Tea exports show modest growth in January

Sri Lanka’s tea exports for January 2025 amounted to 19.37 million kilograms, reflecting a growth of 0.61 million kilograms compared to the same period in 2024 when exports totalled 18.76 million kilograms.

Japan Automobile Association files complaint over illegal import of 150 vehicles

The Sri Lanka Automobile Association in Japan (SLAAJ) has filed a written complaint with the Controller General of the Import and Export Control Department, Sri Lanka, alleging that a certain company is attempting to import vehicles manufactured in 2022, violating the restriction on importing vehicles produced after January 15, 2023.

Measures taken to prevent future elephant-train collisions

Following the death of six elephants at the 141-mile post on the Gal Oya-Hingurakgoda railway track last night, a special discussion was held in Parliament by the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry to determine measures to prevent future collisions with elephants.

Korea introduces seasonal worker programmes under E-8 visa category

The Korean Government has introduced the seasonal worker programme under the E-8 visa category to address the scarcity of labour in the agriculture and fisheries sectors in their country, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Policeman arrested over court shooting

Police arrested a 25-year-old policeman attached to the Negombo Police Station over the shooting of Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne alias ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ inside the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

Spain’s ex-football boss Luis Rubiales fined over forced kiss

A Spanish court on Thursday convicted and fined former football chief Luis Rubiales of sexual assault over the forced kiss he gave star forward Jenni Hermoso but acquitted him of the charge of coercion

Education Ministry issues guidelines for students amid heat wave

The Education Ministry issued a set of guidelines for students to follow during the ongoing heat wave.

Maithri, Mahinda spent more than Rs. 60 million for two foreign tours

Former President Maithirpala Sirisena had spent Rs. 50 million for an official tour to the USA back in 2018, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachnadra told Parliament today.

Govt. approves administration of temporary care homes in 10 districts

The government has approved the administration of temporary care homes maintained in 10 districts under the Women and Child Affairs Ministry, Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Underworld activities have infiltrated public security institutions: President

Investigations have disclosed that underworld activities have infiltrated certain individuals within official institutions responsible for public security, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed.

Discussions held to reduce prices of exercise books

A discussion was held rcently at the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) head office to release high-quality exercise books to the market at a reasonable price.

Govt. responds to Adani Group’s withdrawal from Mannar energy project

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that the government had no intention of cancelling the wind energy project in Mannar with Adani Green Energy and said the company withdrew from the project after failing to reach an agreement on providing electricity at the lowest possible rate.

Medical specialists express concerns over Budget proposals

The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has voiced both appreciation and concern over the 2025 Budget proposals, highlighting key issues affecting state-employed medical professionals.

Cabinet spokesman regrets Deputy Minister’s 'Buruwa' remark

Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa today expressed regrets over the remarks made by Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, who referred to his driver as ‘Buruwa’ (donkey).

Heated argument in Parliament over Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe’s recent visit to a temple

A heated argument erupted in Parliament today when Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe came up with details on his recent visit to a Buddhist Training Centre in Kelaniya.

Speaker must take responsibility if any MP is murdered: Dayasiri

Claiming that the security of the country is at stake, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said the Speaker of Parliament must take the responsibility if any of the MPs is murdered.

Burhani Serendib School celebrates 42 years with Global Robotics opportunity

In line with the 42nd anniversary, Burhani Serendib School is all set to launch an initiative to empower Sri Lankan students in the fields of STEAM education and robotics by hosting a national selection for the internationally acclaimed World Robot Olympiad (WRO).

Hulfsdorp gunman identified as Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kandanaarachchi: Minister

The suspect who was arrested over the shooting incident at the Hulfsdorp Court complex has been identified as Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kandanaarachchi from Maharagama, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said today.

Reward offered for information on female suspect in court shooting

Police released a photograph of a female suspect connected to the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa at the Hulftsdorp Court Complex. They request for public help in locating her.

Over 180,000 dog bites reported last year: Health Minister

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed today that some 184,926 people had obtained treatment for dog bites last year from January 1 to December 31.

No threats to national security; only isolated incidents reported: Public Security Minister

Claiming that only isolated incidents were reported in different parts of the country, Public Security Minister Ananada Wijepala said today these isolated incidents must not be considered as threats to national security.

Armed guards to be deployed inside courts when special accused produced before courts: Justice Minister

In the wake of the shooting incident in the Hulfsdorp Court complex, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said today that steps will be taken to deploy armed guards inside the courts when special accused are produced before courts.

Singer Amitha Wedisinghe passes away

Veteran singer Amitha Wedisinghe, a senior artiste who also served as a music teacher, passed away this morning.

Ensure security of judges: Sajith tells government

Claiming that judges have been informed that their security will be withdrawn, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today urged the government not withdraw their security but to take steps to strengthen their security amidst escalating crimes in the country.

Rain in South, dry weather in most parts of island

Thundershowers may occur in Galle, Matara, Kalutara and Ratnapura during the evening or night, while dry weather will prevail in most other areas of the island, the Meteorology Department said.

Animal-friendly tourism: Sigiriya stray dogs sterilised, vaccinated

The Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population claims that most stray dogs in the Sigiriya tourism area have been sterilised and vaccinated to create a safer, healthier environment for both the animals and visitors who cherish this beautiful destination.

SLC imposes USD 10,000 fine on Dasun Shanaka

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has imposed a fine of USD 10,000 on former captain Dasun Shanaka for breaching his contractual obligations after leaving a first-class match in Colombo early on February 2, 2025, to play for the Dubai Capitals in the UAE that same evening.

Party has not barred me from talking to media: Kottahachchi

NPP MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi yesterday refuted that she was advised by the party to refrain from making statements to the media.

Killings continue to soar - What protection do we have ?

In light of escalating shootings across Sri Lanka, which have claimed at least 11 lives including a six-year-old child and 9-year-old boy in the first two months of 2025 alone, authorities are under pressure to take immediate and decisive action to combat the country’s soaring crime rate.

Meenagaya train collides with elephants, derails

Railway services on the Batticaloa line have been disrupted after the Meenagaya Intercity Express Train collided with a herd of elephants in the Gal Oya area this morning, the Railways Department said.