News

The Cabinet has approved the temporary import of up to 520 metric tonnes of Ponni Samba rice per importer without permits, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

The decision comes amid a shortage of Keeri Samba rice in the local market, with vendors reportedly selling it above the government’s control price. Ponni Samba GR 11, considered a close substitute, will be allowed for import to stabilize supply, the Minister said.

Minister Jayatissa noted that Sri Lanka consumes approximately 2.46 million metric tonnes of rice annually, with Keeri Samba accounting for about 10% of that total—around 246,000 metric tonnes.

Importation of Ponni Samba rice will be permitted from October 15 to November 15, 2025.

Responding to concerns that the import should be allowed much earlier, the Minister said that the decision was reached based on the harvesting patterns and market factors.

Across the island, consumers are feeling the squeeze as lime prices surge — with a half a lime now fetching up to Rs. 50 in certain shops.

According to market sources, wholesale prices at major economic hubs such as Dambulla and Keppetipola have surged to between Rs. 1,900 and Rs. 2,000 per kilo, pushing retail prices to unprecedented levels.

The sharp spike is being blamed on a severe shortage of supply, leaving traders scrambling to meet demand. Some vendors, desperate to cash in, are reportedly selling even unripe or blemished limes in bulk.

With fewer limes reaching the market and prices climbing daily, some sellers have resorted to a creative — if desperate — strategy: cutting limes in half and selling them by the piece.

In a country where a splash of lime is a daily ritual — from spicy sambols to evening tea — this “lime crisis” has many Sri Lankans rethinking every squeeze.

Former Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugetenne, who had been held in remand custody in connection with a 2010 abduction and murder case, was released on bail today following his appearance before the Kurunegala High Court.

Ulugetenne was arrested over his alleged involvement in the abduction and subsequent killing of a man in the Pothuhera area in 2010.

The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Sri Lanka to Level 2, urging travelers to exercise increased caution. The advisory highlights ongoing risks of civil unrest, terrorism, and the presence of landmines in certain regions. Visitors are warned to avoid protests and crowded places, remain alert to their surroundings, and follow local authority instructions amid potential instability.

The update reflects heightened vigilance due to both domestic and global factors affecting travel safety in Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka has experienced persistent civil unrest since 2022, triggered by an economic crisis that sparked mass protests known as the "Aragalaya" or "The Struggle." Demonstrations have frequently turned volatile, with public demands for political resignations and accountability amid severe shortages of essential goods and services. Protesters continue to face restrictions and occasional violent clashes, making public gatherings and political environments highly unpredictable. These conditions contribute significantly to the travel risks cited in the U.S. advisory

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is on an official visit to the People’s Republic of China, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, in Beijing.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed the Government of Sri Lanka’s appreciation to China for the invitation to participate in the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025 and for the warm hospitality extended to the Sri Lankan delegation. She extended good wishes on the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and noted that her first visit to China as Prime Minister provides an opportunity to further strengthen the close and friendly relations between the two countries, including in trade, investment, tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Prime Minister acknowledged China’s role as a key driver of the global economy and innovation, and as a partner in poverty reduction, infrastructure development, human-capital development, and international cooperation. She outlined Sri Lanka’s vision “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” and briefed the Premier on national priorities to eradicate poverty, foster sustainability, advance digital transformation, and promote ethical governance, including the Clean Sri Lanka programme launched in January 2025.

On economic cooperation, the Prime Minister briefed the Premier on Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic stabilisation and growth trajectory, including recent progress in debt restructuring with the members of the Official Creditor Committee, and expressed appreciation for China’s constructive support. She welcomed continued cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting China’s role as a major development partner and noting ongoing and proposed projects that contribute to national and regional connectivity and socio-economic development. The Prime Minister outlined opportunities for enhanced trade and investment, including Sri Lanka’s proposal to establish a Packaging Hub in Hambantota under investment or public-private partnership modalities; potential cooperation to strengthen industrial development and follow-up to the May 2025 MoU on Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation. She also discussed measures to facilitate inputs for domestic production, including fertilizer supplies, and explored avenues to support Sri Lanka’s precious stones and jewellery sector in the Chinese market.

