Mass evacuation of Philippine villages underway after a brief but major volcanic eruption

About 87,000 people were being evacuated in a central Philippine region Tuesday a day after a volcano briefly erupted with a towering ash plume and superhot streams of gas and debris hurtling down its western slopes.

Do not mislead public on vehicle imports: Minister urges importers

Despite advertisements by vehicle importers claiming that vehicle imports will soon be allowed, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa urged them not to mislead the public with such claims.

Champion cyclist pleads guilty over wife’s car death

Former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis has pleaded guilty over a car incident in Australia which killed his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins.

Darragh shatters UK’s largest solar farm

Congo mystery disease: No screening as yet: Health Ministry

Responding to reports of a mystery disease spreading in Congo affecting children, Sri Lanka has not yet started screening at airports as the threat seems extremely minimal.

Viral flu hits children

An influenza-like illness is making the rounds among children in Sri Lanka, causing concern among parents.

Low-pressure area to approach Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu tomorrow

The low pressure area persisting over south-east Bay of Bengal is likely to continue to move west-north-westwards and reach over southwest Bay of Bengal off the Sri Lanka – Tamil Nadu coasts by tomorrow (11), the Meteorological Department said.

Maximum wholesale, retail prices for local rice varieties issued

A gazette notification (2414/02) was issued yesterday by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), specifying the maximum retail and wholesale prices for local rice varieties.

US imposes sanctions on Kapila Chandrasena, Udayanga Weeratunga

The United States has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on two Sri Lankans — Kapila Chandrasena, former CEO of SriLankan Airlines and Udayanga Weeratunga, former ambassador to Russia — along with their immediate family members.

Apply ’Small Family’ concept to animals to control population: Seelarathana Thera

The concept of a ’’Small Family’’ (Punchi Pawula Raththaran), which was introduced to the Sinhalese community by a former politician, should also be applied to animals to control their population, according to Janasetha Peramuna leader, Battaramulle Seelarathana Thera.

Former CCD director Nevil Silva arrested

Former Director of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), Assistant Superintendent of Police Nevil Silva has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department.

’Liquor licences provided under transparent programme during my regime’: Ranil

Liquor licenses were provided under a transparent programme enabling the government to earn a revenue of Rs. 4 billion in 2024, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Transport allowance cuts for 2024 A/L exams spark controversy: Stalin

An issue has arisen over the issue of two circulars by the Examinations Commissioner General regarding the reduction of transport allowances for officials engaged in examination duties for the 2024 Advanced Level (A/L) examinations, Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin said

Maharaj bowls South Africa to 109-run win, sweep of Sri Lanka

Keshav Maharaj took five wickets as South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 109 runs on the fifth day of the second Test at St George’s Park on Monday.

Air quality in all urban areas reaches slightly adverse levels

Air quality across all urban areas of the island has reached slightly adverse levels today, according to reports.

Minister Lalkantha, Govt. have to walk the talk: SJB MP

Minister of Agriculture K.D. Lal Kantha should walk the talk and introduce new laws to enable landowners and farmers to take action against animals that destroy crops, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha said today.

Lohan Ratwatte granted bail

Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte was granted bail today over a road accident caused while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Sufficient stocks of eggs to meet market demand

The Sri Lanka Association of Animal Production announced today that sufficient stocks of eggs have been released to the market to prevent any shortages.

Podi Lassie granted bail

Underworld figure Arumahandi Janith Madushanka Silva alias Podi Lassie was released on bail by Balapitiya Magistrate R.D. Janaka.

Opposition wins Ghana presidential election, vice-president says

Ghana’s Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia has accepted defeat in Saturday’s election and congratulated the opposition candidate, former President John Mahama, on his victory.

Sri Lanka’s ‘Ava’ gang leader arrested in Canada on murder charges

A man believed to be the head of a Sri Lankan motorcycle gang is facing extradition to France to face murder charges after being arrested in Toronto this spring, the Star has learned.

New secretary appointed to Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Attorney-at-Law M.A.L.S. Manthrinayake as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources.

Mobile phone, accessories recovered behind Podi Lassi’s cell in Boossa

A mobile phone and some mobile phone accessories have been recovered while hidden close to the special cell where underworld figure Podi Lassi was detained in the Boossa Prison Rehabilitation Centre.

Sri Lanka logs over 850 Dengue cases in eight days

A total of 858 cases of Dengue were reported over the past eight days, indicating a notable uptick in the outbreak

Lohan Ratwatte withdraws writ petition

A writ petition filed by former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte over a case involving an unregistered luxury vehicle, was withdrawn today before the Court of Appeal.

Woman killed in crash involving MP Ponnambalam’s vehicle

A woman was killed after a vehicle belonging to All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC) Parliamentarian Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam crashed into her at a pedestrian crossing at Bolawatta Junction in Puttalam yesterday.

Sri Lanka’s rice industry held hostage by powerful mill owners: Rehan

The rice industry in Sri Lanka is being held hostage by a handful of powerful mill owners who manipulate prices, exploit farmers and create shortages to maximise their profits, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Weligama Organiser Rehan Jayawickreme said.

High coconut prices: No Sambol, Kiri Hodi in canteens

Serving of coconut Sambol (salad made of scraped coconut meat) and Kiri Hodi (gravy made of coconut milk) has been stopped at canteens in most of the places across the country due to the high prices of coconuts in the market, according to Harshana Rukshan who is the head of All Ceylon Canteen Operators’ Association.

Over 2,000 senior & junior sailors promoted to mark SL Navy’s 74 anniversary

A total of 2,138 officers and other ranks of the Sri Lanka Navy have been promoted to their next ranks following the recommendation of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, to mark the 74th Anniversary of the Navy, which falls today.

Ukrainian war dead reaches 43,000, Zelensky says in rare update

Some 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, Volodymyr Zelensky has said in a rare admission of the extent of the nation’s casualties.