Ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death

Bangladesh’s deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in abstentia by a court in Dhaka for crimes against humanity over a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year.

SLFP suspends members who backed NPP budgets

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) said it would take strict disciplinary action against party members who supported the National People’s Power (NPP) during recent budget approvals in local government bodies.

Indian pilgrims’ bus crashes in Saudi Arabia; 45 killed, says Hyderabad top cop

At least 45 people were charred to death after a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker near Madinah, according to local media in Saudi Arabia on Monday. The victims are believed to be Indian nationals, with several reportedly from Hyderabad.

Bangladesh’s ousted PM Hasina convicted in students crackdown case

A Bangladesh court convicted ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of crimes against humanity on Monday, concluding a months-long trial that found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year.

Former Geological Survey Chief granted bail

Anura Walpola, former Chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, has been granted bail in connection with his alleged unlawful recruitment of K. Dulani Anupama as Assistant Director in 2020.

Colombo High Court indicts Keheliya Rambukwella and family

Indictments have been served before Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihal against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, his son Ramith Rambukwella, his daughter Amali Nayanika Rambukwella, and their housemaid Nipunie Krishnajina in connection with two cases filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Over 1,100 arrested in “Ratama Ekata” raids

Another 1,123 suspects have been arrested in raids carried out under the national operation “Ratam Ekata,” the Police said.

Australian Paralympic gold medallist dies at 28

Australian Paralympic gold medallist Paige Greco has died at the age of 28.

SJB PS member arrested with 86g of cannabis

A member of the Kandaketiya Pradeshiya Sabha representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has been arrested in Pallewatte for possession of 86 grams of cannabis.

Ahead of Hasina court verdict, son warns of Bangladesh violence if party ban stays

The son and adviser of ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Sunday that supporters of her Awami League would block February’s national election if a ban on the party was not lifted, warning that protests could escalate into violence.

Sri Lanka has signed 70 MOUs with various countries: Minister

Sri Lanka has signed 70 MOUs with various countries within the first year of the present government’s tenure, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Hearth told Parliament today.

Male-dominant HIV cases continue to rise

Sri Lanka is witnessing a trend of male-dominant HIV infections, with the majority of newly reported cases in 2025 being among men, according to the latest data from the National STD/AIDS Control Programme.

Drug addicts will not be arrested and imprisoned: Minister

Claiming that the government was not expecting to arrest and imprison drug addicts, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala yesterday urged parents and guardians of drug addicts to intervene to send them for rehabilitation voluntarily.

Buddha statue of Sambuddha Jayanthi Vihara Trincomalee was removed for safety: Minister

The Buddha statue of the Sambuddha Jayanthi Vihara in Trincomalee was removed last night for safety, but will be re-erected today, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today.

From Dh100 to Dh100K and eyeing Dh100m: Sri Lankan expat lives the UAE Lottery dream

A Sri Lankan expat has gone from a casual Dh100 win to pocketing a whopping Dh100,000, and now he’s daring to dream even bigger – the Dh100 million jackpot.

Seven individuals stabbed by psychiatric patient

At least seven individuals had received stab injuries during a confrontation with a psychiatric patient during an alms giving at a house in Medadumbara area off Kandy yesterday.The psychiatric patient was one of the occupants of the house. Police said two women and five men had received stab injuries and admitted to the Kandy National Hospital.

Former Geology and Mines Bureau Chairman arrested

Former Chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB), Anura Walpola, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Former Deputy Speaker appears before Bribery Commission

Former Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption this morning.

Govt tightens tourist safety measures as peak season begins

As Sri Lanka enters its peak tourism season, the government has issued strict directives to police and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of foreign visitors, the Daily Mirror learns. The move comes as the country anticipates over two million tourist arrivals by the end of 2025.

Sri Lanka’s greatest threat to tourism is us!

Last week, Sri Lanka went viral and sadly, for all the wrong reasons. A friend sent me a video that was spreading rapidly on Instagram. It showed a female tourist driving a tuk-tuk in the Arugam Bay area, filming herself, most likely for TikTok. Minutes into her ride, she said she was being followed by a local man on a motorbike. When she pulled over, he stopped too and walked right up to her while the camera was still rolling.

Reform’s Zia Yusuf in heated clash with presenter over parents migration from Sri Lanka

Reform’s head of policy, Zia Yusuf, clashed with a Sky News presenter during a debate on immigration, after being asked about his parents’ decision to move to the UK from Sri Lanka in the 1980s.

International group defrauds Sri Lanka Postal customers of foreign currency

The Sri Lanka Postal Department has revealed that an international organization has been defrauding postal customers of foreign currency for over two years, exploiting the Department’s name to carry out financial scams.

Political conspiracy behind return of Thai-gifted elephants, says minister

Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi has alleged a political conspiracy behind the proposed return of two elephants gifted to Sri Lanka by Thailand.

Patients hit hard by shortage of antibiotics and testing facilities – Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa

Patients in major hospitals are facing serious difficulties due to a shortage of strong antibiotics, laboratory chemicals, and radiological testing facilities, Chairman of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

Asia New Zealand Foundation visit boosts Sri Lanka–New Zealand ties

The Asia New Zealand Foundation, a non-partisan not-for-profit organisation, is New Zealand’s leading provider of Asia-focused insights and experiences. Recognising Asia’s growing importance to the future of New Zealand’s prosperity, the Foundation works to build understanding and capability so that New Zealanders can engage confidently and meaningfully in Asia.

Thousands to be affected as health services come to a standstill

With the key medical professional body declaring a trade union action from today (17), the patients are once again held to ransom, leaving them to face the fallout of stalled services.

Sinner beats Alcaraz to defend ATP Finals crown

Jannik Sinner signed off his 2025 season in style by overcoming world number one Carlos Alcaraz in two tight sets to defend his ATP Finals crown in Turin.

Pakistan Crush Sri Lanka 3–0 After Six-Wicket Win in Rawalpindi

Pakistan wrapped up a dominant ODI series with a six-wicket victory in Rawalpindi, completing a 3–0 whitewash on Sunday. Captain Shaheen Afridi hailed his team’s “discipline and depth” as Pakistan continued their strong run with another all-round display.

South Africa Leapfrog India in Updated WTC Standings

South Africa have jumped to third in the World Test Championship standings after their victory over India at Eden Gardens, swapping places with Shubman Gill’s side.

Man arrested after video of tourist harassment goes viral

Police have arrested a 23-year-old man sought over an incident involving a foreign tourist in Thirukkovil, after a video of the harassment went viral on social media.