Sigiriya not open for night visits, Ministry clarifies

The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs today denied reports circulating on social media that the Sigiriya Rock Fortress will be open for night visits.

Over 10 private institutions eager to rent former ministerial bungalows

Following the government’s decision to invite tenders for the development of state bungalows previously used by ministers for tourism-related projects, over ten private institutions have shown interest in renting these properties, according to official sources.

12-hour water cut in parts of Colombo

Colombo residents in selected areas will experience a 12-hour water supply interruption tomorrow (January 16).

Stinking Beira to get attention finally; Joint cleaning project to kickoff today

The stinking odor and the garbage mounting problem of the Colombo’s tourism hotspot Beira Lake near the Gangaramaya Seema Malaka, which repulses hundreds of foreign and local tourists that visit every day to witness a mesmerizing sunset, has finally won attention of the authorities to kickoff with a cleaning project today, the Daily Mirror learns.

South Korea’s President Yoon arrested

South Korean investigators have arrested South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol over accusations of insurrection for briefly imposing martial law in a move swiftly overturned by the country’s National Assembly.

AG green lights e-passports

In what appeared to be a sign that the current passport crisis will have a solution in sight, the Attorney General has given green light for the government to initiate the process of calling for tenders for e-passports despite the ongoing court case, a Minister said yesterday.

Wheat flour regulation hits doughy patch with industry

​Sri Lanka’s new food regulation, mandating an 80 percent extraction rate for wheat flour has raised serious concerns across the industry, with stakeholders warning that its immediate roll-out could alter consumption patterns, and in turn have adverse effects on key sectors.

Risk of Gal Oya river bund breach; Over 100 evacuated

Over 100 residents from more than 25 families in Senanayakapura and Samapura have been relocated to safer areas due to the looming threat of a breach in the Gal Oya river bunds, according to the Ampara District Secretary.

Blunders of past regimes trigger rice shortage: Minister

In response to growing concerns over the scarcity of red rice in the local market, Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe has assured the public that the situation will soon improve.

Controversy over mouthwash tender: SPC responds to allegations

The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) has dismissed accusations regarding the awarding of a tender for Chlorhexidine 0.2% mouthwash to a Bangladeshi company.

President Disanayake to meet Chinese President tomorrow

President Anura Kumara Disanayake, currently on a four-day state visit to China, is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping tomorrow (15th) afternoon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the Presidential Media Division (PMD) said.

’Clean Sri Lanka’ starts only on Feb 01, don’t get confused: Govt

Amid uncertainties over the ’Clean Sri Lanka’ project which has received both positive and negative feedback, a Deputy Minister clarified that the project is slated to be implemented only on February 01.

BCCI proposes stricter rules: Virat, Gambhir to be affected most

In the aftermath of Team India’s underwhelming Test series in Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly set to implement stricter rules.

Setback for NPP in co-operative elections in some areas

The ruling National People’s Power (NPP) has suffered a setback in the recent cooperative society elections which were recently held in a few areas, raising questions.

Digital NICs: Indian company only assisting, no personal data access: Govt.

The digital National Identity Cards (NICs) will be issued by this month, Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne said.

Marble-sized balls force Sydney beaches to close

Months after mysterious black balls forced the closure of some of Sydney’s most famous beaches, small marble-like debris has begun washing up on the city’s shores again.

TikTok users flock to Chinese app RedNote as US ban looms

TikTok users in the US are migrating to a Chinese app called RedNote with the threat of a ban just days away.

Customs introduces solution to accelerate container clearance

In response to ongoing delays at the Colombo Port, the Sri Lanka Customs has introduced a special programme aimed to accelerate container clearance.

SLAF chief conducts test landing on Hingurakgoda runway

The ongoing transformation of Hingurakgoda runway is progressing towards meeting international aviation standards, with the goal of accommodating the widely used A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) said.

S Korea begins impeachment trial against suspended president

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has held its first hearing to decide if suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol should be removed from office after his shock martial law attempt last month.

Over 7,000 eyes donated last year, restoring vision to those in need

A total of 7,144 eyes were donated last year, providing the gift of sight to individuals in need, according to the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society.

President arrives in Beijing

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived at the Beijing International Airport today (14) at 10:25 a.m. Beijing time, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

NBRO issues landslide warning for five districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a 24-hour landslide warning for the districts of Kandy, Badulla, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara Eliya.

Somawathiya Chaitya road flooded due to rains

Due to heavy rainfall in several provinces, including the North-Central Province, the road leading to the Somawathiya Chaitya has been inundated, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

Psychiatrist gives false reason to avoid posting to Mullaitivu Hospital

Medical associations have raised concerns over a potential precedent after a psychiatrist assigned to the District General Hospital in Mullaitivu requested a reversal of her transfer.

Sri Lanka’s red rice shortage: a clash of demand, supply challenges and political colouring

Red rice which holds both cultural and dietary significance is now in short supply in the market, and the phenomenon is attributed to multiple factors despite political colouring of the issue.

Gaza ceasefire deal being finalised

The terms of a deal between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages are being finalised, a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations has told the BBC.

Most passenger buses built on lorry chassis, not up to mark in passenger comfort

Most buses which currently ply on Sri Lankan roads are built on lorry chassis are not in conformity with modern mass transportation standards in terms of passenger comfort, yet they cannot be replaced with quality low–floor buses at once because of economic conditions of the country, an official said yesterday.

Tax hikes killed hopes for new vehicle imports: Dayasiri

The government has relaxed restrictions on vehicle imports, but the imposition of four layers of taxation, coupled with the lack of consideration for the manufacturing year specified by the President, has effectively dashed the hopes of bringing new vehicles into the country, parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekera said.

TRCSL denies social media claims of telecom price hikes

The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) today denied reports circulating on social media about an increase in charges by telecommunication service providers for their packages.