Four killed in head-on collision between van and lorry in Anuradhapura

Four people were killed early today when a Dolphin van collided head-on with a lorry in Mihirigama, Thalawa, Anuradhapura, police said. The accident occurred at around 4:50 am on the Anuradhapura-Kurunegala Padeniya road.

Breast cancer claims three lives daily in SL- health officials

Sri Lanka sees approximately 15 new breast cancer cases daily, with around three women dying from the disease each day, health authorities revealed yesterday.

Malawi’s ex-president wins election in comeback at age 85

Malawi’s former President Peter Mutharika has been declared the winner of last week’s elections, in a huge comeback for the 85-year-old.

Ramanathapuram court releases Sri Lankan police officer who illegally entered India

The Ramanathapuram Principal District Court here on Wednesday ordered the release of a Sri Lankan police officer who entered India illegally.

GovPay platform records Rs. 285 million in transactions

Since its launch, the GovPay digital platform has facilitated payments exceeding Rs. 285 million, Digital Economy Minister Eranga Weerarathne said.

Bribery Commission to probe over Rs. 2,500 million reagent purchases at CNH

The Bribery Commission has decided to launch an investigation into the purchase and misuse of laboratory reagents worth over Rs. 2,500 million at the Colombo National Hospital (CNH).

PM calls for global cooperation to stop drug trafficking in Indian Ocean

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday said that international support is essential to stop illegal activities in the Indian Ocean, especially drug trafficking, which has become a serious threat to security and stability.

Controversial number plate tender to incur over Rs.516mn loss to Govt.

A multi-billion rupee government tender to supply vehicle number plates is mired in controversy after the two lowest bidders were disqualified on technical grounds, paving the way for the contract to be awarded to the highest bidder at a potential loss of over Rs. 500 million to the state.

Seven monks killed in cable track operated car tragedy at Na Uyana monastery

The death toll from a cable track operated car accident at the Na Uyana Monastery (Nā Uyana Āranya Senāsanaya) in Pansiyagama, Melsiripura, has risen to seven Buddhist monks, hospital sources confirmed today.

'I’m done being quiet' - Naz condemns racist abuse

Tottenham forward Jess Naz is ’’done being quiet’’ after receiving ’’racial abuse’’ on social media.

Pakistan’s Shaheen sends Asia Cup warning as third India clash looms

Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has declared that his team will reach the Asia Cup final and can beat India if the arch-rivals clash again.

India beat Bangladesh to reach Asia Cup final

Defending champions India booked their spot in the Asia Cup final with a 41-run victory over Bangladesh.

President makes maiden address at UNGA

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivered his maiden address at the General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Central Bank keeps rates at 7.75% as growth, inflation outlook firm

The Central Bank kept its benchmark overnight policy rate unchanged at 7.75 percent at its monetary policy meeting this week, stating the previous easing measures were taking effect and would guide inflation towards its medium-term target of 5 percent by the middle of next year.

Ceylon Tea exports inch up in August

Sri Lanka’s tea exports maintained steady ground in August, with volumes reaching 23.70 million kilogrammes, an improvement of 1.61 million kilogrammes from the same month last year, the official figures showed.

MPs occupy official residences in Madiwela for nominal monthly rent of Rs.2,000

It was revealed today that approximately 111 Members of Parliament are residing in official housing units at the Madiwela housing scheme, paying a nominal monthly rent of just Rs. 2,000.

CSE extends bull run for seventh consecutive session

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) extended its bull run for the seventh straight session on Wednesday, closing firmly in positive territory despite intraday volatility. The ASPI gained 55.61 points (+0.26%) to close at 21,338.45, while the S&P SL20 edged up 7.92 points (+0.13%) to 6,081.06.

New telephone numbers introduced to inform of dangerous drugs

Police have introduced new telephone numbers for the public to inform them of dangerous drugs such as heroin ICE, cocaine cannabis etc.

Foreign employment insurance compensation increased to Rs. 2 million

The insurance compensation paid to a worker employed abroad in the event of death while on duty has been increased to Rs. 2 million, The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced.

President meets Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is currently in the United States to attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, met with President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asian affairs, U.S. Ambassador to India and Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, Sergio Gor on 23rd afternoon, US time.

Electronic NIC to be launched by mid 2026

Digital Economy Minister Eranga Weerarathne announced today that the government is planning to issue the Electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) by the middle of next year.

Bimal proposes Rs. 5,000 for students after A/Ls to engage in recreational activities

Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake today proposed that students who complete their Advanced Level examinations be granted Rs. 5,000 to engage in recreational activities such as watching a movie or visiting the beach.

President meets South African President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is currently in the United States to attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the One Plaza in New York, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Grade 1 and 6 teacher training for modular education to conclude by November

The 2026 Grade 1 and Grade 6 school teacher training programs for modular education are scheduled to be completed by the end of November, Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said.

QR system to introduce for fertiliser subsidy distribution to tea smallholders

The Plantation and Community Infrastructure Ministry said that a QR code system will be introduced from Friday (26) to distribute fertiliser subsidies for tea cultivation.

Indian High Commissioner meets MR

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha met former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at his residence in Medamulana today.

CEB trade unions suspend planned strike, continue work-to-rule

Several trade unions of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have decided to temporarily suspend the strike that was scheduled for tomorrow (25) in protest against the government’s decision to divide the CEB into four entities.

Typhoon Ragasa bears down on China after killing 15 in Taiwan

Typhoon Ragasa, the world’s most powerful tropical cyclone this year, made landfall in southern China on Wednesday after killing 15 people in Taiwan and lashing Hong Kong with ferocious winds and heavy rains.

Dr. Vajira Dissanayake resigns as Sri Lanka Medical Council President

Dr. Vajira Dissanayake has tendered his resignation as the President Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC).

Minister wants Bollywood movie shown to MPs

Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake today requested the Parliamentary Caucus on Arts and Cultural Affairs to screen the Bollywood film ’Taare Zameen Par’ for the members of Parliament.