Sri Lanka: News

18 Mar 2024

Ahmedabad

'We aren't police': Gujarat HC over attack on foreign students 

Gujarat High Court on Monday chose not to initiate suo motu cognizance in Sunday's attack on students hailing from foreign countries at a university hostel in Ahmedabad.

17 Mar 2024

Ahmedabad

Foreign students attacked at Gujarat University over namaz; 5 injured 

An unidentified mob assaulted foreign students at Gujarat University (GU) on Saturday for offering namaz in a hostel, according to NDTV.

After France, UPI goes live in Sri Lanka and Mauritius

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) now works in Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

14 Nov 2023

Canada

At UNHRC meeting, India asks Canada to address hate crimes

In a significant diplomatic move, India has spearheaded recommendations for Canada at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to bolster its legal framework to prevent attacks on worship places and address hate crimes more effectively.

12 Nov 2023

Diwali

Beyond borders: Countries that celebrate Diwali

Diwali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, but its significance and popularity have spread far beyond the nation's borders.

US pours $553mn into Sri Lankan port to counter China

The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has committed $553 million (about Rs. 4,603.4 crore) to finance a port terminal in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is being developed by Gautam Adani.

31 Oct 2023

Thailand

Now, Indian tourists can travel to Thailand without visa

Thailand is reportedly set to lift visa requirements for travelers from India and Taiwan between November 2023 and May 2024.

24 Oct 2023

India

Sri Lanka approves free visas for India, 6 other countries

Sri Lanka's government has reportedly greenlit a proposal to offer free visas to tourists from seven countries, including India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

26 Sep 2023

Food

Vegetarian food in Sri Lanka: These dishes are totally unmissable

Sri Lanka's local cuisine boasts a delicious combination of dishes that suites everyone's palate.

23 Sep 2023

Travel And Tourism

When in Sri Lanka, do these quirky things

The lesser-known side of Sri Lanka boasts many unique attractions and experiences that haven't been touched upon by many.

12 Sep 2023

Travel And Tourism

These Asian Buddhist monasteries are worth visiting

Buddhist temples and monasteries, meticulously crafted to nurture meditation and embrace tranquility, offer an extraordinary gateway to commune with nature and discover your inner serenity.

06 Sep 2023

India

Amid India-Bharat renaming row, here's a list of renamed countries

The official invitation that was sent out for the G20 summit dinner to be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan mentions "President of Bharat," instead of "President of India."

04 Sep 2023

Muthiah Muralidaran

Sachin Tendulkar to unveil Muthiah Muralidaran's '800' biopic trailer

Muthiah Muralidaran is one of the most iconic spinners in the history of cricket. The Sri Lankan spinning wizard is known for his unique bowling action and killer variations.

12 Aug 2023

Narendra Modi

Why PM Modi's statement on Katchatheevu Island is raising eyebrows 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi—during the no-confidence motion debate in the Parliament on Thursday—blamed former PM Indira Gandhi for "gifting" the disputed Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka.

09 Aug 2023

Indian Rupee (INR)

India is already using INR in trade with neighboring countries

The Indian government has initiated trade in Indian Rupee (INR) with neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, and Russia.

25 Jun 2023

Dawood Ibrahim

Pakistani gangster, linked to Dawood, trying to revive LTTE: Report

Indian agencies have reportedly found a connection between Haji Salim, a gangster based out of Karachi in Pakistan, and the notorious underworld mafia gangster Dawood Ibrahim.

India ranks 127 out of 146 for gender parity: WEF

The World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked India at 127 out of 146 countries in its global gender parity index, behind countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and Nepal but ahead of Pakistan.

17 May 2023

Inox

PVR Inox opens PVR Inox Pictures to acquire international films

PVR and Inox are the biggest names in the exhibitor circuit in India. The bigwigs got into a merger and came into a rebranding of PVR Inox.

17 Apr 2023

Tamil Cinema

Madhurr Mittal to play Muttiah Muralitharan in spinner's biopic '800'

Muttiah Muralitharan is one of the most iconic players to ever embrace the game of cricket. His record of 800 wickets in Test match cricket is still not broken. From his iconic bowling action to his lethal spins, the legend has inspired many.

