Somawathi gets new archaeological museum

President opens archaeological museum and research institute at Somawathi

A newly constructed two-storey building housing the Archaeological Museum and the International Archaeological Research Institute at the historic Somawathi sacred area in Polonnaruwa was officially opened today under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Sri Lanka and Maldives reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral ties

Emphasizing the importance of strengthening people-to-people connections and broadening cooperation to enhance the close bilateral ties between the two countries, the newly appointed Sri Lanka High Commissioner to the Republic of Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, presented his Letters of Credence to Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Sunday.

Sri Lanka CEB tenders 200MW battery energy systems

Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had called for tenders from potential bidders for 200MW/200MWh battery energy systems (BESS), it was reported yesterday. This is for the upgrading of its grid to accommodate more intermittent renewables.

School boy drowns while trying to retrieve cricket ball

A 17-year-old school boy has drowned after attempting to retrieve a cricket ball that had fallen into the swimming pool at his school in Dikwella.

Electricity Engineers’ Union to waive work regulations

The Electricity Engineers’ Union has decided to waive all work regulations starting from 4:15 p.m. today, Samagi Joint Trade Union Alliance convenor Ananda Palitha said.

Hospital fire kills at least six patients in India’s Jaipur

A hospital blaze caused by a suspected short-circuit killed at least six patients in a trauma centre at the largest state-run hospital in India’s northwestern city of Jaipur, and injured five, officials said on Monday.

Drug destruction laws yet to be implemented despite high seizures

Despite promises that new laws would allow illegal drug hauls to be destroyed immediately in front of a judicial officer while retaining samples for legal proceedings, the practice is yet to be introduced in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka sees 100 new cancer patients every day

Around 100 new cancer patients are being diagnosed in Sri Lanka every day, amounting to nearly 35,000 cases annually, it was revealed.

Aluthgama police investigate into alleged sexual abuse at Child Development Centre

Aluthgama Police are investigating into an alleged sexual abuse incident involving an 8-year-old child at a Child Development Centre in the Pinghena area of Beruwala.

Farmers warn of artificial rice shortage during festive season

Chairman of the National Farmers’ Union, Anuradha Tennakoon alleged that rice producers deliberately create artificial shortages every year during the festive season, and criticised the government for failing to address the issue.

Religious observances at Bellanwila

Japan stocks hit record after ruling party names pro-business leader

Japanese stocks have hit a record high after the country’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) named Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, positioning the pro-business politician to be Japan’s next prime minister.

Sri Lanka’s homegrown cancer product gains global traction

A locally developed nutraceutical targeting cancer stem cells is expected to generate around two million U.S. dollars in export revenue for Sri Lanka by 2027, according to Prof. Sameera R. Samarakoon of the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo.

Gunman opens fire on Sydney street, injuring 20, one seriously

A 60-year-old man was arrested Monday in Australia after police said he fired up to 100 bullets at passersby, injuring 20 people in the country’s most populous city.

Sri Lanka ready for investment in offshore oil, gas extraction

Sri Lanka is ready to complete the selection of a marketing consultant this week to proceed with calling for bids for commercial extraction of offshore natural oil and gas reserves in the Mannar basin soon, an informed source said.

Wesley Edge Science to Clinch U16 Rugby Tens Title

Wesley College won the All Island Under-16 Elite Rugby Tens 2025, edging out Science College 5-3 in a thriller at the St. Peter’s College ground in Bambalapitiya.

Pradeep Somasiri wins Bronze at World Para Athletics Championship 2025

Sri Lankan para middle-distance runner Pradeep Somasiri brought pride to the nation by winning a bronze medal at the 12th World Para Athletics Championship 2025, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, India.

Fort station renovation in progress

US Supreme Court girds for culture wars with LGBT, guns and race cases

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to wade back into the nation’s culture wars during its new nine-month term that begins on Monday with a series of contentious cases on issues including transgender athletes, gay conversion therapy, guns and race.

Over 30,000 power outages reported amid CEB work-to-rule action

Over 30,000 electricity breakdowns were reported across the country yesterday due to adverse weather conditions, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Technicians’ Union said, warning that restoration may be delayed because of their ongoing work-to-rule campaign.

Keeri Samba shortage not caused by me: Dudley Sirisena

Large-scale rice supplier Dudley Sirisena said he is not responsible for the current shortage of Keeri Samba rice in the market.

Time with people brings greatest happiness: Mahinda Rajapaksa says

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the greatest happiness a leader can experience comes from spending time with the people.

Almost 1,000 trapped on Tibetan side of Mount Everest by blizzard

Rescue efforts were underway on Sunday to clear access to campsites on Tibet’s eastern slope of Mount Everest, where nearly 1,000 people have been trapped by a blizzard that has blocked roads, according to Chinese state media reports.

Postmaster General exposes overtime fraud and inefficiency in postal service

Overtime payments amounting to more than Rs. 10 million had been claimed by a majority of postal employees without using fingerprint verification, following over 400 audit queries conducted last year and this year, Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara revealed.

Johnston says Sampath Manamperi is not his coordinating secretary

Former Minister Johnston Fernando today (5) denied claims that Sampath Manamperi was serving as his Coordinating Secretary.

Police nab seven for drug trafficking disguised as fishing

Seven suspects were arrested today by the Matara and Hambantota District Crimes Divisions for their involvement in distributing hashish across several areas in the Southern Province.

Billionaire populist Andrej Babis’ party wins Czech parliamentary election

Billionaire businessman Andrej Babis has won parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic, although his populist ANO party fell short of an overall majority.

Thunderstorms and heavy rains on the cards

The Meteorology Department has warned of thundershowers and heavy rainfall across most parts of the country today.

Harsha raises concerns on Central Expressway contract

Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) Harsha De Silva raised concerns on the new contract for the construction of the Central Expressway, claiming that negotiations with neither the contractor (MCC) on their claims nor with China EXIM Bank on terms and conditions on the reduced USD 500 million facility have been completed.