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.

Tax revenue reaches record high but falls short of 2024 target

Sri Lanka’s tax revenue reached an alltime high in 2024, with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) collecting Rs.1,958 billion, a 25 percent jump from the previous year. However, despite the strong growth, the collection fell short of the government’s ambitious Rs.2,024 billion target.

Economic crisis triggers online prostitution among females

With soaring living costs and shrinking job opportunities, Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has forced many women into unimaginable circumstances. Desperation has driven thousands to turn to online prostitution as a means of survival, bearing the brunt of the crisis.

12 bus drivers penalised for hazardous accessories

Hatton Police have initiated legal action against 12 bus drivers for operating vehicles fitted with unauthorised accessories that posed risks to passengers and the public.

PS member granted bail over defamation of MP Kottahachchi

The former Millaniya Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) member, Ravindra Nawamuni, who was arrested for sharing a post on social media insulting NPP MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi, has been granted by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

Over 6,000 dog, cat bite victims sought treatment from Badulla Hospital

Around 42,000 patients had obtained emergency treatment at the Badulla Teaching Hospital and 6,700 of them were victims of cat and dog bite victims, an official said today.

Sri Lanka achieves record tax revenue in 2024

Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever tax revenue in history, collecting a total of Rs. 1.95 trillion in 2024, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) announced today.

Sri Lanka monitors virus outbreak in China

In the wake of reports on a virus spreading in China, the Ministry of Health has announced that it is closely monitoring the situation.

Stringent measures in the offing for health sector donations

Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced that future donations to the health sector must align with the government’s national development plan.

Backlog of 130,000 driving license cards to be cleared by January

Steps will be taken to print and issue the 130,000 accumulated driving license cards, delayed due to previous printing backlogs, within January.

Probe launched after girl hospitalised drinking chemical mistakenly served as soft drink

Police and the Colombo Municipal Council’s Medical Officer have launched an investigation after a 19-year-old girl was hospitalised after ingesting a cleaning chemical served in a soft drink bottle at a restaurant in People’s Park, Pettah.

Court extends freeze on Keheliya’s family accounts holding Rs. 93 Mn

The Colombo High Court today further extended its order to freeze for three months 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

Two arrested at BIA for smuggling cigarettes worth Rs. 50.9 million

Two suspects were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning by Police Narcotics Bureau personnel while smuggling in foreign cigarettes worth Rs. 50.9 million.

Wimal Weerawansa arrives at FCID

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa arrived at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning to provide a statement regarding remarks he had made during a television programme on March 3, 2022.

Thalatha appointed UNP General Secretary

Former President and UNP leader Ranil Wickremeisinghe has appointed Thalatha Athukorala as the new party General Secretary, party sources said.

Former PS member arrested following complaint by MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi

A former Millaniya Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) member, Ravindra Nawamuni, has been arrested for sharing a post on social media that insulted National Peoples’ Power (NPP) MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi.

Yoshitha arrives at CID

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning to record a statement.

China faces Covid-like scare again

China is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV), according to reports. Reports and social media posts suggest the virus is spreading rapidly, with some claiming hospitals and crematories are overwhelmed. Videos online show crowded hospitals, with social media users highlighting the presence of multiple viruses, including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19.

’Jean Aunty’, husband hospitalised after assault

Social media activist ’Jean Aunty’ and her husband were attacked by two men last morning and are currently receiving treatment at the Ragama Teaching Hospital, confirmed hospital sources.

South Korea authorities in standoff in bid to arrest President Yoon

Authorities entered impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk’s compound on Friday to execute an unprecedented arrest warrant, evading a crowd of protesters outside, but were confronted with presidential security forces inside

Govt.’s new tax policy burdensome to people, harmful to economy

United Republican Front (URF) leader Patali Champika Ranawaka said yesterday that the tax policy regime of the new government would burden people further and cause harm to the economy.

Govt. considers deporting Rohingya refugees at this point: Minister

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala told the Daily Mirror that the government is considering on deporting Rohingya refugees who recently arrived in Mullaitivu after following the legal process and discussions.

No threat from Indian Air Force training drone found in Trinco

An investigation into the recovery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Sri Lankan waters, believed to be a high-speed target drone belonging to the Indian Air Force, has revealed that the drone was not operated within Sri Lankan airspace, the Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka’s university system crippled with dearth of teachers

Sri Lanka’s university system still remains crippled with a dearth of teachers, and the authorities concerned are struggling hard to find qualified persons to some of the positions fallen vacant at the moment, a minister said yesterday.

Magistrate condemns inhumane treatment of remanded suspects: Orders end to shackling in Open Court

Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena today advised prison officials not to treat remanded suspects like animals, stressing that they should not be chained together while being brought to open court.