Has anyone released poisonous cleaning chemicals into the water?

Suspicion surrounds dozens of duck and pelican carcasses found drifting along the surface of the Beira Lake yesterday morning, which allegations lead to the release of a chemical into the water for cleaning purposes that had poisoned the water birds, the Daily Mirror learns.

Apparel sector calls for concentrated interventions to reclaim lost ground

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector ended the year 2024 on a positive note, however, industry stakeholders remain unimpressed with the overall performance, stating that more must be done to reach the earning levels of 2019.

Sri Lanka 75% ready for digital lead: Dr. Wijesuriya

Sri Lanka possesses a strong foundation for a digital economy, with 75 percent of the necessary skills already in place, according to Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijesuriya. However, to fully capitalise on this potential, the country must bridge the remaining gap and enhance its digital competitiveness.

Apparel sector ends 2024 with US$ 4.7 bn export earnings

Sri Lanka’s export earnings from apparel in 2024 reached US$ 4.7 billion, recording a year-on-year growth of nearly 5 percent YoY.

Gem dealer faces political threats over USD 400M Blue Sapphire

Gem businessman Thushara Perera said he has been facing political threats over a special blue sapphire which he received in 2017 and is valued at over USD 400 million.

India investigates 17 ’mysterious’ deaths in same village

Officials are investigating the ’’mysterious’’ deaths of 17 people - most of them children - in the same village in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

Trump’s plan to end US birthright citizenship faces first court challenge

A Seattle judge will hear a request on Thursday by four states to temporarily halt President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship in the US.

Sweeping changes to education system from 2026: Prime Minister

Sweeping changes will be introduced to the education system in 2026 under which a module system will be introduced instead of textbooks while there will be less classroom work, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today.

Public debate on Ministerial perks on the cards?

A challenge posed by SLPP MP D.V. Chanaka for a public debate on perks given to Ministers and Deputy Ministers was accepted by Minister Ananda Wijepala in Parliament today, thus indicating that such an eventuality would be on the cards during the coming days.

Grade five Scholarship Exam results released

The 2024 grade five scholarship examination results have been released a short while ago, Commissioner General of Examinations H.J.M.C. Amith Jayasundara said.

Explain why Jaffna Cultural Hall name was changed: Douglas Devananda

Former Minister Douglas Devananda expressed his shock and dismay over the recent name change of the Cultural Hall located in Jaffna.

Election expenses probe launched on MP Archchuna, eight other candidates in Jaffna

Jaffna police have initiated investigations into election expenses of nine candidates, including Jaffna District MP Ramanathan Archchuna, who contested the last general elections.

Anura Yapa’s arrest: Small fish netted, big sharks roam free: Champika Ranawaka

Referring to the arrest of former MP and Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and his spouse, United Republican Front (URF) leader Patali Champika Ranawaka said though the government is expected to arrest fraudster Arjuna Mahendran, those responsible for the economic crisis and the e-Visa scam, it had embarked on a political witch-hunt.

Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, wife and two others released on bail

Four suspects including former Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and his wife arrested for allegedly misappropriating Rs.6.1 million in flood relief aid in 2014 were granted bail after being produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate.

Police probe unprofessional behaviour of officers in viral video

Police have launched an investigation into a viral social media video showing a group of officers in uniform, allegedly under the influence of liquor, sleeping in an unruly manner at a location.

MPs’ daily meal charges increased to Rs. 2,000

The charges for Memners’ of Parliament is to be increased to Rs. 2,000 as per a decision by the Parliamentary House-Keeping Committe today, committee member Gamagedara Dissanayake said.

Minister mistakenly sits on seat allocated to Leader of the House

Minister Ananda Wijepala mistakenly sat on the seat allocated to the Leader of the House in Parliament today.

Travis Head - Prabath Jayasuriya key battle

Sri Lanka will host Australia in a two-match Test series which gets underway next week at Galle. Sri Lankan fans have traditionally loved playing against the Aussies who have always been one of the best teams in the world although results have often favoured the visiting team.

Smoking declines among men but rises among women, raising cancer risks: Specialists

The smoking rates have dropped among men but are rising in women, increasing the risks of cancer among young female smokers, pediatric respiratory disease specialist Dr. Chana de Silva warned.

No vehicles provided to government MPs: PM

The government has not provided vehicles to any ruling party MP except for visually impared MP Sugath Wasantha De Silva, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said today.

Education Minister addresses schoolgirls’ hygiene issues

Prime Minister and Education Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held a meeting to discussed the hygiene challenges faced by female students above Grade 6 in schools around the country.

Police release CCTV of suspected gunman in Kandana shooting

Police have released CCTV footage and photographs of a suspected gunman wanted in connection with a shooting at the residence of Ranjith Kumara, also known as ‘Kandane Konda Ranji,’ in December last year.

Wasantha Samarasinghe using Range Rover: Chamara Samapth

Two ruling party MPs are using luxury vehicles despite assurances by the government that such facilities will not be allowed, Opposition MP Chamara Samapth Dassanayake alleged in Parliament today.

Trump tells Putin to end ’ridiculous war’ in Ukraine or face new sanctions

Donald Trump has warned he will impose high tariffs and further sanctions on Russia if Vladimir Putin fails to end the war in Ukraine.

Government sets limits for ministerial staff, vehicles and expenses

The President’s Secretariat has issued a series of instructions to all Ministry secretaries outlining the facilities and services to be provided to Ministers.

Proposal to standardise marriage age in Sri Lanka

President of the Women Parliamentarians’ Forum, Saroja Savithri said there is a need to prepare amendments to establish a uniform age limit for marriage under the various marriage laws currently in force in Sri Lanka.

Govt. aims to develop primary healthcare; pilot projects in two districts this year: Nalinda

The Health Ministry will give utmost priority to developing primary healthcare in the country this year where pilot projects will initiate in two districts in 2025, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Suspect from Kandy arrested over Ella Odyssey e-ticket mafia

A 37-year-old person from Kandy allegedly involved in a racket of selling train tickets to foreigners at exorbitant prices has been arrested yesterday, police said.

Confusion over data on paddy harvest in 2024: Trade Minister

There is a confusion with regard to data pertaining to the paddy harvest in 2024, Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe told Parliament today.

Thousands evacuated as new fast-growing fire ignites near Los Angeles

A new fast-moving wildfire has erupted in Los Angeles County, prompting tens of thousands to evacuate a region already reeling from the most destructive fires in its history.