Four killed in elephant attacks across 3 districts in March: DMC reports

While issuing an island-wide incident summary, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) today reported that four persons from the Moneragala, Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts were killed in elephant attacks between March 10 and 13.

Mattala Airport struggles as it turns 12

Sri Lanka’s Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) marks its 12th anniversary today but the underutilised facility continues to struggle with financial losses and minimal airline traffic, renewing calls for a strategic overhaul.

Adani Group still keen on renewable power project in Sri Lanka

The Adani Group is still keen to get Adani Green Energy’s $1-billion renewable energy power project in Sri Lanka back on its agenda, sources said. In February, the company had said it had decided to withdraw from the project, but it has maintained a foot in the door, as both sides are likely to come to an agreement on the tariffs to be charged, sources with knowledge of the ongoing developments said.

14 Sri Lankans rescued from cybercrime centers in Myanmar

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, in coordination with Sri Lanka’s Embassies in Myanmar and Thailand, and with support from the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand, has facilitated the rescue of 14 Sri Lankans who were trafficked and forcibly employed in cybercrime centers in Myawaddy, Myanmar.

A 16-hour water cut in Katana

The Katana residents are set to experience a 16-hour water cut today as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced that water supply to several areas in the city will be suspended.

Hard Rock Cafe to make Sri Lankan debut at Colombo City Centre by 2H25

US restaurant chain Hard Rock Cafe has sealed a deal with Abans and will be entering Sri Lanka, marking its debut in the island nation.

Upcoming festive season drives economic activities across manufacturing and services

The upcoming festive season gave an additional boost to the already expanding activities across the economy, as both manufacturing and services activities continued to grow through February.

Paddy, tea and coconut production drops, fuelling inflation concerns

Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector is facing a significant downturn, with key crops such as paddy, tea and coconut experiencing sharp declines in production.

Govt. to initiate steps for offshore petroleum exploration

The government is to undertake offshore gas exploration after the selection of a consultant firm to handle the international tender process in this regard, an official said yesterday.

SriLankan Airlines could generate US $ 1bn in 3 months with strategic overhaul: Ex-CAA chief

SriLankan Airlines could generate US $ 1 billion in revenue within three months, if the right leadership and policies are in place, said former Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Chairman Upul Dharmadasa.

More witnesses ready to testify on Batalanda incident: Tilvin

Claiming that there are more witnesses to testify on the Batalanda incident, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said today if the evidence is produced, not only former President Ranil Wickremesinghe but others who were involved in the incident will have to face legal consequences.

Not possible to mete out justice on behalf of Easter attack victims in a month or two: Minister

It is not possible to mete out justice for those who were affected by the Easter Sunday attacks within a month or two, Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena told Parliament yesterday.

Batalanda Commission faults JVP for acts of terrorism

The commission which looked into what is called the torture chamber in Batalanda way back in 1989 has faulted Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in addition to the then government, for engaging in severe acts of violence, during the given period.

Govt will introduce new Constitution according to its own time: Minister

The Government will introduce the new Constitution according to its own time line, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament today.

Court issues warrant on third witness in Mrs. World Pageant incident

Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali, today issued a warrant on Asha Basnayake, the third witness in the case related to the alleged forcible removal of the crown from Pushpika De Silva, the winner of the Mrs. World pageant held at Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo in 2021.

Prison Jailer remanded till March 21 for aiding and abetting in Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder

A prison jailer, who was arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division over allegations of aiding and abetting the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, was remanded till March 21 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela today.

Another tusker found dead

The carcass of a tusker was recovered today from the Ihakuluwewa tank reservation in Polonnaruwa by the Diyabeduma Police.

Customs bust Rs.24 Mn worth ‘Kush’ smuggling attempt at BIA

Sri Lanka Customs today thwarted an attempt to smuggle two kilos of Cannabis variety ‘Kush’ worth over Rs. 24 million by an Indian couple returning from Bangkok at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Some 400 vehicles stuck at Customs due to import rule change: VIAL

The Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) claimed today that around 400 vehicles have been stuck at the Sri Lanka Customs for over 20 days due to a change in import regulations.

Steps must be taken to eliminate child labour from country

The representatives of the National Steering Committee on Elimination of Child Labour agreed that immediate and effective steps must be taken to ensure the complete elimination of child labour from the country.

Opposition to move adjournment debate on new Constitution

The Opposition is to move an adjournment debate on a new Constitution today.

Anuradhapura doctor rape suspect further remanded

The suspect arrested over the sexual assault and rape of a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital has been further remanded till March 24 after being produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court today.

Cancer Patient Aid Scam: Suspects implicated in another fraud case

The two suspects, who were previously arrested for allegedly defrauding cancer patients of over Rs. 2.2 million, have recently been implicated in another similar fraud case in Nikaweratiya, the CID told the Chief Magistrate’s Court today.

Two Directors of pyramid scheme company granted bail

Two directors of Smart Win Pvt Ltd, who were remanded in connection with operating an illegal pyramid financial scheme under the guise of a Wallapatta cultivation project, were released on bail today.

China's first 1-tonne payload cargo drone completes maiden flight

A large unmanned cargo aircraft, independently developed by Yitong UAV System Co, completed its maiden flight on Saturday at Laixi Dianbu Airport in Qingdao, East China’s Shandong Province, with a payload capacity exceeding one ton, marking another significant breakthrough for China in the field of high-end unmanned aviation equipment, Science and Technology Daily reported on Monday.

Health workers to launch 24-hour strike tomorrow

The Association of Health Professionals has announced that it will proceed with its planned 24-hour strike scheduled for tomorrow, March 18th.

Trump moves to close down Voice of America

US President Donald Trump has signed an order to strip back federally funded news organisation Voice of America, accusing it of being ’’anti-Trump’’ and ’’radical’’.

Vatican releases first photo of Pope Francis in hospital

Pope Francis was photographed at the hospital for the first time since he was admitted last month for double pneumonia.

21 injured as bus crashes into house in Arachchikattuwa

At least 21 individuals were injured when a passenger bus belonging to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) collided with a shop and a house in the Baththuluoya area of Arachchikattuwa this morning.

Court of Appeal orders to execute arrest order on Deshabandu

The Court of Appeal today refused to issue an interim order preventing Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon from being arrested in connection with the Weligama hotel shooting incident.