Red rice shortage due to free distribution of rice by previous government: Minister

The free distribution of 20 kilos of rice per person by the previous government before the Presidential election has resulted in the shortage of red rice in the market, Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said today.

’Clean Sri Lanka’ debate on January 21, 22: Prime Minister

A two day debate on the ’Clean Sri Lanka’ programme will be held in Parliament on January 21 and 22, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told the House today.

Grade 5 exam answer script evaluation begins today

According to the Examinations Department, the evaluation of the answer scrips of the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination is scheduled to begin today (08).

Former State Minister Lucky Jayawardana passes away

Former State Minister Lucky Jayawardana has passed away at the age of 71 today.

Trishaw operators in Dambulla stage protest against NPP candidate

The members of Trishaw Operators Associations in Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Habarana areas yesterday staged a massive protect against the arrest of six trishaw drivers on charges of assaulting a car driver transporting a tourist and over robbery of a gold chain.

India, Sri Lanka agree to revive ETCA talks - Indian envoy

In response to a question about the seriousness of attention on the proposed resumption of talks on the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between India and Sri Lanka, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha affirmed yesterday that, during the visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to New Delhi recently, it was agreed to revive talks with intent to conclude only.

Sri Lanka look to bounce back in second ODI

Sri Lanka will aim for an improved show in the second One Day International (ODI) to stay alive in the three-match series against New Zealand at the Seddon Park in Hamilton today.

Despite sterilisation, vaccination, irresponsible puppy abandonment continues: Veterinarians

Although over 60% of community dogs have been sterilised and more than 80% vaccinated against diseases, including rabies, people continue to irresponsibly abandon puppies on the streets, Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) of Sri Lanka Executive Committee Member, Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara said.

Daily Mirror shines at Journalism Awards

The Daily Mirror newspaper secured four accolades at the ’Journalism Awards for Excellence 2023’.

Colombo – Badulla train journey among World’s Best for 2025

Lonely Planet has ranked the Colombo-Badulla train journey as the 7th best in the world for 2025.

Religious activities resume at Saman Devalaya

Religious activities at the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya in Ratnapura resumed this morning, following a two-day protest by the Kapuralas against the appointment of an Acting Basnayaka Nilame. The resumption of services came in response to pleas from local residents and traders, who had been adversely affected by the Devala’s closure.

Harsha quotes Daily Mirror on red rice shortage

Quoting the Daily Mirror news article on ’’Queues are back’’, SJB MP Harsha De Silva questioned the government on the shortage of red rice and selling red rice exceeding the controlled price.

Private bus owners warn of islandwide strike if Ministry does not respond by Wednesday

The Inter-Provincial Private Bus Association (IPPBA) announced plans to launch an island-wide bus strike if a discussion with Transport Ministry officials does not take place today to address several issues.

TRCSL urges public to buy phones with registered IMEI numbers

While implementing the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Registration System, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is urging the public to purchase only mobile phones with IMEI numbers registered with the Commission.

Sri Lanka solidifies stance on One-China principle

Ahead of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to China, the Cabinet has approved a proposal presented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, for Sri Lanka to continue adhering to the One-China principle.

Overseas Sri Lankans can now obtain birth, marriage, death certificates via e-service

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism in collaboration with the Registrar General’s Department, has launched a pilot project aimed at helping overseas Sri Lankans to obtain online certified copies of birth, marriage and death certificates through Sri Lankan missions abroad.

President appoints High Commissioner and four ambassadors

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a High Commissioner and four Ambassadors to represent Sri Lanka in its diplomatic service.

Canada’s Justin Trudeau cites ’internal battles’ as he ends nine-year run

Under growing pressure from his own party, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he will step down and end his nine-year stretch as leader.

MP Archchuna’s fate to be decided after committee probe: Speaker

A committee is currently probing MP Ramanathan Archchuna, and his fate will be decided based on its findings, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne told Parliament today.

Concerns raised over GPS technology in efforts to relocate elephants

The Wildlife Department’s plan to use GPS technology to drive wild elephants from areas between Anuradhapura and Wilpattu has faced criticism, with experts arguing that GPS alone is insufficient to move the elephants.

Partly built buildings under ’Langama Pasala Hondama Pasala’ to be completed: PM

Partly constructed school buildings under the ’Langama Pasala Hondama Pasala’ programme launched by the Yahapalana government will be completed, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today.

Post-eye surgery complications; 17 patients to be compensated: Minister

Cabinet approval was granted to compensate 17 patients who developed complications after undergoing cataract surgery at the Nuwara Eliya District Hospital, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Government to act tough on quacks: Health Minister

Admitting that there are unregistered doctors illegally practicing in the country, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today the government will take legal action against them and requested people to inform of such individuals.

Heavy smog diverts four flights from BIA

Four passenger flights scheduled to land at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) were diverted to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India this morning due to heavy smog reducing visibility.

Only orangutan at Dehiwala Zoo dies

The only orangutan at the Dehiwala Zoo has died, the Department of National Zoological Gardens said.

Food waste habits cause for growing monkey population: Ecologist

The main cause of the growing monkey population in the country is the habit of leaving behind reasonable portions of food, instead of discarding large uneaten quantities, Ecologist, Herpetologist and master wildlife photographer Mendis Wickremesinghe said.

Tibet earthquake: Nine dead as 7.1-magnitude quake felt in Nepal and India

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck a mountainous region in Tibet and neighbouring Nepal on Tuesday morning, damaging buildings and reportedly killing at least nine people.

Two killed in shooting in Mount Lavinia

Two individuals, including a 20-year-old, were killed in a shooting at Watarappala in Mount Lavinia early this morning.

Govt. to tap migrant worker savings with Rs.744.75mn entrepreneurship scheme

Sri Lanka is exploring avenues to channel foreign earnings into local investments to boost its economy, with plans underway to empower the returning migrant workers to reinvest their hard-earned savings in the country.

Rohingya people rescued in SL victims of human trafficking: Minister

The Public Security Ministry believes that over 100 Rohingya rescued while adrift on a fishing trawler are victims of a human trafficking scandal, bound for another destination