Further areas of collaboration in the education sector were discussed, including smart classrooms, scholarships, specialised master’s programmes for public officials, and donations of school-uniform material. Cooperation in agriculture, tourism, defence, and health was also covered. Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and gender equality, expressing continued support for the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and highlighting national efforts to promote women’s leadership, empowerment, equal opportunity, and protection from violence.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

2025.10.14

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is on an official visit to the People’s Republic of China, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, in Beijing.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed the Government of Sri Lanka’s appreciation to China for the invitation to participate in the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025 and for the warm hospitality extended to the Sri Lankan delegation. She extended good wishes on the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and noted that her first visit to China as Prime Minister provides an opportunity to further strengthen the close and friendly relations between the two countries, including in trade, investment, tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Prime Minister acknowledged China’s role as a key driver of the global economy and innovation, and as a partner in poverty reduction, infrastructure development, human-capital development, and international cooperation. She outlined Sri Lanka’s vision “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” and briefed the Premier on national priorities to eradicate poverty, foster sustainability, advance digital transformation, and promote ethical governance, including the Clean Sri Lanka programme launched in January 2025.

On economic cooperation, the Prime Minister briefed the Premier on Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic stabilisation and growth trajectory, including recent progress in debt restructuring with the members of the Official Creditor Committee, and expressed appreciation for China’s constructive support. She welcomed continued cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting China’s role as a major development partner and noting ongoing and proposed projects that contribute to national and regional connectivity and socio-economic development. The Prime Minister outlined opportunities for enhanced trade and investment, including Sri Lanka’s proposal to establish a Packaging Hub in Hambantota under investment or public-private partnership modalities; potential cooperation to strengthen industrial development and follow-up to the May 2025 MoU on Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation. She also discussed measures to facilitate inputs for domestic production, including fertilizer supplies, and explored avenues to support Sri Lanka’s precious stones and jewellery sector in the Chinese market.

Further areas of collaboration in the education sector were discussed, including smart classrooms, scholarships, specialised master’s programmes for public officials, and donations of school-uniform material. Cooperation in agriculture, tourism, defence, and health was also covered. Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and gender equality, expressing continued support for the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and highlighting national efforts to promote women’s leadership, empowerment, equal opportunity, and protection from violence.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

2025.10.14

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has refuted claims linking him to a building near the Menik Ganga in Kataragama, insisting that he does not own the property.

In a statement, Rajapaksa said certain media reports had falsely attributed ownership to him, despite a prior CID investigation confirming otherwise. He clarified that his name appeared only because an application for an electricity connection was submitted under “G. Rajapaksha” with an unclear signature.

The former President stressed that he has never had any interest in owning or maintaining property in Kataragama.

The property, located on Government reservation land, features a 12-room building reportedly constructed before 2010 with the help of military personnel. Investigations also revealed that a Navy officer previously assigned to Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, had been occupying the premises.

Former President and Leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ranil Wickremesinghe says that party-based politics will ultimately fail, and that political decisions will increasingly be shaped by individual personalities rather than party lines.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks when he visited the Jayaratne Funeral Parlour in Borella yesterday evening to pay his final respects to the late Manoja Madhuwanthi Karunaratne.

Speaking to a group of journalists and political figures, the former President reflected on the current state of opposition politics in Sri Lanka.

“While the opposition’s role in Parliament remains important, their effectiveness has weakened significantly,” he said, noting that today only a handful of individuals or personalities rather than a cohesive party – seem to be actively involved in political affairs.

He noted Chamara Sampath Dasanayake and Dayasiri Jayasekara as examples of such figures.

At the event, former allies of Wickremesinghe who now represent the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), including Waruna Rajapaksa and Mahesh Senanayake, inquired about the opposition alliance.

