Former Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne arrested over drunk driving accident

The Wellawatta Police arrested retired Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne following a drunk driving incident that resulted in an accident on Marine Drive last night.

Navy arrests 37 poaching Indian fishermen in five trawlers on SL waters

The Sri Lanka Navy seized five Indian trawlers with 37 Indian fishermen poaching on Sri Lankan waters off Mannar as well as near the Delft Island, Jaffna during special operations.

South Africa beat New Zealand by a point to win record fourth Rugby World Cup

Handre Pollard kicked four penalties to help South Africa to a nail-biting 12-11 victory over 14-man New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday to claim a record fourth title.

Person arrested with over 300 gelatin explosive sticks

A joint operation conducted by the Divisional Crime Investigation Department in Mannar led to the arrest of a 47-year-old on suspicion of possessing 318 gelatin explosive sticks.

Chinese vessel permitted to conduct ocean surveys in SL waters

Visiting Chinese research vessel, Shi Yan 6 has been granted permission to conduct ocean surveys in the Western seas of Sri Lanka on October 30 and 31, the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry said.

New duty-free opportunities in Colombo Port City

A Gazette notification has been issued outlining the requirements for investors interested in carrying out duty-free retail trades or operating duty-free shopping malls within the Colombo Port City.

Japan destroyer ’Akebono’ arrives at Trincomalee harbour

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer ’Akebono’ (DD 108) arrived at the Trincomalee harbour on an official visit today.

Remains of Anula Jayathilake return home

The body of Anula Jayathilake, a Sri Lankan national who tragically lost her life in the Hamas-Israel conflict, has returned to Sri Lanka, according to airport sources.

Last lunar eclipse for this year visible tonight

A partial lunar eclipse will be visible tonight, Astronomy and Space Science Unit, Colombo University Director, Professor Chandana Jayaratne said.

1,500 midwives to be recruited immediately: Minister

It has been decided to expedite the recruitment of 1,500 Family Health Service Officers (Midwives) who were limited to an interview only, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Expecting peace to be established in Palestine soon: Jeevan Thondaman

It is expected that peace will be established in Palestine as soon as possible, Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman said.

SL supports UN resolution calling for humanitarian truce in Gaza

During the UN General Assembly on Friday, Sri Lanka expressed its support to a resolution urging an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the goal of achieving a cessation of hostilities.

More than 100mm rains after 2 p.m today

Atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of afternoon rain, and heavy showers of about 100mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts after 2 p.m., the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Remains of Anula Jayathilake to arrive this morning

The remains of Sri Lankan national Anula Jayathilake, who died in the Hamas-Israel conflict, will be brought to Sri Lanka this morning, said spokesman for the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLBFE) Deputy General Manager Gamini Senarath Yapa.

IGP’S validity in doubt among higher-ups following Constitutional Council’s extension rejection

The recent rejection of the extension of service for Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickramaratne by the Constitutional Council has reportedly caused issues within the Sri Lanka Police administration amid escalating crime rates in the country.

Sri Lanka’s Central Hills at risk: One-fifth of land prone to landslides

One–fifth of Sri Lanka’s total landmass, particularly the areas in the central hills- is prone to landslides according to a study by the National Building Research Organization (NBRO).

Army Colonel to be arrested in connection with a robbery

The Monaragala Division Crime Investigation Unit has initiated investigations to arrest an Army Colonel in connection with a robbery on June 23.

SL faces limitations in available land for industrial purposes: Minister

While saying that Sri Lanka faces limitations in the available land for industrial purposes, hindering the growth of the industrial sector, Minister of Industry and Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana stated that measures are being taken to expand industrial land allocation, with a target of dedicating 1% of the nation’s total land area for industrial purposes.

Prices of bakery items likely to rise if govt doesn’t reconsider electricity tariff: Bakery owners

If the government does not reconsider the electricity tariff increase, it will affect the bakery industry and result in a price increase of bakery products in the future, All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association (ACBOA) Chairman N.K. Jayawardana said.

Nimal Lanza has expertise on cannabis, heroin, claims Sanath Nishantha

State Minister Sanath Nishantha made a controversial statement regarding Member of Parliament Nimal Lanza, stating that Lanza possessed extensive knowledge on cannabis and heroin.

Sports Minister slams SLC in fresh letter to ICC

Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, in a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), has denied the repeated allegations of political interference in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and claimed that SLC is using the name of the sport’s world governing body as a shield for their ’’wrongdoing’’.

Govt allocates over Rs. 5Bn for medicine supply

The Health Ministry has set aside a substantial amount of Rs. 5.6 billion from the Treasury to address the essential payments for the procurement of medicines, Minister of Health and Industries, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said.

Teargas fired to disperse protesting medical students

Police fired tear gas and used water cannons on protesting students of the Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee in Colombo.

Conflicts in Middle East: Hotline introduced for Sri Lankans

The Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo has set up two emergency hotline mobile numbers for Sri Lankan nationals to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to seek any assistance in connection to the present conflict situation in the Middle East.

Lanka T10 auction to take place on November 10

The widely popular T10 will make its foray in Sri Lanka for the first time with the highly-anticipated Player Auction for the inaugural season of Lanka T10 set to take place on Friday, November 10th, 2023.

A judge declines to hear Sanath Nishantha’s contempt cases

Court of Appeal Justice Chamath Morais today recused himself from hearing three contempt of court cases filed against State Minister Sanath Nishantha over his alleged contemptuous statement.

Qatar sentences Indian ex-naval officers to death

India has said it is exploring all legal options after a court in Qatar sentenced eight former Indian naval officers to death on unspecified charges, BBC reported.

Rs. 2bn necessary to repair 30 dilapidated bridges countrywide

While participating in the opening ceremony of the replaced dilapidated bridge at the Bambalapitiya railway station, Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardana claimed that there are 30 dilapidated bridges around the country, and the Road Development Authority has estimated that more than Rs. 2,000 million is needed for their repairs to be completed.

Fukushima workers exposed to nuclear-contaminated water, two hospitalized

The Tokyo Electric Power Company announced on Thursday that two male workers in their 20s and 40s, who were exposed to nuclear-contaminated water while cleaning pipes at the Advanced Liquid Processing System at the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, have been hospitalized for decontamination and observation.

India steps up border drone defense to wade off Hamas-like attacks

India is setting up a surveillance system with drones across its borders to wade off surprise attacks like the one from Hamas in Israel, according to people familiar with the matter.