Buddhism should be safeguarded to preserve sovereignty: Sajith

Buddhism should be preserved in order to safeguard the sovereignty of the country, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

CAA conducts nearly 3,000 raids over rice trade violations this year

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said that nearly 3,000 raids have been conducted so far this year in connection with irregularities in the rice trade.

Government to establish 1,000 community health centers within three years

A network of community health centers will be established across the country to provide early diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, and referrals to hospitals, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Education Ministry issues 2026 examination schedule

The Education Ministry has released the examination timetable for the year 2026.

Long-distance buses to face mandatory quality inspections from October

The government will launch a new initiative requiring all long-distance buses to undergo a basic quality inspection before commencing operations, with effect from October, the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) said.

Kadawatha–Mirigama Expressway work to resume on September 17

Construction work on section of the Central Expressway between Kadawatha and Mirigama, which had been stalled since mid-2022 due to the economic crisis, will resume on September 17.

PAFFREL urges Govt. to expedite Provincial Council elections

The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has called on the government to take immediate steps to hold the long-delayed Provincial Council elections, stressing that the continued delay has undermined democratic rights.

Report on recovered chemicals linked to ’ice’ submitted to police

A detailed report has been handed over to the police regarding the container containing chemicals allegedly used in the manufacture of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ’ice,’ discovered in Middeniya.

Trump ’ready’ to sanction Russia if Nato nations stop buying its oil

US President Donald Trump has said he is ready to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, but only if Nato countries meet certain conditions which include stopping buying Russian oil.

Circular permitting bus decorations cancelled

The Commissioner General of Motor Traffic announced that the circular allowing the use of decorations and accessories on passenger buses has been cancelled.

Sri Lanka cruise to six-wicket win over Bangladesh in Asia Cup T20

Former champions Sri Lanka launched their Asia Cup campaign in emphatic fashion on Sunday, cruising to a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.

Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka need 140 runs to beat Bangladesh

After teetering on 11 for 3, Jaker and Shamim put on an unbeaten 86-run partnership for the sixth wicket to get Bangladesh to a total of 139 for 5.

Opposition may take legal action against Deputy Ministers under Public Properties Act: Dayasiri

The Opposition in Parliament is contemplating taking legal action against Deputy Ministers under the Public Properties Act for using perks such as staff payments allowance, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said today.

Ex-soldier suspected in four murders arrested

A former army soldier suspected of involvement in four murders, including the killing of a former prison officer in Bandaragama and the shooting of two youths in Borella, has been arrested by the Police Special Task Force (STF).

South Africa inflict record defeat on New Zealand

New Zealand suffered their biggest defeat in history as they were beaten 43-10 by South Africa in the Rugby Championship in Wellington.

President congratulates Nepal’s first woman interim Prime Minister

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended his congratulations to Sushila Karki on her appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government.

Indian tourists entertain at Nanu Oya railway station

A group of Indian tourists who had arrived in Sri Lanka for a tour were seen singing and dancing at the Nanu Oya Railway Station yesterday (13).

Sri Lanka expresses concerns over strikes on Qatar without naming Israel

In the wake of Israeli strikes on Doha targeting Hamas leaders, Sri Lanka has expressed solidarity with Qatar.

Two arrested for dumping cattle carcasses in Ritigala Reserve

Two individuals were arrested for dumping body parts of slaughtered cattle inside the Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve, officials of the Ritigala Wildlife Sanctuary said.

World has lost empathy, understanding, respect for different ideas: Sajith

The world has lost empathy, understanding and respect for different ideas, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Death toll rises to 16

Another victim of the Ella–Wellawaya bus accident has succumbed to her injuries, raising the death toll to 16, hospital sources said.

Showers expected in several provinces after 1 p.m. – Met Dept.

Showers are expected at several places in the Eastern and Uva provinces after 1.00 p.m., while a few spells of showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Nepal sets March elections after naming interim prime minister

Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved parliament and called for fresh elections on March 5, his office said late on Friday, following a week of deadly violence that culminated in the appointment of the country’s first woman Prime Minister in the interim.

Ex-UC chairman, businessman arrested over illegal vehicle imports

Former Chairman of the Wattegama Urban Council, Ravindra Bandara, and businessman Lakshitha Manoj Weerabahu were arrested over an allegedly illegal vehicle import and registration racket, police said.

Akram tells Pakistan, India to forget noise and ’enjoy’ Asia Cup clash

The Group A match in Dubai is the first clash on the cricket field between the countries since a military conflict four months ago took relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours to their lowest point in decades.

Karting in Sri Lanka changes gears

At a glittering launch at Waters Edge at Battaramulla on Thursday, David Peiris Group of Companies and its partner Speed Bay introduced the Sodikart kart in Sri Lanka. It meant that karting will now feature what is said to be enhanced performance and improved safety with the participants eligible for the Sodi World Series according to its promoters who said it marked the beginning of a new era in motorsports in Sri Lanka.

Weekend Sports Action for Sri Lankan Fans: Brace yourself for Manchester Derby, India vs Pakistan and more

Sri Lankan sports fans are preparing for one of the most exciting weekends of 2025 as football, cricket, and athletics dominate screens from September 13–14.

Record breaker Salt wants to be world’s best

Phil Salt has set his sights on becoming the ’’best in the world’’ as a T20 opener after smashing a record-breaking century in England’s 146-run victory over South Africa.

Grudge battle, body blows await Sri Lanka, Bangladesh

Sri Lanka will launch their Asia Cup 2025 campaign this evening in Abu Dhabi against Bangladesh, fielding a three-pronged pace attack in a contest that already carries the feel of a knockout.

Businessman nabbed at BIA with foreign-made cigarettes

A 51-year-old businessman was arrested this morning at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to smuggle foreign-made cigarettes valued at Rs. 3.45 million into the country.