07 Mar 2023

China

China backs Sri Lanka, clears way for IMF's $2.9B bailout

China has assured Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium for 2022 and 2023, paving the way for the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) $2.9 billion bailout.

US 'deeply concerned' over China's loans to Pakistan, Sri Lanka

Ahead of United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken's three-day India visit for the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi, the US expressed grave concern over China's loans to India's immediate neighbors, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

22 Feb 2023

Travel And Tourism

Arugam Bay: Guide to Sri Lanka's surfer's paradise  

If you are ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is the perfect destination for you.

10 Feb 2023

Travel And Tourism

Sri Lanka: 5 must-visit places in Anuradhapura

An ancient city in Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

02 Feb 2023

Travel And Tourism

How to make the most of your time in Jaffna

Are you looking for a unique and exciting holiday destination? Then come to Jaffna in Sri Lanka!

02 Feb 2023

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu receives unseasonal rainfall as schools, colleges declare holiday

Due to unseasonal rainfall in numerous parts of Tamil Nadu since Wednesday night, schools and colleges in Nagapattinam were forced to announce a holiday on Thursday.

20 Jan 2023

India

Sri Lanka lauds India for aiding in 'regaining stability'

The foreign minister of Sri Lanka, Ali Sabry, said that the financial aid of approximately $4 billion it received from India helped the country import essential goods and regain stability during its absolute economic crisis.

Citizenship Amendment Act arbitrary, against Tamil race: DMK tells SC

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019, is arbitrary for recognizing religious minorities from three countries only while excluding Muslims and completely ignoring Sri Lankan Tamils.

#NewsBytesExplainer: How Perarivalan case made Rajiv Gandhi assassins' release possible

The Supreme Court on Friday released the last six convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

12 Nov 2022

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu: 27 districts shut schools as heavy rains continue

At least 27 districts in Tamil Nadu have announced a holiday for schools and colleges on Saturday as heavy rains continue to lash the state.

29 Sep 2022

Durga Puja

Visiting Salt Lake and Dum Dum? Check out these pandals

Although Durga Puja begins this weekend, people have already started hitting pandals across Kolkata to avoid the rush on the main days of the festival.

27 Sep 2022

Travel And Tourism

5 souvenirs that will keep you hooked on Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is famed for its gorgeous beaches, delicious food, and rich biodiversity.

13 Sep 2022

India

India raises issue of Sri Lankan Tamils at UNHRC

India raised concerns regarding the ethnic issue of Tamils in Sri Lanka in its statement at the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Monday.

07 Sep 2022

Travel And Tourism

5 unique hotels in Sri Lanka you must stay at

Well-known for its great hospitality, tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and incredible food, Sri Lanka attracts tourists throughout the year.

Sri Lanka crisis: Gotabaya Rajapaksa returns; apprehension of protest grows

Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa returned to the country on Friday nearly two months after fleeing the island country amid the worst-ever economic downturn, according to AFP.

21 Aug 2022

Colombo

IMF to visit Sri Lanka on Wednesday to assess debt

A team of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be visiting Sri Lanka this week to assess the island nation's total external and internal debt.

16 Aug 2022

India China Border

Chinese 'spy ship' docks in Sri Lanka amid India's concerns

A Chinese research vessel, purportedly a spy ship, docked in Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port on Tuesday amid concerns in India.

More important to rebuild Lanka than my own house: Wickremesinghe

Sri lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in reference to the protesters' threats, said that there was no point in asking that he "should go home" because he has nowhere to go.

22 Jul 2022

Colombo

Sri Lanka crisis: Military uses force against protesters, dismantles tents

Hundreds of Sri Lankan army personnel and police stormed the major anti-government demonstration camp in the capital city, Colombo, on Friday.

20 Jul 2022

Sri Lankan Government

Sri Lanka's 'comeback man' Ranil Wickremesinghe elected as new President

Ranil Wickremesinghe has been elected as the new President of crisis-hit Sri Lanka.

18 Jul 2022

Sri Lankan Government

Sri Lanka's acting president Ranil Wickremesinghe declares state of emergency

Sri Lanka's acting President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, imposed a state of emergency late on Sunday night as his administration continues to suppress civil unrest and address the country's economic problems.

