...
News Room : CBSL Issues Clarification on Rs. 2000 Commemorative Note
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has called on the public to familiarise themselves with the new Rs. 2000 circulated commemorative currency note, issued on 29 August 2025 to mark the Bank’s 75th anniversary. CBSL said Licensed Commercial Banks are currently calibrating their cash-handling machines to accept and dispense the new note. It will be gradually released into circulation...
News Room : ‘ICE’ Chemical Containers: Sampath Manamperi to Surrender to Court
The lawyers representing Sampath Manamperi, who is wanted in connection with the discovery of two containers of chemicals suspected to be used in the production of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) in Middeniya, informed the Court of Appeal today (15) that their client is prepared to surrender to the relevant Magistrate’s Court. Following the surrender, the Court of Appeal directed the Inspector...
News Room : Fresh Evidence Emerges in ‘Siriliya’ Case, CID to Summon Weeratunga
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is set to question former Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga over allegations that a duty-free bus imported for the Sports Ministry was diverted to Carlton Preschool, owned by former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, The Sunday Times reported. According to the newspaper, the CID’s Financial Crimes Investigation Unit has reopened the case after uncovering fresh evidence suggesting...
News Room : Presidential Fund Now Used for Its True Purpose – PM
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Presidential Fund, which had been misused by privileged groups during the previous administration, has now been brought under proper management by the present government. She made these remarks while attending a programme held yesterday (14) at the Kandy District Secretariat Auditorium to felicitate high achievers of the GCE Advanced Level Examination from the...
News Room : HNBGI Better Tomorrow Launches with Successful Community Clean-up Initiative
HNB General Insurance (HNBGI) has officially launched its new flagship CSR initiative, “HNBGI Better Tomorrow,” with a successful community clean-up event. This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and deeper community engagement. The clean-up targeted a neglected alley adjacent to Nawam Mawatha, a shortcut used daily by hundreds of commuters heading to the Slave...
News Room : Govt. needs ‘time and space’ to bring reconciliation process to a successful conclusion – The Island
All trade unions of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have decided to escalate their ongoing “work-to-rule” campaign into a second stage from September 16, after weeks of silence from the government on critical staffing and restructuring issues. The CEB Engineers’ Union (CEBEU), one of the most influential bodies within the utility, cautioned that the government’s failure to address deepening concerns...
News Room : Ex-Army Soldier Arrested for Four Murders in August
An ex-Army soldier suspected of involvement in four murders, including the shooting of a former prison officer in Bandaragama and two youths in Borella, has been arrested by the Police Special Task Force (STF). Police said intelligence revealed that the suspect was responsible for four fatal shootings committed in August alone. The STF’s Joint Special Operations Unit at the Jayewardenepura camp...