Acting ministers appointed

In light of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s departure for a state visit to the Maldives, four acting ministers have been appointed to oversee key ministries.

Hold Provincial Council elections immediately: PAFFREL to Govt.

The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has urged the government to hold long-overdue Provincial Council elections without further delay.

National minimum wage increased to Rs. 27,000 from April 1

While issuing a notice, the Labour Department announced an increase in the national minimum wage, effective April 1, 2025.

Security officer falls from building in Jaffna

A security officer attached to the Agricultural Faculty in the Jaffna University fell to death from the upper story of a building last night (27), Police said.

Locomotive operating engineers to launch 48-hour strike from tomorrow

The Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union (LOEU) has announced a 48-hour islandwide token strike starting tomorrow (29), over unresolved issues related to signal system malfunctions and delays in grade-based promotions.

Alleged forgery: Seethawaka District Secretariat official released on bail

Don Ruwini Wasana, the former Additional District Registrar of the Seethawak District Secretariat was released on bail in connection with preparing a forged birth certificate to facilitate the issuing of a passport for an organised criminal figure known as ’Kehelbaddara Padme’.

P.A.G. Fernando appointed chief secretary of Uva Province

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Mrs. P.A.G. Fernando as the new Chief Secretary of the Uva Province with immediate effect.

GovPay online fine payment launched today in Western Province, expressways

The GovPay online payment system for traffic fines was officially launched today (28) in the Western Province and on expressways, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake said.

Education reform is not just about introducing new textbooks: Minister

The government’s education reform is not just about introducing a new textbook, but about completely overhauling the current system to reduce pressure on the students, parents and teachers, Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

Head monk of Shaolin ’Kung Fu’ temple faces criminal probe

Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the world-renowned Shaolin Temple, is being investigated by multiple agencies for embezzlement, ’’improper relationships with multiple women’’ and ’’fathering illegitimate children’’, the temple said on Sunday.

Businesswoman Thilini Priyamali arrested

Businesswoman Thilini Priyamali has been arrested by the Homagama Police for allegedly obstructing the duties of an official at the Homagama Magistrate’s Court.

Government to launch globally-recognised module system in schools from 2026

The National People’s Power (NPP) government will introduce a module-based education system starting in 2026, initially focusing on Grades 1 and 6.

Bathiya dead before Indian veterinary experts arrived

Elphant Bathiya was who suffering from gunshot injuries was dead before the Indian veterinary experts could treat him, Deputy Minister of Environment and Wildlife Anton Jayakody said yesterday.

Doctors demand clarity as confusion grows

Doctors across the country remain deeply confused and uncertain over the Health Ministry’s new circular that outlines how state hospitals should allow patients to buy medical drugs and surgical items from outside suppliers.

One dead, several injured following accident in Borella

One person was killed and more than five others were injured in a road accident near the Borella Cemetery Roundabout this morning, police said.

EU and US agree trade deal, with 15% tariffs for European exports to America

The United States and European Union have reached a trade deal framework, ending a months-long standoff between two of the world’s biggest economic partners.

Hong Kong turn to ex-Sri Lanka Test player Kaushal Silva

Former Sri Lanka wicketkeeper batsman Kaushal Silva has been appointed as the new head coach of Hong Kong’s cricket team, the sport’s governing body in the city said on Monday.

President leaves for Maldives

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake departed from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning (28) for a three-day official visit to the Maldives.

U.S. dispatches crude oil samples , but won’t reach Sri Lanka before August 1

In its bid to start fuel sale to Sri Lanka as part of efforts to reduce the trade gap, the U.S. has dispatched samples of its crude oil to be tested for viability here,an official said.

Two women killed in Southern Expressway crash

Two women were killed and four others injured when a van overturned following a tyre burst on the Southern Expressway, police said.

At least 38 killed in church attack in eastern DR Congo

At least 38 people have been killed and 15 others injured in an attack on a church in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Certain interested organisations trying to legalise gay marriages in Sri Lanka

While alleging that certain interested organisations are trying to legalise gay marriages in Sri Lanka, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said such marriages are not a human right.

Preethi Padman Surasena sworn in as new Chief Justice

Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Sri Lanka this morning (27) at the Presidential Secretariat, before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Police deny reports of security withdrawal for senior monk

Sri Lanka Police have refuted social media claims that security provided to a senior Buddhist monk in the Eastern Province had been withdrawn.

Sri Lanka records 1.3 million tourist arrivals in 2025

Sri Lanka has welcomed over 1.3 million tourists so far this year, according to data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Coast Guard rescues two fishermen after boat capsizes off Mirissa

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) rescued two fishermen after their vessel capsized in rough seas off the southern coast near Mirissa today.

Six Killed in Mansa Devi Stampede

At least six people have been killed in a stampede that broke out at the Mansa Devi Temple in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar early Sunday, SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal confirmed.

Passengers exit plane via emergency slide after aborted takeoff

Passengers on an American Airlines flight evacuated onto the runway via emergency slides after the plane aborted its takeoff on the runway in Denver on Saturday. One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, officials said.

Asia Cup 2025 fixtures revealed; India vs Pakistan to be played on September 14

India will play Pakistan on September 14 in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, the fixtures of which were revealed by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Saturday. Earlier on the day, ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed the dates of the Asia Cup 2025 with the tournament starting on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Police bust Facebook-organized drug party

Kaduwela Police have arrested 21 youths during a raid on a hotel party organized through Facebook in the Weliwita area.