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Times Online Sri Lanka

Times Online is the official website of the Sunday Times newspaper in Sri Lanka.

We are not just 'online' on Sunday but EVERYDAY- keeping our readers upto date with the latest. As an extension of our print edition we provide our readers with daily updates on the goings on in the sphere of politics, business, sports, art and culture and much more.

02/09/2026

Top stories of the day

Rs. 65 million cash/gold jewellery robbery in Thalawathugoda

Police said last afternoon in Thalawathugoda around Rs. 65 million in cash and gold jewellery have been stolen from a travel agency by four individuals who arrived at the premises in a car.

State university lecturers staged protest

Lecturers from state universities has staged protests in front of all universities during the lunch break demanding solutions to problems, including the shortage of university lecturers.

Buttala Camp STF raided Cannabis plantation

Police Special Task Force (STF) attached to the Buttala Camp raided a cannabis plantation containing plants valued at more than Rs. 2 million in Thanamalwila based on intelligence provided by officers of the Army Intelligence Unit.

Presidential Secretary raises concern over PAYE tax

According to the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, urgent measures need to be taken to address the heavy burden faced by the general public due to the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax.

Court seeks new report on Suresh Sallay’s health condition

The Director of the Colombo National Hospital has been directed by the Colombo Fort Magistrate to submit a report on the current health condition of retired Major General Suresh Sallay

01/09/2026

Top stories of the day

Review of 1897 Quarantine Law approved by the Cabinet

The appointment of a review committee to examine proposed amendments to the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance No. 3 of 1897, with the aim of strengthening the legal framework to address current and future public health challenges has been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Pillayan and two others remanded further

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan and two military intelligence informants have been further remanded over their alleged involvement in the 2008 killings of five people in Batticaloa until September 15.

Foreign-made hand gr***de found in Delgaha Ara Canal

In Weligampitiya, Ja-Ela, a foreign-made hand gr***de has been found in the Delgaha Ara Canal, which flows behind the residence of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana.

Three missing 17-year-old schoolgirls found in Trincomalee

Police said three 17-year-old schoolgirls who went missing from the Ellarawa area in Pinnawala, Balangoda, have been found in Trincomalee.

Residents raised concerns over the risk of rockfall and tree collapse on Hatton-Colombo road

The risk of large rocks and trees collapsing onto the Hatton-Colombo main road in the Rampadeniya area of Ginigathhena has caused residents to raise concerns.

30/08/2026

An evening where music, culture and tradition come together beautifully. ✨🎶 Join the Coyle Ladies Chapter for “සිංහල ගී මංසල”, featuring the soulful sounds of The De Lanerolle Brothers and the DLB Squared Band, with a special guest performance by The Gateway Choirs.

📍 Musaeus College Auditorium
📅 Sunday, 6th September 2026
⏰ Doors open at 6.00 PM | Show starts at 7.00 PM

Come celebrate the magic of Sinhala music while supporting a meaningful cause. ❤️ Tickets available exclusively on MyTickets.lk.

14/08/2026

Union Assurance Platinum Circle Enables Customers to Protect What Matters Most While Enjoying Life’s Finest Through Curated Experiences and Added Privileges

Union Assurance, Sri Lanka’s longest-standing private Life Insurer, proudly introduced Union Assurance Platinum Circle, an offering for eligible policyholders that redefines how they protect what matters most while, enjoying life’s finest through curated experiences and added privileges. Built on this commitment, Union Assurance Platinum Circle brings together a purposefully designed standard of care, enhanced convenience, and a heightened sense of appreciation, extending beyond the traditional Life Insurance experience.

Union Assurance policyholders who meet the eligibility criteria are automatically enabled to access the exclusive benefits of Union Assurance Platinum Circle. These include select lifestyle experiences, milestone recognitions, digital health services, and various partner-led benefits; designed to celebrate important moments throughout a policyholder’s life journey. For added convenience, these privileges are also enabled via Clicklife App; the industry’s most comprehensive Life Insurance app, to ensure seamless customer management anytime, anywhere.

Commenting on the launch, Director and Chief Executive Officer at Union Assurance, Senath Jayatilake, stated: “Union Assurance Platinum Circle reflects how we continue to deepen our relationship with policyholders over time. As one's life progresses through different stages, these bespoke experiences enable us to remain present in more meaningful ways while evolving the Life Insurance experience to stay relevant in our policyholders' everyday lives. This rewarding platform represents the Company’s dedication to delivering exceptional services that goes beyond policies, reinforcing that the trust in Union Assurance is recognised and valued.”

View www.sundaytimes.lk for full article

06/08/2026

Atlas PlayPalz joined hands with the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs during National Early Childhood Development (ECD) Week 2026 to promote the role of purposeful play in supporting children’s learning and development.

The initiative reached over 1,000 children, parents and preschool teachers, while a dedicated session at Temple Trees brought together over 500 preschool teachers to highlight the impact educators have in creating engaging early learning environments.

The occasion also marked the launch of the Atlas PlayPalz activity kits, which are designed to help children build creativity, problem-solving ability, fine motor skills, communication, focus and emotional expression through structured play-based activities.

22/07/2026

Top stories of the day

Lankan-origin doctor arrested in Canada for possessing child sexual abuse material

The Toronto Police Service has laid criminal charges against a Sri Lankan origin doctor for possession and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

Former State Minister’s son to be detained and questioned over robbery

The Fort Magistrate’s Court today granted permission for the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) to detain and question Anuda Dinajith Bandara, the son of former State Minister Shantha Bandara for 24 hours in connection with the alleged robbery of Rs. 20 million belonging to a Chinese national.

