News First

News First•3d ago•8 sourcesTrending

- Train services between Rambukkana and Peradeniya on the Upcountry Railway Line have been temporarily suspended. This is following a train derailment between Ihalakotte and Kadigamuwa. Sri Lanka Railways Spokesperson Asanka Samarasinghe said the train which was travelling from Peradeniya to Colombo Fort, had derailed as a result of fallen rocks on the railway tracks following heavy rains. The spokesperson for the Railway Department added that re-railing operations have already commenced.

News First•3d ago•11 sources

- Another suspect was arrested for aiding and abetting the shooting incident that killed two women and a man in the Halpathota area of Baddegama. The suspect was arrested during a raid conducted by a team of officers from the Galle Crimes Division in the Ambalangoda area. The suspect is a 27-year-old resident of Karandeniya. A 48-hour detention order has been obtained for the suspect, while further investigations are being conducted by the Galle Crimes Division. On September 27, a group travelling in a three-wheeler was shot at by a group who arrived in a car in the Halpathota area of Baddegama. A 40-year-old man, a 47-year-old woman, and another 64-year-old woman were killed in the shooting incident. Four suspects who allegedly aided and abetted the shooting incident were previously arrested.

News First•3d ago•2 sources

- Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says motorcycles will be provided to 2,900 Family Health Service Officers. Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa made this announcement while addressing an appointment letter awarding ceremony held at Temple Trees. A total of 1,056 Family Health Service Officers received appointment letters at the event. According to the Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa the government has so far approved 141,000 new recruitments to the public service. The highest number of these recruitments has been made for the Ministry of Health and Mass Media. The figure is expected to be surpassed in about two months, when the Ministry of Education recruits 23,000 teachers at once. According to the Minister 2,071 Family Health Service Officers will be recruited over the next two years. Following the permanent appointments, the Minister said the new appointees will receive a basic salary of Rs. 50,100. By January, the basic salary alone will increase to Rs. 53,320 together with an allowance of Rs. 17,400, along with other allowances applicable. In addition, an annual uniform allowance of Rs. 28,000 will be provided. The Minister also emphasized that the government is taking steps to provide the facilities required to deliver an efficient health service.

News First•3d ago•2 sources

- According to the Disaster Management Centre the prevailing heavy rainfall condition has affected 4,363 people from 1,190 families across 17 districts. The DMC said four people have lost lives and eight others have been injured due to disasters caused by heavy rains. Meanwhile, 164,348 people from 49,796 families across 12 districts have been affected by the prevailing dry weather, the DMC said.

News First•3d ago•2 sources

- Parliament is scheduled to meet from October 6 to 9. Accordingly, on Tuesday, October 6, Parliament is scheduled to debate two regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act, an Order published under the Foreign Exchange Act, and a resolution under the Public Debt Management Act. On Thursday, October 8, the Second Reading debate on the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill is scheduled to be held, with a vote due to be taken at 5.00 p.m. the same day. The Supreme Court has determined that certain provisions of the bill are inconsistent with the Constitution. As a result, Clause 6(7) of the proposed legislation will require approval by a special majority in Parliament before it can be enacted. The clause concerns the declaration of assets and liabilities by owners, chairpersons and directors of media institutions registered with the Ministry of Mass Media, as well as entities holding licences issued by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. According to the Supreme Court's determination, the provision can only be passed with the support of a two-thirds majority in Parliament. The Court has also ruled that any move to exclude the publication of asset and liability declarations relating to individuals who have resided for more than six months with a person required to submit such declarations would similarly require the approval of a two-thirds parliamentary majority. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has determined that a separate provision contained in the bill, which prevents a Magistrate from granting bail for offences introduced under the proposed legislation and imposes strict limitations on the granting of bail by the High Court, cannot be enacted without approval at a referendum.

News First•3d ago•6 sourcesTrending

The Court of Appeal today ordered that the six-year prison sentence imposed on Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera for contempt of court be reactivated with effect from today, following the Supreme Court's recent decision to invalidate the presidential pardon previously granted to him. The order was delivered by a Court of Appeal bench comprising Justices Mayadunne Corea and Lakmali Karunanayake. Gnanasara Thera had been convicted on contempt of court charges and sentenced to six years' imprisonment. However, he was subsequently released after receiving a presidential pardon from former President Maithripala Sirisena. The latest order follows a Supreme Court determination delivered on September 10, which ruled that the presidential pardon granted to Gnanasara Thera was legally invalid.

