Pakistan to hold talks with Afghanistan in Qatar after latest strikes

The Afghanistan Cricket Board told AFP that three players who were in the region for a domestic tournament were killed, revising down an earlier toll of eight.

Russian ‘cancer vaccine’ still in early stages: SL health authorities

Sri Lankan Health authorities have cautioned against sensational claims surrounding Russia’s so-called cancer vaccine ‘Enteromix’, saying it remains at a pre-clinical stage and has yet to prove its effectiveness through scientific validation.

Police probe after flower garland found on photo of Mirihana Police female OIC

A special police investigation has been launched into an unusual incident where a flower garland was found placed around a photograph of Chief Woman Police Inspector Varuni Keshala Bogahawatta, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Women and Children’s Bureau at the Mirihana Police Station.

Thailand ex-PM Abhisit reinstated as conservative party leader

Thailand’s oldest political party voted on Oct 18 to reinstate as its leader a conservative ex-premier who led the country during a bloody military crackdown on “Red Shirts” protesters.

23,000 MT of imported salt held at port over quality and deadline violations

A stock of 22,950 metric tons of imported salt, valued at over Rs. 910 million, has been detained by Sri Lanka Customs after being found non-compliant with national standards and imported after the government’s permitted deadline, according to Customs sources.

Heavy rain to lash island till month-end

The adverse weather condition is expected to continue across most parts of the country until the end of the month, the Department of Meteorology said.

Safe-haven rush pushes gold to glittering new peak in SL

Gold prices in Sri Lanka surged to an all-time high on Friday, shattering previous records as investors worldwide flock to the precious metal amid growing economic uncertainty.

Three Afghan cricketers killed in attack: cricket board

Afghanistan have pulled out of a tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka next month after three local cricketers were killed in an attack, the country’s cricket board said on Friday.

No legal action yet in 12-year-old National Museum artefact theft

Twelve years after the theft of 221 valuable artefacts from the Colombo National Museum, the case remains unresolved, with the Attorney General’s Department yet to file charges against the accused, according to the latest audit report of the Department of National Museums.

Sri Lankan sisters from Australia grace Asian Colombo Sevens

The stage is set for the second leg of the Asian Rugby Sevens which kicks off today at the Race Course ground in Colombo taking in both the men’s and women’s segments with two sisters from Australia likely to grab the attention of local fans like bolts from the blues.

Plans Underway to Bring Back Rugby Crowds

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) is set to embark on a major transformation in its domestic league structure with plans to introduce a Grand Final to conclude the season, aligning with global rugby trends.

South Africa storm past Sri Lanka in rain-hit World Cup encounter

South Africa’s juggernaut rolled on in the Women’s World Cup as they crushed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in a rain-marred contest in Colombo on Friday.

Ranil conveys condolences to Kenyan President on passing of former Prime Minister

Former President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, on the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

Blaze reported at shopping area in Ratmalana

A fire has erupted at a row of shops in Ratmalana, the Colombo Fire Brigade confirmed.

‘I’ve achieved what others do in five centuries’ - Lal Kantha

Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, Irrigation and Mahaweli Development Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has revealed that he does not possess any formal educational qualifications, stating that the only documents he holds are his birth certificate, national identity card, passport, and driving licence.

Wildlife Department arrests smuggler with Rs. 300 million worth of rare items

A major wildlife smuggler has been arrested while attempting to sell rare and protected items valued at around Rs. 300 million, including Gajamuthu (tusk shell), ivory, leopard skin, and other valuable materials.

Two reservoir sluice gates opened

Two sluice gates each of the Rajanganaya and Angamuwa reservoirs have been opened, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

Ignored boxer Mihiran raises the bar at Clifford Cup

Umayanga Mihiran was in sublime form during the 95th Clifford Cup quarter-finals of the Bantamweight (under 55kgs) as he outgunned Army veteran Piyal Dharmasena at Royal MAS Arena. A two-time national champion, 22-year old Mihiran representing Police, produced a masterclass in controlled aggression and technical brilliance to force a stoppage in the third round.

Government MP influencing judiciary is a serious matter: Opposition MP

The statement by government MP Lakmali Hemachandra, asking to prevent the implementation of an order given by the judiciary, is a serious matter and amounts to influencing the judiciary, Opposition MP Kavinda Jayawardena said today.

Arjuna Mahendran’s latest image surfaces after video call with journalist

A photograph of former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, who continues to be sought in connection with the 2015 Central Bank bond scam, has gone viral after senior journalist Uvindu Kurukulasuriya shared a social media post about having a video call with him.

Government loses millions as athletes flee: Court imposes travel ban

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today issued a travel ban against ten athletes who had travelled to the 2022 Commonwealth Games but failed to return to Sri Lanka, allegedly causing a financial loss to the government.

Heavy rains cause traffic congestion in Colombo

Severe traffic congestion has been reported across several areas in Colombo following heavy rains this evening.

Woman arrested with replica made from leopard skin

Wildlife officers arrested a woman in Wathurugama, Gampaha, after discovering a replica made using leopard skin during a sudden raid conducted on October 16, following a tip-off received by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Heavy rainfall over 100mm on the cards

The Meteorology Department has warned of showers in most parts of the island with heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm expected in several areas.

Army Paralympic gold medalist dies in train accident

A Sri Lanka Army officer and Paralympic gold medalist, Warnakulasuriya Amila Prashan, has died after being hit by a train in the Madurankuliya area.

Sri Lanka secures $106.9 Million from ADB

The Government of Sri Lanka has secured financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support the Strengthening Integrated Health Care and Governance for Universal Health Coverage Program.

Severe lightning warning issued for several provinces

The Department of Meteorology has issued a severe lightning advisory for the Central, North-Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, and North-Western provinces, as well as the Ampara District, effective until 11:00 PM today.

Penal Code (Amendment) Bill will not be enacted if people reject it: President

Commenting on the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to ban corporal punishment, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today the government will not enact in Parlaiment any Act which the people do not agreed to.

Allowance paid to teachers in rural schools to be increased in upcoming budget: President

Steps will be taken in the upcoming budget to increase the allowance paid to teachers in rural schools, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Magnitude 6.1 quake hits southern Philippines

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake jolted southern Philippines on Friday (Oct 17), the United States Geological Survey said, a week after two powerful quakes hit the country.