IGP directs action against officers linked to Ashoka Ranwala accident

Investigations have revealed that several police officers, including the OIC, the Traffic OIC of the Sapugaskanda Police Station had failed to properly discharge their duties in relation to a road accident involving former Speaker and MP Ashoka Ranwala.

How a gold regulatory authority could spark Sri Lanka’s next economic revolution

Amidst the complex challenges of economic stabilisation, a bold and transformative policy proposition is gaining traction among industry leaders and economists: the establishment of a dedicated Gold Regulatory Authority (GRA) coupled with strategic support for the gem and jewellery sector.

Total lendings by banks, non-banking institutions in 2024 exceeds Rs 1 trillion: Ravi K

The total lendings by commercial banks and non-banking institutions in 2024 has exceeded Rs 1 trillion, Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake told Parliament today.

SL’s mineral export potential is US $ 778 million whereas realised amount is US $ 389 million

Sri Lanka’s mineral export potential is as much as US $ 778 million annually where the realized amount is only US $ 389 million as estimated by the ITC Export Potential Map, a report compiled by the Pathfinder Foundation says.

Spill gates opened at three Mahaweli reservoirs

The spill gates of the Victoria, Randenigala and Rantembe reservoirs have been opened, the Mahaweli Authority said.

“We were trembling, fearing it would crash while flying over our houses” - eyewitness

“We became highly suspicious when a large passenger aircraft was flying unusually low and circling several times in the sky. Because of that, we paid close attention. Everyone in our family went up to the upper floor of the house and observed the aircraft. We were all afraid that it would crash. Many people in the village had woken up and were watching the sky.

Pay or not to pay? Cabraal has to pay

The Colombo High Court on December 10 permitted the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to withdraw the indictments filed against former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal in connection with the controversial Greek bond transaction, subject to stringent conditions recommended by the CIABOC.

Showery conditions to persist across several parts

Prevailing showery conditions are expected to continue over the Northern and Eastern parts of the island due to the influence of an Easterly wave, according to the Department of Meteorology.

Nathan Lyon moves to second on Australia’s Test wicket list

Off-spinner passes Glenn McGrath after early impact in Adelaide Ashes Test, with only Shane Warne ahead for Australian bowlers.

Active aero and overtake mode - F1’s new terminology

Formula 1 has revealed the terminology the sport will use to refer to the technical complexities of the new 2026 rules.

England to hold ICC talks after Carey DRS error

England will hold discussions with cricket’s governing body with the aim of improving decision-making technology following a controversial error on the opening day of the third Ashes Test.

Three arrested for killing of wild elephant in Mihintale

Three individuals were arrested yesterday evening (17) by officers of the Mihintale Police in connection with the killing of a wild elephant in the Seeppukulama area.

India v South Africa 4th T20 abandoned due to fog

The fourth T20 international between India and South Africa was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to dense fog in the northern Indian city of Lucknow on Wednesday.

Kuliyapitiya Crimes OIC transferred after assault video goes viral

The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Crimes Branch of the Kuliyapitiya Police Station has been transferred with immediate effect following the circulation of a video on social media showing an assault involving the officer.

Landslide threatens nine-arch railway bridge tourist zone

The Central Cultural Fund (CCF) has warned that the area around the nine-arch Railway Bridge in Modara, a popular spot for both local and foreign tourists, is under threat of landslide due to adverse weather caused by the cyclone ’’Ditwa’’.

Mother, son killed in three-wheeler-bus collision

A mother and a son were killed while two others were injured when a three-wheeler collided head-on with a private bus at Muwagammana in Dehiattakandiya this afternoon.

Hackers access Pornhub’s premium users’ viewing habits and search history

Hackers have accessed the search history and viewing habits of premium users of Pornhub, one of the world’s most popular pornography websites.

Turkish Airlines flight resumes journey after technical issue at BIA

The Turkish Airlines flight from Colombo to Istanbul, which was forced to return to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) due to a technical issue with its landing gear, departed again this evening after repairs were completed, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited said.

Army restores Nayaru Bridge, collapsed by Cyclone Ditwah

The Sri Lanka Army Engineers have restored connectivity following the complete collapse of the Nayaru main bridge in Mullaitivu, which was severely damaged by intense flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah recently.

India confers highest award of Bharat Scouts and Guides to Janaprith Fernando

Sri Lanka’s Chief Scout Commissioner Janaprith Salinda Fernando was awarded the ’Silver Elephant Award’ at the Raj Bhawan in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India by the Governor Amandi Ben Patel recently.

Doctors strike at Anuradhapura, Badulla hospitals over security concerns

Doctors at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital launched a strike this morning, citing serious concerns over their personal safety following the discovery of several empty bullet casings within the hospital premises earlier this week.

Sajith discusses disaster issues with UN Resident Coordinator

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa discussed Sri Lanka’s issues pertaining to the disaster situation with UN Resident Coordinator Mark Andre Franche today.

AI romance blooms as Japanese woman weds virtual partner of her dream

Music played in a wedding hall in western Japan as Yurina Noguchi, wearing a white gown and tiara, dabbed away her tears, taking in the words of her husband-to-be: an AI-generated persona gazing out from a smartphone screen.

Notice on false information

The Presidential Secretariat warned the public about a misleading news item circulating on social media under the title “Rapid Complaint Handling Procedure for Irregularities Involving Grama Niladhari,” stating that it is false and deceptive.

Ditwah reduces over 13,000 houses to rubble

The total number of houses completely destroyed across Sri Lanka by the calamity triggered by Cyclone Ditwah has surpassed 13,000, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Shock as popular South African DJ shot dead in Johannesburg

A popular South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the country’s largest city, Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across the nation grappling with entrenched crime.

China extends full support to boost Sri Lanka’s economy

Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Dongming, stated that China would extend its full support to the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts to rebuild the lives of the Sri Lankan people and overcome the challenges posed by Cyclone Ditwah, expressing confidence that Sri Lanka will recover rapidly under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Man fined for illegal possession of baby crocodile in Aluthgama

Hikkaduwa Wildlife Officers arrested a 44-year-old man in the Kaluwamodara area of Aluthgama today (16) for illegally possessing a baby crocodile, according to the Hikkaduwa National Park Headquarters.

Naveed Akram charged with 15 counts of murder over Bondi shooting

Naveed Akram, the surviving suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act, according to the New South Wales Police.

Japan grants US$ 2.5 million to support Sri Lanka’s post-cyclone recovery

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath today accepted a grant of US$ 2.5 million from the Government of Japan to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.