News First•3d ago

Sri Lanka's wildlife tourism has once again captured international attention, with Channel News Asia highlighting the island as one of Asia's most compelling safari destinations, offering visitors far more than the famed leopard sightings that have long drawn travellers from around the world. In a travel feature exploring the country's diverse wilderness experiences, the Singapore-based media outlet described Sri Lanka as a destination where safari is not merely about pursuing a single iconic animal but about immersing oneself in a rich natural landscape filled with elephants, crocodiles, deer, birds and countless other species that make every journey into the wild memorable. The report focused on two of Sri Lanka's most celebrated wildlife regions, contrasting the wildlife-rich plains of Yala in the south with the quieter forests and waterways of Gal Oya in the east. While Yala remains globally renowned for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world, the feature noted that the experience extends well beyond the elusive big cat. Among the memorable encounters highlighted were elephant herds gathering at waterholes, colourful peacocks roaming freely across the landscape, playful langurs, crocodiles basking along riverbanks and a remarkable diversity of birdlife. The article observed that even without a leopard sighting, the country's wildlife experiences offer visitors a deep connection with nature and a sense of discovery rarely matched elsewhere. The publication also emphasized Sri Lanka's accessibility, noting that the island is only a short flight away from major Asian cities, making it possible for travellers to combine wildlife experiences with cultural attractions, beaches, hill country escapes and historic destinations within a single journey. Travel experts quoted by the outlet described Sri Lanka's unique appeal as its ability to seamlessly blend safari experiences with a broader holiday, offering visitors a variety of landscapes and experiences within a relatively compact geographical area. Particular attention was given to Gal Oya National Park, which was portrayed as a stark contrast to busier safari destinations. Surrounded by forests and centred around Sri Lanka's largest inland reservoir, the park was highlighted for its tranquil atmosphere, limited human presence and distinctive boat safari experiences. The report noted that Gal Oya offers wildlife encounters from an entirely different perspective, with visitors exploring waterways at dawn, observing birds in flight, elephants along the shoreline and crocodiles gliding through the reservoir. The park's remote setting was identified as one of its greatest attractions, providing a more immersive and unspoiled wilderness experience. Beyond Yala and Gal Oya, the feature also pointed to Sri Lanka's broader wildlife offering, including opportunities to observe elephants in other national parks and discover less-explored wilderness areas across the island. The international spotlight reinforces Sri Lanka's growing reputation as a leading wildlife tourism destination in Asia, where travellers can experience extraordinary biodiversity, varied ecosystems and authentic encounters with nature within a relatively short travel distance. Rather than focusing solely on headline attractions, the Channel News Asia feature ultimately portrays Sri Lanka as a destination where every safari brings unexpected moments, whether it is watching elephants gather at a waterhole, spotting birds of prey overhead, encountering crocodiles along remote shores or simply witnessing the rhythms of life in the wild. For an increasing number of international travellers, it is these experiences that are transforming Sri Lanka into one of the region's most sought-after nature destinations. Source: Channel News Asia

News First•3d ago•2 sources

The number of HIV infections reported in Sri Lanka has increased, with health authorities identifying 860 new cases during the past year, according to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme. The latest data show that the total number of HIV-positive individuals reported in the country has reached 7,403. Officials said that by the end of the fourth quarter of last year, a total of 1,217,419 individuals had undergone HIV testing across the country. Of those tested, the detection rate stood at 0.07 percent. The National STD/AIDS Control Programme also noted a significant gender disparity among newly reported cases during the fourth quarter of the year, with the male-to-female ratio recorded at 7:1. New HIV infections were also reported among young people between the ages of 15 and 24, while HIV prevalence among the adult population remained at 0.1 percent. Health authorities have repeatedly stressed the importance of early testing and diagnosis, noting that timely treatment allows individuals living with HIV to lead healthy lives while reducing the risk of transmission. The increase in cases comes amid a broader global trend. According to UNAIDS, HIV infections increased in 21 countries during 2025, including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, Sudan, Brazil, Pakistan, Yemen, Egypt, Senegal and the Philippines.

