Japan reaffirms support for modernising Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector

The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, His Excellency ISOMATA Akio, has reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting the modernisation of Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector through the introduction of advanced technology and innovation-driven development initiatives.

Low pressure system to move away within 48 hours: Heavy rain expected

A low-pressure area located northeast of Sri Lanka continues to persist but is expected to move away from the island within the next 48 hours, according to the latest weather analysis issued on the morning of May 14.

Immigration IT controller arrested over Rs. 9.8 mn software fraud

An official attached to the Department of Immigration and Emigration has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over an alleged financial fraud linked to a software installation project.

Govt aims to create ‘Smart Citizens’ for future world: Minister

The government’s primary objective is to create “smart citizens” capable of facing the challenges of the future world, Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Prof. Chandana Abeyrathne said.

CCTV at Aravinda de Silva’s residence was functional but not recording

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena’s suspicious death took place at the residence of Aravinda de Silva, where the CCTV cameras were operational, but the system had not been recording footage for a long period and no footage of the location where the death occurred had been captured by the CCTV system, the Colombo Crimes Division informed Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena today.

CEB to award Rs. 8.5bn VRS compensation tomorrow

Financial compensation amounting to Rs. 8.5 billion will be awarded to 1,898 employees retiring voluntarily under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) as part of its ongoing restructuring process.

Rat poison watermelon deaths puzzle Indian investigators

Nearly three weeks after an Indian family of four were found dead in their home, investigators tell the BBC they are no closer to knowing what actually happened.

ROP foils attempt to transfer $6.6 million linked to cyber fraud

The General Directorate of Investigation and Criminal Research at the Royal Oman Police, in cooperation with the National Central Bureaus of the Interpol, has foiled an attempt to transfer approximately $6.6 million through a local bank in Oman after investigations revealed the funds were linked to electronic fraud operations originating from an Asian country.

Indian naval ship IOS Sagar to arrive in Colombo tomorrow

The Indian Naval Ship INS Sunayna operating as IOS Sagar with a multinational crew from 16 countries is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Colombo tomorrow (15), marking its seventh port call during the second edition of the deployment.

Heavy rainfall to intensify; red warning issued for multiple districts

The Department of Meteorology has issued a red warning for heavy rainfall affecting several parts of the country, warning that showers exceeding 100 mm are likely in some areas.

Vatican warns rebel Catholic group it risks excommunication

The Vatican urged a breakaway Catholic ​group dedicated to the old Latin mass to cancel plans to ordain new ‌bishops without consent from Pope Leo, warning the action would incur excommunication from the 1.4-billion-member Church.

Damithu Fernando gains international praise for Angampora skills

Damithu Fernando, a Grade 9 student of Ananda College, continued to gain recognition both in the Sri Lankan entertainment industry and in the international martial arts arena.

China’s Xi signals trade progress as ‘biggest summit’ with Trump begins

With his approval ratings dented by his entanglement in the Middle East, Trump’s hotly anticipated trip to China - the first by a U.S. president to America’s main strategic rival since his last visit there in 2017 - has taken on added significance.

Experts warn of rising risks as children spend more time on online games

Online gaming is facing growing scrutiny as concerns mount over its behavioural and psychological impact on children, including addiction, exposure to strangers, and rising cases of uncontrolled in-game spending.

River water levels recede as rain eases

Water levels in several major river basins have begun to recede following reduced rainfall over the past 24 hours, the Irrigation Department said.

Animal welfare bill in final stage

Sri Lanka’s long-awaited Animal Welfare Bill, aimed at replacing the country’s 119-year-old animal protection law, has reached the final stage before being presented to Cabinet, animal rights activists said.

How can Tilvin Silva prejudge outcome? asks GL

Former External Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris, who now presides over an amalgam of political parties under the banner of the Joint Opposition, yesterday questioned the real motive behind the Presidential Commission appointed to probe coal transactions dating back to 2009, while also criticising ruling party General Secretary Tilvin Silva for appearing to prejudge the outcome even before investigations are concluded.

Meningitis situation under control: Health authorities

Health authorities have assured that the viral meningitis situation reported among schoolchildren in Deniyaya is currently under control, while surveillance and preventive measures continue in the area.

Government cannot continue to bear losses of fuel sale: President

Claiming that the fuel import cost has gone up by six times in May when compared to February due to the Middle East war, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday the government cannot continue to bear the losses of the fuel and electricity supply.

Adverse weather will last for a few more days: Met Department

The current adverse weather conditions which has already claimed one life is expected to prevail for a few more days with an improvement expected around the weekend, an official from the Department of Meteorology said yesterday.

Sino-Lanka maritime research stopped due to disruptions, hope SL Govt will take right decision- Chinese ambassador

Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said yesterday that the routine marine scientific research conducted by scientists from both sides in Sri Lanka waters had been delayed due to various disruptions, and expressed hope that the Sri Lanka government, in consideration of its own sovereignty, dignity and interests, would make the right decision at an early date.

U.S donated Coast Guard Cutter arrives in Sri Lanka following record journey

The former U.S. Coast Guard Cutter DECISIVE, which departed from the Baltimore U.S. Coast Guard Yard East Wall Jetty, has arrived in Trincomalee after a nearly three-month voyage.

Dream of owning home in Sri Lanka slips further

The dream of owning a home in Sri Lanka is slipping further out of reach for everyday citizens, even as foreign money pours into the country’s luxury property market. While the economy shows signs of recovery and international investors are eagerly funding high-end apartments and hotels, local families are left facing a massive shortage of affordable housing.

Osman Gunasekera arrested over alleged role in ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has arrested Osman Gunasekera, alias ‘Gampaha Osman,’ over his alleged involvement in the assassination of organized crime figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, better known as ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa.’

US drops $15,000 visa deposit for foreign fans with World Cup tickets

The Trump administration will exempt football fans from 50 countries subject to a $15,000 (£11,000) visa deposit requirement, provided they are travelling to the US for the World Cup with valid match tickets.

10,000 waiting for heart surgeries amid rising costs

Over 10,000 patients are currently on waiting lists for heart surgeries in government hospitals, while the soaring cost of private sector treatment has made lifesaving procedures unaffordable for many Sri Lankans, according to the Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance.

One trip, one ticket: New EU rules aim to ease train travel

The EU plans to force railway companies to sell rivals’ tickets on their websites and share data with booking platforms, under new rules unveiled Wednesday aiming to boost train travel.

CEA urges public to avoid polythene, plastic for Vesak decorations

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has urged the public to refrain from using polythene and plastic materials for Vesak decorations and dansals, warning that the use of several single-use plastic items remains prohibited under the law.

“No one is above the law” must apply equally: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa said that if the President’s claim that “no one is above the law” is to be upheld, all individuals allegedly involved in wrongdoing must be investigated without exception.

Revenue office worker arrested over alleged bribery deal

A sanitation worker attached to the Polonnaruwa Provincial Revenue District Office was arrested by anti-corruption officials today (13) for allegedly obtaining a bribe to alter a land valuation report linked to a government land transfer.