Five excise officers arrested by CID

Five officers attached to the Narcotics Bureau of the Excise Department have been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Rare wolf spider rediscovered after 40 years

A critically endangered spider, not seen in the UK for 40 years, has been rediscovered in a remote nature reserve accessible only by boat.

Two million people living with diabetes: Experts warn diabetic wounds deadlier than cancer

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) has raised alarm over the growing number of diabetic patients in the country, revealing that at least two million Sri Lankans are currently living with diabetes, with around 40,000 developing new wounds each year.

GMOA to launch island-wide strike tomorrow

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to launch an island-wide strike starting from 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (31) in protest against ongoing issues in the health sector.

Sri Lanka’s child population declines as elderly numbers rise: Census 2024

Sri Lanka’s total population stands at 21.78 million, according to the 2024 Census of Population and Housing, with females making up 51.7% and males 48.3% of the population.

Rs. 26.5m in cigarettes found hidden in furniture from UAE

Customs officers have uncovered a large stock of smuggled cigarettes worth over Rs. 26.5 million concealed inside a shipment of furniture imported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Sri Lanka suspends mandatory ETA requirement for visitors

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced that the previously mandated Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for all short-stay visitors (tourism and business) to Sri Lanka, which was to take effect from 15 October 2025, has been temporarily revoked until further notice.

Sri Lanka to get its first cosmetic product testing laboratory

The foundation stone for Sri Lanka’s first Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT) laboratory, dedicated to cosmetic product testing, was laid today under the patronage of Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development, Sunil Handunneththi.

TRCSL launches 1818 hotline to report drug-related activities

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has introduced a 24-hour hotline, 1818, to support the government’s new initiative to eradicate the threat of narcotics, titled “United as a Nation – National Drive.”

Handunnetti’s FR against alleged sugar fraud fixed for January

The Fundamental Rights petition filed by Minister Sunil Handunnetti, while he was in the opposition, seeking an order to recover Rs. 15.9 billion from those responsible for the alleged sugar fraud that occurred during sugar imports in 2020, was today fixed for support by the Supreme Court.

President warns police officers linked to drug networks to leave or face removal

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today issued a stern warning to Police officers allegedly involved in drug trafficking networks, urging them to immediately withdraw or face disciplinary action.

18 Army athletes promoted for outstanding South Asian athletics performance

Eighteen Sri Lanka Army athletes were promoted to their substantive ranks in recognition of their exceptional performances at the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championship 2025 held in Ranchi, India.

Head monk found guilty of sexually abusing children

The head monk of a Buddhist temple in Melbourne, Australia has been found guilty of sexually abusing children aged as young as four.

Trial begins in case against former State Minister Diana Gamage

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanaga S. Bodaragama today commenced the examination of evidence in the case filed by the Criminal Investigation Department against former State Minister Diana Gamage, who is accused of submitting false information to the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration in order to obtain a passport and remaining in Sri Lanka without a valid visa.

ADB reaffirms support for Sri Lanka’s port development

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has once again confirmed its commitment to support the development of Sri Lanka’s port sector.

Five new suspects arrested over Louvre jewellery theft

Five more suspects have been arrested over their involvement in the Louvre heist, Paris’ public prosecutor has said.

NTC begins data collection to regulate transport services

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has launched a data collection programme to regulate transport services, including three-wheelers, school transport, office transport, taxis, and special services, NTC Director General Commander (Rtd) Dr. Nilan Miranda said.

Chinese gym offers Porsche reward for 50 kg weight loss in three months

A gym in China drew mixed reactions after promising a Porsche for 50kg weight loss in three months.

New additional commissioner general assumes duties at DMT

K.P.N. Tharaka Niroshan Devapriya officially assumed duties today as the new Additional Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), marking an important milestone for the institution.

Billions in dues from medical officers who quit service

The Auditor General has called for urgent action to recover bonds, fines, overpaid salaries, allowances, and loan balances amounting to over Rs. 1.2 billion from medical officers who had breached their agreements and left government service as of October 31, 2024.

GMOA to launch islandwide strike

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) will launch an islandwide trade union action tomorrow (31) in protest against what it describes as an arbitrary transfer procedure being implemented by the Ministry of Health.

Bag containing gas cartridges found on roof of Colombo building

The Cinnamon Gardens Police recovered a bag containing 10 gas cartridges on the roof of the Commons Coffeehouse building located on Flower Road, Colombo 7.

Strong people’s movement will be formed to eradicate drug menace: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today stressed that a strong people’s movement will be formed to eradictae the drug menace while calling drug addicts and drug dealers to stop their illegal practices.

Trump directs nuclear weapons testing to resume for first time in over 30 years

President Donald Trump called on US military leaders to resume testing US nuclear weapons in order to keep pace with other countries such as Russia and China.

GBS Technology breaks silence on Auditor General’s eVisa report

In response to the Special Audit Report issued by the Auditor General’s Department on the Online Visa Issuance Methodology of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, GBS Technology Services Pte Ltd clarified that as the prime contractor, they agreed with the Department of Immigration and Emigration to collect and remit to the Department the visa revenues.

China tightens the screws: Influencers now need degrees to speak on finance, health, law

In a move that could reshape online content creation, China has introduced a new rule requiring influencers to have official qualifications before discussing “sensitive” subjects such as medicine, law, education, or finance online.

Legal action to be taken over Rs. 120 million lottery scam: NLB Chairman

Strict legal action will be taken against the wife of MP Hesha Withanage and the sister-in-law of former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, National Lotteries Board (NLB) Chairman M.D.C.A. Perera said.

Lawyer provided Bar ID, tie and vehicle pass to courthouse killer

A female lawyer residing in Kadawatha was arrested yesterday by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for allegedly aiding and abetting those involved in the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, who was shot dead in February 2025 at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court premises.

Teenage cricketer dies in Melbourne after being hit by ball

An Australian teenager has died after he was hit by a cricket ball during a practice session in Melbourne.

Former envoy Kananathan congratulates President Paul Biya on re-election

Former Kenyan envoy, Ambassador Kananathan, has extended his warm congratulations to H.E. President Paul Biya on his re-election as President of the Republic of Cameroon for an eighth term. President Biya, who has led the nation for several decades, is recognized as one of the longest-serving Heads of State in the world.