“I do not agree with the idea of the SJB leadership taking over the alliance. If I agree to that, do you have any proposals or solutions for the future direction of that alliance?”, Wickremesinghe responded.

His pointed question left both Waruna Rajapaksa and Mahesh Senanayake silent.

On the subject of reunifying and strengthening the divided UNP, Wickremesinghe made an unexpected prediction.

“In the future, both the SJB and the UNP will disappear from the political landscape. This is not just a phenomenon in Sri Lanka but worldwide where character-based politics' is emerging everywhere. Party politics is becoming obsolete,” he said.

He went on to compare the situation with political shifts seen in other democracies.

“Even the Republican Party in the United States was weakened, but Donald Trump managed to seize control. The same applies to the UK. And in France, the President’s focus is far beyond traditional party lines.”

Underworld figure Lalith Kannangara, infamously known as ‘Bus Lalith’, has been taken into custody in Dubai.

Investigations reveal that he had been coordinating a Sri Lankan organized crime network while residing overseas.

Kannangara, who has been linked to multiple criminal activities, is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Sri Lanka’s underworld scene.

In a dramatic breakthrough, Nepalese authorities have arrested Ishara Sewwandi — the woman long suspected of orchestrating the assassination of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa — along with five others.

Sewwandi, 25, is accused of aiding and abetting the fatal shooting of Sanjeewa Kumar Samararatne, known as Ganemulla Sanjeewa, inside the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court on February 19 this year. The murder, carried out in broad daylight within a court cell, shocked the nation and highlighted the reach of Sri Lanka’s organized crime networks.

Police sources say one of those arrested alongside Sewwandi is believed to be a close associate of Kehelbaddara Padme, another suspect who was taken into custody earlier in Indonesia.

Since the day of the shooting, Sewwandi had been on the run, skillfully evading capture and leaving investigators chasing shadows. Her arrest in Nepal marks a major development in the case, which has gripped both the underworld and the public for months.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced today (14) that the existing electricity tariffs will remain unchanged for the final quarter of 2025.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, PUCSL Chairman Prof. K. P. L. Chandralal said the decision was reached after reviewing public feedback and evaluating the methodologies used to calculate electricity costs.

He explained that, following these assessments, the Commission decided not to approve any tariff revisions for the next three months.

Earlier, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had proposed a 6.8% tariff hike for the quarter. However, the PUCSL opted instead to seek public opinion before finalizing its decision—ultimately concluding that no increase was necessary at this stage.

The Supreme Court has ruled that six officers of the Kottawa Police violated the fundamental rights of a private bus operator by unlawfully arresting, assaulting, and falsely accusing him of possessing heroin.

The ruling, delivered on Monday (13) by Justice Menaka Wijesundara with the concurrence of Justices Yasantha Kodagoda and Janak de Silva, ordered the officers to personally pay Rs. 1 million in compensation to the petitioner.

The petitioner, Vithanage Sunil, told the court that he is a private bus owner operating two buses on the Kottawa–Pettah route. He stated that on the night of July 9, 2016, while returning home after meeting a friend, he was confronted by police officers who pointed a gun at his head, forced him to kneel, and assaulted him before falsely accusing him of possessing heroin.

He was later produced before the Homagama Magistrate’s Court and remanded, but a medical report submitted to the court confirmed that he had sustained injuries to his face, chest, forehead, and wrist while in police custody. A subsequent report also stated that he had no history of drug use.

Justice Wijesundara, in delivering the judgment, observed that the petitioner had been subjected to cruel and inhuman treatment in violation of Article 11 of the Constitution. The Court found that the officers had failed to produce credible evidence to justify the arrest or the drug charge, and that the explanation they provided created suspicion

The officers named in the ruling include then-OIC L.P.B. Samarasinghe, Inspector Cyril Perera, Sub-Inspector Premasiri, and Police Constables Nandana Piyal, Sampath, and Chandra Niroshan.