SC to hear former Moscow Defence Attaché’s son’s FR on university admission

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a Fundamental Rights petition filed by the son of the former Defence Attaché to Moscow, challenging the decision of the University Grants Commission not accept his application to local universities.

2.3kg of heroin seized at BIA; suspect arrested

A suspect has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with 2.3 kilograms of heroin, police said.

Chilaw Hospital flood damage crosses Rs. 1.2 Bn

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that damages caused by the recent flooding at the Chilaw General Hospital exceed Rs. 1,200 million.

Ministry urges public not to share details of disaster-affected children

The Ministry of Child and Women Affairs has urged the public and media institutions to refrain from sharing photographs, video footage, or personal details of children affected by the prevailing disaster situation through social media or mainstream media platforms.

Almas Holdings pledges Rs. 225 mn for flood relief and rebuilding

Almas Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, a long-term investment holding company with interests in the capital market and real estate sectors, has pledged Rs. 225 million to support flood relief and post-disaster rebuilding efforts, underscoring growing private sector participation in national recovery initiatives.

Public servants to receive special festive advance

A circular has been issued authorizing a special advance payment of up to Rs. 4,000 for public sector employees in view of the festive season.

Dudley Sirisena’s company donates Rs 100Mn for ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund

Lakbima Rice Mills (Pvt) Ltd, based in Polonnaruwa, has contributed Rs. 100 million to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to provide relief to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwa.

US Ambassador nominee outlines Washington’s priorities for Sri Lanka

US President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Sri Lanka has told lawmakers that Washington will focus on maritime security, economic reforms and countering China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean, as Sri Lanka continues its recovery from the 2022 economic crisis and a deadly cyclone this year.

Rs. 10,000 compensation for coconut trees destroyed by Cyclone Ditwah

The Government has drawn attention to providing compensation of Rs. 10,000 per coconut tree, along with coconut saplings, to farmers whose coconut trees were destroyed by the recent Cyclonic Storm Ditwah.

Messi event in Kolkata turns messy as fans go on rampage

What was billed as a historic, celebratory moment during Lionel Messi’s Kolkata stop on the GOAT Tour spiralled into chaos at the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan on Friday, with allegations of serious mismanagement overshadowing the Argentine legend’s brief appearance.

Thundershowers with severe lightning forecast

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for residents in Kalutara, Rathnapura, Galle, and Matara districts as thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur in some areas.

Will proposed international climate change university see the light of day in Sri Lanka?

The previous government completed the concept paper for the establishment of an international climate change university in Sri Lanka, and a Cabinet paper was presented at that time to seek approval for land demarcation for the project, an official attached to the then Climate Change secretariat said.

Almas Holdings pledges Rs 225 Million for flood relief in Sri Lanka

Almas Holdings Pvt Limited, a leading investment holding company active in the Capital Market and Real Estate sectors, has pledged a total of Rs 225 million to support flood relief and rebuilding efforts in Sri Lanka.

Passenger arrested with Rs. 800,000 worth of smuggled whiskey

A Sri Lankan air passenger was arrested in the early hours of today (13) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to illegally bring a large stock of foreign-made whiskey into the country.

Census to be conducted in affected areas

The Land Commissioner’s Department has focused its attention on conducting a census of lands affected by two recent minor storms, Commissioner General of Land, Chandana Ranaweera Arachchi said.

Sri Lanka, Italy renew driving licence recognition agreement

The Governments of Sri Lanka and Italy formally renewed the Bilateral Agreement for the Mutual Recognition of Driving Licences, reaffirming cooperation between the two countries.

Delay in damage assessment cost SL crucial aid: UNP

The UNP said yesterday that the delay in assessing the loss of lives and property damages of cyclone Ditwah by the authorities has caused a delay in obtaining further foreign aid for rebuilding the nation after the disaster.

Viren, Ranithma Lead 1,500-Strong Field at 73rd National Badminton Championships

Star shuttlers Viren Nettasinghe and Ranithma Liyanage are set to headline the action as more than 1,500 competitors prepare to battle it out at the 73rd National Badminton Championship 2025, scheduled from December 17

Lionel Messi meets Shah Rukh Khan, unveils 70-ft statue In Kolkata

Football icon Lionel Messi virtually unveiled his 70-foot statue from Salt Lake stadium, with West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan present at the event on Saturday.

Facing one last fight, John Cena became a WWE legend for more than ability

The Last Time Is Now. It’s the name given to the tournament in which 16 wrestling giants have been competing to be the one opponent in John Cena’s final fight before retirement.

People’s attitude key to dengue eradication: Expert

Dr Kapila Kannangara, Director, National Dengue Control Unit, called on Sri Lankans and the authorities combating dengue to develop a better attitude since the responsibility lies with them in keeping the environment clean.

Young woman who digitally created another young woman’s nude images fined

The Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama yesterday imposed a compensation order of Rs. 50,000 and a fine of Rs. 5,000 on a young girl, after she pleaded guilty to digitally altering several photographs of a young woman from the Colombo area into obscene images and circulating them on the internet.

Over 25 nabbed with narcotics at social media organised party in Teldeniya

Twenty-six suspects, including four women, were arrested with narcotics following a police raid on a party organised through social media, Teldeniya Police said.

Sri Lankan migrant in UK denies sexual assault charges

A Sri Lankan migrant residing in a government-funded asylum hotel in the United Kingdom has denied multiple charges, including the abduction and sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in West London.

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe to get top position in SLFP

Former Parliamentarian and President’s Counsel Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe is due to be appointed as a Senior Deputy Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

Controversy swirls over police failure in conducting immediate alcohol test

In response to a query about the delay in the conduct of an immediate alcohol test on former Speaker Asoka Ranwala after his involvement in the road accident, police spokesperson F.U. Wootler said that there is some concern about the way the duty was discharged by the OIC of the Sapugaskanda Police.

Early warning given on cyclone on November 23, parliamentary committee needed to ascertain truth: Patali Champika

United Republican Front (URF) leader Patali Champika Ranawaka said evidence from the Sri Lanka Association of Meteorologists makes one thing unmistakably clear: credible early warnings on Cyclone Ditwah were issued as far back as 23 November.

Extraordinary gazette issued to summon Parliament on December 18

An Extraordinary Gazette has been issued announcing that Parliament will be summoned to meet on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 9.30 a.m.

Rape remains a widespread growing issue in Sri Lanka: Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal, in its judgement, observed that rape remains a widespread and growing issue in Sri Lanka, casting a long shadow over the nation’s social fabric.

Flood-hit wild elephants pose threat to flood-hit people

The disaster-affected people in Polonnaruwa area are now facing the danger of wild elephants, a crisis worsened after the forest reserves in the low-lying areas of the Mahaweli B Zone, including Polonnaruwa were submerged after heavy rain.