Ten million registered for TIN, 7 million still unregistered: IRD

A total of 10 million people have registered with the Inland Revenue Department to obtain Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN), while at least 7 million people still remain unregistered, IRD Deputy Commissioner General B.K.S. Shantha said.

Diplomats, MPs pay respects to late Pope

Foreign diplomats and parliamentarians arrived at the Apostolic Nunciature, the Embassy of the Holy See in Colombo, to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Fallen tree damages seven vehicles in Borella

Seven vehicles were damaged when a tree fell near the Kanatta Cemetery Roundaout in Borella, police said.

There are popular cardinals who could be Pope but the will of God will prevail: Fr. Jude Krishantha

There are a number of popular cardinals who could be Pope, but God’s will is going to prevail at the end of the day, National Catholic Mass Communications Director Fr. Jude Krishantha said today.

Will the next Pope be from Africa?

If the sole predictor of who would become the next Pope was where the Catholic Church is growing fastest, then it is almost certain he would hail from Africa.

Musk to reduce Doge role after Tesla profits plunge

Tesla boss Elon Musk says he will cut back his role in Donald Trump’s administration after the company’s profits and revenues plunged during the first three months of the year.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith leaves for Rome

Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, departed from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today for Italy to attend the funeral of the late Pope Francis in Rome, the Airport Officer in Charge confirmed.

UAE to prioritize energy, tourism, investment ties with Sri Lanka

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday announced its commitment to prioritizing the promotion of the energy, tourism, foreign investment, and foreign employment sectors while further strengthening its longstanding ties with Sri Lanka.

No Russian charter flights to Sri Lanka until October

Sri Lanka will not host Russian charter flights during the off-season due to diminished demand and a lack of summer promotions, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).

Dan Priyasad dies after shooting

Social activist Dan Priyasad, who had been receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Colombo National Hospital, died last night.

India’s consent required to disclose MoUs - Cabinet Spokesman

The government will present in Parliament all seven memoranda of understanding signed with India recently and that it will take some time as consent of both parties are needed to reveal some of the information, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.

Former England star Flintoff reveals mental battle after car crash

Former England star Andrew Flintoff has revealed the extent of the mental health struggles he has endured since his horrific car crash on the set of television programme Top Gear.

Lanka IOC reports subdued performance

Lanka IOC PLC kicked off the March earnings season by reporting some subdued top and bottom-line performance for the 4Q25 period.

Health Ministry taking steps to increase facilities in hospitals

Amidst rise in Chikungunya cases in Sri Lanka, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday the Epidemiology Unit is on alert and the Health Ministry is making an intervention regarding the matter.

A 44% tariff on Sri Lanka? That’s not just wrong, it is bad economics

The Trump administration’s move to slap a 44% tariff on Sri Lankan exports, currently on pause, but not off the table is a textbook example of policy driven by headline numbers, not economic reality.

Shots fired to quell inmate clash at Matara Prison

Prison officials were forced to fire warning shots into the air to control a clash between two groups of inmates at the Matara Prison.

Customs seize large turmeric consignment smuggled as potatoes

A large consignment of turmeric worth over Rs. 40 million, which had arrived in the country concealed within a 40-foot container filled with potatoes from India, was seized by the Sri Lanka Customs today.

Cops make U-Turn on Dan Priyasad - First dead, now alive

Police now say that social activist Dan Priyasad, who was shot in front of his residence at the ‘Laksanda Sevana’ apartment complex in Meetotamulla, is not dead but is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition.

Two from Matale arrested for possessing Parrot, Sri Lanka Hill Myna

Two suspects were arrested by Wildlife Officers in separate incidents in Matale for illegally capturing and possessing a parrot and a Sri Lanka Hill Myna.

Supply of Insulin running out?

Amid recent claims by health trade unions, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa assured the public that there is no shortage of insulin in the country.

SL Navy arrests two suspects attempting to smuggle gold in Talaimannar

Two suspects were apprehended by the Sri Lanka Navy in Urumalei, Talaimannar, while attempting to smuggle over eight kilograms of gold to a foreign country via sea.

Labourer crushed by 45MT crane in tragic container yard accident

In what seems to be a tragic workplace accident, a shocking video footage has been circulating today, where a labourer attached to Grayline 1 Container Terminal in Orugodawatta being crushed to death by a large 45MT crane in operation in the yard on Monday afternoon.

Films made with AI can win Oscars, Academy says

Films made with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) will be able to win top awards at the Oscars, according to its organisers.

Over 100,000 expected: Police urge devotees to avoid Sri Dalada Maligawa tomorrow

As over 100,000 devotees are expected at the ‘Siri Dalada Wandanawa’ special exposition tomorrow (23), police have requested devotees not to visit the Sri Dalada Maligawa on that day, Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga said.

Police recover stolen gold-plated model ship from Martin Wickramasinghe Foundation

The Cinnamon Gardens Police informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali that they have identified the suspect who stole a gold-plated model ship from the Martin Wickramasinghe Foundation Museum in Kurunduwatta.

Suspect remanded over Rs. 1 Mn fraud using dormant bank accounts

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today remanded a suspect accused of defrauding over Rs. 1 million by obtaining goods on credit and issuing cheques through inactive bank accounts.

Woman arrested for suspicious behaviour near Kochchikade Church released by court

A woman who was taken into custody near the Kochchikade Church due to her suspicious behaviour yesterday has been released after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.

Pope Francis went beyond his faith: Ranil

Pope Francis’ interests went beyond the faith as he focused on Ukraine and Gaza, poverty, climate change and other instances of injustice, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in a condolence message on the demise of the Roman Catholic Leader on Monday.

Gunman arrested after failed shooting attempt in Katunayake

A suspect was arrested following a failed shooting attempt at Andiambalama in Katunayake this morning, police said.

Pope Francis' funeral to be held on Saturday

Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10.00 a.m. (0800 GMT) at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican said in a statement.