Pradeshiya Sabha member acquitted as prosecution fails to prove abuse case

A Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabha member was acquitted by the Kalutara High Court on charges of abducting and sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy, after the court determined that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Water aerodrome opens at Beira Lake to resume flights between Colombo and Katunayake

Cinnamon Air’s demonstration flight to reinstate Beira Lake as a Water Aerodrome departed from Katunayake International Airport and touched down at the Cinnamon Lakeside Pier on Beira Lake today, under the patronage of Hon. Bimal Ratnayake, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports & Civil Aviation, bringing domestic air connectivity right into the heart of Colombo city.

Punishment not part of education, only suitable for animal training: Deputy Minister

Punishment is not part of the learning process, describing it as suitable only for farm animals like sheep, horses and cattle, Health and Mass Media Deputy Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijeyamuni said.

Tamim Rahman to face High Court charges in LPL corruption case

The Police Unit for the Prevention of Sports-Related Corruption today informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama that the Attorney General has decided to file indictments before the High Court against Tamim Rahman, the owner of the Dambulla Thunders team, in connection with an alleged match fixing incident during last year’s Lanka Premier League (LPL) cricket tournament.

Health Ministry concerned over misleading post on LGBTQ

The Health Ministry has expressed concern over a misleading social media post that promoted the launch of an “LGBTQIA+ Sexual Wellbeing Clinic” at the National Hospital in Kandy, it is learnt.

Syphilis-like infection spreading among monkeys in Polonnaruwa - officials

A recent research conducted by the Wildlife Department and the animal health authorities has revealed that a bacterial infection caused by sexual contact, similar to syphilis has been spreading among monkeys and macaques in several areas in Polonnaruwa.

One month-old baby found in bag outside retired health officer’s home

A month-old baby girl abandoned by her mother was found in a bag yesterday in the Konwewa area, Ipalogama.

TikTok recommends porn to children, says report

TikTok’s algorithm recommends pornography and highly sexualised content to children’s accounts, according to a new report by a human rights campaign group.

Bribery probe in progress against Kumara Jayakody; legal action if Commission decides

Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) Ranga Dissanayake said yesterday that he would institute legal action against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody over charges against him, depending on the Commission’s conclusion.

Warm weather advisory issued for five districts

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a warm weather advisory for Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Ampara, Monaragala and Hambantota districts.

Vega to develop nation’s first AI-powered autonomous car

Vega, the pioneering electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer behind Sri Lanka’s first supercar, is developing the nation’s first autonomous vehicle, leveraging advanced Artificial Intelligence and robotics.

Fitch warns debt risks loom after 2027 for SL despite fiscal gains

Sri Lanka’s revenues jumped 27 percent in the first seven months of 2025, pushing the island nation into a primary surplus and helping foreign reserves recover to US$ 6.2 billion. However, Fitch Ratings warned

Rajeew Perera gets his well-earned reward

Former Sri Lanka rugby player and current assistant coach of the National Sevens team Rajeew Perera has received the nod to coach St. Peter’s College following the exit of Sanath Martis whose illustrious stint with the Peterites ended at the end of the 2025 inter school season.

Bangladesh cruise to win over Pakistan in Women’s World Cup

Bangladesh kicked off their Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign in style, cantering past Pakistan’s modest 129 with seven wickets and 18.5 overs to spare in Colombo on Thursday.

Promising local AI startups stifled by ‘prototype-level’ ecosystem, warn industry experts

Sri Lanka has world-class tech talent capable of building AI-driven startups that can compete globally, but the country’s startup ecosystem remains “stuck at a prototype level,” hindered by limited venture capital,

Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Indika Wins Bronze at World Para Athletics Championship

International-level Sri Lankan para athlete Nuwan Indika secured a bronze medal yesterday (09) at the 12th World Para Athletics Championship 2025, currently being held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, India, from September 25 to October 5.

No extension for GCE O/L 2025 examination applications

The Department of Examinations announced that the deadline for submitting applications for the 2025 GCE Ordinary Level Examination will not be extended under any circumstances.

Two dead in UK synagogue attack on Yom Kippur, suspect ’with bomb’ shot by police

At least two people were killed after an assailant drove a car into pedestrians and stabbed a security guard near a synagogue in England on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, British police said. Greater Manchester Police said the suspect, who was believed to be carrying a bomb, was shot after they rushed to the scene at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall district of the city in northern England.

Immigration Dept thwarts Sri Lankan syndicate’s attempt to obtain Malaysian passport

A cunning attempt by a Sri Lankan syndicate to use the identity of a child to obtain a Malaysian passport was foiled by the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department at the UTC Pudu Immigration Office this morning.

Education reforms to boost Pirivena schools: PM

The quality of Pirivena education is expected to improve through ongoing education reforms, Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

CSE edges closer to 22,000 as banking sector leads turnover

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) extended its upward momentum, edging closer to the 22,000 mark as renewed investor sentiment pushed the market to fresh highs. Investor focus remained on upcoming quarterly earnings releases and dividend announcements, driving strong inflows into equities.

CIABOC chief denies political links, dismisses allegations

Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) Ranga Dissanayake today rejected allegations of political affiliation, insisting that he has never been part of any political party’s legal committee.

SJB not willing to defend every Opposition politician penalised for crime: MP

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is not willing to defend and back each and every Opposition politician if they are penalised for serious crimes, SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna said today.

MR’s former security officer remanded till October 17

Colombo Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that Neville Wanni Arachchi, the former security officer of ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was taken into custody by the Bribery Commission, be remanded till October 17.

Don’t slash SVAT for SL exports: Sajith tells IMF representatives

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) not to slash the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) for Sri Lankan exports to Europe.

Supreme Court to hear Bathiudeen’s FR petition on March 25

A Fundamental Rights petition filed by Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen, challenging his arrest and detention in 2021, was today fixed for hearing on March 25 next year by the Supreme Court.

Don’t jump the gun over Thajudeen’s death: Mahinda Jayasinghe tells Namal

Claiming that Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa’s excitement on fresh investigations into the death of Wasim Thajudeen is suspicious, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe urged Namal Rajapaksa not to panic and jump the gun.

Yal Devi train to face delays due to repairs between Vavuniya and Omanthai

The Yal Devi express train operating between Colombo Fort and Kankesanthurai (KKS) will experience delays due to essential repair work on the railway line between Vavuniya and Omanthai, the Railways Department announced.

Fully fledged hospital dedicated to heart patients in Colombo soon: Nalinda

Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced plans to build a state-of-the-art cardiac hospital near the National Hospital, Colombo with an estimated investment of Rs. 13 billion.

Train derails at Ragama, disrupting Puttalam line

A train transporting Prima flour derailed near the Ja-Ela end of the Ragama railway station today, causing significant disruption to train services on the Puttalam line, the Railways Department said.