News Room : Police digitize 10 million Lankan fingerprints to facilitate speedier crime investigations – The Island
The police have digitized a vast database of criminal fingerprints, with a staggering 10 million fingerprints now available for investigative use. Director of the Criminal Records Division SSP Ruwan Kumara said that these digitized fingerprints can be accessed at any time, providing a valuable tool for swift and efficient investigations. The comprehensive database includes fingerprints dating back to 1914, with...
News Room : When promises boomerang
Saturday 22nd March, 2025 A protest by a group of unemployed graduates has been going on for days near Parliament. The protesters are urging the JVP-led NPP government to fulfil its promise to employ them in the state sector. The government has apparently adopted the proverbial ostrich posture, hoping that the problem will resolve itself without its intervention. But the...
News Room : Six suspects in Weligama Hotel shooting released as they cooperated with CID investigation
The six suspects involved in the shooting incident near a Weligama hotel have been granted bail by the Matara Magistrate’s Court. The court set the release conditions, requiring two surety bonds of Rs. 1 million each for each suspect. The suspects appeared before the court today (21 March) in connection with the shooting that occurred in front of a hotel in...
News Room : Govt and Opposition Unite to Amend Sri Lanka’s Outdated Abortion Laws
The government today (21 March) reiterated its commitment to amending Sri Lanka’s strict abortion laws to permit termination in cases such as rape, incest and severe fetal deformities, with Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara assuring Parliament that steps are being taken to implement the long-delayed reforms. During the Oral Questions Round in Parliament, SJB MP Ajith P. Perera queried the government...
News Room : SSP Buddhika Manatunga to Continue as Police Spokesperson Despite Resignation Request
On 20 March, media reports claimed that Police Media Spokesperson and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manatunga had resigned from his position. However, he later clarified that he would continue in the role until a suitable replacement is appointed. Manatunga, who assumed duties as Police Media Spokesperson on 16 December following the resignation of DIG Nihal Thalduwa, submitted his...
News Room : SLPP and SJB to Vote Against Budget 2025
Both the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will vote against the Appropriation Bill 2025, it was announced in Parliament today (21 March). Today marks the final day of the Committee Stage debate on the Appropriation Bill 2025. SJB MP Mano Ganesan declared his party’s decision, stating, “This budget is like a fairy tale. They don’t know...
News Room : Property market shows signs of growth despite high taxes and bureaucratic hurdles
Industry experts at the Lanka Property Show 2025 have expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s real estate sector, highlighting its potential for growth despite recent economic challenges. While high interest rates, currency depreciation and fluctuating taxes have previously affected the market, experts are optimistic that the stabilization of monetary policy will create a more predictable and business-friendly environment for investors...
News Room : Sri Lanka risks losing US$1.23 billion in EU exports if GSP+ is revoked
Sri Lanka could lose up to US$1.23 billion if it loses its Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) and (GSP+) trade benefits with the European Union (EU), a new study by the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) has revealed. Without preferential tariff regime, Sri Lanka risks facing a tariff increase from GSP+ concessions to most-favoured nation (MFN) levels, the report said,...
News Room : Singer wins SLIM Kantar People’s award for best brand – The Island
Sri Lanka has fallen to 133rd place in the 2025 World Happiness Report, dropping five positions from its 128th ranking in 2024. The report ranks 147 countries worldwide, evaluating global well-being and providing insights on how to improve it. Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network,...
News Room : Local Government Elections Set for 6 May, Nomination Period Ends
The Election Commission has announced that Sri Lanka’s Local Government (LG) Elections will be held on 6 May. The acceptance of nominations concluded today (20) at 12:00 noon, with no further submissions accepted. The nomination process, which began on 17 March for 336 Local Government institutions, was followed by the confirmation of the election date. Meanwhile, the deadline for placing deposits...