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Gold prices have climbed again in Sri Lanka, mirroring a notable rise in the global market. As of today, the international gold price has increased by USD 4,150, prompting a local surge.According to market reports, the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign at Colombo’s Pettah market rose to Rs. 309,200, up from Rs. 303,600 yesterday. Meanwhile, a 24-carat sovereign, previously priced at Rs. 330,000, now costs Rs. 336,000.

Traders attribute the increase to ongoing global market fluctuations, which continue to impact local gold rates, making today’s price surge one of the more notable recent changes in the Colombo gold market.

The Department of Meteorology has warned of a significant increase in rainfall over the coming days, as a low-level atmospheric disturbance near Sri Lanka continues to develop.According to the Department, enhanced showery conditions are expected particularly in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, and Uva Provinces starting today (25). Most areas of the island will experience overcast skies throughout the period.

Frequent showers or thundershowers are likely in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva Provinces, as well as the Hambantota and Matale districts, while other regions can expect rainfall mainly after 1:00 p.m.

Meteorologists caution that rainfall exceeding 100 mm may occur in parts of the Eastern, North-Central, Uva, and Southern Provinces, with fairly heavy falls above 75 mm possible elsewhere.Additionally, gusty winds around 40 km/h are expected at times in the Northern Province and Trincomalee district.

The public is advised to remain vigilant and take necessary safety measures to minimize risks associated with strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

The National Building Research Organisation  has raised serious concerns about the growing number of people living in landslide-prone regions, revealing that nearly 15,000 families reside in 250 high-risk zones across the country. These include 230 identified landslide areas and 20 rockfall locations, putting thousands in danger.NBRO officials noted that a significant portion of these risk zones include illegal constructions and informal settlements, which greatly increase vulnerability. In response, the government is preparing to remove or blast unstable rock formations in selected areas to minimize future disasters. However, such operations would require the temporary evacuation of residents living near schools, hospitals, and key businesses, making the process complicated.

Despite repeated safety warnings, many families continue to stay in these zones due to social ties, financial struggles, and limited relocation opportunities. Authorities estimate that around 60,000 people currently inhabit these high-risk regions.

Senior Geologist Laksiri Indrathilaka of the NBRO cautioned that incidents similar to the Lower Kadugannawa disaster could occur again if preventive action is delayed. He explained that earlier attempts to move affected families failed because suitable land was scarce, and proposed relocation sites did not offer reliable livelihoods. Even government-provided apartment housing was declined by residents.

Indrathilaka added that the NBRO has offered technical guidance to district officials regarding unauthorized construction in dangerous zones. The 13 districts identified as highest risk include Badulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Gampaha, Monaragala, and Kurunegala.He emphasized that both natural geological changes and human activities continue to intensify the threat of future disasters unless immediate steps are taken.

Canada and India have agreed to restart stalled talks for a new trade deal, the Indian government said, after discussions between the two countries paused following a diplomatic spat two years ago.Prime Minister Mark Carney met with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“The leaders agreed to begin negotiations on a high-ambition Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at doubling bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030,” the statement from India’s Prime Minister’s Office said.

“Prime Minister @narendramodi and I met at the G20 Summit today, and launched negotiations for a trade deal that could more than double our trade to more than (C) $70 billion,” Carney said in a post on X. “India is the world’s fifth largest economy, and that means big new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses.”

Both sides reaffirmed their longstanding civil nuclear cooperation and noted the ongoing discussions on expanding collaboration, including through long-term uranium supply arrangements, it added.

The restart of talks highlights thawing relations between the two countries as Carney pushes to expand trade ties beyond the U.S., its biggest trading partner.Carney has vowed to double Canada’s non-U.S. exports over the next decade.

Canada paused negotiations for a broad trade pact in 2023 after relations soured when Ottawa accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh separatist. New Delhi has denied involvement.

Despite the diplomatic row, trade between Canada and India has grown but trade experts say it is quite small relative to the size of India’s economy.

Two-way goods and services trade touched about C$31 billion ($21.98 billion) in 2024, largely in Canada’s favor due to its C$16 billion in services exports. In contrast, Canada’s total bilateral trade with China was almost four times bigger in 2024.

Relations between Canada and India began to improve following Modi’s meeting with Carney on the sidelines of the G7 summit in June.

Earlier on Sunday, Carney said he considers India a reliable trading partner, although he acknowledged there could be some “source of friction.”
He said Canada and India have a strong commercial relationship and he would be keen to scale that up.

“What we’re looking to do is to put that (commercial relationship) on a sound footing through a potential trade agreement between the two countries, which gives protections to our businesses, protections to Indian businesses, a clear set of rules, dispute mechanisms, and others, and build on those opportunities.”

Carney also met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the G20 summit and the leaders agreed to intensify negotiations on a Canada-Mercosur free trade agreement. Mercosur includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

( source : adaderana.lk)

New research has raised concerns over the growing mental health burden in Sri Lanka, revealing that 19.4% of the country’s population is affected by depression. This figure is significantly higher than the 16.1% average reported across other Asian nations, according to a joint study carried out by the Universities of Peradeniya and Kelaniya.The 2023 study further highlights that depression is particularly widespread among young people, with an estimated 39% of individuals aged 10 to 24 years experiencing the condition.

Additional findings published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists through Cambridge University underscore the strain on the country’s mental health system. Only 34% of healthcare institutions have a medical officer trained in mental health, while just 38% have a trained nursing officer, pointing to a substantial shortage of qualified professionals.

The report stresses the need for immediate improvements in youth mental health services, noting that a notable portion of those under 19 report serious emotional distress and experiences of interpersonal violence. Strengthening support systems, the study indicates, is crucial for safeguarding young people’s well-being.