Opposition discusses the proposed no-confidence motion against Justice Minister

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today presided over a meeting with opposition members about the proposed no‑confidence motion against the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, that will be taken up for debate in Parliament on Friday (24).

Kendu leaves with a street value of Rs 15 m seized

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard seized Rs 15 million worth of Kedu leaves during a combined operation carried out with the support of state intelligence officers and Police Special Task Force in the coastal area of Wennapuuwa.

Sri Lanka’s passport ranking improves

Sri Lanka has recorded its highest position in the Henley Passport Index since 2014, climbing to 94th place in the 2026 global rankings, but is still below the rankings it held between 2006 to 2014. In 2006 Sri Lanka was placed 74th in 2006.

Global fuel prices surges

Global fuel prices have surged significantly. Brent crude pushed past $95 per barrel.

15/07/2026

Top stories for today

Negombo Mayor resigns

Mayor of the Negombo Municipal Council, Robert Heenkenda, (NPP) has resigned from his position citing personal reasons.

Central Province Governor tenders resignation

Governor Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon has submitted his letter of resignation from the post Governor’s post citing personal reasons.

SJB Hanguranketha orgainser arrested over fraud, gets bail

Ex Central Provincial Councillor and SJB Hanguranketha Organiser Jayalath Bandara Dissanayake was arrested over an alleged fraud of Rs 27.5 m by the Financial and Commercial Crimes Investigation Division of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau. He was granted bail by the Nugegoda Magistrate courts later.

Man grabs Policeman’s weapon and opens fire at a constable

A man grabbed the weapon of a policeman at a checkpoint at Dawamottawa in Katunayake, and opened fire at another policeman causing injuries to him.

Ex-Minister and former state minister indicted

Former Minister Mervyn Silva and ex-State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera are among six persons who have been indicted in the Gampaha High Court on charges of attempting to sell a state owned land in Kiribathgoda.

Sri Lanka steps up anti-Dengue drive

The government has stepped up the anti-Dengue drive as the death toll increased to 49.

14/07/2026

Top stories for today

Two more Negombo prison official succumb to injuries

Two more prison officials injured in the unrest in the Negombo prison unrest have succumbed to their injuries raising death toll to 10 officials. Twenty one inmates were also killed.

Dengue death toll rises to 48

The death toll due to Dengue has risen to 48 while nealy 70,000 persons have so far been infected by Dengue

Police launch search for youth who broke into Dambulla Div Secretariat

Police have a launched a search for a youth who broke into the Dambulla Divisional Secretariat and ransacked the files.

National Policy to prevent money laundering

The Cabinet has approved a proposal by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to implement a National Policy on Preventing Money Laundering, Countering the Financing Terrorism and Combating the Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction for the 2026-2030 period.

ADB, EU and Japanese funding for solar power

The Sri Lankan government is to obtain debt and grants from international agencies including the ADB for the implementation of a project on ”Grid - Based Rooftop Solar Power and Virtual Net Meter Reading” Debt and grant agreements will be reached for US$35 million from the concessional general capital resources of the ADB, a grant of EUR 15.4 million from the European Union, and a grant of US$5.5 million from the Japanese Fund for the Joint Credit Mechanism.

Term tests in the North Western Province postponed , delay in printing question papers

The school term tests for grade 6 to 11 in the North Western province has been postponed due to the failure to print the question papers in time.

10/07/2026

Top stories for the day

No-Confidence motion against Justice Minister

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, along with other opposition Members of Parliament, including ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ leader MP Dilith Jayaweera, signed the no-confidence motion in Parliament today against Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara over the unrest at the Negombo Prison.

Former Minister Duminda re-named as suspect

Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake was today re‑named as a suspect in the case involving the detection of a gold plated T‑56 fi***rm recovered at the Havelock city. Havelocky area. He was released on two personal bail bonds of Rs. 500,000 each by the Mt Lavinia Magistrate courts.

Writ Application by sallay taken up in CA

The Writ Application petition filed by former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) Suresh Sallay, challenging his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) over the Easter Sunday terror attacks, was taken up before the Court of Appeal today and re-fixed for next week.

Cabinet to reconsider contract to issue e-visas

The Supreme Court today (10) was informed by the Attorney General today that the Cabinet has decided to review the legality of agreements entered into during the previous government period for assigning the issuance of electronic visas to private companies.

09/07/2026

Top Stories of the Week

- Negombo prisons declared as ‘scene of crime’

The Ministry of Justice has decided to treat the Negombo Prisons as a scene of crime and the location is not suitable to maintain the Prisons.

- Underworld gang members house set on fire

Underworld gang member ‘Thambili Lahiru’s residence in Middeniya has been set on fire. He is currently in custody in Boosa, after being arrested in Indonesia last year.

- Bribery charges against ex-minister

The Bribery Commission has filed a case against former Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena in the Colombo High Court on allegations of accepting a bribe of Rs one million from a businessman in 2013.

- Dengue death toll rises

The number of Dengue deaths have increased to 45 while the number of cases of Dengue has increased to 65,034.

- US dollar selling rate Rs 340.86

The selling rate of the US dollar today is Rs 340.86, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

- Businessman attempting smuggle gold arrested at BIA

A businessman from Matale who attempted to smuggle gold into the country was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport today.

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