AKD has used state resources to attend his party function in U.S. and Japan: Opposition alleges

Opposition MP S.M. Marikkar claimed yesterday that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) has used state resources to address Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) sessions during his visits to the U.S. and Japan, despite a

U.S. sanctions stand in the way of realising Russia–Sri Lanka trade, tourism potential fully: Envoy

The full potential of Russia–Sri Lanka bilateral trade and tourism cannot be realised because of U.S. sanctions, Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan said yesterday.

CID uncovers fresh lead in Thajudeen’s mysterious death

A fresh revelation has emerged regarding the death of rugby player Wasim Thajudeen, with police disclosing that a suspicious driver linked to the incident has been identified as Aruna Vidanagamage alias ‘Kajja’ by his wife.”

You can call me an idiot, but at least I am not gay: Archchuna

Jaffna District MP Ramanathan Archchuna caused a stir yesterday, saying, “You can call me an idiot, but at least I am not gay.”

Opposition, School Principals oppose new law banning corporal punishment

The opposition and school principals have voiced strong concerns over the proposed Penal Code Amendment Bill, which seeks to ban both physical and non-physical forms of punishment for children. Critics argue that the bill lacks

Chief Prelates warn President over LGBTQ tourism plans

The Chief Prelates of all three Buddhist Chapters have written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing concern over certain government initiatives including LGBTQ tourism promotion, warning that they could harm cultural

Two injured in mortar explosion

Two individuals were seriously injured in a mortar explosion last morning and were admitted to Kilinochchi Hospital.

Gammanpila files bribery complaint against President, NPP MPs

Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila and the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya yesterday lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, calling for legal action against the President and all National People’s Power (NPP) parliamentarians over alleged misuse of public funds.

Japan–Sri Lanka to further deepen cooperation in security, economy, investment

Recalling the long-standing friendly relations between Japan and Sri Lanka, Japan and Sri Lanka reaffirmed their intention to further deepen and expand cooperation, including inter alia in the areas of security, economy, investment, and development cooperation, under the framework of the deepened and expanded Comprehensive Partnership established between the two countries.

Wild elephant invades Govt. hospital, damages patient bed

A wild elephant that roamed into Minneriya Ayurveda Hospital in the early hours of last morning had pulled down a window and taken out and destroyed a bed and an iron box used by the patients to keep their belongings. Several elderly patients were under treatment in the ward.

Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum elects New Executive Committee and marks 30th anniversary

The Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF) held its Annual General Meeting and 30th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday at the Colombo Post Office Auditorium.

Wall collapses killing three construction workers

A group of three workers constructing a wall last morning at Idampitiya in Mawanella were buried alive when the wall collapsed on them all of a sudden.

Woman rescued after being trapped under ‘Podi Manike’ train engine in Hatton

In a dramatic rescue operation, a woman was extricated from under the engine of the “Podi Manike” intercity train after she got trapped, sustaining serious injuries. The incident occurred near the Hatton railway station.

Isipathana College Prize Giving held at BMICH

Isipathana College Prize Giving was held successfully at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, as the college celebrate 73 years of excellence in Education and Character formation. Since its inception, the college has stood as a beacon of knowledge, discipline and leadership producing generations of outstanding teachers, eminent scholars, visionary business leaders, valiant heroes and distinguished alumni who have made remarkab

Measures afoot to fast-track drug purchases

A special procurement system is to be introduced to fast-track the purchasing of drugs in Sri Lanka, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said.

IDMJ and CMUA felicitate State University Entrants

The Institute of Digital Media and Journalism (IDMJ), in collaboration with the Colombo Muslim Undergraduates Association (CMUA), successfully hosted a Felicitation and Freshers’ Welcome Ceremony for newly selected state university students at Sri Lanka Press Institute Auditorium Colombo recently.

Diyawadana Nilame election likely to go to courts

Civil Intelligence Front has warned that it would file legal action against the election of the Diyawadana Nilame of Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa, scheduled to be held on November 7, unless the prevailing dispute regarding the eligibility to vote of the trustees of Rajamaha Viharas in the Kandyan Kingdom was not resolved within a month.

Sri Lanka’s investment climate constrained-U.S. report says

Despite the government’s rhetoric, the country’s investment climate remains constrained, and investors report that doing business remains difficult, frequently citing concerns about project reversals, regulatory shifts, slow decision-making, and inadequate support for established businesses, according to the U.S. Department of State.

80% of heart disease deaths preventable: Cardiologist

Dr. Sampath Withanawasam, President of the Sri Lanka College of Cardiology, says that 80% of deaths related to heart disease worldwide are preventable.

Politicians oppose LGBTIQ tourism, urges president to halt project

Former Health Minister and medical professional Dr. Channa Jayasumana and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa have voiced strong opposition to the government’s decision to promote LGBTIQ-focused tourism and called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to immediately suspend the initiative warning it could undermine the country’s cultural values and strain public health systems.

Politics and taxes have kept some exhibitors out of book fair: MP

Some exhibitors who have participated in the Colombo International Book Fair previously have kept away from the exhibition this year due to political interference, Opposition MP Amila Prasad Siriwardana alleged yesterday.

Govt. consults AG over Singapore company’s refusal to pay X-Press Pearl compensation

In the wake of the Singapore shipping company refusing to pay the Supreme Court-ordered compensation of US $ 1 billion over the X-Press Pearl disaster, the government has consulted the Attorney General on the next step to be taken, a Minister said yesterday.

Lorry transporting chickens hits wild elephant: driver injured, birds dead

A lorry transporting chickens to be slaughtered bumped into a wild elephant crossing the road at the Rideeella Forest Reserve on the Dambulla–Bakamuna highway.

Obstacle Course and Shooting Range ceremonially opened at Mahinda Rajapaksa College, Homagama

For the first time in the history of Mahinda Rajapaksa College, Homagama—and indeed for the first time in a school—an obstacle course and shooting range for cadets were completed and ceremonially declared open on 10th

Animal census data only 50% accurate: Deputy Minister

The data collected in this year’s national animal census has been found to be only 50 percent accurate, Deputy Minister Namal Karunarathne informed Parliament yesterday.

Trolley moving uphill breaks down

A group of seven Buddhist monks died and at least six others were seriously injured when the electrically operated trolley on rails used by the Buddhist monks of Nauyana jungle monastery in Melsiripura in Kurunegala to reach their meditation cubicles on a hillock fell off the rails when it reached the top.

Three National Hospitals still run without directors

Three of Sri Lanka’s National Hospitals have been operating without permanent directors for more than eight months, health sector sources said.

JSC tightens rules on unpaid leave for court staff amidst staff shortages

The Judicial Service Commission has issued a directive to all Judges, District Judges, Magistrates, the Registrar of the Supreme Court, and the Registrar of the Court of Appeal regarding the increasing number of unpaid leave applications from non-scheduled officers serving in courts, both domestically and abroad.

Farmer trampled to death by wild elephant in Maha Oya

A maize cultivator from Maha Oya was trampled to death by a wild elephant in the early hours of last morning.

Magistrate orders probe into alleged exam fraud at Pali and Buddhist University

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama yesterday ordered the Colombo Fraud Investigation Bureau to forward certain documents, including examination papers and answer scripts to the Government Examiner of Questioned Documents in connection with allegations that a lecturer had written answers on behalf of a candidate at the English Diploma examination of the Sri Lanka Pali and Buddhist University, thereby enabling the issuance of a certifica