Researchers also point to emigration as a contributing social factor, with Sri Lanka losing around 200,000 people each year. Since 75% of migrating women are married and many leave children behind, the report notes that the emotional impact on these children can be significant, increasing their vulnerability to mental health challenges.

The 2026 budget of the Kandaketiya Pradeshiya Sabha, administered by the National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated for the second time this morning .The budget, re-submitted by Chairman Harsha Ratnayake without any revisions, received unanimous backing from all six NPP members in the council.

However, councillors representing other political parties voted collectively against it. Four members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), two from the Podujana Eksath Peramuna, two from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), one from the United National Party (UNP), and one member of the Sarvajana Balaya opposed the proposal.

With the opposing side securing a four-vote majority, the Kandaketiya Pradeshiya Sabha budget was once again defeated at its second reading.

The Irrigation Department has issued an alert warning of a heightened risk of flash floods in several parts of the country as heavy rains persist. According to the department, a low-pressure system near the South Andaman Sea is expected to trigger rainfall exceeding 200 mm across six provinces.

The advisory highlights the increased likelihood of severe rainfall in the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Southern, Uva, and Western Provinces, while other regions may also experience notable downpours.With the threat of flooding expected to continue from today (25) through November 30, authorities urge residents living in low-lying areas near river basins, as well as travelers passing through these zones, to exercise caution and stay alert to weather updates.

The Praja Shakthi Development Foundation says many young women who leave probation and child detention centres at age 18 are turning to sex work because they have no proper job training or support.

The foundation’s Executive Director, H. A. Lakshman, said most of these young women have faced sexual abuse or harassment before being placed in these centres by the courts. Others were sent there because they had no parents or family to care for them.

He said that when these young women leave these centres, they struggle to find jobs. With no training or protection, many choose sex work as the easiest way to earn money. Some are even abused again after returning to society, which pushes them further into this work.

Mr. Lakshman said the foundation does not pressure these young women to leave sex work but is ready to support any government programme that helps them find safer, better opportunities. Currently, around 10,000 female sex workers are registered with the foundation.

Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Namal Sudarshana said it is difficult to confirm how many young women take up sex work, but admitted that those leaving detention often have no guardians or support.

He said the government is considering a proposal to allow these young women to stay in probation centres until age 20 or 21, instead of releasing them at 18. The Ministry also plans to offer training in cake making, beauty culture, and provide NVQ certificates to help them find proper employment.

(Source - Dailymirror)

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced a significant rise in taxpayer registrations, confirming that 200,000 new taxpayers have been added so far this year. In addition, 18,000 new companies have joined the tax system within the same period, according to Commissioner General Rukdevi Fernando.Addressing the media at the Government Information Department, Fernando noted that the IRD was assigned a revenue target that is 18% higher than last year. Despite the heightened goal, the department has already surpassed expectations.

She revealed that the IRD achieved its largest-ever weekly revenue collection recently, pushing total earnings past the Rs. 2 trillion mark. “To date, revenue collections stand at Rs. 2,080 billion,” she stated

Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake, announced in Parliament today that installing CCTV cameras will become compulsory for all school vans starting next year.The Minister noted that incidents involving harassment of women and children in public transportation have been on the rise. He assured that the government is preparing a series of measures aimed at improving safety and preventing such behaviour in the future.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry will introduce a new regulatory framework for school transport and office transport services, which is set to take effect in January 2026.

Discussing the broader need to protect passengers, Minister Rathnayake said that public awareness and collective responsibility remain essential.
“The only way forward is to empower passengers. When someone tries to harass a woman or a child, others must step in instead of looking away. Unfortunately, there are challenges within the bus industry that make many people hesitant to intervene,” he told Parliament.

The Minister further stated that ongoing initiatives to standardize and professionalize the bus and three-wheeler sectors aim to move the industry away from unsafe and unregulated practices, establishing a safer and more accountable transportation system.

Two individuals have been taken into custody by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) in connection with a financial fraud exceeding Rs. 35 million. Police said the pair allegedly deceived a private company by claiming they could provide Wi-Fi antennas, collecting approximately Rs. 36.99 million without delivering any equipment.

The suspects were summoned to the FCID on the 24th, where they were arrested following the recording of their statements. The men, aged 34 and 37, reside in Mattakkuliya and Wattala.They were produced before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until December 05. The FCID has launched further investigations into the matter.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung at the Parliament premises to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of education and cultural exchange, the Prime Minister’s Media Division announced.

During the discussions, Ambassador Chung highlighted the continued progress of Peace Corps initiatives in Sri Lanka and outlined ongoing U.S.-supported educational and cultural exchange programmes, including the long-standing Fulbright international exchange program.

The Fulbright Program - considered the U.S. government’s premier academic and cultural exchange initiative-provides students, researchers, and scholars from more than 160 countries with opportunities to pursue higher studies, teach, conduct research, and promote intercultural understanding.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized Sri Lanka’s need for technical expertise within key institutions such as the Ministry of Education, the Department of Examinations, and the National Institute of Education. She underscored that such support is vital as the country works to reform its education system, moving away from an exam-heavy model toward formative assessments and collaborative learning methods.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of developing emerging scholars whose knowledge and research align with Sri Lanka’s broader human development goals.

Senior representatives from both governments participated in the meeting. The U.S. delegation included Menaka Nayyar, Public Affairs Officer; Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the U.S.-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission; and Prof. Prabha Manuratne, Director of the Centre for Gender Equity/Equality and Prevention of SGBV and Ragging at the University Grants Commission.

Representing Sri Lanka were Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Pramuditha Manusighe, Director of the Europe and North America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.