Sri Lanka among top ten most improved in Basel AML Index 2024

Sri Lanka has secured a place among the top ten countries demonstrating the most progress in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, as highlighted by the 13th Basel AML Index 2024.

Ousted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus

Ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally, Russian media said Sunday, hours after a stunning rebel advance seized control of Damascus and ended his family’s 50 years of iron rule.

Only 263 drug addicts currently under rehabilitation

In response to the increasing number of drug addicts, the Bureau of Rehabilitation has informed the Ministry of Justice and National Integration that it can accommodate over 800 individuals, including dozens of women, for rehabilitation from toxic drug addiction.

No annual bonus for CEB employees

Despite request by the ruling party - affiliated Ceylon Electricity Employees’ Union, the director board of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has not approved bonus for its workers this year, an informed source said.

November remittances at US$ 530mn taking total to US$ 6.0bn

The Sri Lankans working abroad have sent back US$ 530.1 million in November.

November tourism earnings jump to US$ 273 mn on solid winter season arrivals

Tourism earnings in November 2024 recorded US$ 272.9 million, rising sharply from US$ 205.3 million in the same month a year ago and US$ 185.6 million generated in October due to a solid winter arrivals season.

Man shot dead in Gampaha

A 39-year-old man riding a motorcycle was shot dead in Gampaha this evening.

Play Expo 2024 at SLECC

Sri Lankan students shine at Asia Pacific ICT Awards in Brunei

Sri Lanka’s young innovators achieved a remarkable milestone at the prestigious Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA) 2024, held in Brunei from December 4 to 7.

Sripada pilgrimage begins on December 14

The Sripada pilgrimage season for 2024/25 will commence on Unduwap full moon poya day on December 14 after taking caskets of sacred relics, the image of the deity and the royal regalia from the Sripada Rajamaha Vihara in Galpottawala in procession to Sri Padasthanaya.

Nativity sets adorn Kochchikade streets

Leaving animal control to people to protect crops unacceptable: CEJ

As a government, it is unacceptable to leave the control of animals that damage crops entirely in the hands of the people without taking appropriate action, Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) legal advisor Ravindranath Dabare said.

Cashier, driver arrested over murder of SLTB security guard to rob Rs. 1 Mn

Three suspects, including a cashier and a driver from the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depot in Nuwara Eliya, have been arrested in connection with the murder of a security officer at the depot and the theft of over Rs. 1 million.

Additional power requirements, absence of low cost power plants prevent CEB from reducing tariffs

In response to a query regarding the inability to reduce electricity tariffs for another six months, a top official said the additional requirement of one billion units of electricity next year and the absence of construction of low cost power plants for generation during the last five years triggered it.

Syrian rebels say they have taken control of Homs

The leader of the Islamist group leading an insurgency in Syria says his forces have taken full control of Homs - the country’s third largest city.

Low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal to intensify, approach Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu by Dec. 11

The low pressure area formed over south-east Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify further and move west-north-westwards during the next 24 hours and is likely to reach over south-west Bay of Bengal off tbr Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coasts around December 11, the Meteorology Department said.

President directs fixed rice prices

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed rice traders to sell Nadu rice to consumers at a wholesale price of Rs. 225 per kilo and a retail price of Rs. 230 per kilo.  

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State meets President

The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Mr. Donald Lu expressed the United States government’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s on-going anti-corruption initiatives as needed during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (07).

Tourists lean out from train doors for selfies, number of accidents keep rising

The number of accidents involving tourists engaging in unsafe behaviour on the upcountry mainline trains have been on the rise, prompting calls for stricter safety measures and greater awareness.

No electricity price reduction for next six months: CEB

Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has decided not to change electricity tari for six months and to go for a revision by mid next year, it was revealed yesterday.

Do not fall prey to automobile smugglers: Customs warn public

Do not fall prey to automobile smugglers and lose both wealth and the car, when vehicle imports are still strictly banned in the country! Sri Lanka Customs warned the public yesterday.

EdHat Int’l Research Conference 2024

‘I am deeply sorry’: South Korea president apologizes for declaring martial law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has apologized to the nation in his first public comments since his abortive attempt to impose martial law threw the country into political chaos and led to calls for his impeachment.

No plan to lay off public service: Minister

The government has no plans to lay off the public service, but will focus instead on improving productivity, a minister said.

Lohan Ratwatte arrested

Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte has been arrested by the police following an accident reportedly caused by driving under the influence of alcohol.

Vote on Account passed in Parliament

The resolution on the Vote on Account for the first four months of 2025 was passed in Parliament today (6) without a vote.

Controversial letter withdrawn following specialists’ protest

The controversial letter, issued by the Regional Director of Health Services in Matale, instructing medical specialists aged 60 and above to retire by December 31 was withdrawn following agitations by specialists.

Mysterious flu-like disease kills at least 79 in Africa

An unknown disease with flu-like symptoms has killed at least 79 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the BBC.

BYD Colombo Motor Show 2024

The BYD Colombo Motor Show 2024 was launched in grand style once again at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre (BMICH). The event showcases the latest models of electric and fuel-efficient vehicles, catering to new car buyers. The exhibition runs from December 6 to 8. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Shammi Silva assumes office as Asian Cricket Council President

President of Sri Lanka Cricket Shammi Silva has officially assumed the Presidency of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).