323 containers did not belong to WP Governor Hanif Yusoof: SL Customs

The Sri Lanka Customs today denied allegations that the recently released 323 containers belonged to Expolanka Holdings Limited, which is headed by Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof.

Police constable arrested for drunk driving in Ratmalana

A police constable attached to the Mount Lavinia Police Station was arrested for causing an accident under the influence of liquor, police said.

Will not force farmers to sell paddy to government: Namal Karunaratne

Claiming that the government will not force the farmers to sell paddy to the government, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunarathne requested the farmers to provide some amount of paddy to the government at the minimum guaranteed price.

Come with us to meet farmers and see their frustration: Opposition MP

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Kavinda Jayawardene invited Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne to accompany them to go and meet farmers and see their frustration.

MP Archchuna Ramanathan arrested

Jaffna District MP Dr. Ramanathan Archuna was arrested in Jaffna over obstructing duties of police officers, Police Media spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunge said.

Govt. will not retain CDS position: Defence Secretary

The government will not retain the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Sampath Thuyacontha said.

Another illegally assembled jeep found in Ratnapura

Three suspects were arrested along with an illegally assembled Prado-type jeep at Angamman in Ratnapura by the Walana Anti-Vice Squad.

Committee submits report on passport issue

The committee appointed to study the passport issue and work out recommendations to resolve it has handed over its report to the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala.

Head-on collision between two buses in Habarana injures 16

A head-on collision between a private bus and a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus on the Habarana-Minneriya road left 16 people injured this morning (29).

Harsha Ilukpitiya’s bail application fixed for inquiry by Supreme Court

A bail application submitted on behalf of Harsha Ilukpitiya, the former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, was fixed for inquiry by the Supreme Court today.

Female hotel officer injured after alleged abuse by Polish tourists

A female Executive Public Relations Officer at a leading five-star hotel in Wadduwa has reportedly fallen ill after an incident in which she was allegedly abused by a group of Polish nationals.

Schoolboy dies in wasp attack at Pussellawa

A school student died and seven others, including four members of the same family, were injured in a wasp attack in Pussellawa, police reported.

Sri Lanka Transport Board Chairman Ramal Siriwardena resigns

Ramal Siriwardena has resigned from his position as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation said.

Trump offers millions of federal workers eight months pay to resign

President Donald Trump has offered buyout packages to almost all federal workers who do not want to return to the office, a major move designed to shrink the US government.

Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe assumes duties as Sri Lanka Air Force Commander

Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe officially assumed duties today as the 20th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Experts warn against harmful effects of skin whitening creams

The use of skin whitening creams is widespread in Sri Lanka, but experts warn that bleaching creams may contain harmful ingredients that can cause serious health issues.

Automated system to block mobile phones without TRC approval

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) said it will introduce new software to detect and prevent the use of mobile phones that do not have TRC approval.

Indian fishermen arrested in SL waters, remanded

Thirteen Indian fishermen, who were arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy yesterday (28) for illegally entering Sri Lankan waters off Kankesanthurai, were remanded until February 10 by the Mallakam Magistrate today.

Trump asks Musk to ‘go get’ NASA astronauts stuck in space

In a post on X on Tuesday evening, Elon Musk said President Trump had asked his rocket company SpaceX to bring home “as soon as possible” two NASA astronauts who have been on the International Space Station since June.

Mona Lisa to be moved as part of major Louvre overhaul

The Mona Lisa will be moved to a new exhibition space at the Louvre in Paris as part of a plan to renovate the world’s most frequented museum.

Headline inflation projected to remain negative in near term

Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), remained in the negative territory for the fourth consecutive month in December 2024, according to the Central Cank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

CBSL maintains the Overnight Policy Rate at the current level

The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 28 January 2025, decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) of the Central Bank at its current level of 8.00 per cent.

No order to kill it, only to hand over it to goat owner – Mediation Board

In response to reports about a goat-eating dog being killed by hanging, the Justice Ministry said that the Mediation Board did not issue an order to that effect, but facilitated the mutually agreeable solution, which involved handing over the dog to the goat owner after its owner refused responsibility.

Constitutional bar strikes government

A constitutional bar stands in the way of the government’s move to prune perks and benefits of former Presidents as observed by the committee appointed to look into it, an informed source said.

Geoff Allardice to step down as ICC CEO

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed that Geoff Allardice has decided to step down as ICC Chief Executive.

“Step up”: President tells private sector

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivered a strong message to Sri Lanka’s private sector yesterday, urging them to step up and play their part in uplifting the national economy, rather than leaving the entire burden of transformation on the government.

Govt. assures support to uplift apparel industry workforce with vocational training

The government has reaffirmed its support to uplift apparel sector workforce by pledging to collaborate with industry leaders and align vocational training programmes with evolving needs.

Cabinet approval granted to sign MoU with Italy to boost bilateral ties

Cabinet approval has been granted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Sri Lanka and Italy on the establishment of a political consultancy mechanism, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday. The Minister said the MoU was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employments and Tourism of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation of the Republic of Italy.

Sri Lanka and Australia renew rivalry at Galle

Sri Lanka and Australia will renew their rivalry in a two-Test home series starting tomorrow at the Galle Stadium.

Loss making state owned companies to be listed in CSE

A study is being conducted on how to list loss-making State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) via a holding company, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed today.