17 Jul 2022

AIADMK

Lanka crisis: Centre calls all-party meeting at Tamil Nadu's request

The government on Sunday announced an all-party conference on the unrest in Sri Lanka was scheduled for Tuesday evening.

16 Jul 2022

Sri Lankan Government

Sri Lanka plans quota scheme for fuel refilling amid crisis

In the midst of the country's economic crisis, the Sri Lanka government is planning to implement a national fuel quota scheme.

16 Jul 2022

Ranil Wickremesinghe

'Did everything to save Lanka': Rajapaksa says in resignation letter

On Saturday, Sri Lankan parliamentarians began selecting a new president to serve the remainder of the term left vacant by Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

16 Jul 2022

Ranil Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka: Parliament convenes, new president election on July 20

Battling an acute economic crisis, Sri Lanka's Parliament convened for a session on Saturday to start the procedure of electing the island nation's next president. The house will be voting on July 20.

15 Jul 2022

Animal Rights

Sri Lankan protesters help tear-gassed dog outside PM office

An act of kindness by protesters in Sri Lanka is winning the internet.

15 Jul 2022

Singapore

Ranil Wickremesinghe takes oath as Acting President of Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday took oath as Acting President of Sri Lanka after Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation was officially accepted.

14 Jul 2022

Singapore

Curfew imposed in Colombo; President Rajapaksa likely to reach Singapore

Acting President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday asked Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to nominate a prime minister who is acceptable to both the government and the Opposition.

13 Jul 2022

Ranil Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka: PM Wickremesinghe orders military, police to restore order

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been appointed the country's acting president and a state of emergency has been declared in the island nation following a standoff between the security forces and angry protesters who tried to enter the Prime Minister's Office.

13 Jul 2022

Maldives

Sri Lankan PM declares emergency as Gotabaya flees to Maldives

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday declared a state of emergency after embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives on a military jet after facing a massive public revolt for the collapse of the country's economy.

12 Jul 2022

Colombo

Airport authorities block ex-FM Basil Rajapaksa from leaving Sri Lanka

Former Finance Minister of Sri Lanka, Basil Rajapaksa, attempted to flee to Dubai in the early hours of Tuesday amid a wave of protests but was unsuccessful after the airport's immigration officials blocked him.

Amid Sri Lanka crisis, IMF chief warns of global debt

With Sri Lanka reeling under its worst economic crisis in seven decades, International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva warned G20 nations over global debt.

10 Jul 2022

Colombo

Sri Lankan Army chief seeks public support to maintain peace

Seeking the public's support to maintain peace in the country, Sri Lankan Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, on Sunday said an opportunity to resolve the current political crisis in a peaceful manner is now available.

Lanka crisis: Gotabaya to resign, Wickremesinghe's house set on fire

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday agreed to step down from his post after violent protests in which demonstrators stormed his official residence in Colombo, forcing him to flee to an unknown location.

09 Jul 2022

Colombo

Sri Lanka crisis: Ranil Wickremesinghe quits as PM

In a significant but expected development, Ranil Wickremesinghe has resigned as Sri Lanka's Prime Minister, paving way for an all-party administration to take charge.

09 Jul 2022

Facebook

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa flees official residence amid protests

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa allegedly abandoned his official residence in Colombo on Saturday as demonstrators broke into the house, AFP reported.

28 Jun 2022

India

Sri Lanka under virtual lockdown over fuel scarcity amid crisis

Citizens of Sri Lanka have been placed under a virtual lockdown as the worsening sovereign debt crisis has deprived the South Asian country of fuel.

18 Jun 2022

India

Sri Lanka fuel crisis: 2-week 'work from home' for employees

The Sri Lanka government on Friday declared work from home (WFH) for its government employees for the next two weeks as the island nation is grappling with an acute fuel shortage amid the worst financial crisis it has seen since its independence in 1948.

28 May 2022

India

Sri Lanka PM thanks India for support during 'difficult period'

Sri Lankan Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday thanked India and Japan for the move to set up a foreign aid consortium.

