SLTB to recruit women with air hostess-level uniforms

Women will soon join the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) as drivers and conductors, dressed in newly designed uniforms at air hostess level, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said.

Wasp attack injures 13 in Kotiyagala

Thirteen plantation workers, including twelve women and one man, were hospitalised following a wasp attack at the Kotiyagala Tea Estate in Bogwantalawa yesterday (20).

President Dissanayake to leave for USA tomorrow

resident Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to depart for the United States tomorrow (22) night to participate in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Karandeniya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman passes away at 47

Mahil Munasinghe, Chairman of the Karandeniya Pradeshiya Sabha, passed away today (21) following a sudden illness. He reportedly fell ill this morning while engaging in physical fitness activities and was admitted to Karandeniya Hospital, where he later died.

Committee reveals misuse of Rs. 8 billion at Central Cultural Fund

Over Rs. 8 billion has reportedly been misused without the approval of the Board of Governors of the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), according to Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake.

Body of elderly woman found hanging from tree in Watawala

Watawala Police this morning recovered the body of a 62-year-old woman found hanging from a tree in her estate.

Medicine shortage due to procurement delays, not finances: Health Minister

The ongoing shortage of medicines in the country is the result of procurement delays and not financial difficulties, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Committee appointed to probe Pettah fire

A committee has been appointed to investigate the fire that broke out at an electrical appliance store on 1st Cross Street, Pettah yesterday. The committee is headed by Deputy Minister of Public Security, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala.

India warns new US fee for H-1B visa will have ’humanitarian consequences’

The Indian government has said a new $100,000 (£74,000) fee for applicants seeking US skilled worker visas will have ’’humanitarian consequences’’.

Former Liverpool manager Beard dies aged 47

Former Liverpool manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47, the Women’s Super League club has announced.

Hridoy and Hassan steer Bangladesh past Sri Lanka at Asia Cup

Half-centuries by Towhid Hridoy (58) and Saif Hassan (61) powered Bangladesh to an exciting four-wicket win in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup against former champions Sri Lanka in Dubai on Saturday.

955 kg heroin, 1,422 kg ICE seized in 2025 raids

Sri Lanka Police have seized 955 kilograms of heroin, 1,422 kilograms of ICE, 471 kilograms of hashish, 29 kilograms of cocaine, 13,773 kilograms of cannabis, and 3.5 million narcotic pills in raids conducted so far this year.

PT licence mandatory for public transport drivers by December

All public transport drivers will be required to obtain a Public Transport (PT) licence by December 31, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake announced today (20).

Massive drug stock worth Rs. 16.84 million seized at BIA

A stock of “Kush” and “Hashish” drugs valued at Rs. 16.84 million was seized by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) today (20) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Religious and aesthetic subjects to remain unchanged: Minister

Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya today assured that the current government has no intention of reducing religious education or aesthetic subjects in schools.

Ampara district motor vehicles office goes fully online

All systems of the Ampara District Office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) were brought online today (20), marking a major step in modernizing public services.

SLAF Bell 212 helicopter deployed to battle Pettah fire

A Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Bell 212 helicopter was deployed today (20) to assist in extinguishing a fire that broke out at a shop on the third floor of a building at First Cross Street, Pettah.

BIA immigration computer system restored after two-and-a-half-hour outage

The Border Control Computer System at the arrival and departure terminals of the Department of Immigration and Emigration at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), which was inactive for two and a half hours, was restored at 4.15 p.m. today (20).

Cyberattack disrupts operations at European airports

A cyberattack at a service provider for check-in and boarding systems has disrupted operations at several major European airports including London’s Heathrow, Brussels and Berlin, causing flight delays and cancellations on Saturday.

Fire breaks out in Pettah building

A fire broke out in a shop located on the third floor of a building at 3rd Cross Street, Pettah a short while ago.

Ranil proposes 1,000 joint opposition rallies, satyagrahas, protests

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe today called for the organisation of 1,000 joint opposition rallies, satyagrahas and protests, claiming that the incumbent government is attempting to establish a constitutional dictatorship in Sri Lanka.

Nalin Hewage says bank savings are ‘money for daughter’

Deputy Minister of Vocational Education, Nalin Hewage clarified recent reports on his assets, stressing that his bank deposits include funds gifted to his daughter.

Minister blasts Irrigation Dept. over ‘illegal’ demolition notices

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe slammed the Irrigation Department for acting outside government policy by issuing demolition notices on settlements within tank reserves.

Police sergeant arrested for misusing suspect’s bank card

The Matara–Hambantota Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau has arrested a police sergeant for allegedly purchasing goods using a bank card belonging to a suspect arrested by the Gandara Police.

Trump to impose $100,000 fee per year for H-1B visas, in likely blow to tech

The Trump administration said on Friday it would ask companies to pay $100,000 per year for H-1B worker visas, potentially dealing a big blow to the technology sector that relies heavily on skilled workers from India and China.

Russia still open for nuke cooperation with Sri Lanka, but won’t force: Ambassador

Russia remains open for cooperation with Sri Lanka in the development of nuclear energy, but will not impose anything in this regard since it is the sovereign right of the country, Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan said.

Some SJBers attend UNP convention defying party decision?

Several Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) members attended the United National Party (UNP) convention despite reports that the party having decided that only General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara should represent it.

Dunith Wellalage vows to fulfill late father’s wish by excelling for Sri Lanka

Young Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage said his late father’s only wish was for him to become a good player and represent the country, a promise he is determined to fulfill.

Showers expected in Uva, Ampara and Batticaloa after 1 p.m.

The National Meteorological Centre announced that showers are expected at a few places in Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m. today.

US vaccine advisers abandon broad COVID shot support

A panel of vaccine advisers named by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Friday said that COVID-19 shots should be administered only through shared decision-making with a healthcare provider, scrapping a broad recommendation but maintaining access through health insurance.