How the country's government, politics and public institutions work.
During the first high-level visit from Sri Lanka to Belarus in over 10 years, the foreign ministers of both countries signed an air services cooperation agreement and memoranda of understanding.
Open sourceFollowing talks between To Lam and President Dissanayake in Colombo, Vietnam and Sri Lanka elevated their ties to a comprehensive partnership covering politics, economics, security, and culture.
Open sourceAn unusual aircraft spotted at Colombo airport is believed to have brought the Vietnamese delegation; the two sides are discussing launching direct air links.
Open sourcePassengers on an Aeroflot flight reported seeing several fighter jets on the runway at Bandaranaike International Airport before takeoff.
Open sourceA pedestrian rights protest was held in Jaffna.
Open sourceThe Sri Lankan government immediately cancelled the Wednesday holiday introduced in March 2026 as a fuel-saving measure for the public sector.
Open sourceA Russian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko arrived in Sri Lanka to discuss bilateral cooperation including trade, economy, and humanitarian ties.
Open sourceSri Lanka police have tightened security around embassies, hotels and tourist zones amid escalating Middle East tensions.
Open sourceSri Lanka's Attorney General informed the Court of Appeal that a letter from the SLTDA chairman endorsing LGBT tourism promotion projects would be withdrawn.
Open sourceThe author wraps up an informal Independence Day poster competition, choosing the best from approximately 300 entries based on style and mood criteria.
Open sourcePreparations for Sri Lanka's 78th Independence Day celebration are complete: festivities will take place at Independence Square with 4,500 military personnel and 150 diplomats.
Open sourceThe Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka announced the introduction of a licensing system for commercial drone operators, including theoretical and practical examinations.
Open sourceSri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to deliver an official address at 8:30 PM.
Open sourceThe Sri Lankan government launched the official website donate.gov.lk to collect aid for those affected by the natural disaster.
Open sourcePresident Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency across the entire island to enable rapid response to the large-scale natural disaster.
Open sourceSri Lanka's tourism bureau SLTDA confirmed it is monitoring foreign tourists' social media posts and is prepared to file complaints against content that damages the country's reputation.
Open sourceThe first joint Russian-Sri Lankan military exercises 'Wolverine Trail 2025' have begun at the Sri Lanka Army Training Centre.
Open sourceThe Ministry of Tourism stated that no decision on an LGBT campaign was made; proposals were only discussed as part of shaping the country's inclusive image.
Open sourceThe head of SLTDA announced plans to develop LGBT tourism to diversify markets and position the island as an inclusive destination.
Open sourceOn the day of Wickremesinghe's hearing, police cordons have been set up both near the courthouse and the hospital where the former president is being treated.
Open sourceFormer president Ranil Wickremesinghe was transferred to the intensive care unit of Colombo's National Hospital following a stroke that occurred after his arrest.
Open sourceRanil Wickremesinghe became the first former president in Sri Lanka's history to be arrested, suspected of misappropriating public funds, with a court hearing scheduled shortly.
Open sourceSri Lanka's Deputy Foreign Minister stated the country is ready to resume its BRICS membership bid and highlighted the island's growing popularity among Russians.
Open sourceThe ruling NPP party won a majority in most regions following the completion of municipal elections.
Open sourceIndia suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, closed border crossings with Pakistan, and recalled its entire diplomatic staff from Islamabad.
Open sourceIndian and Pakistani armies are on full alert; India expels Pakistani diplomats — Sri Lankan authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Open sourceBrief digest: killing of Nawa Sinhale nationalist leader, guards firing shots at Matara prison, and government criticism from Namal Rajapaksa.
Open sourceThe Sri Lankan government announced a decision to hire women as train drivers and bus drivers in state transport companies.
Open sourcePresident Dissanayake and Xi Jinping signed a joint statement on deepening cooperation, including a free trade agreement, investments, and maritime partnership.
Open sourceThe incumbent president's NPP alliance won Sri Lanka's parliamentary elections, paving the way for reforms and anti-corruption measures.
Open sourcePublic Security Minister Wijitha Herath stated that travel restrictions on Sri Lanka will be lifted within two to three days following security measures taken.
Open sourceSri Lanka is rapidly moving toward joining the BRICS international association.
Open sourceA Kommersant journalist compared Sri Lanka's new president to Che Guevara — the author sees this as a reflection of outdated ideological stereotypes.
Open sourceA political strategist analyzes AKD's presidential victory: a historic result for an independent candidate, a pragmatic left-wing program, and realistic expectations for the new president.
Open sourceAnura Kumara Dissanayake won the presidential election and will become Sri Lanka's ninth president; Ranil Wickremesinghe has left the presidential palace.
Open sourceDue to the Single Transferable Vote system, candidate Dissanayake with 42% could lose the presidential election despite leading the field.
Open sourceThe Minister of Public Safety extended the curfew imposed on local residents until noon on Sunday, September 22.
Open sourceA curfew was imposed on Sri Lankan citizens from Saturday 22:00 to Sunday 6:00; tourists may move freely.
Open sourceMonday, September 23 has been declared a public holiday in Sri Lanka.
Open sourceSri Lanka's Election Commission required all employers to grant employees leave to vote, with duration based on distance to the polling station.
Open sourceSri Lanka's president is on a working visit to Galle with heavy police presence and closed government offices — travelers are advised to adjust their plans.
Open sourceA short post announcing positive pre-election news from Sri Lanka.
Open sourceSri Lanka's ambassador to the UK met with King Charles III, strengthening bilateral diplomatic relations.
Open sourceThe channel reports on the May Day demonstration held in Matara.
Open sourceThe 'Sri Lanka News' channel reported on the Iranian president's state visit to Sri Lanka.
Open sourceDailyMirror reports the arrival of a Russian missile ship in Colombo, with the stated purpose of fostering camaraderie and visiting tourist attractions.
Open sourceIndia temporarily used the Hindi name 'Bharat' during a special parliamentary session as a political move to gain voter support.
Open sourceThe tourism minister's press conference was cancelled due to tender violations; eight officials were transferred to the ministry.
Open sourceSri Lanka's president expressed support for Russians running legal businesses on the island, singling out restaurant KAIYO and its founder Sergei Fokin.
Open sourceSri Lanka's government approved the creation of a road fund to introduce tolls on main roads, reducing the budget burden of road construction and maintenance.
Open sourceThe governments of Sri Lanka and India agreed to launch a ferry service between Kankesanthurai and Karaikal from April 29, 2023, priced at $50 one way.
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