17 May 2022

Sri Lankan Government

Lanka to sell national airline, print salary money amid crisis

In a televised speech on Monday, Sri Lanka's new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe announced plans to privatize its national carrier SriLankan Airlines.

13 May 2022

Ranil Wickremesinghe

Who is Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka's new PM amid crisis?

Ranil Wickremesinghe, the leader of Sri Lanka's United National Party (UNP), was sworn in as the country's 26th prime minister on Thursday, succeeding Mahinda Rajapaksa, who resigned on Monday amid protests over the island nation's current economic crisis.

India not sending troops to Sri Lanka: Indian High Commission

The Indian High Commission in Colombo on Wednesday firmly denied rumors that New Delhi was sending soldiers to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka: Ex-PM Mahinda flees to naval base amid protests

Former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family have reportedly sought refuge at a naval base in Trincomalee, in the country's northeast region.

09 May 2022

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns amid violent clashes

Amid the deepening economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned from his post on Monday, local media reported.

07 May 2022

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka under state of emergency again as protests intensify

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday declared a state of emergency for the second time in just over a month as anti-government protests escalated in the island nation.

02 May 2022

Maithripala Sirisena

Sri Lanka crisis: Ex-President Maithripala Sirisena calls for fresh elections

Amid the deepening economic crisis in Sri Lanka, former president and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) chief Maithripala Sirisena called for fresh elections on Sunday.

29 Apr 2022

Maithripala Sirisena

Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to form interim government: Details here

To solve the political impasse ailing Sri Lanka, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday agreed to form an interim government without his older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa as the PM.

Sitharaman assures Sri Lanka of all possible assistance from India

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday "assured all possible cooperation" to her Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry on the sidelines of IMF-WB Spring Meetings in the US.

14 Apr 2022

India

Sri Lanka crisis: India to provide additional $2 billion aid

India is considering enhancing its financial assistance to crisis-hit Sri Lanka in the form of credits for essential commodities and balance-of-payment support.

12 Apr 2022

India

Amid economic crisis, Sri Lanka defaults on $51 billion debt

Sri Lanka on Tuesday announced that it was defaulting on its $51 billion external debt in anticipation of a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

06 Apr 2022

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka economic crisis: President Rajapaksa revokes state of emergency

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Tuesday night revoked the state of emergency in the nation with immediate effect.

05 Apr 2022

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka economic crisis: Ruling coalition loses majority in Parliament

Sri Lanka's ruling coalition lost its parliamentary majority on Tuesday, amid growing unrest over the ongoing economic crisis, Reuters reported.

04 Apr 2022

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka economic crisis: Cabinet ministers resign as protests mount

At a late-night meeting on Sunday, the entire cabinet of Sri Lanka resigned amid mounting public anger and growing anti-government protests over the severe economic crisis.

03 Apr 2022

Colombo

Sri Lanka economic crisis: Over 600 held for violating curfew

More than 600 demonstrators were arrested in Sri Lanka's Western Province for violating a countrywide curfew of 36 hours, news agency PTI reported.

03 Apr 2022

X

Sri Lanka economic crisis: Social media blocked as protests spread

The Sri Lankan government has barred access to all social media sites in its latest attempt to prevent protests against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

02 Apr 2022

India

Amid protests, nation-wide curfew imposed in Sri Lanka till Monday

The Sri Lankan government has imposed a curfew across the country from Saturday at 6:00 pm to Monday at 6:00 am in response to protests over the country's worst economic crisis in decades.

02 Apr 2022

Colombo

Sri Lanka: Emergency declared after unrest over economic crisis

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency on Friday, a day after hundreds attempted to storm his house in protest of the country's unprecedented economic crisis.

Protests near Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's home; 45 arrested

Thousands of people descended on the streets of Sri Lankan capital Colombo near President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's house on Thursday night, demanding that he step down.

29 Mar 2022

India

Explainer: What's behind Sri Lanka's worst economic crisis in decades?

Sri Lanka is experiencing one of its most severe economic crises in decades, with rising inflation, weak government finances, and COVID-19 shattering the economy.

24 Mar 2022

Spain

5 famous lighthouses in the world

Lighthouses are usually set up at harbor and bay entrances and have served as crucial landmarks for hundreds of years for ships.