Former MPs to support Opposition for more representation in Parliamentary Committees

Former Members of Parliament from the parties not represented in Parliament are to back the Opposition parties in Parliament to get more slots in various committees in the House, an MP said today.

Massive earth slip obstructs upcountry railway line

Train services on the Colombo-Badulla mainline have been obstructed from the early hours of this morning by a massive landslide between Thalawakelle and Kotagala.

Over 3,000 Sri Lankans face US deportation orders

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) has announced that as of 24 November 2024, a total of 1,445,549 non-citizens are on ICE’s non-detained docket with final orders of removal.

Sri Lanka’s Ishadi Amanda wins first Runner-Up at Mrs. World Pageant

Sri Lanka’s Ishadi Amanda has made history by securing the title of First Runner-Up at the 40th Mrs. World pageant, held in Las Vegas, USA.

Owner of sapphire worth USD 400 million summoned to Presidential Secretariat

The gem businessman who had been facing political threats over a special blue sapphire valued at over USD 400 million was summoned to the Presidential Secretariat for inquiries last morning.

Another Chairman resigns

N.B.M. Ranatunga has reportedly resigned as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA).

Former CPC MD arrested over alleged misuse of Rs. 6.1 Mn

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested a former Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) in connection with the alleged misuse of Rs. 6.1 million.

Navy helps extinguish container fire at Colombo Port

The fire brigade of the Ports Authority, Colombo sprang into action to extinguish a fire that erupted unexpectedly in a container at the terminal of Bandaranaike Quay IV (BQ IV) in the Port of Colombo on the night of 30 Jan 25.

No survivors after collision between passenger jet and Army helicopter

President Donald Trump said there were no survivors after last night’s midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter in the Washington, DC, area — the deadliest since 2001.

Govt. mulls closure of state institutions deemed redundant

The government is making a fresh approach to revive the loss-making state institutions, which includes shutting down unviable entities, listing selected institutions on the Stock Exchange (CSE), merging certain organizations, and redefining operational mandates.

Three killed in shooting at Galle

Three people were shot dead in the Panangala area of Hiniduma, Galle, last night. Police said that two individuals on a motorcycle opened fire with a T56-type firearm.

’Take as much as you can count’: Company offers bonus to employees

A Chinese crane company has reportedly offered its employees a whopping $11 million, approximately Rs 70 crore, in year-end bonuses, with just one condition: you take home as much as you can count.

Prof. Kapila Perera to oversee SLTB operations

Senior Professor Kapila C.K. Perera, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, has been appointed to oversee the operations of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) with immediate effect.

Jaffna court grants permission for peaceful protest during President’s visit

The Jaffna Magistrate’s Court today allowed a peaceful protest to be held tomorrow by the unemployed graduates of the Northern Province during the visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to Jaffna.

Four-day rapid container clearance process begins today

The Sri Lanka Customs, with the full cooperation of joint trade unions, launched a four-day expedited container clearance process today, aiming to clear the backlog of containers destined for examination yards by February 2, Customs Media Spokesman and Additional Director General Seevali Arukgoda said.

Foreign pests suspected in coconut decline: Coconut Board Chairman

It is suspected that the collapse of the coconut industry in this country or the reduction in coconut yields has been due to the influence of foreign invasive insects or bacteria, Chairman of the Coconut Cultivation Board Dr. Sunimal Jayakody said.

Do not intend to stay in politics for long: Ramanathan Archchuna

Jaffna District Independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna, who has been in the centre of controversy, said today that he does not intend to stay in politics for long.

Fans fill stadium for Virat Kohli’s first domestic match in 12 years

Thousands of fans filled a stadium in the Indian capital, Delhi, as Virat Kohli made his much-anticipated return to domestic cricket after more than 12 years.

Air pollution in Colombo raises respiratory health concerns: Pediatrician

Due to air pollution in Colombo and its suburbs, there is an increase in health issues such as respiratory difficulties, coughing, childhood asthma and viral respiratory infections, Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) Consultant Pediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said.

US teen shot dead by father in Pakistan over TikTok videos

A man who recently moved his family back to Pakistan from the US has confessed to killing his teenage daughter because he disapproved of her TikTok videos, police have told the BBC.

Nigerian nabbed with forged Ghanaian passport at BIA

A Nigerian national was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake by Immigration and Emigration officials while attempting to leave Sri Lanka using a forged Ghanaian passport last night (29).

Man who burned Quran ’shot dead in Sweden’

A man who sparked violent protests after burning the Quran has been shot dead in Sweden, according to local media reports.

Rising demand for newer imports may boost Japan's auction prices: Importers

Other than importing vehicles that are between five and seven years old from their manufacturing dates, importing vehicles under three years old will increase auction values in Japan due to their effect on import costs, the Japan-Sri Lanka Business Council Chairman Jagath Ramanayaka said.

Sri Lankans spend Rs. 690 million daily on arrack and beer: ADIC

In Sri Lanka, the consumption of arrack and beer is significant, with people spending as much as Rs. 690 million per day on these beverages, according to the Alcohol and Drugs Information Centre (ADIC).

Former public administration ministry secretary arrested

Former Public Administration Ministry Secretary Priyantha Mayadunne was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) a short while ago.

Leprosy cases reported in Sri Lanka: 12% are children

A total of 1,800 leprosy cases were reported in Sri Lanka within a year, with 12% of the patients being children under the age of 15.

NDF candidates who contested general elections to meet Ranil

The candidates who contested the general elections in 2024 under the New Democratic Front (NDF) is scheduled to meet former President Ranil Wickremesinghe this evening, former MP Premanath C Dolawatte said.

Global cancer patients could reach to 30 million by 2040: Dr. Sudath Samaraweera

Health authorities have raised concerns, predicting that by 2040, the global number of cancer patients could reach to 30 million.

4,421 armed forces, police personnel to participate in Independence Day parade: Army Commander

Some 4,421 personnel of the armed forces and police will participate in the Independence Day parade this time, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo said today.

Rs. 80 million allocated to 77th Independence Day celebrations: Govt.

The government has allocated Rs. 80 million for the 77th Independence Day celebrations, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Dr. A.H.M.H Abayarathna said today.