Luxury vehicles, with parts removed, abandoned at Srawasthi Mandiraya

A fleet of luxury vehicles at the Srawasthi Mandiraya in Colombo 7 has been parked there by the Presidential Secretariat, an official from Parliament said. The luxury vehicles are however in a very bad condition with most of the vehicle parts removed.

Hand grenades recovered at Beliatta Temple

An investigation was launched after two hand grenades were found at a temple in Beliatta, Tangalle.

Special commodity levy on dates slashed to Rs. 1

The special commodity levy on dates has been reduced from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1, effective from today (28) until March 31, 2025.

New chairpersons appointed for three Parliamentary committees

Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma has been elected as the new Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means of Parliament while Minister Chrishantha Abeysena was elected as the new Chair of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

NCPA receives 580 sexual abuse complaints in 2024

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) received a total of 8,746 complaints regarding child protection issues in 2024, with 580 related to incidents of sexual abuse alone.

Overall economy remains severely damaged: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said even though surface-level indicators may suggest economic recovery, the overall economy in Sri Lanka remains severely damaged.

Sri Lanka seeks stronger regional cooperation on transnational crimes

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe held discussions with Co-Manager – Australia, Regional Support Office of Bali Process (RSO), David Scott and senior officials of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, and Related Transnational Crime.

Mahinda Rajapaksa’s body should be preserved after death; Former Dy. Speaker

Former Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakshe has called for the preservation of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s body for public display after his demise.

Former Presidents’ pensions cannot be touched under Constitution, Gammanpila argues

In the wake of debate on the proposed curtailment of perks and privileges of former Heads of State, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila added to further controversy in this regard when he said their pensions could not be reduced or scrapped according to the Constitution and universal legal principles.

Container congestion shows no sign of easing off: Will it impact food imports?

With congestion in the release of import containers at Colombo still showing no sign of easing off any time soon, there is fear whether it will trigger an impact on essential food items being imported.

UK Minister for Indo-Pacific in Sri Lanka

Inclusive economic growth, anti-corruption, human rights and national reconciliation are on the agenda as Catherine West, Minister for Indo-Pacific will meet key government ministers.

IMEI devices must be registered with TRCSL from today

Colombo, January 28 (Daily Mirror) - Any radio frequency (RF) emitting devices, including those requiring International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) registration, will not be permitted to operate unless registered with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) effective from today (28), TRCSL Director General Air Vice Marshal Bandula Herath said.

President Dissanayake sets ambitious export target of US $ 36bn by 2030

Sri Lanka’s export fraternity must intensify efforts to diversify its markets and product basket as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the industries and officials to work towards achieving an ambitious export revenue target of US $ 36 billion by 2030.

Merchandise exports anchor US $ 12.7bn revenue in 2024

Sri Lanka’s export sector ended 2024 on a positive note, with merchandise exports reaching US $ 12.7 billion, reflecting a 6.67 percent growth year-on-year (YoY).

Week begins in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Melstacorp, Lanka IOC and Bukit Darah with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.9 Bn.

No lawsuit completed on illegal pyramid schemes determined by CB: Governor raises concerns

The law enforcement authorities are yet to complete any law suit with regard to some 20 illegal pyramid schemes which were determined by the Central Bank to have been engaged in illegal activities under the Banking Act, Central Bank governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said.

Jaffna night mail train service to begin on January 31

The Railways Department is set to commence the Jaffna night mail train service between Colombo Fort Railway Station and Kankesanthurai Railway Station from January 31, Railways General Manager W.A.D.S. Gunasinghe said.

A mango auctioned for Rs. 246,000

A mango was reportedly auctioned and sold for Rs. 246,000 in Jaffna. The auction took place at the Murugan Kovil (Hindu temple) according to sources.

Yoshitha arrested as part of prosecution; indictment to be filed soon; Justice Minister

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Yoshitha Rajapaksa was arrested as part of the prosecution and that he would be prosecuted within a month or so under money laundering, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said today.

Govt. intentionally delaying minimum guaranteed price for paddy: Namal Karunaratne

The government is intentionally delaying the announcement of the minimum guaranteed price for paddy as there is a distorted situation with regard to paddy purchasing in the country right now, Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne said today.

SI suspended over drunk driving

A Sub Inspector (SI) attached to the Kegalle Police has been interdicted over driving under the influence of liquor.

Arrangements to launch domestic flights in Sri Lanka: Minister

Following a special discussion held at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Transport, Highways, Ports and Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake has decided to make the necessary arrangements for the government to begin domestic flights in the country.

Endless queues at Immigration Department amid unresolved passport issues

The queues at the Immigration and Emigration Department still appear endless, with people waiting to obtain their passports.

Increase export revenue to USD 36 billion by 2030: President directs officials

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake directed officials to take necessary steps to increase the export revenue to USD 36 billion by 2030 in line with the new government’s policy of ’A Thriving Nation - A Beautiful Life’.

Gazette issued to resume vehicle imports

An extraordinary gazette notification has been issued today on the import of vehicles, by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, exercising the powers granted to him as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Additional Magistrate raises concerns on unusual delay in Yoshitha’s case

While ordering the release of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on bail in connection with a money laundering case involving a 31.5-perch property with a house valued at Rs. 34 million in Ratmalana, Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Ratnayake observed that there was insufficient evidence before the court to justify refusing bail for the suspect.

Air Vice Marshal Vasu Edirisinghe appointed new SLAF commander

Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandula Edirisinghe has been appointed as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, effective from 29th January 2025, according to government sources.

India reports first suspected Guillain-Barré Syndrome death

A Pune-based patient has died after contracting Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), making it the first suspected death in Maharashtra due to the disease. He passed away in Maharashtra’s Solapur district, where he was visiting his native village for personal work. Meanwhile, the over 100 cases of GBS have now been recorded in Pune.

Both SJB leader, others in party should change their ways: SJB MP

Both the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader and party members should change certain ways in which they act in order to convert it into a vibrant force, MP Harshana Rajakaruna said.

ICC Awards 2024: The latest winners revealed

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the latest set of winners in the ongoing ICC Awards 2024, with the outstanding cricketers in Men’s Tests and Men’s and Women’s ODIs revealed on ICC channels.