TID recovers 10 hand grenades; Hunt on for more

The Terrorist Investigation Division (TID), probing suspects who fled with 100 hand grenades, recovered 10 of them in Modara yesterday.

Passport, visa services continue despite US funding gap

Passport and visa services in the United States and at U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo announced.

President returns

US government shuts down after Democrats refuse to back Republican funding plan

The US government shut down on Wednesday, after congressional Democrats refused to support a Republican plan to extend funding for federal departments unless they won a series of concessions centered on healthcare.

CID arrests suspect in Rs. 100M ‘Urumaya’ scam

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested a suspect connected to a massive ‘Urumaya’ deed certificate scam that defrauded over Rs. 100 million from hundreds of victims in the Eastern Province.

CAA warns public to report overpriced food at bus stop restaurants

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has urged the public to report instances of food and beverages being sold at prices higher than the stated rates at restaurants where long-distance buses stop for tea. Reports can be made via the CAA’s “1977” SMS service.

New Vithanakanda Tea Factory CEO returns after record-breaking sale

The FF Extra Special Black Tea, presented by the New Vithanakanda Tea Factory and recognized by the Guinness World Records as the most valuable and expensive tea in the world, was successfully sold at an international auction. CEO Pubudu Gunasekara, who participated in the auction, arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning.

Former policeman sentenced to 14 years for child sexual abuse

Homagama High Court Judge Navaratna Marasinghe sentenced a former Borella police officer, who had been indicted for sexually abusing a girl under the age of 16, to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment.

U.S. sanctions stand in the way of realising Russia–Sri Lanka trade, tourism potential fully: Envoy

The full potential of Russia–Sri Lanka bilateral trade and tourism cannot be realised because of U.S. sanctions, Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan said yesterday.

Nine months on: US $3.7Bn Sinopec investment in limbo

Despite the lapse of nine months since the signing of the MoU, the government is yet to finalise the proposed US $3.7 billion investment by China’s Sinopec for a refinery facility in Hambantota, the Daily Mirror learns.

President returns from official Japan visit

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who was on an official visit to Japan, arrived at Katunayake Airport this morning (10) after completing his trip, airport officials confirmed.

Matara station lacks timetable announcements, Frustrates commuters

Commuters at Matara Railway Station have expressed frustration over the lack of announcements regarding train schedules.

‘Tinker’ deported from Dubai, arrested at BIA

Sridharan Niranjan, also known as ‘Tinker,’ who was deported from Dubai, was taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning.

Rugby World Cup draw set for December 3

The draw for an expanded 2027 Rugby World Cup will take place on December 3, organisers said Wednesday, with hosts Australia confirmed as kicking off the tournament at Perth Stadium.

Deadly 6.9 magnitude earthquake strikes central Philippines

A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines late Tuesday, killing people at a sports arena and raising fears of considerable destruction.

Deepti, Amanjot fire as India crush Sri Lanka in Women’s World Cup opener

A splendid all-round display saw India launch their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign on the front foot, brushing aside Sri Lanka by 59 runs in the curtain-raiser in Guwahati on Tuesday.

JKCG seeks court relief as BYD EV shipments remain detained by customs

John Keells CG Auto (JKCG), the authorized distributor of BYD electric vehicles (EVs) in Sri Lanka, issued a fresh statement late evening regarding the ongoing detention of certain BYD EV consignments by Sri Lanka Customs, a matter currently before the Court of Appeal.

High Court issues warrant to produce Sampath Manamperi

Colombo High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela today issued a warrant directing that Sampath Manamperi, who is currently held in remand custody in connection with a separate case involving two containers of raw materials used for the production of the drug “Ice” discovered in the Mideniya area, be produced before court.

President holds discussions with JICA head; BIA project to resume

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during his official visit to Japan, met with the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo this morning (30), where it was confirmed that the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) project in Katunayake will be resumed soon.

Fuel prices reduced: Ceypetco announces new rates

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) has announced a revision in fuel prices with effect from midnight today.

Two arrested with Rs. 150 mn worth of cocaine in Panadura

Two suspects were arrested in the Hirana area of Panadura with three kilograms of cocaine valued at around Rs. 150 million, Police said.

Chief Prelates warn President over LGBTQ tourism plans

The Chief Prelates of all three Buddhist Chapters have written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing concern over certain government initiatives including LGBTQ tourism promotion, warning that they could harm cultural values and lead to serious social consequences.

Police reveal fresh information in Thajudeen murder case

Police today (30) confirmed that Anura Vidanagamage, alias “Kajja”, who was recently shot dead along with his two children in Middeniya, had been in the vehicle that followed the late rugby player Wasim Thajudeen’s car moments before his death.

CSE closes quarter on a strong note with boost in turnover

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the June–September quarter on a firm footing, with the market extending its upward momentum. Turnover surged to LKR 6.27 Bn, significantly higher than yesterday’s performance, underscoring renewed investor activity.

’’You can call me an idiot, but at least I am not gay’’: Archuna

Jaffna District MP Ramanathan Archuna caused a stir today, saying, “You can call me an idiot, but at least I am not gay.”

Court orders full medical report on Shashindra’s illness

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that a full medical report, detailing the exact nature of former State Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa’s illness and the treatment received during remand, be submitted to Court.

Heat alerts issued for several districts

The Department of Meteorology has warned of hot weather in the North-Central and Eastern provinces, and in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Monaragala districts.

Ward Place blocked due to student protest

Traffic movement along Ward Place in Colombo 7 has been completely blocked following a protest demonstration staged by university students.

Not prepared to wipe off allegations we have made against RW in the past: SJB MP

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S.M. Marikar said today that he is not prepared to wipe off allegations he and other SJBers have made against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe even if all Opposition parties come on one platform.

IUSF in Protest