BASL raises alarm over rising elephant deaths: Calls for urgent legal reforms

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing grave concern over the alarming increase in elephant deaths in the country, which it noted now ranks as the highest in the world.

Tourism providers protest airport licences

The All-Island Tourism Service Providers Association, along with other tourism stakeholders, staged a protest in Colombo on August 22, 2025, demanding an end to the issuance of temporary driving licences to tourists at the airport. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Akila Viraj appears before Bribery Commission

Former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning (22) to provide a statement.

PTA will be abolished by early September: Minister

The gazette to abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be issued early next month, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Hearth said today.

Vital tests delayed due to spray shortage

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (UGIE) tests, a procedure used to visually examine the upper digestive system, has been delayed in many hospitals due to the lack of anaesthetic spray needed for the procedure.

Tense situation at central mail exchange amid postal strike

A tense situation erupted between employees and officials at the Central Mail Exchange today while transporting a stock of postal bags.

Trump administration says it’s reviewing all 55 million US visa holders

The United States Department of State has said that it’s reviewing the records of more than 55 million foreigners who hold valid US visas for potential revocation or deportable violations of immigration rules.

Ranil at CID

Devotees flock to Nallur festival in Jaffna

Magnitude 7.5 earthquake hits off South American tip, no tsunami risk

There was no tsunami threat after Thursday’s earthquake of magnitude 7.5 in the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said, following its brief warning for Chilean coastal areas.

Ranil arrives at CID

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) a short while ago to provide a statement regarding his official tour to London.

Postal workers on strike will not receive salaries: Postmaster General

The salaries of postal workers currently engaged in strike action will not be paid this month, Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara said.

Suspect killed in shootout with STF in Sooriyawewa

A suspect has died following a shootout with the Special Task Force (STF) in the Wewegama forest area of Sooriyawewa, Hambantota.

Why double cab imports at Rs.65 billion for MPs?

The Daily Mirror’s front page lead story headlined ‘Govt. Considers Double Cab Imports for MPs’, in yesterday’s edition sparked a debate in Parliament with an opposition MP questioning the government’s duplicity in getting vehicles for parliamentarians at a cost of Rs.65 billion despite curtailment of other perks such as pensions for them.

National consumer prices down in July on lower food prices 

Sri Lanka’s national consumer prices fell in July from a month ago on lower food prices which more than offset the rise in non-food prices in the same month, mainly over the higher electricity and fuel prices.

Camera shy

India clarifies sports policy with Pakistan ahead of Asia Cup

The clarification comes ahead of India hosting the men’s Asia Cup in the UAE in September and the women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in October, with both tournaments featuring Pakistan.

Ranil summoned before FCID tomorrow

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been called before the FCID tomorrow for a statement to be recorded on his tour to London.

One in five in Western Province affected by diabetes

Health experts have raised concern over the alarming rise of diabetes in Sri Lanka’s Western Province, where one in every five people is now affected.

Announcement made using loudspeaker to find Rajitha

The Officials from the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today put up a written proclamation on former Minister Rajitha Senaratne’s residence, directing him to appear before court on August 29 under Section 60(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Daily Mirror Brief: Daily News Recap, Top Headlines & Must-Read Stories - 21st August

Daily Mirror Brief is your daily news digest—bringing you the top headlines, key updates, and essential stories you may have missed across politics, tech, culture, and global affairs. Quick, clear, and curated—your trusted news recap, whenever you’re ready.

Man shot dead in Bandaragama

A man was shot dead near the Thunbodhiya junction, adjacent to the Bolgoda bridge in Bandaragama a short while ago.

BASL calls for inclusion of Law in school curriculum

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged the Government to incorporate the subject of Law into the national school curriculum, highlighting its importance as a foundation for civic consciousness and democratic values.

CSE ends flat after early volatility amid strong turnover

The Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed a volatile trading session today, with the ASPI initially slipping nearly 150 points on the back of profit-taking before staging a late recovery. Despite the rebound, the ASPI closed almost flat, posting a marginal gain of 0.69 points to end at 20,715.49.

Selfie moment

Suspect who impersonated film director to collect nude photos ordered to apologise

A 26 year old suspect who had allegedly impersonated film director Somaratne Dissanayake to collect nude photographs of women under the pretense of offering acting roles in films was released on bail with the court directing him to apologise to the director both in court and publicly through the media.

Mahinda Pathirana files petition against Bill to abolish former Presidents’ benefits

Senior lecturer of the Sabaragamuwa University and political analyst Mahinda Pathirana has filed a Special Determination petition before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the proposed Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill, which was presented in Parliament with the aim of repealing the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986.

Summon CB officials before Public Finance Committee: Dayasiri

Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera, in a letter addressed to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne has requested him to summon Central Bank officials before the Public Finance Committee (COPF) to provide an explanation on the money printing allegations.

NLB records 25% revenue growth in first half of 2025

The National Lotteries Board (NLB) has reported a revenue increase of more than 25% in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with income rising by Rs. 4.9 billion.

Speaker awaits report for ruling on no-confidence motion against Deputy Minister

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne has informed party leaders that he will issue a ruling on the no-confidence motion brought against Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekera once he receives a report from the office of the Secretary General of Parliament.