Court of Appeal orders Jaffna MC to curb air pollution

The Court of Appeal today directed the Jaffna Municipal Council to take necessary measures to reduce air pollution in the municipal area, particularly by refraining from burning garbage.

Sri Lanka dips further in latest Global Innovation Index

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 with Sri Lanka positioned at the 93rd spot.

’’I’ll be there like a father’’ – Sanath to Dunith

Sri Lanka Cricket coach and former captain Sanath Jayasuriya shared a heartfelt message following the passing of Suranga Wellalage, father of rising cricket star Dunith Wellalage.

Inaugural Ceylon Gemlogue to promote Ceylon gems globally

Sri Lanka’s centuries-old gem trade, steeped in heritage yet alive with modern innovation, is about to take the spotlight in a way never seen before. Ceylon Gemlogue 2025, presented by Ceylon Gem Chronicles, and endorsed by key industry Associations, the Ceylon Gem & Jewellery Traders Association (CGJTA)| GemSriLanka and the Lanka Gem Dealers

19 paddy warehouses opened in Polonnaruwa; 4,500 MT purchased

Nineteen paddy warehouses have been opened in the Polonnaruwa district, and 4,500 metric tons of paddy have already been purchased by farmers, Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) Chairman Manjula Pinnalanda told the Daily Mirror.

Air Force intelligence corporal arrested with Rs. 20 million worth of gold at BIA

The Narcotics Control Unit of Sri Lanka Customs arrested a Sri Lanka Air Force intelligence corporal at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday (18) while he was allegedly attempting to smuggle gold into the country.

No forgiveness for corrupt politicians: Minister Ramalingam

Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar made a strong statement against corruption, stating that there will be no forgiveness for politicians who have engaged in bribery, fraud and looting of public assets.

Suspected gunman in Dan Priyasad shooting arrested

The gunman suspected to be involved in the shooting of activist Dan Priyasad has been arrested along with two other suspects.

Sajith request more time to declare assets and liabilities

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has made a written request from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to submit his assets and liabilities in a digital format.

Local expertise crucial for Kadawatha–Mirigama Expressway project – SLCA

The recently resumed construction of the Kadawatha–Mirigama section of the Central Expressway can be completed more effectively with the active involvement of local engineers, Sri Lanka Construction Association (SLCA) President Susantha Liyanarachchi told the Daily Mirror.

Special police unit set up to tackle foreign employment fraud

A special investigation unit comprising police officers was inaugurated yesterday (18) at the head office of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) to investigate and swiftly resolve complaints related to foreign employment. The unit includes 16 police officers, led by a Chief Inspector.

US blocks UN call for Gaza ceasefire for sixth time

The US has for the sixth time vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

Woman dies after allegedly poisoning her three sons

A tragic incident took place in Hapudanduwala, Ududumbara, where a mother reportedly poisoned her three children before consuming poison herself.

Shashindra Rajapaksa further remanded

Former State Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa, who is currently in remand custody, was today ordered to be further remanded till September 22 by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

Delay in probes into drug regulatory and passport fraud suspicious – MTUA Chairman

Medical Trade Union Alliance (MTUA) Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa yesterday (18) raised concerns over the delay in investigations into the data fraud at the Drug Regulatory Authority and the alleged irregularities in passport printing tenders, calling the situation “suspicious.”

Ali Roshan jailed for 15 years, fined Rs. 20.6 mn over elephant trafficking

A three-judge bench of the High Court today sentenced Niraj Roshan, alias ’Ali Roshan’ to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 20.6 million, after finding him guilty of unlawfully keeping five elephants without valid permits.

CEB trade unions to launch third phase of trade union action from Sunday

The Sri Lanka Electricity Board (CEB) trade unions will commence the third phase of their ongoing trade union action at midnight on Sunday (21), Sri Lanka Electricity Board Technicians’ Association Chairman Kosala Abeysinghe told the Daily Mirror.

Spa owners want laws to legalize and regulate their business expedited

Spa owners have called for expediting the legalization and regulating of their business so that it would become an official industry in Sri Lanka.

Luxury vehicle in Ella accident lacked recording facility in camera system - Agent

The luxury car involved in the recent fatal accident with a bus at Rawanaella on the Ella–Wellawaya Road was not equipped with recording facilities in its security camera system, its agents have confirmed.

Estimated Govt. expenditure to go up by a further 3 billion in 2026

The total estimated government expenditure for 2026 has shot up by a further Rs. 3 billion, compared with the current year, according to the Appropriation Bill for 2026.

Taliban ban books written by women from Afghan universities

The Taliban government has removed books written by women from the university teaching system in Afghanistan as part of a new ban which has also outlawed the teaching of human rights and sexual harassment.

Customs’ forfeiture of Panama-flagged vessel carrying salt challenged before court

A writ petition was filed before the Court of Appeal challenging the decision of the Sri Lanka Customs to forfeit the MV Stella Beauty, a Panama-flagged cargo vessel carrying a consignment of six million kilograms of iodised white granular salt imported from India.

Nabi offers condolences to Wellalage after father’s death

Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has extended his heartfelt condolences to Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage following the death of his father, Suranga Wellalage.

“It’s our time to shine”: Athapaththu

Playing at a World Cup isn’t something you get to do every day, and it is an opportunity that we will not take for granted.

Dunith Wellalage’s father passes away during Asia Cup match

Suranga Wellalage, father of Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, passed away in Colombo after suffering a cardiac arrest. On the same day his father died, Dunith took the field for Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup encounter against Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh reach Asia Cup Super Fours

Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan to qualify for the Asia Cup Super Four stage, eliminating their opponents in the process.

Sri Lanka’s third Nano-satellite to be placed in orbit tomorrow

Sri Lanka’s third Nano-satellite will be placed in orbit tomorrow, marking another milestone in the country’s space technology development, the Ministry of Science and Technology said today.

Landmark court ruling orders disability-friendly upgrades at railway stations from Vavuniya to Mahawa

The Anuradhapura High Court yesterday has issued a landmark ruling requiring the renovation of railway stations between Vavuniya and Mahawa to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. The decision comes after a petition highlighted the failure to comply with accessibility regulations during recent station upgrades.

Nabi’s late blitz lifts Afghanistan to 170 after Thushara’s magic

Mohammad Nabi produced a stunning late assault to rescue Afghanistan, smashing 49 runs in the last two overs to power his side to 170. The highlight was a breathtaking 32-run 20th over, showcasing the veteran’s big-hitting prowess at the death.

Atletico and Uefa to review ’spit’ footage during Liverpool match

Atletico Madrid will launch an investigation into the mass confrontation that marred their 3-2 Champions League loss at Anfield, with a member of their backroom team appearing to spit into the crowd.