Pope Francis no longer requires mechanical ventilation

Pope Francis had stabilized enough Tuesday after two respiratory crises to be taken off noninvasive mechanical ventilation and receive just high flows of supplemental oxygen, as he continued his more than two-week long fight against double pneumonia, the Vatican said.

SC dismisses FR petition by Ex-Additional Secretary over Immunoglobulin case

A Fundamental Rights petition filed by former Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Saman Ratnayake, challenging his arrest in connection with the alleged import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, was dismissed today by the Supreme Court.

Doctors’ strike called off

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that the nationwide strike planned for tomorrow has been called off following discussions with Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

Customs save Rs.1.8Bn to Govt. from illegal cigarettes

The government would have incurred a loss of Rs.1.8 billion in taxes in the past three years if not for the efforts by Sri Lanka Customs that seized 8.7 million sticks of illegal cigarettes that were smuggled into the country, an official said.

AMS to refrain from trade union action

Despite recognizing the legitimacy of trade union (TU) action taken by doctors’ unions over proposed devaluation of extra duty rates, public holiday payments, and Sunday allowances for medical officers under Budget 2025, the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has decided not to engage in such action at this moment.

Opposition MPs deny getting filling stations through political influence

Opposition MPs Gayantha Karunathilaka, Harshana Rajakaruna and Kins Nelson today denied getting filling stations through political influence.

IMF warns Sri Lanka trade unions against strike over pay demand

Sri Lanka’s fragile economic recovery could be hampered by threatened trade union strikes over reduced benefits for government employees in this year’s budget, the International Monetary Fund warned on Tuesday.

Animal survey on March 15 proposed by special committee: Minister

The planned animal survey on March 15 is a proposal of the special committee appointed to tackle agricultural losses caused by wild animals and provide recommendations for managing the issue, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Man arrested for riding motorcycle naked claims he wanted to live freely

The man who was arrested for riding a motorcycle yesterday told the police that he had removed his clothes because he wanted to live freely.

Court issues order on scheduled protest near Parliament

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court issued an order regarding a protest organised today (24) by a group of convenors and members of the Unemployed Graduates’ Association.

Muslim extremist group detected in Eastern Province: Cabinet spokesman

Information has been received regarding a Muslim extremist group operating in the Eastern Province, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa revealed.

Markets sink as Trump confirms tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China

President Donald Trump has said he is moving forward with 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico into the US, adding that time had run out to reach a deal.

Fuel distributors agree to new formula: Government

The fuel distributors agreed to adhere to the new formula on their commissions introduced by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Speaker warns MPs Archchuna, Rasamanickam

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne today warned Opposition MPs Ramanathan Archchuna and Shanakiyan Rasamanickam for disturbing the proceedings.

Sampath Kotuwegoda to be appointed new DMC Director General

Major General (Retired) Sampath Kotuwegoda is to be appointed as the new Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) in Sri Lanka.

44 reservoirs overflowing after heavy rains

The water levels of 44 reservoirs out of the 73 main reservoirs have started spilling due to the heavy rains received in the catchment areas over the past few days, the Irrigation Department said.

GMOA TU action unreasonable: Health Minister

The government today urged the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) not to resort to unreasonable trade union actions by inconveniencing the people.

AKD’s govt raises concerns over inconsistent HR standards at UN Council

Sri Lanka has expressed concerns over the inconsistent application of human rights principles by the United Nations Human Rights Council, marking the first update on human rights from the country under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s new government.

Online Safety Act to be amended soon: Minister

The Online Safety Act which was introduced in 2024 will be amended soon following a decision by the government, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today.

Some Aswesuma recipients addicted to drugs: Parliamentary Committee reveals

A Parliamentary Committee has raised concerns that even some recipients of the Aswesuma benefits are addicted to drugs, emphasising the urgent need for intervention.

Where is Deshabandu?

Despite a court order and a travel ban, the police are still on the lookout for former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, even after searching five houses.

President approves appointment of new SLAF Chief of Staff

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has approved the appointment of Air Vice Marshal LH Sumanaweera as the new Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Cop who gave ammunition to Middeniya triple murder arrested

A police constable attached to the Weeraketiya Police Station has been arrested in connection with the Middeniya triple murder.

Trump halts all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, White House official says

The Trump administration has paused U.S. military aid to Ukraine, the White House confirmed Monday. It’s the latest fallout days after a contentious meeting between President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House erupted into an open dispute in front of TV cameras.

Tourism earnings top over 5-year high in January 2025

Sri Lanka kicked in to a fine start with the earnings from the tourism trade surpassing US $ 400 million, after more than five years,

SL’s February tourist arrivals hit second-highest level since 2019

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector maintained its strong momentum in February, recording 240,217 international arrivals, the second-highest figure for the month since 2019, according to the data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Central Province issues guidelines for events attended by Governor

The Central Province Chief Secretary’s office issued a letter today outlining measures to be followed during functions attended by the Central Province Governor.

Air Vice Marshal Sumanaweera to be appointed SLAF Chief of Staff

Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera will be appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), effective tomorrow.

Indian Naval ship Kuthar visits Colombo to strengthen maritime cooperation

Indian Naval Ship Kuthar, an indigenously built Khukri class Corvette arrived Colombo port today for three days visit.

Minister defends monkey scuffle theory amid blackout controversy

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody reaffirmed that no one had ruled out that a monkey scuffle caused the recent all-island blackout on February 18.