Textile shop owner who discreetly filmed women in fitting room arrested

A businessman who secretly placed a camera in the fitting room of his clothing outlet in the Thalawathugoda area and watched women trying on clothes was arrested by Thalangama Police yesterday.

A storm to hit Sri Lanka

A storm that developed in the Bay of Bengal area is expected to hit Sri Lanka, bringing rainfall of 75 mm, particularly to the northern, eastern and north-central provinces, according to the Department of Meteorology.

CEA issues special waste management guidelines following cyclone Ditwah

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has introduced special criteria for managing waste generated in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, with a focus on handling hazardous, solid, clinical and electronic waste.

Practicality of disaster relief package questionable: UNP

Highlighting that the latest estimates have suggested that the total losses cost by the recent cyclonic storms could be as high as USD 6 billion, the United National Party (UNP) said the practicality of the relief package announced by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is questionable.

Bandaranaike Foundation donates Rs. 250M for relief

The Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation (BMNF), headed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, has donated Rs. 250 million to the government fund established to support recovery and resettlement efforts for communities affected by recent natural disasters.

764 religious places damaged due to Ditwah cyclone: Minister

Some 764 religious places, including Buddhist temples, Churches and Mosques, have been partially or completely damaged due to the Ditwah cyclone, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Sunil Senevi said today.

Japan earthquake with 7.6 magnitude leaves ’everything wobbling’ as tsunami warning issued

A massive earthquake measuring 7.6 in magnitude has struck off the north-east coast of Japan. The quake, on Monday afternoon (December 8), has prompted fears of an incoming tsunami in the Aomori district.

New mpox strain identified in England

A new strain of mpox, previously called monkeypox, has been detected in a person in England, say UK health officials.

Supreme Court slams Police brutality; urges government intervention

In a strongly worded judgement condemning police violence, the Supreme Court has ruled that the fundamental rights of a lorry driver were violated by two officers of the Thalatuoya Police Station in Kandy, reiterating that the time has come for the Government to urgently address the systemic problem of police brutality.

Israel donates relief aid to Sri Lanka

Israel, which has contributed a consignment of relief aid to the Sri Lankans who have been affected by the cyclone Ditwah, expressed its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Sri Lanka for the tragic loss of lives and devastation caused by the recent disaster.

BBC forecasts heavy showers in Sri Lanka over next few days

The BBC weather report forecasts heavy showers in Sri Lanka over the next few days, with increased thunderstorms and rain.

Committee appointed to streamline foreign aid distribution for flood victims

A new national committee has been appointed to ensure the proper coordination and fair distribution of foreign aid reaching Sri Lanka in the wake of recent natural disasters.

Yasantha Kodagoda appointed as Acting Chief Justice

Supreme Court Justice and President’s Counsel Yasantha Kodagoda has been appointed as the Acting Chief Justice by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.

China donates 85 tonnes of flood relief to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka today received a major humanitarian relief consignment from China to support recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, President’s Media Division (PMD)said.

Akbar Brothers crowned Mercantile ‘A’ Division Basketball Champions

Akbar Brothers Ltd delivered a commanding all-round performance to clinch the ‘A’ Division title at the 33rd MSBA League Basketball Tournament, defeating defending champions Fairfirst Insurance 70–60 in a thrilling final held on Friday, 5 December.

DHS detains Sri Lankan-born U.S. Professor, calls him ‘sex offender’

U.S. immigration agents said they arrested a Ferris State University professor originally from Sri Lanka who has a criminal history that includes death threats and conviction in a case involving a juvenile, the Detroit news reported.

Two firearms recovered from Valaichchenai

Two firearms have been seized from a telephone pole near the 20th pillar along the Polonnaruwa–Batticaloa main road in Valaichchenai.

Chamika Karunaratne opposes DNA test, case fixed for January 30

Counsel appearing for cricketer Chamika Karunaratne raised objections to a request by a female pilot who sought a court order to obtain a DNA report to establish the paternity of her child.

Public asked to avoid visiting disaster-hit areas

Since disaster-affected regions still pose serious risks, Director of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Pradeep Kodippili has urged people to refrain from bathing or entering waters with strong currents.

Severe lightning advisory issued for several districts

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for severe lightning in the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces, as well as the Colombo and Kalutara districts today.

President directs speedy repairs of Cyclone-hit roads in Nuwara Eliya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to fast-track funding for the repair of roads, culverts, and embankments damaged in the Nuwara Eliya District, with all restoration work to be completed before the end of the year.

Jetstar to debut Melbourne flights to Sri Lanka next year

Jetstar has announced it will offer flights from Australia to Sri Lanka for the first time in in August next year.

Public urged not to tamper with damaged communication lines

Police said that Dialog Axiata has urged the public, through the Inspector General of Police, to exercise caution regarding telecommunication cables that have been exposed or damaged in several areas due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions.

Disasters can raise heart attack risk by 40%, Cardiologist warns

Global research shows that heart attacks and other cardiovascular emergencies can rise by nearly 40% following major disasters such as Cyclone Ditwah, Cardiologist Dr. Gothabhaya Ranasinghe said.

Namal Rajapaksa urges Prime Minister to summon Parliament

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa called on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to immediately summon Parliament, to monitor, debate and ensure that government promises become real assistance on the ground for those affected by the recent cyclone.

Cyclone Ditwah destroys 600 prawn farms in Puttalam

Cyclone Ditwah which hit Sri Lanka recently has destroyed more than 600 prawn farms in the Puttalam District alone, bringing the livelihoods of many farmers into a standstill, the Fisheries Ministry said.

Reservoir water levels returning to normal: Irrigation Dept.

Water levels in reservoirs across the country have returned to normal, according to the Department of Irrigation.

Seventh UAE aid flight arrives to support flood-hit communities

The seventh humanitarian aid aircraft sent by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assist those affected by floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah arrived in Sri Lanka.

IMF prioritizes Sri Lanka’s emergency financing request

The International Monetary Fund said its immediate focus is Sri Lanka’s request for emergency financing, even as the United States deployed Air Force C-130J aircraft and an expert airlift team to support relief efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

Case against Hirunika, 14 others fixed for March 16

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that the case filed against former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra and 14 other suspects be recalled on March 16.