News First•3d ago•6 sources

Hambantota International Port (HIP) has surpassed one million TEUs in cumulative container throughput since the commissioning of its new quay cranes in 2025. According to port officials, HIP handled 428,036 TEUs in 2025, while container throughput reached 574,196 TEUs so far in 2026, taking the cumulative volume to 1,002,232 TEUs. HIPG Chief Executive Officer Wilson Qu described the milestone as an important step in the port's transformation into a competitive container hub serving both regional and international trade. A key driver behind the growth has been HIP's partnership with MSC, the port's principal customer in the container sector. The collaboration delivered several major operational milestones during 2026. In April, the port established a new single-vessel handling record when MSC Marie Leslie recorded 7,968 container moves, equivalent to 13,260 TEUs, during its call at Hambantota Port. The achievement surpassed the previous records set by MSC Ilenia and MSC Ruby in March. The port also recorded its highest-ever monthly container throughput in June, handling 80,325 TEUs. To accommodate continued growth, Hambantota International Port is moving ahead with a large-scale expansion programme aimed at strengthening its container-handling infrastructure and increasing capacity. The development includes investments in additional berth utilisation, container yard expansion, greater reefer capacity and infrastructure upgrades capable of accommodating larger container vessels. At the heart of the project is a USD 108 million investment in container-handling machinery and related assets. The programme includes the acquisition of six new quay cranes and 16 rubber-tyred gantry cranes, with commissioning expected by the end of February 2027. Once operational, the new equipment is expected to significantly boost both ship-to-shore and yard-handling capacity, improve vessel turnaround times and enable the utilisation of an additional 1,300 metres of berth space. This will increase HIP's total container quay length to nearly two kilometres. The expansion will also see the container yard enlarged by 30 percent, providing additional space to handle growing cargo volumes and support the port's long-term objective of increasing annual container-handling capacity to two million TEUs. HIP Chief Operations Officer Tommy Yang said the investments were being carefully aligned with projected growth and customer demand.

News First•3d ago

- Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says a four-tier social structure has been established to help create a drug-free younger generation. He said the National Council for Drug Prevention, District Councils, Regional Operations Committees and Public Security Committees have networked and organised as part of efforts to prevent drug abuse. The Minister made these remarks while attending an event held in Mawathagama.

News First•3d ago•3 sources

Sri Lanka has reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the Seventh Review of its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme, paving the way for a fresh US$345 million disbursement, while the IMF has also stressed that domestic fuel prices should continue to adjust in line with global market movements if the ongoing conflict in the Middle East exerts further pressure on energy markets. The IMF announced that its staff and Sri Lankan authorities had concluded discussions on the Seventh Review of the country's four-year reform programme and the 2026 Article IV Consultation. However, the agreement remains subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board. The IMF noted that prolonged tensions and conflict in the Middle East could pose significant risks to Sri Lanka's recovery and emphasized the importance of preserving cost-recovery energy pricing. It said the government should allow domestic fuel prices to move in line with international prices while ensuring targeted support for vulnerable groups through well-planned and time-bound assistance measures. Once approved by the Executive Board, Sri Lanka will gain access to approximately SDR 254 million, equivalent to about US$345 million. This would bring total IMF disbursements under the programme to SDR 2.032 billion, or around US$2.7 billion. According to the IMF, the Executive Board review will depend on two key conditions: the presentation of the 2027 Budget to Parliament by the Minister of Finance in line with programme objectives, and the successful completion of the financing assurances review, which includes confirming support from multilateral partners and assessing progress in debt restructuring. The IMF said Sri Lanka's economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite a series of local and global shocks. Economic activity grew by 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2026, marking eleven consecutive quarters of expansion. Headline inflation remained in single digits at 8 percent year-on-year in September, while gross official reserves rose to US$6.9 billion by the end of August 2026. The Fund also highlighted that banks remain well-capitalized and profitable, fiscal performance during the first half of the year was strong, and the country's debt restructuring process is largely complete. Despite these gains, the IMF warned that significant downside risks remain. Apart from uncertainty surrounding the duration and intensity of the Middle East conflict, risks also stem from global trade policy developments and the potential impact of El Niño-related weather conditions. The IMF stressed that maintaining macroeconomic stability in such an environment would require disciplined policymaking and continued implementation of reform measures. It added that, should the Middle East conflict trigger stronger inflationary pressures, authorities should be prepared to tighten monetary policy to prevent inflation expectations from becoming entrenched. The Fund further called on Sri Lanka to stay committed to its broader reform agenda, including the development of a medium-term revenue strategy to strengthen tax collection, improve efficiency and fairness in the tax system, and provide greater certainty for investors. The IMF also encouraged continued efforts to strengthen public investment management, remove bottlenecks affecting capital expenditure projects, and accelerate recovery and reconstruction activities linked to Cyclone Ditwah. Among other priorities identified by the Fund were maintaining exchange rate flexibility to absorb external shocks and build reserves, preserving the country's anti-corruption framework, liberalizing trade, modernizing business and labour regulations, expanding access to finance, advancing digital public infrastructure, and addressing key infrastructure gaps.

