A cardiologist’s perspective on a growing crisis

As a cardiologist practicing for over 25 years, I have seen a disturbing rise in heart attacks among young adults-especially in Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries.

Govt. denies reports of Cabinet reshuffle or PM change

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa today denied recent media reports suggesting an imminent Cabinet reshuffle or a change in the Prime Minister’s post.

Restriction of KDU Medical faculty for local students a temporary move: Deputy Minister

The restriction imposed on local students entering the medical faculty of the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) is a temporary move, Deputy Minister of Education Madura Seneviratne told Parliament today.

Sri Lanka drugged to the hilt

The geographic location of Sri Lanka has invariably positioned the country as a pivotal conduit in the international drug supply chain, linking the East to the West. Illicit drug use in Sri Lanka indicates a significant shift in consumption patterns from cannabis as the predominant drug consumed, particularly by those residing in urban townships to methamphetamine use, according to a study done by Pathfinder Foundation.

Not expecting to take part in any other pageants, says Anudi

Anudi Gunasekara, who represented Sri Lanka at the 72nd Miss World Festival Grand Final, said she was not expecting to take part in any other pageants.

President files tax returns, reduces his own expenses

Marking the launch of the Inland Revenue Department’s new online tax platform, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake became the first individual to file tax returns for the 2024–2025 assessment year.

Monitoring increases as new COVID sub-variants detected

Health authorities in Sri Lanka have ramped up monitoring efforts following the detection of two new Omicron subvariants - LF.7 and XFG - within the country.

Mattala airport operation to open up for private investments

Despite its previous stand regarding privatization of state assets, the government, led by the National People’s Power (NPP), is seeking to call for Expression of Interest (EoI) to open up the Mattala International Airport (MIA) for private investors for operation of its services in different categories, an official said.

Sri Lankan tourist attacked in Pattaya after gender dispute with transwoman

A Sri Lankan tourist was assaulted by a transgender woman armed with high heel shoes on the city’s beach road Saturday night after he daringly touched her genitals twice to verify her gender--then refused to pay or proceed with any services.

Govt to take immediate action to change policy on returning refugees -Minister

The government has announced plans to swiftly revise existing legal policies following the detention of a UNHCR-certified returning refugee from India, who was held by Immigration officials at Palaly Airport and later remanded by the Mallakam Magistrate’s Court until June 5th.

Mayors, chairpersons of 164 local bodies gazetted

Names of more than 164 local bodies have been gazetted by the Commission of Elections today.

Names of members elected to CMC gazetted

The Election Commission has gazetted the names of members who have been elected to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), it was reported today,.

Health experts urge calm as new Covid subvariants found in Sri Lanka

Global warming gotten in the way of salt production in Sri Lanka

Unexpected rainy weather conditions, a phenomenon of global warming, have triggered concerns for salt production in Sri Lanka because at least 40–45 days with uninterrupted sunlight are required for manufacturing and processing, an official said.

Heavy rain, gusty winds forecast for next 36 hours

The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather advisory warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds across several parts of the island over the next 36 hours.

Credit claiming battle for Aluthgamage’s, Nalin Fernando’s prosecution

A battle to claim credit for the prosecution of former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernanndo seems to be under way with a member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya claiming that it was he who lodged complaints against the Minister before any others.

QR code introduced for easy TIN registration

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has introduced a QR code to simplify the registration process for Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs), Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, Ms. R.P.G.H. Fernando said.

Ministry says lower demand, high cost end 24-hour passport service

The Ministry of Public Security said that the decision to end the 24-hour passport issuing service at the Department of Immigration and Emigration was made after considering the high operational costs of maintaining the round-the-clock service and a gradual decline in the number of daily applicants.

Over 20 more ex-MPs under probe

Following the imprisonment of former Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando, it came to light that the government has instructed for the expedition of investigations into well over 20 more similar cases involving former MPs and officials.

Anudi Gunasekara makes history for Sri Lanka at Miss World Festival

In a landmark moment for Sri Lanka, Anudi Gunasekara etched her name into pageant history by claiming the title of First Runner-Up from Asia in the Miss World Multimedia Challenge at the 72nd Miss World Festival in the vibrant city of Telangana, India.

Mahindananda sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment

A three-judge bench of the High Court today sentenced former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.

Deshabandu links cops to drug mafia

The ongoing investigation into the Weligama incident is primarily based on evidence submitted by supporters of the National People’s Power (NPP) party, according to Sanjeewa Weerawickrama, legal counsel for Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennekoon. He conveyed this during proceedings before the special commission probing allegations against the IGP.

Health Ministry scales up PCR testing amid COVID threat

In light of the global threat posed by the new COVID-19 variant, the Health Ministry has increased PCR testing in certain hospitals.

Arugam Bay ‘bikini ban’ work of an organised group

The Defence Ministry and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have been asked to urgently investigate into the false news claiming that bikinis have been banned in the Arugam Bay tourist area, Tourism Deputy Minister Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe said.

No turning back on steps taken toward social progress: President

In an x post, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, ’’There is no turning back on the steps taken toward social progress.’’

Sri Lanka now a sought-after destination for Indian movies

Many popular Indian film producers and leading directors are selecting Sri Lanka and its various tourist hotspots for film shooting and have inquired with the government regarding popular and scenic locations, the Daily Mirror learns.

Govt. considers pact termination with over US $ 40 million compensation for fresh deal

The government mulls termination of the current project for the construction of the Kadawatha - Mirigama stretch of the Central Expressway with a payment of over US $ 40 million as compensation to the project company, and renegotiate a new deal under fresh terms for execution, an official said.

Marine Drive to be developed ’Marine Nights, Awakening Colombo’ theme

The Cabinet has approved the proposal to develop the Marine Drive from the Kollupitiya Railway Station to Dehiwala under the theme ’Marine Nights, Awakening Colombo’, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Chikungunya, Dengue surge; local authorities fail in clean–up

The political parties and independent groups that won the recent local authorities’ election are scrambling to form administrations. Once back in office, they are going to be entrusted with a key responsibility- the eradication of mosquito breeding places. One wonders whether they will act with the same zest and zeal at a time when the country is witnessing a surge in the number of Chikungunya and Dengue cases.

World’s longest monkey tapeworm found in 10-year-old boy from Kurunegala

Reportedly, the world’s longest Bertiella worm (70cm) or commonly known as Monkey Tapeworm, belonging to the Bertiella genus—a tapeworm which rarely infects humans was found in a young boy from Kurunegala, the Medical Research Institute (MRI) revealed on Monday.