Sri Lanka Navy seizes over Rs. 28 Bn worth of drugs and contraband in 2024

The Sri Lanka Navy has reported significant achievements in its 2024 operations, seizing over 622kg of heroin, valued at Rs. 15.55 billion and more than 1,211kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE), worth Rs. 11.5 billion.

India reports first suspected HMPV case

An eight-month-old baby in Bengaluru is suspected to have tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), marking the first suspected case in India.

Government must work on new Constitution without delay: Cardinal

The Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith specifically urged the government to introduce a new Constitution which brings in national unity.

Should public be worried about virus spreading in China?

In the wake of a mysterious viral outbreak in China, the health authorities are still up in the air whether it could lead to a massive outbreak worldwide like COVID-19 pandemic.

Rice shortage creeps into schools

The students of the Debarara Junior School in Wellawaya Education Zone had been served wheat flour roti and dates for their midday meal instead of rice and curry.

Saman Devalaya on strike over political appointment

The administrative body and Kapu Mahaththaya of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya stepped down from the daily services (Thewawa) and other duties yesterday (5th) in protest against the appointment of an acting Basnayake Nilame, which they claim violates the temple’s traditions.

Heaviest snowfall in a decade’ threatens parts of the US

Large swaths of the United States, from Kansas to New Jersey, were hit by a massive winter storm that brought snow, ice, wind and Arctic-like temperatures.

SriLankan Airlines authorities asked to submit plan for development

The new government which abandoned the previous government’s plan on SriLankan Airlines has now asked its authorities to submit proposals for the development of the national carrier in five years, an informed source said.

What is the HMPV which is spreading in China ?

In recent days, news media outlets have been commenting about an increased number of respiratory infections in China, due to a virus, that many would not have heard much about. They are referring to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). This article would give a brief outline of HMPV infections and how they may be prevented.

Dangerous structures at Ratmalana Airport to be removed following Jeju Air tragedy

In response to concerns over the risks posed by fixed structures at the Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana and the recent Jeju Air Flight 2216 tragedy at Muan International Airport, South Korea, which claimed 179 lives, Minister Bimal Ratnayake has directed authorities to remove such structures.

Government aims to attract high-end tourists: Vijitha Herath

The government is aiming to increase the quality in the tourism sector just as quantity in order to attract high-end tourists to the country, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath said.

Suspension of Perpetual Treasuries Limited further extended

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has announced the extension of the suspension of Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) from engaging in the business and activities of a Primary Dealer for an additional six months.

Pakistan Naval Academy graduates cadets, including officers from Iraq, Sri Lanka

The Pakistan Naval Academy held a commissioning parade on Saturday to mark the graduation of 49 midshipmen and 29 short-service commissioning cadets, including officers from Iraq, Sri Lanka and other countries, according to a statement from the Pakistan Navy as reported by Arab News.

Constitutional Council approves appointment of High Court Judges

The Constitutional Council (CC) has approved the appointments of High Court Judges K.M. Sarath Dissanayake and Pradeep Hettiarachchi to the Court of Appeal.

PM reviews progress of World Bank supported education projects

The attention of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has been drawn to the progress of projects currently being implemented under the World Bank-sponsored programme aimed at modernising school education in the country.

Let lovers make love. Why is social media bothered? asks Lalkantha

Let lovers make love! Why should others bothered about it? What has social media got to do with it?’’ asked Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalkantha from the media after an event.

Two pilot traffic projects begin in Sri Lanka to improve road safety

In line with the Clean Sri Lanka project, the Sri Lanka Police has launched two traffic initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and easing congestion.

Australia eliminate India to qualify for WTC final

Team India will miss out on a place in the World Test Championship final for the first time since the tournament’s inception, as the side faced a 6-wicket defeat to Australia in the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Sunday. The loss meant Australia win the series after 10 years, claiming a 3-1 victory to secure their place in the final, where they meet South Africa.

Trump to be sentenced over hush money case but judge signals no jail time

A judge has ordered that Donald Trump will be sentenced on 10 January in his hush-money case in New York - less than two weeks before he is set to be sworn in as president.

Prisons Department releases photos, denies claims of privileges for Duminda Silva

While denying reports that death row inmate Duminda Silva is receiving special facilities at the Prison Hospital, the Prisons Department released photographs of the ward where Silva is being treated.

World’s oldest person Tomiko Itooka dies aged 116

A Japanese woman, recognised as the world’s oldest person by Guinness World Records, has died aged 116.

Litro Gas prices to remain unchanged

Litro Gas announced today (4) that their domestic LP gas prices will remain unchanged this month under the Litro gas price formula.

Venus and crescent Moon stun stargazers

Stargazers around the globe were treated to a stunning celestial scene on Friday as Venus appeared shining brightly above a crescent Moon.

President to visit China from January 13-17

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is slated to undertake his state visit to China from January 13 to 17, an informed source said.

150 elephants trapped, starving in Oyamaduwa: Veterinary Association

Around 150 elephants, including tuskers and calves, are reportedly trapped and starving in the Oyamaduwa area following a failed attempt to relocate them from regions such as Sravastipura, Thambuttegama, Vilachchiya, Moragoda and Thanthirimale in the Anuradhapura district to Wilpattu National Park.

’’I am the victim of a political witch-hunt again” - Yoshitha

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, second son of former President Mahinda  Rajapaksa, has accused the present NPP government of resorting to a political witch-hunt over a case which allegedly took place when he was a  school student.   

Sri Lanka ranked 33rd globally for ease of obtaining visas

Sri Lanka has secured the 33rd spot globally for its ease of obtaining visas, a key element bolstering Colombo’s reputation as a top destination in South Asia and the country’s competitiveness as a tourist destination, according to Brand Finance.

Visitors to be allowed in Sigiriya during moon-lit nights

In a bid to boost revenue from tourism, the Tourism Ministry has decided to allow visitors at historic rock fortress Sigiriya at moon-lit nights.

MRP on rice; Govt. to reconsider it only after imports

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) will decide whether to do away with the maximum retail price of rice or not, only after price stabilisation in accordance with imports, an official said.

Veterinarians clarify dog bite cases at Badulla Hospital – 95% from pets, not strays

The Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Populations has addressed concerns regarding the rising number of emergency treatments at the Badulla Teaching Hospital for cat and dog bite victims. The association said that 95% of these cases are the results of bites from domesticated pets, not stray animals.