News First•3d ago•2 sources

- Police say legal action has been taken against nearly 3,000 individuals for failing to comply with the new seat belt safety regulation on expressways. Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety, W.P.J. Senadheera, said that while most motorists and passengers comply with the law, some individuals continue to violate the regulation. The safety regulation to wear seat belts by all passengers travelling in vehicles on expressways was made mandatory from September 19.

News First•3d ago•7 sources

- IMF staff and the Sri Lankan authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the Seventh Review of Sri Lanka's reform program supported by the IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Once the review is approved by the IMF Executive Board, Sri Lanka will have access to about US$345 million in financing.

News First•3d ago•8 sourcesTrending

- A train travelling from Peradeniya to Colombo Fort has derailed between Ihala Kotte and Kadigamuwa. Sri Lanka Railways Spokesperson Asanka Samarasinghe said train services on the Upcountry Line have been temporarily suspended as a result. The train has derailed after rocks fell onto the railway track.

News First•3d ago•4 sources

- Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr. H.M. Susil Ranasinghe says that over 5,000 houses constructed with state assistance will be handed over to the public today. The handover coincides with the commemoration of World Habitat Day, which is being celebrated this year under the theme 'Adequate Housing for All'. The commemorative event will be held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Speaking to News 1st, Minister Susil Ranasinghe said steps have been taken to conduct a National Housing Week across the island in conjunction with World Habitat Day.

News First•3d ago•5 sources

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath says the Sri Lankan Government makes decisions while safeguarding the country's sovereignty, independence and neutrality. He also stressed that the government is prepared to intervene whenever humanitarian needs arise. The Minister made these remarks while responding to reports concerning Iranian vessels currently located beyond Sri Lanka's territorial waters. Minister Herath said around 47 vessels are currently in the waters surrounding Sri Lanka, all beyond the country's 12-nautical-mile territorial limit. He said approximately 19 of these vessels are Iranian and noted that they have been in the area for some time. The Minister rejected reports that the United States had pressured Sri Lanka to provide food or water to the Iranian vessels. He said the United States had neither made such a request nor exerted any pressure or intervened in the matter. Minister Herath also dismissed claims that Sri Lanka was being subjected to external pressure, saying the government would not compromise the country's sovereignty or neutrality. He noted that Sri Lanka had intervened on humanitarian grounds when an Iranian vessel came under attack. He added that the Boushehr vessel currently in Trincomalee remains under Sri Lankan care, with 13 crew members on board, and stressed that there had been no US pressure or intervention in this regard. The Minister further said that if the United States has imposed sanctions on certain vessels, the Sri Lankan Government does not transport or supply goods to those sanctioned vessels. He said private-sector entities providing goods or services to such vessels have a responsibility to understand the circumstances and act accordingly. Minister Herath stressed that Sri Lanka conducts its affairs in accordance with international maritime law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

News First•3d ago•10 sources

(COLOMBO News 1st) - The six suspects arrested during the protest organized by the Frontline Socialist Party and the People's Struggle Movement have been released on bail. This was ordered when they were produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva this afternoon. During the proceedings, Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva ordered each of the suspect to be released on two personal bails of Rs. 100,000 each. The protest had been organized yesterday against the government's tax policy and the rapidly escalating cost of living. During the protest, the suspects were arrested on charges of unlawful assembly and using loudspeakers without prior permission. The Magistrate ordered the case to be called again on the 06th of November.

News First•3d ago•4 sources

(COLOMBO News 1st) - Litro Gas has decided to keep gas prices unchanged for the month of October. Accordingly, the price of a 12.5 kg gas cylinder remains at Rs. 4,365. The 5 kg gas cylinder will continue to be sold at Rs. 1,750, while the price of a 2.5-kilogram cylinder remains at Rs. 815.

News First•3d ago•27 sources

- General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena organisation Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, has been remanded until tomorrow. The order was issued when he was produced before the Colombo Magistrate's Court this afternoon. Gnanasara Thero was arrested while hiding at an Aranya Senasana in Theeniyawala. At the time of his arrest, open warrants had been issued against him by the Court of Appeal, while warrants had also been issued by the Colombo High Court and the Colombo Magistrate's Court.

News First•3d ago

- The Welfare Benefits Board says those who have not received Aswesuma benefits since 2023 due to a lack of National Identity Cards (NICs) or bank account details will have until October 29 to submit the required documents. Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board, Nimal Kotawalagedara said the census conducted to identify those eligible for Aswesuma benefits since 2023 is now in its final stage. Accordingly, he said the new list of Aswesuma beneficiaries will soon be displayed at the divisional level. The Welfare Benefits Board aims to ensure that those who were on the previous list but did not receive benefits due to missing documents are given the opportunity to receive their payments before the new list takes effect.