CTU complains about exam centre closure over saree policy

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) lodged a complaint with the Education Ministry Secretariat and the Examinations Commissioner General regarding the closure of the exam centre at Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya, on Wednesday (15), allegedly due to teachers not arriving at the school dressed in sarees.

SJB to begin dialogue with UNP

The working committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today approved a proposal to begin a dialogue with the United National Party (UNP), SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said.

Males continue to account for most HIV/AIDS cases in Sri Lanka

During the first nine months of 2024, over 70 HIV-positive males are between 15-24 years old, while only five female cases were reported in this age group, according official data.

Pope suffers bruise on right forearm due to a fall

Pope Francis sustained a bruise on his right forearm, with no fractures this morning due to a fall at Santa Marta,

SL, China agree to push for early conclusion of FTA

Sri Lanka and China have agreed to work towards the early conclusion of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in one package in line with the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and win-win outcomes, a joint statement from the two countries highlighted.

Govt. unveils relief measures to support affected SMEs

The Government has unveiled a comprehensive relief package to assist Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) grappling with financial hardships caused by recent economic upheavals.

Opposition Leader calls for swift action against rising crimes

While highlighting that shooting incidents reported during the first 16 days in 2025, including today’s incident in Mannar, many being orchestrated by Sri Lankan underworld figures residing abroad, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa today urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to act swiftly to suppress these criminal activities and bring to justice those directing these operations.

Govt. refutes false claims tied to Deputy Minister Suriyapperuma

The Ministry of Finance has denounced allegations circulating on social media linking Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Harshana Suriyapperuma to promotional activities for an online business.

AKD invites Chinese President to visit Sri Lanka

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Sri Lanka.

Police clarify rules on high-capacity motorcycles

Sri Lanka Police has clarified regulations on high-capacity motorcycles, referencing two key government gazettes.

CID seeks legal advice on self-proclaimed Bodhisattva

The CID, which is conducting investigations against the self-proclaimed Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Mahinda Kodithuwakku for allegedly insulting Buddhism and offending religious feelings, informed court today that they have sought the Attorney General’s advice regarding future legal action against the suspect.

’’Stabbed in spine, wound on neck, hand’’: Saif Ali Khan is ‘out of danger’

Saif Ali Khan, 54, is “out of danger” as he continues to recover following treatment at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after being injured in a scuffle with an intruder at his Bandra residence late Wednesday night.

Another shooting reported in Kohuwala

Another shooting incident was reported in the Kohuwala area today, police said.

Underworld figure ’Podi Lassie’ arrested in India

Underworld figure Arumahandi Janith Madushanka Silva, alias ’Podi Lassie’, has been arrested in India, police said.

UAE ready to expand job opportunities for Sri Lankans: UAE Ambassador

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed hopes to expand job opportunities for Sri Lankans in the UAE and to create new employment prospects for Sri Lankan professionals.

President Dissanayake holds talks with Chinese Premier

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has met with the Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and engaged in bilateral discussions, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Sri Lanka secures highest FDI from China's Sinopec

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Energy and Sinopec signed an agreement for $3.7 billion investment to construct an oil refinery with a capacity of 200,000 barrels in the Hambantota region.

Good to see govt. pressing ahead with my initiative: Gammanpila

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila who was the subject minister when Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) formed the joint venture called ‘ Trinco Petroleum Terminal Ltd ‘said he is happy to see the new government taking steps to press ahead with what was initiated at that time.

Govt. to continue with Trinco Petroleum Terminal (Pvt) Ltd to develop oil tanks

The government will continue to utilise Trinco Petroleum Terminal (Pvt) Ltd which is a joint venture company established under the Ministry of Power and Energy to develop the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm as a source of earning foreign exchange, the Ministry of Energy said.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan ’stabbed 6 times’ by intruder at his home

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan suffered stab injuries after an unknown person intruded into his 11th floor flat in Bandra (West) suspected to commit burglary on Thursday. Bandra police said the unknown person fled away after attacking Khan when he woke up and had a scuffle with the intruder.

President attends ’Invest in Sri Lanka’ round table meeting

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is currently on a four-day state visit to China, participated in the ’Invest in Sri Lanka - Round Table Meeting 2025’ today.

Italian prisons told to create ‘love rooms’ for sex

Italian prisons must allow inmates to make love to visiting partners, the country’s top court ruled.

Court slaps Rs. 220 Mn fine, confiscates assets worth millions belonging to Wele Suda

The Colombo High Court yesterday imposed a fine of Rs. 220 million on three accused, including alleged drug dealer Gampola Vidanage Samantha Kumara, alias Wele Suda, and his wife

Update: Two killed, two injured in shooting outside Mannar court

Two persons were killed and two others injured following a shooting incident outside the Mannar Magistrate’s Court a short while ago.

Gaza ceasefire deal reached by Israel and Hamas

Israel and Hamas have agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal following 15 months of war, mediators Qatar and the US say.

Excise Dept. decides to renew liquor licenses sans Tax clearance certificate

The Department of Excise being the sole competent authority in issuing and renewing licenses to sell liquor in Sri Lanka, has decided to go ahead with the renewal of licenses for 2025 sans a tax clearance certificate,, the Daily Mirror learns.

Will Govt import double-cabs for ruling party MPs?

The government is grappling with a shortage of vehicles for the use of its MPs who don’t hold ministerial responsibilities, and at a loss whether to import double -cabs for them or find them from a different source, a minister said yesterday.

Next 6 months critical for SL to leverage geopolitical shifts: Tax expert

As Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture in its economic development, after facing what was the worst crisis in history, the first half of 2025 (1H25) would be a critical period for the island nation, a tax expert said.

China pledges deeper ties with Sri Lanka

China yesterday pledged support to Sri Lanka, with President Xi Jinping expressing readiness to collaborate with the island nation towards a new era of development.

Rs. 260 million pilot boat sparks concern after private excursion accident

Officials involved in a modern, high-tech pilot boat worth around Rs. 260 million have become concerned after a complaint was filed regarding the loss incurred after it was involved in an accident during a private excursion, the ‘Magen Ratata’ organisation chairman Sanjaya Mahawatte said.