New additional commissioner general assumes duties at DMT

K.P.N. Tharaka Niroshan Devapriya officially assumed duties today as the new Additional Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), marking an important milestone for the institution.

Billions in dues from medical officers who quit service

The Auditor General has called for urgent action to recover bonds, fines, overpaid salaries, allowances, and loan balances amounting to over Rs. 1.2 billion from medical officers who had breached their agreements and left government service as of October 31, 2024.

GMOA to launch islandwide strike

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) will launch an islandwide trade union action tomorrow (31) in protest against what it describes as an arbitrary transfer procedure being implemented by the Ministry of Health.

Bag containing gas cartridges found on roof of Colombo building

The Cinnamon Gardens Police recovered a bag containing 10 gas cartridges on the roof of the Commons Coffeehouse building located on Flower Road, Colombo 7.

Strong people’s movement will be formed to eradicate drug menace: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today stressed that a strong people’s movement will be formed to eradictae the drug menace while calling drug addicts and drug dealers to stop their illegal practices.

Trump directs nuclear weapons testing to resume for first time in over 30 years

President Donald Trump called on US military leaders to resume testing US nuclear weapons in order to keep pace with other countries such as Russia and China.

GBS Technology breaks silence on Auditor General’s eVisa report

In response to the Special Audit Report issued by the Auditor General’s Department on the Online Visa Issuance Methodology of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, GBS Technology Services Pte Ltd clarified that as the prime contractor, they agreed with the Department of Immigration and Emigration to collect and remit to the Department the visa revenues.

China tightens the screws: Influencers now need degrees to speak on finance, health, law

In a move that could reshape online content creation, China has introduced a new rule requiring influencers to have official qualifications before discussing “sensitive” subjects such as medicine, law, education, or finance online.

Legal action to be taken over Rs. 120 million lottery scam: NLB Chairman

Strict legal action will be taken against the wife of MP Hesha Withanage and the sister-in-law of former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, National Lotteries Board (NLB) Chairman M.D.C.A. Perera said.

Lawyer provided Bar ID, tie and vehicle pass to courthouse killer

A female lawyer residing in Kadawatha was arrested yesterday by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for allegedly aiding and abetting those involved in the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, who was shot dead in February 2025 at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court premises.

Teenage cricketer dies in Melbourne after being hit by ball

An Australian teenager has died after he was hit by a cricket ball during a practice session in Melbourne.

Former envoy Kananathan congratulates President Paul Biya on re-election

Former Kenyan envoy, Ambassador Kananathan, has extended his warm congratulations to H.E. President Paul Biya on his re-election as President of the Republic of Cameroon for an eighth term. President Biya, who has led the nation for several decades, is recognized as one of the longest-serving Heads of State in the world.

Kottahachchi denies appearing in photo with Mahinda

National People’s Power MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi has clarified that she is not the person seen with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a photo circulating on social media.

Two suspects partially admit involvement in Louvre heist, prosecutor says

Two men arrested in connection with the Louvre theft two weeks ago have ’’partially recognised’’ their involvement in the brazen heist, according to officials.

Engine driver who allegedly knocked down 7 elephants faces legal battle

Filing a Fundamental Rights petition before the Supreme Court, a group of environmental activists has sought an order calling for disciplinary and legal action against a 67-year-old engine driver who has allegedly been involved in seven separate elephant fatalities on the Batticaloa–Colombo railway line.

Trump and Xi meet for first time in six years

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump have begun a landmark meeting in South Korea that could reset the volatile relationship between the world’s two largest economies and rival superpowers.

Nationwide anti-drug campaign ‘Ratam Ekata’ launches today

The government’s new national program to eradicate drug abuse, titled “Ratam Ekata – National Mission,” is set to launch today under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s ageing rate among highest in Asia

Sri Lanka has been identified as one of the countries with the fastest-growing elderly populations in Asia, health officials said yesterday.

Hired killers available for cash or drugs

Recent police investigations have revealed that the majority of shootings reported across Sri Lanka were carried out by hired gunmen, many of whom had no connection to the victims.

Hurricane Melissa leaves dozens dead and trail of destruction across Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa has continued its devastating sweep across the Caribbean, decimating homes and infrastructure, flooding neighbourhoods and leaving dozens dead.

Sri Lanka Dance Festival 2025

Red Shirts see Danger ahead of New Season

One of the leading contenders of the new rugby season, CR and FC, will have to come to grips with a series of major injuries ahead of the start of the inter club League tournament set to be kicked off on November 14.

England opt to bowl against South Africa in Women’s World Cup semi-final

England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and elected to field against South Africa in the first semi-final of the Women’s World Cup in India’s Guwahati city on Wednesday.

Lal Kantha justifies new criteria for big onion purchase

In the wake of controversy surrounding the government’s move to purchase big onions under several criteria, Agriculture Minister Lal Kantha said today the government has to maintain certain standards when purchasing produces like big onions.

CSE Rebounds as Buying Interest Lifts Market Sentiment

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) rebounded sharply on Wednesday, recovering from the previous session’s losses as renewed buying interest lifted investor sentiment. The market maintained a positive trajectory for most of the day, despite heightened volatility, with the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) swinging nearly 131 points between the day’s open and intraday high.

One killed, another injured in mine collapse at Balangoda

A 26 year-old man was killed when a mine collapsed at Pinnawala in Balangoda this afternoon.

Digital transformation to strengthen Pirivena Education System

A comprehensive digital transformation initiative is set to enhance Pirivena education, following key decisions made at the 204th Pirivena Education Board meeting chaired by Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Indian High Commission to handle visas directly from November 3

The High Commission of India in Colombo has announced that the outsourcing service provider IVS Lanka for visa, passport and consular services will operate only till October 31, 2025.

Verité Research presents key findings at multiple international forums in October

Verité Research, building on its international reputation, strengthened its global presence in October by delivering high-level presentations at over half a dozen international forums and events.

Colombo District Court employee arrested while accepting bribe

The Bribery Commission arrested an office assistant of the Colombo District Court on charges of accepting a bribe of Rs. 10,000 today.