Stories from Colombo · Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan singer Mohammed Ibn Hanifa's song "Love, Peace, and Friendship" won a third-place award at the 2025 Global Diplomacy Information Awards ceremony.

Police responded to a shooting involving a 20-year-old male at 5031 Colombo. The victim was shot on a corner in the middle of the street. No suspect has been seen by authorities.

Vehicle imports into Sri Lanka saw an surge of 900% during the first quarter of 2026. This increase suggests a shift in the country's import market. This increase indicates a strong recovery or demand in the automotive sector.

Sri Lanka has begun rationing fuel, a move necessitated by its reliance on imports for two-thirds of its supply.

Recent years have seen increased rainfall in Sri Lanka, a change attributed to climate change.

A suspended officer from the Ministry of Finance has died by suicide. The death occurs amid an ongoing investigation into a USD 2.5 million probe.

Customs inspectors at Colombo airport in Sri Lanka arrested 22 Buddhist monks. The group was found in possession of 110 kilograms of cannabis in their luggage. The investigation into the seizure is reportedly concluding. Police in Sri Lanka arrested 22 monks for possession of 110 kilograms of hashish. The monks had reportedly traveled through Thailand and Doha before returning to Sri Lanka. The drugs were discovered in their luggage during a security check. Authorities discovered the drugs inside suitcase packages during a security check. Each person was carrying 5 kilograms of drugs, totaling a seizure. The street value of the drugs is estimated at over 1.1 billion Sri Lankan rupees, approximately 3 million euros. A 23rd individual was also arrested, who is suspected by authorities to be the mastermind behind the operation. The suspects allegedly claimed the packages were donations.

Police arrested 22 Buddhist monks at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The monks were reportedly traveling from Thailand. Authorities found high-potency cannabis hidden in their luggage, including approximately 5 kilograms in one instance. The investigation into the specific scale of the smuggling operation is ongoing. The narcotics were discovered hidden inside suitcases, according to the report. The total amount of narcotics seized was approximately 100 grams. The illegal substances were reportedly found concealed inside suitcases. Authorities stated that approximately 100 monks are being investigated under standard operating procedures. The incident follows international regulations regarding the transport of cannabis across borders. Authorities discovered 110 kg of cannabis concealed in their luggage.

Renowned Buddhist scholar Professor Y.

Custom officials reported the largest single detection of Kush at a major international airport in a South Asian country. The seizure follows a previous incident last May where a 21-year-old British woman, Charlotte May Lee, was arrested with 101 pounds of the drug. Lee had reportedly traveled from Bangkok to Colombo to renew a Thai visa. Authorities intercepted 22 individuals each carrying 5 kilograms of drugs at an airport. The street value of the seized narcotics is estimated at over 1.1 billion South African rand, approximately 3 million euros. A 23rd individual was also arrested and is suspected of being the mastermind behind the operation. The suspects allegedly claimed the drugs were a donation. Each person was found carrying 5 kilograms of drugs.