Drug addiction among Sri Lankan youth on the rise, warns National Drugs Board

The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board has expressed growing concern over the escalating drug addiction issue among youth in Sri Lanka.

Deadline for postal vote applications extended

The Election Commission announced that the deadline for submitting applications to cast postal votes in the 2025 Local Government (LG) Elections has been extended till March 17 at 12:00 midnight.

UNPer protests against presence of Rajitha at Sirikotha

Former MP and an organiser for the Kalutara District, Lakshman Wijemanne protested against MP Rajitha Senaratne’s presence at the party headquarters Sirikotha during a ceremony held to handover appointment letters to new organisers.

First school term ends on Friday

The first phase of the first school term for government and government-approved private schools in 2025 will end this Friday (14), the Education Ministry announced.

Court of Appeal reserves order on Deshabandu’s Writ petition for March 17

The Court of Appeal today reserved its order on the writ petition filed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon until March 17.

Not satisfied with speech written to me by my officials: Lal Kantha

Minister of Agriculture K.D. Lal Kantha said he decided to make his own speech today instead of the one which was written for him by his Ministry officials.

Pope Francis shows slight improvements in overall complex medical picture

Pope Francis’ clinical situation remains stable with doctors confirming slight improvements within a context that nevertheless remains complex.

Take legal action against former Speaker, Deputy Speaker: Leader of the House

Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayke today requested Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne to look into the possibility of taking action against his predecessor Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, former Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksa and former Deputy Chairman of Committees Angajan Ramanathan for alleged excessive use of fuel during their tenures.

Despite arrest, doctors to continue strike

Medical officers have decided to continue with their strike action despite the arrest of the suspect wanted in connection with the alleged rape of a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.

Female politician fled to New Zealand after graveside threat

An aspiring Sri Lankan politician - who was sidelined because she was a woman - found her house surrounded by gunmen, and was also a victim of sextortion, a tribunal has heard.

Govt. receives over 40 tonnes of paddy as farmers shift gears

Despite initial reluctance and grievances from farmers regarding selling paddy to the government, the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) has purchased paddy amounting to 42,124 kg paddy from the farmers.

Passenger arrested for alleged sexual assault on flight from Mumbai

A passenger on a SriLankan Airlines flight from Mumbai to Katunayake Airport has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting passengers and flight attendants.

Health Minister visits Anuradhapura Hospital after doctor assault

Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa visited the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital this morning and held a special meeting with the hospital’s medical team, including the Director and Deputy Director, to discuss the sexual assault on a female doctor at the facility.

Ukraine ready to accept 30-day ceasefire with Russia

Ukraine has said it is ready to accept an immediate 30-day ceasefire with Russia proposed by the US, after a day of US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia.

Suspect arrested in Anuradhapura doctor rape case

The suspect wanted in connection with the alleged rape of a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital has been arrested.

More than 100 passengers rescued from Pakistan train attack

Armed militants in Pakistan’s Balochistan region have attacked a train carrying more than 400 passengers and taken a number of them hostage, military sources told the BBC on Tuesday.

Manhunt underway to arrest suspect who raped lady doctor

A manhunt is underway for a suspect who allegedly raped a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.

No procurement guidelines followed when purchases made for MR’s official residence renovation

Startling revelations have now emerged how building materials for the renovation of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official residence have been purchased from selected suppliers on the direction of the Project Engineer Lt. Com. Aravinda of the Sri Lanka Navy.

GMOA and AMS launch 24-hour strike over assault on female doctor

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) have decided to launch a 24-hour islandwide token strike from 8:00 AM tomorrow (12) in protest against the brutal sexual assault of a female doctor at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.

Sri Lanka to develop two digital systems to register and authenticate its citizens

Sri Lanka is to get into a joint project with India to design and implement its own digital identity system to register and authenticate its citizens while there will be a second project to develop an electronic national identity card, it was revealed in Parliament today.

Cop arrested with large stock of foreign cigarettes

A police constable attached to the Grandpass Police Station has been arrested for the illegal possession of a large stock of foreign cigarettes.

Rs. 2.4 Mn spent on printing documents for wild animal census - Ministry

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation has revealed that Rs. 2.4 million has been spent on printing documents related to the upcoming census of wild animals that damage agricultural crops.

Pakistan militants attack train and take passengers hostage

Armed militants in Pakistan’s Balochistan region have attacked a train carrying hundreds of passengers and taken a number of hostages, military sources have told the BBC.

Operation room established for animal census on Saturday

A special committee has been appointed on the advice of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, to minimise damage caused to crops by wild animals and find solutions.

Government to introduce Cyber Security Bill

The Government is to introduce a ‘Cyber Security Bill which will empower Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness (SLCERT) to see that websites follow stipulated precautions to ensure the security of their sites soon, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeratune told Parliament today.

79th Bradby Shield dates confirmed

Trinity College will host the first leg of the 79th Bradby Shield on August 23 at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele.

Health Minister urges media to respect victim’s privacy

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa urged all print and digital media to respect the privacy of the lady doctor involved in the unfortunate incident at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital by refraining from disclosing her identity.

FR petition filed challenging compensation allocation to ex-MPs for property damages

A Fundamental Rights petition has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking an order directing the authorities to conduct an investigation into the compensation payments made for damages caused to the properties during the attacks and violence carried out by groups of people on May 9, 2022.

Sexual assault on female doctor: GMOA threatens TU action

In the wake of the alleged sexual assault on a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has issued an ultimatum to the government demanding the immediate arrest of the suspect involved in the incident.

BBS questions Govt on lifting ban on religious book imports

The Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) today questioned the government on the criteria used as the basis for lifting the ban on the import of religious books into the country.